ICT Investment Evaluation and Mobile Computing Business Support for Construction Site Operations

The intangible qualitative innovation benefits of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) are essential for improving quality of production, enhancing business activities and creating new competitive opportunities. Still, these benefits are not accounted for in traditional financial investment evaluation methods like Return On Investment (ROI) and Net Present Value (NPV). The strict quantitative financial methods for evaluating ICT investments leave out most of the strategic long-term performance benefits that ICT provide. There is a need for a multidimensional evaluation method that includes the long-term performance perspective, generation of system usefulness and future business value of ICT investments.This paper starts from a general perspective of ICT investment evaluation. It describes the complexity of ICT benefits, some of the common pitfalls when estimating the business value of ICT and two general approaches for evaluating ICT investments. The paper then reflects upon the benefits of mobile computing for the construction site production environment and the evaluation of such a technology investment in that business context

Assessing Benefits of Business Intelligence Systems – A Case Study

Several arguments can be found in business intelligence literature that the use of business intelligence systems can bring multiple benefits, for example, via faster and easier access to information, savings in information technology (‘IT’) and greater customer satisfaction all the way through to the improved competitiveness of enterprises. Yet, most of these benefits are often very difficult to measure because of their indirect and delayed effects on business success. On top of the difficulties in justifying investments in information technology (‘IT’), particularly business intelligence (‘BI’), business executives generally want to know whether the investment is worth the money and if it can be economically justified. In looking for an answer to this question, various methods of evaluating investments can be employed. We can use the classic return on investment (‘ROI’) calculation, cost-benefit analysis, the net present value (‘NPV’) method, the internal rate of return (‘IRR’) and others. However, it often appears in business practice that the use of these methods alone is inappropriate, insufficient or unfeasible for evaluating an investment in business intelligence systems. Therefore, for this purpose, more appropriate methods are those based mainly on a qualitative approach, such as case studies, empirical analyses, user satisfaction analyses, and others that can be employed independently or can help us complete the whole picture in conjunction with the previously mentioned methods. Since there is no universal approach to the evaluation of an investment in information technology and business intelligence, it is necessary to approach each case in a different way based on the specific circumstances and purpose of the evaluation. This paper presents a case study in which the evaluation of an investment in on-line analytical processing (‘OLAP’) technology in the company Melamin was made through an analysis of users\u27 opinions along with a strategic analysis based on identifying a cause-and-effect relationship between the benefits of OLAP technology and the company’s strategic goals

Assessing Benefits of Business Intelligence Systems – A Case Study

Several arguments can be found in business intelligence literature that the use of business intelligence systems can bring multiple benefits, for example, via faster and easier access to information, savings in information technology (‘IT’) and greater customer satisfaction all the way through to the improved competitiveness of enterprises. Yet, most of these benefits are often very difficult to measure because of their indirect and delayed effects on business success. On top of the difficulties in justifying investments in information technology (‘IT’), particularly business intelligence (‘BI’), business executives generally want to know whether the investment is worth the money and if it can be economically justified. In looking for an answer to this question, various methods of evaluating investments can be employed. We can use the classic return on investment (‘ROI’) calculation, cost-benefit analysis, the net present value (‘NPV’) method, the internal rate of return (‘IRR’) and others. However, it often appears in business practice that the use of these methods alone is inappropriate, insufficient or unfeasible for evaluating an investment in business intelligence systems. Therefore, for this purpose, more appropriate methods are those based mainly on a qualitative approach, such as case studies, empirical analyses, user satisfaction analyses, and others that can be employed independently or can help us complete the whole picture in conjunction with the previously mentioned methods. Since there is no universal approach to the evaluation of an investment in information technology and business intelligence, it is necessary to approach each case in a different way based on the specific circumstances and purpose of the evaluation. This paper presents a case study in which the evaluation of an investment in on-line analytical processing (‘OLAP’) technology in the company Melamin was made through an analysis of users\u27 opinions along with a strategic analysis based on identifying a cause-and-effect relationship between the benefits of OLAP technology and the company’s strategic goals

Assessing Benefits of Business Intelligence Systems – A Case Study

Several arguments can be found in business intelligence literature that the use of business intelligence systems can bring multiple benefits, for example, via faster and easier access to information, savings in information technology (‘IT’) and greater customer satisfaction all the way through to the improved competitiveness of enterprises. Yet, most of these benefits are often very difficult to measure because of their indirect and delayed effects on business success. On top of the difficulties in justifying investments in information technology (‘IT’), particularly business intelligence (‘BI’), business executives generally want to know whether the investment is worth the money and if it can be economically justified. In looking for an answer to this question, various methods of evaluating investments can be employed. We can use the classic return on investment (‘ROI’) calculation, cost-benefit analysis, the net present value (‘NPV’) method, the internal rate of return (‘IRR’) and others. However, it often appears in business practice that the use of these methods alone is inappropriate, insufficient or unfeasible for evaluating an investment in business intelligence systems. Therefore, for this purpose, more appropriate methods are those based mainly on a qualitative approach, such as case studies, empirical analyses, user satisfaction analyses, and others that can be employed independently or can help us complete the whole picture in conjunction with the previously mentioned methods. Since there is no universal approach to the evaluation of an investment in information technology and business intelligence, it is necessary to approach each case in a different way based on the specific circumstances and purpose of the evaluation. This paper presents a case study in which the evaluation of an investment in on-line analytical processing (‘OLAP’) technology in the company Melamin was made through an analysis of users\u27 opinions along with a strategic analysis based on identifying a cause-and-effect relationship between the benefits of OLAP technology and the company’s strategic goals

