Explaining Software as a Service Outsourcing: Economic and Social Considerations

Software as a service (SaaS) offers an innovative way to deliver software over the Internet to distributed organizations. While more and more SaaS providers are joining the market and competition among providers becomes more intense, we need to understand the considerations of potential clients. Built on transaction cost theory and social exchange theory, this study empirically investigates, with a national survey of IT/IS executives, the role of economic factors and the impact of social relationships on the economic factors in firms’ deciding to adopt SaaS. We found that cost savings are a critical consideration in SaaS and that social relationships exert a strong, positive direct impact on cost savings and positively moderate the impact of cost savings on SaaS. This paper expands our theoretical understanding of the SaaS phenomenon and provides some managerial insights

Software como um Serviço: uma plataforma eficaz para oferta de sistemas holísticos de gestão da performance

This study main objective was to assess the viability of development of a Performance Management (PM) system, delivered in the form of Software as a Service (SaaS), specific for the hospitality industry and to evaluate the benefits of its use. Software deployed in the cloud, delivered and licensed as a service, is becoming increasingly common and accepted in a business context. Although, Business Intelligence (BI) solutions are not usually distributed in the SaaS model, there are some examples that this is changing. To achieve the study objective, design science research methodology was employed in the development of a prototype. This prototype was deployed in four hotels and its results evaluated. Evaluation of the prototype was focused both on the system technical characteristics and business benefits. Results shown that hotels were very satisfied with the system and that building a prototype and making it available in the form of SaaS is a good solution to assess BI systems contribution to improve management performance.O objetivo principal deste estudo é avaliar a viabilidade de desenvolvimento de um sistema de Gestão da Performance, entregue sob a forma de “Software como Serviço” (SaaS), específico para o setor hoteleiro, e também avaliar os benefícios de seu uso. O software implantado na cloud, entregue e licenciado como um serviço, é cada vez mais aceite num contexto de negócios. Todavia, não é comum que soluções de Business Intelligence (BI) sejam distribuídas neste modelo SaaS. No entanto, existem alguns exemplos de que isso se está a alterar. Para atingir o objetivo do estudo, foi utilizada Design Science Research como metodologia de pesquisa científica para desenvolvimento de um protótipo. Este protótipo foi implementado em quatro hotéis para que os seus resultados pudessem ser avaliados. A avaliação foi focada tanto nas características técnicas do sistema como nos benefícios para o negócio. Os resultados mostraram que os hotéis estavam muito satisfeitos com o sistema e que construir um protótipo e disponibilizá-lo sob a forma de SaaS é uma boa solução para avaliar a contribuição dos sistemas de BI para melhorar o desempenho da gestão.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

THE EFFECT OF COMPETING ABILITY AND THE ROLE OF TRIPLE HELIX MODEL ON PERFORMANCE OF MICRO-SMALL-MIDDLE ENTERPRISES IN SIDOARJO REGENCY

The objective of this research is to understand the effect of competing ability and the role of Triple Helix Model on performance of microsmall-middle enterprises (MSME) in Sidoarjo Regency. Research population includes all MSME in Sidoarjo Regency. The sample of research is owner and manager of Sidoarjo Regency MSME counted for 30 respondents. Data analysis technique is using Partial Least Square (PLS) supported with Software Smart PLS 2.0 M3. In this research, PLS is a method to construct the possible models the author can predict if involving too many factors. PLS can be used as a confirmation of theory, and also be useful to develop a relationship across variables which its theoretical base is lacking previously. The proposed hypothesis can also be tested with PLS. Result of research indicates that competing ability delivers a meaningful contribution to MSME performance. Triple Helix Model however does not have meaningful contribution to MSME performanc

a literature review synthesis in small and medium enterprises

Rodrigues, J., Ruivo, P., & Oliveira, T. (2014). Software as a Service Value and Firm Performance: a literature review synthesis in small and medium enterprises. In J. Varajão, M. Cunha, N. Bjørn-Andersen, R. Turner, D. Wijesekera, R. Martinho, & R. Rijo (Eds.), CENTERIS 2014 - Conference on ENTERprise Information Systems / ProjMAN 2014 - International Conference on Project MANagement / HCIST 2014 - International Conference on Health and Social Care Information Systems and Technologies (Vol. 16, pp. 206-211). (Procedia Technology; Vol. 16). DOI: 10.1016/j.protcy.2014.10.085It is consensual that Software as a Service (SaaS) has significant effects on enterprise costs and return on investment (ROI) in information technologies (IT) and information systems (IS). However, as a distribution model which is still relatively recent and a fraction of all IT invested, even if growing at a faster pace than traditional distribution models, the impact in Firm Performance is still an area of research which is very much under covered especially in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) segment. Literature reviews to support research of SaaS applications impact in SMEs Firm Performance are unknown to the best of our knowledge and this review in selected publications is a starting point to fill this gap and looks at some of the cross-road subjects that might be combined to build on greater knowledge and research work on the subject, such as Firm Performance influenced by (not specified genre of) IT/IS adoption; Cloud Computing and Performance, and, Enterprise Systems Software and Firm Performance. It provides an updated bibliography of the most relevant publications about these subjects, published mainly during the period of 2001 to 2014, for the exception of a seminal article published in 1995. A total of 32 articles from 30 journals and 2 conferences are reviewed. The main focus of this paper is to shed the light on the areas that researchers should consider in the research of the impact of SaaS business applications adoption in SMEs Firm Performance, and which are the major variables that explain SaaS Value influence to these organizations. (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier Ltd.publishersversionpublishe

