Multi-Grounded Action Research in Method Engineering: The MMC Case

Abstract

There appears to be two schools of information systems development methods research that largely pursue their own agendas without many cross-references, On the one hand there is the method engineering research and on the other hand there is the method-in-action research, There seems to be much to be gained from integrating these two schools, developing knowledge that both has the formality (rigor) and reflects its enactment in practice, To achieve this, the research approach adopted has to embrace this duality, In this paper we explore how Multi-Grounded Action Research (MGAR) can contribute to achieving this aim, MGAR has been used in the development of a Method for Method Configuration, a research product that integrates the strengths of both schools,

Multi-grounded action research

“…Several such studies are mentioned and described in Cronholm (2010, 2018) and Goldkuhl and Lind (2010). Karlsson and Ågerfalk (2007) have applied a multi-grounded approach in AR studies on IS development method configuration. They applied multi-grounding principles together with the process model of Canonical Action Research (Susman and Evered 1978).…”