Research on information systems failures and successes: Status update and future directions

The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10796-014-9500-yInformation systems success and failure are among the most prominent streams in IS research. Explanations of why some IS fulfill their expectations, whereas others fail, are complex and multi-factorial. Despite the efforts to understand the underlying factors, the IS failure rate remains stubbornly high. A Panel session was held at the IFIP Working Group 8.6 conference in Bangalore in 2013 which forms the subject of this Special Issue. Its aim was to reflect on the need for new perspectives and research directions, to provide insights and further guidance for managers on factors enabling IS success and avoiding IS failure. Several key issues emerged, such as the need to study problems from multiple perspectives, to move beyond narrow considerations of the IT artifact, and to venture into underexplored organizational contexts, such as the public sector. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media New York

Postoperative complications after procedure for prolapsed hemorrhoids (PPH) and stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) procedures

Procedure for prolapsing hemorrhoids (PPH) and stapled transanal rectal resection for obstructed defecation (STARR) carry low postoperative pain, but may be followed by unusual and severe postoperative complications. This review deals with the pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of adverse events that may occasionally be life threatening. PPH and STARR carry the expected morbidity following anorectal surgery, such as bleeding, strictures and fecal incontinence. Complications that are particular to these stapled procedures are rectovaginal fistula, chronic proctalgia, total rectal obliteration, rectal wall hematoma and perforation with pelvic sepsis often requiring a diverting stoma. A higher complication rate and worse results are expected after PPH for fourth-degree piles. Enterocele and anismus are contraindications to PPH and STARR and both operations should be used with caution in patients with weak sphincters. In conclusion, complications after PPH and STARR are not infrequent and may be difficult to manage. However, if performed in selected cases by skilled specialists aware of the risks and associated diseases, some complications may be prevented

Alibaba: Jack Ma's unique growth strategy and the future of its global development in the Chinese digital business industry

China’s B2B businesses have gained immensely from the surge in social media users—with Alibaba, who have been at the forefront of the movement, benefitting the greatest. When compared to typical Western B2B companies, Alibaba has pursued a unique growth strategy—in line with the Chinese business ethos, through maintaining strong relations with the government as well as their gradual transition into the manufacturing sector. This research will therefore investigate Alibaba’s growth strategies through the lens of Chinese traditional norms to discern whether their development phases are exclusive to Alibaba, or whether it can be emulated by emerging e-commerce firms, also. Thus, Alibaba’s early business decisions will be compared to that of their Western digital business counterparts, analysing which factors shaped their successes, whether it be their development strategies or Ma’s own persona. Ultimately, Alibaba’s global status in the e-commerce industry going forward will be assessed to determine the relative likelihood of their future growth initiatives—addressing in the process whether their standing as the global leader of online business is temporary or whether it will fundamentally change the course of the industry