The implementation of CAD/CAM systems in the metalworking industries

This thesis reports on a case survey of 15 UK metalworking companies and their experience of implementing an integrating technology - CAD/CAM. The thesis places this process of implementation in the organisational context of these companies by examining the ways in which the engineering/manufacturing interface is coordinated. This interface is important, because it is also critical to the effective implementation of such techniques as total quality management and simultaneous engineering. In order to develop an incisive analysis of these companies, a contingency approach to organisational analysis is developed around the idea of flows of information and materials and their interaction with the structure of the organisation in a process of structuration. This analysis is placed in the strategic context of the organisations' relationships to their environment through the notion of a production strategy. Models of the process of implementation are then reviewed, and a recursive model of implementation as organisational changing is developed which emphasises the processes of organisational learning. The management of the engineering design process has been little examined, in comparison to the management of manufacturing, and research and development. This thesis develops an analysis of the management of the entire production process from the conception of the product right through to its delivery to the customer in these 15 firms. It then goes on to examine the recent organisational changes in the engineering and manufacturing functions before examining the implementation process in detail. Finally, the basis of organisational integration from both a technological and organisational perspective is analysed, which provides the basis for some more general propositions on the development of production management over the next decade

Developing and Codifying Business Models and Process Models in eBusiness Design

The development of business models for eBusiness has become increasing popular within both the academic and business arena. We believe that many of the business models for eBusiness are static in nature and only provide a historical view. In this paper we draw upon the emergent knowledge of eBusiness together with the traditional strategy theory and provide a simple framework for the evaluation of business models for eBusiness. Central to this paper we use dynamic modelling techniques of systems dynamics to evaluate an eBusiness model using the triple pair approach in an effort to capture the casual relationships and rationalise the complexity of organisation’s resources and the environment it must compete in

An eBusiness Design and Evaluation Framework - Consideration of Options from an Entrepreneurial, Technical and Operational Perspective

The development of business models for eBusiness is helpful in allowing researchers and practitioners to organise their thoughts about different eBusiness options. However, it can be argued that many of the business models for eBusiness are static in nature and only provide a historical view. Indeed, these models are of limited value in providing guidance as to how to link the broad strategic concept with the detail of the required business processes in the operating eBusiness. This paper draws upon the emergent knowledge of eBusiness models together with traditional strategy theory to provide a simple integrating framework for the evaluation and assessment of business models for eBusiness. The framework allows for the simultaneous reflection of both top- down and bottom-up perspectives. That is, an entrepreneurial view based on the identification of a market need or business opportunity triggering the search for appropriate delivery mechanisms. In contrast, a technical view which builds up from an internal review of business process and ICT resources and capabilities which could suggest new electronically-based business options. Moreover, the paper provides a simple framework for the evaluation of possible business processes and business solutions

Public Service Provider’s Dynamic Capabilities for IT-enabled Government Transformation Projects

This research examines the theoretical application of dynamic capabilities to project capabilities within a transformation context. There has been a poor understanding of how a public service provider’s benefits can be achieved through information systems. To establish a research agenda about the necessity of a public service provider’s dynamic capabilities, this study develops a theoretical approach to project capabilities by distinguishing the dynamic capabilities of a public service provider from the operational capabilities of technology suppliers. The theoretical foundation will be highlighted by pointing out the disjunction between project and benefits management. Extant literature will be reviewed including benefits realisation from information systems and dynamic capabilities for organisational transformation. This study offers an original contribution in that project management and benefits realisation disciplines are combined by applying the context of dynamic capabilities. Thus, the importance of a public service provider’s transformation from a project to an operational system is emphasised

E-fulfilment Systems for Quality Healthcare Delivery: A New Construct for Visualising and Designing

Electronically delivered information and funds transaction systems do offer such organisations great potential for efficiency and effectiveness, but many large integrated ICT systems, particularly in public service projects, have notoriously underperformed and disappointed. To ensure that quality is ‘engineered in’ a holistic, integrated and quality approach is required, and Total Quality Management (TQM) principles are the obvious foundations for this. TQM is a business philosophy that encourages an over-arching responsibility - both individual and collective - to quality and customer satisfaction. This paper describes a novel approach to viewing the operations of a healthcare provider where electronic means could be used to distribute information and facilitate electronic fund settlements, building around the Full Service Provider core. Specifically, an approach called the “triple pair flow” model is used to provide a view of healthcare delivery that is integrated, yet detailed, and that combines the strategic enterprise view with a business process view

Owner Dynamic Capabilities and Benefits Management in Public Information Systems Projects: A Qualitative Content Analysis

In many IS change circumstances the importance of project management capabilities has been emphasised in classic analyses. However, most studies focus only on the project supplier\u27s viewpoint, and there has still been a lack of research on how the project owner’s management capabilities can lead to effective benefits management for IS projects. The aim of paper is to examine the concept of owner dynamic capability, and how their post-implementation benefits can be realised within the context of IS project and its continuously changeable transformation. Qualitative content analysis was adopted to investigate 15 government reports covering 31 IS projects in the UK public sector. Based on the empirical data, the findings demonstrate the significance of project back-end capabilities as one type of owner dynamic capability in managing post-implementation benefits from IS