bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspects of gestural alignment in task-oriented dialogues
Authors: Karpiński Maciej , Czoska Agnieszka , Jarmołowicz-Nowikow Ewa , Juszczyk Konrad , Klessa Katarzyna
Published: December 2018

Aspects of gestural alignment in task-oriented dialoguesInterlocutors in a conversation influence each other in a number of dimensions. This process may lead to observable changes in their communicative behaviour. The directions and profiles of these changes are often correlated with the quality of interaction and may predict its success. In the present study, the gestural component of communication is scrutinised for changes that may reflect the process of alignment. Two types of task-oriented dialogues between teenagers are recorded and annotated for gestures and their features. We hypothesize that the dialogue task type (collaborative vs. competitive), as well as certain culture-specific properties of alignment that differ between German and Polish pairs, may significantly influence the process of communication. In order to explore the data and detect tendencies in gestural behaviour, automatised annotation mining and statistical exploration have been used, including a moving frame approach aimed at the investigation of co-occurring strokes as well as re-occurring strokes and their features. Significant differences between German and Polish speakers, as well as between the two dialogue types, have been found in the number of gestures, stroke duration and amplitude. Aspekty wzajemnego dopasowania gestykulacji w dialogach zadaniowychUczestnicy konwersacji wpływają na siebie wzajemnie w wielu różnych wymiarach. Proces ten może prowadzić do obserwowalnych zmian w ich zachowaniach komunikacyjnych. Kierunek i charakter tych zmian często wiążą się z jakością interakcji i mogą pozwolić przewidzieć jej sukces. Celem niniejszego badania jest eksploracja gestowego składnika komunikacji pod kątem zjawisk, które mogą odzwierciedlać zjawisko wzajemnego dopasowania uczestników. Zarejestrowano dwa typy dialogów zadaniowych z udziałem nastolatków. Nagrania anotowano pod kątem gestów i ich cech. W badaniu postawiono hipotezę, iż typ zadania dialogowego (ukierunkowane na współpracę vs. na konkurencję), jak również pewne specyficzne cechy kulturowe dopasowania komunikacyjnego, które różnicują polskie i niemieckie pary rozmówców, mogą oddziaływać na proces komunikacji. W celu eksploracji danych oraz wykrycia tendencji cechujących zachowania gestowe, wykorzystano zautomatyzowane metody analizy anotacji oraz techniki statystyczne. Uwzględniono podejście oparte na ruchomych oknach czasowych, umożliwiające analizę współwystępowania jak i powtarzania gestów właściwych i ich właściwości. Wykazano istotne różnice między rozmówcami polskimi i niemieckimi oraz między typami zadań dialogowych w zakresie liczby gestów, czasu trwania oraz amplitudy gestu właściwego.
Persistent semantic identity in WordNet
Authors: Kafe Eric
Published: December 2018

Persistent semantic identity in WordNetAlthough rarely studied, the persistence of semantic identity in the WordNet lexical database is crucial for the interoperability of all the resources that use WordNet data. The present study investigates the stability of the two primary entities of the WordNet database (the word senses and the synonym sets), by following their respective identifiers (the sense keys and the synset offsets) across all the versions released between 1995 and 2012, while also considering "drifts" of identical definitions and semantic relations. Contrary to expectations, 94.4% of the WordNet 1.5 synsets still persisted in the latest 2012 version, compared to only 89.1% of the corresponding sense keys. Meanwhile, the splits and merges between synonym sets remained few and simple. These results are presented in tables that allow to estimate the lexicographic effort needed for updating WordNet-based resources to newer WordNet versions. We discuss the specific challenges faced by both the dominant synset-based mapping paradigm (a moderate amount of split synsets), and the recommended sense key-based approach (very few identity violations), and conclude that stable synset identifiers are viable, but need to be complemented by stable sense keys in order to adequately handle the split synonym sets. Trwała tożsamość semantyczna w WordNecieChociaż rzadko badana, trwałość tożsamości semantycznej w leksykalnej bazie danych WordNet ma kluczowe znaczenie dla interoperacyjności wszystkich zasobów korzystających z danych WordNetowych. W niniejszej pracy zbadano stabilność dwóch podstawowych elementów bazy danych WordNet (jednostek leksykalnych i synsetów – zbiorów synonimicznych jednostek leksykalnych), poprzez prześledzenie ich identyfikatorów (tj. identyfikatorów jednostek i identyfikatorów synsetów) we wszystkich wersjach wydanych w latach 1995-2012. Wzięto również pod uwagę przesunięcia identycznych definicji i relacji semantycznych. Wbrew oczekiwaniom, 94,4% synsetów WordNetu 1.5 zachowało się w najnowszej wersji z 2012 r., w porównaniu do 89,1% odpowiadających im identyfikatorów jednostek. Tymczasem podziały i połączenia pomiędzy synsetami pozostały proste i nieliczne. Wyniki te przedstawiono w tabelach, które pozwalają oszacować wysiłek leksykograficzny potrzebny do aktualizacji zasobów opartych o WordNet do nowszych wersji WordNetu. Omawiamy konkretne wyzwania, przed którymi stoi zarówno dominujący paradygmat rzutowania synsetów (umiarkowana liczba podzielonych synsetów), jak i zalecane podejście oparte na identyfikatorach jednostek (bardzo niewiele naruszeń tożsamości) i stwierdzamy, że można stworzyć stabilne identyfikatory synsetów, ale muszą one iść w parze ze stabilnymi identyfikatorami jednostek, aby odpowiednio zająć się podzielonymi synsetami.
The Temporary Marketing Organization
Authors: Hadida Allègre L. , Heide Jan B. , Bell Simon J.
Published: December 2018

