Computational thinking problem framing artefacts in design science research methodology for Malaysian small and medium enterprises

Abstract

Computational thinking (CT) is a fundamental skill for the 21st century and can be learned by anyone. However, there are very few studies on how CT can be used to solve real-world problems. In line with the need to understand and solve the problem, the research is based on Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) to guide the design process, where the artefact's development is the research's main outcome. It started with an interview conducted with the key informant involved in the Public-Private Research Network (PPRN) workshop, where the researcher wanted to test the applicability of CT to solve a real problem. The purpose of the interview was to find out how CT could be applied to the problems of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). During the interview, the key informant explained that SMEs understood their problems well but could not frame them and were totally dependent on facilitators' help. This was because some SMEs lack problem framing skills, which are crucial for clarifying and expressing their main problem. Hence, the aim of this study was to develop artefacts that would enable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to formulate the problem and develop solutions that focused on process innovation. The first artefact involved the development of a method that focused on the internal process between CT and the Work System Method (WSM). The second artefact was an instantiation presented in the form of a guidebook. Therefore, to build the artefacts, the researcher adapted the DSRM by identifying the CT elements and processes that could be used in the artefacts, merging them with the WSM and adapting the Work System Snapshot (WSS) as the basis for presenting the results of these artefacts. Meanwhile, Situational Method Engineering (SMEng) was used to develop the attributes and elements of the artefacts. The method was evaluated by experts, who were CT experts and academics. Meanwhile, two exploratory focus group studies (EFG) and two confirmatory focus group studies (CFG) were conducted with nine SMEs from different food industries to test the applicability of the guidebook. As a result, this study contributed to the improvement of DSRM, where the researcher has improved the phases of problem identification and motivation, objectives of the solution, design and development, demonstration and evaluation. Each phase was outlined with methods and processes within each iteration to ensure a rigorous development and evaluation process for the artefacts. The main outcome of this research is the development of a guidebook based on the CT problem framing process in DSRM that can be used by SMEs to find new solutions and ways to innovate their business processes.