Research Methodology

Conceptual Framework
The conceptual framework for the project is provided by records continuum theory and the records continuum model (Upward 1996 and 1997, McKemmish 2002), which support the development of complex, integrated systems and processes to manage records and archives in and through time, and across space.

Development of Proof of Concept Prototype
The first stage involves the construction of a user-friendly proof of concept "demonstrator" prototype for a fictitious, though realistic, organisational setting. This stage will include development and documentation of the metadata creation, management, and multiple use scenarios which will provide the basis for building the prototype. The prototype will demonstrate how recordkeeping standards-compliant metadata can be created and captured through a mixture of automated and manual processes in particular application environments and re-used across applications for multiple purposes. It will be developed iteratively, employing user-centred and rapid prototyping approaches. Using scripting languages that can extend existing office and workflow tools, the prototyping will extend and integrate existing software functionality, e.g. standard office desktop proprietary application software, records management software, web content management software, personnel management systems, and workflow systems. This will enable metadata to be reused and value-added as the business transactions, records, information objects and resources that the metadata describes and manages move from one application to another in complex intranet and internet environments, across domains and through time. The HotMeta™ suite, developed by the Distributed Systems Technology Centre (DSTC), will be used in the development of the prototype.

Implementation Model
The second stage of the project will involve implementing the prototype in a real world test-bed site to provide a model for best practice. Two different contexts for implementing the prototype will be used - the context of a single organisation and the context of the performance of a single function or activity across multiple organizations. This stage will include specification of the functional requirements for the implementation of the prototype at the test-bed site, extending the user-centred, iterative approach to systems development taken in the prototyping stage.

Metatools
Prototypes of tools for metadata translation and deployment will be developed to support both the prototyping and implementation modelling stages. A working model of a mini metadata registry will be built to document and describe the different metadata standards or schemas employed by the different business applications used in the test-bed site. Its functionality will be extended to enable translation of metadata between the different metadata schemas in use so that metadata can be re-used for different business purposes and in compliance with different standards. The development of metatools and the mini metadata registry will draw on the outcomes of recent data modelling, representation and syntax initiatives. Links to controlled vocabulary schemes and directories for the selection of appropriate metadata values will also be a feature of this stage.

Method
The method to be used is in itself innovative, based on user-centred rapid prototyping and implementation modelling. The Research Team will work closely with focus groups of experts, with the programmer extending existing software and metadata deployment functionality in small, user-centred iterations, and the Team and focus groups validating each iteration.

This method generates new ideas and re-prioritises old ideas as the prototype evolves and the researchers gain insight, and is highly sensitive to user needs, unlike traditional prototyping and implementation modelling methods which attempt to develop a complete specification upfront.

Research Training
The APAI will be integrally involved with the project. As a member of a multidisciplinary research team drawn from the academy and industry, s/he will be trained in leading edge research methodologies.

Benefits and Outcomes

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Authorised by Head, School of Information Management and Systems. Caution.
Maintained by Records Continuum Research Group.

Last updated 12 October 2003.