bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technology in Distance Education
Authors: Hunter M. Gordon , Carr Peter
Published: February 2011

Technology is providing a positive impact on delivery mechanisms employed in distance education at the university level. Some institutions are incorporating distance education as a way to extend the classroom. Other institutions are investigating new delivery mechanisms, which support a revised perspective on education. These latter institutions are revising their processes for interacting with students, and taking a more “learner centered” approach to the delivery of education. This article discusses the impact of technology on the delivery mechanisms employed in distance education. A framework is proposed here, which presents a description of alternative modes of generic delivery mechanisms. It is suggested that those institutions, which adopt a delivery mechanism employing an asynchronous mode, can gain the most benefit from technology. This approach seems to represent the only truly innovative use of technology in distance education. The approach creates a student-oriented environment while maintaining high levels of interaction, both of which are factors that contribute to student satisfaction with their overall educational experience.
Evolutionary Stages of e-Tailors and Retailers
Authors: Lee Jae K. , Kang Heegoo , Lee Hoe K. , Lee Han S.
Published: February 2011

We have studied the evolutionary stages of pure e-tailers, click & mortar (C&M) and brick & mortar (B&M) retailers for three points of time: June 1999, June 2000, and June 2001. To evaluate the dynamic stages of e-tailing business as an innovative venture, we propose four stages: exploration, breakeven, growth, and maturity. The stages are measured by the impact of revenue and income on the firm value, and a regression model is adopted to formulate the model. To empirically examine the stages of e-tailers and retailers, we have collected 14 e-tailers, 112 C&M, and 75 B&M from the U.S. stock markets. According to this study, the proposed stage model explains the evolution of pure e-tailers very meaningfully. E-tailers were in the late exploration stage in 1999, breakeven stage in 2000, and growth stage in 2001. Unlike our hypothetical expectation, the stage model could not adequately explain the effect of online business to C&M. In this regard, the impact of online channel to traditional retailers was not revolutionary. In 1999 and 2000, the primary contributing factor to firm value of C&M was income, but in 2001, it was revenue. According to this result, investors were very conservative to the risky investment on the click business of traditional retailers. However, it turned out that C&M has performed better than B&M in terms of revenue, income, income/revenue, stock price, and market capitalization. It is noteworthy that the revenue effect of C&M in 2001 was significantly higher than that of B&M.
A Comparative Analysis of Major ERP Life Cycle Implementation, Management and Support Issues in Queensland Government
Authors: Chang She-I , Gable Guy G.
Published: February 2011

This paper reports on a study of issues across the ERP life cycle from the perspectives of individuals with substantial and diverse involvement with SAP Financials in Queensland Government. A survey was conducted of 117 ERP system project participants in five closely related state government agencies. Through a modified Delphi technique, the study inventoried, synthesized, then weighted perceived major-issues in ongoing ERP life cycle implementation, management, and support. The five agencies each implemented SAP Financials simultaneously using a common implementation partner. The three Delphi survey rounds, together with a series of interviews and domain experts’ workshops, resulted in a set of 10 major-issue categories with 38 sub-issues. Sub-issue weights are compared between strategic and operational personnel within the agencies in order to understand where the organizations should focus their resources in order to avoid, minimise, or eliminate these issues. Study findings confirm the importance of this finer partitioning of the data, and distinctions identified reflect the unique circumstances across the stakeholder groups. The study findings should be of interest to stakeholders who seek to better understand the issues surrounding ERP systems and to better realize the benefits of ERP.
IS Management Issues in Kuwait
Authors: Alshawaf Abdulridha , DeLone William H.
Published: February 2011

Surveys of IS management issues play a valuable role in identifying important topics for IS research and in identifying important areas for IS management attention. However, researchers and practitioners should be careful how they report and interpret the results of IS issues surveys. Survey studies’ reporting the rankings of individual IS issues for specific geographical regions can be misleading. This study interviewed 62 IS managers from Kuwait regarding the relative importance of 25 IS management issues. Results confirm the presence of seven underlying IS management issue dimensions. The top two ranked factor dimensions are 1) the effective management of IS resources (e.g., data, networks and applications) and 2) managers’ knowledge of IS. This study’s issue factors differ from those found in earlier studies in the Gulf region and Taiwan. These results indicate that senior IS managers in different countries focus on different management areas based on local conditions and practices.
Information Technology and the Internationalization of the Firm
Authors: Mol Michael J. , Koppius Otto R.
Published: February 2011

