IT process improvement: Developing an agile model using the DSR approach

A wide range of models supports process improvement in organizations, nevertheless, the absence of a universal model becomes necessary to combine complementary models. The aim of this work is to design and to evaluate SFramework, a useful model for process improvement, because facilitates the reference models combination. The methodology used is Design Science Research (DSR), which prescribes the design and evaluation phases of the new artifact and use of a set of guidelines for this purpose. The design phase develops an agile structured model with generic phases; so, it can be generalizable. In evaluation phase, a case study based on IT standards and best practices is used; the structure and the content of the required documentation for business continuity process are defined. This study evidences that SFramework is operational and technically feasible and the effort expended in its application is relatively low; therefore, it is applicable for process improvement in environments SME type. Also shows a successful case using DSR and complementary methods.