Three critical matters in big data projects for e-science: Different user groups, the mutually constitutive perspective, and virtual organizational capacity

This paper discusses three critical matters in big data projects for e-science, in which computer simulations, computational visualizations, and mathematical modeling are practiced as powerful methods to advance science. More specifically, three different user groups are identified, and their unique situations elaborated for developing project methodologies sensitive to their differences. Furthermore, `technology development and technology use,' as well as `technology and organizing' are two parallel processes argued as mutually constitutive within the individual pairs. Finally, project methodologies should include organizational capacity assessment and capacity building as strategic components to increase big data projects' likelihood of success in producing intended outcomes.