A key concern for all multinationals is where to find a suitable location for their business activities, bearing in mind that they must find the right balance between global integration and local responsiveness. This article contributes to the internationalization debate by asking: in what sense will information technology enable globalization? We focus on the sourcing process, an area where globalization is often claimed to be the case. Re-examination of empirical evidence shows that global sourcing is not as generally predominant as is claimed. Consequently inhibitors to global integration exist and we classify these inhibitors into three categories: geographical, relational and environmental inhibitors. We then analyze the role information technology plays in reducing these inhibitors and formulate propositions that are then illustrated in two case studies. Information technology is proposed to reduce the geographical and relational inhibitors, but it will have no effect on environmental inhibitors. However, the latter category of inhibitors will become more prominent in the future. Information technology thus shifts the balance towards global integration, but simultaneously creates new problems in managing internationalization.
Straight through Processing Technology in Global Financial Market
Authors: Hee Jarrad , Chen Yining , Huang Wayne
Published: February 2011

With rising trading volumes in domestic and cross-border security transactions, risks faced by global financial firms and markets are increasing. To manage settlement risks and maintain competitiveness in global financial markets, the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) has decided to shorten the settlement cycle of security transactions from the current T+3 to T+1. As a result, key players in financial markets will need to develop capabilities to cope with challenges arising from this impending change. One initiative for addressing the issue is referred to in the securities industry as Straight Through Processing (STP). STP provides a nonstop flow of information from trade execution to settlement. It is to be used for cross-border trades to speed up settlement, reduce risk, and facilitate the move toward T+1. This paper presents a general model of security trading processes under the umbrella of STP, and proposes a framework of STP readiness assessment from a global perspective of electronic business, which can be used to guide the STP implementation in organizations.
Initial E-Commerce Efforts in Nine Least Developed Countries
Authors: Wresch William
Published: February 2011

While e-commerce would seem to be a unique opportunity for poor countries with limited local markets to sell goods to richer nations, limited research is available on the current status of e-commerce efforts in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). This study reviewed the efforts of the nine countries identified by the UNDP as having the least technological capacity. Statistics provided by the UNDP demonstrate serious national infrastructure problems in each of the countries. Yet a survey of business web sites finds that all but one (Sudan) has some minimal e-commerce efforts underway. A survey sent to companies in three of these countries showed that many companies were being creative in where they were hosting their web sites and were able to keep their web costs low. Yet the vast majority also reported slow sales and a variety of local barriers to success. A review of the products they are offering on their sites found that the product mix might be particularly problematic. The author hopes the results of this study will suggest improved strategies for companies in LDCs seeking to use e-commerce to expand their markets.
American and Taiwanese Perceptions Concerning Privacy, Trust, and Behavioral Intentions in Electronic Commerce
Authors: Liu Chang , Marchewka Jack T. , Ku Catherina
Published: February 2011

Although the World Wide Web has opened the door for businesses and consumers across the globe, many issues and challenges remain in order to take full advantage of this unprecedented opportunity. More specifically, businesses engaged in electronic commerce can take advantage of current technologies that allow them to collect vast amounts of information about their customers. Although many companies use this information to tailor products and services to improve their relationship with their customers, many people simply do not trust most organizations that require the exchange of personal information. Recent studies suggest that many people either decline to provide this information over the Internet or simply provide false information. As electronic commerce companies extend their reach globally, the issues concerning privacy and trust must be extended beyond a single national culture. This study proposes and tests a Privacy-Trust-Behavioral Intention Model from a global perspective. More specifically, this study compares American and Taiwanese perceptions concerning online privacy and how it relates to the level of trust with a company’s electronic commerce web site. In turn, the model suggests that trust is an important intermediary variable that influences behavioral intentions for online transactions.
An Exploratory Study of the Success Factors for Extranet Adoption in E-Supply Chain
Authors: Chow Wing S.
Published: February 2011

Extranet is an enabler/system that enriches the information service quality in e-supply chain. This paper uses factor analysis to determine four extranet success factors: system quality, information quality, service quality, and work performance quality. A critical analysis of areas that require improvement is also conducted.
The Relationship Between Information Technology Professionals' Skill Requirements and Career Stage in the E-Commerce Era
Authors: Koh Seokha , Lee Sooun , Yen David C. , Havelka Douglas
Published: February 2011

Building on prior research, a field study of IT professionals is performed to determine if and how IT professionals’ technical skills requirement change as they gain experience in the workplace. Based on the results of this study, it appears that IT professionals: (1) are required to have different technical skills as their careers progress, and (2) do possess different technical skills at different stages in their careers.
The Role of Power Distance and Explanation Facility in Online Bargaining Utilizing Software Agents
Authors: Lim John
Published: February 2011