Increasingly, marketing activity is carried out within temporary organizations, whereby teams are assembled to complete a specific task within a predetermined time frame. Such organizations are uniquely suited to promoting various marketing outcomes but are not well understood. From a practical standpoint, their inherent characteristics create organizational challenges that, if not appropriately managed, can compromise performance. Drawing on agency theory and research on embedded ties, the authors conceptualize these challenges in terms of particular selection and enforcement problems. They identify three forms of temporary marketing organizations that vary in their selection and enforcement qualities. Next, the authors develop a conceptual framework that shows the selection and enforcement implications of a temporary organization’s task, timeline, and team composition. They also demonstrate that selection and enforcement mechanisms have portable qualities and can be “imported” to a given temporary organization, from either a prior temporary organization or a larger permanent one.
Racialization of News: Constructing and Challenging Professional Journalism as “White Media”
Authors: Alamo-Pastrana Carlos , Hoynes William
Published: December 2018

This article explores the persistent racialization of professional journalism, describing the implicit processes that define “mainstream” news as white media. We emphasize the whiteness of U.S. news as emanating from cultural practices of professional journalism and institutional forces shaping the journalistic field rather than simply the demographic characteristics of the newsroom workforce. In theorizing how news has been constructed as white, we describe the historical foundations of the cultural authority of news and point to how such racialized authority has always been subject to enduring challenge. We analyze the complex cultural and political challenges that the Black press in the United States has long represented to the power of white media and racism; the Black press represents an alternative practice of journalism, one that critiques traditional notions of objectivity and situates news as a voice for equality and social justice. We close by discussing the newly resurgent white nationalist media and recent controversies surrounding prominent black female journalists as examples highlighting the structural limitations of white professional news media. Ultimately, we seek to understand the emergent racial dynamics of the journalistic field and how objectivity and white racial power are challenged and reaffirmed in our contemporary mediascape.
Eight Scenarios of National Information Superhighway Development
Authors: Angelides Marios C. , Agius Harry W.
Published: December 2018

Leading industrialized nations are now involved in the full implementation of national information superhighways. Their efforts will depend largely on the roles and levels of involvement of public institutions and how this is perceived and reacted to by the private sector. Through the evolution of eight scenarios of public institution involvement, this paper extrapolates the consequences that each brings about in the development of a national information superhighway. In particular, this paper examines the consequences of the development of an information superhighway for the UK within the context of each scenario and draws comparisons with developments in other countries. Contrary to popular belief, we show that there is no full solution for the shortcomings experienced in the development of the UK's information superhighway; rather, each scenario offers solutions for a subset of the shortcomings.
Software Engineering Productivity Measurement using Function Points: A Case Study
Authors: Bok Hai Suan , Raman K. S.
Published: December 2018

This paper reports on the findings of an empirically based case study of the use of function points analysis (FPA) by the information systems division of a large financial services company. The software engineering productivity figures measured by FPA in this company varied widely across the departments of the division and projects. Investigation of the reasons for the variations showed that, in addition to factors such as the technology platform and application characteristics, organizational and human factors affect the accuracy and reliability of productivity figures. Elucidating the lessons from this case, this paper suggests that three factors – knowledge of the FPA, calibration of the function point productivity indicator and rigour of the measurement process – are critical to the successful implementation of an FPA programme. These findings and the issues identified in the paper will be of interest to academics in the area of software productivity measurement and companies considering FPA as a productivity metric.
Developing Intraorganizational Electronic Commerce Strategy: An Ethnographic Study
Authors: Corbitt Brian J.
Published: December 2018

