bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Critical success factors from IT outsourcing theories: an empirical study
Authors: Gottschalk Petter , Solli‐Sæther Hans 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThis research paper aims to identify and rank critical issues in IT outsourcing relationships.Design/methodology/approachA total of 11 management theories were applied in this research: theory of core competencies, resource‐based theory, neo‐classical economic theory, transaction cost theory, contractual theory, agency theory, partnership and alliance theory, relational exchange theory, stakeholder theory, social exchange theory and theory of firm boundaries. The main method used is case studies and survey. Case studies were conducted in three IT outsourcing relationships: ABB‐IBM, SAS‐CSC, and RR‐EDS.FindingsCore competence management and stakeholder management were found to be the most critical success factors. Future research should focus on one or two theories, explicitly laying out expectations with respect to the theories, and organizing rich data to test expectations.Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates that a holistic approach to IT outsourcing is needed that recognizes and emphasizes the combination of several critical success factors. The theory‐based factors have both divergent and convergent implications for management.
Is revamping your web site worthwhile?
Authors: Huang Eugenia Y. 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study how web site quality affects traffic performance.Design/methodology/approachAn experimental design is employed to study how web quality affects traffic performance. A revamping of the experimental web site was used as the treatment, targeting visitors' perceived quality of the web site. Four traffic performance measures, page: views, visitor count, daily registrations, and average duration are tracked, and t‐tests are performed on pre‐treatment and post‐treatment data.FindingsThe analysis shows very positive responses among members; visitor count, page views and average duration increased for opt‐in and opt‐out members. For visitor count, even non‐members showed increases. However, daily registration, which measures how many non‐members become members each day, did not change. Non‐members visited more, but neither viewed more pages, nor stayed longer. Average duration is identified as the key factor for discerning visitor groups.Research limitations/implicationsThe experimental web site belongs to one web site category. The generalization is subject to reasoning by practitioners.Practical implicationsIt was found that: to increase membership, alternative schemes must be employed, perhaps along the lines of a non‐technical approach; to acquire more members, do not focus on converting known non‐members. Those with the same demographic profile as existing members should be targeted; and the question must be asked whether the fact that opt‐in members are stickier than opt‐out members is a trait or a consequence of opt‐in members receiving e‐mails periodically, while opt‐out members chose not to receive e‐mails.Originality/valueWith few existing traffic experiments in the literature, this study is unique, as are its implications.
Incorporating voice of the consumer: does it really work?
Authors: Hsieh Lung‐Far , Chen Shaw K. 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThis study attempts to address the question of whether and how new product development (NPD) performance can be enhanced by interacting with users at specific stages in the process and whether performance can be affected by user knowledge management.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, data were collected from firms in the software industry in Taiwan and a model of knowledge management capabilities was adopted to analyze the effectiveness of a firm's user knowledge.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that user interaction during NPD stages significantly promotes new product performance in the early stages and that user knowledge management competence has a positive effect on NPD performance – especially through the process capability dimension.Originality/valueDrawing from the findings of this paper, further research directions and theoretical and managerial implications are projected.
Towards a usability framework for memory institutions
Authors: Glosiene Audrone , Manzhukh Zinaida 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to define the main directions and emerging challenges in adoption of general usability principles by the memory institutions.Design/methodology/approachTheoretical analysis of usability concepts, usability management processes, methods and evaluation criteria found in the Human‐Computer Interaction professional literature and ISO standards is performed.FindingsUsability should become a part of quality management activities in memory institutions and will change and expand traditional practices in this sphere. ISO standards and theoretical models may be applied to create a framework for usability management in memory institutions both on strategic and operational levels. However, further research in the scope of joint cultural heritage services, audiences, contexts of use and applied technology in the sector of memory institutions should be performed. The main challenges on the way towards the usability framework are cultivation of partnership culture and multidisciplinary teamwork in development and provision of ICT‐based services and application of complex and overlapping recommendations provided by volumnious ISO standards.Originality/valueThe main value of the paper is the comprehensive analysis of state‐of‐the‐art in usability and provision of the main directions and challenges of usability adoption in memory institutions. This analysis maps the future research and practical activities necessary for successful adoption of usability management in libraries, museums and archives.
