A Design Science Methodology

Endeavoring to develop a managerial costing systems design model, two aspects were considered that scientifically justified the applied research conducted in this book. Firstly, the development of the model was framed in a systems theory context with the intention to create a solution founded in theory that could solve a business problem successfully. Secondly, the applied research method was grounded in a design science paradigm. Within this paradigm, an action design research approach was used as a conceptual approach flowing from a merging of design science research and action research. This approach comprises four distinct stages: Understanding the problem area; developing a version of the solution; reflecting on the solution in the context of the problem; and formalizing the identified solution. The model was developed by means of various iterations of an elaborated action design research approach in which diverse sets of industry practitioners contributed their knowledge during the diagnosis, design, and implementation iterations.