Information Technology Evaluation: Review and Criticism

Nowadays almost all aspects in human life influenced by information technology. Almost all devices used by human were controlled by computer systems. Lot of investments were made, with not much of evaluation and feedback of the gained benefits were reported. This study tries to figure out how Information Technology is evaluated, approaches that been done, and critics for continually improvement. Review is started with IT-paradox, followed by IT-success, IT-values, IT-evaluations, IT-adoptions, and IT-management. Manuscript is ended with critics and discussion, implications, and conclusion

A Concept Paper of Balanced Scorecard for New Product Development

This study aims to review the concept of Balanced Scorecard (BSC) technique to develop a new product. BSC, as a strategic performance tool, has received closed attention from many organizations worldwide. However, the implementation has been limited. The globalization and economic upheaval have increased the challenges to the executive’s face and therefore need to find the right tools to overcome the challenges. The current paper focuses on the review of literature on the importance of BSC towards new product development and business performance. This paper suggests that the 4th generation balance scorecard leads the combination of the management system and performance measurement that brings up one big strategy maps, and possibly will use widely to satisfy the customer demands. This paper discusses the current issues and the emerging importance of BSC literature and suggests fruitful areas for further study

Assessing software as a service diffusion : from adoption to its continuance intention

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor in Information Management, specialization in Information TechnologiesTechnological progress is enabling firms to acquire software from different architecture environments. One such architecture environment that has produced a considerable impact on the markets is software as a service (SaaS). SaaS focuses on delivering software hosted off-premises and accessed remotely by means of a subscription fee. Recognized by managers and researchers as a promising solution, it is expanding in the software markets. However, SaaS is surrounded by uncertainty as its perceived viability is still questioned. Although this has motivated recent research into the determinants of SaaS, evidence suggests that it is still not enough. Research has much to cover in order to improve our understanding of the SaaS diffusion process. This dissertation investigates the SaaS diffusion process at a firm level by examining the drivers for each stage. Specifically, we analyze the different influences of the determinant factors on SaaS from the intention to adopt, passing through adoption, routinization and use, as well as its continuance intention. Because SaaS is considered a specific form of information systems outsourcing (ISO), in a first phase we assess the determinants in the context of ISO adoption in order to introduce to its investigation. The purpose of this approach is twofold. First, we test the appropriateness of the theoretical framework selected for the study of SaaS through its application in the analyses of ISO. Second, we find factors of ISO that are transferable to the SaaS context. In a second phase, we consider mediator and moderator influences and propose a new approach of applying a well known theoretical framework in the setting of SaaS adoption. This dissertation contributes to scholarship by enhancing current knowledge of why firms adopt and use SaaS. It incorporates seven studies individually separated into chapters. Chapter 2 is a detailed literature review on ISO and SaaS. As mentioned above, SaaS a specific form of outsourcing. Chapter 3 introduces the main theme by evaluating the suitability of the base framework proposed in this work on the study of ISO. Chapters 4 and 5 are extensions of chapter 3, in which comparisons of the determinants for ISO adoption in different business areas are performed. In chapter 6 we assess the determinants of the SaaS diffusion process (i.e. intention, adoption, and routinization). The factors that influence SaaS use and its continuance intention are identified in chapter 7. In chapter 8 we provide a new approach of applying the theoretical framework used in this dissertation in the context of SaaS adoption. This work adopts a positivist epistemological posture. As for the research methodology, a deductive method is used. All studies of this dissertation with the exception of the one presented in chapter 2 are based on the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework. Additionally, we integrate TOE framework with other theories to enhance the explanatory power of the model. Thus, in chapters 4 and 5 we use diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory; in chapter 6 the institutional theory (INT) is used, in addition to DOI theory; in chapter 7 we include opportunity-risk framework apart from the theories already mentioned. The findings of this dissertation confirm that little research has indeed been performed on SaaS adoption, and more efforts are needed to provide an in-depth understanding of the topic. Through the analysis performed in the ISO context in chapters 3, 4, and 5, the TOE framework suitability as a theoretical basis for the study of SaaS is confirmed. Significant factors of ISO that are transferable for the SaaS context are also found. Relative advantage, complexity, technology competence, top management support, and normative pressures are determinants in the intention to adopt stage. Normative pressures are a constant determinant in the intention, adoption, and routinization stages. Additionally, a total effect (direct effect and indirect effect combined) of cost savings, relative advantage, and top management support is found in the adoption stage of SaaS. A cost savings total effect on the intention to adopt is also found. In terms of the post-adoption