Online transactions have become increasingly popular and deserve greater attention from a research perspective. Whereas there are various aspects of online transactions, this study specifically examined an online bargaining scenario utilizing software agents. User’s performance and attitudes were studied in a 2x2 factorial-design experiment. The independent variables were power distance (a dimension of culture)-for reasons associated with increasing and irresistible globalization, and explanation facility-for its conjecturable benefits in helping users to better understand and work with their software agents. Results showed these factors to have an interaction effect on task performance; as well, explanation facility exhibited main effects on trust and satisfaction. The findings have implications for system designers and builders; they also help managers in tailoring their expectations on what technology can deliver-under which conditions.
A Holistic Framework of E-Business Strategy
Authors: Li Peter Ping , Chang Steven Tung-lung
Published: February 2011

This paper proposes a conceptual framework of e-business strategy. It argues that such a framework must be holistic, dynamic and dialectical. This framework will assist both researchers and practitioners regarding the key issues of e-business strategy. Further, a case study of Haier from China reveals that all firms need to learn how to design effective e-business strategies, which should be built on a sound organizational form or business model. The case of Haier also suggests that the local firms from the developing countries need to be creative in formulating e-business strategies so as to operate effectively in the under-developed e-business environment. Strategic alliance is especially critical for the local firms with regard to their e-business success.
Evaluation of Information Infrastructures and Social Development Among the Visegrad-Four Countries of Central Europe
Authors: Pook László A. , Pence Norman E.
Published: February 2011

The paper examines the developmental status of four of the next candidate countries’ information infrastructures for accession into the European Union (EU). It develops significant relationships between nations’ levels of information infrastructure development and their economic and social developments, and applies these relationships to evaluate investment needs for a select group of accession countries called the Visegrad Four. Using cross-country analysis the candidate countries were compared to other countries and were classified into like groups using cluster analysis while their relative developments were evaluated using regression modeling. Developmental requirements and capital needs to promote growth in their information and communications industries were then identified. It is hoped that the paper will offer a comparative glimpse of the information and communications infrastructures of some Central and East European countries as compared to other nations.
Developing a Generic Framework for E-Government
Authors: Grant Gerald , Chau Derek
Published: February 2011

Electronic government (e-government) initiatives are pervasive and form a significant part of government investment portfolio in almost all countries around the world. However, understanding of what is meant by e-government is still nascent and becomes complicated because the construct means different things to different people. Consequently, the conceptualization and implementation of e-government programs are diverse and are often difficult to assess and compare across different contexts of application. This paper addresses the following key question: Given the wide variety of visions, strategic agendas, and contexts of application, how may we assess, categorize, classify, compare, and discuss the e-government efforts of various government administrations? In answering this question, we propose a generic e-government framework that will allow for the identification of e-government strategic agendas and key application initiatives that transcend country-specific requirements. In developing the framework, a number of requirements are first outlined. The framework is proposed and described; it is then illustrated using brief case studies from three countries. Finally, findings and limitations are discussed.
Information Systems Effectiveness in Small Businesses
Authors: Ortiz de Guinea Ana , Kelley Helen , Hunter M. Gordon
Published: February 2011

This study examines the applicability of the Thong, Yap, and Raman (1996) model of information systems (IS) effectiveness tested among Singaporean small businesses in a Canadian context. The model evaluates the importance of managerial support and external expertise (vendors and consultants) for IS effectiveness. This study extends the Thong et al. model by adding an intention of expansion construct. The sample included 105 small business users of IS in a small city in western Canada. The results show that both managerial and vendor support are essential for effective IS in Canadian small businesses, and supported part of the relations between IS effectiveness and intention of expansion. Overall, the results suggest that managers should engage quality vendors to obtain IS that contribute to the specific goals of the small business. The results of the Canadian study were, for the most part, similar to the results reported in the Singaporean study; however, a few notable differences appear to exist.
E-Government Strategies in Developed and Developing Countries
Authors: Chen Y. N. , Chen H. M. , Huang W. , Ching R. K.H.
Published: February 2011

Given the fact that more and more governments invest heavily in e-government design and implementation, e-government has become an evolving and important research area in the IS field. Most, if not all, currently published e-government strategies are based on successful experiences from developed countries, which may not be directly applicable to developing countries. Based on a literature review, this study summarizes differences between developed/developing countries. It identifies key factors for a successful e-government implementation and proposes an implementation framework. As a demonstration, we follow the guidance of the proposed framework in conducting a case study to analyze the implementation strategies of e-government in developed and developing countries.
Creating and Developing a Program of Global Research
Authors: Straub Detmar W. , Loch Karen D.
Published: February 2011

