Copyright (c) 2009 Association for Information Systems All rights reserved. http://aisel.aisnet.org Recent documents in AIS Electronic Library (AISeL) en-us Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:33:10 PST 3600 http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/17 http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/17 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:07:50 PST MIS Quarterly http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/16 http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/16 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:07:49 PST MIS Quarterly http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/15 http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/15 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:07:48 PST MIS Quarterly http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/14 http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/14 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:07:47 PST MIS Quarterly http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/13 http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/13 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:07:46 PST Empirical results both from information technology acceptance research as well as from other fields suggest that attitude and subjective norms may have a nonlinear relationship. Based on the economic theory of complementarities, the present paper hypothesizes a substitution relationship or negative synergy between attitude and subjective norms in organizational IT use contexts. Employing two methods for modeling and measuring nonlinear effects of latent constructs, as well as two approaches for visualizing and interpreting interaction and quadratic terms, structural equation modeling analysis of data collected from 258 users of a variety of IT applications in 14 organizations provides support for the hypothesis that attitude and subjective norms were substitutes in predicting intention to use. Ryad Titah http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/12 http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/12 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:07:45 PST A number of models and theories in information systems research include concepts of a match between two variables or states. The development of measures for this concept can present problems, because decisions must be made about the nature of the comparison. Should indirect measures of the match be employed, then methodological issues arise about how to best handle the measure when testing the model. Difference scores are commonly used to measure a match between variables or states in IS research, but these have implicit assumptions about the theory and data characteristics that are often false. Not unexpectedly, false assumptions can lead to erroneous conclusions about the relationships among the variables that are used to determine a match in a research model. The implicit assumptions restrict the form of the relationships and limit the IS researcher's ability to understand the possible interplay among theoretical concepts. We suggest some guidelines for the formation and testing of models that measure the match. In addition, we recommend polynomial regression analysis as one means of analyzing the more complex relationships in IS studies. We then use an IS service quality example to illustrate the issues involved in the use of matching variables and make suggestions with regard to using or avoiding difference scores. Gary Klein http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/11 http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/11 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:07:43 PST This study investigates selective reporting behaviors that are pursued by project managers when communicating the status of their information system initiatives to their executives. To understand the types, motivations, impacts, and antecedents of such behaviors, a message-exchange perspective is adopted and the prior literature on IS project status reporting is reviewed. This study incorporates an empirical investigation that examined the influence of five dyadic factors on selective reporting using a survey of 561 project managers. The findings of the study reveal a positive effect of reporting quality on project performance and indicate that a specific type of selective reporting behavior (optimistic biasing) has a degrading effect on reporting quality. Moreover, the findings show that all five antecedents have a significant influence on the propensity of project managers to report selectively. Specifically, the project executive's power, the project manager's trust in the executive, and the executive's quality of communication impact selective reporting directly; the executive's familiarity with the IS development process and the executive's organizational affiliation vis-à-vis that of the project manager have an indirect influence (it is mediated through other factors). The effects of each of these factors on the two types of selective reporting (optimistic and pessimistic biasing) are examined, and the implications of these findings for both researchers and managers are discussed in this article. Charalambos L. Iacovou http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/10 http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/10 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:07:42 PST Online auctions enable market-level interactions or interdependency of outcomes, which were not observed in physical auctions. One such set of interactions takes place when multiple auctions are conducted to sell identical items by an identical seller in an overlapping manner. This research focuses on overlapping auctions, their interactions, and the related impact on bidder behavior. We introduce the notion of auction "overlap" and examine the impact of market-level factors such as the price information revealed from prior auctions, degree of overlap, the auction format, and the overall market supply on a given auction's price. Despite a competitive setting, we find that, ceteris paribus, English auctions, on average, extract roughly 8.6 percent more revenue per unit than multiunit uniform-price Dutch auctions. We discover that the overlapping auctions attract institutional bidders, who bid in a participatory manner across multiple auctions, and that such bidders exert a downward pressure on auction prices. We find that overlap of an auction with other competing auctions has a significant negative influence on prices, and information about following auctions has a stronger negative influence than information about prior closing auctions. By estimating the expected price difference, we provide practitioners, who have private knowledge of their internal holding costs, a benchmark that can be used in deciding between using overlapping single-unit English auctions and multiunit Dutch auctions. Ravi Bapna http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/9 http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/9 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:07:40 PST This paper focuses on strategic information flows between buyers and suppliers within logistics supply chain relationships and on subsequent relationship-specific performance outcomes. Our analysis of dyadic data collected from 91 buyer-supplier logistics relationships finds that buyer and supplier strategic information flows positively impact the relationship-specific performance of both sharing and receiving parties. Specifically, each party gains financially from improved management of assets, reduced costs of operations, and enhanced productivity. Moreover, each benefits operationally from improved planning, control, and flexibility of resources. Buyer dependence on the supplier increases buyer strategic information flows to the supplier. Additionally, buyer IT customization and both buyer and sup plier trusting beliefs in the receiving party positively impact strategic information sharing with partners. This study suggests that partnerships for supply chain services engage in cooperative initiatives to generate relational rents and are an alternative to conventional "arms length" transactional exchanges. These partnerships need to be motivated to go beyond the sharing of order-related information (which must occur in transactional exchanges) and to share strategic information (which has the potential for both additional rent generation and risks of misappropriation). Richard Klein http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/8 http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/8 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:07:38 PST In striving to learn about an information technology innovation, organizations draw on knowledge resources available in the community of diverse interests that convenes around that innovation. But even as such organizations learn about the innovation, so too does the larger community. Community learning takes place as its members reflect upon their learning and contribute their experiences, observations, and insights to the community's on-going discourse on the innovation. Community learning and organizational learning thus build upon one another in a reciprocal cycle over time, as the stock of interpretations, adoption rationales, implementation strategies, and utilization patterns is expanded and refined. We advance an overall model of this learning cycle, drawing on two community-level theories (management fashion and organizing vision), both of which complement the dominant emphases of the literature on IT innovation and learning. Relative to this cycle, we then empirically examine, in particular, the dependence of community learning on organizational learning. Sampling the public discourse on enterprise resource planning (ERP) over a 14-year period, we explore how different kinds of organizational actors can play different roles, at different times, in contributing different types of knowledge to an innovation's public discourse. The evidence suggests that research analysts and technology vendors took leadership early on in articulating the "know-what" (interpretation) and "know-why" (rationales) for ERP, while later on adopters came to dominate the discourse as its focus shifted to the "know-how" (strategies and capabilities). We conclude by identifying opportunities for further inquiry on and strategic management of community learning and its interactions with organizational learning. Ping Wang http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/7 http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/7 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:07:36 PST Within the Information Systems literature, there has been an emerging interest in the use of formative measurement in structural equation modeling (SEM). This interest is exemplified by descriptions of the nature of formative measurement (e.g., Chin 1998a), and more recently the proper specification of formatively measured constructs (Petter et al. 2007) as well as application of such constructs (e.g., Barki et al. 2007). Formative measurement is a useful alternative to reflective measurement. However, there has been little guidance on interpreting the results when formative measures are employed. Our goal is to provide guidance relevant to the interpretation of formative measurement results through the examination of the following six issues: multicollinearity; the number of indicators specified for a formatively measured construct; the possible co-occurrence of negative and positive indicator weights; the absolute versus relative contributions made by a formative indicator; nomological network effects; and the possible effects of using partial least squares (PLS) versus covariance-based SEM techniques. We provide prescriptions for researchers to consider when interpreting the results of formative measures as well as an example to illustrate these prescriptions. Ronald T. Cenfetelli http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/6 http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/6 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:07:34 PST Protecting the privacy of personal information continues to pose significant challenges for organizations. Because consumers are vulnerable in their dealings with businesses due to a lack of information about and an inability to control the subsequent use of their personal information, we argue that organizations have a moral responsibility to these individuals to avoid causing harm and to take reasonable precautions toward that end. We further argue that firms can enhance their privacy programs by moving beyond merely complying with laws and other regulations and creating a culture of integrity that combines a concern for the law with an emphasis on managerial responsibility for the firm's organizational privacy behaviors. We use two high-profile data breaches experienced by two U.S. companies, ChoicePoint and TJX, to illustrate our arguments for enhancing organizational level privacy programs based on ethical reasoning. In doing so, this paper contributes to the dearth of prior organizational-level privacy research, which has largely overlooked ethical issues or the personal harms often caused by privacy violations. We conclude with recommendations for ways organizations can improve their privacy programs by incorporating moral responsibility. Mary J. Culnan http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/5 http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/5 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:07:32 PST Grandon Gill http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/4 http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/4 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:07:31 PST Michael D. Myers http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/3 http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/3 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:07:29 PST Building on neo-institutional theory and theories of innovation and diffusion, recent work in the field of management has suggested that management research and practice is characterized by fashions. A management fashion is a relatively transitory belief that a certain management technique leads rational management progress. Using bibliographic research, we apply Abrahamson's management fashion theory to information systems research and practice. Our findings reveal that information systems research and practice, like management research and practice, is indeed characterized by fashions. These "IS fashion waves" are relatively transitory and represent a burst of interest in particular topics by IS researchers and practitioners. However, while our findings show that IS research closely parallels practice, we suggest that a more proactive engagement of IS academics is needed in the IS fashion-setting process. Richard L. Baskerville http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/2 http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/2 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:07:28 PST Detmar W. Straub http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/1 http://aisel.aisnet.org/misq/vol33/iss4/1 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:07:26 PST MIS Quarterly http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/111 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/111 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:36:56 PST Information Technology (IT) governance has emerged as a fundamental issue for organizations worldwide as organizations depend on IT. IT governance is an integral part of corporate practice; it consists of leadership and organizational structures, processes and communication systems. The underlying goals for implementing an IT governance framework are to maximize operational effectiveness of business processes; align IT strategies with business strategies and objectives; and conform to regulations. This paper presents a comprehensive and pragmatic model of IT Governance through an integrated framework of structures, processes and communications capabilities. This framework integrates the work of Van Grembergen, De Haes & Guldentops' (2004) IT governance framework with the principles of IT Governance proposed by Weill and Ross (2004). An amended IT Governance represents one of the major contributions of this paper. The case study presented in this paper investigates the IT governance practices and principles adopted in two Australian legal aid organizations. Deepti Heera http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/110 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/110 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:36:56 PST Current business process modelling tools support neither restricting names nor using ontologies to describe process artefacts. This lack results in creating non-consistent process models which are difficult to understand, compare, evaluate and re-use, etc. Within this article we argue that the Business Functions Ontology (BFO) developed within the SUPER project may be effectively used while modelling processes as a mean for annotating them and thus help to avoid some of the above mentioned problems. We show the BFO structure as well as an example of its practical application within a tool for business process development. Matthias Born http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/109 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/109 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:36:55 PST Research - not only in the discipline of Information Systems (IS) - must address the tasks faced by practitio-ners. The goal must always be to transform the ideas and findings into real-life business solutions. In IS re-search, this entitlement is particularly acknowledged by the design science research paradigm. Whereas the goal of behavioural science is truth, design science generally aims at developing an "IT artefact" highly use-ful for practitioners. Utility is commonly evaluated on the basis of case studies or simulations, for example. We argue that these evaluation methods must not necessarily be applied by the researchers themselves: Teaching cases represent a suitable alternative by also providing new potentials for refining the artefact. As an example of application, we refer to a newly emerging field in IS research, Enterprise Content Management (ECM). We present the results and experiences from two ECM project seminars that have