The Use of an Explicitly Theory-Driven Data Coding Method for High-Level Theory Testing in IOIS

As part of an international empirical study we have developed a high-level theory of the structure and evolution of inter-organizational information systems (IOIS), but face two issues in testing this theory; the very large set of factors possibly influencing IOIS and need to bound a complex research object. We describe a novel solution involving an explicitly theory-driven coding of our raw empirical data to produce a new interpreted “meso-level” ground upon which to derive and test predictions. To justify this approach, we first give a pragmatic analysis which traces the problem to the traditional choice between top-down (deductive) and bottom-up (inductive) methods for linking theory and data. We then assess the validity of our approach against standard philosophical positions. We find that a hard Empiricist view commonly espoused in information systems would not admit our approach but that Critical Realism does and suggests a conceptual interpretation of our meso-level

Information and Communication Technologies in Tourism 2021

This open access book is the proceedings of the International Federation for IT and Travel & Tourism (IFITT)’s 28th Annual International eTourism Conference, which assembles the latest research presented at the ENTER21@yourplace virtual conference January 19–22, 2021. This book advances the current knowledge base of information and communication technologies and tourism in the areas of social media and sharing economy, technology including AI-driven technologies, research related to destination management and innovations, COVID-19 repercussions, and others. Readers will find a wealth of state-of-the-art insights, ideas, and case studies on how information and communication technologies can be applied in travel and tourism as we encounter new opportunities and challenges in an unpredictable world

Semantic discovery and reuse of business process patterns

Patterns currently play an important role in modern information systems (IS) development and their use has mainly been restricted to the design and implementation phases of the development lifecycle. Given the increasing significance of business modelling in IS development, patterns have the potential of providing a viable solution for promoting reusability of recurrent generalized models in the very early stages of development. As a statement of research-in-progress this paper focuses on business process patterns and proposes an initial methodological framework for the discovery and reuse of business process patterns within the IS development lifecycle. The framework borrows ideas from the domain engineering literature and proposes the use of semantics to drive both the discovery of patterns as well as their reuse

An evaluation of inter-organisational identity theft knowledge sharing practice in the UK retail sector

Knowledge is an essential source of competitive advantage in modern society and is particularly important in the current on-line environment due to increased business interactions throughout the world. Knowledge sharing initiatives taken by organisations to improve technicalities to tackle cyber threat have been extensively investigated. A particular focus of this study was on the security professionals sharing their learning experience in order to help address and mitigate identity theft. Multiple case studies were employed to interpret the triangulated data collected. ShoppingCo, PaymentCo, TeleCo, and NetworkingCo participated in this investigation. Semi structured interviews were scheduled and conducted in conjunction to company reports, personal communication, presentation slides and related materials was gathered to ensure trustworthiness and authenticity. Pattern matching analysis was employed to draw conclusions by evaluating 30 transcripts and 11 internal documents. The major theoretical contribution of this study was the proposal of a conceptual framework that adapts for private sector organisations knowledge sharing elements in the security profession. Lack of knowledge of the manager’s role is addressed. Current knowledge sharing and corporate communication practices are synthesised. Formal and informal communication, social forums and networking events are evaluated. Thus, improving the current understanding of identity theft. This empirical study contributes to an improved understanding of inter-organisational knowledge sharing practice within three retailers and an official networking forum. Because of this evaluation, an extended framework is proposed and components synthesised into a new framework. Recommendations are drawn based on an evaluation of what is working and what does not seem to be providing benefits with regard to knowledge that address and mitigate identity theft. The framework suggested that the key to improved knowledge sharing was to persuade a range of security officials working for different private sector organisations to share their knowledge of identity theft prevention