Consequences of e-Business Initiatives on Business Process Performance - A Model for Analysis

This paper discusses the consequences of implementing ebusiness initiatives on business process performance and proposes a model for further analysis. Integrating the operations management literature, diffusion theory and reengineering theories, this model attempts to hypothesize the consequences of implementing e-business strategies by way of redesigning and/or integrating the information, systems and processes and its impact on the business process performance attributes. Using an survey methodology, this study will attempt to measure the extent of implementing e-business initiatives in Australian manufacturing industry and the consequences of those initiatives on business process performance. Developing a theoretical framework/model will help in minimizing the uncertainty associated with such transitions, and explain the dynamic interactions between organizational factors, business process performance variables and information systems. In addition, it will make contribution to the theories dealing with the interface between information systems and operations management in e-business context

Measurement of User Perceived Web Quality

Web sites are now considered an extension of the entire business, not just an additional channel or storefront or a simple information portal for the company. Creating an effective web site that gives a positive overall experience to the customers and visitors is important in business today. Measuring the quality of web site from the users’ perspective, will give a fast and early feedback to the firm and enables it to take corrective actions and improve its operations. Several instruments and methodologies were developed to measure the web site performance, usability and quality in information systems, marketing and operations management literature. This study reviews the literature in web quality measurement and employs a 25 item instrument developed by Aladwani and Palvia to measure the user perceived web quality. It attempts to test the factorial validity of the instrument in Australian context using Structural Equation Modelling technique. Analysis revealed that the data set do not fit the Aladwani and Palvia’s model well enough

Enhancing Student Learning of Enterprise Integration through ERP Simulation Game

Difficulty of teaching concepts of business processes and business process orientation using traditional teaching and learning methods is well recognized in the literature. This paper reports on the effectiveness of an initiative that employs ‘ERPSim’, an ERP Business simulation game that uses a simulated and complex business environment supported by industry standard software, SAP. Using this simulation game, this initiative aims to teach process concepts and enterprise integration to students who have no practical experience and limited understanding of business operations and information systems in an Australian Business school. Analysis of the data indicates the success of this initiative, despite some operational problems for the academics and cognitive challenges to some students. The study particularly reports improvement in the understanding of the concepts of integration and business processes, the primary objective of introducing this game. Based on the feedback from participants and the experience of academics in administering the ERP Sim game, this study offers some suggestions for further improvement

Business Process Management – A Missing Link in Business Education

Business processes have been the subject of formal study from multiple perspectives for a long time since the start of industrial age. In spite of such sustained focus, processes still are not well understood, left unmanaged and poorly executed. Business schools’ teaching is primarily function specific and narrow, while the IT schools focused on narrow technical skills and leaves the ‘process view’ and ‘integration’ either to the individual student or the academic. This paper analyzes the inadequacies of current business and IS/IT education and reviews the historical perspective of business processes. It posits the significance of business process management and highlights its ability to provide the missing link to business education. It reports on the strategies employed by business schools and discusses the challenges in the BPM education and research