Current Issue : October - December Volume : 2011 Issue Number : 4 Articles : 5 Articles
Over the years, government-to-business (G2B) as an inter-organizational system has emerged as an essential part of e-government systems. Its development and usage have not only been expected to contribute to efficient and effective operations, but G2B is also anticipated for better transparency, reduced costs and improved process. However, although a rich body of literature exists regarding\r\nG2B, there is a lack of empirical research finding in understanding the system from multiple stakeholders� perspectives. Hence, using a qualitative case study research approach, we seek to understand the inter-organizational system motivations, issues and challenges for its implementation and success evaluation from the context of system sponsor, government agencies and business organizations. Using the Malaysian background, a specific G2B system is being investigated which is the public e-procurement system. Discussion of the case findings is offered and implications of the study are explained...
The widespread use of Executive Information Systems (EISs) as a management information tool was noted in listed Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) companies. The digital business environment exposed executives to so much data that data need to be converted into useful information that is organised and summarised.\r\nThe purpose of this study is to establish and to determine the existence, and to what extent EISs exist in all levels of management and to identify the challenges companies experienced in listed JSE companies. Therefore the problem exists that EIS-users at all levels of management are unaware of the challenges of EISs and that EISs can be used as a tool to analyse their businessesââ?¬â?¢ performance and competitiveness.\r\nA mixed method was used; both quantitative and qualitative in nature. Questionnaires were sent to 334 listed JSE companies and 13 interviews were conducted with users of EISs in all levels of management.\r\nThe results of the study demonstrate that the majority of respondents of the questionnaire have an EIS or plan to implement an EIS. The results further revealed the respondentsââ?¬â?¢ positive attitude towards EISs as it is an excellent management information tool that adds strategic value to their business, that is critical for real-time decision-making, solves problems and creates a competitive edge. From the results it is evident that there is a need for an EIS to be ââ?¬Ë?everybodyââ?¬â?¢s information systemââ?¬â?¢. The results of the interviews demonstrate that an EIS is a seamless reliable system necessary for proper timeous decision-making. The respondents to the questionnaire and the interviewees indicated that they understood the value of EISs as a useful part of their company.\r\nThe study adds value to the awareness and understanding of EISs that creates a business environment in which business and management can enhance sustainability and strategic competitiveness....
This paper examines the relationship between three contingency factors and the sophistication of AIS design. Questionnaires were distributed to 220 companies listed on Amman Stock Exchange, Jordan. The results reveal significant and positive relationships between four dimensions of IT sophistication and AIS design, and between two dimensions of business strategies and AIS design. However, no significant relationship was found between environmental conditions and the\r\nsophistication of AIS design. Interestingly, findings from this study reveal managerial IT sophistication, informational IT sophistication and functional IT sophistication are more important than technological sophistication in influencing AIS design. On the other hand, cost leadership strategy was found to be more important than innovation differentiation strategy in influencing AIS design. Overall, cost leadership strategy appears to be the most important factor that influences the\r\nsophistication of AIS design. Findings from this study imply that the sophistication of AIS design can be achieved by investing not only in the technological aspect of IT implementation but more importantly its managerial, informational and functional sophistication. Findings from this study have deepened current understanding of AIS design and its influence factors, and provided useful insights into the sophistication of IT development in Jordan. More importantly, it opens up\r\npossibilities for further studies of AIS in Jordan and other Middle East countries, and on a global basis....
The article presents the main results of a joint investigation by Swedish researchers and industry representatives carried out during 2006-2007 concerning the benefits of modern object based information and communication technology, ICT, for industrialisation of the building industry. The background for the investigation was an experience by both parties of a lack of coherence between scientific results and practical needs of ICT, in spite of substantial contributions and positive evaluations of both Swedish and international R&D-programs. In the manufacturing industry, ICT has proven to be a crucial factor in raising the industry�s efficiency and quality. Even though R&D-projects have shown how modern object based ICT can be used in building and facilities management, such tools are largely missing in the sector. The goal of the investigation was to answer the following research questions: \n� How can a joint understanding be created between researchers and practitioners as a basis for continued R&D-efforts? \n� What is the use of ICT like in a typical building project today? \n� How can modern ICT be introduced to support both today�s information flow, and create a foundation for development and increased effectiveness? \nThe first research question was addressed by carrying out the investigation in cooperation between researchers and practitioners. The second question was answered by mapping current ICT use in quantitative and qualitative investigations of traditional and industrialised house-building projects. The third research question was addressed in inquiries and State-of-the-Art investigations concerning software and standardised information structures. Crucial focus areas for R&D to support the industrialisation of house-building were jointly identified by researchers and industry representatives, and a strategy in order to implement integrated and object based information management in the Swedish building sector was recommended....
It has been suggested that the large scale use of biofuel, that is, fuel derived from biological materials, especially in combination with reforestation of large areas, can lead to a low-cost reduction of atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. In this paper, a model of three markets: fuel, wood products, and land are considered with the aim of evaluating the impact of large scale biofuel production and forestry on these markets, and to estimate the cost of a policy aimed at the reduction of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. It is shown that the costs are lower than had been previously expected....
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