Research of the IIS Chair

Main focus of the subject area

The service- and component-oriented development of information systems is an approach aimed at the modularization and reusability of software components. By breaking down complex systems into independent, functional units (components or services), these can be developed separately, managed and reused in different contexts. This approach allows for the flexibility and scalability of IT systems, as individual components or services can be replaced, expanded or recombined as required without changing the entire system.

Service orientation focuses on the provision of software as loosely coupled services that utilize standardized interfaces to interact with each other. These services can be executed independently of each other and can be integrated into different business processes, thereby enabling companies to adapt their IT infrastructure flexibly in response to changing business requirements.

In contrast, component orientation is concerned with the creation of modular software units that possess well-defined interfaces and functionalities. These components are designed for reuse and can be employed in disparate applications or systems. This approach facilitates maintenance and further development, as changes to one component can be made independently of others.

Contact person for the subject area

Prof. Dr. Sven Overhage and PD Dr. Sebastian Schlauderer

Selected publications on the subject area

Schlauderer, S.; Overhage, S.: BoSDL: An Approach to Describe the Business Logic of Software Services in Domain-Specific Terms. In: Business & Information Systems Engineering 60 (2018) 5, S. 393-413. 

Schlauderer, S.; Overhage, S.: How Perfect are Markets for Software Services? An Economic Perspective on Market Deficiencies and Desirable Market Features. In: Proceedings of the 19th European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS). Helsinki, Finland 2011, S. 1-12.

Overhage, S.; Skroch, O.; Turowski, K.: A Method to Evaluate the Suitability of Requirements Specifications for Offshore Projects. In: Business & Information Systems Engineering 2 (2010) 3, S. 155-164.

Overhage, S.; Schlauderer, S.: What’s in a Service? Specifying the Business Semantics of Software Services. In: Proceedings of the 31st International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS). Saint Louis, MO, USA 2010, S. 1-20.

Main focus of the subject area

Agile software development methods are based on a flexible and iterative approach to software development that focuses on continuous adaptation to changing requirements and constant communication with customers. In contrast to traditional methods, in which software development follows a rigid, linear process, agile development promotes a dynamic and incremental approach to the software development lifecycle. Teams operate within short cycles, known as sprints, and deliver functional software at regular intervals, which is immediately tested and improved.

Agility in software development enables a prompt response to feedback and the implementation of requisite adjustments at an early stage. The objective is to facilitate a collaborative process between developers, product owners, and users to guarantee that the final product aligns with the actual needs. A fundamental aspect of agile methods iterative planning, which allows for the modification and adaptation of requirements throughout the development process.

A key advantage of agile methods is the enhancement of both the productivity and quality of the software.  The continuous integration of feedback and regular testing ensures that the software meets the requirements and that errors are detected at an early stage. The flexibility of agile approaches also allows for the rapid response to market changes or new business requirements without the necessity of a complete redesign of the preceding progress in the development process.

Contact person for the subject area

Jan-Niklas Meckenstock, Prof. Dr. Sven Overhage and PD Dr. Sebastian Schlauderer

Selected publications on the subject area

Meckenstock, J.: Shedding light on the dark side – A systematic literature review of the issues in agile software development methodology use. In: Journal of Systems and Software 211 (2024). 111966.

Meckenstock, J.; Schlauderer, S.; Overhage, S.: How Do Individual Social Agile Practices Influence the Development Success? An Exploratory Study. In: Proceedings der 17. Internationalen Tagung Wirtschaftsinformatik (WI). Nürnberg, Germany 2022.

Meckenstock, J.; Hirschlein, N.; Schlauderer, S.; Overhage, S.: The business value of agile software development: Results from a systematic literature review. In: Proceedings of the 30th European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS). Timisoara, Romania 2022.

Schlauderer, S.; Overhage, S.: Exploring the Customer Perspective of Agile Development: Acceptance Factors and On-Site Customer Perceptions in Scrum Projects. In: Proceedings of the 34th International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS). Milan, Italy 2013.