stages (i.e. SaaS use to its continuance intention) the findings confirm top management support and normative pressures as determinants of SaaS use. SaaS use and perceived opportunities are significant factors for the continuance intention. Moreover, the relationship between SaaS use and continuance intention is moderated by perceived opportunities. Finally, in this research we validate a new conceptual approach for the TOE framework by introducing moderator effects in its application. This investigation fills a crucial research gap by providing a better understanding of the determinants that affect organizational SaaS diffusion, advancing newer paths of approaching a solid theoretical framework.O progresso tecnológico tem possibilitado às empresas a aquisição de software em diferentes ambientes arquitetónicos. Um exemplo de um ambiente distinto de arquitetura tecnológica que tem produzido um impacto considerável no mercado de software é o software as a service (SaaS). O SaaS refere-se a software instalado fora da infraestrutura da empresa, cujo acesso é efetuado remotamente por meio da subscrição do serviço. Reconhecido, quer pelos gestores e investigadores, como uma solução promissora e encontrando-se em fase de expansão nos mercados de software, a sua viabilidade ainda é questionada. Embora esta dúvida tenha motivado a investigação sobre os fatores determinantes do SaaS, evidências sugerem que não é suficiente. Requer-se assim mais investigação para melhorar o nosso entendimento sobre o processo difusão do SaaS. Esta dissertação investiga os fatores determinantes para cada estágio do processo de difusão do SaaS, ao nível de empresa. Especificamente, analisamos as diferentes influências dos fatores determinantes desde a intenção de adotar, passando pela adoção, rotinização e uso, até à intenção de continuidade do SaaS. Porque o SaaS é considerado uma forma específica de outsourcing de sistemas de informação (ISO), numa primeira fase deste estudo avaliamos os fatores determinantes no contexto da adoção do ISO a fim de introduzir esta investigação. Esta abordagem tem dois objetivos: testar a adequação do quadro teórico escolhido para o estudo do SaaS através da sua aplicação no contexto do ISO e obter os fatores que se revelaram significativos no ISO e que podem ser utilizados no contexto do SaaS. Numa segunda fase, consideramos as influências de fatores moderadores e mediadores no estudo da adoção do SaaS e propomos uma nova abordagem para a aplicação do quadro teórico de referência. Sete estudos, separados por capítulos, compilam esta investigação. É nosso objetivo ampliar o conhecimento atual sobre como as empresas adotam e usam o SaaS. Como mencionado, o SaaS é uma forma específica de outsourcing, assim o capítulo 2 é uma revisão detalhada da literatura sobre o ISO e SaaS. O capítulo 3 avalia a adequação do quadro teórico base proposto neste trabalho no âmbito do estudo do ISO. Os capítulos 4 e 5 são extensões do capítulo 3, nos quais são efetuadas análises comparativas dos fatores determinantes para a adoção do ISO entre as diferentes áreas de negócio. No capítulo 6, avaliamos os fatores determinantes do processo de difusão do SaaS (intenção, adoção e rotinização). Os fatores que influenciam o seu uso e continuidade são identificados no capítulo 7. No capítulo 8, apresentamos uma nova abordagem para a aplicação do quadro teórico de referência utilizado nesta dissertação, no contexto da adoção do SaaS. A postura epistemológica adotada é a positivista e utiliza-se o método dedutivo no respeitante à metodologia de pesquisa. Todos os estudos apresentados, com exceção do capítulo 2, são baseados no quadro teórico tecnologia-organização-ambiente (TOE). Adicionalmente, integramos o quadro teórico TOE com outras teorias para aumentar o poder explicativo do modelo. Assim, nos capítulos 4 e 5 utilizamos a teoria difusão da inovação (DOI); No capítulo 6 é utilizada a teoria institucional (INT), em conjunto com a teoria DOI; No capítulo 7, incluímos o quadro teórico oportunidade-risco para além das teorias já mencionadas. Os resultados desta dissertação confirmam que a investigação sobre a adoção do SaaS é escassa e que são necessários mais esforços para conferir uma maior clareza sobre o tema. Da análise realizada no contexto do ISO, nos capítulos 3, 4 e 5, a adequação do quadro teórico TOE como base teórica de referência para o estudo do SaaS é confirmada. Os fatores determinantes para o ISO e que se adequam ao contexto do SaaS também foram identificados. A vantagem relativa, a complexidade, a competência tecnológica, o apoio da gestão de topo e as pressões normativas são determinantes no estágio da intenção de adotar. As pressões normativas são um fator determinante constante, nos estágios da intenção, adoção e rotinização. Além disso, um efeito total (efeito direto e efeito indireto combinado) da redução de custos, vantagem relativa e apoio da gestão de topo é verificado na fase de adoção do SaaS. Um efeito total de redução de custos sobre a intenção de adotar também é detetado. No que diz respeito aos estágios da pós-adoção (uso do SaaS e a intenção de continuidade), os resultados confirmam o apoio da gestão de topo e pressões normativas como determinantes no uso do SaaS. O uso do SaaS e oportunidades percebidas são fatores significativos para a intenção de continuidade. Além disso, a relação entre o uso do SaaS e a intenção de continuidade é moderada pelas oportunidades percebidas. Finalmente, apresentamos e validamos uma nova abordagem do quadro TOE, introduzindo efeitos moderadores na sua aplicação. Esta dissertação preenche uma lacuna crucial na investigação, proporcionando um melhor entendimento dos fatores determinantes que afetam o processo de difusão do SaaS e avançando novos caminhos de abordagem de um quadro teórico de referência. Outsourcing dos sistemas de informação, quadro tecnologia-organização-ambiente (TOE), difusão da inovação, adoção de TI, Software as a Service, pós-adoção, teoria institucional, modelo oportunidade-risco, intenção de continuidade, efeitos moderadores

