The Use of Business Analytics Systems: An Empirical Investigation in Taiwan’s Hospitals

This paper aims to develop a research model to examine the mechanisms by which business analytics capabilities in healthcare units are shown to indirectly influence decision-making effectiveness through a mediating role of absorptive capacity. We employed a survey method to collect primary data from Taiwan\u27s hospitals. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used for path analysis. This study conceptualizes, operationalizes, and measures the business analytics (BA) capability as a multi-dimensional construct formed by capturing the functionalities of BA systems in healthcare. The results found that healthcare units are likely to obtain valuable knowledge as they utilize the data interpretation tools effectively. Also, the effective use of data analysis and interpretation tools in healthcare units indirectly influence decision-making effectiveness, an impact that is mediated by absorptive capacity

Information Systems and Healthcare XV: Strategic Fit in Healthcare Integrated Delivery Systems: An Empirical Investigation

This study employs 130 health care integrated delivery systems (IDSs) currently active in the U.S. to examine the quality and financial performance impacts of strategic fit for interorganizational networks. Using secondary data from HIMSS Analytics and the American Hospital Directory, this study classifies the IDSs into High-Maturity Organizations and Low-Maturity Organizations based on the corresponding levels of IT integration and organizational maturity achieved at the time of the study. A model of the relationship between strategic fit and both average length of hospital stay and operational cost is then tested for each group. With comparisons across the two levels of IDS development, the results suggest that IDSs that have achieved both high IT integration and organizational maturity exhibit greater improvements to both average length of hospital stay and operational cost than do IDSs at a lower level of IT integration and organizational maturity

Defense Mechanisms of Biological Cells: A Framework for Network Security Thinking

Computer and network security are central issues confronting organizations and individuals. This paper explores the use of biology as a reference discipline that can provide meaningful insight and innovation in the area of network security. Specifically, we propose a framework for thinking about network security by examining the similarities between the defense mechanisms of a cell, and the security processes and methodologies of networked computer systems that defend an organization\u27s information resources. Researchers and commercial developers can use this framework to help spark ideas that lead to further research and development in network security. The framework also provides a platform for educators in teaching students about the functions of computer network concepts. Our analysis of defense mechanisms in biological cells showed that security in cells is integrated, ubiquitous, and continuous. An example illustrates how the framework can generate ideas for improving network security

Risk in Information Technology Project Portfolio Management

This study synthesizes previous research on risks in various reference disciplines into integrated typology of risk factors and offers unique propositions for IT project portfolio management. The paper examines and synthesizes research in strategic information systems planning, IT governance, IT project management, financial portfolio management, and product development. The synthesis resulted in an emergent typology of five categories of risk of relevance to the IT project portfolio manager and 13 unique propositions establishing the relationship between specific risk factors and the overall portfolio risk levels. This typology offers a way to analyze portfolio risks through generic categories, simplifying the assessment portfolio risk in the portfolio management process. Both CIOs and portfolio managers could find this research beneficial in their assessment of portfolio risk, portfolio health, and the project selection and review process

Logistics Information Technology Adoption: The Effect Of A Positive Buyer-Supplier Relationship On Performance Outcomes

Extant literature is inconclusive regarding how adoption of logistics information technology affects various measures of performance. We propose that an organization’s adoption of logistics information technology is positively related to increased levels of efficiency, effectiveness, and flexibility and contrary findings may be partially attributed to the moderating role of a positive buyer-supplier relationship. A meta-analysis approach is used to investigate popular logistics information technologies, specifically EDI and RFID, and evidence in support of these relationships is uncovered. The results suggest the inclusion of additional constructs to an existing logistics innovation model. The implications of these findings are discussed and further research is recommended

PDA usage in healthcare professionals: testing an extended technology acceptance model

Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) have attracted extensive attention in healthcare organisations because of their potential contribution to enhancing healthcare practice. Successful implantation of PDA is, to a large extent, confined by PDA acceptance by healthcare professionals. This study proposes an extended technology acceptance model (TAM) to predict actual PDA usage. The results support all the hypotheses. Consistent with prior research, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are dominant determinants of usage. Personal innovativeness was found to affect usage directly and indirectly through perceived ease of use. Perceived usefulness mediates the effects of job relevance, compatibility, and perceived ease of use on usage. Support also affects usage through perceived ease of use. Overall our proposed model can explain 61.6% of the variance in the healthcare professionals’ PDA usage. Implications for IT management in healthcare organisations are discussed. © 2003 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd