A report on the use of action research to evaluate a manufacturing information systems development methodology in a company

The paper reports on an action research study that evaluated the usefulness of a Manufacturing Information Systems (MIS) development methodology at a manufacturing technology company. The evaluation process is based upon a five-stage action research method. The ISD methodology, in conjunction with the action research method, was used to solve five technical and organizational problems identified in the Engineering Release Function of the company. Results of the study include reduction in cycle time, work-in-process and rework.