Investigating enterprise application integration (EAI) adoption in the local government authorities (LGAs)

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.This thesis focuses on investigating Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) adoption in the Local Government Authorities (LGAs). EAI has emerged to support organisations to integrate their Information Technology (IT) infrastructures and deliver high quality of services. Despite the fact that several private and public organisations have adopted EAI, its application in LGAs is limited. This may illustrate that LGAs develop EAI solutions at a slower pace and they can be characterised as a laggard comparing to other sectors. The small number of EAI applications in LGAs has resulted in limited research in this area with many issues, like its adoption requiring further investigation. Literature indicates various models that analyse various factors influencing EAI adoption in the private and public domain. However, the applicability and validity of these models is arguable and under research in LGAs, as these were proposed to support the decision-making process in other sectors and not in LGAs. To the best of the researcher's knowledge, none of the existing EAI adoption models explored the importance of factors during different phases of the adoption lifecycle. Notwithstanding, the implications of EAI have yet to be assessed, leaving scope for timeliness and novel research. Thus, the researcher demonstrates that it is of high importance to investigate this area within LGAs and result in research that contributes towards successful EAI adoption. This thesis makes a step forward and contributes to the body of knowledge as it: investigates factors influencing the decision making process for EAI adoption in LGAs (Figure 3.2), analyses and proposes the adoption lifecycle phases (Figure 3.3), maps and prioritises the importance of EAI adoption factors on different phases of the adoption lifecycle (Chapter 5 for empirical results) and in doing so, to propose a model for EAI adoption in LGAs (Figure 3.7). The researcher claims that such an EAI adoption process in LGAs is significant and novel as: it extends established norms for EAI adoption, by including Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique for prioritising the importance of factors, thus, enabling LGAs to produce more robust proposals for EAI adoption. The researcher discusses on EAI adoption by using a qualitative, interpretive, multiple case study research strategy. Findings from three case organisations exhibit that such an approach contributes towards more robust decisions for EAI adoption and indicates that it is acceptable by the case organisations. Despite these results cannot be generalised, yet they can allow others to relate their views with the ones reported in this thesis. This thesis proposes, tests and presents a novel model for EAI adoption in LGAs and contributes to the body of knowledge by extending the literature

Investigating enterprise application integration (EAI) adoption in the local government authorities (LGAs)

This thesis focuses on investigating Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) adoption in the Local Government Authorities (LGAs). EAI has emerged to support organisations to integrate their Information Technology (IT) infrastructures and deliver high quality of services. Despite the fact that several private and public organisations have adopted EAI, its application in LGAs is limited. This may illustrate that LGAs develop EAI solutions at a slower pace and they can be characterised as a laggard comparing to other sectors. The small number of EAI applications in LGAs has resulted in limited research in this area with many issues, like its adoption requiring further investigation. Literature indicates various models that analyse various factors influencing EAI adoption in the private and public domain. However, the applicability and validity of these models is arguable and under research in LGAs, as these were proposed to support the decision-making process in other sectors and not in LGAs. To the best of the researcher's knowledge, none of the existing EAI adoption models explored the importance of factors during different phases of the adoption lifecycle. Notwithstanding, the implications of EAI have yet to be assessed, leaving scope for timeliness and novel research. Thus, the researcher demonstrates that it is of high importance to investigate this area within LGAs and result in research that contributes towards successful EAI adoption. This thesis makes a step forward and contributes to the body of knowledge as it: investigates factors influencing the decision making process for EAI adoption in LGAs (Figure 3.2), analyses and proposes the adoption lifecycle phases (Figure 3.3), maps and prioritises the importance of EAI adoption factors on different phases of the adoption lifecycle (Chapter 5 for empirical results) and in doing so, to propose a model for EAI adoption in LGAs (Figure 3.7). The researcher claims that such an EAI adoption process in LGAs is significant and novel as: it extends established norms for EAI adoption, by including Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique for prioritising the importance of factors, thus, enabling LGAs to produce more robust proposals for EAI adoption. The researcher discusses on EAI adoption by using a qualitative, interpretive, multiple case study research strategy. Findings from three case organisations exhibit that such an approach contributes towards more robust decisions for EAI adoption and indicates that it is acceptable by the case organisations. Despite these results cannot be generalised, yet they can allow others to relate their views with the ones reported in this thesis. This thesis proposes, tests and presents a novel model for EAI adoption in LGAs and contributes to the body of knowledge by extending the literature.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