This paper presents an argument for qualitative research and the use of ethnography in information systems (IS) research using a detailed investigation of the types of strategies used in implementing electronic commerce in a corporate finance institution. The paper describes how these strategies were developed and why and models those responses. This paper confirms other studies which argue that certain key elements must be in place to ensure the successful implementation of information technology (IT) or electronic commerce. However, this research has highlighted the fact that there are important influential issues operating at another level within the organization studied. Politics and the power of vested interest groups within an organization and managerial misunderstanding about what electronic commerce is created unrealistic expectations of the innovation by management.
SAP Implementation at Metalica: An Organizational Drama in Two Acts
Authors: Avital Michel , Vandenbosch Betty
Published: December 2018

This play attempts to reconstruct the social reality of key players at Metalica during the first couple of years of SAP implementation. Rather than adopting one perspective about the SAP project, we provide the views of different participants using their own words, arguments and ideas as much as possible. The play is constructed from summaries of systematic interviews which were changed only to suit scholarly objectives and a dramatic presentation. At the request of the company involved, the names and locations in this case have been disguised. Act 1 describes the company's vision concerning the implementation of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, a crisis which emerged during the initial phase of implementation and the actions taken to remedy the shortfalls. Act 2 describes the project management, the dynamics between the implementation team members and the organizational implications of an ERP system implementation. The actual performance of the play and a subsequent discussion among the participants enable students to re-create and experience the thrills, frustrations, dilemmas and concerns originally expressed by the people who inspired this account of SAP implementation. Using theatre in an academic environment opens new avenues for critical observation, integrative sense making and experiential learning.
Learning from Adopters’ Experiences with ERP: Problems Encountered and Success Achieved
Authors: Markus M. Lynne , Axline Sheryl , Petrie David , Tanis Cornelis
Published: December 2018

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) packages touch many aspects of a company's internal and external operations. Consequently, successful deployment and use of ERP systems are critical to organizational performance and survival. This paper presents the results of a study of the problems and outcomes in ERP projects which was conducted under the sponsorship of an ERP systems vendor. Two basic research questions were addressed. First, how successful are companies at different points in time in their ERP experiences and how are different measures of success related? (That is, can early success be followed by failure and vice versa?) Second, what problems do ERP adopters encounter as they implement and deploy ERP and how are these problems related to outcomes? The findings showed that the success of ERP systems depends on when it is measured and that success at one point in time may only be loosely related to success at another point in time. Companies experience problems at all phases of the ERP system life cycle and many of the problems experienced in later phases originated earlier but remained unnoticed or uncorrected. These findings suggest that researchers and companies will do well to adopt broad definitions and multiple measures of success and pay particular attention to the early identification and correction of problems.
The odd couple: Formal Notations and the development of information systems
Authors: Britton Carol , Omer Karry
Published: December 2018

The development of information systems and the introduction of formal notations have tended to be taught as separate subjects. In this paper we hope we show that it is both possible and desirable to place formal notations in the context of systems analysis and design. By adopting an essentially pragmatic approach we feel that we have, to some extent, bridged the gap between the world of theoretical mathematics and the practical task of building information systems.
Selfconscious or Unselfconscious Software Design?
Authors: Loomes Martin
Published: December 2018

Anyone who is involved in computer science education will be used to engaging in passionate debates over questions such as ‘What programming language should we be teaching'? Moreover, if these debates take place in front of colleagues from other disciplines, for example when joint schemes are being developed, then concern is often expressed about the inability of computer scientists to come to any generally accepted conclusions.

In this paper the view is proposed that the key questions of computer science education are really manifestations of a much deeper issue in computing which has been alluded to in various publications, but never discussed to a generally accepted conclusion by the computer science community at large.
Software Product Design: An Organizing Concept for Software Engineering Education
Authors: Bray Ian , Jones Orville , Webster Stephen
Published: December 2018

This paper contributes to the continuing debate on the curriculum for undergraduate software engineering degrees. It describes the rationale for and content of the new honours programme in Software Engineering Management at the Dorset Institute. The well documented problems which persist in the software engineering industry are, we believe, largely attributable to the inappropriate education of software engineers. An alternative approach to the education of undergraduate software engineers is outlined; one which is based upon the concept of ‘software as a product’.
Local Area Network Operations: A Security, Control and Audit Perspective
Authors: Jamieson Rodger , Low Graham
Published: December 2018

This paper provides a framework for the review of security and control within a local area network environment. Network operations are subdivided into several functional areas or components for further review. Each component or area is briefly explained and the security risks, issues and concerns highlighted. Controls and security measures are proposed as guidelines to counter these threats. An approach to the audit of each major area of network operations is proposed.

