79 research outputs found
Use of software development techniques: experiences of Brunei Darussalam
No full textEven though a wide range of techniques are presently
available to aid software development process, the actual
adoption of these techniques in the industry has not been
investigated widely. Existing information systems
literature cites a few studies - all of which however report
the experiences of US organisations. As such, little is
known about how these techniques are actually being
used in other parts of the world. Moreover, existing
studies did not address the impact of organisational
parameters on the adoption of techniques. Against this
backdrop, a study was undertaken in Brunei Darussalam
in 1996 to analyse the perceptions of senior Information
Systems (IS) personnel regarding the use of popularly
cited software development techniques within their
organisations. Overall, the results indicate a low use of
techniques among the Bruneian organisations. The study
further confirmed the impact of size and Information
Technology (IT) experience of organisations on the use of
techniques, while type of organisation appeared to have
no influence. The implications of these findings are
discussed
Factors affecting the e-business systems adoption process in Saudi small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
No full textElectronic business (e-business) systems are important for SMEs operating in Saudi Arabia. Despite its importance, little is known about how SMEs operating in Saudi Arabia (which has some unique SME characteristics) approach e-business systems adoption process. Much of the current e-business literature focuses on the adoption decision of e-business systems. As e-business systems are complex and inter-organisational in nature, an improved understanding can be developed when adoption process of these systems is considered as a temporal process involving multiple stages. Relatively limited empirical research is however reported that focuses on the multiple stages of the e-business systems adoption process. This is particularly true for Saudi Arabia in which SMEs are expressing an interest in e-business systems adoption. Motivated by these concerns, this study examines the e-business adoption process among Saudi SMEs by developing a three-stage e-business adoption model which is rooted in the ideas borrowed from the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) literature. The model incorporates a total of 19 ‘stage specific’ factors and 10 ‘common’ factors identified from various streams of literature. The model was then evaluated using an online experts panel and a case study in which 20 SMEs from Saudi Arabia participated. The case study findings indicate that a total of 14 ‘stage specific’ factors (i.e. compatibility, complexity, trialability, observability, perceived e-business attributes, availability of technical expertise, knowledgeable employee attitude toward technology, communication, customer readiness, security concerns, high competence in IS, perceived e-business value, owner attitude toward technology, and training) are important for Saudi SMEs to adopt e-business systems. In addition, eight ‘common’ factors (i.e. cost, relative advantage, management support, external pressure, owner-manager characteristic, organisational readiness and awareness, trading partners’ readiness, and organisational culture) are important for Saudi SMEs to adopt e-business systems. Interestingly, some differences are noted in the influence of these factors among SMEs across the manufacturing and service sectors. The research model and the case study findings are useful. The model assists researchers in understanding the e-business systems adoption process in SMEs based on the notion of a ‘stage model’ approach. Knowledge of the factors supported through the case study provides useful guidelines for those SMEs which are contemplating the introduction of e-business systems for the first time. These guidelines identify those specific factors which SME management should care for during each of the three stages of the e-business systems adoption initiatives in their companies. This will in turn facilitate eventual implementation success of e-business systems for the SME context. E-business researchers are encouraged to replicate this study to other countries particularly for those in the Arabian Gulf region
Understanding Adoption and Impact of B2E E-Business Systems: Lessons Learned from the Experience of an Australian University
No full textBusiness-to-employee (B2E) systems are e-business applications that use an intrabusiness network allowing organisations to provide products/services to their employees. These systems have an impact on employee satisfaction and organisational performance. Business literature highlights the benefits that organisations receive from embracing B2E systems. Academic literature has however paid scant attention to the understanding of impact of these systems. Hence, it is not known how and what factors affect the attainment of benefits from B2E systems. This paper analyses the experience of an Australian university in introducing an ESS portal and highlights some lessons. The implications of the findings are discussed. Keywords: E-business, B2E systems, B2E benefits, ESS, case study, Australia 1
UNDERSTANDING E-PROCUREMENT SYSTEM BENEFITS USING ORGANISATIONAL ADOPTION MOTIVATION LENS: A CASE STUDY
