Abstract:

The paper presents the concept of action research in general and its five stages (Susman 1983). The several steps and twin cycles of SISTeM (Soft information systems and technologies methodology) (Atkinson 1997) methodology will be outlined in this article. This will be explored and explained using figures and diagrammatic tools of the approach. SISTeM is a second generation of SSM (soft systems methodology) approach (Checkland and Scholes 1990). The main objective of this document is to support the proposal that the use of SISTeM methodology within organisations is a form of action research which encompasses design and development.