This suggested framework provides guidance to information system security officers, auditors, communications and network administrators, consultants and information systems management for the review of local area network security during network operations.
Information Systems Successes and Failures: Research Findings from the Compounding Industry
Authors: Kaye G. Roland
Published: December 2018

This study examines the perceived success or failure of information systems in the compounding industry. The study is balanced between a research enquiry and the consulting process with the client being the trade association. Following initial case study investigations, a postal questionnaire survey was undertaken of member organizations and individuals within them. Hard and soft data were collected about organizational structure, information systems and their characteristics, and users’ perceptions. The findings emphasise the importance of user attitudes pre- and post-implementation, and their involvement during the systems analysis and design phases.
A Process Model for Software Maintenance
Authors: Moreton Robert
Published: December 2018

This paper draws on work undertaken for the Butler Cox Productivity Enhancement Programme (PEP) to describe a process model which will provide a basis for overcoming the problems of cost and complexity associated with software maintenance. PEP is a continuous program that is open to organizations wishing to measure and improve systems development and productivity.

The paper argues that for maintenance work to be effective, it is vital to control the input to the process — the procedure by which change requests are notified and managed in the first place. The procedure of change management is followed by impact analysis, system release planning, change design, implementation, testing and system release/integration. These steps, which occur sequentially, are supported by a further activity that continues concurrently - progress monitoring.

The conclusion of the paper is that a coordinated program, effective across the whole maintenance process and designed to control changes to the system, will become more and more critical as the complexity of the system increases. Formal procedures are essential to ensure that software is not degraded and to provide an audit facility. At the same time there are several automated change and control packages now available that could help to reduce administrative overheads and increase control over system changes.
Beyond Strategy — Benefits Identification and Management of Specific IT Investments
Authors: Peters Glen
Published: December 2018

Much effort has been concentrated in the eighties on IT strategy and many companies today have an IT investment portfolio. Managing the benefits of the investment portfolio presents new challenges. The author has previously published the first stage to a method for linking investment strategy to benefits and in this paper discusses the second of the process when it is necessary to identify benefits for specific investments to ensure their realization. The process ensures that sponsors not only understand the impact of the investment on key operating variables but also take responsibility for ensuring the improved performance.
Deriving Semantic Data Models from Structured Process Descriptions of Reality
Authors: Benwell George L. , Firns Peter G. , Sallis Philip J.
Published: December 2018

This paper begins by describing a generally accepted view of the contemporary information systems development process. This process assumes the direct derivation of a prototype from data models which have themselves been derived from a functionally decomposed representation of reality. The data models are constructed using entity-relationship modelling (ERM) and data flow diagram (DFD) techniques. The paper also considers the use of Petri net representations as structured process models of reality. These representations are a means of structuring the functional analysis of observed situations for which an information system design is required. The paper then suggests a refinement to the model just described. It examines the relationship between the ERM and DFD techniques and proposes the use of logical access mapping (LAM) as a method of synthesizing the product of these two data modelling activities. An example is used to illustrate the derivation of ERM and DFD from Petri nets. Also an example of the refined process model is given. ‘Weak links’ in this model are identified and further work towards establishing a method for formally proving data models is proposed.
Experiments with Expert Systems in Management Education
Authors: King Malcolm , Mcaulay Laurie
Published: December 2018

A simple system has been developed using expert systems technology to assist lecturers in teaching specific groups of professional and management students. To enable comparisons to be made, two versions of the system were built; one in prolog and one in an inexpensive expert system shell. The systems were designed to relieve lecturers by providing answers and explanations for examination questions in the area of standard costing. The experiments show that such simple systems can be developed by lecturers for their own use, although there are limitations, especially in the knowledge which can be captured. Testing of the system in practice has shown benefits in terms of reduced lecturer load and positive responses from students. The experiments show that integrating simple expert systems into the education process can be beneficial when the technology is adapted to match the educational requirements.
Information Systems Strategies in Government: Recent Survey Evidence
Authors: Bacon Nigel
Published: December 2018