A Framework for Sustainable Procurement Practice in the Irish Construction Industry

The Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector has been called upon to develop innovative strategies to drive sustainability. Despite the efforts and commitments made, their performance is still observed to be low, this has been linked to the low level of understanding of practitioners. Also noted was the lack of interest by firms due to the uncertainty of the benefits of committing to long term investments. Nevertheless, academic literature and reports have stated that firms nowadays utilise their procurement mechanism to drive their sustainability practice. However, there is a gap in understanding how construction firms adopt and embed sustainability in their procurement process. Data was collected through the mixed-methods approach, and the single embedded case study strategy was used to understand an organisation\u27s sustainable procurement practice from the organisational and project level. Different statistical methods were used in analysing the data obtained. The findings revealed that construction-contracting firms have developed various policies and strategies aimed at promoting their sustainable procurement practice. These strategies were found to include investment in their core capabilities, development of long-term relationships and close collaboration with their supply chains. The adoption and utilisation of digital technology tools and resources were also found to have added value to the firm operations. However, it was noted that the level of collaboration within the firm in terms of sharing of information was quite challenging. Therefore, firms will have to develop strategies that will enable them to provide real-time data to disclose their sustainability performance. The study contributed to knowledge by unveiling the internal organisational strategies of large firms in driving sustainable procurement. Also, the study developed and validated a framework that will aid construction firms in disclosing and implementing their sustainable procurement strategy. Disclosing sustainability performance of construction firms enable their clients and the public to be aware of their contribution towards the sustainable development objectives

Consumer policy - a network/political economy perspective : an application of the new macro-relational consumer policy framework to study the evolutionary dynamics of the policy community for the Electronic Fund Transfer System (EFTS) consumer issue in Canada

This thesis argued that-sole reliance by government on the micro-economic paradigm. as the rationale for intervening in the marketplace results in too narrow an approach to consumer policy and a lack of appreciation for the dynamic and relational aspects of the consumer policy process. An integration of select constructs from the political economy and network paradigms contributed to the development of a macro-relational consumer policy framework. The network approach provides a relational perspective while the political economy paradigm provides a macro approach to widening consumer policy theory. Together, they offer a macro-relational perspective to compliment the micro-economic approach. The investigator suggests that the computerization of the Canadian payment system represents a change in the technological sphere of the macro policy environment. This change challenges the marketplace interests of the consumer policy network constituents (secondary policy environment). The stakeholders affected by this change coalesce into a policy community to balance respective interests. This primary policy environment, evolutionary in nature (internal policy activity, then dyadic, multidyadic, and triadic), will exhibit varying patterns of stakeholder interaction, relationship development and network dynamics. Propositions developed, to explain the evolutionary dynamics of the policy community guided the content analysis, the case study and the network analysis. Relational data (matrices and graphs) profiled the chronological maps of the relationships of the aggregate, constituent and dyadic sets of stakeholders. A multi-layered network analysis revealed an evolutionary process and a policy community which varied on several interaction dimensions (frequency, directedness, durability, role perception, intensity) and network dimensions (size, density, connectedness, cohesiveness, knittedness, stability). To mirror parallel initiatives in complimentary disciplines, stakeholders and future macro-relational consumer policy researchers are challenged to embrace the powerful network/political economy perspective to profit from stimulating theoretical and pragmatic insights into the complex, dynamic consumer policy process.This thesis argued that-sole reliance by government on the micro-economic paradigm. as the rationale for intervening in the marketplace results in too narrow an approach to consumer policy and a lack of appreciation for the dynamic and relational aspects of the consumer policy process. An integration of select constructs from the political economy and network paradigms contributed to the development of a macro-relational consumer policy framework. The network approach provides a relational perspective while the political economy paradigm provides a macro approach to widening consumer policy theory. Together, they offer a macro-relational perspective to compliment the micro-economic approach. The investigator suggests that the computerization of the Canadian payment system represents a change in the technological sphere of the macro policy environment. This change challenges the marketplace interests of the consumer policy network constituents (secondary policy environment). The stakeholders affected by this change coalesce into a policy community to balance respective interests. This primary policy environment, evolutionary in nature (internal policy activity, then dyadic, multidyadic, and triadic), will exhibit varying patterns of stakeholder interaction, relationship development and network dynamics. Propositions developed, to explain the evolutionary dynamics of the policy community guided the content analysis, the case study and the network analysis. Relational data (matrices and graphs) profiled the chronological maps of the relationships of the aggregate, constituent and dyadic sets of stakeholders. A multi-layered network analysis revealed an evolutionary process and a policy community which varied on several interaction dimensions (frequency, directedness, durability, role perception, intensity) and network dimensions (size, density, connectedness, cohesiveness, knittedness, stability). To mirror parallel initiatives in complimentary disciplines, stakeholders and future macro-relational consumer policy researchers are challenged to embrace the powerful network/political economy perspective to profit from stimulating theoretical and pragmatic insights into the complex, dynamic consumer policy process

