Design Science Research Methodology and Its Application to Developing a New Timetabling Algorithm

Abstract

Natural science research is the most common and widely used research methodology. Various fields such as physics, biology, social and behavioral apply this research methodology. However, not all research is suitable for using the natural science research methodology in computer fields such as information technology, computer science, and information systems. Research that aims to solve problems by developing an artefact is more suitable for using the design science research methodology. Unfortunately, there are still many researchers who do not understand or even do not know this methodology. In this paper, we discuss the design science research methodology framework to reintroduce this methodology. The discussion starts with the theory of design science research, which explains five stages, from the explicated problem to the evaluation stage. Furthermore, an example of the application of this methodology is presented for the timetabling problem. This application example shows how the design process was and what the results were. This paper is expected to provide knowledge to researchers, especially for researchers who should use this methodology.