Twenty-three government organizations, which had or were developing Information Systems (IS) or Information Technology (IT) strategies; were interviewed in most cases the scope was the whole organization. Many internal reasons led to the development of these strategies but external factors were also often present. Management structures were similar and tended to follow CCTA guidelines. The need to ‘'sell’ strategies was widely understood and regular reviews were planned. Strategies most frequently covered an implementation period of 5 years. In most cases, business objectives drove the definition of information requirements; and business issues included the need to improve efficiency, the impact of legislative change and problems caused by the creation of executive agencies. There was a widespread move towards Open Systems and security was tending to become a departmental issue. Expenditure on IT was frequently about 5–7 % of programme expenditure. Departments were reluctant to discuss the value of intangible benefits. Steady progress was being made with the implementation of strategies being subject to various problems and constraints. Lessons learnt included the needs for clear business goals, senior management involvement, managing users’ expectations and selling strategies. Departments are moving slowly in the right direction and may be expected to match the best practice in the private sector within a few years.
Towards Determining the Appropriate Systems Development Environment: The Role of Task Characteristics
Authors: Lakhanpal Bharat
Published: December 2018

The growth of user developed computer-based applications (UDA) presents today's organizations with a means to augment traditional systems development by Information Systems professionals. In order to effectively use the resources offered by these two development environments, organizations need to answer the question: given a systems requirement, which development environment should be used to ensure success. This paper hypothesizes that the answer to this question depends upon the characteristics of the task? Drawing upon previous systems analysis and design research, we examine the effect of a task's degree of structure, interdependency, scope and periodicity, on the appropriate development environment. Results from a preliminary empirical test indicate that these task characteristics are useful in suggesting the appropriate environment for successful development of an information system.
Evaluating Investments in IT
Authors: Farbey Barbara , Land Frank , Targett David
Published: December 2018

Evaluating the costs and benefits of IT projects is currently a major issue for senior general managers. This paper focuses on a particular aspect of the problem: how organizations appraise IT investments in taking the decision whether to go ahead with them or not. The paper looks first at the different roles of evaluation; second at what is done in practice and third at what might be done given the wide range of techniques that are available and the widely different circumstances in which appraisal is undertaken. A speculative heuristic is proposed for matching an evaluation method with a particular situation. The method is presented in the hope of stimulating further research into the matching problem.
Information Economics: A Practical Approach to Valuing Information Systems
Authors: Wiseman Devra
Published: December 2018

This paper describes an approach to analysing the value of information systems to an enterprise, and the risks that the value will not be realised. The approach is called Information Economics (IE). A key use is to prioritize investments in information systems. It brings together business and technology managers, by providing, at one level, a tool they can use for scoring systems. At another level, it offers a decision-making process that provides a number of key benefits, such as improved communications. Two case studies, from the public and private sectors, show two different, practical uses of the Information Economics approach, and how it can be adapted to different organizations.
Information Technology Transfer in Econometric Forecasting: A Pictorial Approach
Authors: Chong P. Pete , Chen Ye-Sho , Pruett James M.
Published: December 2018

Successful information technology transfer requires effective communication and clear, concise information exchange. This paper, using the Louisiana econometric model as a case study, proposes a pictorial approach to present and manage complex factors essential to information technology transfer. The approach utilizes multi-layer entity-relationship diagrams to provide a meaningful framework for the entire forecasting process, provide clarity to ensure better model maintenance when changes in social/economic structures require reformulations, and provide a procedural and data dictionary for clear documentation. The pictorial approach is both intuitive and readable, capable of serving as a task management tool, a model implementation aid, and a system maintenance resource.
Making Database Marketing Work
Authors: Shaw R.
Published: December 2018

This article examines the use of marketing databases and the issues encountered in making then work effectively. The first part of the paper examines the history of database marketing and the development of two different approaches. In the first approach, the database is used tactically as a high quality mailing list. In the second approach, the database is used strategically, to re-engineer the sales and marketing process. The second part of the paper looks at the practical issues in implementing the strategic approach. Risk management rules are proposed to deal with these implementation problems, and sources of advice and assistance described.
Toward An Empirical Taxonomy and Model of Evolution for Telecommunications Technologies
Authors: Grover Varun , Goslar Martin
Published: December 2018

A major group of information technologies pervading businesses in the 1990s are communication-based technologies. Given the diversity and complexity of these technologies, it is surprising that they have been the subject of precious little empirical research. This study examines the use of these technologies in American businesses. The data suggest preliminary patterns along which these technologies can be structured to facilitate both practice and research.
A Product-Process Model of Innovation in Software Development
Authors: Quintas Paul
Published: December 2018

