Becker, Knackstedt, Pfeiffer and Janiesch Configurative Method Engineering 1 Configurative Method Engineering – On the Applicability of Reference Modeling Mechanisms in Method Engineering Jörg Becker European Research Center for Information Systems (ERCIS) becker@ercis.de Ralf Knackstedt European Research Center for Information Systems (ERCIS) knackstedt@ercis.de Daniel Pfeiffer European Research Center for Information Systems (ERCIS) pfeiffer@ercis.de Christian Janiesch European Research Center for Information Systems (ERCIS) janiesch@ercis.de Abstract The aim of this paper is to discuss the applicability of reference modeling adaptation mechanisms in method engineering. Reference models are generic conceptual models that formalize state-of-the-art knowledge of a certain domain. Adaptation mechanisms can assist to tailor reference models to specific business or project needs. (Situational) Method engineering is concerned with the preparation of methods that fit the characteristics of a situation. Due to the similar requirements, it seems feasible to investigate to what extent the existing mechanisms of reference modeling have already been reflected in the context of method engineering. The result of a literature review points out that the mechanism of configuration has not been sufficiently considered yet. We suggest transferring the concept of reference model configuration to the domain of method engineering. This approach is supported by an example case utilizing the H2 toolset in which a method is configured according to project specific needs. Keywords Method engineering, situational method engineering, adaptive reference modeling, configuration, theories. On the Connection of Method Engineering and Reference Modeling Methods describe systematic procedures to overcome problems. Problems can be characterized as the discrepancy between an as-is and a to-be situation. It is widely accepted that a universal method, which can be used without modification in all situations, is not feasible (Brooks 1987; Fitzgerald et al. 2003; Kautz 2004; Lindvall and Rus 2000; ter Hofstede and Verhoef 1997; Wistrand and Karlsson 2004). Rather, appropriate methods for problem solving must be chosen, adapted, or designed depending on the specific characteristics of a situation, such as qualification, number of employees, or available time. In the method engineering community, terms like domain specific method engineering (Kelly et al. 2005; Luoma et al. 2004) or situational method engineering (Brinkkemper 1996; Harmsen 1997; Kumar and Welke 1992) have been used to voice this special circumstance. A method engineer is confronted with the following dilemma: Multi-purpose methods contain a comprehensive set of activities and constructs but provide no guidance how to adapt them to fit the specific characteristics of a project and its context. Domain specific methods, however, contain a problem adequate set of activities and constructs but are only applicable in their well-defined domain. Thus, a mechanism is required which allows for adding domain and context specific knowledge to multi-purpose methods. In the area of reference modeling this problem is addressed by so called adaptation mechanisms (Becker et al. 2006a; vom Brocke 2007). Since it is possible to document methods in form of models, it is reasonable to transfer these mechanisms into the domain of method engineering. The aim of this paper is to analyze prior