Assessing Benefits of Business Intelligence Systems – A Case Study

Several arguments can be found in business intelligence literature that the use of business intelligence systems can bring multiple benefits, for example, via faster and easier access to information, savings in information technology (‘IT’) and greater customer satisfaction all the way through to the improved competitiveness of enterprises. Yet, most of these benefits are often very difficult to measure because of their indirect and delayed effects on business success. On top of the difficulties in justifying investments in information technology (‘IT’), particularly business intelligence (‘BI’), business executives generally want to know whether the investment is worth the money and if it can be economically justified. In looking for an answer to this question, various methods of evaluating investments can be employed. We can use the classic return on investment (‘ROI’) calculation, cost-benefit analysis, the net present value (‘NPV’) method, the internal rate of return (‘IRR’) and others. However, it often appears in business practice that the use of these methods alone is inappropriate, insufficient or unfeasible for evaluating an investment in business intelligence systems. Therefore, for this purpose, more appropriate methods are those based mainly on a qualitative approach, such as case studies, empirical analyses, user satisfaction analyses, and others that can be employed independently or can help us complete the whole picture in conjunction with the previously mentioned methods. Since there is no universal approach to the evaluation of an investment in information technology and business intelligence, it is necessary to approach each case in a different way based on the specific circumstances and purpose of the evaluation. This paper presents a case study in which the evaluation of an investment in on-line analytical processing (‘OLAP’) technology in the company Melamin was made through an analysis of users\u27 opinions along with a strategic analysis based on identifying a cause-and-effect relationship between the benefits of OLAP technology and the company’s strategic goals

Delivering the business value of information technology: Evaluation practices of construction SME\u27s

With cal/sfrom the govemmentfor the construction industry to improve its peiformance and openly embrace information technology (IT), this research sought to examine the practices that organisations use to evaluate and justify their investments in IT. It was considered that this would enable those areas for improving the evaluation process to be identified and the business value of IT was maximised. A questionnaire survey was used to obtain information about the evaluation practices of 126 construction organisations. The analysis of their responses identified three key findings. First, different organisation types significantly differ in the amount they investment in IT and firm size (i.e. in terms of turnover and number of employees) does not influence investment levels in IT. Second, the evaluation process that is adopted by construction organisations is used as a both control and learning mechanism. Third, a major barrier to justifying IT investments was attributed to having no strategic vision in place. Thus, it is concluded that if construction organisations are to leverage the benefits of IT and deliver business value to customers and suppliers in their supply chain then IT should form an integral part of their business strategy

Explanatory Study on Impact of PPM on Plant Performance

Abstract In the last few decades, evaluating the advanced technology investments in industries especially its contribution on enterprise performance has been a central concern of research and practice. Project portfolio management helps industries in executing the strategic activities and optimizing the investments with the effective project evaluation. The present paper aims at evaluating and establishing the impact of project portfolio management on productivity of industries in portfolio perspective. This exploratory research study endeavors its evaluation based on the statistical data analysis of primary data using cumulative weighed average. The primary data is collected with the help of a survey questionnaire from the selected of respondents of the companies that are practicing the project portfolio management. The analysis reveals that the impact of project portfolio management on performance in the selected firms is highly moderate. Further the research suggests, companies must focus on weak areas that impacting the performance in order to gain the competitive advantage and to maximize the benefits. Keywords Plant Performance, Strategic Management, Managing Industrial Projects, Project Portfolio Management I. Introduction Evaluating the impact of advanced technology investments has been a central concern in information systems research and practice for decades. Many organizations are now taking an enterprise portfolio approach to manage their project investments. Projects created in different departments and the priorities of these departments often do not relate to each other and to the corporate level strategy. Thus the project evaluation, selection and funding should be at the enterprise level and the key criteria in project selectio

Firm size and information technology investment appraisal: evidence from commercial banks in Kenya

