Aline Dresch

Systematic Literature Review

This chapter presents a method that can be applied to perform a Systematic Literature Review. The Systematic Literature Review is a critical step in conducting scientific research. This chapter focuses particularly on the importance of this step for research conducted under the Design Science paradigm.

Design Science Research

This chapter presents the main concepts of design science research, which is a method that is conducted under the paradigm of design science to operationalize research. In addition to these concepts, the foundations for the application of design science research as a research method and the methods formalized by several authors for its operationalization are presented. A comparison of design science research with two alternate methods is performed. To prevent an exhaustive comparison in this book, we compare design science research with methods that are commonly used for qualitative research in Brazil: case study and action research.

Design Science—The Science of the Artificial

This chapter addresses the central concepts of Design Science, as well as the history and evolution of this science over time. The main authors who criticize traditional science and propose the use of Design Science to guide research focused on problem solving and artifact designing are cited.

The Impacts of Additive Manufacturing on Production Systems

Additive Manufacturing adoption has been growing in adoption in the last decades, holding the potential to fundamentally transform traditional production systems. Yet, its prospected impact on Production Systems and Operations Strategy is controversial. This article contributes to this debate by examining and summarizing the prospected impact of Additive Manufacturing on Production Systems, in the light of the Competitive Dimensions through a Systematic Literature Review. In particular, this paper organises this debate by highlighting the specific impacts prospected by the literature for each competitive dimension.

Do the improvement programs really matter? An analysis using data envelopment analysis

This research aims at analyzing the impact of continuous improvement and learning processes regarding efficiency and production volume in an armament manufacturer. A longitudinal case study comprising a period of six years of analysis in the company production lines was carried out. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) combined ANOVA test and linear regression were used. The survey results show that continuous improvement and learning projects were not enough to increase efficiency in two of the three production lines analyzed. Therefore, the variables related to Kaizen events, hours of training and experience of employees did not increase the efficiency of these lines. Moreover, the study elucidates that the production volume negatively impacts efficiency in one of the lines. With the analysis, it is possible to identify which factors are representative to increase production efficiency. Therefore, it is concluded that technology upgrade, in this context, is an important factor to be considered. The research contributed to analyse the relevance of continuous improvement actions, accumulation of knowledge and learning in an armament manufacturer. In addition, it allows managers of companies to evaluate more effectively the production process and technological evolution with a greater understanding of factors that impact on increased operational efficiency.

Towards Mode 2 knowledge production: Analysis and proposal of a framework for research in business processes

Research in business processes has been developed around a disciplinary approach toward the production of traditional knowledge, known as Mode 1. The problems studied with this approach are solved in a context in which academic knowledge prevails, with no major concerns regarding its practical applicability. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to propose a structure for knowledge production based on Mode 2 for business process researches.,A bibliometric research was conducted to define and conceptualize the classes of disciplinary problems, by assessing the years 2007-2012 of the Business Process Management Journal publications.,A framework for the Mode 2 knowledge production was proposed in the development of research in business process and conceptualized classes of problems related to this issue.,This work was carried out with specific focus on research in business process, so the defined classes of problems cannot be generalized.,The studies identified by this research are in the form of a disciplinary approach toward the production of traditional knowledge, known as Mode 1. This paper aims to fill the gap of a transdisciplinary production of knowledge and practical application, known as Mode 2 in the context of business process.

Proposal for the Conduct of Design Science Research

This chapter proposes a method for conducting design science research. Recommendations for researchers who wish to use this research method are also presented. To develop this proposal, activities that may support research conduct with reliable and relevant results have been considered. It is important to highlight that this research method can be applied in other areas beyond management, with the objective of designing and constructing artifacts or prescribing solutions.

An Overflight Over Research

This chapter presents the concepts of traditional science and Design Science. It further presents the concepts and types of research that relate to the theme of this book. Later, the types of research methods commonly used by authors in the field of management are presented, including the concept of the work method and the techniques used for gathering and analyzing data. In closing, considerations are provided regarding the trajectory of science and the forms and types of knowledge production.

Class of Problems and Artifacts

This chapter is organized into three sections. In Sect. 5.1, the definitions and concepts related to the Class of Problems will be presented. In addition, examples of some Classes of Problems that are common to management will be provided. Section 5.2 addresses the concept and typification of the artifacts generated from the Design Science Research. Additionally, the definitions of each type of artifact, as well as the main characteristics that distinguish them, will be presented. Section 5.3 presents a logic that relates the artifacts generated from Design Science Research and the concept of the Class of Problems. Furthermore, the formalization of a possible research trajectory that is grounded on Design Science will be performed.

General Aspects Related to Research in Management

Research in management should attempt to bring together two realities—theory and practice. Although they may seem distant from one another, both theory and practice seek to create knowledge that can be applied to improve existing systems or, rather, to help in the design and conception of new systems, products, or services.