This study presents the main results of an evaluatory comparison between the most remarkable existing reference frameworks for information systems and their development. HECTOR's Framework of Reference (FoR) and an IFIP WG 8.1 Task Group's Framework for Understanding (FfU) are frameworks for both ISs and ISDs and Framework of Information Systems Concepts (FRISCO), produced by another IFIP WG 8.1's Task Group, only for ISs. The analysis and com parison scheme is derived from a profound definition of the ISD methodology and metamethodology concepts. This rather detailed scheme is used to detect the strengths and weaknesses of these reference frameworks, but its interstructure can also be used the same way as the frameworks themselves, i.e. as a basis for comparing the ISD methodologies. Our analysis reveals that these three reference frameworks model the IS field from totally different standpoints, and therefore it is not sensible to set them into any preference order. They complete each other and it is therefore useful to apply them side by side.
modelling, information system development, IS concepts, design methodology, reference framework, evaluation, comparison.
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