This is the first part of a two-part paper that describes and analyzes a program of research (PR) in international IT studies begun in the fall of 1992 and continuing through 2004. The paper presents the first two stages which span the years of 1992 through 2000, focusing on the creation and development process for a PR, examining the concept of a PR, the inception of our PR and its maturation both in terms of theory and methodology, research team dynamics, and program implementation. We offer guidelines for initiating and maintaining programs of research, highlighting the inevitable trade-offs that occur when high administrative work loads and intensive data gathering in the global setting, often involving long periods of time abroad, have to be balanced against the ability to carry out the research at all and the rarity of the data.
Global Programs of Research
Authors: Straub Detmar W. , Loch Karen D.
Published: February 2011

This is the second part of a two-part article that describes and analyzes a program of research (PR) in international IT studies that began in the fall of 1992. The first part spans the years 1992 through 2000 and discusses the concept of a PR, the inception of our PR, and its maturation in terms of theory and methodology, research team dynamics, and program implementation. Part II focuses on the time frame of 2000 to 2004. The work undertaken during this second period is distinctive in two areas: the examination in detail of the full range of all constructs in the final research model; and grantsmanship, which was essential to the life of the PR. Specifically, a multi-year NSF grant funded the core of in-depth work undertaken between 2000 and 2003. A second NSF grant permitted us to work with domain experts from around the world to push the stream of research forward. In Part II, we also offer a retrospective analysis, based on our experience, on the PR effort. Pros and cons are articulated and then extrapolated into practical lessons learned that will be useful to others in similar undertakings. We offer guidelines for initiating and maintaining programs of research, highlighting the inevitable trade-offs that occur when high administrative work loads and intensive data gathering in the global setting, often involving long periods of time abroad, have to be balanced with the ability to carry out the research at all and the rarity of the data. Finally, we look forward to what we term Stage 4 — the period of redirection — which is the bridge to the next program of research.
Experiences Conducting Cross-Cultural Research
Authors: Hunter M. Gordon
Published: February 2011

When conducting cross-cultural investigations, it is incumbent upon the information systems researcher to be prepared to reflect upon the differences between the frameworks of the researcher and the research participants. Three cross-cultural projects are discussed in this article. The first project, investigating systems analysts, employs the Repertory Grid from Personal Construct Theory (Kelly, 1955, 1963). The second and third projects both employ Narrative Inquiry (Bruner, 1990). The second project investigates the use of information systems by small business and relies upon multiple regional researchers. The third project, which is currently ongoing, investigates the emerging role of chief information officers and is a single researcher venture. These projects have contributed to the information systems field of study and are presented here to provide researchers with ideas for further qualitative cross-cultural investigations.
Managerial Strategies Used to Overcome Technological Hurdles
Authors: Wresch William , Fraser Simon
Published: February 2011

Studies summarized by the United Nations Commission on Trade and Development continue to show that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries face particular problems with managerial skills, connectivity, branding, logistics, security, and foreign competition. Yet the same studies note that barriers and e-commerce efforts vary considerably from one region of the world to another. To determine if these barriers are significant in the Caribbean region during July and August 2004, the principle investigators visited business executives in five Caribbean nations. Thirty-six businesses and government agencies were interviewed. General results showed significant e-commerce efforts underway in these countries with most enabling technologies and business systems in place. However, several major barriers were repeatedly encountered. Logistics challenges, including shipping and customs barriers, as well as recent import controls in the U.S. were frequently mentioned. Many also described a banking sector unwilling or unable to facilitate convenient electronic payment systems. Nevertheless, executives described a number of e-commerce strategies, which could be adopted by other SMEs that wish to increase their e-commerce income. The investigators present four managerial characteristics that were seen in the leading businesses. The authors hope the results of this study will suggest improved strategies for SMEs in developing countries seeking to use e-commerce to expand their markets.
Risks, Benefits, and Challenges in Global IT Outsourcing
Authors: Dhar Subhankar , Balakrishnan Bindu
Published: February 2011

