Towards a methodology for the development of integrated IT infrastructures

In this paper, the authors propose and validate a methodology for the development of integrated Information Technology (IT) infrastructures. The motivation for putting forward a new methodology is grounded on the limitations of the various software engineering methodologies (traditional) that exist today. Despite that the traditional methodologies result in the development of Information Systems (IS) from scratch, Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) builds integrated IT infrastructures using existing applications. This significant difference is associated with many issues needed to be realised and addressed like: (a) the changes that such an infrastructure brings to organisations, (b) the resistance to change and (c) the extension of IS lifecycle’s. The proposed methodology consist of eight stages and aims at supporting software engineers, organisations and researchers to build integrated IT infrastructures. As a result the methodology seeks to contribute to the body of knowledge

Creating social entrepreneurship in local government

The public sector is often considered synonym with inefficiency and a lack of motivation to be innovative. This paper seeks to contribute towards the literature surrounding social entrepreneurship in the public sector, through using institutional theory to underpin an e-Innovations model that promotes social entrepreneurship, while recognising how the adoption of innovation within the public sector is fostered. The proposed model seeks to serve as a process that threatens the conservative and risk-averse culture endemic in the public sector

Theoretical optimisation of IT/IS investments: A research note

The justification of Information Technology (IT) is inherently fuzzy, both in theory and practice. The reason for this is due to the largely intangible dimensions of IT projects. In view of this, this research note presents the results of on-going research, in the application of Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM), as a tool to identify complex functional interrelationships associated with the justification of IT. This paper presents a theoretical functional model which describes these relationships, and by using an FCM, further interrelationships are developed in the context of justifying IT projects. A procedure which would address the optimisation of these intangible relationships in the form of a Genetic Algorithm (GA) is proposed as a process for Investment Justification

Developing a frame of reference for ex-ante IT/IS investment evaluation

Investment appraisal techniques are an integral part of many traditional capital budgeting processes. However, the adoption of Information Systems (IS) and the development of resulting infrastructures are being increasingly viewed on the basis of consumption. Consequently, decision-makers are now moving away from the confines of rigid capital budgeting processes, which have traditionally compared IS with non-IS-related investments. With this in mind, the authors seek to dissect investment appraisal from the broader capital budgeting process to allow a deeper understanding of the mechanics involved with IS justification. This analysis presents conflicting perspectives surrounding the scope and sensitivity of traditional appraisal methods. In contributing to this debate, the authors present taxonomies of IS benefit types and associated natures, and discuss the resulting implications of using traditional appraisal techniques during the IS planning and decision-making process. A frame of reference that can be used to navigate through the variety of appraisal methods available to decision-makers is presented and discussed. Taxonomies of appraisal techniques that are classified by their respective characteristics are also presented. Perspectives surrounding the degree of involvement that financial appraisal should play during decision making and the limitations surrounding investment appraisal techniques are identifie

E-Government: An e-reverse auction case study

This paper presents the findings from an exploratory in-depth case study with regard to e- Reverse Auctions (eRAs) in the UK public sector. These findings highlight that eRAs can improve procurement processes, realise cost savings and reduce delivery times. The research also notes that eRAs can produce dis-benefits, including poor buyer and supplier relationships and social implications. The paper elicits lessons learnt from the case study analysis. These are presented with the aim to inform theory and practice

Evaluation of strategic information systems planning (SISP) techniques: Driver perspective

Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP) literature reviews with a focus on the global dimension are considered in this research. The paper counters the evaluation of SISP techniques through information system (IS) strategic drivers. These techniques can be vital contributors in the IS strategy (ISS) designing process. Therefore, categorisation of the techniques of ISS planning will be developed. Keeping in mind the global dimension, the planning team needs to identify how it can cluster an organization’s ISS drivers. This may be achieved by analysing the drivers that can have an effect on IS for the organization, which may support categorisation of drivers against techniques being classified to understand which are needed to fit specific drivers. The contribution of this research is the taxonomy of SISP techniques, with a case study for X international airlines. This classification can benefit evaluation of the ISS planning processes to support decision-makers through the planning process

A framework of justification criteria for advanced manufacturing technology implementation in small and medium enterprises

Today in order to stay in businesses and prosper, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are seeking higher electiveness and competitiveness across the entire cycle of marketing, product design, manufacture, test and sales. SMEs play an increasingly important role in all aspects of competitiveness: both products and production techniques, but also management methods, the organization of the firm and human resources training. One of the ways by which SMEs can achieve a competitive advantage in manufacturing is through the implementation of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT). An increasing number of them have chosen and are choosing various levels of AMT as the solution. Realizing the importance of SMEs, an attempt has been made in this paper to review the application of AMT in SMEs. Also, a framework has been offered for the implementation of AMT in SMEs. Finally, a summary of findings and conclusions are presented

The impact of organisational antecedents on employee job The impact of organisational antecedents on employee job satisfaction: An empirical evaluation of public sector employees in Pakistan

Human resource development is one of the important issues in the field of organisational behaviour. It affects employee performance in the organisation. Job satisfaction is one of the important issues in the developing country particularly for Pakistan. This study focuses on the employee perception towards job satisfaction. In this regard procedural justices, on job training, esprit de corps and job clarity variables have been examined. This study is a cross sectional study which applied a survey questionnaire for data collection. In this regard employee of public sector health organisations selected for data collection. Based on one hundred ten randomly selected participants, results show significant and positive impact of procedural justices, on job training, esprit de corps for job satisfaction. However, employees reported less job satisfaction with their jobs due to lack of fairness. With few limitations this study contributes to literature in the field of human resource management and organisational behaviour and can support public sector management to design policies that may help to enhance employee job satisfaction in the context of developing countries i.e. Pakistan

A revised perspective on the evaluation of IT/IS investments using an evolutionary approach

On-going research into the evaluation of Information Technology (IT) / Information Systems (IS) projects has shown that aerospace and supply chain industries are needing to address the issue of effective project investment in order to gain technological and competitive advantage. The evaluative nature of the justification process requires a mapping of interrelated quantities to be optimised. Earlier work by the authors (Irani and Sharif 1997) has presented a theoretical functional model that describes these relationships in turn. By applying a fuzzy mapping to these variables, the optimisation of intangible relationships in the form of a Genetic Algorithm (GA) is proposed as a method for investment justification. This paper revises and reviews these key concepts and provides a recapitulation of this optimisation problem in terms of long-term strategy options and cost implications. Glossary of terms : DC = Direct Costs, FA = Financial Appraisal, FR = Financial Risks, FUR = Functional Risks, HC = Human Costs, IC = Indirect Costs, IR = Infrastructural Risks, OB = Operational Benefits, OC = Organisational Costs, PB = Project Benefits, PC = Project Costs, RF = Risk Factor, SB = Strategic Benefits, SM = Strategic medium-term benefit, SR = Systemic Risks, TB = Tangible Benefits, TC = Tangible Costs, TL = project lead time, TR = Technological Risks, V= Project Value