The moderating influence of device characteristics and usage on user acceptance of smart mobile devices

This study seeks to develop a comprehensive model of consumer acceptance in the context of Smart Mobile Device (SMDs). This paper proposes an adaptation of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) model that can be employed to explain and predict the acceptance of SMDs. Also included in the model are a number of external and new moderating variables that can be used to explain user intentions and subsequent usage behaviour. The model holds that Activity-based Usage and Device Characteristics are posited to moderate the impact of the constructs empirically validated in the UTAUT2 model. Through an important cluster of antecedents the proposed model aims to enhance our understanding of consumer motivations for using SMDs and aid efforts to promote the adoption and diffusion of these devices

A Self-Service Supporting Business Intelligence and Big Data Analytics Architecture

Self-service Business Intelligence (SSBI) is an emerging topic for many companies. Casual users should be enabled to independently build their own analyses and reports. This accelerates and simplifies the decision-making processes. Although recent studies began to discuss parts of a self-service environment, none of these present a comprehensive architecture. Following a design science research approach, this study proposes a new self-service oriented BI architecture in order to address this gap. Starting from an in-depth literature review, an initial model was developed and improved by qualitative data analysis from interviews with 18 BI and IT specialists form companies across different industries. The proposed architecture model demonstrates the interaction between introduced self-service elements with each other and with traditional BI components. For example, we look at the integration of collaboration rooms and a self-learning knowledge database that aims to be a source for a report recommender

Exploring The Antecedents Of Successful E-business Implementations Through ERP : A Longitudinal Study of SAP-based Organisations 1999-2003

This research was carried out between 1999 and 2003 on the use of e-business applications in ERP-based organisations. A composite research method based on structured case studies was developed for this study. It combined the application of case methods by Carroll et al. (1998], Klein and Myer (1998), and Eisenhardt (1989). This was used to provide a focused, yet flexible structure, as a dynamic approach to case study interpretive research. The research method used three distinct models at three progressive stages of the study, to provide a multi-faceted view of each case. This composite case-based method was developed to maintain the balance between research rigour and relevance. A pilot case study of nine Australian SAP sites helped ground the theory of the study. This was followed by three stages of study of eleven international cases within a diverse industry context. The method revealed the antecedents of e-business success using the findings from case analyses against three separate research models B2B interaction, e-business change, and virtual organising. A final conceptual framework was developed as new theory of e-business transformation. The theory views e-business transformation as realising the benefits from virtual organising within complex B2B interactions by utilising the facilitators of successful e-business change. The research demonstrates that successful e-business transformation with ERP occurs when value propositions are realised through integration and differentiation of technologies used to support new business models to deliver products and services online. The associated management practice evolves through efficiency from self-service, effectiveness through empowerment towards customer care, and value enhancement from extensive relationship building with multiple alliances. The new theory of e-business transformation identifies the stages of e-business growth and development as a comprehensive plan that should assist managers of ERP-based organisations in migrating their company towards a successful e-business organisation. The detailed analysis of the findings offers a foundational per11pectlve of strategies, tactics and performance objectives for e-ERP implementations. The strength of the theory lies in the synthesis of multiple case analyses using three different lenses over three separate time periods. The triangulation of the three research frameworks provides a method for study at appropriate levels of complexity. It is evolutionary in nature and is content driven. Other researchers are urged to apply similar multi-viewed analysis

Web 2.0 and its impact on knowledge and business organizations

Today, information overload and the lack of systems that enable locating employees with the right knowledge or skills are common challenges that large organisations face. This makes knowledge workers to re-invent the wheel and have problems to retrieve information from both internal and external resources. In addition, information is dynamically changing and ownership of data is moving from corporations to the individuals. However, there is a set of web based tools that may cause a major progress in the way people collaborate and share their knowledge. This article aims to analyse the impact of ‘Web 2.0’ on organisational knowledge strategies. A comprehensive literature review was done to present the academic background followed by a review of current ‘Web 2.0’ technologies and assessment of their strengths and weaknesses. As the framework of this study is oriented to business applications, the characteristics of the involved segments and tools were reviewed from an organisational point of view. Moreover, the ‘Enterprise 2.0’ paradigm does not only imply tools but also changes the way people collaborate, the way the work is done (processes) and finally impacts on other technologies. Finally, gaps in the literature in this area are outlined

From geographical innovation clusters towards virtual innovation clusters: The innovation virtual system

