Problem solving representations in systems development
by Khairul Azman Aziz
International Journal of Business Information Systems (IJBIS), Vol. 15, No. 2, 2014

Abstract: The contemporary trend of utilising rapid and agile methodologies in systems development indicates the importance of the iterative refinement of the representation of user problems, which usually begins with an inadequate representation of the actual problems. Although the iterative element is a well-acknowledged process among practitioners, it has yet to be incorporated in general theories of problem solving. This study performs a qualitative analysis on the development tasks of 11 respondents utilising the cognitive fit theory (CFT) as a lens to uncover the iterative nature of systems development as a problem solving task. The present study suggests the explicit inclusion of iterative elements into the CFT by modifying the theory. The study finds that while problem representations do inform the formation of mental representation and affect problem solving performance through a typical input-process-output flow, iterative processes also occur when mental representation affects problem representations. Additionally, the findings of the present study also establish three further branch-out models, based upon the modified CFT, to cater for specific circumstances: the cognitive fit model with learning; the cognitive fit model for recurring tasks; and the cognitive fit model for decision making triggered tasks.

Online publication date: Sat, 07-Jun-2014

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Business Information Systems (IJBIS):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com