Factors Affecting Information Systems Volatility

The objective of this research is to investigate the effect that various factors have on an information system’s life span by understanding how the factors affect an information system’s stability. The research builds on a previously developed two-stage model of information system change whereby an information system is either in a stable state of evolution in which the information system’s functionality is evolving, or in a state of revolution, in which the information system is being replaced because it is not providing the functionality expected by its users. A case study surveyed a number of systems within one organization. The aim was to test whether a relationship existed between the base value of the volatility index and certain system characteristics. Data relating to some 3,000 user change requests covering 40 systems over a 10-year period were obtained. The following factors were hypothesized to have significant associations with the base value of the volatility index: semantic relativism (generation of language of construction), system size, system age, and the timing of changes applied to a system. Significant associations were found in the hypothesized directions except the timing of user changes was not associated with any change in the value of the volatility index

Towards an effective structure of IT governance for organizations in developing economies

The pervasive use of IT is prominent amongst organizations in developing economies. However, there is growing evidence that these economies fail to capitalize on their IT investment to transform their organizations to be competitive both locally and globally. IT-related benefits are possible with appropriate governance of the IT-related resources, and we need to broaden our understanding on the IT governance mechanics suitable for organizations in the developing economies. In this study, we adopted an initial interpretive design to obtain a deeper understanding of the IT governance (ITG) environment and conceptions of the stakeholders on effective IT governance structures for the developing economies. We found that the presence of an IT Strategic Planning Committee, Multiple level of authority, and a Forum for informal discussions as the crucial components of an ITG structure in developing economies

An Empirical Analysis of Information Systems Changes

The reaurn on investment for Information Systems Developmentprojects takes place during the period of stability following the system\u27s implementation. This return on investment can be leveraged by extending the period of stability or reducing the ongoing costs of maintenance and enhancement. Since the usefulness of information systems is dependent on their alignment with the organization\u27s goalsandobjectives,theabilityofasystemtoabsorbchangedirectlyaffectsitslifespan. Givenalsotheriskoffailureassociatedwith systems development projects (Gladden 1982; Turner 1982; Hammer 1990; Lyytinen 1990), risk averse organizations are keen to delay such risky expenditure by extending an information system\u27s life span

Growth and productivity of juvenile banana prawns, Penaeus merguiensis in natural and laboratory systems

Abstract only.Growth and survival of Penaeus merguiensis juveniles were measured over four years in the Norman River estuary, south-eastern Gulf of Carpentaria. Growth in carapace length for the first 8-9 weeks after settlement was essentially linear and averaged 1.2 mm/week in summer at 29.5°C and 0.45 mm/week in winter at 19.5°C. A comparison of different cohorts under varying temperatures and salinities indicated that growth was temperature- but not salinity-dependent. Survival of newly settled postlarvae varied seasonally and was highest in spring (October-November). In the laboratory, a study of moulting rate and moult increment at 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35°C demonstrated that the optimal temperature for growth was 25-30°C. Survival of juveniles was also highest at intermediate temperatures. Effects of salinity and food ration amounts are discussed

Is Music Piracy Normal? Behavioral Effects of Social and Technological Barriers

Music piracy, once a novel issue covered in technology magazines, has become an issue of considerable importance and is discussed regularly in mainstream media. Despite the strategies and alternatives aimed at reducing piracy behaviour, the phenomenon remains a major issue for the industry. This paper continues from previous work by testing a further section of the previously proposed model using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The Economic and Complexity factors were found to be relevant, but, surprisingly, age was unexpectedly found not to be significant. Users from lower income brackets were more likely to engage in music piracy, and the relative complexity of the legal process of music downloading was found to be a barrier to legally downloading music, thus operating to turn users toward music piracy. Our work and other studies suggest that some degree of music piracy is actually beneficial to the industry, and further research should confirm this notion and determine whether an optimum level exists

National Culture, Trust and Internet Privacy Concerns

A major inhibitor to e-commerce stems from the reluctance consumers have to complete transactions because of concern over the use of private information divulged in online transaction processing. Because e-commerce occurs in a global environment, cultural factors are likely to have a significant impact on this concern. Building on work done in the area of culture and privacy, and also trust and privacy, we explore the three way relationship between culture, privacy and trust. Better, more appropriate, and contemporary measures of culture have recently been espoused, and a better understanding and articulation of internet users information privacy concern has been developed. We present the results of an exploratory study that builds on the work of Milberg, Gefen, and Bellman to better understand and test the effect that national culture has on trust and internet privacy

A Model of Music Piracy

Music piracy has evolved from a minor concern in technology magazines to a major issue discussed almost daily in the media. The industry claims potentially billions of dollars are at stake and we seek to determine why extensive anti-piracy strategies don't appear successful. We propose a Model of Music Piracy and, using a survey, test and validate a section of the model using SEM. The majority of propositions were upheld, but contrary to expectations, age was not significant. All users are well aware of the law, prominent cases, and penalties incurred, however these deterrents do not change behaviour or attitudes to piracy. They feel online anonymity affords some protection, and there is safety in numbers (music companies cannot catch everyone). Our work and other studies suggest a certain level of music piracy is efficacious, and further research should confirm this notion and determine whether an optimum level exists