Incorporation of a Research-Led, Problem-Based Learning Task into an AIS Curriculum

Issues relating to student learning outcomes, retention and engagement, coupled with pressure to reform and differentiate higher education through inculcating research-based material into the curricula, are repeatedly in the spotlight. In this paper results from a descriptive case study, wherein a student-focused, research-led, problem-based learning task was incorporated into the curriculum of an Accounting Information Systems (AIS) subject, is reported. This change to the curricula addressed an identified need for improved communication, analytical and critical thinking skills in tertiary graduates. Measures of student perceptions and academic performance suggest that the task was a success. The paper concludes with discussion of the contributions made to the task at hand by infiltrating three strategies, namely research-led teaching, problem-based learning and scaffolding

Quality as the criterion for delivered information systems effectiveness

One of the major challenges of MIS activities is the difficulty in measuring the effectiveness of delivered systems. The principal purpose of my research is to explore this field in order to develop an instrument by which to measure such effectiveness. Conceptualisation of Information System (IS) Effectiveness has been substantially framed by DeLone and McLean\u27s (1992) Success; Model. But with the innovation in Information Technology (IT) over the past decade, and the constant pressure in IT to improve performance, there is merit in undertaking a fresh appraisal of the issue. This study built on the model of IS Success developed by DeLone and MeLean, but was broadened to include related research from the domains of IS, Management and Marketing. This analysis found that an effective IS function is built on three pillars: the systems implemented; the information held and delivered by these systems; and, the service provided in support of the IS function. A common foundation for these pillars is the concept of stakeholder needs. In seeking to appreciate the effectiveness: of delivered IS applications in relation to the job performance of stakeholders, this research developed an understanding of what quality means in an IT context I argue that quality is a more useful criterion for effectiveness than the more customary measures of use and user satisfaction. Respecification of the IS Success Model was then proposed. The second phase of the research was to test this model empirically through judgment panels, focus groups and interviews. Results consistently supported the structure and components of the respecified model. Quality was determined as a multi-dimensional construct, with the key dimensions for the quality of delivered IS differing from those used in the research from other disciplines. Empirical work indicated that end-user stakeholders derived their evaluations of quality by internally evaluating perceived performance of delivered IS in relation to their expectations for such performance. A short trial explored whether, when overt measurement of expectations was concurrent with the measurement of perceptions, a more revealing appraisal of delivered IS quality was provided than when perceptions alone were measured. Results revealed a difference between the two measures. Using the New IS Success Model as the foundation, and drawing upon the related theoretical and empirical research, an instrument was developed to measure the quality/effectiveness of delivered IS applications. Four trials of this instrument, QUALIT, are documented. Analysis of results from preliminary trials indicates promise in terms of business value: the instrument is simple to administer and has the capacity to pinpoint areas of weakness. The research related to the respecification of the New IS Success Model and the associated empirical studies, including the development of QTJALIT, have both contributed to the development of theory about IS Effectiveness. More precisely, my research has reviewed the components of an information system, the dimensions comprising these components and the indicators of each, and based upon these findings, formulated an instrument by which to measure the effectiveness of a delivered IS

Development of an instrument to evaluate the quality of delivered information systems

Delivered information systems are an integral part of many organisations&rsquo; information technology infrastructure. Their dynamic nature creates new challenges, not the least of which is the need to measure the quality/effectiveness of these systems. Given the size of investment in these systems, it would be invaluable for business to formulate a fresh, simple, easy to administer, multi-dimensional instrument capable of measuring the quality of delivered information systems or applications. Such an instrument would provide a practical and efficient means to pinpoint areas that key stakeholders, ranging from end-users to managers, perceive as requiring attention. In this paper, we report on the development of one such instrument. This instrument addresses key areas of performance and uses multiple statements to enhance stakeholders&rsquo; understanding of these areas.<br /

Strategic Information Systems Planning: An Empirical Evaluation of Its Dimensions

Strategic management of Information Technology (IT) has long been regarded as a critical component of business performance. This study addresses two objectives. Firstly we investigate the practice and effectiveness of Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP) as a function of strategic management in 29 large Australian organizations. Secondly we review these results through a theoretical lens established by Segars et al. (1998) who identified six dimensions that provide a structured approach to reviewing the SISP process. Our results show that SISP was widely used in these 29 organizations in aspects such as planning associated with strategic IS investment and application, and whilst the theoretical review generally supported the literature, some amendments are required to the participation and focus dimensions suggested by Segars et al. (1998). Such results have implications for both practitioners and researchers

Intentions and perceptions : the emerging gaps between web system designers and users

In recent years, organisations have been increasingly developing web systems as portals through which B2C or B2B eCommerce is conducted. Many such systems suffer from inadequacy in function, form and quality. While such deficiencies are quite commonly encountered in traditional software systems, in the case of web systems, the problems are magnified by the emerging gaps in designers\u27 intentions and the expectation of a global, and frequently grossly misunderstood, user. In this paper we therefore present an approach to investigating the gaps in perceptions between web developer&rsquo;s intentions and end-users expectations and the subsequent use of web system features. Furthermore, we empirically investigated B2C web systems and determined several useful approaches to practical evaluation of the degree of cohesion between designer and user views of the system.<br /

Project quality management in virtual environments : a primer

The rise of geographically dispersed project teams enabled by technology has made project quality management a significant challenge for organizations. This paper uses findings from a project on geographically dispersed, cooperating SMEs in the building trade, to explore whether concepts and artefacts from the Rational Unified Process&reg; (RUP&reg;) software development approach could be adapted and used to better manage quality in virtual projects. Our future research aims to explore the use of RUP artefacts in a virtual environment and their impact onproject management and quality.<br /

Measuring Mobile Portal User Satisfaction

With the rapid advancement of mobile technology, smart devices have challenged the extant research concerned with time and space. Based on a user’s specific interests, mobile portals allow quick and easy access, anywhere, anytime to a world of data, applications and services. Whilst this provides an enhanced, dynamic and personalized user experience, knowing how satisfied users are with their mobile portal is crucial to understanding users’ needs, identifying important factors in the improvement of existing mobile portals and enhancing Information Technology (IT)-related business value. The study extends research knowledge about user satisfaction to the context of mobile portals. Secondly it contributes knowledge regarding mobile portals, particularly concerning post-adoption mobile portal user satisfaction. Thirdly, the research contributes a new reliable and valid instrument to measure user satisfaction with mobile portals – a contribution to the research stream within the IS literature concerned with measurement

Open process innovation: A multi-method study on the involvement of customers and consultants in public sector BPM

Following calls to enhance risk-sensitivity of second generation Operational Risk-Aware Information Systems (ORISs), this paper aims to address the lack of ontological/epistemological grounding for the concept of Operational Risk (OR). Herein, OR is regarded both as a property of a real system and as a representational phenomenon forming part of the core of ORIS in line with Weber’s (2003) view of the core of IS. The paper explores how the ontological/epistemological position of the Critical Realist philosophy of science assists in the Requirements Definition of ORISs by providing an ontology-driven representation of the heterogeneous nature of OR. The retroductive mode of logical inference enabled by Critical Realism supports the discovery of OR causal mechanisms when the historical data about operational loss events is limited. The ontological/epistemological position suggested in the paper contributes to better understanding and representation of OR, informs OR assessment in conditions of a constantly changing socio-economical environment, and so assists in the Requirements Definition of ORISs

Towards an Understanding of Valence in E-Government Services

The Australian government, to remind job seekers of appointments with employment services providers in order to cut costs and free up human resources, is using technologies such as Short Messaging Services (SMS). However, the technologies in-use are but one side of this equation – the specifics of how these technologies are used is the other side, and these specifics are highly undertheorized, particularly in regard to the views of the people to which these technologies are directed. The purpose of this paper is to provide a theoretical framing for this phenomenon as well as to introduce an emerging methodological direction that may allow for a better understanding of demographic-specific values and thereby better valence framing. The paper also theorizes reactions to information that could be applicable elsewhere, not just in e-government or with SMS, thereby contributing to discussions surrounding the ‘Big Data’ debat