Testing the barriers to digital libraries
Authors: George Carole A. 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThe aim was to explore the issues related to acquiring copyright permission with the goal of determining effectiveness and efficiency using the least complex process.Design/methodology/approachA random sample of books was chosen, relevant information was recorded, request letters were sent and tracked, and results (permission received or denied) were analyzed with respect to publisher, publication data, time required, and issues related to the process.FindingsAbout 52 percent responded with a yes or no with 24 percent yes responses. Nearly 25 percent never responded, addresses were not found for about 16 percent, approximately 7 percent were too complicated to pursue and response time averaged about three months.Research limitations/implicationsResults were affected by the limited staff time available to work on the project, the many changes in staff, and the sometimes lengthy time between follow‐ups.Practical implicationsThe low rate of positive responses indicates the need to focus on publications and publishers most likely to provide permission: older and out‐of‐print materials, non‐commercial publishers, special collections, while using designated staff and personal contact to improve effectiveness.Originality/valueFew previous studies exist in this area. This study might benefit other libraries with respect to planning, defining procedures, and improving results.
The present and future of China's National Science and Technology Library
Authors: Meng Liansheng , Quan Liu Yan 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this case study is to explore the construction pattern and issues involved with the development of the National Science and Technology Library (NSTL) in China.Design/methodology/approachThis study was conducted through an analytical evaluation of the historical development of scientific and technological information sharing among libraries and information centers and issues around construction of the NSTL.FindingsSince the establishment of its network service system at the end of 2000, the NSTL has made rapid progress in constructing a sci‐tech information resource sharing system and offering web‐based information services to the patrons of scientific and technical communities all over China.Originality/valueThis paper is the first exploration that brings to the forefront the foundational background of the NSTL, the characteristics of its organizational structure, the functions of its service, and the tentative plan to increase its accessibility and usability. Symptomatic of the function of the NSTL constructing pattern will hopefully shed light not only to the reformation of the Chinese sci‐tech information management system, but also to the development of scientific digital libraries in the world.
Comparing polarized perspectives: librarians' professional skills and development
Authors: Gosine‐Boodoo Meerabai , McNish Mark 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThe main aim of the research conducted was to identify whether the particular country environment of today's professional librarian impacts upon his/her skills capabilities as well as upon his/her access to opportunities for continued development.Design/methodology/approachData was sourced by means of a survey administered to professional librarians mainly from the developing Caribbean Region and the developed North American countries. Firstly, the satisfaction level of librarians with regard to six recommended skills and characteristics was measured. These areas are detailed as follows: communication; training; information technology (IT); managerial; commitment and subject knowledge/profiling. Secondly, professional development opportunities were measured via skills, services and attitudes, key areas also recommended for staff development and training.FindingsFindings demonstrated that librarians' perceptions showed noteworthy similarities and fewer differences than expected between the respective country categories. Both perspectives reflected similar zones of “skills insecurity”.Research limitations/implicationsThe greatest challenge faced by the researchers was to source a sample size that could yield meaningful results in relation to the hypotheses.Originality/valueA comparison of librarians from a geo‐economic position (i.e. in relation to geographic location and world economic order) appears to have been largely unexplored. The study is intended as well to encourage key players from both country contexts to unite for the enhancement of librarians' professional development.
Serving the “Boomer” generation and beyond
Authors: Long Sarah Ann 
Published: July 2005

PurposeTo focus on the importance of providing appropriate and specialized services for the senior population.Design/methodology/approachBody of knowledge compiled by author from current news, professional sources and personal topical files.FindingsLibraries in the US have a wide variety of creative programs and services for senior‐aged patrons, as well as handicapped users.Originality/valueThe column stresses the importance of libraries to study and plan for the challenges of serving a rapidly growing senior population.
The role of information technology in supply‐chain relationships: does partner criticality matter?
Authors: Kim Daekwan , Tamer Cavusgil S. 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThere have been contradictory findings in the literature regarding the impact of information technology (IT) on firm productivity. While the debate known as the “IT paradox” still endures, there has been little empirical research to clarify why or when IT offers benefits to the owning firms. This study attempts to fill this gap in the literature by investigating when IT contributes to firm performance.Design/methodology/approachUsing survey data, this study explores how IT adoption by a firm, in the context of supply chain communication systems, influences its market performance. Of special interest are improvements in both the firm's own and its partner's coordination activities. Criticality of a firm's channel partner is used as a moderating variable.FindingsResults suggest that a firm's own coordination mediates the influence of IT adoption on market performance only when the partner being coordinated is critical to its success. If the partner is not critical to the success of the firm, the benefits of IT adoption can be materialized only through enhancements in the coordination activities of the partner.Originality/valueThe study results clarify why the assumed benefits of IT have been inconsistent in the context of supply chain relationships.
