Information systems for marine protected areas: How do users interpret desirable data attributes?

• Published in: Environmental modelling & software : with environment data news 2013-03, Vol.41, p.185-198
• Main Authors: Carballo-Cárdenas, Eira C., Mol, Arthur P.J., Tobi, Hilde
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Biological and medical sciences; computer software; conservation areas; decision; environmental models; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects. Techniques; governance; great-barrier-reef; humans; Information system development (ISD); information systems; integrated coastal; Interpretive IS; interviews; management; managers; Marine protected area (MPA); Methods and techniques (sampling, tagging, trapping, modelling...); oceans; Requirements; requirements elicitation; science; scientific-information; Sea water ecosystems; soft systems; spatial information; supply chain; Synecology; technology; User
• ISSN: 1364-8152; 1873-6726
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envsoft.2012.11.016

The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical evidence on how various user groups related to Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) interpret desirable data attributes, whether their interpretations differ and to what extent. Moreover, this study aims to make a methodological contribution to the interpretive information systems (IS) literature by showing the potential of Spradley's (1979) ethnographic methods for understanding the human context in IS research and practice. Semi-structured interviews of MPA managers, academics, government officials, and environmentalists were analysed in four steps. Our findings show that each of the five data attributes studied encompassed more than one and often partly overlapping meanings. Commonalities and differences in interpretations between groups were observed. Users' organisational background helped to explain these differences; cross-cutting themes that seemed to guide users' interpretations and actions were perceived legitimacy and accountability of practices along the data value chain. Systematic use of ethnographically-informed methods allowed the detection of subtle differences in how users constructed meaning. As these different interpretations may lead to misunderstandings during requirements engineering, Spradley's approach could prove useful as a tool not only to elicit and analyse requirements, but also to facilitate unambiguous communication to reach mutual understanding among participants. This may help to improve IS development and thus enhance IS use for participatory governance and management in MPAs. ► We examine how users of marine IS interpret desirable data attributes. ► We use ethnographic methods to elicit and analyse interview data of 35 informants. ► Informants report multiple, overlapping meanings for each desirable data attribute. ► Organisational context shapes how different user groups interpret data attributes. ► Legitimacy and accountability steer users' practices along the data value chain.