Why Mobile Payments Fail? Towards a Dynamic and Multi-Perspective Explanation

Despite optimistic expectations fast diffusion of mobile payments has not taken place after a decade of trials. Several explanations to this situation have been put forward using several theories and levels of analysis. Due to the complexity and dynamism of the diffusion we need multiple perspectives to account for diffusion challenge. We juxtapose three frameworks into a dynamic analysis framework. We apply the proposed framework to explain three failed introductions of mobile payments in the Swiss market. In particular, a recent ambitious trial is confronted with the proposed framework to detect roots of its failure. Our analysis suggests that market-level and behavioral facets need more attention in future in explaining mobile payment diffusion. To guide future efforts we propose several avenues for further research

Literacy programs efficacy for developing children's early reading skills in familiar language in Zambia

This study investigated the comparative efficacy of a phonics-based reading program and a language experience approach based literacy program to develop reading skills among Zambian early childhood school learners. The learners (n = 1 986; Grade 2 level; females = 50.1%) took either the phonics-based reading program (n = 1 593) or the alternative language experience approach based program (n = 393). They were all assessed for reading skills utilising the Early Grade Reading Assessment test (EGRA) in four languages (Cinyanja, Icibemba, Kiikaonde, and Silozi). Results suggest that learners in phonics-based literacy program were significantly better in letter-sound knowledge in all the four languages. Additionally, they were significantly better in reading skills (non-word reading, oral passage reading, and reading comprehension), yet only in Icibemba and Silozi, as compared to those who took the alternative program. Results reveal that children in the Primary Literacy Program (PLP) had significantly better performance in most reading skills than in the Primary Reading Program (PRP). However, the effect sizes were small or medium. The high floor effect in all reading-related measures is an indication that by following either PRP or the recently implemented PLP, most children do not acquire basic reading skill of the transparently written language they are familiar with. Instruction of the sounds of letters requires special attention where digital training tools (such as GraphoGame) may provide the most effective help to both teachers and children.Peer reviewe

RELEVANCE VERSUS RIGOR IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS RESEARCH: AN ISSUE OF QUALITY

Information Systems Working Papers Serie

Koulujen tarkastustoiminta ja sen lakkaaminen Suomessa

Katsauksessa tarkastellaan koulujen tarkastustoiminnan yli 100-vuotista elinkaarta ja erityisesti sen päättymisvaihetta osana koulutuksen valvontaa ja koulujärjestelmän kehittämistä. Ensimmäisten kahdeksan päätoimisen tarkastajan viran perustamisesta vuodesta 1885 peruskoulujärjestelmän toimeenpanoon saakka koulutarkastukset antoivat tietoa kansakoulujen tilasta opettajille, kuntien päättäjille sekä keskushallinnolle. Oppikouluja valvoi Kouluhallitus. Tarkastajilla oli säännöksiin perustuva toimivalta edellyttää parannuksia tarkastuskäyntien aikana havaittuihin epäkohtiin. Lääninhallituksiin 1970 kootut koulutoimentarkastajat osallistuivat tarkastustehtävien ohella monipuolisesti ja tuloksellisesti myös peruskoulu-uudistuksen valmisteluun, kokeiluun sekä itse uudistuksen toimeenpanoon. Peruskoulu-uudistuksen myötä opetushallinnon työnjako muuttui. Koulutuksen järjestäjän ja itse koulun toimivalta, vastuu ja asiantuntemus vahvistuivat. Tulollaan olleessa 1990-luvun hajautetussa hallintomallissa ei katsottu tarkastustoiminnan tuottavan lisäarvoa koulutuksen kehittämiseen. Ratkaiseva päätös tarkastustoiminnan lakkaamisesta tehtiin vuonna 1988 ilman tavanomaisia perusteluja.  Tilalle kehittyi ennen pitkää kansainvälisestä käytännöstä poiketen ulkopuolisen arvioinnin riippumattomuutta korostava ja arvioinnin asiantuntijuutta monipuolisesti ja verkostomaisesti hyödyntävä arviointijärjestelmä. Vuodesta 2014 lähtien suomalaisesta koulutuksen ja varhaiskasvatuksen kansallisesta arvioinnista on vastannut oppimistulosten arviointia myöten Kansallinen koulutuksen arviointikeskus.  Valtion aluehallintoon jäi koulutuksen saavutettavuuden seurantaan keskittyvä peruspalvelujen arviointi sekä oppilaiden oikeusturvaa koskevien valitusten ja kantelujen ratkaiseminen. Näiden lisäksi koulujärjestelmää tukevat ylikansalliset arvioinnit

What does computer support for cooperative work mean? a structurational analysis of computer supported cooperative work

Technical developments in electronic communication and computing coupled with new understanding of relationships between computers and work processes has given impetus to a significant amount of research in the area of Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW). Much of this work, however, lacks strong theoretical foundations, and there is no clear definition of CSCW, the major research questions of the field, or appropriate strategies for research. In this paper we suggest Giddens' theory of structuration as a conceptual foundation for CSCW research and propose a formal definition for CSCW. We conclude by discussing seven implications of the framework for future research into: (a) platform software features, (b) research methods, (c) systems development approaches, (d) features of CSCW development methodologies, (e) interactions between CSCW use processes and organizational structures, (f) interactions between work processes and CSCW applications, and (g) larger social change due to adoption of CSCW applications.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/30257/1/0000654.pd

Resist, comply or workaround? An examination of different facets of user engagement with information systems

This paper provides a summary of studies of user resistance to Information Technology (IT) and identifies workaround activity as an understudied and distinct, but related, phenomenon. Previous categorizations of resistance have largely failed to address the relationships between the motivations for divergences from procedure and the associated workaround activity. This paper develops a composite model of resistance/workaround derived from two case study sites. We find four key antecedent conditions derived from both positive and negative resistance rationales and identify associations and links to various resultant workaround behaviours and provide supporting Chains of Evidence from two case studies

Design with a Positive Lens: An affirmative approach to designing information and organizations

Design forms one critical paradigmatic view that pervades organizational studies, management, and information systems research. Building on the discussions in the First Working Conference on Designing Information and Organizations with a Positive Lens, we chart the potential contribution of positive design to the shaping of organizations, work processes, artifacts, communication networks, and information technologies. The figure of speech "Design with a Positive Lens," or in short, "Positive Design," connotes here a distinctive perspective on design that is less focused on the detection of errors associated with gaining control and more concerned with human-centered design associated with the shaping of hopeful organizations and a thriving future. The paper examines how positive design can contribute to the design of information systems and organizations as related to five broad-scale areas: design of high performance work processes; positive design methods and techniques: cooperation and collaboration across boundaries to promote positive change; positive organizational design, and design science and practice. In this paper we aspire to promote the emerging cross-disciplinary discourse between scholars and designers that will foster positive organizational and technological design

Secondary user relations in emerging mobile computing environments

Mobile technologies are enabling access to information in diverse environ.ments, and are exposing a wider group of individuals to said technology. Therefore, this paper proposes that a wider view of user relations than is usually considered in information systems research is required. Specifically, we examine the potential effects of emerging mobile technologies on end-­‐user relations with a focus on the ‘secondary user’, those who are not intended to interact directly with the technology but are intended consumers of the technology’s output. For illustration, we draw on a study of a U.K. regional Fire and Rescue Service and deconstruct mobile technology use at Fire Service incidents. Our findings provide insights, which suggest that, because of the nature of mobile technologies and their context of use, secondary user relations in such emerging mobile environments are important and need further exploration