Environmental enforcement technology adoption: Marine environment in the Kingdom of Bahrain

This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University LondonResearch Background: Entities responsible for environmental enforcement around the world are facing increasing pressure to deal with the alarming rate of environmental degradation and crime, despite the limited resources available to them. They are continuously searching for technological advancements to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency. This research aims to explore and develop effective technology adoption insights for environmental compliance and enforcement in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Research Gap: Existing technology adoption studies in law enforcement were mainly conducted on criminal law enforcement. Studies conducted on technology adoption of users involved in environmental enforcement were very scarce, especially from the perspective of environmental enforcers. Environmental enforcement was found to be a unique field of law enforcement with unique challenges and characteristics. This gap in the literature gives interest to acquire further knowledge and understanding of the technology use and adoption of users involved in environmental enforcement. Methodology: This study has adapted a qualitative approach with multiple case studies triangulated with onsite observations, documents, and interviews with relevant stakeholders to explore the use and adoption of technology in environmental compliance and enforcement in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Findings: Numerous significant findings were made during the research. The research found that technology use in the field of environmental enforcement in the marine environment in Bahrain has a significant impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of these systems, mainly through providing increased accuracy, speed, cost reduction and transparency. The technologies vary from basic technologies such as GPS to complex integrated systems, the type of technology utilized is mainly driven by the role and task of the organization or individual. The research also finds many aspects of theories from previous studies on technology adoption in the field of law enforcement to be applicable to this research’s field, mainly the M-TAM which is based on the TAM model. The research found that technology adoption in environmental enforcement in the Kingdom is mandatory in nature, in which intent to use the technology has no influence since the user does not have the choice not to use the technology provided. Rather the extent to which the technology is used is influenced mainly by attitude, perceived usefulness, degree of necessity of the use of the technology, and various external factors (management style, cognitive acceptance, and stakeholder environment). Furthermore, the research identified additional unique factors affecting technology adoption in environmental enforcement, mainly the stakeholder’s environment. The study's findings led to the development of a modified model of technology adoption for environmental enforcement. The model illustrates the complex interaction between many factors influencing users' adoption and usage of technology in the field of environmental enforcement in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Implications: The model illustrates the factors that influence technology adoption by users involved in environmental enforcement in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The main contribution of the research and the model is the ability to predict and explain technology adoption of users in the unique field of environmental enforcement. This knowledge is critical for the Kingdom, which has made significant investments in technological solutions across a variety of sectors, including environmental enforcement. Understanding and taking into account the factors influencing technology adoption will increase the likelihood of effective technology being adopted successfully in the Kingdom of Bahrain, resulting in more efficient usage, increased productivity, and ultimately improved performance toward the achievement of goals and targets.Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Bahrai

Technology adoption in socially sustainable supply chain management: Towards an integrated conceptual framework

