The use of Design Science and Agile Methodologies for improved information systems in the Tanzanian Higher Education context

Abstract

There was no known effective approach to implementing information systems in Tanzanian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) because the requirements of users change frequently and HEIs vary in their requirements. Theoretically, the agile software development process and Design Science Research (DSR) could deliver software that suits such a context, yet no testing had been done priorly. Therefore, this study aimed on investigating the suitability of the combination of Agile Methodologies and the DSR in developing information systems for Tanzania's HEIs. The study used eXtreme Programming as one of the Agile Methodologies and the DSR to develop a timetabling software which easily integrates into the existing academic information system of the College of Business Education for better decision making. Likewise, the evaluation of the developed artifact confirmed that the resulting product raised the user satisfaction with the information system in HEIs. In this regard, the current study advances the frontier of knowledge on using the DSR framework and Agile Methodologies in designing and developing software in Tanzania's HEIs and beyond.