been set up on the basis of work-shops and interviews with a large-scale international enterprise. The teaching cases are based on firsthand accounts from our research in the field of ECM - a framework for content analyses. Accordingly, both courses focussed on analysing the company's content situation. The company highly valued the results gained in the seminars and has since applied our framework within additional application areas. Jan vom Brocke http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/108 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/108 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:36:54 PST While business process models describe business operations in a procedural form, business rules are typically expressed in a declarative fashion. Previous studies have demonstrated that both approaches are complementary as they address distinct aspects of organizational practices. However, both approaches share areas of overlap that allow for the linkage of rule bases and process models. Current technology offerings allow for the pragmatic invocation of rule engines from business process management systems, but an integrated procedure model is lacking that guides modelers when to model organizational aspects as rules or processes and in which order to develop the separate artifacts. The research presented here aims to address this gap by presenting a decision framework for process and rule modeling, and an initial procedure model for integrated modeling with the two approaches. Michael zur Muehlen http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/107 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/107 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:36:54 PST The objective of this paper is to report on the definitions of the terms used and in use across different regions for identity crime, namely, identity fraud, identity theft, and identity deception. The purpose is to clarify the meaning of the terms used with a view to gaining a consensus amongst the various stakeholders. This consensus is essential to enable further research. Without consensus measurement and comparisons are meaningless. Our study of identity fraud has an industry-driven research agenda. A grounded theory research methodology is used when interviewing government agencies and private organisation participants. Interviews sought to better understand current information and communications technology (ICT) practitioners' security and privacy issues with respect to identity fraud perpetrator attacks. We found there to be consensus among stakeholders for the meaning of identity fraud and identity theft but less agreement for identity deception. Rodger Jamieson http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/106 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/106 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:36:53 PST This paper evolves around the challenge of ensuring sufficiently guided learning on one side and self-directed, learner-centred learning on the other side. An online course using collaborative case-based learning is taken as an example to discuss tradeoffs between designing collaborative processes upfront and the need to allow for emergent, unspecified forms of collaboration. To do so, collaborative learning is conceptualised as being influenced by three different kinds of logic: formal, informal and practical. Examples for scripted, polychronic and improvised interactions are to illustrate the interplay between the three kinds of logic. Christian Voigt http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/105 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/105 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:36:53 PST The fast growing deployment of mobile information technologies in the healthcare sector presents valuable opportunities to explore the impact of mobile technologies in this industry. As the demand on the health dollar increases, many healthcare providers throughout the world are starting to take advantage of mobile technologies as part of their key initiatives to provide better quality of service. The purpose of this study was to identify the critical factors that contribute to the success of the MARGE Wireless Bed Management System (WBMS) in a New Zealand hospital. The study found that factors, such as Hardware Selection, System Usability, Mobility, Integration, Information Quality, Efficiency, Improved Patient Care and Positive Organisational Image all contributed to the success of the MARGE WBMS. Eusebio Scornavacca http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/104 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/104 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:36:52 PST Considering the problems and limitations of SMEs in the adoption of IT-enabled innovations in general and enterprise system software solutions in particular, this paper analyses the challenges and opportunities a medium-sized enterprise face in their decision to adopt Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, using a case study approach. While push by the technology/software vendors, influence of supply chain partners and competition are the key external factors influencing the adoption decision, the need for efficient management of information and processes, visibility and control are the key internal drivers, the study noted. Importantly, limited financial resources and challenges of evaluation and selection of the suitable software, though identified in the literature, did not seem to have any influence in their decision to adopt. Implementation of enterprise system in this case study facilitated enhanced visibility and control of information, improved quality of information for decision making and process performance. Successful adoption and implementation in a Medium-sized enterprise context is dependent upon factors such as complexity of business operations, a suitable fit between the software solution and the unique processes of the enterprise and the compelling need for standardised and integrated information and processes. Ravi Seethamraju http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/103 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/103 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:36:51 PST End-user training (EUT) does not deliver the expected value to the organisations when end users do not transfer the skills learned to their workplace. Training effectiveness occurs when end users not only have the ability but are willing to transfer the skill learned to improve their job. This study proposes a model of EUT effectiveness which explicitly considers training effectiveness outcomes and incorporates attitude and motivation as two key antecedents. We propose a longitudinal field experiment to examine the influence of persuasive communication and goal-matching on EUT effectiveness. The proposed theoretical framework is based on a thorough review of literature from multiple disciplines such as Psychology, Education, Organisational Behaviour and Information Systems. Yupawadee Laoledchai http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/102 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/102 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:36:51 PST Successfully leveraging knowledge transfer in distributed e-learning requires effective combination of pedagogies, technologies, and efficient management of learning resources. As a result, identifying and evaluating the critical success factors within each of these facets is vital for the success of e-learning. This paper explores the critical success factors intertwined within the learning ecosystem namely pedagogy, technology and management of learning resources in a higher education e-learning environment. Adopting a hybrid approach consisting of a systematic literature review and interviews with experts in e-learning, this paper shows that there is a discrepancy between theory and practice in e-learning in regard to the application of pedagogies, use of technology, and management of reusable learning objects. This implies that there is a need for tackling various issues regarding the adoption of appropriate e-learning strategies, knowledge sharing, quality, granularity and reusability of learning object for sustainable e-learning. Bhavani Sridharan http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/101 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/101 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:36:51 PST The paper stresses the need to emphasize social relationships in system design especially in systems that cross enterprise boundaries in a changing environment. The paper describes these systems as a new class of systems - complex adaptive systems. It describes ways to model collaboration networks in such systems both as the drivers of change and as indicators of knowledge requirements. The paper defines a blueprint that for integrating business activities, network and knowledge into models that exhibit the characteristics of complex adaptive systems. It includes examples to illustrate the models. I. T. Hawryszkiewycz http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/100 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/100 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:36:50 PST The Web offers a powerful tool for knowledge-sharing among small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Such online initiatives have, however, frequently been unsuccessful. This paper examines factors motivating SMEs to share knowledge online. It reports data from a telephone survey of 192 SME members of two successful regional business networks comprising members from diverse industries. Although the majority of SMEs actively used the Web in their daily business operations and most were willing to share knowledge face-to-face, this did not translate into willingness to share online. The most significant factors affecting the willingness to share knowledge online were the how many of networks SMEs were involved in, the number of years an SME had been in business, the geographical scope of their operations, and intensity of their use of the web. These findings challenge the commonly-held view that SMEs will automatically share online if the infrastructure is provided. Cecily Mason http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/99 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/99 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:36:49 PST Government agencies are becoming increasingly dependent on e-mail systems as communication and information transfer tools. Many e-mail messages contain information vital to the business of government, and therefore organisations need to manage the messages in accordance with managerial, legal, and democratic requirements. On a daily basis, government employees send and receive numerous e-mails and, on behalf of their organisations, make decisions about how to manage them. Although the New Zealand Public Records Act (2005) provides guidelines for records management to New Zealand government agencies, the question is what methods and behaviours are individual employees using to manage business e-mails. So far, however, there is no empirical knowledge available on how individual employees in New Zealand central government agencies manage business e-mail messages. This paper presents the findings of a recently conducted online survey examining how individual employees of New Zealand central government departments identify and manage e-mails of significant value to the business of government. The results show that employees tend to recognise e-mail as a critical tool in the workplace; however, they also tend to make decisions on identifying and managing the messages on an individual basis, rather than in compliance with organisational requirements. Miriam Lips http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/98 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/98 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:36:49 PST Risks related to information communication and technologies (ICTs) still occur in organizations. In spite of development of ICT risk management methodologies that have been published in numerous frameworks and/or standards to help organizations deal with ICT risks, it has still been questioned about whether or not its methodology has manifested success. This research identifies the current profile of ICT risk management planning and investigates success in implementation in Thai organizations of both the Control Objectives for the Information and related Technology (COBIT) framework and the ISO/IEC 17799 standard for dealing with ICT risk management. The findings from three case studies indicate that successful ICT risk management planning focuses on the collaboration between the management level activities and the operational level activities in order to cope with ICT risks successfully. Siridech Kumsuprom http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/97 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/97 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:36:48 PST The move from doctor-centred healthcare to patient-centred healthcare has the potential to enable people to become more actively involved in the management of their health care, especially with chronic conditions. The increasing number of community based support groups devoted to health issues reflects this situation. With the advancement in information technology some of these community based support groups are increasingly using websites, bulletin boards, mailing lists, and other internet-based tools as a way to transfer knowledge between their members. A better understanding of the role of such information technology tools in supporting knowledge transfer in health-related community based support groups would enable better knowledge transfer outcomes. As a first step towards achieving such understanding, we conducted a study of the current usage of internet-based tools by community-based healthcare support groups in New Zealand. Achmad Ghazali http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/96 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/96 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:36:48 PST IS/business alignment has been a major concern of IT managers for many years but we seem to be little closer to a solution. This paper extends earlier research that developed a theory of alignment that clearly demonstrates that the actions of both business and IT managers are bound by organisational factors. This bounding tends to reinforce the status quo making any changes to the situation extremely problematic. The theory is used to explain the results of other alignment research and to demonstrate the intractable nature of alignment. It is argued that both business and IT managers must be aware of the effect of their current decisions on future decisions and the use of IT to gain competitive advantage. Bruce Campbell http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/95 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/95 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:36:47 PST Effective knowledge sharing is vital to the success of international joint ventures. To ensure that organizational knowledge in a joint venture can be smoothly communicated and exchanged between its employees in a multi-culture environment, the impact of culture on knowledge sharing needs to be well understood. This paper investigates the impact of culture on knowledge sharing in Chinese joint ventures. Using a multi-case study approach, this paper shows that effective communication, shared mindsets, training and leadership are the critical success factors for effective knowledge sharing in Chinese joint ventures. Such findings facilitate developing specific organizational culture that supports knowledge sharing and can lead to better organizational performance in the increasingly globalized economy. Song Xiong http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/94 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/94 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:36:47 PST This paper explains how a simplified process improvement framework was developed with practices from the capability maturity model integration (CMMI) model using the nominal group technique (NGT). The NGT was used to generate consensus on key software process improvement practices that are likely to lead to the improvement of the quality of information systems (IS) in the English-speaking Caribbean (ESC). We present the approach taken, the results derived, and the benefits of using this approach. NGT sessions, involving 30 IS professionals were conducted in four ESC territories to reduce and finalize a list of key software development practices that would be more suitable for ESC nations to focus on. Delroy A. Chevers http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/93 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/93 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:36:46 PST The world around us has changed over recent years with the evolution of cyberspace and the development of the internet. Information in cyberspace is like an endless repository of information of various kinds, where there are no checks on who uploads the information and who downloads the same. Cyberspace thus practices equality in its most pristine form, though at the same time it also has the potential of fomenting communal hatred, inciting violence, and affecting public opinion. The fundamental challenge here is how to establish what information in cyberspace is useful, authentic, and original and what is not. Given the growing popularity of the internet, there is a need to address the regulation of its use so that our society is not divided on social, cultural, and economic lines. This paper discusses the issues concerning openness and authenticity of information found in cyberspace, and its impact on the world around us. It illustrates the point that certain level of control is essential to minimise the detrimental social, cultural, and economic impacts from the multifaceted information available in cyberspace. This may even require re-examination and re-structuring of the traditional institutions that we have come to rely on to resolve the basic issues of society. Abrar Haider http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/92 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/92 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:36:46 PST This paper describes a model