Main focus of the subject area

Big data analytics is based on the use of modern technologies and methods to analyze large, complex data sets in real time and gain valuable insights. . In contrast to traditional analysis methods, which are often based on static, structured data, big data enables the analysis of a wide variety of data sources, including both structured databases and unstructured sources such as social media, sensors, or log files. The application of algorithms, machine learning, and data visualization enables companies to identify patterns and trends that were previously hidden.

In data-driven organizations, the focus is on decision-making based on the insights gained from data analysis. These companies continuously use data to adapt their business strategies, optimize processes and identify new business opportunities. A key advantage is that data-based decisions are often more precise and evidence-based, which mitigates risks and facilitates the expedient identification of opportunities.

A key advantage of big data analytics is the capacity to respond to market shifts in real time and implement data-driven adaptations. This adaptability allows businesses to enhance their efficiency while aligning their actions with customer demands. Additionally, big data provides organizations with the ability to  react quickly to new trends and changes in the market without having to completely revise existing strategies.

Contact person for the subject area

Nico Hirschlein

Selected Research Papers on the subject area

Hirschlein, N.: Exploring BDA-Related Resource Complementarities as Driver of Business Value Creation: Presenting a Theoretical Model. In: Proceedings of the 32th European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS). Paphos, Zypern 2024, S. 1-8. 

Hirschlein, N.; Meckenstock, J.; Schlauderer, S.; Overhage, S.: Delineating the Business Value of Data-driven Initiatives in Organizations – Findings from a Systematic Review of the Information Systems Literature. In: Proceedings of the 56th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS). Maui, Hawaii 2023, S. 5420-5429.

Hirschlein, N.; Meckenstock, J.; Dremel, C.: Towards Bridging the Gap Between BDA Challenges and BDA Capability: A Conceptual Synthesis Based on a Systematic Literature Review. In: Proceedings of the 55th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS). Maui, HI, USA 2022, S. 6175-6184.

Hirschlein, N.; Dremel, C.: How to Realize Business Value through a Big Data Analytics Capability – Results from an Action Design Research Approach. In: Proceedings of the 42th International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS). Austin, USA 2021.

Main focus of the subject area

In the context of crowdfunding, emotional signals play a central role in the decision-making of supporters, especially in reward-based crowdfunding (RBCF). Unlike traditional investment models where investors expect a financial return, participants in RBCF support campaigns out of personal interest or enthusiasm and usually receive non-monetary rewards in return. It is incumbent upon entrepreneurs to present their campaigns in an effective manner, typically through written descriptions, images, and videos, frequently with accompanying audio or voice commentary.

The challenge for supporters lies in the asymmetrical distribution of information - they have to trust the campaign presentation without having verifiable facts or tangible evidence. This gap is partially filled by emotional signals embedded in the campaign. These signals, whether verbal or non-verbal, give supporters additional insight into the entrepreneur's sincerity, passion and trustworthiness. For example, positive facial expressions, confident tone of voice and enthusiastic body language can elicit positive emotional responses and encourage supporters to promote the campaign.

Studies show that emotional signals can significantly influence the success of a crowdfunding campaign. Elements such as charismatic communication, the use of optimistic language or the inclusion of terms aimed at sustainability can influence supporters' perception of both the campaign and the entrepreneur. These signals help supporters to form a picture despite the lack of hard facts and gain more confidence in their decision to support the campaign.

Contact person for the subject area

Maximilian Raab

Selected publications on the subject area

Raab, M.: The Influence of Campaign Presentation Cues on Crowdfunding Performance – Reviewing the Empirical Reward-Based Crowdfunding Literature. In: Pacific Asia Journal of the Association for Information Systems 15:3 (2023), S. 105-131.

Raab, M.; Schlauderer, S.; Overhage, S.; Friedrich, T.: More than a Feeling: Investigating the Contagious Effect of Facial Emotional Expressions on Investment Decisions in Reward-Based Crowdfunding. In: Decision Support Systems 135 (2020).

Raab, M.; Friedrich, T.; Schlauderer, S.; Overhage, S.: Understanding the Role of Social Presence in Crowdfunding: Evidence from Leading U.S. and German Platforms. In: Proceedings of the 25th European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS). Guimarães, Portugal 2017.

