Abstract:
This paper presents a pragmatic approach to interdisciplinary studies. It argues for large diversity of interdisciplinary endeavors which is reflected in diversity of approaches, domains and characteristics of projects, diversity of broad questions and integrative answers, diversity of interdisciplinary problems and solutions, and diversity of possible research approaches to interdisciplinary studies. It presents lessons learned from a case of proposing interdisciplinary approach for very large IT projects for public administration. This case includes review of interdisciplinary approaches and dimensions which facilitate comparison and selection of proper means for a specific problem at hand. Then, it focuses on a profile of interdisciplinarian in analogy to the business analyst working in the area of information technologies. It draws parallels regarding evolution of notions to focus on business analyst, planning interdisciplinary work, conceptual models which can be applied for representing disciplinary knowledge, and specific roles played by both business analysts and interdisciplinarians. Finally, it discusses limitations of this analogy as well as its implications for practice.
PPIG 2025 - 36th Annual Workshop
Analogy between Interdisciplinarians and Business Analysts in IT