for analysing collaborative knowledge building (CKB) process during a group activity. Singh et al's (2007) model of CKB process is used for analysing the process using data from an educational case. The concept of CKB activity system is developed based on the constructs of activity theory for analysing the case. The analysis of the case used constructs from reflective thinking to highlight the processes used by participants to collaboratively build knowledge. The findings of the study identified four additional cycles of reflective thinking activities that have been used to modify the CKB process model. The four additional cycles represent the mediating processes and tools used by the participants to build knowledge. The modified model of a CKB process together with the CKB activity system can be used as the unit of analysis for developing a cohesive theory for understanding and analysing CKB. Gurparkash Singh http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/91 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/91 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:36:45 PST This paper develops a model of knowledge sharing among small businesses, which is primarily built on Lipshitz et al.'s (2001) naturalistic decision modelling (NDM) approach, Rogers' (1995) innovation diffusion theory, and Ajzen & Fishbein's (1980) theory of reasoned action (TRA). It presents various factors and variables in detail. Hypotheses are developed which can be tested via empirical study. The proposed model has both theoretical and practical implications. It can be adapted for application in small businesses in Australia and other countries. Mohammed Quaddus http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/90 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/90 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:14 PST This paper uses a case study of a single firm to assess the completeness of three CIO typologies, and the validity of two models of factors affecting CIO effectiveness. With respect to the typologies, our conclusions are that all three typologies were also useful for understanding the role of the CIO at PaperlinX. However, Broadbent and Kitzis' (2005) binary trusted senior executive leader versus chief technology mechanic classification appears too coarse-grained, with Leider and Mackay's (2005) typology being more descriptive of the CIO role at PaperlinX. With respect to the two models of CIO effectiveness, our conclusions are that all factors in both models were applicable and important in the case study. The one suggestion we have here is that the Broadbent and Kitzis claim that their model is only applicable for trusted senior executive leader may be too restrictive; it appears to have broader applicability. Peter B. Seddon http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/89 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/89 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:14 PST For some firms, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity is part of a normal growth strategy in a competitive environment. Such firms accumulate a body of M&A knowledge that can be employed for the benefits of organisational continuity. Despite the significant risks associated with M&A failure, they are able to approach each new event with a set of experiential learnings that can better inform their actions. For other firms however, M&A represent rare occasions in the company's lifecycle. Valuable integration knowledge is inherently fragmented, making these firms especially vulnerable to M&A risks. A case study was undertaken in a firm that matches this latter category. A Task-based Knowledge Management approach provided a framework for inquiry. Our focus was on knowledge work associated with the post-acquisition integration task of an acquirer. The findings reveal substantial M&A learnings, which if harnessed adequately, can enhance firm's competitive advantage and mitigate against associated M&A risk. Richard A. Zanner http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/88 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/88 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:13 PST User resistance is a common occurrence when new information systems are implemented and can contribute to implementation failure. This research reviewed the literature on the reasons for end-user resistance and identified a number of strategies that could be used for dealing with end-user resistance, such as end-user support, participation, communication, training and consultant involvement on a project. The research investigated the effectiveness of these strategies for dealing with end-user resistance based on the opinions of IT project managers in New Zealand. The results of this research showed that IT project managers use all identified strategies on their IT projects. Among identified strategies various forms of communication, end-user participation and support have been rated as the most frequently used strategies. The results also showed that IT project managers rated end-user participation and communication strategies as the most effective for dealing with end-user resistance. The research also revealed some unexpected results, for example participants who use one-off and stage-wise training techniques experience more end-user resistance on their projects; and participants whose companies have external IT support in place to support users, also experience more resistance. Lidia Tavassoli http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/87 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/87 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:13 PST This paper outlines a study, utilising the MDS methodology and tool to create a knowledge model based on clinical experts' interpreted knowledge of clinical guidelines. The study demonstrated the elicitation of tacit expert knowledge when the formalised processes of the MDS were applied to model a clinical expert's interpretation of the knowledge content of a clinical guideline onto the specialised MDS architecture. Peter F. Summons http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/86 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/86 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:12 PST This article examines the prospect of implementing Social Networking technology and practices within large organizations, for internal communication among staff. A review of the literature revealed a very high rate of adoption among recreational users of tools such as Facebook, in comparison to the corresponding rate in businesses. A qualitative study was undertaken to explore the benefits and barriers of Social Networking tools in organizations. The analysis indicated that many respondents did foresee possible benefits, with some envisaging a longer term opportunity for these tools to engender a business climate of trust and enhance collaboration among business functions. However, most respondents also anticipated substantial barriers and risks, arising primarily from the existing internal communication policies within the organization studied. This research aims to extend understanding of some of the non-trivial social and organizational factors potentially involved in the interaction among people within a firm through a Social Networking application. George Baltatzis http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/85 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/85 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:12 PST This paper focuses on agility in information systems, and how the IT function can enable this capability. IS theory and a best practice framework on agility are compared, and gaps are identified. A goal of the research is to reconcile the IS theoretical and practice perspectives. We illustrate that the cybernetic framework of Beer's Viable System Model can be used to reconcile gaps between theory and practice, drawing on the cybernetic notion of control. The paper reports on a research project, where the findings from an applicability check with experienced IS practitioners are discussed, and a mailed survey to test the research propositions is outlined. From a relevancy perspective, the paper illustrates how theory can inform a high-ranking issue of IT management concern. Better agility outcomes from an extended best practice framework are anticipated. George Hobbs http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/84 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/84 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:11 PST This paper focuses on agility in information systems, and how the IT function can enable this capability. An IT consultancy provides insights into agility from observations of its entire client base, a broad cross-section of industries and types of organizations. The IT consultancy's observations include factors that: determine the relevance of agility in information systems to an organization; enable an IT function to leverage the existing information systems for emerging opportunities; and intervene in the IT function's enablement of agility. The paper is the result of a Delphi-like study between practitioners from the IT consultancy and IS researchers. It illustrates how research and practice can inform a high-ranking management concern. The paper proposes the IT function is more likely to leverage existing information systems with an investment into the maturity of particular capabilities, and that different IT governance models can drive or confound the enablement of agility. Brett Woolley http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/83 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/83 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:11 PST Virtual teams (VTs) are groups in organizations separated by organizational, spatial and/or temporal distance. Innovative information technology infrastructure coupled with the growing internationalization of commercial activity has augmented the need for VTs. But not all VTs are equally virtual. A VT's environment, characterized by the pressures the team experiences to collaborate, the inherent orientation towards collaborative work and the drive to use technology, together influence the degree of virtuality of a VT. This paper proposes two dimensions of degree of virtuality including scale and sophistication corresponding to quantity and quality of use of VT technology, thus creating a ScaSo matrix. The paper presents propositions describing the influence of various factors in the VT environment on the degree of virtuality. Such factors include information intensity, performance pressures, group culture, leadership orientation, IT orientation and organizational IT maturity. The paper concludes with implications and proposal for further research. Sanjiv D. Vaidya http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/82 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/82 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:10 PST The way in which instructors work has changed markedly since the introduction of learning management systems (LMS). This paper uses Goodhue and Thompson's (1995) technology-to-performance chain (TPC) as a starting point to explore the roles of task-technology fit (TTF) and level of LMS use in the performance impacts of LMS for instructors. A mixed method approach was used: an initial quantitative study followed by collection of additional in-depth data using open ended questions. The results showed that whilst TTF has a direct influence on instructors' perceptions of the impacts of the LMS on their performance, level of utilization is either not associated with performance impact or is associated with performance impact in ways that are not readily captured by simple linear modelling. Tanya McGill http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/81 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/81 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:09 PST In disciplines other than IS, the use of covariance-based structural equation modelling (SEM) is the mainstream method for SEM analysis, and for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Yet a body of IS literature has developed arguing that PLS regression is a superior tool for these analyses, and for establishing reliability and validity. Despite these claims, the views underlying this PLS literature are not universally shared. In this paper the authors review the PLS and mainstream SEM literatures, and describe the key differences between the two classes of tools. The paper also canvasses why PLS regression is rarely used in management, marketing, organizational behaviour, and that branch of psychology concerned with good measurement - psychometrics. The paper offers some practical options to Australasian researchers seeking greater mastery of SEM, and also acts as a roadmap for readers who want to check for themselves what the mainstream SEM literature has to say. Anne Rouse http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/80 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/80 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:09 PST Previous research in organisational sociology has focused on how organisational forms are evolved, transformed and sustained. This paper continues in this line of enquiry and tests the role of IT in organisational transformation. The transformation of an organisation can be gauged by observing key organisational attributes that are likely to feature in transformed (new) organisations. Following a review of previous literature, three major factors, that is, business strategy, IT strategy, IT strategic alignment were hypothesised to influence the dimensions of new organisational forms (NOFs). To test this model, data were collected from a survey of 312 Australian businesses. Structural equation modelling was employed to test the research hypotheses. Results from this study uncovered that the level of strategic alignment was significantly associated with the attributes of NOFs. This implies that organisations that have progressed well in the IT-business alignment maturity ladder are likely to change their structure and control mechanisms. This study concludes by highlighting some of the theoretical and practical implications of the findings. Ahmad Abareshi http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/79 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/79 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:08 PST The recent surge of interest in e-science presents an opportune moment to re-examine the fundamental idea of "data". This paper explores this topic by reporting on the different ways in which the idea of data is handled across many disciplines. From the accounts various disciplines themselves provide, these ways can be portrayed as the pursuit of three broad policies. The first policy is one of Indifference, which assumes the coherence of the data-concept, so that there is no need to explicate it further. The second policy is Purification, which identifies the essential characteristics of data according to the conventions of a particular discipline, with other modes systematically suppressed. The third policy allows for the Differentiation that is evident in the manifestations of data in various disciplines that utilise information systems. Greater appreciation among information professionals of the alternative approaches to data hopefully will enhance policy formulation and systems design. Fletcher T.H. Cole http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/78 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/78 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:08 PST Agile methods are systems development methodologies that are commonly tailored to fit the contingencies of a project. We used this property to investigate the environmental factors which affect the use of agile methods. Initially we developed a theoretical model of the target environment for agile methods, then tested the model using data from a multi-case study of nine software development projects. We gathered data on agile method tailoring to calculate an agile method usage value. We then investigated the relationship between project environment factors and agile method usage using non-parametric data analysis. Our results indicate that specific environmental factors correlate with effective use of an agile method. These factors include the extent to which the project was undergoing constant change and the organisational culture factors of feedback and learning, teamwork, empowerment of people, collaboration, leadership, loyalty, and a results-oriented culture that values entrepreneurship, innovation and risk taking. Diane E. Strode http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/77 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/77 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:07 PST Content provision via ubiquitous technology platforms such as smart mobile phones and personal digital assistants raises interesting practical and research challenges. Many current theoretical frameworks and models are based on assumptions which may not necessarily be valid in the case of ubiquitous technologies, which users employ in a variety of contexts and for different reasons. In this research-in-progress paper we explore how content providers can better conceptualize the content requirements of ubiquitous technology users. We introduce the principle of Continuous Quality of Life Optimization as a theoretical concept to understand the content requirements of these users. We put forth a number of propositions to guide further research and provide details about our own research approach, in which we are exploring ubiquitous content provision from the perspective of content providers. Joanne Sullivan http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/76 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/76 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:07 PST Of the hundreds of papers written on alignment, many build on a framework established fifteen years ago, which characterises alignment as a dynamic process operating between four domains. Since then, the organisational and technological landscape has been radically transformed. This paper reviews key concepts in the alignment literature and comments on their development over time, and their ability to reflect current organisational contexts, including blurring of boundaries, and rapid and unpredictable change. It finds that there have been several new developments regarding "how" alignment occurs. However, almost all these developments are grounded in the original four domain model of "what" is being aligned. This paper suggests that some models of alignment could be strengthened by considering alternatives to this four domain model. Drawing on other work on the dynamics of human-technological interaction, some ideas are given as to how this task might be approached. Jenny Leonard http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/75 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/75 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:07 PST Survey research is among the most common methodologies employed in MIS research. However there is an increasing concern over the rigor of research method in MIS field. Based on a review and comparative analysis of the literature this paper provides a critical analysis of trends in the conduct of survey research in the MIS field. Some 651 survey-based studies reported in three leading MIS journals between 1992 and 2006 are reviewed. The finding indicate that there has been an over-reliance on the conduct of cross-sectional studies whereas more emphasis on the use of longitudinal studies would have been appropriate. In terms of unit of analysis, most of the articles reviewed had focused on the individual leading to some concern about potential mismatch between respondents and the unit of analysis. Ahmad Abareshi http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/74 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/74 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:06 PST Business Intelligence (BI) systems are information systems that combine operational data, models, analytical tools and user interfaces to generate information to support business decision-making. BI is an important part of IT practice and is currently the highest technical priority for chief information officers. As there is to date no published academic research on the nature of BI practice we commenced an exploratory study of the area. A survey of business and IT professionals was used to test fourteen propositions about the nature of BI system adoption, development, use, and governance in Australia. This paper reports on the slice of results related to BI system use, including findings related to six propositions about the nature of BI system use. The survey highlights the critical role of BI in organizations, which justifies research effort into the area, as well as organizational spending on BI implementations. Gemma Dodson http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/73 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/73 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:06 PST When referring to the value that IS adds to business and provides to consumers, we often (implicitly or explicitly) pertain to monetary value. However, perspectives exist regarding the notion of value which go beyond the monetary significance and maintain a direct influence on businesses and their performance. This paper explores the concept of value, its importance in IS, and the importance of understanding of how IS stakeholders perceive value. The paper focuses on the challenge of studying value in IS -although value manifests in properties of an information system, it can only be experienced and perceived subjectively through sense perception, experience and judgement of the system stakeholders. To address this challenge, the paper suggests the existence of a clearly shifting trend in the perception of IS technology and comments on the social impacts of end-users (consumers) being absorbed into the value-creation process for an information system in the music industry. Belinda Moloney http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/72 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/72 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:05 PST The use of Electronic Commerce (EC) technologies enables Small-to-Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) to improve their efficiency and competitive position. However, there is a lack of a comprehensive framework that gives a multi-faceted account for the phenomenon of EC technologies adoption by SMEs. This paper therefore develops a theoretical framework of EC technologies adoption which is composed of four dimensions: perceived organisational readiness (micro level), perceived industry readiness (meso level), perceived national readiness (macro level) and the perceived environmental pressure. The proposed framework is then used to develop a more specific research model to guide future study in exploring EC technologies adoption by SMEs. The proposed framework and research model will be empirically validated by administering a survey questionnaire among SMEs in a number of developing countries. Basil Alzougool http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/71 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/71 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:05 PST The ability to successfully manage organizational transformation has become a competitive necessity for modern organizations. Information technology (IT) can help organizations to change and innovate, yet the presence of IT investment, by itself, is not a good predictor of transformation success. Why do some companies achieve successful transformation while others do not? Through the comparative analysis of five high transforming cases and five low transforming cases, supplemented by large-scale survey data, we identified some characteristics and transformational practices of companies that are more likely to engage in innovation and transformation with IT. The results indicate that successful 'transformers' tend to achieve additional value from IT beyond productivity improvement, and this ability depends on the organizations' innovative culture, leadership, structure, and investment strategy as well as the implementation of transformational and learning practices. The paper suggests how organizations can improve their ability to transform with IT. Kyung Jin CHA http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/70 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/70 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:04 PST Based on the literature, a taxonomy of empirical studies that investigate online music systems is discussed in this paper. The studies presented discuss a number of related issues such as music sharing, security technologies like digital rights management (DRM), and changing business models. Research into online music systems is inherently cross disciplinary, and two main groups (industry/users) are identified to classify the research. The PhD research that this paper is based on has a user focus, however it is important to explore related groups and issues in order to adequately investigate. Therefore the taxonomy presented in this paper is significant as it provides an informative base from which to conduct further empirical studies into online music systems. To put the taxonomy into context, details of a current ethnography of online music systems is discussed. Jenine Beekhuyzen http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/69 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/69 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:04 PST Factors are explored of decision making in regard to buying and/or upgrading information products. Mature information product markets are considered. Comparing two cases - professional and final consumer information products - the decision making process is considered on the choice of product variant. We distinguish three groups of users according to their ultimate decisions to either not to upgrade the existing system, or to upgrade it with the existing provider, or to switch to another provider. Consumer decision is based on multiple characteristics of information product quality, network effects, price and switching costs, whereas producers have to compete not only with their competitors, but also with the previous versions of the own products. Based on the considered cases, differences in consumer priorities are discussed in the markets of professional versus final consumer information products. Gennadi Kazakevitch http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/68 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/68 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:03 PST The emergence of m-commerce and mobile data service (MDS) attract much of the attentions in the field of m-business. Salient studies have mainly identified the critical factors that drive consumer intentions to adopt a new mobile technology or a cluster of mobile services. While various technologies and services are embedded into one consumer device, existing models have limitations in explicating how consumers respond to the phenomenon of convergent technologies and services and cannot be used to understand consumer usage or future demand. Therefore, this research aims at not only expanding the research contexts from m-commerce but also encompasses the uses of convergent technologies and services on mobile phones. An empirical model is verified through a survey of 249 general mobile phone users in Australia. Findings indicate that perceived enjoyment rather than perceived usefulness and ease of use has a greater impact on consumers' decisions to use mobile phones for personal information management, entertainment and e-mail communication. Perceived risk is the major consideration for consumers using mobile phones for commercial transactions. Gender and PC ownership are identified as two important factors that moderate the mobile phone use for the four different purposes. The findings are expected to contribute to the understanding of using convergent technologies and services from a consumer perspective. Po-Chien Chang http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/67 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/67 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:03 PST The intensity of market competition, the ever increasing demand for shortening time to market and the pressure of first mover advantage are forcing businesses to develop non-imitable sources of value creation. Information technology (IT) plays a key role as a necessary, but not sufficient, source of value. For IT to generate business value, IT has to adapt itself to a firm's continuously changing competitive environment. The strategic value of IT can be defined as an enabler of organizational flexibility. Hence, IT-enabled organizational flexibility is of strategic importance to organizations and has been found to affect competitive advantage. This study uses an enhanced concept of IT-enabled flexibility to investigate IT-enabled organizational flexibility among Australian organizations. The findings show that, even though Australian companies exhibit IT enabled organizational flexibility, company and IT department size are influencing the flexibility of IT. The paper provides an indication of the extent to which Australian organizations are poised to exploit the value generating potential of IT. Practitioners can use the result to benchmark where they stand in regards to the flexibility of their IT. Joerg Paschke http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/66 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/66 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:02 PST This paper describes the Wellington Loop Trust which has been formed to enable a number of Wellington secondary schools to access the Internet via high speed broadband using the Citylink fibre infrastructure. The current literature is used to describe the Loop can as a two-sided market model and to illustrate how this model can be used to determine appropriate pricing strategies. Lynda Kamstra http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/65 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/65 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:02 PST The paper makes a case for information and communication technologies (ICT) in small businesses against the broader backdrop of the developing economy of India. ICTs come to India through two routes; the global employment route of IT information companies or the development route of donor-driven services to bridge internal digital divide. Local and context specific ICT based services in small businesses are organic, market-driven and self-sustaining bringing affordable services to hitherto 'underserved' and 'information poor' contexts. It seems pertinent to ask if ICT as service offerings in small business can sustain and evolve a participatory eco-system resulting in expansion of benefits to the player/entrepreneur and customer/user of technology. From a case-study in urban India we observe that most ICT-based or ICT-empowered businesses, services and products are shaped by two factors 1. The nature of key players driving business 2. Local and evolving customer relevance of the product. The two can combine to produce a third- opportunities that can turn businesses round to a more aggressive consumer oriented service offerings to sustain business and increase ICT infusion into local markets. Nimmi Rangaswamy http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/64 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/64 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:01 PST Over the last decade, an increasing number of businesses are undertaking initiatives to reduce their environmental footprint and improve their "green" credentials. As information technology (IT) has permeated most, if not all, business processes and supply chains, it offers an important means to tackle the climate problem. On the other hand, IT managers are pressed to reduce the total cost of IT operations and run energy efficient IT shops. Greening IT has therefore become one of the latest considerations to improve a business's environmental sustainability whilst reducing the cost of IT operations. A growing number of consulting reports speculate the benefits of greening IT for both IT vendors and mainstream businesses that use IT. While the opportunities and potentials of Green IT might be attractive, the extent of Green IT adoption and the actual realization of the benefits that Green IT aficionados allude to remain unknown. Indeed, unless business organisations incorporate Green IT into their operations, the potential benefits of Green IT remain potential and not reality. Currently, there does not appear to be a model to systematically investigate Green IT adoption. This paper proposes such a model called the Green IT Adoption Model (GITAM). The model defines Green IT from four distinct but interrelated perspectives. It posits that the technological, organisational and environmental contextual variables, dynamic Green IT readiness dimensions and strong order Green IT drivers can predict the intention and the breadth and depth of Green IT adoption. Alemayehu Molla http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/63 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/63 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:01 PST In this paper we examine questions of how the unintended impacts of information and communications technology can be examined in order to anticipate and safeguard against negative consequences. Using the domain of the eGovernment impacts on marginalized members of the community, we examine the theoretical basis of the sociotechnical interaction network (STIN) approach and its applicability to identifying and ameliorating negative impacts of ICT-based systems. We illustrate the STIN modelling approach with reference to a case study of an integrated eGovernment system and based on our evaluation of the approach, make recommendations regarding future developments with respect to the STIN framework. Nick Letch http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/62 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/62 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:00 PST Organizations adopt IOS (interorganizational systems) to achieve both transactional and strategic benefits. The IOS involves two parties using the system and therefore its success depends on the existing relationship between trading partners. While there are some studies that investigate relationship factors and how they affect adoption, the literature does not specifically highlight that these systems may be implemented in progressive stages over time. This is because these studies typically adopt a cross sectional approach by only taking a snapshot of IOS adoption at single point in time. They do not present an over all picture of adoption decisions and do not explain why and how organizations adopt these systems in a phased approach. In this paper, we investigate IOS adoption by a pair of major organizations in the Australian Grocery Industry over a period of time. We illustrate, using a case study, that a particular level of relationship between the two organizations is required for IOS use and that the initial use of the IOS also affects the relationship which in turn results in more sophisticated IOS adoption. The findings of this study have important implications for both research and practice. Mazen Ali http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/61 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/61 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:18:00 PST Global software development teams are highly dependent on technology for daily activities and production. Researchers have investigated the areas such as communication and time-zone difficulties when working across global boundaries during the last decade. However, this research explores job satisfaction, efficiency and the quality of working life of people working in a medium sized globally distributed software development organisation. It is assumed that the work structures of organisations of today are influenced by the theories from the past. This paper focus upon the issues that faces an Australian organisation involved in global software development, the research compares and contrasts the feelings of the employees using a Sociotechnical approach. The discussion highlights several problems areas specific to the organisation which will lay the foundation for future research. Merete Crofts http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/60 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/60 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:17:59 PST Information technology (IT) security certifications have proliferated