Process Theory - Fred Niederman

The purpose of Process Theory: Background, Opportunity, and Challenges is to promote the use of process theory as an essential part of the body of knowledge relative to information systems (IS) which should be nurtured and expanded. To do this, this monograph addresses why process theory is important, how it can potentially enhance the discipline, and what needs to be tackled to make the development and application of process theory routine and useful.

Process Theory: Background, Opportunity, and Challenges elaborates on the nature of theory, process, and their application to IS knowledge. While there is not an easy infrastructure for investing in this type of research and this monograph provides an initial piece around which the many pieces of infrastructure which are needed can be created. This monograph is aimed primarily at doctoral students, early career academics, and any other scholars who have not had a chance to focus on process as a component of their conceptual tool kit. It is intended to be helpful for those who intend to use process theory in their own research but also for those wishing to confidently review, promote, or just understand work in this area. It is hoped that this monograph will serve as a basis for invention of new process theory and new tools for creating, testing, and evaluating such theory.