This study aims to systematically review existing literature on digital technology adoption for socially sustainable supply chain management (SSSCM) and propose a theoretical framework that outlines the central concepts. A content analysis-based systematic literature review approach was adopted to analyze 49 articles published from 2017 to 2024. The findings of this study identify critical antecedents, barriers, practices, enablers, and outcomes of digital technology adoption for SSSCM. The proposed conceptual model based on technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework and diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory captures these relationships among the identified factors and provides insights into how they can support the development of a socially sustainable supply chain. Furthermore, this study explores the potential positive and negative effects of technology adoption for SSSCM. It highlights the opportunities and challenges that arise from using digital technology in SSSCM, such as the emergence of Industry 4.0 and the need to ensure the ethical use of technology. This study is the first comprehensive review of the role of digital technology in SSSCM. The suggested framework offers guidance for upcoming research in this field, outlining the key areas that require further investigation

Sustainability and professional sales: a review and future research agenda

Sustainability has become a consideration for every firm operating in today’s business landscape. Scholars are tasked with uncovering bridges and barriers to successfully implement sustainability strategies, and the academic community has largely responded. However, while sustainability research has proliferated across business disciplines, it is conspicuously missing from professional selling and sales management. This is partly due to conceptual ambiguity, but also because sustainability generally involves firm-level policies and programs, and therefore domains like consumer behavior, marketing strategy, and supply chain management have occupied the space. This is problematic because while executives develop sustainability strategies, the sales force is responsible for conveying those priorities to external stakeholders. Therefore, the goals of our manuscript are to: 1) organize and refine the definition of sustainability in a professional selling context, 2) review relevant literature that examines sustainability in that context, 3) explore emergent themes from this review that 4) reveal gaps in our understanding, and 5) present a research agenda for sales scholars to bridge these gaps and advance our understanding of the role of sustainability in sales and vice versa

Case study in transformation planning for integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems into the National Airspace

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, System Design and Management Program, 2009."May 2009." Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (p. 96-103).The research presented in this thesis combines Enterprise Architecture and Technology Strategy for analyzing, evaluating, and recommending appropriate solutions for integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS). The thesis is organized into four sections. Section 1 introduces the strategic background, enterprise description, definitions of key terms, and the issues and interest surrounding UAS operations. Section 2 involves architecting the enterprise at its current state, which includes the vision, strategic objectives, enterprise layout, stakeholder analysis, and concludes with the architectural views of the current state. Section 3 discusses the vision and design for the future of the NAS enterprise, the current near-term efforts, the long-term preferred future state, and the transformation plan to achieve successful integration of UAS flight in the NAS. Finally, Section 4 concludes with the importance of leadership for success, final thoughts, recommendations, and future work. Technology Strategy coupled with Engineering Architecture emphasizes the development and application of ways of thinking that bring clarity to the complex co-evolution of technological innovation, the demand opportunity, systems architecture, business ecosystems, and decision-making and execution within the business.(cont.) Architecting the current state of the NAS enterprise and then applying the technology strategy framework in an incremental systems approach to fully understand the future state of the NAS involves figuring out how to create and capture value, anticipating and deciding how to respond to the behavior of customers, complimentors and competitors, and develop and deliver technologies, platforms, and products.by Kristina L. Richardson.S.M

Towards sustainable development : a business management perspective on "greening" in the Korean chemical industry

The term, sustainable development, is not new in our society. However, understanding the concept of sustainable development is not without problems. What does the concept mean in business and management? It is observed that ecological issues are neglected by mainstream management academics and practices. Conventional strategic management and organisational study do not include the "green" ecological environment issues as part of business environment. If "green" ecological environment is a part of the business environment, how do decision makers, especially top level managers, perceive green issues in the business environment and how are these perceptions related to strategic management issues? This research focuses on answering the question by studying how top executives in the Korean chemical industry perceive the uncertainty caused by ecological issues and influence the effectiveness of implementation of corporate environmental management based upon Miles and Snow's (1978) strategic typology of corporate responses. The research employs three different methods, the questionnaire, the interview and the case study for data collection. These research methods are used to identify the levels of uncertainty which result from green issues in business environment, and the link between uncertainty and strategic management issues. The findings from this research show that top managers selectively perceive green issues in the business environment. Thus, business organisations seek to create their own environment to match with their strategy rather than be controlled by their environment. The findings support the "strategic choice" view by Child (1972) and Miles and Snow (1978). Selective strategic choice based upon top managers' perceptions produces different types of corporate environmental strategy which range from the reactive to the proactive