In the last few years, Web-based surveys have received increased attention given their potential to cut the costs and time associated with paper-based surveys. In this exploratory study, we consider the feasibility of using the Web as a data collection medium in China, which has a current Internet population of 103 million. Following a review of the literature regarding the design, implementation, and application of Web surveys, and the current state of data collection in developing countries in general and China in particular, we describe how we developed a Web-based survey instrument focusing on the ethical values of IT professionals. We e-mailed 5,000 IT professionals in China, inviting them to participate in the survey. Thirty-seven percent of those contacted visited the Web site and 5.8% submitted the survey. The survey data, both qualitative and quantitative, is analysed and discussed with a view to drawing up instructive guidance for researchers interested to use the Web as a data collection tool in China, as well as developing countries more generally. The Web-based survey has great potential in these contexts, if sensitively designed and implemented. We consider the implications of this research and identify areas where future research is necessary.
Demand for Number Portability in the Korean Telecommunications Market
Authors: Park Myeong-Cheol , Kim Dan J. , Lee Sang-Woo
Published: February 2011

This study relies on a customer demand-based view to examine how mobile number portability affects competition in the Korean mobile telecommunications market. Using a contingent valuation method, we investigate 1,161 subscribers’ willingness to pay for mobile number portability. The findings show that there is a difference in demand for number portability among the subscribers to service providers. Unlike previous studies on number portability, the introduction of number portability to the market in which the brand effect of a dominant player exists would have an adverse effect on competition in the mobile telecommunications market. The study also shows that if the market structure is asymmetric with a strong, dominant player, some additional regulatory mechanisms are needed for the facilitation and the implementation of number portability in order to reduce the side effect of it. Implications and avenues for future research are discussed in the conclusion section of the article.
Outsourced IT Projects from the Vendor Perspective
Authors: Taylor Hazel
Published: February 2011

As outsourced and multinational IT projects become more common, managing risks for these projects is increasingly important. The research reported here examines key risks identified by Hong Kong vendor project managers working on both local and international package implementation projects. In addition to the typical risks that threaten project outcome success, respondents noted location-specific risks on their multinational projects. They also distinguished threats to the satisfactory process of the project, and threats to their own firms from competitors and from potential damage to their reputation arising from customer dissatisfaction with either the outcomes or the process of the project. Using an agency theory perspective, this broader focus is examined in the light of differing definitions of project success for clients and outsource providers.
Cultural Effects on Technology Performance and Utilization
Authors: Lippert Susan K. , Volkmar John A.
Published: February 2011

Research to date on information technology (IT) adoption has focused primarily on homogeneous single country samples. This study integrates the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with Hofstede’s (1980, 1983) Masculinity/Femininity (MAS-FEM) work value dimension to focus instead on post adoption attitudes and behaviors among a mixed gender sample of 366 United States and Canadian users of a specialized supply chain IT. We test 11 hypotheses about attitudes towards IT within and between subgroups of users classified by nationality and gender. Consistent with the national MAS-FEM scores and contrary to the conventional consideration of the U.S. and Canada as a unitary homogenous cultural unit, we found significant differences between U.S. men and women, but not between Canadian men and women. These results support the importance of the MAS-FEM dimension—independent of gender—on user attitudes and help to clarify the relationship between culture and gender effects. Implications for managers responsible for technology implementation and management are discussed and directions for future research are offered.
Organizational Characteristics, Modes of Internet Adoption and Their Impact
Authors: Teo Thompson S.H.
Published: February 2011

The Internet can be used for different purposes ranging from simple Internet presence to using it for business transformation. This study examines two modes of Internet adoption —basic and advanced. Questionnaires were sent to 566 firms in Singapore and 159 usable responses were received. Results suggested that firms operating in an advanced adoption mode invest more in Internet technology, had larger firm size, proactive business strategy and significantly greater perceived Internet contributions to competitive advantage than did those operating in a basic adoption mode. No significant differences were found between the two adoption modes in terms of industry sector and hierarchical level of respondents. The results provide some useful information on the relationships between adoption modes and organizational characteristics as well as the impact of adoption modes on the five dimensions of competitive advantage (namely, differentiation, cost, innovation, growth, and alliance). Implications of the results are discussed.
Balancing Local Knowledge Within Global Organisations Through Computer-Based Systems
Authors: Joshi Somya , Barrett Michael , Walsham Geoff , Cappleman Sam
Published: February 2011

This article investigates how, and with what success, global organisations design computer-based systems for knowledge sharing which aim to balance centralised and standardised approaches against more diverse local needs. The empirical basis for the article is provided by an analysis of two different global organisations, each with its own knowledge-sharing infrastructure in place. We use third-generation activity theory as the theoretical basis for our analysis. The contributions from this article are twofold. The first is our theoretical lens, where activity theory is applied to the domain of global information systems and their organisational context. This analysis provides a new approach in addressing both the mediation of and motivations behind knowledge-sharing activity. The second contribution concerns the theoretical and practical insights this gives on the problems and challenges of achieving a balance between global and local priorities within highly distributed work contexts, and the role of computer-based systems in this arena.
The Effect of Culture and Product Categories on the Level of Use of Buy-It-Now (BIN) Auctions by Sellers
Authors: Ho Kevin K.W. , Yoo Byungjoon , Yu Seunghee , Tam Kar Yan
Published: February 2011

