Method engineering in information systems analysis and design: a balanced scorecard approach for method improvement

Modeling methods have been proven to provide beneficial instrumental support for different modeling tasks during information system analysis and design. However, methods are a complex phenomenon that include constructs such as procedural guidelines, concepts to focus on, visual representations and cooperation principles. In general, method development is an expensive task that usually involves many stakeholders and results in various method iterations. Since methods and method development are complex in nature, there is a need for a well-structured and resource-efficient approach for method improvement. This paper aims to contribute to the field of method improvement by proposing a balanced scorecard-based approach and by reporting on experiences from developing and using it in the context of a method for information demand analysis. The main contributions of the paper are as follows: (1) It provides a description of the process for developing a scorecard for method improvement; (2) it shows how the scorecard as such can be used as a tool for improving a specific method; and (3) it discusses experiences from applying the scorecard in industrial settings.