The paper was presented at the The International Academy of Business and Public Administration Disciplines (IABPAD) Conference, Dallas, Texas, 7 – 10 April 2011Information technology expenditure in banks consumes an ever increasing portion of operating costs and revenues. As organisations continue increasing their investment in IS, the process of evaluating potential Information Technology (IT) investments becomes an important activity for an organisation’s management. This study attempts to establish whether the choice of IT investment appraisal approaches is associated with the size of a firm using evidence from commercial banking institutions in Kenya. Results of the survey show that there is a correlation between choice of approach and firm size. Among the banking institutions in Kenya, medium-sized banks focus the most on both the strategic and analytical approaches to IT investment appraisal. Majority of small banks have adopted relatively simple economic techniques such as payback period and cost-benefit analysis, and they do not focus on the more sophisticated analytical and integrated approaches as much as the medium-sized and large banks. Finally, large banks have adopted all of the appraisal approaches explored in this study. The results of this study help to establish banking industry-wide benchmarks and best practices in IT investment evaluation, thereby assisting IT executives to make more informed decisions for future investments.Information technology expenditure in banks consumes an ever increasing portion of operating costs and revenues. As organisations continue increasing their investment in IS, the process of evaluating potential Information Technology (IT) investments becomes an important activity for an organisation’s management. This study attempts to establish whether the choice of IT investment appraisal approaches is associated with the size of a firm using evidence from commercial banking institutions in Kenya. Results of the survey show that there is a correlation between choice of approach and firm size. Among the banking institutions in Kenya, medium-sized banks focus the most on both the strategic and analytical approaches to IT investment appraisal. Majority of small banks have adopted relatively simple economic techniques such as payback period and cost-benefit analysis, and they do not focus on the more sophisticated analytical and integrated approaches as much as the medium-sized and large banks. Finally, large banks have adopted all of the appraisal approaches explored in this study. The results of this study help to establish banking industry-wide benchmarks and best practices in IT investment evaluation, thereby assisting IT executives to make more informed decisions for future investments

Managing information and communications technologies in South African education: final project report

This was a meta-study. That means that the intention of the study was to review and analyse previous studies, and draw conclusions about the state of research into technologies in education, and specifically into the management of those technologies. The project proposed a range of objectives that were reduced because of funding limitations - the reduced project scope focused on an extensive literature review (the bibliography) and the development of a reference model that is intended to guide those concerned with managing ICTs in South African education (whether as managers or as researchers). The original proposal also included the development of case studies and the establishment of a knowledge base (built around the reference model) but this work remains to be done. The project was somewhat problematic in execution. Resourcing and administrative difficulties resulted in no students graduating (yet), and this is a matter for disappointment. These problems were reported to the NRF and – in the end – useful outputs were achieved. First, following establishment of the project, a two-day meeting of about 20 experts revealed a consensus: that the many differences that are to be seen (in learners, teachers, resource levels and other factors) are probably the most important thing to acknowledge and respond to, in undertaking further research into technology in South African education and in improving management practice. The drivers for change arising from technological innovation are forceful, and the form and function of education establishments is changing. In the simplest possible view, information technology is an investment and it needs to be managed accordingly. The idea of value can be used to develop logical connections between the sometimes-uncontrolled cost of education information technologies, and the strategic benefits that are sought for learners and for the nation. Critical to understanding how value can be assured is to acknowledge and pro-actively manage the information systems that are the means to improve educational processes, and the benefits that must be defined and then delivered, if the investment of time, money and effort is to be worthwhile. The bibliography that emerged from the literature review (more than 160 papers were read, being chosen from more than 700 candidates) confirms that there is little evidence that the management of IT investments in education is researched. Further, while some reported work makes passing reference to (or implies) strategic management, there is little evidence that strategic options and strategic management techniques are being seriously researched at the regional or national level. To deal with the problems of technology and strategy management: • The diversity that we live with needs to be understood and incorporated into policies and strategies for information technology and information systems in education. • The role of the stakeholder, and existing techniques for stakeholder analysis, will be key in determining the value is sought from our information technology investments in education. • There is more to this than just teaching and learning. Research is a key feature of the education landscape and needs good information technology support; administration at all levels needs good systems, and management needs management information that provides a basis for good decision making. The reference model, currently focused on "Teaching and Learning" as the core educational activity, organises the chain of value that begins to ensure successful investment. It also shows how knowledge management fits into the "big picture" and it provides an ontological foundation for further work, as well as a framework for the evaluation of performance and value delivery within working education institutions. The project also developed significant ancillary outputs: a proposal for a special issue of a journal, a "Flash MOOC", and a qualitative research data analyser. The project contributed to a new book, "Investing in Information", that is to be published imminently by Springer in Geneva (and that provides much more detail about the idea of value management from information technology investments). A number of journal papers have already been published, and further papers are in process.This project was funded by the South African National Research Foundation: Project Reference: ESA20100809000015400 – Grant Number: 7399

Applying concepts of fuzzy cognitive mapping to model IT/IS investment evaluation factors

The justification process is a major concern for many organisations that are considering the adoption of Information Technology (IT) and Information Systems (IS), and is a barrier to its implementation. As a result, the competitive advantage of many companies is being put at risk because of management's inability to evaluate the holistic implication of adopting new technology, both in terms of on the benefit and cost portfolios. This paper identifies a number of well-known project appraisal techniques used in IT/IS investment justification. Furthermore, the concept of multivalent, or fuzzy logic, is used to demonstrate how inter-relationships can be modeled between key dimensions identified in the proposed conceptual evaluation model. This is highlighted using fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) as a technique to model each IT/IS evaluation factor (integrating strategic, tactical, operational and investment considerations). The use of an FCM is then shown to be as a complementary tool which can serve to highlight interdependencies between contributory justification factors