While previous studies on buy-it-now (BIN) auctions focus on the impact of BIN format on economic performances, our study focuses on factors that affect the level of use of BIN auctions by sellers. We propose a conceptual model where culture and product categories are two important factors on the level of use of BIN auctions. Our empirical investigation shows that the level of use of BIN auctions can be explained by the Hofstede Cultural Dimensions. While power distance brings a positive impact, uncertainty avoidance and individualism bring negative impacts on the level of use of BIN auctions by sellers of different countries. Our result also shows that the level of use of BIN auctions by sellers increases with the ease of judging product quality. Our results provide valuable insights for marketplace operators to refine their business strategies and market mechanisms for expanding their businesses to overseas markets.
Exploring IT Adoption Process in Shanghai Firms
Authors: Cui Lili , Zhang Chen , Zhang Chenghong , Huang Lihua
Published: February 2011

The study develops an integrated model to examine factors, particularly government factors, which influence IT adoption in Chinese firms. By analyzing the survey data from 1540 firms across 14 industries and across various ownerships in Shanghai, the study contributes several insights into firms’ IT usage. First of all, this study sheds light on the IT adoption in Chinese firms and validates the general route from IT infrastructure construction to value realization. Second, the findings suggest that government actions influence firms’ IT infrastructure development and IT management decision. However, there is no evidence showing the government impact on firms’ IT usage. The study also provides valuable IT adoption implications to firms in China, particularly to those in the modern cities like Shanghai.
Mission-Critical Group Decision-Making
Authors: Shen Huizhang , Zhao Jidi , Huang Wayne W.
Published: February 2011

Review on group decision support systems (GDSS) indicates that traditional GDSS are not specifically designed to support mission-critical group decision-making tasks that require group decision-making to be made effectively within short time. In addition, prior studies in the research literature have not considered group decision preference adjustment as a continuous process and neglected its impact on group decision-making. In reality, group members may dynamically change their decision preferences during group decision-making process. This dynamic adjustment of decision preferences may continue until a group reaches consensus on final decision. This article intends to address this neglected group decisionmaking research issue in the literature by proposing a new approach based on the Markov chain model. Furthermore, a new group decision weight allocation approach is also suggested. A real case example of New Orleans Hurricane Katrina is used to illustrate the usefulness and effectiveness of the proposed approaches. Finally, the article concludes with the discussion on the proposed approaches and presents directions for future research.
An Empirical Study of Factors Affecting RFID's Adoption in Taiwan
Authors: Shih Dong-Her , Chiu Yuh-Wen , Chang She-I , Yen David C.
Published: February 2011

RFID technologies represent a common standard for data storage and retrieval that could improve collaboration and data sharing between non-competing organizations. With the advent of RFID (radio frequency identification), organizations have the opportunity to rethink how their organization will be. Unlike companies in the United States and Europe which are mandated by large retailers or government departments, most Taiwan companies are investing in RFID without pressure. The article explores the factor affecting radio frequency identification adoption applications in Taiwan. Its objective is to summarize the ways in which organizations are thinking about their possible uses in a wide variety of companies and industries. An empirical investigation (n=134) found seven factors affecting RFID adoption within Taiwan. They are operation efficiency, manufacturing efficiency and supply chain efficiency, organization context, investment cost, market environment, and technology characteristic. By providing insight into these important factors, this article can help further understanding of their role in the adoption and use of RFID. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.
A Cross-Cultural Comparison of U.S. and Chinese Computer Security Awareness
Authors: Schmidt Mark B. , Johnston Allen C. , Arnett Kirk P. , Chen Jim Q. , Li Suichen
Published: February 2011

Despite the recent increased attention afforded malware by the popular press, there appears to be a dearth in user awareness and understanding of certain aspects of the security paradigm. This article presents a comparison of user awareness levels of rootkits, spyware, and viruses between U.S. and Chinese users. The results of a survey of 210 U.S. respondents and 278 Chinese respondents indicate that respondents’ awareness and knowledge of rootkits is well below that of spyware and viruses. Data analysis further reveals that there are significant differences in Chinese and U.S. user perceptions with regard to spyware and computer viruses. However, there is no difference in cross-cultural awareness with regard to rootkits. Due to the ubiquitous nature of the Internet, rootkits and other malware do not yield at transnational borders. An important step to mitigate the threats posed by malware, such as rootkits, is to raise awareness levels of users worldwide.
Measuring Information Technology Capability of Export-Focused Small or Medium Sized Enterprises in China
Authors: Zhang Man , Sarker Suprateek , McCullough Jim
Published: February 2011