in recent years. However they differ in regards to stakeholder considerations of credibility, accessibility and relevance. Key stakeholders with an interest in selecting an IT security certification (IT security professionals, employers, governments and higher education institutes) lack a systematic approach for differentiating between candidate certifications and selecting the "best" certification to satisfy requirements. The paper focuses on reporting a confirmatory focus group from a recent research project. It provides a framework for supporting stakeholder evaluation and selection of IT security certifications and discusses key implications for the IT security industry, IT security certifications, and the higher education sector. Nicholas J.A. Tate http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/59 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/59 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:17:59 PST In this paper we propose a radical departure from the dominant conceptions in IS evaluation literature by adopting Actor-network Theory (ANT) to provide a better understanding of the development and evaluation of IS proposals in practice and examine the ways in which the evaluation process shapes and ensures the selection of the best IS projects. By drawing on a field study of the IS evaluation processes in a company with a history of IS successes, we reveal the relational nature of IS project proposals and the ways they are constitutively entangled with business processes and practices. Our ANT account demonstrates a) that the view of pre-investment IS evaluation in the literature is very narrow, b) that the practice of IS evaluation produces the 'object' it evaluates, c) that this object, that is the IS project proposal document, is a focal actor (an inscription device) produced by relations in the actor-network emerging around it, and d) that reconfiguration of these relations involving the translation of actors' expertise, experiences and interests into the IS proposal documents are critical for the evaluation of IS project proposals and their chances of success. Dubravka Cecez-Kecmanovic http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/58 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/58 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:17:58 PST The field of information systems development (ISD) is still not well understood and suffers from a lack of sustainable theories which are firmly based on research of ISD practice. This is also true for agile software development (ASD). In this paper, we develop a framework based on the theory of mindfulness and map the main characteristics of mindfulness to the most prominent features of ASD. By applying the framework to a case study of ASD practice we demonstrate the relationship between the theory of mindfulness and ASD, and show the usefulness of our framework as a contribution to theorizing about ASD and to a better understanding of ASD in practice. Sabine Matook http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/57 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/57 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:17:58 PST This paper shows that researching on IT synergy is important, reviews the extant literature for existing conceptualizations of IT synergy, and tentatively conceptualize IT synergy. By reviewing the extant Information Systems literature, this paper found that there is no unanimous definition of IT synergy. As a result, the paper examines and analyzes existing views on IT synergy and proposes a conceptualization of IT synergy by weaving threads of research findings from various studies. The paper suggests that when synergy is reached, a platform of new resources, capabilities, and options emerges. By drawing on this path-dependent, socially complex, and causally ambiguous platform, organizations can become agile enough to adapt to the continuously changing competitive environment, exploit emerging opportunities as well as the ones that were once not exploitable, and constantly transform itself to maximize the exploitation of and the gain from related or complementary firm resources. Zhong Zheng http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/56 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/56 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:17:57 PST Education delivery by mobile devices enables anywhere / anytime learning. Mobile learning has the potential to allow students to more closely integrate learning activities into their busy lives. At this early stage in its development, this is an opportune time to initiate a stream of research that examines the adoption of m-learning applications. This study determines the key factors influencing the behavioural intention for adoption of mobile learning. Several external variables are incorporated into the Technology Acceptance Model and tested in six New Zealand universities. Six of the seven variables - self-efficacy, perceived usefulness, subjective norm, attitude, perceived ease of use, and perceived financial resources were accepted. Prior use of e-learning was not accepted and reasons for this are explored in the study. Xu Lu http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/55 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/55 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:17:57 PST The service industry is fast becoming a growth catalyst in most economies, driven by the strategic roles of information and communication technologies (ICTs). Accordingly, strong foundations for future prosperity in Malaysia may depend on the successful deployment of new technologies. A key challenge, of interest to practitioners and academics, therefore, is the assessment of customer satisfaction. What appears unavailable is documentation on critical issues involved and how to address them. This paper, therefore, examines the influence of Malaysian ISPs' service quality on customer satisfaction. We used survey questionnaire to collect data from 400 respondents. Analysis reveals that Tangibles, Empathy, Responsiveness and Assurance were all significant, but Reliability was insignificant. ISPs in Malaysia could use findings in this paper to assess and enhance their service quality provision. Related government agencies may also use the findings to develop policy directions on Internet infrastructure, which could enable overall better service provision for Malaysian residents. Uchenna Cyril Eze http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/54 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/54 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:17:56 PST The Australasian Conference in Information Systems (ACIS) has been a significant outlet for the research of Information Systems academics and practitioners for nearly two decades. This paper reports on the collection and archiving in electronic form of all the papers from the eighteen ACIS conferences held since the first conference in 1990. While there has been a very large increase over time in the number of research papers submitted to ACIS, reflecting the growth in IS research in Australasia, the percentage of papers accepted for presentation has declined. An analysis of the ACIS papers shows changes in subject matter reflecting changes in the IS discipline over time. Interesting patterns are revealed with regard to the body of work presented at ACIS by institutions across Australia and New Zealand as well as increasing contributions by researchers from outside Australasia. Guy Gable http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/53 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/53 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:17:56 PST It is interesting to discover that there is a reasonably small but growing literature on the issue and role of trust in IS outsourcing in the past few years. Built on the premise that over-reliance on outsourcing contract and/or other form of formal controls do not necessarily deliver a successful outsourcing partnership and/or outcomes, we have explored another dimension of outsourcing relationship - 'trust'. This paper is written to further explore the role of trust and its relationship with formal controls within the context of IS outsourcing. The paper advocates that 'trust' is a powerful factor that is intricately linked to the success of outsourcing activities and that those engaged in an outsourcing relationship needs to find a balance between trust and formal controls. Nargiza Bekmamedova http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/52 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/52 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:17:55 PST This paper reports how a SME in the Engineering Services sector was able to apply the ideas from research on enterprise wide information management to improve the coordination and control of its business processes. An established enterprise wide architecture framework regulated by essential e-business interactions and moderated by a customised portfolio of managerial issues is used to design a roadmap for the SME of future ICT implementations. The results of initial progress along the roadmap showed deliverables were validated and guided and by the three core activities of Business and IT alignment towards e-business transformation from emergent managerial issues. Colin Ash http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/51 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/51 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:17:55 PST Due to the pressure of rising costs and an increase in customer orientation, IT-service providers are forced to professionalize their operations (IT-Production). Using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems common in real goods production allows to take advantage of planning functions and integrated data management. Since the production planning of IT-Production cannot be addressed by standard ERP functions, an extended concept for an MRP II based production planning and control approach for IT-service providers is developed. For this purpose, the production of a Swiss service provider is analysed and requirements are derived. Nico Ebert http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/50 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/50 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:17:54 PST A critical part of transforming research to practice is the recognition of the coordination between the research domain and the problem-solving domain. An action research perspective which supports this coordination is useful in the realization of a new information service view of technology. The information service view engenders a shift from the provision of defined and preset services or applications to an environment that enables users to actively select and integrate technology services in the ongoing creation and re-creation of unique information systems in the service of action. In this research, we argue that design practice in the construction and evaluation of the information services view is a necessary complement to the expansion of research to construct a coherent view of this emergent class of IS. We use an exploratory case analysis of practice to construct a unique information service view and suggest that this view of service-oriented information systems can benefit practice and research. Dirk S. Hovorka http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/49 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/49 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:17:54 PST In discussing and planning interventions around the "digital divide" people tend to think in terms of the binary oppositions of "digital-haves" and "digital-have-nots". Information and communications technologies (ICT) programs sponsored by governments and other agencies to address the "digital divide" also tend to be "top-down" initiatives that focus on the provision of institutional aid and the development of infrastructure. Within these approaches ICT have-nots tend to be treated as the passive receivers of aid. The agency of digital-have-nots in gaining access to ICT has been rarely examined. In this paper we report on a study that has shown that ICT use patterns amongst those with poor access and utilization of ICT is diverse and complex. Results from a survey of 495 rural-urban migrants in Beijing show that self-initiated digital transition exists among this group of people. The transition from digital-have-not to digital-have is not a one-step process but rather an incremental process with multiple stages and multiple pathways. Findings from this study will provide helpful insights for policy makers and related stakeholders when discussing and planning ICT programs and activities designed to address the issues associated with the digital divide. Weizhen Lei http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/48 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/48 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:20:06 PST This study aimed at investigating the different factors that influence men and women to study IT in New Zealand. A comparison of the type of access, influential people and personal motivations was made between men and women studying IT in New Zealand. The data for this study was collected from 148 participants, 42 of which were women. The results show that there are specific people namely friends, fathers, brothers, teachers and partners in women's lives and friends and fathers in men's lives that influence their decision to study IT. The access men and women had to computers was found to be largely the same across genders. The majority of men and women were introduced to computers at home between the ages of 6 and 12 and both genders reported having high access at home and university and limited access at primary and secondary school. The nature of their access differed between genders and age groups. Finally, in terms of motivation, men and women were found to have different weightings of motivation for studying a career in IT. Men tended to have more intrinsic motivations, for example interest and enjoyment, whereas women had more extrinsic motivations, for example job opportunities. Julia Fearon http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/47 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/47 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:20:01 PST This study explores the views and opinions of Indian healthcare professionals towards the use of wireless technology in healthcare environment. The study explored specifically whether wireless technology can provide added value to an Indian healthcare setting. The independent variables considered in the study were patient expectation and Time management. This study administered 1000 surveys with a return of 668 usable surveys. Based on a first order regression model, results of the study indicate that Indian healthcare professionals believed that wireless technology can provide added value. Initial findings of this study are reported here. Abdul Hafeez-Baig http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/46 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/46 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:19:55 PST There are many different techniques used with agile software development methods. Some of these, such as common coding guidelines and test driven development, are widely adopted and there appears to be a consensus that they can be beneficial. Others, however, are more controversial, none more so perhaps than pair programming. This technique meets resistance both from developers, who do not always wish to program with another person, and from managers, who see the sharing of a workstation as a potential barrier to programmer productivity. Its supporters, however, claim that it can have many benefits, in particular improving software quality. In this paper we look at the outcomes of previous research into the effects of pair programming and analyse some survey data to see how practitioners perceive its potential benefits for project outcomes in terms of quality, productivity, stakeholder satisfaction and cost. We conclude that the survey data appears to reinforce many of the previous claims made for the benefits of pair programming, but also raises questions that need further investigation. David Parsons http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/45 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/45 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:19:52 PST A number of factors and elements influence the introduction and long-term use of Information Systems (IS) in organisations. Studies in long-term technology use indicate that influences that support users' decision to adopt technology are not sufficient to encourage long-term use. Based on two case studies in an educational setting, we suggest that social networks play a key role in facilitating technology appropriation and encouraging continued long-term use of technology. Findings indicate that supportive social networks are instrumental to share knowledge, enhance learning, build trust, encourage users to resolve complex problems and subsequently pursue and sustain technology use over long periods of time. Rachelle Bosua http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/44 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/44 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:19:47 PST User-centered design (UCD) is a design approach that stresses attention to usability throughout the development process of software. However, with the growing interest in agile development methods, research attention has been focused on some aspects of incompatibility between agile development and the principles of UCD. There is a growing interest in finding a place for usability evaluations and UCD in the agile development framework. This paper presents the findings of an evaluation of an XP prototype using a discount, cooperative usability evaluation approach. The findings indicate that the evaluation setup, with modifications, could be used for iterative usability evaluation during the continuation of the XP project in question. Tomas Eklund http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/43 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/43 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:19:41 PST This paper describes two exploratory pilot projects using the social software technology (i.e. blog and wiki) for assessment purposes to teach