Software is acknowledged to be crucial in enabling the widespread diffusion of information technology (IT), but is inadequately dealt with in analyses of technological change and often misrepresented in accounts of IT phenomena. The tools that are used to analyse conventional innovation processes are found to be inappropriatte for software. The characteristics of software which present conceptual difficulty, and the features which drive change in the software development process are identified. Three lines of technological development in software are discussed: product diffusion, innovation in the organization and management of the development process, and innovation in technical practice. These reflect currently dominant and emergent trends, in particular the shift away from wholly custom-built towards packaged software; concern with process issues, including quality accreditation; and technical developments including CASE (computer aided software engineering) and object orientation. A framework is proposed which supports analysis of the distinctions and interactions between technical practice and organizational aspects of the development process, and also explains the interdependence between product diffusion and process innovation.
Computer Supported Collaborative Working: Lessons from Elsewhere
Authors: Clegg Chris , Waterson Patrick , Carey Neil
Published: December 2018

In this paper we review two application areas in the field of IT concerning advanced manufacturing technology and office automation. We argue that new systems in both these areas have been predominantly technology-led in their development and implementation, excluding adequate attention to their human and organizational aspects. We describe two case studies as illustrations of these points and argue that the reasons for this technology-led approach lie in a complex interacting set of social systems that work effectively to marginalize the human and organizational aspects of the new technologies.

The applicability of these findings to the domain of Computer Supported Collaborative Working (CSCW) is examined. There are two main sets of lessons that can be learned: those that apply generally to the field of IT, and thereby have relevance also to the special case of CSCW; and those that are particular to the conduct and content of research and development into CSCW. These lessons are outlined in the form of sets of suggestions.
An Assessment of Information Systems Taxonomies: Time to be Re-Evaluate?
Authors: Doke E. Reed , Barrier Tonya
Published: December 2018

Dramatic advances in technology, evolving organizational structures and increasing user influence are impacting the types of information systems (IS) being developed. These are not recognized adequately by existing taxonomies which tend to be incomplete, unclear, simplistic, unwieldy, inflexible or some combination of these. Fourteen models from the literature are described and discussed in light of today's myriad systems. A user-oriented two-dimensional taxonomy utilizing user type (institution or individual) and type of system support provided to the user (data, communication, information, or decision) is developed.
The State-Of-The-Art of Cscw: Cscw Systems, Cooperative Work and Organization
Authors: Mccarthy John
Published: December 2018

Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) is a young research field, no more than ten years old, concerned with the development and use of computer systems to support cooperative working. Although researchers and practitioners in this area have many interests in common, there is a great deal of diversity in definitions of and approaches to CSCW. This diversity has arisen despite the clarity of intention of the early seminal papers that attempted to set the agenda for CSCW research. Ten years into the development of this research area, a number of tensions appear to be diluting this initial clarity. These tensions reveal themselves in apparent disjunctions between theoretical papers and statements of intent on the one hand and CSCW practice (research and design) on the other. In this paper a review of the state-of-the-art of CSCW is offered. Some existing systems, and related design and evaluation research, are described. Then three sources of the aforementioned tension are explored: the role of technology in driving or being derived from the science; conceptions of working and cooperative working in particular; and the relationship between CSCW and organization.
Coping with Information Technology? how British Executives Perceive the Key Information Systems Management Issues in the Mid-1990s
Authors: Galliers Robert D. , Merali Yasmin , Spearing Laura
Published: December 2018

Survey research amongst senior information systems (IS) and non-IS executives in UK organizations was conducted in order to identify their views as to the most important and problematic issues they face in managing information systems. The survey mirrored similar research that has been undertaken in the USA and elsewhere, thus enabling international comparisons in the future. The aim of this paper is to provide comparisons of (i) the views expressed by IS executives vis à vis those with a ‘non-IS’ role and (ii) the findings of this study with those of a previous similar British study undertaken in 1987.
Matching An it Project with An Appropriate Method of Evaluation: A Research Note on ‘Evaluating Investments in IT’
Authors: Farbey Barbara , Targett David , Land Frank
Published: December 2018

This note addresses the problem of choosing an appropriate method when evaluating an IT investment as set out in a previous work. The problem arises immediately because there are many methods on offer for performing the evaluation and a great number of different situations in which those methods could be applied. There is thus a problem of matching the method to the situation across many dimensions. In the previous paper the authors spelled out some of these dimensions on the basis of empirical work and proposed a matching method derived by trial and error which had, at the time, no theoretical foundations. Further research has suggested a possible rationale and it is that which is presented here, together with a further dimension on which the matching may be carried through.
Synergism between Information Technology and Organizational Structure: A Managerial Perspective
Authors: Lee Anita , Cheng Chun Hung , Chadha Gurmeet S.
Published: December 2018

