A Risk Management Framework for Design Science Research

As a new and complex form of research, which combines very heterogeneous activities requiring different skills, Design Science Research (DSR) in IS has new and difficult areas of risk to manage in order to ensure success. As yet, there is little experience with managing risk in DSR or even identification of types of risks to be managed. This paper analyses DSR research activities and applies the ideas and practices of risk management to DSR to develop a framework for identifying, assessing, prioritizing, and treating potential risks inherent to DSR. The framework developed identifies six potential risk areas and specific key risks within each area and includes a scale designed to simplify quantification and prioritization of risks as well as measures to mitigate risks in DSR. Finally the paper applies the framework to an ongoing DSR case study to provide initial evidence of its value and feasibility.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2011
• Where: HICSS
• Authors: Richard Baskerville, Jan Pries-Heje, John R. Venable
• Keywords: Biometrics, Design Science, HICSS 2011, Managing Risk, This Paper Analyses