an introductory Information Systems subject at University of Canberra in 2007. Social software technologies known as web 2.0 have gained considerable interest among academics across the higher education landscape. These tools have features that focus on the social construction of collective knowledge, communication, reflection and peer networking. However, while there are many claimed pedagogical benefits, little is known about the impact and effectiveness of social technologies to support innovative approaches to Information System assessment tasks in large classes. In this study the author reflects on the process of integrating social technologies into the teaching syllabus for assessment purposes and presents a reflective account of the outcomes of the trial from both student and staff perspectives. Important teaching and learning issues associated with the development and implementation of social technology based assessment tasks for large classes are discussed. This analysis confirms the importance of usability, workload and 'fit for task' for technology-infused teaching and learning for large classes. Sultana Lubna Alam http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/42 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/42 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:19:35 PST This paper reports on research into how a systems development methodology (SDM) operates as an institution: specifically - an institutional carrier in the process of systems development. The case study develops the argument that institutional structures (such as authority, norms, symbolic values, and routine ways of doing things) embedded within the methodology are active forces in the systems development process, and therefore constitutes 'institution'. We ground our argument on the findings from a study of an in-house developed SDM in a large IT department within a major bank in Australia. The findings show how the SDM exerts its influence in the bank through a combination of shared regulative, normative, and cultural-cognitive elements. As a second contribution to research, the study operationalises a framework derived from new institutional theory that integrates elements of a social actor model outside its original domain to provide a deeper understanding of the institutional forces at play in information systems development. All these findings are significant in that they draw attention to the role of institutional carriers, control structures, conflicting interests, and power that appear largely outside the domain of the systems developer. Bruce Rowlands http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/41 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/41 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:19:30 PST This study investigates the ethical awareness of computer use among undergraduate computer science students at two public Malaysian universities. One hundred and fifty-nine students were asked to evaluate the code of ethics pertaining to computer ethics. A comparison of undergraduate computer science students between two public universities was done to determine the level of ethical awareness of computer use. Independent Samples T-test for differences was performed across four distinct groups, that is, university, gender, age, and duration of computer use. The results of the tests conducted indicate that the ethical awareness of computer use of the students differ most significantly on the basis of the university itself. There were minimal differences across gender, age and duration of computer use. This suggests that computer ethics awareness training is needed for university users. The results are discussed and the implications for studies in an education context are outlined. Maslin Masrom http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/40 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/40 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:19:26 PST This paper reports on a qualitative study of the attitudes of 23 South Australian practitioners in General Practice (GP) towards adopting an unspecified data amalgamating Health Informatics (HI) system. Findings suggest key areas of concern are associated with the potential for diminution of control over change and adoption was primarily influenced by a perceived need to protect the role and value of GPs. If change was seen as involuntary, uncertain or without demonstrable benefit to relevant patient outcomes, the prospect of change tended to manifest as passive or active GP resistance. Findings suggest increased exposure to use of HI systems influences GP perception of both the importance and certainty of potential implementation outcomes. It was concluded that discrete attitudes towards the use of HIS technology could be identified. Determined by contextual GP perceptions of competing managerial, technological and political factors, they are not mutually exclusive and more appropriately seen as a series of developmental and co-existing perspectives. John Knight http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/39 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/39 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:19:22 PST Logistics services consist of a complex network of processes where exception management is becoming increasingly critical. During the process of exception management, prioritisation of exceptions is necessary for the efficient use of resources resulting in successful logistics services. Previous efforts in logistics exception management systems have focused primarily on exception handling. Exception prioritisation does not have the necessary emphasis in current exception management systems and requires proper assessment of the priorities. This study presents an approach to logistics exception prioritisation by developing logistics service priority using ontological views together with the "Cynefin" model. The proposed approach provides better logistics exception prioritisation resulting in efficient use of organisational and logistics service resources and thereby achieving better logistics services. Chinthake Wijesooriya http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/38 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/38 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:19:18 PST Information Technology and its relationship to organisational performance has long been the interest of researchers. While there is concurrence that IT does contribute to performance, and we are efficiently expanding our knowledge on what factors cause better leveraging of IT resources in organisations, we have done little to understand how these factors interact with technology that results in improved performance. Using a structurational lens that recognises the recursive interaction between technology and people in the presence of social practices, and the norms that inform their ongoing practices, we propose an ethnographic approach to understanding the interaction between technology and resources, aiming to provide richer insight on the nature of the environment that promotes better use of IT resources. Such insights could provide the IT users with at least an initial conception of the IT usage platform that they could promote in their organisations to leverage the most from their IT resources. Acklesh Prasad http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/37 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/37 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:19:15 PST This research investigates mechanisms that impact trust and trust as an organising principle at online auctions using data collected from a community website. Qualitative analysis is used to make sense of the data collected and to identify key factors that impact trust and organising for trust. As a result of the discussion, I attempt to explore key factors that impact trust at online auctions and relate the discussion to previous research. This research adds to the understanding of trust theory and online auction trust, and this research can be used by practitioners to better support users and improve the design of online auctions. Glenn Robert Bewsell http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/36 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/36 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:19:08 PST The Second Life Multi-User Virtual Environment (MUVE) has been used as an educational resource in many different ways, ranging from simulating the traditional classroom, though interactive experiences, to practical creational activities. Supporting resources can include traditional multimedia, simulation tools and programming languages. Learning experiences may vary from the wholly extrinsic, learning about the outside world, to more intrinsic study of Second Life's ecosystems and its built environment, or wholly in-world creative work. Within this broad scope, there is an opportunity to support many types of learning, and distance learning in particular. In this paper we propose an analytical framework for virtual learning environments in Second Life based on current practice. We describe the creation of a learning space within Second Life designed to explore how we might support distance learners using traditional environments for extrinsic learning experiences. We reflect on the utility of the framework in understanding the various forces at work in virtual learning contexts and evaluate the student experience. We conclude that despite the potential for Second Life to support distance learners with a broad set of tools and resources, technical constraints suggest that a more effective option would be to provide focused creative tasks for students in a managed laboratory environment. David Parsons http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/35 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/35 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:19:00 PST Businesses are under increasing pressure from competitors, regulators and community groups to implement sustainable business practices. Balancing economic and environmental performance to be green and competitive is therefore a key strategic issue. The increased discussion on green information technology (IT) has sparked the interest of this research. Green IT is poised to influence not only technology but also competitive strategy and even the legality of some business strategic options. Understanding and leveraging Green IT is therefore critical for businesses' continued progress. Nevertheless, the principles, practices and value of Green IT is yet to be researched. This paper introduces the concept of Green IT and describes the main pillars of a g-readiness framework to help organisations evaluate their readiness for adopting Green IT. It argues that just as e-readiness has been, and continues to be, a critical quality in the digital economy, g-readiness is an equally critical quality in the low carbon digital economy. Without a clear understanding of g-readiness, organisations would approach Green IT initiatives on an ad hoc and somewhat reactive basis which is undesirable. Alemayehu Molla http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/34 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/34 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:18:54 PST Mobile technologies are anticipated to offer cost effective and efficient information management solutions for the chronic care sector. The increasing incidence of chronic diseases is leading to severe pressure on healthcare services struggling to meet increased demand. Although mobile technical solutions are being developed, there is little understanding of the issues affecting acceptability and sustainability of mobile health initiatives and the requirements for the development of holistic care services. This research uses a qualitative study to determine the potential for implementation of m-health across the spectrum of chronic disease care and to identify key factors affecting the stakeholders. While study participants paint an optimistic future for m-health, there remain several challenges before a holistic approach can be achieved, not least the standardisation and integration of information across the whole health sector. Rosemary Stockdale http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/33 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/33 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:18:49 PST IT security expert's presentation is one of the most advocated strategies to improve end-users' information security aware behaviour. However, no systematic evaluation has yet been reported in the IT literature to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of this strategy. To address this gap, a theory driven instrument was developed to evaluate the effectiveness of IT security expert's presentation for enhancing the attitudes of end-users towards engaging in information security aware behaviour. The findings, which confirm a positive influence of IT security expert's presentation strategy, can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of other educational strategies. Md Mahbubur Rahim http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/32 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/32 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:18:42 PST This research paper reports part of a larger international study that employs collaborative tagging for effectively describing knowledge and learning resources (KLR) in an institutionalised setting. The number of these resources has increased enormously within organisations over time and with an increasing variety of quality standards, maturity and granularity of resources, the description of content with metadata becomes more and more challenging. Automatic extraction services and professional metadata authoring tools could not deliver the expected results. Therefore, this research project investigated and discussed collaborative tagging as a means to successfully tag KLR. This paper presents results of an online survey distributed to first-year Information Systems students at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. The results report on the study's key themes of commitment and convergence towards generally accepted collaborative tags. Commitment and convergence could be confirmed, but there is a need for further exploration with a higher number of participants. Collaborative tagging is suggested as a solution to facilitate the development of ontologies for describing organisational metadata. Ronald Maier http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/31 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/31 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:18:36 PST This paper re-interprets Short Messaging Service (SMS) systems as emergent technology, the impact of which has accidentally been instrumental in the configuration of a range of applications that are transforming social networking. The case study presented describes the implementation of the Trigger, an application that provides students' with SMS reminders in the higher education context. An observed revolution in SMS interpersonal communication has impacted on events, interactions and organisational systems. This drives the pursuit of an understanding of innovations derived from secondary, un-planned practices and the characteristics of organisational systems that act as catalysts for the generation of ideas that underpin innovation flows. This paper advances an argument that this is a manifestation of a new type of creative endeavour which we have identified as "polymorphic innovation," a quasi-intuitive perturbation on conventional notions of originality in business development. John Lenarcic http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/30 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/30 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:18:31 PST The purpose of this article is to describe pluralistic perspectives in knowledge management. The knowledge management literature provides frameworks from various discrete perspectives. It is argued that the simultaneous application of multiple perspectives, or pluralism, is required to manage the richness of knowledge phenomena. Pluralism is defined as support for all three of the systems perspectives - hard, soft, and critical- that are implicit in the popular Davenport and Prusak (1998) definition of knowledge. A literature search is conducted to find frameworks that support pluralism. More than 50 frameworks from the general knowledge management literature are identified. Of the eight selected for further study, three are found to be pluralistic. These three - critical systems, scientific discourses, and Habermasian inquiry - share common characteristics. All three recognise that conflict is the precondition to knowledge creation, and that power relations, value commitments, and ethics are central to knowledge management. James Sheffield http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/29 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/29 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:18:25 PST The quality of online services is a research area at the intersection of marketing and information systems. Traditionally, it is rooted in ideas about service quality of non-virtual service interactions that have been adopted from the marketing literature. However, as Information Systems researchers adapt the concepts and measures to fit virtual, or online, services, they frequently encounter difficulties both with the conceptualisation and with the measurements. In this paper, we remind the community that online services are also information systems, and receivers of these services are system users. Hence, we suggest that established "old" IS-centric theories such as continuance and self-efficacy can play a role in explaining users' perceptions of these "new" types of online services. We present an initial qualitative study that demonstrates the plausibility of this perspective and its potential explanatory value. Mary Tate http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/28 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/28 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:18:18 PST Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are being looked to as a promising method for bringing the benefits of information and communications technology (ICT) to the developing world, particularly in the case of shared access (telecenter) models, but questions remain as to how