No full textIdentifying Barriers to using Business-to-Employee (B2E) Portals: Some Lessons Learned from an Australian University
No full textFactors Affecting Adoption of B2E E-Business Systems: A Case of the Australian Higher Education Industry
No full textIn recent years, there has been a surge in the number of organizations wanting to embrace IT systems that support the notion of business-to-employee (B2E) e-business. Trade magazines are now filled with many short essays and case reports highlighting the benefits of B2E ebusiness systems. However, little is reported in the scholarly academic literature about the adoption of B2E e-business systems. Thus, it is not clearly known what factors facilitate the decision of large organizations to adopt these systems. Given the fact that higher educational institutions maintain a large workforce, it is important to determine the conditions that affect their decisions to adopt B2E systems. This study reports on the employee portal adoption experience of two large Australian universities and identifies the key factors that influenced their decisions to adopt these systems. The implications of the findings are also discussed
Introducing Control and Structure in Software Prototyping
No full textSoftware prototyping is emerging as an attractive software
development paradigm in which a series of executable prototypes
are constructed and users are encouraged to exercise with such
prototypes in a live environment in order to solicit their
overall requirements. In spite of these benefits, prototyping
is not free from pitfalls. A major problem of software
prototyping is the lack of explicit guidelines to control
prototype iterations which tend to continue infinitely in a
volatile environment. The problem is further aggravated by the
unavailability of a suitable framework, within which to develop
prototype systems in a manageable and flexible manner.
Therefore, current practice of prototyping lacks in discipline.
This study is directed to address these critical issues of
prototyping. The primary goal is to develop a strategy to
control and to suggest a framework to manage software
prototyping. A scheme called 'User satisfaction Method' which
relates the degree of user satisfaction with the prototype's
capability in clarifying user requirements is developed that
provides rationale guidelines in deciding when to cease
prototype iterations. To complement this scheme, a framework
for structured prototyping, which is called 'State-Structured
Transition' model is also developed. The framework considers
each prototype 'version' as a 'state' and suggests that the
transitions from one state to another need to be performed
using structured principles.
In order to verify the applicability of such a framework
and scheme, a case study has been undertaken. The results
obtained confirm that 'User Satisfaction Scheme' can be
adopted as a surrogate to control prototyping process. The
research findings further establish that the framework of
structured prototyping ensures smooth transition from one
prototype version to another. Therefore, the 'User
Satisfaction Scheme' should be adopted in conjunction with the
framework of 'Structured Prototyping' in order to successfully
control and manage software prototyping
The use of social media in public e-procurement: Some possibilities and challenges
No full textSocial Media (SM), in recent years, is emerging as a common platform for low cost information exchange, and has attracted a critical mass of users both at corporate and retail levels. Theoretically, SM can thus be used as a tool to strengthen e-procurement in the public sector. Towards this end, we have prepared a conceptual model drawing on literature reviews and some examples while identifying a set of expected benefits and challenges within four stages of e-procurement. Using the framework, a case study has been conducted involving Australian public procurement initiatives and 15 federal government senior officials engaged in e-procurement. They have been interviewed to shed light on the possibilities and challenges of using SM in the public e-procurement context. The findings of the study suggest a limited scope for SM usage in the Australian public sector eprocurement process. The implications of the findings are discussed and some recommendations offered
An empirical assessment of customer satisfaction with Internet Banking applications: An Australian experience
No full textMEDIA CHARACTERISTICS, NATIONAL CULTURE, AND E-GOVERNMENT SERVICES USAGE: DEVELOPING A MODEL AND SURVEY INSTRUMENT
No full textWith the increased use of the Internet across the world, government organisations are investing considerable efforts for introducing various types of online services to individuals. However, despite such efforts, many individuals may still prefer to access those services using the traditional channels (e.g. phone, office visits). To find out why this happens, in this research-in-progress paper, we explore the role of media characteristics in determining individuals’ intention to use e-government initiatives for three different services: information access, transaction completions, and participation in policy formulations. In particular, we propose a model that integrates constructs from TAM, media richness and national cultural theory. We further report the development of a survey instrument based on the model. The model has implications for both theory and practice
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