A New Labour Force: An econometric analysis of multiple jobholding

In this paper we model multiple jobholding empirically using a specially collected database for the region of Magnesia in Greece. We find that although income plays a major deterministic impact on multiple jobholding, other factors have a determining the final outcome of the individual’s choice. These determining factors can either explain the amount of fixed costs that is involved towards taking up a second job, or the restrictions arising from the individual’s personal and family characteristics.

Fluid flow analysis by a modified, white light, Lau interferometer

This paper presents a sharp focussing schlieren system based upon a modified Lau interferometer. A method of reducing the depth of focus of the system is demonstrated and the development of the system to study large fields of view by theincorporation of flexible membrane mirrors is discussed

A semiotic evaluation of musical meaning in the works of Igor Stravinsky : decoding syntax and markedness and prototypicality theory.

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:DXN026379 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

A Framework for Rigour in Action Research

Information Systems is an applied discipline, and as such, it seems reasonable to conclude that the main purpose for undertaking research is ultimately to improve the practice (actions) and / or understanding of practitioners of IS in organisations. If this premise is accepted, then it can be asserted that IS researchers should focus on applied research, on improving knowledge and on making a difference in the real world, and in this way, to avoid a chasm developing between academic research and organisational practice with respect to IS. IS researchers have for some time now been exhorted to consider action research as a suitable candidate research approach amongst the repertoire of methodologies embraced by the discipline (West et al. 1995). Action research, after all, boasts many features which would tend to suggest it is ideally suited to study aspects of the planning, development and implementation of information systems within their human, organisational environments. However, action research is not without its critics, and there are concerns that it is too similar to consultancy and that it lacks scientific rigour for it to be regarded as a serious candidate to guide rigorous research in this discipline. The authors reject this notion, but would support the need for researchers to ensure that their action research studies are indeed rigorous. To help achieve this end, a framework to ensure rigour in action research studies is presented

Rethinking Current Conceptualisations of Action Research

Information Systems (IS) researchers are increasingly encourated to adopt qualitative research approaches, including action research. While action research offers much in terms of addressing the practical concerns of an applied discipline such as IS, there are concerns voiced about the rigour and validity of the findings of action research studies. In this paper, an argument is developed that suggests that a reconceptualisation of action research is warranted in order to enhance the quality, credibility, and academic respectability of its findings. Further, this reconceptualisation serves to add a touch of realism to the sometimes simplistic models of the action research process that are presented in the literature. Specifically, a view of action research is presented that facilitates a clear understanding of the difference between the research interest and the problem solving interest of this research method. This model guides action researchers in promoting the rigour of their research endeavours without detracting from the relevance that stems from the contextual, real world nature of action research

Rethinking Information Systems Planning in Strategic Business Networks

As business grow more and more interconnected and hence increasingly reliant on information technology (IT), there is the temptation to argue that careful planning of the information systems (IS) and IT resources in an organisation becomes even more imperative. However, an alternative view might suggest that in rapidly changing and turbulent environments, planning becomes somewhat of an anachronism, and that if flexibility is to be maintained ponderous planning activity should be avoided at all cost. The authors concur that formal, rationalistic, bureaucratic planning is probably in no-one’s best interests, but also argue that no planning is not necessarily an appropriate way forward. Instead they propose a new framework to support IS/IT planning in such interconnected environments or strategic business networks (SBNs). This framework seeks to avoid heavy, bureaucratic processes but argues that IS/IT adopts a role of such central importance, that instead, planning must become part of day-to-day thinking and acting with respect to the business and its use of IT. This thinking and acting must not only take place within the confines of a single organisation, but must as well, embrace the IS/IT inheritance and infrastructure of all organisations in the SBN. This is not simply a technological issue, but must include consideration of a range of organisational, cultural, and political issues. The framework must support the creation of shared vision and values, and an understanding of the use of IT for both self and mutual advantage

Science, Design, and Design Science: Seeking Clarity to Move Design Science Research Forward in Information Systems

This paper examines the fundamental nature of science, design, hence design science and design research, with a view to determining a conceptualisation of design science that is useful in the discipline of information systems (IS). After reviewing several notions of design, the paper recommends a conceptualisation that involves a broad practice-based view of design, an inclusive conceptualisation of design science, and a diverse and multi-paradigmatic approach to design research. The paper recommends that the design task in IS be conceived as one that includes rather than strips away the social and organizational context of the IT artifact, and this impacts the breadth of topics embraced by design science, and the types of methods employed to further enquiry in the field

Strategic Information Systems Planning in the Virtual Organisation

To claim that a paradigm shift is occurring with respect to strategic information systems planning (SISP) is perhaps overstating the case, but there appears to be significant, fundamental changes occurring to the scope and importance of SISP in modern organisations. These changes are driven by a number of factors. With important concepts such as globalisation come opportunities for growth and expansion, but also the threat and challenge of increased competition from previously unexpected sources. Thus, new management strategies, new organisational forms and renewed thinking about the nature of competition, collaboration and cooperation all emerge in response to changes in the business environment. A major driver of these changes has been the development and rapid diffusion of telecommunications technologies, which have, in a comparatively short period of time, both driven and facilitated communication and connections within organisations, and between an organisation and its suppliers, customers and business partners

Deriving Business Value from IT: Converging IT Expenditures into Assets with Desired Impacts

The research reported in this paper examines how business value is being created and delivered by IT in large private organisations in Australia. The critical organisational governance and management activities and practices that contribute significantly to business value were identified and described, using a process model of Soh and Markus (1995) as a lens by which CIO statements were organised, understood and interpreted. Broad concepts associated with value delivery were identified, and the key elements of IT governance were then abstracted from these practices. The research also confirmed that a substantial change had been occurring over the past few years, with a rigorous focus on building capabilities and relationships with key business stakeholders apparent, with the deliberate intent of integrating IT investments with business change initiatives, and thus a business-centric focus was replacing what was perceived to have been a largely technological focus of previous years. However, while the broadly defined activities associated with strategy and evaluation were being paid close attention, CIOs were still at times hesitant and grappling with the issues associated with benefits realisation initiatives

Quality and Rigour of Action Research in Information Systems

This paper discusses nature of action research, and its particular strengths in disciplines such as information systems (IS). However concerns are raised about the quality and rigour of the conduct and reporting of action research studies. Criteria for quality and rigour of qualitative research generally, and for action research in particular, are discussed and analysed. These then form the basis of a framework put forward to guide potential action researchers through issues such as the design, conduct, and presentation of their research, with the aim of improving relevance and rigour in action research studies