A Role-Based Framework for Information System Self-Development

This paper presents an approach to information systems development based on contemporary business and organization models. Business organizations are changing very quickly and their information systems must evolve dynamically with them. We have developed a concept of IS self-development where the information system is treated as an active information view or a level of a business organization providing and mediating not only the information and communication services but also the development services of the organization and its IS. This makes it possible for IS development processes to be handled in the context of the organizational roles ofthe business organization, allowing specialized development organizations to focus on services for IS development. A meta-model of the architecture of the IS development process and a general methodological framework for modeling and organizing such subject-centered development processes have been developed. The paper reflects the current status of an ongoing project (Estonian Science Foundation grant G3765).