Critical factors affecting intermediary web site adoption: understanding how to extend e‐participation
Authors: Harrison Tina , Waite Kathryn 
Published: July 2005

PurposeTo provide an investigation of e‐commerce development via an examination of the forces shaping web site development among intermediaries in an extended supply chain.Design/methodology/approachA two‐stage research design combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Unstructured interviews conducted in the spirit of phenomenology elicited a range of critical incidents of web site development which were further examined via a quantitative survey of intermediaries to test for relationships between critical incidents and web site adoption.FindingsAdopter groups were identified which showed statistically significant differences in terms of the critical incidents driving web site development as well as differences in terms of key company characteristics. The timing of web site adoption was also found to affect the subsequent use of the technology, with early adopters making more advanced use.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations associated with the use of retrospective data and respondents’ abilities to recall events, although attempts were made to minimise these through external validation.Practical implicationsProvides useful insights for providers of financial services in understanding how to progress the adoption of web site technology by intermediaries, suggesting the development of networks of relationships involving IT suppliers rather than simply focusing on relationships with preferred intermediaries.Originality/valueAddresses a research gap in terms of business‐to‐business e‐commerce and offers practical guidance on how to widen participation in the financial services supply chain.
Inter‐organisational collaboration for the digital economy
Authors: Houldsworth Elizabeth , Alexander Gillian 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThis paper was intended to explore the concept of learning in networks using recent literature from this emerging field. In order to do so, it takes as a case study a pan‐European e‐learning project, which required collaborative working and learning within a distributed team.Design/methodology/approachThe approach has been qualitative and exploratory. Data have been collected via interviews with project partners and participant observation of the steering group meetings. Analysis has similarly been qualitative in nature.FindingsAnalysis suggests that there are links with earlier literature on inter‐organisational learning networks, particularly around culture, management style and leadership in virtual collaboration. Interestingly, even supposed “experts” in the field of e‐learning technologies showed a preference to work face‐to‐face.Research limitations/implicationsThe research to date has been exploratory and small‐scale. More work is required to test the findings in a wider context.Practical implicationsThe findings are believed to have considerable practical value, both for the European Union, as the funding body, but also for one's own practice, and that of others as they attempt to facilitate learning and collaborating in networks.Originality/valueThe paper adds value as it is one of only a small number to approach networked learning from a non‐experimental standpoint. It is also original in its application of the frameworks around network learning and learning in networks, as advanced by Knight in 2002 and Knight and Pye in 2002.
An empirical framework developed for selecting B2B e‐business models: the case of Australian agribusiness firms
Authors: Ng Eric 
Published: July 2005

PurposeTo develop a preliminary framework for Australian agribusiness organisations seeking to select business‐to‐business (B2B) e‐business models.Design/methodology/approachA literature review was conducted on topics related to strategic decision making and B2B e‐business models. Particularly, factors influencing the strategic decision on the choice of e‐business models to be selected were examined. The review aims to provide an initial framework for the research study to be conducted. The research was conducted in two stages: depth interviews (stage one) and case studies (stage two).FindingsProvides information on factors (both internal and external) influencing the choice of e‐business models and also insight into the current practices of Australian agribusiness in relation to the selection process of B2B e‐business models. A framework was developed to assist agribusiness organisations to make decisions on the selection of the most appropriate e‐business models.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is exploratory in nature and thus the findings cannot be generalised to the population at large. Further conclusive explanatory research is required for generalisation and the guidelines developed in this study could be replicated and tested in other agribusiness sectors or in other industries.Practical implicationsManagers are able to consider and examine the relevance of the guidelines and criteria developed, and determine the essential factors that require consideration during their selection process. The guidelines can also assist managers to determine the level of resources, technological infrastructure and knowledge and understanding of e‐business models required.Originality/valueThis paper brings together two disciplines – strategic decision making and development of e‐business models – that have not been combined prior to this study. The research findings have contributed to the development of existing theory in these two areas. The research also offers insights into the selection of e‐business models within the agribusiness industry that traditionally lagged behind in e‐business. The development of the framework and guidelines has assisted managers in their selection of e‐business models and given them an appreciation of what others in the industry are doing.
