André Coners

Bio: André Coners is an academic researcher from South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences. The author has contributed to research in topics: Computer science & Business process management. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 15 publications receiving 96 citations.

Introducing Lean Six Sigma to a German municipality: an action research report

Abstract: This paper aims to expand the knowledge about Lean Six Sigma (LSS) implementation in the public sector. By analyzing an LSS improvement initiative in a German municipality, examples of success, barriers and challenges are discussed. A comparison with literature regarding the production and service sectors unfolds similarities and differences.,The paper applies the action research method. Especially for the broad field of project management, methods focusing on actual experience from practice have been recommended by many researchers.,Implementations of LSS in the public sector seem to be particularly challenging and lengthy. Change and communication management have proved to be the most important aspects to successful acceptance, cooperation and improvement sustainability. In the analyzed cases, the needed volume of data could often not be procured. The applied Six Sigma methodology primarily included the DMAIC project phases as well as selected standard instruments. In contrast, the lean elements of LSS achieved more results and were appreciated by project team members.,The LSS application in this paper provides insights into practical implementation experience in a municipality, as well as lessons learned. Until now, most research addressed the single application of lean, continuous improvement or Six Sigma. This paper represents the first academic report of a LSS program in a German municipality and underlines the need for scientific support of those initiatives in further municipalities worldwide.

A content analysis of content analyses in is research: purposes, data sources, and methodological characteristics

Abstract: Qualitative research relies primarily on qualitative data in form of texts The method of content analysis (CA) represents a scientifically well-founded and effective solution for making valid inferences from varied sources of textual information This paper investigates the use of CA in the context of high-quality IS research with a focus on the underlying research questions, data sources, and methodological characteristics Building on that, distinctive patterns, trends through time, and potentials will be discussed and compared with a reference discipline (organizational research) The results indicate that the general application of CA in high-quality IS research has steadily increased In this context, CA is used in a very wide range of ways to understand and explain complex phenomena Furthermore, CA is frequently used to categorize primary data collections, derived, for example, from transcribed interviews or open-ended surveys, and to transform qualitative data into quantitative outcomes Besides other methodological issues, the increasing application of computational approaches seems to distinguish the IS discipline Finally, this paper should also serve as an introduction to CA, bring transparency with respect to the methodological characteristics, and inspire researchers to carry out further CAs in the context of IS research

Computer-Aided Text Analysis of Corporate Disclosures: Demonstration and Evaluation of Two Approaches

Abstract: The volume of corporate disclosure is constantly growing and increasing attention is paid to the systematic exploration of its highly informative textual content. Manual analyses, however, are quickly reaching their capacity limits when exploring large collections of texts. Computer-aided text analyses are therefore becoming increasingly important in order to overcome the information overload. In accounting research, however, the corresponding possibilities and limitations of such computer-based analyses are hardly discussed. This paper addresses this knowledge gap and pursues the goal of demonstrating the use of computer-aided text analysis approaches and providing concrete recommendations of “dos” and “don'ts” for their application. Within the framework of a case study, two text analysis strategies – dictionary and statistical approach – are practically applied, documented and subsequently discussed. In conclusion, computer-based processes have proven to be an efficient means for coping with large text collections. Furthermore, the combined use of both text analysis approaches has proven advantageous since they complement each other and compensate for each other's weaknesses. The combination of quantitative results related to thematic categories (dictionary approach) as well as the exploration of new content patterns (statistical approach) provides a more comprehensive picture with regard to the presentation of corporate disclosure.

Process Capital as Strategic Success Factor: The Lufthansa Example

Abstract: The high importance of processes regarding a company’s success has been known for a long time. However, the level of importance of processes, especially in comparison with other success factors, has not been in focus in a consequent matter yet. The research regarding “intangible assets” now provides a new perspective. According to recent research findings, “process capital” is one of the most important assets of a company. In consequence, process capital has to be built up and managed and has to be a major focus of corporate strategy. On the one hand, the process capital can be the basis for strategy development. On the other hand, process capital is essential for strategy implementation. Process capital management (PCM) is the concept that, in addition to a “classical” process management, also focuses on developing and preserving intangible assets. This chapter gives an introduction to process capital. Then, the correlation between process capital and strategy is analyzed. Furthermore, a suggestion is made regarding the further development of process management toward PCM. Finally, the importance of process capital is illustrated by means of a real-life example from Lufthansa.

A Taxonomy of Evaluation Methods for Information Systems Artifacts

Abstract: Artifacts, such as software systems, pervade organizations and society. In the field of information systems (IS) they form the core of research. The evaluation of IS artifacts thus represents a major issue. Although IS research paradigms are increasingly intertwined, building and evaluating artifacts has traditionally been the purview of design science research (DSR). DSR in IS has not reached maturity yet. This is particularly true of artifact evaluation. This paper investigates the “what” and the “how” of IS artifact evaluation: what are the objects and criteria of evaluation, the methods for evaluating the criteria, and the relationships between the “what” and the “how” of evaluation? To answer these questions, we develop a taxonomy of evaluation methods for IS artifacts. With this taxonomy, we analyze IS artifact evaluation practice, as reflected by ten years of DSR publications in the basket of journals of the Association for Information Systems (AIS). This research brings to light important ...

Determinants of voluntary CSR disclosure: Empirical evidence from Germany

Abstract: textCurrently, companies spend a great deal of effort on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) disclosures. CSR disclosure relates to the provision of information on companies' environmental and social performance. From an economic perspective, companies might disclose this information to avoid or decrease potential political costs. We construct a CSR disclosure index based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines. Using content analysis, we analyze 130 listed German companies' CSR disclosures (470 firm-year observations) to investigate the determinants of these voluntary disclosure activities. Our results show that, consistent with the political cost theory, German companies' disclosures of all CSR issues are affected by their visibility, shareholder structure, and relationship with their US stakeholders. In addition, higher profitability is associated with more environmental disclosures. Finally, size and industry membership affect the amount of CSR disclosure.

Information integration or process integration? How to achieve interoperability in administration

Abstract: IT managers in administration must decide how to contribute to cross-organisational integration and what strategy and means to choose for achieving interoperability. Comparing the frameworks and guidelines provided by central European and U.S. governmental units, we find information integration and process integration as prominent concepts to guide interoperability efforts, but they seem to point to different directions. This paper aims at contrasting the different characteristics of both approaches and concludes with recommendations according to the intended organisational scope of integration. To be successful in these efforts it is important to understand that (a) interoperability requires a guiding vision of integration, (b) each type of integration points to a different set of interrelated ideas, assumptions and technical means, and (c) integration implies a strategic commitment to explicit forms of cross-organisational cooperation and their implementation.

The role of organisational commitment in the analysis of resistance to change: Co-predictor and moderator effects

Abstract: Purpose – This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of resistance to change (RTC) by examining the role played by organisational commitment (OC) as a potential predictor and moderator in the analysis of RTC.Design/methodology/approach – First, alternative models of OC were developed, first as a co‐predictor of RTC, and then as a moderator of the relationship between key established antecedents of RTC and resistance itself. The main established antecedents of RTC examined included employees' perceptions of the benefits of change (PBC), their involvement in the change process (IIC), and their overall attitudes towards the change (ATC). The alternative OC models were tested using data from a sample of over 300 middle managers from an Italian public sector service provider company undergoing a radical process of change.Findings – Results showed that OC, along with PBC and IIC, had a significant negative direct and indirect effect on RTC. The indirect effect was mediated by employee attitudes to ...