best to pursue sustainability and scalability with such initiatives. This paper provides a "snapshot" of an innovative, franchise-model partnership, captured at a unique point in time: the transition period from completion of pilot stage to project scaling stage. The paper thus identifies both challenges and success factors arising at this pivotal point, often not addressed in the literature on such projects. Going beyond what makes a successful pilot to the question of what is important for scaling, this case provides insight on the critical topics of sustainability and scalability. The project also promotes the development of small and medium sized enterprises, which has been identified as crucial for sustainable development in emerging economies. Laura Hosman http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/27 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/27 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:18:14 PST This work-in-progress paper reports on the findings of a pilot study investigating a disconnect of mindsets between IT and the business client within an in-house IT department of a large Australian financial institution. This paper contributes to research on social aspects of software engineering with a focus on IT-business client engagement and their relationships in the software development process. Our findings of disconnect include: communication and engagement process misalignment with the business client's working practices. This paper builds a case and suggests priorities for further research on IT-business client engagement from a social perspective. This perspective is important in the light of recent research indicating that key factors in the IT industry's transition towards next generation software development methods are based on the social interaction and communication. Outi Brennan http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/26 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/26 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:18:08 PST This paper addresses real challenges and ensuing issues facing the Singapore government in their endeavour to enhance global economic competitiveness through the adoption of innovative technologies development and usage; in this case, the acceleration of SOA. Key stakeholders have spearheaded a strategic and systematic project (called SOA1) to ensure that SOA is inculcated into the mainstream of businesses and industries. Outcomes, insights and lessons learned are presented along with a glimpse of the next phase of the SOA1 project (called Enterprise 2.0). IT Management complexities not accounted for in SOA1 and Enterprise 2.0 are examined with a call for empirical academic research in the areas of people and organisational behaviour within the context of SOA adoption and implementation. Lawrence Lim http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/25 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/25 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:18:01 PST Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have attracted wide popularity as they promise multidimensional benefits and competitive leadership. However complexity and failures of their successful adoption and implementation have stolen the limelight, resulting in considerable literature on understanding the critical success factors (CSFs) or conditions in which the ERP systems could be successfully adopted and implemented. Grounded in innovation diffusion & IS Success theories, this empirical study aims to provide a roadmap for holistic examination of the conditions for successful adoption and implementation of ERP systems and their performance impacts in financial and non-financial terms. Employing a cross-sectional survey for data collection and Structural Equation Modelling for analysis, the study will test a research model comprising CSFs for ERP adoption and implementation processes and their link to performance impacts. Unique in the Australian context, the study will provide a theoretical framework to help organisations enhance their chances of successful ERP projects. Jiwat Ram http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/24 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/24 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:17:57 PST This paper presents a research model, which is built on communication theory (Shannon and Weaver 1948) and DeLone and McLean's (1992, 2003) information system model, to identify eCommerce website success dimensions. The research model is aiming to make a contribution to literature by identifying and incorporating dimensions of success relevant to eCommerce websites. Further empirical research is required to validate the finding. Ahmad Ghandour http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/23 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/23 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:17:50 PST Developments in information and communication technology (ICT) have enabled new organisational structures and business process designs that offer previously unavailable flexibility in when and where work is performed. ICT has facilitated the transportation of knowledge-based work between workers, colleagues, and firms. Despite the increasing popularity of telework, little is known about the individual outcomes from working in this way. In our study, we found that issues do arise for teleworkers in the accounting professions. Our survey revealed seven major individual outcomes: (1) Effectiveness, (2) Self-assurance, (3) Collegiality, (4) Work pressures, (5) Professionalism, (6) Physicality and (7) Task complexity. Further analysis revealed that telework during normal office hours affected perceptions of effectiveness and collegiality. While telework undertaken outside of normal working hours affected perceptions of professionalism and self-assurance. This research builds on earlier conceptual work provided by the Systems-Based Framework for Telework and the Telework Behaviour Model. The results further our understanding about the impact of telework on work practices and personal outcomes. John Campbell http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/22 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/22 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:17:40 PST This paper reports a case study of a Community of Practice (CoP) of tertiary educators in information technology (IT), who seek ways to obtain adequate IT support to match their particular work environment. A facilitated workshop sought to bring members of the CoP and a key representative of the central IT department together with the aim of creating common ground for improved communication and collaboration. Subsequent individual interviews explored perceptions, boundaries and potential boundary spanning opportunities. While literature argues that shared domain knowledge and associated language should alleviate boundary issues, we found that in some circumstances it might intensify them. Gerlinde Koeglreiter http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/21 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/21 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:17:30 PST As organisations embrace internationalisation, they increasingly face the challenge of conducting information systems (IS) planning in multiple cultural contexts. Therefore, the mechanism of how a culture impacts this planning success is of considerable practical interest. In this article, we summarise the available evidence on the determinants of IS planning success namely the level of user participation, management commitment and alignment with business strategy. These determinants could be influenced by the cultural dimensions of collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation and power distance directly or via their determinants. We use the determinants and a cultural dimension to formulate a correlational model of the impact of national culture on IS planning success. While the model we introduce is novel, all of the constructs included in the models were tested elsewhere, and have known validity and reliability characteristics. Raja Haslinda Raja Mohd Ali http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/20 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/20 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:17:20 PST Foresight scenarios indicated already in the late 1990's that mobile commerce would become significant. The reasoning is simple: the rapid development of mobile technology will drive a growing mobile services industry which will be an integral and growing part of mobile commerce revenues. However, the adoption of new mobile services has been much slower than expected. Basic services such as SMS, ring tones, icons and logos are still the most popular services. Several reasons have been suggested for the slow adoption rate, ranging from cultural issues to business models. In this paper we argue that the business strategies used by the mobile network operators (MNO) may be a reason why mobile services are not growing. We use results from a longitudinal study 2003-2007 to make our case, and then we show some mobile value services as an illustration of the role played by the MNOs. Christer Carlsson http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/19 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/19 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:17:04 PST This study is centred on the premise that knowledge is personalised information which can be enriched through the process of learning, then shared and applied to practical situations to attain value. To highlight the complex nature of knowledge management (KM) as a set of practices aimed to enhance collaboration, the concept of a Collaborative Learning Ecosystem (CLES) is presented as holistic approach toward improving practical learning environments. In view of the pressing need for better KM in small-to-medium-sized (SME) enterprises, the CLES framework is used to examine the KM positions of two Australian SMEs. Viewing each case as an 'organisational ecosystem', the holistic assessment of each SME exposes certain KM inefficiencies unique to the firm, which are addressed through a set of actionable KM strategies for improving the relationships among the components interacting within each organisational ecosystem. Amanda Tan http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/18 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/18 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:25:23 PST It is important to measure how well Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP) is done and how planning is improving over time. SISP measurement and assessment is associated with a huge amount of variables and interactions. SISP is confronted with two problems: a problem of comparing the importance of the tangible and intangible properties of its elements, measured by different scales, and a problem of synthesis of influence of these elements on the SISP constructs or the overall SISP success. The reported SISP measurement methods are not capable of overcoming these problems. This paper demonstrates a unique implementation of the Analytic thinking theory for establishing the relative and absolute importance of the SISP constructs. This theory is operationalized through the Analytic Network Process (ANP) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methods which have capability to synthesize the various measures into a single overall measure of SISP maturity or SISP success. Based on AHP/ANP, the paper presents the framework for assessment and measurement of SISP maturity which is empirically validated in Australian environment. Zijad Pita http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/17 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/17 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:25:22 PST The paper at hand presents findings of a survey- and case study based investigation of using innovative Web2.0 collaboration and knowledge management technologies in the software development process of global companies. While the empirical study shows that adoption rates are already considerably high, the satisfaction with using Web2.0 technologies and the resulting success highly depend on the adoption speed as well as on the mastery of special operating capabilities within the local IT and product development departments. In addition to these quantitative and survey-based findings, 3 case examples shed light on specific application scenarios of Web2.0 collaboration and knowledge management applications in different industries. Besides the exemplary illustration of where these innovative web technologies can support global software development processes, economic and strategic benefits of introducing them are highlighted. Alexander Benlian http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/16 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/16 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:25:21 PST Data warehouse (DW) and business intelligence (BI) systems are among the most important IT-based systems in organizations. The decisions made using these systems can fundamentally affect an organization's nature and performance. This paper reports the results of a case study that investigated the nature of DW/BI development. The theory lens used to frame and analyse the research was critical success factors (CSF). Ten CSF were identified from previous research on executive information systems, DW, and BI. This CSF set was used to analyse the failure of a corporate DW/BI project and the subsequent success of a smaller, functional BI system. To overcome previous criticism of the CSF approach, the CSF were analysed within the project's organizational context and in terms of the dynamics of CSF over the life of the project. The case provides a number of lessons for organizations embarking on enterprise-scale DW/BI projects. The study shows that the augmented CSF approach is useful in understanding DW/BI development. David Arnott http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/15 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/15 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:25:20 PST The advent of social networking websites presents further opportunities for criminals to obtain information for use in identity theft, cyber-stalking, and worse activities. This paper presents exploratory research investigating why users of social networking websites willingly disclose personal information and what sorts of information they provide (or not). The study employed an ethnographic approach of participation in the online community and interviews of community members, combined with a quantitative survey. The findings show that users are often simply not aware of the issues or feel that the risk to them personally is very low. The paper recommends that government agencies or social networking websites themselves conduct campaigns to inform the public of these issues and that social networking websites consider removing some facilities. The study was conducted in an Australian context and focussed on the popular Facebook website. William Newk-Fon Hey Tow http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/14 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/14 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:25:19 PST This paper seeks to investigate the relationship between knowledge management and creative individuals in the workplace. Since academic staff are often considered to be creative- and conceptual thinkers, academic staff and managerial University staff were approached for their views on knowledge sharing procedures within a University. The findings indicate that academics prefer informal knowledge sharing environments with peers and they seem to be reluctant towards formal structures and predefined rules to share knowledge. We also found that academics must perceive clear personal advantages before embracing the use of workplace-provided ICTs. This paper concludes with a summary of the findings and recommendations for future research. Hartmut Hoehle http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/13 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/13 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:25:18 PST This research in progress paper reports on an investigation into the nature of inter-organisational knowledge transfer among people working in the New Zealand R&D sector. Knowledge transfer structures, in the form of advice giving and seeking, as well as individual learning preferences were explored. This paper presents results of a study using a mixed method approach of case research and social network analysis. The strength of inter-organisational relationships, measured by contact frequency for giving advice to and seeking advice from peers at the workplace is described, as well as types of knowledge transferred and their relations to each other. From these findings, ICT based knowledge services could be identified with the aim to improve existing knowledge transfer through learning. Silke Retzer http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/12 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/12 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:25:16 PST Few studies have examined how Information Requirement Determination (IRD) is practiced in the Arab world. To lessen the gap, this empirical study reports on the perception of 19 IRD methods in Kuwait, an Arab country. Based on a sample of 87 software stakeholders, this study reports on the most known, widely used and highly valued IRD methods. Results show that Arab culture influences perception of IRD techniques in that: (i) the most used is the traditional technique (interview), followed by the formal analysis technique (DFD), and group elicitation technique (brainstorming); (ii) the most valued techniques from past projecst are external representation techniques (Decision trees), followed by unstructured elicitation techniques (goal oriented elicitation), and observation technique (prototyping); and (iii) the least known, used and valued techniques are UML, Ishikawa and cognitive technique (KJ- methods). In addition, the study reveals some additional factors that affect IRD practices such as the existence of a correlation between past IS project problems and the usage of three techniques (QFD, DFD and role playing), the existence of a correlation between two techniques (prototyping and decision trees) and the statement "obtaining the right