A decision‐support system for business‐to‐business marketing
Authors: Noori Behrooz , Hossein Salimi Mohammad 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to review the related literature and propose a new decision‐support‐system (DSS) framework for marketing in the business‐to‐business (B2B) arena based on customer‐relationship management (CRM) and knowledge‐driven marketing to help related‐field graduate students and marketing managers.Design/methodology/approachReviews a range of the most important works published between 1966 and 2004 in order to demonstrate both practical and theoretical aspects. The main method of this research is analytical and conceptual and the approach to this subject was to investigate the gap between marketing DSSs and analytical CRM.FindingsProvides information about a customized marketing DSS in a B2B context, indicates related literature and frameworks and, finally, tests the ideas with a case study.Practical implicationsOutcomes and applications are identified for developing new activities in improving marketing decision making and marketing planning based on customer orientation and customer satisfaction.Originality/valueDespite such interdependencies, the research in the fields of DSSs and CRM solutions has not adequately considered the integration of such systems. The novel contribution of this paper lies in integrating marketing DSSs and CRM with regard to knowledge‐driven marketing in B2B marketing, in both theoretical and practical aspects.
Why doesn't marketing use the corporate data warehouse? The role of trust and quality in adoption of data‐warehousing technology for CRM applications
Authors: Cobb Payton Fay , Zahay Debra 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate organizational factors to explain why a corporate data warehouse (CDW) was not used by marketing to the extent that it was expected to be used for CRM and other marketing purposes.Design/methodology/approachA case study of a single health‐care payor organization is used in this study.FindingsReveals the three primary implementation factors related to marketing's lack of trust in the data, low perceived data quality and perception of marketing needs not being met. Practically, the unique data needs of marketing should be considered in the implementation of a CDW and its interface.Originality/valueThis is the first study of its kind to take the needs of marketing users into consideration.
Unintended responses to a traditional purchasing performance metric
Authors: Emiliani M.L. , Stec D.J. , Grasso L.P. 
Published: July 2005

PurposeTo describe the tactics that buyers often use to avoid unfavorable purchase price variance (PPV) and identify alternate approaches that will improve purchasing performance and also help achieve company objectives.Design/methodology/approachDescriptive: presents for the first time 12 dysfunctional tactics used by buyers of industrial goods use to avoid unfavorable PPV.FindingsThe tactics are shown to increase costs rather than decrease costs and lead to organizational dysfunction. Findings are broadly applicable to large corporations that use legacy software systems or newer enterprise requirement planning (ERP) software systems to track purchasing costs and transactions, and also have a strong management focus on price‐based purchasing performance.Research limitations/implicationsFindings are limited to organizations that measure the success of purchasing and supply management activities using price‐based metrics.Practical implicationsShould propel managers to identify alternative metrics or processes for managing purchasing performance, reduce system‐wide costs, and improve day‐to‐day work in purchasing organizations.Originality/valueThis paper will be helpful to academics researching operational or behavioral aspects of purchasing, practitioners managing supply chains, auditors assessing the integrity of material cost reporting and management controls, and persons concerned about ethics in business.
Emerging internet‐enabled auction mechanisms in supply chain
Authors: Nair Anand 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the prevailing auction and bidding mechanisms in supply chain management. The paper aims to critically examine the implications of these auction mechanisms using the example of the transportation sector.Design/methodology/approachA framework is presented to highlight the role of internet and information systems in the transportation sector. The paper discusses the complexities associated with embracing these internet‐enabled auction mechanisms and presents some research propositions.FindingsIn its present state of affairs an electronic marketplace would become nothing but a virtual place where the competing firms would be indulged in price wars to maintain their presence. A prolonged spur of activities in this direction would lead to a stalemate where the winners are losers.Practical implicationsIn the long run it is important that the decisions associated with electronic auctions must be based on more than bargain‐basement price tags. The business intangibles focused on developing a strong buyer‐supplier relationship, will determine the quality of the purchase contract.Research implicationsThe propositions presented here could provide initial impetus for future empirical research that gleans insights regarding the link between the use of electronic auction mechanisms and the strength of buyer‐supplier relationships.Originality/valueProvides a comprehensive review and some potential research propositions that could enhance our understanding of supply chain management.