The purposes of performance dashboard use: A case of a procurement performance management SaaS provider.

Objectives of the Study The main objective of this study is to find out how do end-users of the Case Company use performance dashboards to support decisions for measuring and managing procurement performance. Academic background and methodology Performance dashboards are a type of performance management system that brings together key performance metrics of an organisation or an individual on one display. A visual interface of performance dashboards is just a small part of what most users see. However, this information system for decision support is built on business intelligence technology as well as performance management and measurement principles. The relevant theory on performance dashboards, procurement performance management based and instruments of evaluating Information System Use were reviewed. Furthermore, a case study in the form of an online survey and semi-structured interviews was conducted with three client companies of the Case Company that provides its procurement performance management dashboards on software as a service basis. The Doll and Torkzadeh's tool for multidimensional measurement of system-use was applied in an online survey to identify usage purposes. The results from the survey were qualitatively confirmed and enriched with the evidence from the semi-structured interviews conducted with the selected end-users. Findings and conclusions The main finding of the research was that the Case Company's application was most extensively used by strategic level employees, primarily for communication and decision rationalizing purposes. Moreover, the application is most valued by the client companies for enabling a consolidated view on purchasing by integrating data from different sources of an organisation; its ability to tackle an analysis of direct and especially indirect spend; and its function as a convenient communication platform between different business and geographical units of an organisation

Performance Journey Mapping: A Tool-supported Framework for Service Performance Assessment in SMEs

This paper introduces performance journey mapping as a service performance assessment framework for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as its corresponding tools – the performance journey map (PJM) and the performance index. The PJM is a visual tool whereas the performance index represents a key performance indicator (KPI) pool. The framework is developed by connecting the specific characteristics of SMEs to contributions from goal-setting theory and involves adapted components from service management research, e.g. the service strategy scorecard, ITIL, etc. Service design methods are adapted and applied for the visual components. The paper provides an outlook on the evaluation design for the framework based on method triangulation in a case study setting

A Comparison of Academic and Non-academic Staffs� Balanced Score Card Based E-Performance Appraisal: A Case Study

Performance appraisal is a tool used by most organizations, including higher education, to appraise the performance of their staffs. Staffs in higher education in Indonesia are roughly divided into two groups, the academic and non-academic, and both groups are usually appraised annually. This study is based on a research of the e-performance appraisal used by Petra Christian University to appraise its academic and non-academic staffs. The performance appraisal used is based on Balanced Score Card (BSC) focusing on four perspectives, learning and growth, internal business process, customer satisfaction and financial performance. Data entries on the performance of the staffs are input on-line by the administrative departments responsible for the data. The data were collected using judgmental sampling and simple random sampling of forty academic and forty non-academic staffs. Using t-test, it is revealed that in the aspects of learning and growth, and financial performance, there is a discrepancy between the academic and non-academic e-performance. In the aspects of customer satisfaction and internal business process, there is no significant discrepanc