Structural Equation Modeling in Information Systems Research Using Partial Least Squares

Empirical studies that use structural equation modeling (SEM) are widespread in information systems research. During the last few years, the component-based approach partial least squares (PLS) for testing structural models has become increasingly popular. At the same time, this approach’s limitations have become a greater concern. Some researchers even suggest using alternative approaches that are considered superior to PLS. However, we believe that PLS is an adequate choice if the research problem meets certain characteristics and the technique is properly used. Thus, the intention of this article is to resolve potential uncertainties that researchers intending to use PLS might have. Consequently, we provide a nontechnical overview of PLS and outline the ongoing discourses on SEM in general and the PLS approach in particular. Furthermore, we present a basic framework for empirical research applying PLS as well as a detailed explanation of the different process steps. Finally, examples of information systems research using PLS are summarized to demonstrate its beneficial application and the appropriateness of the proposed framework. This article can serve as a helpful guide for inexperienced researchers applying PLS for the first time, but also as a reference guide for researchers with a better understanding of the field

Exploring the Role of Un-Enacted Projects in IT Project Portfolio Management

From the IT governance point of view, one central project portfolio management task is to ensure that official projects draw upon assigned human resources. However, a common phenomenon is that resources thought to be available often turn out to be actually unavailable. Previous research indicates that numerous unofficial initiatives are a typical cause of this observation. These un-enacted projects are those projects that have not been officially evaluated but do exist although they are not known to a company’s project portfolio. The result is that unofficial initiatives compete for scarce resources. Despite these resource issues, previous research has barely investigated un-enacted projects. By building on four in-depth case studies, this exploratory study investigates the major drivers of the occurrence of un-enacted projects and their specific characteristics and found a great variety in respect of the type of un-enacted projects and the reasons for them being triggered in organizations

Understanding the Why, What, and How of Theories in IS Research

Researchers have emphasized theory’s pivotal importance in the information systems (IS) discipline since its inception. As in many science disciplines, IS scholars’ ability to understand and contribute to theory is an important qualification in research practice. As a discipline, we require solid foundations for why we engage with theory, what theory is for us, and how we work with theory. We synthesize and reflect on the debates on theories and theorizing in the IS discipline. In doing so, we inform (particularly new) authors about the current state of the IS discipline’s debate on theory and theorizing and help them identify opportunities in theorizing to put theory to work. We do not intend to advocate or cement that status quo we portray but rather, through informing the community about it, to support early efforts to further develop and move beyond the current state of the debate on theory and theorizing in IS research

How to Steer the IT Outsourcing Provider - Development and Validation of a Reference Framework of IT Outsourcing Steering Processes

IT executives entering into information technology (IT) outsourcing arrangements seek various strategic, economic, and technological benefits. However, although several cases of IT outsourcing are considered successful, cases of failure can also be observed. Problems and challenges associated with IT outsourcing often not only relate to the strategic decision whether or not to outsource, but to the operational level as well. Especially organizations with little experience of implementing larger IT outsourcing programs face problems with the steering of external outsourcing providers. In this paper, we propose a reference framework that structures the required processes for an effective steering of IT outsourcing relationships. The research is based on the design science paradigm in information systems research. In a first step, we derive a framework from related literature and knowledge in this particular area. We then undertake extensive fieldwork, including expert interviews and field studies to evaluate our framework and to develop it further. The suggested framework proves to be a viable instrument to support the systematic analysis of current processes and the definition of suitable target processes for the steering of IT outsourcing programs. This paper’s primary contribution therefore lies in providing an applicable instrument for practitioners as well as in extending the existing body of knowledge on IT outsourcing governance

DESIGNING A REFERENCE FRAMEWORK OF IT/IS OUTSOURCING STEERING PROCESSES

Problems and challenges with information technology and information systems (IT/IS) outsourcing often do not relate to the strategic level, but to the operational level. Especially organizations with little experience with larger IT/IS outsourcing programs face operational problems with the steering of external outsourcing providers. In this paper, we propose a reference framework that structures the required processes for an effective steering of IT/IS outsourcing relationships. The research is based on the design science paradigm in information systems research. In a first step, we derive a framework from related literature and knowledge in this particular area. We then use extensive fieldwork to evaluate our framework and to develop it further. The suggested framework proves to be a viable instrument to support the structured analysis of current processes and the definition of suitable target processes for the steering of IT/IS outsourcing programs. This paper‟s primary contribution therefore lies in providing an applicable instrument for practitioners, as well as in extending the existing body of knowledge on IT/IS outsourcing

A Methodological Examination of Empirical Research on Information Systems Success: 2003 to 2007

Measuring information systems (IS) success has been and is of great interest to both researchers and practitioners. This article examines multidimensional approaches to measuring IS success and explores the current state of IS success research through a literature review and by classifying empirical articles that were published between 2003 and 2007. Based on a total of 41 academic journal and conferences publications, this paper identifies the relevant research carried out, categorizes and consolidates the research results, and discusses them. The results show that the dominant empirical research is that which analyzes the individual impact of a certain type of information system that the users evaluate by means of surveys and structural equation modeling. The DeLone and McLean Information Systems Success Model is the main theoretical basis of the reviewed studies. The results provide researchers who are new to this topic with a comprehensive review of IS success research. Furthermore, opportunities for additional development are identified and future research directions suggested

Innovating with Artificial Intelligence: Capturing the Constructive Functional Capabilities of Deep Generative Learning

As an emerging species of artificial intelligence, deep generative learning models can generate an unprecedented variety of new outputs. Examples include the creation of music, text-to-image translation, or the imputation of missing data. Similar to other AI models that already evoke significant changes in society and economy, there is a need for structuring the constructive functional capabilities of DGL. To derive and discuss them, we conducted an extensive and structured literature review. Our results reveal a substantial scope of six constructive functional capabilities demonstrating that DGL is not exclusively used to generate unseen outputs. Our paper further guides companies in capturing and evaluating DGL’s potential for innovation. Besides, our paper fosters an understanding of DGL and provides a conceptual basis for further research

Investigating the Co-Creation of IT Consulting Service Value : Empirical Findings of a Matched Pair Analysis

Digitalization is increasingly and broadly impacting on companies throughout all industries. To cope with digital transformation, organizations need specific IT skills and often face a bottleneck between required and existing capabilities. Thus, organizations revert to support from IT consultants. However, such collaborations need to create value so as to make client organizations future-proof in the long term. We therefore need a better understanding of how value is created in IT consulting projects. We build on service-dominant (S-D) logic as the theory base and evaluate our structural model, which explains IT consulting service value based on 77 matched pairs of IT consulting projects using structural equation modeling. We provide empirical support for the assumptions of S-D logic in the IT consulting industry and reveal determinants that significantly contribute to the overall IT consulting service value. Our results contribute to the ongoing discourse in the S-D logic literature and provide meaningful insights for practice