Description

Local governments collect, store, and manage large amounts of data, often in fragmented systems, with little structure and without systematic reuse. To understand what data is actually available, some municipalities are turning to so-called data inventories, in which available datasets are systematically recorded.

The next logical step is automated potential identification: based on metadata (e.g., field names, data types, recency), use cases that can be implemented with existing data should be proposed. The goal of this thesis is to design a prototypical matching mechanism that suggests data-driven applications in a metadata-driven manner — without accessing actual data content.

Potential subtasks

• Theoretical classification within relevant concepts (data inventories, metadata standards, automated use-case matching).
• Analysis of typical municipal data inventories and existing tools.
• Design of a matching mechanism (rule-based, semantic, or hybrid).
• Prototype implementation.
• Evaluation of the prototype against real or synthetic municipal metadata.
• Reflection on added value and limitations.

What you bring

A general interest in digitalization, public administration, AI, and (social) sustainability. If you’re interested in tackling a pressing issue at this intersection using a research-based approach, we look forward to hearing from you.

What you get and disclaimer
The thesis is meant to teach you the scientific approach. Please keep that in mind. We expect you to learn and use scientific methods and to submit a scientifically sound result. Our role is to provide you with everything you need to succeed at that. We expect that you create a piece of work, in which you demonstrate a sound data collection method, an extensive dataset and your analysis of that dataset. A motivated student who works consistently on the thesis throughout the designated period can expect a very good grade. Details on the process and the format that we use to support you in succeeding with your thesis can be found here:

Bachelor: https://bwsyncandshare.kit.edu/s/g7pKCiScRZY5YtH  
Master: https://bwsyncandshare.kit.edu/s/MiN8yTkfgeCrnSW

If you are interested, please send a CV and transcript of records by email to fabian.steinert∂kit.edu

References

• Hevner, A. R., March, S. T., Park, J., & Ram, S. (2004). Design science in information systems research. MIS Quarterly, 28 (1), 75–105. https://doi.org/10.2307/25148625
• Kuechler, B., & Vaishnavi, V. (2008). On theory development in design science research: anatomy of a research project. European Journal of Information Systems, 17 (5), 489–504. https://doi.org/10.1057/ejis.2008.40
• Ruoff, M., Gnewuch, U., Mädche, A., & Scheibehenne, B. (2023). Designing conversational dashboards for effective use in crisis response. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 24(6), 1500–1526
• Kropshofer, J., Schrott, J., Wöß, W., & Ehrlinger, L. (2025). A Survey on the Functionalities of Data Catalog Tools. IEEE Access, 13, 83297-83319. https://doi.org/10.1109/access.2025.3568542