The Perceptions of Adopters and Non-Adopters of Cloud Computing: Application of Technology-Organization-Environment Framework

The purpose of this research is to explore the differences between cloud computing adopters and non-adopters. This study used technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework to investigate the perceptions of IT staff towards cloud computing adoption. The specific factors in the TOE framework are relative advantage, complexity, compatibility, top management support, organizational readiness, competitive pressure, and business partner pressure. An online-based survey was employed to collect data from IT managers, IT consultants, and IT professionals working at Saudi organizations. The findings revealed that adopters have higher perceptions to cloud computing than the non-adopters, except for complexity. The findings offer organizations and cloud computing service providers with better understanding of factors to be considered when making decisions about the adoption of cloud computing. The findings would also help organizations to consider their information technologies investments when implementing cloud computing

Performance Assessment of the First Residential Grid-Tie PV System in Jordan

In Jordan, exploration of energy sources has been initiated due to a sever power shortage. In this paper, a grid-connected photovoltaic solar system to supply a residence in Amman is implemented. The operational performance results of performance ratios are presented to study the effectiveness of the photovoltaic system without battery storage. Online monitoring is employed and real time data is collected to study the feasibility of grid-tied photovoltaic system. Experimental findings show the high efficiency and stability of the grid-connected photovoltaic system. Also the control unit shows a good performance of improving a flexible regulation of power factor using maximum power point tracking. Keywords: grid-tie photovoltaic solar system; maximum power point tracking; single-stage inverter

Adoption and Use of Information Technology in Mandatory Settings: Preliminary Insights from Saudi Arabia

Many large Enterprise Systems are adopted in mandatory settings where potential users do not have much choice but to embrace the new technology. The objective of this study is to examine the adoption and use of information technology (IT) in mandatory settings where the option of rejecting the new technology does not exist. Based on a literature review, a framework that explains the adoption and use of information technology in mandatory settings is proposed. This framework highlights that acceptance of a new technology is affected, among other factors, by a system’s contribution to organizational transparency. To further this argument, users who directly benefit from organizational transparency are more likely to accept the technology, such as a new Enterprise Systems. The study expands our body of knowledge about the adoption and use of information technology in mandatory settings, and is expected to help business management and system providers during technology implementation projects. Moreover, the proposed framework may benefit Enterprise System providers when formulating their business models and lead them towards financial success

End User Adoption of ERP Systems: Investigation of Four Beliefs

This paper studies the effects of four beliefs of a group of end users on the adoption of ERP systems. The beliefs examined were perceived usefulness, ease of use, expected capability, and expected value. A sample of 58 SAP users was collected, via online survey, from a large company in Saudi Arabia. The validity and the reliability of the data collection instrument were tested using the exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach\u27s Alpha coefficients, respectively. Using multiple regression analysis, the perceived ease of use and the expected value of ERP system was found to have a significant direct effect on the acceptance of ERP system. However, the perceived usefulness and expected capability did not have a direct significant effect on acceptance of ERP systems. The study provides insights for organizations implementing ERP systems in developing countries

Towards Practical Model of Public Private Partnership (PPP) Implementation in E-Government in Jordan: Field Assessment*

Purpose: The main aim of this study is to evaluate the adoption of Public Private Partnership (PPP) approach in E-Government programs in Jordan which is considered a developing country, by evaluating the second stage of the three-stage model of PPP developed by (Al-Shqairat, 2009).  Design/methodology/approach: A mixed quantitative and qualitative research approach was adopted. Qualitative data was collected using semi structured interviews with eleven IT managers working in public organizations. Quantitative data, on the other hand, was collected using a questionnaire designed and validated for the current study. A total of 109 questionnaires were distributed to participant working in 13 different public entities. These participants were also directly involved in Public Private Partnership projects in these entities. The response rate of 56.88% percent was adequate for accuracy and the results were useful and representative of the target population. The questionnaire data was analyzed using parametric statistics including mean analysis.Findings: The main findings of this study shows significant support for the proposed implementation stage. Furthermore, the survey and the interview analysis highlighted that the benefits and obstacles are more important than any other aspect of the implementation stage. Originality/ value: This study is one of the few studies that attempted to propose and validate an empirical model of PPP Implementation in E-Government projects that could be adopted by governments while planning for a successful PPP approach in implementing E-Government initiatives in specific or an ICT related projects. Keywords: Public Private Partnership (PPP) implementation; E-Government; Jordan; Public Sector, Private Sector, PPP forms, PPP mechanisms

Assessing Skills and Knowledge of IT Professionals in Saudi Arabia

This research paper assesses current and future skills and knowledge of IT professionals working in selected Saudi Organizations through ranking the importance of selected IT, management, database, and programming skills and knowledge gained by IT university graduates. The study depicted moderate dynamism and change in the importance of several IT skills and knowledge after 3 years compared with the present time. It was concluded that IT curricula, especially MIS, have to be alter to the changes in the demand for knowledge and skills in computer programming languages, database systems, IT and management knowledge/skills and reflect that in their educational programs. The study provided several recommendations for corporate executives who oversee the organizational strategy, the human resource managers who are involved with hiring and maintaining IT personnel, the developers of academic programs who are eager to provide better education in this highly demanded field of education, as well as government strategy makers who formulate IT national plans and would like to see maximum levels of synergy between the various stakeholders

The Role of Key Early Warning Indicators in Crisis Management: Analytical Review

This study came to identify the role of applying key early indicators in managing crisis through answering the following main question: What is the role of the key early indicators in crisis management? Methodology: The study used an analytical descriptive approach based on induction, analysis, and comparison of the literature on early warning indicators, crisis management, its divisions and how to be built. Subsequently, the study achieves answers for the study questions by analyzing and inferring the reviewed related literature. Results: Key early warning indicators for crisis management play a major role in the notification and information about the imminent occurrence of risk that cause the spread of crisis. This helps to move forward in a proactive manner towards the crisis before it occurs. The successful role of key early warning indicators in crisis management requires certain characteristics. It should be a real indication of the imminent crisis and valid. Conclusion: The study concludes that there is need for key early warning indicators for their effective role in assisting senior leaders in taking proper decisions. The higher management of the organization should select the appropriate and qualified planning team and develop their skills

A Young Man with Multiple Pulmonary Cysts

Several diseases cause cystic or cyst-like parenchymal lung abnormalities including adult pulmonary Langerhan's cell histiocytosis (PLCH), lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), emphysema, end-stage interstitial lung disease, and cystic bronchiectasis. Many of these diseases can now be diagnosed with high accuracy by the use of high-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT). In fact, HRCT of chest has proved a major breakthrough in the diagnosis of these diseases. We are presenting a young man with a cystic lung disease in which, the HRCT findings were virtually diagnostic of that disease. The clinical and HRCT findings of this disease along with its differential diagnosis are discussed in this paper