Main focus of the subject area

Firefighter information systems, also known as Emergency Response Information Systems (ERIS), are critical to efficient and coordinated emergency response planning and execution. These systems support firefighters and emergency responders by providing relevant information in real time to make quick and informed decisions. In contrast to traditional communication and information methods, which often rely on manual processes and limited data sources, modern fire department information systems enable automated and comprehensive information processing.

A Firefighter information system collects and integrates data from various sources, such as geodata, building structures, hazardous material information and traffic situations. This information is made available to the emergency services directly on mobile devices or in the command vehicle. This gives them a precise overview of the operational situation and potential hazards before they arrive at the scene. Visual representations such as maps and floor plans also provide valuable orientation for planning the best course of action.

Studies show that the use of such systems can shorten response times and significantly improve the safety of the emergency services. Since firefighters already have access to critical information on-site, such as fire sources, escape routes, or the presence of hazardous materials, they can act more quickly and safely. Furthermore, resources can be deployed more efficiently, as real-time information on available units and their readiness can be accessed.

Contact person for the subject area

Julian Weidinger (Alumnus of the chair)

Ausgewählte Veröffentlichungen zum Themenbereich

Weidinger, J.: What is known and what remains unexplored: A review of the firefighter information technologies literature. In: International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction 78 (2022).

Weidinger, J.; Schlauderer, S.; Overhage, S.: Which Factors Govern the Use of Emergency Response Information Systems? Insights from an Ethnographical Study of a Voluntary Fire Department. In: Proceedings of the 55th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS). Maui, HI, USA 2022, S. 2511-2520.

Weidinger, J.; Schlauderer, S.; Overhage, S.: Information Technology to the Rescue? Explaining the Acceptance of Emergency Response Information Systems by Firefighters. In: IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management 70 (2021) 1.

Weidinger, J.; Schlauderer, S.; Overhage, S.: Is the Frontier Shifting into the Right Direction? A Qualitative Analysis of Acceptance Factors for Novel Firefighter Information Technologies. In: Information Systems Frontiers 20 (2018) 4, S. 669-692.

Main focus of the subject area

Social commerce initiatives combine e-commerce with social networks, thereby enhancing the interactivity and social aspect of the purchasing process. By providing recommendations, reviews, and shared content, users can influence purchasing decisions, thus fostering trust and increasing the likelihood of a purchase. Such initiatives facilitate the creation of a more personalized shopping experience, wherein the opinion of the community assumes a central role.

Visual content such as images and videos are used to present products in an appealing way, often directly on platforms such as Instagram or Pinterest. This allows consumers to discover and purchase products without leaving the platform, making the buying process more seamless and convenient. Influencers and peer recommendations contribute significantly to sales success.

Moreover, companies gather valuable data through social interactions with the objective of gaining a deeper understanding of customer behavior and creating personalized offers. The implementation of social commerce has been demonstrated to enhance customer loyalty, expand reach, and facilitate the adaptation of marketing strategies in a targeted manner.

Contact person for the subject area

Dr. Thomas Friedrich (Alumnus des Lehrstuhls)

Selected publications on the subject area

Friedrich, T.; Schlauderer, S.; Overhage, S.: Some things are just better rich: How social commerce feature richness affects consumers' buying intention via social factors. In: Electronic Markets (2019), S. 1-22.

Friedrich, T.; Schlauderer, S.; Overhage, S.: The Impact of Social Commerce Feature Richness on Website Stickiness Through Cognitive and Affective Factors: An Experimental Study. In: Electronic Commerce Research and Applications 36 (2019), S. 1-32.

Friedrich, T.: On the Factors Influencing Consumers’ Adoption of Social Commerce – A Review of the Empirical Literature. In: Pacific Asia Journal of the Association for Information Systems 8 (2016) 4, S. 1-32.

Friedrich, T.; Overhage, S.; Schlauderer, S.: The More the Better? Exploring the Relationship between Social Commerce Feature Intensity, Social Factors, and Consumers’ Buying Behavior. In: Proceedings of the 37th International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS). Dublin, Ireland 2016, S. 1-21.