Title: Choosing the wrong integrated research approach and how to correct it: reflections on developing a shared information management system

Authors: Mark Wever; Munir Shah; Nel Wognum; Mostafa Sharifi; Niall O'Leary

Addresses: Digital Innovation Centre of Excellence, AgResearch, Private Bag 4749, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand ' Digital Innovation Centre of Excellence, AgResearch, Private Bag 4749, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand ' Guest at TU Delft (Technical University of Delft), Air Transport and Operations Group, P.O. Box 5058, 2600 GB Delft, The Netherlands ' Development Engineering Team Digital Innovation Centre of Excellence, AgResearch, Private Bag 4749, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand ' Hincks Centre for Entrepreneurship Excellence, School of Business, Munster Technological University, Bishopstown, Cork T12 P928, Ireland

Abstract: Researchers often lack critical information to decide what type of integrated research approach - multi-, inter- or transdisciplinary - is needed at the start of a project. In the present paper, we aim to contribute insights regarding these difficulties by discussing the case study of the ongoing development of shared information management systems (SIMSs). SIMSs form the backbone of state-of-the-art transparency schemes called 'hypertransparency' schemes. Such schemes offer small businesses the opportunity to establish more direct relationships with consumers and citizens. Developing a SIMS is complex, requiring collaboration between many different disciplines and practitioners. We discuss how our approach has evolved during the development process from a multidisciplinary towards a transdisciplinary approach. We outline the challenges that arise at the start of a project when the chosen approach does not match well with the research problem at hand. We discuss how we are planning to overcome these challenges. The case study presented here is relatively novel in the literature and thus should act as a valuable resource as the importance of integrated research grows.

Keywords: integrated research; transdisciplinary; shared information management system; transparency; hyper-transparency; supply chain redesign.

DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2022.127031

International Journal of Agile Systems and Management, 2022 Vol.15 No.3, pp.257 - 272

Received: 18 Jan 2021
Accepted: 07 Dec 2021

Published online: 18 Nov 2022 *

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