This paper presents a hybrid organizational structure chosen by a corporation as a means to combine the benefits of centralization and decentralization. The hybrid structure is the result of a restructuring effort by a coal company in Kentucky under the directive of its parent corporation to ensure maximum resource utilization within a more streamlined organizational structure. Through an observation of the restructuring process, we are able to demonstrate how and why it is important for top-level managers to understand and make the best use of the intricate synergism between information technology and organizational structure. The strategic implications of a hybrid structure and the roles of information technology in organizational changes are explored. We argue that a hybrid structure is a viable and strategically valuable structural alternative, especially for highly diversified conglomerates that grow through mergers and acquisitions of other companies.
The Profit Impact of IT Investment
Authors: Lubbe Sam , Parker Gary , Hoard Andrew
Published: December 2018

Two models were used to study the relationships between profitability and the level of information technology (IT) among long-term life insurance companies. The first compared the computerization index (CI) with profitability ratios. The second used the operating expense ratio (profitability measure) and the IT expense ratio to measure the level of IT capital intensity. The results of the present study showed a positive correlation between the CI and the financial ratios and the most profitable firms are more likely to spend a higher proportion of their non-interest operating expenses on IT.
Information Technology and Organization Design
Authors: Stebbins Michael W. , Sena James A. , Shani A. B. (Rami)
Published: December 2018

This paper pursues the growing importance of information technology within the field of organization design. We propose a new macrotheory model, examine the leading approaches to organization design regarding their treatment of IT innovations and propose an eclectic design process that incorporates IT during redesign projects. The implications for emerging organizational forms are also explored.
The Responsiveness of Information Technology to Business Strategy Formulation: An Empirical Study
Authors: Tan Felix B.
Published: December 2018

In a study involving 88 companies., the nature of the linkages between business strategy and information technology (IT) responsiveness was explored. The results indicate that variations in IT–strategy responsiveness, measured by the extent to which IT is explicitly considered in business strategy formulation, are linked to the type of business strategy being pursued by the organization. For example, IT is more responsive to business strategy in organizations which place heavy emphasis on innovation in their product and market strategies than in those which operate in a relatively stable product/market area. This implies that organizations with an aggressive business strategy are more likely than those with a conservative business strategy to explicitly consider IT as a strategic resource in formulating business strategy. This paper suggests that the extent to which IT is used to shape business strategy differs among organizations, and that business strategy can help us understand these differences.
An Information System Profile of the UK Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Wastell David , Sewards Annechris
Published: December 2018

A survey of the information systems (IS) sophistication of small to medium sized UK manufacturing firms is reported. The survey revealed that manufacturing firms exhibited an intermediate degree of IS sophistication. Typically they were situated in the ‘contagion’ and ‘control’ stages of Nolan's stages of growth model, although a minority of firms were significantly more advanced. Organizational size was found to influence the degree of IS sophistication with larger firms manifesting a more highly developed information processing capacity. The influence of a number of factors on project success was investigated. Companies using their own formal methodologies for software development achieved higher than average rates of success. The degree of awareness of the strategic potential of IT was also positively correlated with success.
The Management of Partnering Development in I/S Outsourcing
Authors: Klepper Robert
Published: December 2018

The I/S literature reflects an increased interest in outsourcing and partnerships with vendor firms. This paper selects a model of partnership development from the management literature and applies it to I/S partnering. The emphasis is on the manageable aspects of partnership development and the actions that I/S managers can take to speed partnership development and deepen relationships with vendors. Two case studies of I/S partnership development are used to test and illustrate the concepts developed from the model of partnering behaviour.
Financial and Strategic Motivations behind is Outsourcing
Authors: Mclellan Kerry , Marcolin Barbara L. , Beamish Paul W.
Published: December 2018

