IS Development and the Impact of Social Capital – A Case Study Experience

Social capital as a focus for organizational maintenance and development due to the mechanistic focus of organizational activity is emerging as an area of increasing interest. The research broadens this focus to the realm of system development. In this interpretation social capital is defined as the relationships that make the organization work effectively. It is the mechanisms of relationship networks, reciprocity, trust and social norms. We examine through the lens of a recent implementation of an innovative and current realworld UK Government project how social capital borne from the inherent culture influenced the behaviour of key players effecting project delays. We draw upon research experiences to provide evidential insights from the empirical setting. The aim is to increase understanding from which lessons can be drawn so that validated conclusions can inform the IS domain

Cradle to Cradle for End-user Computing Devices in Business

Whilst computers can and do contribute significantly to improving our use of sustainable materials and practices, computers themselves are responsible for the consumption of large amounts of such resources contributing extensively to hazardous waste. The aim of this study is to develop a model to collect data on an organisations specific approach to implementing several types of end-user computing devices, which through key lifecycle stages of each device and, through comparison with a set of benchmarks, will identify areas where the organisation might improve its performance. The key objective will be to analyse the implementation of this model within a number of organisations and identify, through feedback gained from each organisation, whether there has been a net gain in understanding, policy, culture or practice following the implementation

AGILE DEVELOPMENT – SCRUM ADOPTED IN PRACTICE BUT NOT IN PRINCIPLE

The move to agile software development methodologies has generated great enthusiasm. The emphasis on team-oriented development and reliance on people rather than predefined processes is transforming software development into a socio-technical process. Through the lens of a real-world project we examined the difficulties experienced when an IS development project shifted from a structured waterfall approach for upfront requirements gathering to a Scrum agile approach for the development activities. We specifically look at the agile values and principles of ‘people, working software, end-user involvement and responding to change’. Although the transition was successful in practice, in principle the project failed. The empirical case study evidences the characteristics involved and we put forward critical factors of the preparation of the environment (i.e. adequate Scrum training), effective communications (i.e. consensus on a standard working context and sufficient time for testing), optimal team structure (i.e. personalities) and effective team leadership to inform future development practice

Understanding Physicians’ Adoption of EMR: An Extended Technology Acceptance Model the Case of: Jordan

The response of health professionals to the use of health information technology (HIT) is an important research topic that can partly explain the success or failure of any HIT application. The present study applies a modified version of the revised technology acceptance model (TAM) to assess the relevant believes and acceptance of electronic health records (EHR) in Jordan. This paper outlines a research project that will examine EHR acceptance and utilisation by physicians in Jordan. It describes the theoretical basis behind the development of a research model that will be employed to empirically validate the model using substantial quantitative and qualitative data. The theoretical significance of this work is that it uses a thoroughly constructed research model to extend technology acceptance research into the health sector

Knowledge Based Diffusion - A Case Study Experience

This paper builds upon the previous research of Beynon-Davies and Williams (2003) and their knowledge-based model of the diffusion of Information Systems Development Methods (ISDMs). Through the lens of the implementation of a UK government IS development project we consider how a Rapid Application Development approach was unbundled and contextualized and highlight the problems experienced. We further reflect how evidence from this empirical case confirms the efficacy of many of the elements of the diffusion model and suggest a number of directions for extending this framework, enabling better understanding of the practical application of ISDMs within organizations

The Utility of a Rapid Application Development (RAD) Approach for a Large Complex Information Systems Development

Rapid Application Development (RAD) as a development methodology has its origins based within the commercial arena. As a result individual philosophies and perceptions of its rationale and applicability have led to considerable debate about its appropriateness for large complex Information Systems (IS) development. Even though RAD is becoming an increasingly accepted approach to IS development, existing literature does little to clarify the position and continues to question its suitability for large complex development projects. Contrary to published beliefs, a RAD type approach is being adopted for a large complex IS that is currently being implemented within UK Regional Government. This paper describes the case study that presents an interesting and atypical opportunity to examine the use of RAD within such a complex development environment. This research adopts an interpretive approach using an ethnographic style of qualitative research that literature posits has been effectively used for the study of information systems. It looks at the application of the development approach, considers the problems identified with such an approach and highlights the issues that impact and impinge upon the utility of RAD for such milieux

Solving the mystery of mobile learning adoption in higher education

The rapid expansion in users of mobile devices, particularly among university students, makes mobile learning (m-learning) the modern style of learning for the new millennium. Thus, it is important to identify and explore the factors that may influence students' intention to use m-learning. In Jordan, research on mobile learning adoption is still very narrow. For the purpose of this study, we propose a framework that is based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model, to explore the potential factors that may impact students' intention to acceptance and use of m-learning in developing countries such as Jordan. The proposed framework is empirically tested using a total of 444 paper-based questionnaires, collected from students at four Jordanian universities. The results reveal that effort expectancy, performance expectancy, trust expectancy, self-management of learning, system functionality and social influence are significant determinants of m-learning adoption, and explain 64.8% of the variance in the students' intentions to adopt m-learning. Gender and uncertainty avoidance are found to have moderating effects on some of the relationships of the research model. These findings offer multiple useful implications for m-learning adoption, in terms of both research and practice

‘Super disabilities’ vs ‘Disabilities’?:Theorizing the role of ableism in (mis)representational mythology of disability in the marketplace

People with disabilities (PWD) constitute one of the largest minority groups with one in five people worldwide having a disability. While recognition and inclusion of this group in the marketplace has seen improvement, the effects of (mis)representation of PWD in shaping the discourse on fostering marketplace inclusion of socially marginalized consumers remain little understood. Although effects of misrepresentation (e.g., idealized, exoticized or selective representation) on inclusion/exclusion perceptions and cognitions has received attention in the context of ethnic/racial groups, the world of disability has been largely neglected. By extending the theory of ableism into the context of PWD representation and applying it to the analysis of the We’re the Superhumans advertisement developed for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, this paper examines the relationship between the (mis)representation and the inclusion/exclusion discourse. By uncovering that PWD misrepresentations can partially mask and/or redress the root causes of exclusion experienced by PWD in their lived realities, it contributes to the research agenda on the transformative role of consumption cultures perpetuating harmful, exclusionary social perceptions of marginalized groups versus contributing to advancement of their inclusion