6
1 Introduction
1.3
Classification in the Fields of Information Systems
and Research Methods
Information Systems 1 (IS) deals with the conception, development, implementation, maintenance, and use of computer-aided information systems applications
across the economy [SM2009, p. 1]. The research methods in the fields of Information Systems are subdivided into two complementary but distinct paradigms:
the behavioral science and the design science [BKN2009, p. 25; HC2010, p. 10].
Whereas the behavior-science paradigm attempts to develop and evaluate theories
explaining or predicting individual or organizational behavior based on natural
science research methods such as principles and laws, the design science paradigm with its origin in the fields of engineering is basically a problem-solving
paradigm. “It seeks to create innovations that define ideas, practices, technical
capabilities, and products through which the analysis, design, implementation
and use of information systems can be effectively and efficiently accomplished”
[HC2010, p. 11].
As described in section 1.2, this thesis is divided into a theoretical part
covering the basic terms and theories on energy, simulation and optimization
(chapters 3 and 2) as well as a state of the art literature research (chapter 4), and a
practical part covering the development and the validation of a simulation methodology using fictional case studies and a business case (chapters 5 and 6). Following the methodological system for information systems according to Wilde
and Hess [WH2007, p. 284], this thesis covers the areas of conceptual-deductive
as well as formal-deductive analysis, reference modelling, and simulation. It
can therefore be assigned to the field of constructive-quantitative methodologies
(Figure 1.2) and accordingly to the design science paradigm.
The theoretical chapters 3 and 2 are authored following an extensive and systematical literature review of relevant nationally and internationally published
professional standards, scientific and technical books, standard compilation books,
as well as scientific papers and publications to elaborate the state of research in the
areas mentioned. Chapter 4 describes the convergence of disciplines of Operations Research (OR), Operations Management (OM) and Modeling and Simulation
(M&S) in the context of energy efficiency in producing companies and induces the
limitations and criteria for the literature research and analysis towards the research
1 The term ‘Information Systems’ will be used as a translation for the German term ‘Wirtschaftsinformatik’ in this thesis. The author is aware of the fact, that the disciplines of IS and
WI do not purely overlap but are handled as sister disciplines in literature [HS2008, p. 2]. In
this document, the design-science orientated definition of the WI will be followed, referring
to the authors Herzwurm and Stelzer for further definitions [HS2008].
1 Introduction
1.3
Classification in the Fields of Information Systems
and Research Methods
Information Systems 1 (IS) deals with the conception, development, implementation, maintenance, and use of computer-aided information systems applications
across the economy [SM2009, p. 1]. The research methods in the fields of Information Systems are subdivided into two complementary but distinct paradigms:
the behavioral science and the design science [BKN2009, p. 25; HC2010, p. 10].
Whereas the behavior-science paradigm attempts to develop and evaluate theories
explaining or predicting individual or organizational behavior based on natural
science research methods such as principles and laws, the design science paradigm with its origin in the fields of engineering is basically a problem-solving
paradigm. “It seeks to create innovations that define ideas, practices, technical
capabilities, and products through which the analysis, design, implementation
and use of information systems can be effectively and efficiently accomplished”
[HC2010, p. 11].
As described in section 1.2, this thesis is divided into a theoretical part
covering the basic terms and theories on energy, simulation and optimization
(chapters 3 and 2) as well as a state of the art literature research (chapter 4), and a
practical part covering the development and the validation of a simulation methodology using fictional case studies and a business case (chapters 5 and 6). Following the methodological system for information systems according to Wilde
and Hess [WH2007, p. 284], this thesis covers the areas of conceptual-deductive
as well as formal-deductive analysis, reference modelling, and simulation. It
can therefore be assigned to the field of constructive-quantitative methodologies
(Figure 1.2) and accordingly to the design science paradigm.
The theoretical chapters 3 and 2 are authored following an extensive and systematical literature review of relevant nationally and internationally published
professional standards, scientific and technical books, standard compilation books,
as well as scientific papers and publications to elaborate the state of research in the
areas mentioned. Chapter 4 describes the convergence of disciplines of Operations Research (OR), Operations Management (OM) and Modeling and Simulation
(M&S) in the context of energy efficiency in producing companies and induces the
limitations and criteria for the literature research and analysis towards the research
1 The term ‘Information Systems’ will be used as a translation for the German term ‘Wirtschaftsinformatik’ in this thesis. The author is aware of the fact, that the disciplines of IS and
WI do not purely overlap but are handled as sister disciplines in literature [HS2008, p. 2]. In
this document, the design-science orientated definition of the WI will be followed, referring
to the authors Herzwurm and Stelzer for further definitions [HS2008].