Viable systems model based information flows

Abstract

In information systems engineering it is important to ensure that all essential information flows are properly identified and supported. Usually the set of relevant information flows is detected using such knowledge acquisition techniques as interviews and document analysis. Since nowadays flexibility, adaptability, and agility are important features of enterprises for their operational strength in a highly turbulent environment, the research question arises whether there is a generic set of requirements that have to be met by information systems to obtain and sustain above mentioned enterprise features. To answer this question, Viable Systems Model (VSM) is experimentally used as a basis for identification of a set of information flows, which should be present in VSM complying enterprises. Specific constructs presented in the enterprise architecture description language are proposed for consistent integration of detected flows into enterprise information systems.