[AISWorld] CFC: chapter proposals asked for a forthcoming book in IS research methods

[Manuel Mora T.]

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                   CALL FOR ACADEMIC CONTRIBUTIONS
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Book in “Research Methodologies in Engineering of Software Systems and
Information Systems: Philosophies, Methods and Innovations”
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1. BOOK RELEVANCE
Knowledge on research approaches is critical for advancing our scientific
knowledge (Popper, 2002; Bhaskar, 2008). In particular, given the
increasing complexity and interaction of Systems Engineering, Software
Engineering (Boehm, 2000, 2006) and Information Systems disciplines (Mora
et al. 2008), and the myriad of classic research methodologies and
innovative hybrid or multi-methodological approaches (Glass et al. 2004;
Mingers, 2000; 2001; Valerdi & Davidz, 2009), we consider that research
faculty involved in such disciplines are faced with the challenge to
incorporate in their research approaches repertory a set of  updated
approaches (e.g.  the design vs natural research approaches (March &
Smith, 1995; Hevner et al. 2004)). While there are excellent and multiple
research books at present, most of them are focused either on a single
discipline, a single approach, or on statistical or qualitative procedures
and techniques. Furthermore, while some high value integrative studies on
research approaches appear  in journals and conference proceedings, while 
these are scarce. The  integrative and systemic approach taken in this
book should provide an integrated source of high-quality material on
research approaches for researchers in the three highly interrelated
disciplines of  Systems Engineering, Software Engineering and Information
Systems. Adopting a  such a systemic approach, we propose that a research
approach (extended from Ackoff et al. 1962; Checkland, 1983, 2000;
Jackson, 1991; Gelman & Garcia, 1989)) may be used  as an answering and
problem-solving system comprised of: (i) philosophical paradigms (P’s: an
ontological, epistemological and axiological stance on the world): (ii)
theoretical frameworks (F’s: ideas-constructs, theories, and models);
(iii) methodologies (M’s: methods, techniques, and instruments), and (iv)
situational domains (D’s:  natural, artificial or social objects,
artifacts and subjects under study). Thus, we invite  Systems Engineering,
Software Engineering and Information Systems researchers interested in
sharing their expertise on research approaches, to submit high-quality
chapters for this forthcoming book (references upon request).
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2. BOOK AIMS
This book pursues three aims:  (i) to advance our scientific knowledge on
the diverse research approaches used in Engineering of Software Systems
and Information Systems, (ii) to update and integrate disperse and
valuable knowledge on research approaches isolated in each discipline, and
(iii) to make available to research faculty a repertory of such research
approaches in a single source.
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3. PROSPECTIVE AUDIENCE
This book is projected to attend the following academic and research
international audiences:
• Research-oriented faculty in Engineering of Software Systems and
Information Systems disciplines.
• PhD Students on in Engineering of Software Systems and Information
Systems disciplines.
• Instructors of graduate Research Methods courses on Engineering of
Software Systems and Information Systems disciplines.
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4. IMPORTANT DATES
- Chapter proposal submission due is: November 30, 2010
- Editorial decision on chapter proposals due is: December 15, 2010
- Full chapter submission due is: February 28, 2011
- Editorial decision due is: March 31, 2011
- Conditioned chapter submission due is: May 31, 2011
- Editorial decision due for conditioned papers is: June 30, 2011
- Camera-ready submission due is: July 15, 2011
- Book publishing release is : January 2012
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5. SUBMISSION AND REVIEW PROCESS
To ensure the high quality of published material, all chapters submitted
to this book  -through this open call for chapters- will be reviewed by
three reviewers (one from the Editorial Advisory and Review Board, one
external and one the same set of academic submitters) in double-blind
mode. This book will publish also asked chapters from recognized senior
experts in selected themes for didactical purposes.  The book’s editorial
preface will report both types of accepted chapters. 1. Chapter proposals
must be submitted before or on November 30, 2010 to guest editors: Dr.
Manuel Mora at mmora at securenym.net. 2. Accepted proposals are expected to
be completed for or before February 28, 2011. 3. Guest editors will assign
three reviewers and will collect editorial recommendations to extend a
final editorial decision on the following: (i) full chapter is accepted as
is, (ii) full chapter is accepted subject to minor changes), (iii) full
chapter is  rejected due to inadequate academic quality, before or on
March 31, 2011. 4. Authors of accepted chapters must submit the
camera-ready chapter version and other related materials before or on July
15, 2011. Accepted chapters with minor corrections are expected to be
updated by incorporating the main concerns identified by reviewers.
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6. GUEST EDITORS

M. Mora, Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, Mexico
A. Steenkamp, Lawrence Technological University, USA
O. Gelman, CCADET, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico
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