This article addresses the conceptual and measurement issues related to the study of information technology capability (ITC) in small to medium businesses that focus on exports. We review the concept of ITC and its components and report on the construction and psychometric assessment of a measure of ITC. We develop a multi-dimensional scale showing strong evidence of reliability and validity in samples from export- focused SMEs based in mainland China. Finally, we demonstrate nomological validity by examining the relationship between ITC and export-focused SMEs’ performance.
Culture and Consumer Trust in Online Businesses
Authors: Greenberg Robert , Wong-On-Wing Bernard , Lui Gladie
Published: February 2011

The importance of consumer trust to the success of online businesses is well documented in the literature. Given the global nature of online transactions, an important question is whether trust and trust formation differ across cultures. This study compared Hong Kong and U.S. consumer trust in online businesses. Specifically, the study examined security and privacy risks related to the purchase of products as well as services. The results show that significant differences exist between consumers from the two countries regarding the perceived level of online business risks and the formation of trust via the transference process. These findings reiterate and underscore the significance of including national culture in studies of trust in e-commerce. The results also have potential implications for online businesses as well as third party certification and assurance services.
Taking Information Systems Business Process Outsourcing Offshore
Authors: Beverakis Georgia , Dick Geoffrey N. , Cecez-Kecmanovic Dubravka
Published: February 2011

As Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) moves offshore and now includes Information Systems (IS) Processes, there is a need to consider a combination of the two. This article explores the factors that a multinational organisation considered when it “offshored” its IS business processes to lower-cost destinations. It focuses on determining the driving factors and challenges faced during the offshore sourcing project. A single, in-depth interpretive case study approach was used to explore this research topic. The results of this study show that the organisation under investigation was primarily driven to offshore its IS business processes in order to become more competitive in the marketplace. This was assisted by the organisation reducing its operational costs, and establishing a global presence in many lower-cost locations offshore. A model was developed, which illustrates the interrelationships that exist between these concepts.
Impact of Perceived Fit on E-Government User Evaluation
Authors: Nan Zhang Nan , Guo Xunhua , Chen Guoqing , Chau Patrick Y.K.
Published: February 2011

Based on information technology adoption theories and considering Chinese cultural characteristics, this article proposes a user centric IT/IS evaluation model composed of three determinants, namely perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived fit, for investigating the e-government systems application and management in China. By empirically validating the model with survey data, it is demonstrated that the perceived fit has significant impacts on the end users’ evaluation towards e-government systems, due to the special element of Hexie in the Chinese culture. The results also indicate that the reasons for failures in e-government systems application in China largely lie in the lack of fit, which may root in the long power distance characteristic of the Far Eastern culture. The findings will provide scholars and practitioners with better understanding of the user evaluation regarding e-government systems in a Chinese cultural context.
User Attitude Towards Mandatory Use of Information Systems
Authors: Guo Xunhua , Zhang Nan
Published: February 2011

Accumulated literature on technology adoption research has suggested that cultural factors have important impacts on the cognition and behavior of information systems users. In this paper, the authors argue that cultural factors should be treated as aggregate characteristics at the population level instead of personal attributes at the individual level. The authors also propose that theoretical models could be developed for specific cultural contexts when examining IT/IS user behavior. In this regard, a model for analyzing user attitude toward mandatory use of information systems is proposed. Drawing on generally recognized cultural characteristics of China, three factors are introduced as determinants of user attitude—leader support, technology experience, and perceived fit. An empirical study is conducted with regard to the acceptance of a mobile municipal administration system in Beijing, China, for validating the proposed model with survey data and analyzing the adoption mechanism of the target system. The moderating roles of gender, age, and education level on the model are explored by interaction effect analyses and the findings provide helpful insights for related studies in other cultural contexts.
Analyzing ICT and Development
Authors: Techatassanasoontorn Angsana A. , Huang Haiyan , Trauth Eileen M. , Juntiwasarakij Suwan
Published: February 2011