Information Systems (IS) functions and whole IS departments are being outsourced in industries where the IS functions have been considered ‘core’ to the success of that business. Why and how senior management came to make these decisions is the focus of this article. It explains the motivations behind Information Technology (IT) outsourcing when popular alliance theories, such as transaction cost theories, game theory and joint-venture alliance theory suggested firms would not outsource an entity if core competency would be lost. Seven case studies were used to investigate the IT outsourcing phenomenon in the observed ‘alliance-like’ relationships emerging in the banking industry in the early 1990s. Inductive theory generating research was undertaken in this work following Yin's (1984, 1989) guidelines of multiple case replications to ensure rigorous and systematic data collection procedures. Before the case studies were conducted, 40 preliminary interviews were undertaken with managers of companies that were and were not involved in IT outsourcing contracts to explore the theorized factors of interest drawn from the literature, to develop the propositions, and to refine a structured interview guide. These preparatory steps led into the initial case study, and the literal replications of the proposed factors to confirm the patterns found. A theoretical replication based on conflict resolution was then undertaken to expose greater variation in conflict with the outsourcing relationships to contrast the initial patterns found. The results suggest that financial motivations underlie many IT outsourcing decisions, and unresponsive IS departments are accelerating the pace of the outsourcing process. Within this research, IT outsourcing was found to have profound effects on the expenses for the banks. However, contrary to conventional wisdom, IT outsourcing is taking place within firms and industries which utilize IS activities that are considered core competencies. Several strategic motivations were presented that may explain this management decision. Firms were undertaking IT outsourcing to change the organizational boundaries, to restructure, to mitigate technological risk and uncertainty, to access emerging technology, to manage the IS department better, and to link business and IT strategy.
Organizational Requirements and the Introduction of Information Technology in Courtrooms: A Case Study
Authors: Poulson David , Waddell Neil
Published: December 2018

Traditional methods of systems design have tended to concentrate on capturing functional requirements and from them develop a system that will provide users with a technical solution to a problem they may have. However, there is a growing understanding, with historical origins in sociotechnical systems theory, that technical solutions alone, regardless of how well designed, may not succeed fully unless there is a concomitant understanding of the organization into which the technical solution is to be introduced. Organizational requirements, therefore, should become considerations of equal importance to systems designers. The ESPRIT Project ORDIT (organizational requirements definition for information technology) has developed a methodology which identifies and operationalizes organizational requirements for IT systems. This paper presents a case study in which the ORDIT concepts are applied to the process of introducing an IT system into a courtroom.
Smart Cards: A Design for the Future
Authors: Davis Robert H. , Mitchell Hamish
Published: December 2018

A new smart card system, Vitesse, is outlined in design detail to meet many needs stemming from the current ability to manipulate information over the network medium. A new smart card operating system, object oriented in nature, is described in terms of a client/server architecture where clients (desktop computers) run front end applications and interact with information servers running in the background. Vitesse servers, designed to be portable – ranging in size from a credit card to a small computer – perform dedicated information processing with typical applications such as telecommunications, stockbroking and interactive entertainment. A design simulator is used to model the abstract design of Vitesse, allowing for prototyping of ideas and demonstration of design models.
Diversity in the Emergence of Electronic Commerce
Authors: Graham Ian , Spinardi Graham , Williams Robin
Published: December 2018

This paper reviews the diverse forms taken by electronic commerce and the varied perspectives taken by observers to analyse it. Nine case studies are used to develop a taxonomy of electronic commerce implementations. Three trends in the emergence of electronic commerce are identified: a change in emphasis from competitive advantage towards the gaining of sector-wide improvements in efficiency and effectiveness, the formation of electronic markets, and a process of incremental rather than radical development within communities.
Group Problem Solving and Decision Making: An Investigation of the Process and the Supporting Technology
Authors: Finnegan Pat , O'Mahony Lynda
Published: December 2018

A major problem facing the development of technological support for groups is that many studies investigate group technology in isolation from an analysis of group activity, or focus only on discrete aspects of the process. This paper presents the findings of a study that investigated the nature and extent of group decision making and the use of group supporting technology in Irish organizations. The paper presents a model of group decision making and examines group processes and activities as well as the use of technology at each stage. The findings indicate that group decision making is a widespread phenomenon, which was found to be far more complicated than individual decision making. However, groups were found to need a great deal of control and coordination to enable members to collaborate effectively. Nevertheless, group decision making was found to receive little technological support. The available technology provided only low level support which mainly focused on supporting the asynchronous work of groups.
A Critical Perspective on Action Research as a Method for Information Systems Research
Authors: Baskerville Richard L. , Wood-Harper A. Trevor
Published: December 2018

This paper reviews the origins, techniques and roles associated with action research into information systems (IS). Many consider the approach to be the paragon of post-positivist research methods, yet it has a cloudy history among the social sciences. The paper summarizes the rigorous approach to action research and suggests certain domains of ideal use (such as systems development methodology). For those faced with conducting, reviewing or examining action research, the paper discusses various problems, opportunities and strategies.