Internet social networking - Distinguishing the phenomenon from its manifestations in web sites

The Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) paradigm promises to facilitate the integration of software services provided by different vendors and thus enables users to benefit from Best-of-Breed solutions. In order to support software architects we present the Multilayer Standardization Problem (MSP) to analyze the trade-off between possibly enhanced utility versus higher assembling costs of Best-ofBreed SOA solutions. We implemented a software prototype to support decision makers during the data input and the subsequent analysis of the solution’s robustness. The MSP for the SOA-case is formulated as a linear 0–1 optimization model and extends the established Standardization Problem (SP) by modeling the user preferences and considering varying granularity as well as integration relationships in addition to communication relationships. These characteristics are common to numerous systems – thus the general MSP can serve as a basis for further research in this fiel

A Review of Information Systems Research on Online Social Networks

Over the last decade, online social networks have evolved into a global mainstream medium with increasing social, organizational, and economic impact. This paper provides a structured overview of Information Systems research on this outstanding techno-social phenomenon of the 21st century via a structured literature review. Based on our search in information systems journals and conference proceedings that resulted in 510 papers, we carve out and assess the knowledge and the research fields that have been predominantly addressed and impacted by the information systems research community so far. Moreover, we identify research gaps that future research should address. We analyze how the academic discussion on online social networks developed in the information systems literature over time, which publication outlets are most receptive to research on online social networks, which research areas have already been covered by information systems research on online social networks, and what potential future research areas exist that have not been covered by information systems research yet. We hope that our results will stimulate and guide future research in this field

Internet social networking - Distinguishing the phenomenon from its manifestations in web sites

Social Networking Sites (SNS) are one of the most popular business models on the Internet at the moment. At the same time, Social Networking is increasingly interesting as a topic of research in Information Systems. Drawing on existing research in the field, in this paper we propose to distinguish ISN (Internet Social Networking) as a phenomenon from its concrete manifestations in the various SNSs in the marketplace. On the basis of this distinction we take to the classification of SNSs grounded in real-life marketplace variety. In doing so, we identify seven different classes of SNSs. We argue that a typology of SNSs is useful for shaping our understanding of the diverse nature of ISN as existing in concrete manifestations. Most importantly, our classification makes accessible existing research for conceptually sound meta-analysis research. In order to fully grasp the phenomenon of ISN we also propose to include in the definition web sites that feature only certain aspects of ISN, while networking is not their core feature. Using our classification we discuss future research directio

Engaging and sustaining brand community on Facebook: Study of Finnish shopping malls.

ENGAGING AND SUSTAINING BRAND COMMUNITY ON FACEBOOK: STUDY OF FINNISH SHOPPING MALLS RESEARCH OBJECTIVE The main objective of this thesis is to examine how shopping center organizations may gain competitive advantage by facilitating online communities. Research focus is on what kind of content creates engagement and value for a business in online communities. Study is made by observing Finnish shopping centers' Facebook pages and how interaction between brands and customers are taking place in this type of online brand communities. Additionally, this thesis casts light on how engaging community may influence on hedonistic and utilitarian shopping behavior. In the study, motivations for businesses to participate as well as consumers to join brand communities are examined. Furthermore, antecedents of an online community are characterised. The final interest is to draw a blueprint for measuring success in a Facebook community. RESEARCH METHOD AND DATA The main data source is statistical data generated by Facebook insights function. The chosen methodology is mixed methods, where univariate analysis is combined with netnography. The used data are from three Finnish shopping malls' Facebook Pages, which were observed between January 1st 2012 and December 31st 2012. The data were coded manually, classified, and then analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively, and the results reported. KEY FINDINGS The key findings of this study were that an online brand community such as a Facebook Page serves best hedonistic consumption behavior. Content is crucially important in creating value for a brand and it should be measured by using the quality of engagement. The size of the community did not remarkably change the quantity or quality of the engagement. According to the results, the most engaging content on a shopping center's Facebook Page is non-commercial, entertaining, brief content that is stating in tone and is visual. The study also found that women tend to be more active community members in shopping mall communities than men. KEYWORDS: brand community, virtual online community, consumer community, Facebook, Social Networking sites, shopping malls, hedonistic consumption, utilitarian consumptio