This study uses Trauth’s (2000) Influence-Impact Model as a sensitizing device to examine the influence of four key socio-cultural factors —policy, infrastructure, economy, and culture—on information economy development efforts in Thailand. Our assessment shows that progress has been made but gaps remain. Thailand’s infrastructure challenges include unequal development across regions, a small skilled workforce, and low R&D expenditures in the ICT sector. Future economic growth of Thailand will depend on an increase in investments and improvement in technology and innovation. The authors’ cultural analysis reinforces the need to develop a synergy between Thai cultural systems and development needs. To highlight strategies that Thailand might follow, the authors compare their findings to the lessons learned from the case of Ireland, India, and China. These include facilitating ICT sector work, ensuring a supply of qualified workers, exploiting the country’s distinctive capacities, and reconfiguring policy to adapt to changes in the global ICT market.
Evaluating Web Site Support Capabilities in Sell-Side B2B Transaction Processes
Authors: Hung Wei-Hsi J. , Tsai Chia-An , Hung Shin-Yuan , McQueen Robert , Jou Jau-Jeng
Published: February 2011

Business-to-business (B2B) transactions supported by the World Wide Web (Web) have become a major portion of e-commerce transactions. Despite growth, knowledge of the degree of Web site support capabilities in the B2B transaction process is limited. This paper longitudinally compares how Web sites supported the B2B transaction process in New Zealand and Taiwan between 2001 and 2007. The results indicate that, on average, New Zealand Web sites scored higher than those in Taiwan in both years. Yet, the rate of improvement of Taiwanese Web site scores is significant. Specifically, the support capability of several Web functions, including privacy, company information, financial information and product catalog has improved over the study period. The authors found that the sampled Web sites in New Zealand and Taiwan provide different support capabilities to the activities in the B2B transaction process. Taiwanese Web sites are more concerned with providing after-sale services via the Internet whereas New Zealand Web sites are more concerned with sharing information. These two countries’ Web sites share a similar focus on supporting B2B transactions, which provides strong support for users to conduct product promotion and information provision related activities over the Web. Based on these findings, this study suggests several implications for associated academics and practitioners.
Analogical Thinking Based Instruction Method in IT Professional Education
Authors: Matsuo Tokuro , Fujimoto Takayuki
Published: February 2011

In designing a new teaching system, a challenging issue is how the system intelligently supports learners. This paper describes a methodology and a system design on the intelligent instruction support for software engineering education. For information science courses at a university, software engineering subjects are usually compulsory and students study dominant conceptions of implementation like software architecture, and the methodology of software design in software engineering lectures. To enhance learners’ understanding, the authors design a novel instructional model based on the analogical thinking theory. The analogical thinking-based instruction consists of concrete teaching methods like analogy dropping method, self role-play method, and the anthropomorphic thinking method. Questionnaires for learners after the instructions give results of effective education in an actual trial. The contribution of this paper is to provide a new instruction theory, the way of educational practice method, and implementation of the system.
GOTOPS
Authors: Campos Helena , Amaral Luís
Published: February 2011

Information Systems Technology (IST) has an increasingly central role in today’s globalised information society. In this regard, it is imperative to recognise the impossibility of a technological life without ethics. As typical components for an ethics program, the authors use Codes of Ethics/Conduct/Practices (CE/CC/CP) as some professions (physicians, lawyers, etc.) have adopted them. The codes are instrumental in developing sound relations with various stakeholders to reduce the number of legal proceedings and contingencies, negotiate conflicts of interest, and ensure the fulfillment of the law. In view of this, the codes should be dynamic and not static documents, used for the advancement in easy reading, understanding, and structure. This will be instrumental for their followers to more easily consult and understand them, and find guidelines for their key ethical problems and concerns. This paper proposes the voluntary GOTOPS code of the techno ethics governance, that is, ethical problems raised by IST.
An eAgriculture-Based Decision Support Framework for Information Dissemination
Authors: Armstrong Leisa J. , Diepeveen Dean A. , Tantisantisom Khumphicha
Published: February 2011

The ability of farmers to acquire knowledge to make decisions is limited by the information quality and applicability. Inconsistencies in information delivery and standards for the integration of information also limit decision making processes. This research uses a similar approach to the Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD) methodology to develop an ICT based framework which can be used to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge for farmers’ decision making processes. This is one of the leading areas of research and development for information technology in an agricultural industry, which is yet to utilize such technologies fully. The Farmer Knowledge and Decision Support Framework (FKDSF) takes information provided to farmers and utilizes processes that deliver this critical information for knowledge acquisition. The framework comprises data capture, analysis, and data processing, which precede the delivery of the integrated information for the farmer. With information collected, captured, and validated from disparate sources, according to defined sets of rules, data mining tools are then used to process and integrate the data into a format that contributes to the knowledge base used by the farmer and the agricultural industry.