requirements is essential to successful system development". Other correlations were also found between some IRD techniques and specific used information system development methodologies. This paper discusses findings which are relevant to theory and practice. Kamel Rouibah http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/11 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/11 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:25:15 PST Attempts to produce adequate and long-lived subject indexes of information systems and computer science research have failed. In this paper we report preliminary results of an approach by which the terms expressed in research literature, such as that in information systems, can be systematically and meaningfully categorised. The approach is based on Roman Ingarden's ontological theory of the written scholarly work: its nature, existence, and categorisation, and builds on Grounded Theory: a rigorous grounded qualitative research method addressing how meaningful categories can be analysed from text and related to each other. We have found that the key guiding unit of analysis operationalising Ingarden's approach through Grounded Theory is the "reported research activity" and that the process is possible although labour intensive. On the basis of using the approach, we propose simple steps to improve the quality of keywords in reported research. John William Lamp http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/10 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/10 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:25:13 PST Background: Companies can only capitalise on research that is relevant to their problems, usable in practice and brought to their attention. Such high value research almost always requires academic and industrial collaboration. Problem: Many academic information systems and software engineering researchers struggle to engage industry in their research. Aim: To investigate the gap between academic research and industry participation in information systems and software engineering. Method: An analysis of UK and Australian Research Council funded information systems-related projects in which companies and academics are currently collaborating. Outcomes: Only 20-30% of research council funded information systems-related projects have industry collaborators. Many collaborators in research projects are in the public sector and have been involved with research previously. Impact: Our results can contribute to increased industrial collaboration in research projects by helping researchers to identify projects most attractive to industrial collaborators and to target companies most likely to agree to participate in research projects. Tracy Hall http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/9 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/9 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:25:12 PST The role of business analysts and systems analysts appears to be very closely related, and there is no agreement on the definitions of the roles or the required skill set to become one of the said analysts. Though the number of these positions is increasing, the understanding of what the business and systems analysts are remains unclear and differs between organisations. A review of literature shows that there are common roles and skills between the two positions, as well as very distinct roles and skills that are clear. This research has demonstrated that although there is some harmony between the articles and interviews on the distinctions between the business analyst and the systems analyst, there are still discrepancies that can only be understood through further research. Alan Vongsavanh http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/8 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/8 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:25:10 PST The unusually slow adoption of information technologies in healthcare is mainly attributed to the overwhelming risks involved in the implementation process embedded in that particular industry. The issue of timing and approach in employing risk management to mitigate risks in healthcare still remains a challenge. In this paper, we report our work in which the objective was to explore the employment of risk management practices from a Singapore-based hospital which is re-designing its medical informatics and premises to provide patient-centric quality healthcare. A total of 19 face-to-face interviews were conducted. The findings highlight that although this organization did not explicitly set out to use an Enterprise Risk Management approach, it has inadvertently done so. The questions of when and where to employ ERM can be difficult to determine, especially in the healthcare industry, hence, we conclude that practitioners should review their existing risk management practices and identify the embedded ERM activities so as to leverage on them in facilitating the managerial guidelines to accomplish the task. Say Yen Teoh http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/7 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/7 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:25:09 PST Governments around the world are placing increasing emphasis on effective corporate recordkeeping within both private and public sector organisations, with some governments mandating such approaches: for example, The State Government of South Australia has required all its agencies to have 'an adequate records management program' in place by the end of 2009 (State Records of South Australia 2007). These demands are often met through the implementation of centralised electronic records management solutions - frequently, Electronic Document and Records Management Systems (EDRMS) - but not all implementing organisations adopt an EDRMS solution in the most optimal way; and many such systems fail to meet organisational needs, or gain acceptance form all (or even most) users. This paper reports on a Web-based survey of Australian public sector EDRMS implementation at three levels (federal, state and local government) and forms the first component of a multi-part investigation of Australian public sector records management. This preliminary survey was designed to identify the EDRMS solutions adopted by government agencies, as well as any guidelines or frameworks used in designing and implementing those solutions. Linh Thuy Nguyen http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/6 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/6 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:25:07 PST Radio Frequency Identification also known as RFID technology has been commercially available since World War II. Early applications of RFID were for military purposes. In recent years, interest has turned toward supply chain management, such as monitoring and tracking business process. Many global companies have already invested in RFID business solutions. New Zealand has a number of successful pilots. However, it is not clear how New Zealand industry leaders perceive RFID solutions, particularly since the recent negative publicity about RFID in the media. This research explores the current status of RFID adoption among industry representatives in New Zealand using innovation theory to classifying respondents as innovators; early adopters; early majorities; and late majorities to try to provide insight into the role of innovation advocacy groups such as RFID Pathfinder. Moore's innovation theory has been used to categorise the innovativeness of New Zealand industry groups. By implication, Moore's theory is a good tool for technology advocates such as the NZ RFID Pathfinder Group to analyse the current status of adoption of technology in their environment and plan accordingly. Brice Zhang http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/5 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/5 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:25:05 PST In order to compete for profitable customers, companies are looking to add value using Customer Relationship Management (CRM). One subset of CRM is customer segmentation, which is the process of dividing customers into groups based upon common features or needs. Segmentation methods can be used for customer portfolio analysis (CPA), the process of analyzing the profitability of customers. This study was made for a case organization, who wanted to identify their profitable and unprofitable customers, in order to gain knowledge on how to develop their marketing strategies. Data about the customers were gathered from the case organization's own database. The Self-Organizing Map (SOM) was used to divide the customers into segments, which were then analyzed in light of product sales information. Annika H. Holmbom http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/4 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/4 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:25:03 PST This paper looks at a case study of an Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP) implementation in a geographically dispersed utility company and the approach by middle management to several problems perceived by them to be problematic. Their approach was to develop systems outside the implemented ERP. These are referred to as feral systems and the implication of these in terms of effective business analytics (BA) are discussed. The paper contends that despite the extremely effective databases and sophisticated modules for business analytic functions within most ERP's, middle managers are still in the "just in case of an incident" mode of inventory management and data entered in their own feral systems may be significantly different to the inventory levels recorded in the main ERP. The implications to accurate forecasts from BA modules are also discussed. Don Kerr http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/3 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/3 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:25:02 PST As a first foray into the design research area, the study described in this paper was designed to improve novice users' understanding of data modelling. The paper commences with a brief description of design research, then continues with an explanation as to why design research might be a successful methodology to use in information systems. What follows is a description of the genesis of this research project, with reference to the first iteration of the design research project. The paper then proceeds to describe the development of the various components of the experiment, including the evaluation scheme and the artefact, and concludes with brief comments as to the implications of the results. Peter Blakey http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/2 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/2 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:25:00 PST Strategic alignment has been viewed as one of the main concerns of management and IT executives. While the importance of alignment and the benefits that can result from it are not questioned, achieving and maintaining alignment is still a major concern facing organizations. This research focuses on the social dimension of alignment, and in particular on the two factors of communication and knowledge sharing. Five IT companies were selected for this empirical case study. The findings of the research revealed that the consistency of communication and knowledge sharing leading to alignment between IT and business objectives is of a high level. However the extent to which they can lead to alignment is affected by other factors that can inhibit or enhance their ability to achieve a seamless alignment outcome. Ramisa Kashanchi http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/1 http://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2008/1 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 03:44:42 PST Based on data obtained from a large scale survey of Australian companies, this paper examines the use of Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP) approaches and methodologies. Generally, studies on SISP approaches are conceptual and they do not provide much for practitioners. In this study, analysis is done on the variable level which brings to the surface the normally hidden content of the relationships. New relationships between the SISP approaches, SISP success and several organisations' attributes are discovered. It is found that 'the borders and boundary lines' which distinguish approaches have begun to blur and that the most popular SISP methodologies are not the most successful ones. SISP practitioners may benefit from knowing that emerging methodologies such as Fuzzy Cognitive Maps and Information Engineering can improve the success prospects of SISP. Many findings of significant importance to SISP practitioners, in the context of various industries, are presented. Zijad Pita http://aisel.aisnet.org/cais/vol25/iss1/40 http://aisel.aisnet.org/cais/vol25/iss1/40 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:18:01 PST This tutorial outlines major changes in the Internet that enable the world wide web to become more interactive and participative. These changes led to new capabilities such as weblogs (blogs), wikis, social networking sites, and application mashups. Millions of individuals became active users of these facilities. Increasingly, companies are finding ways to monetize these features. Jim Sutter http://aisel.aisnet.org/cais/vol25/iss1/39 http://aisel.aisnet.org/cais/vol25/iss1/39 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:03:03 PST Business intelligence (BI) is a broad category of applications, technologies, and processes for gathering, storing, accessing, and analyzing data to help business users make better decisions. This tutorial discusses some of the early, landmark contributions to BI; describes a comprehensive, generic BI environment; and discusses four impor-tant BI trends: scalability, pervasive BI, operational BI, and the BI based organization. It also identifies BI resources that are available for faculty and students. Hugh J. Watson http://aisel.aisnet.org/jais/vol10/iss11/4 http://aisel.aisnet.org/jais/vol10/iss11/4 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:47:40 PST Antony Bryant http://aisel.aisnet.org/jais/vol10/iss11/3 http://aisel.aisnet.org/jais/vol10/iss11/3 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:47:39 PST The paper offers a critique of traditional methodical approaches to Information Systems Development (ISD), arguing that a number of assumptions (for example, universality and rationality) underlying these approaches lead to incomplete ontological and epistemological considerations, and thereby contribute to IS failures in many cases. The paper proposes that ethical analysis undertaken in conjunction with traditional ISD approaches may be a way to address some of the limitations experienced during traditional ISD. Drawing upon ideas from postmodern ethics formulated by Zygmunt Bauman, the paper argues that increased focus on the moral responsibility of key ISD players (such as the team of analysts) may improve the ISD process. Finally, this paper suggests how, consistent with the postmodern stance, such moral responsibility can be implemented in the context of ISD. The paper concludes with the contributions and future implications of this research. Sutirtha Chatterjee http://aisel.aisnet.org/jais/vol10/iss11/2 http://aisel.aisnet.org/jais/vol10/iss11/2 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:47:38 PST We combined scenarios based on information ethics issues identified by Mason (privacy, accuracy, property, and access) with questions based on the stages of moral development proposed by Kohlberg to empirically test two theories rooted in sociology: generational subculture theory and life-cycle theory. Evidence from more than 1,100 managers across China strongly supports generational subculture theory by revealing significant differences in information ethics among the Republican, Revolutionary, and Reform generations. The generation gaps suggest that events such as the Cultural Revolution as well as the implementation of both the Open Door Policy and the One-Child Policy have shaped the information ethics of Chinese managers. We also discovered fundamental tensions between Western moral philosophies (based on rules, democracy, individual rights, and personal freedoms) and the traditions of Chinese culture (based on relationships, hierarchy, collective responsibilities, and social harmony). The ethical dimensions of the evolution from traditional China to modern China, and from particularistic trust to systemic trust, are discussed. Combined with previous Chinese management research by Martinsons, our study implies that it will be difficult to resolve data privacy and intellectual property issues. It also raises concerns about cross-cultural research such as GLOBE and Hofstede that rely on narrow demographic samples. Further research is recommended to examine the information and knowledge management of Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y (or Millennial Generation), and other sub-cultural groups, in order to determine the generalizability of "doing the right thing". Maris G, Martinsons http://aisel.aisnet.org/jais/vol10/iss11/1 http://aisel.aisnet.org/jais/vol10/iss11/1 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:47:37 PST The ethical integrity and accountability of Information Technology (IT) professionals is important given our reliance on various forms of IT. We examined the applicability of Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of Cognitive Moral Development (CMD) in non-Western contexts by investigating the ethical values of IT professionals in Asia's two largest economies. Analysis of survey data from Japan (n=289) and China (n=290) indicates support for the basic six-stage model of CMD. The concept of abiding by universal laws and rules (termed stage 4 reasoning by Kohlberg) was widely accepted by IT professionals in both Japan and China, despite the Confucian cultural emphasis on personal relationships with particularistic obligations. However, differences between Japanese and Chinese IT professionals were found while, in direct contrast with the stage-wise theory of CMD, the respondents from Japan and especially China exhibited significant volatility, reasoning at different stages simultaneously. The implications of these findings for research and practice are discussed. Robert M. Davison