The opportunities of the new economic landscape have determined radical changes in the organizational structures of the firms, till the creation of new virtual clusterization forms, that is distinct systems of suppliers, distributors, service providers and clients that use the 'internetworking technologies' as a principal way for co-operating and competing. These 'virtual clusterization forms' that have been also defined as 'e-business communities' or 'b-web communities' (Tapscott, Lowy & Ticoll, 2000), are here defined as 'virtual clusters'. In a virtual cluster (VC), each enterprise adds one or more distinct aspects of product/service value to the value of the network, by exchanging digital knowledge with other members. Recent studies, focused on VCs, highlight that the VC enabling factors may be identified in ICTs ubiquity (increasingly wireless) and bandwidth robustness, that allow firms to access real-time what they need and to co-ordinate their intra and inter-firm activities, creating value both by offering innovative and personalized products, services and by cutting transaction costs. (Davin and Botkin, 1994) (Rayport and Sviokla, 1995). This paper focuses on these VCs innovation processes, in order to make some comparisons between the traditional geographical innovation clusters and the emerging virtual innovation clusters. To this end, the paper is organized in two logical patterns: Some empirical evidence for describing ad discussing the more important features of the emerging VCs. Specifically, the paper focuses on the following issues: - Some first results on VCs characteristics, regarding four distinctive features of their new world of business: i. Agents: radical increase in the number of agents that form a cluster. ii. Connections: virtually unlimited increase in the number of connections and therefore in the potential size of the cluster. iii. Space: delocalization of transactions which become space independent. iv. Time: information transmission takes place at the speed of electronic communication. - The analysis of the VC basic unit, the Internetworked Enterprise (IE), and of its learning process with customers and trough strategic alliances. A model of the VCs global virtual learning environment, here conceived as a system of innovation, defined as 'Innovation Virtual System' (IVS). IVS is here interpreted as a new way of projecting the traditional systems of innovation into a global scale.

Business model typologies : review and critical analysis

Mestrado em Gestão e Estratégia IndustrialEsta dissertação apresenta uma análise crítica das principais tipologias de modelos de negócios encontrados na literatura. Para realizar tal análise, foi realizada uma revisão de literatura que funciona de duas maneiras: oferecer ao leitor a informação fundamental sobre modelos de negócios e, ao mesmo tempo, para orientar a análise das tipologias. Três vertentes principais da literatura (denominadas neste trabalho como a Tríade dos Modelos de Negócio) foram identificadas na revisão da literatura: E-business; Estratégia e Inovação. Em cada área foram identificadas diferentes tipologias utilizadas pelos académicos. Em seguida foi esclarecido quais poderiam ser suas contribuições e fraquezas, e, finalmente, foi sugerido um possível caminho para futuras pesquisas. Em conclusão, constatamos que é difícil construir uma tipologia exclusiva com a literatura atual, porque parece haver pouca fertilização cruzada entre as três áreas.This dissertation provides a critical analysis of the main typologies on business models found in the literature. In order to achieve such analysis, we conducted a literature review that works in two ways: offer the reader a background about business models and, at the same time, to guide the analysis of typologies. Three main streams of literature (named in this work as the Business Model Triad) were identified in literature review: E-business; Strategy; and Innovation. In each area were identified different typologies used by scholars. Then, it was clarified what could be their contributions and weaknesses, and finally it was suggested a possible path for future research. In conclusion, we found that is hard to construct a unique typology with the current literature, because there seems to be little cross-fertilisation amongst all three streams

Implications and effectiveness of information management while restructuring an organisation

This research paper undertakes to outline factors of Information Management that organisations should consider when attempting a restructuring process. Conversely, valuable information and knowledge are often mislaid, overlooked or discarded to the eventual detriment of an organisation during the processes of downsizing, rightsizing, restructuring, reorganisation, reengineering, transformation or change. In the global economy organisations are always striving to keep ahead of competition and ultimately to improve their net profit. Information is at the very core of any organisation, its ads value, structure and power to an organisation. Information Management assists with the locating, storing and use of corporate information. A means of controlling and structuring corporate information is via the use of the Information Management elements. A case study using an organisation that is in the process of change and transformation was performed. Potential loss of knowledge and information was identified and examined. The organisation’s implementation of an information portal was highlighted as an effective way to minimise the loss of knowledge and information during the period of change.Professor A.S.A. du Toi

Strategic role of internet-related technologies in supply chain networks

PhD ThesisOrganisations are operating in increasingly competitive market places. To enhance competitiveness, organisations are shifting their focus from individual supply chains to improving the responsiveness of the whole Supply Chain Network (SCN) that serves and impacts the level of final product or service provided to customers. Consequently, there has been a major upsurge of interest in the role of Internet-related technologies (IRT) in advancing SCNs. This area was examined by conducting case studies with large organisations from a range of industries that focused on the function of IRT in inter-organisational supply chain processes. A number of major themes emerged. Firstly, it is clear that IRT will be at the heart of future SCN communication surrounding enabling, operational and strategic supply chain processes. IRT provide a mechanism for integrating different supply chainrelated systems thus leading to improved information sharing and visibility. Furthermore, it widens the scope and flexibility of intra-organisational and interorganisational linkages and pathways that are available between different network members. In addition, IRT is being used to broaden and deepen relationships with key partners and within teams formed around supply chain processes. IRT can also be personalised to suit different organisations and people in the SCN and to provide appropriate access to web links, information and applications. However, it is important to understand that IRT cannot be equally applied throughout the supply chain. A number of factors will influence its suitability including the type and stage of supply chain processes, the nature of activities, the content of communication and the people communicating. The thesis will provide guidance to academics and practitioners on the strategic role of IRT. Finally, future research is recommended to investigate the additional impact that smart tags and mobile technologies will have and the long term effects of technological linkages on social relations between different network members.Division of Business Information Management and the Department of Computing, of Glasgow Caledonian University