Michal Krčál

Bio: Michal Krčál is an academic researcher from Masaryk University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Information system & Empirical research. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 6 publications receiving 7 citations.

A Systematic Literature Review on 30 Years of Empirical Research on Information Systems Business Value

Abstract: Information Systems Business Value (ISBV) has been a key research topic for the IS research community. While the vast majority of ISBV research demonstrates the positive relationship between IS and firm performance, the fundamental question of the causal relationships between IS and business value remains partly unexplained. Moreover, researchers do not share a unified understanding of ISBV concepts. Therefore, this research intends to synthesize the past 30 years of empirical ISBV research, identify the gaps and shortcomings, conceptualize the ISBV concepts, and propose possibilities for further research that will widen the current narrowly shared ISBV bottom line. We aim to synthesize (1) different operationalization of concepts in existing ISBV research; (2) IS determinants, consequences, and the relations among the variables; (3) the role of contextual factors; and (4) the adopted theoretical views.

The Information System Support of Reverse Logistics Processes

Abstract: The aim of the article is to open a discussion about information systems that support reverse logistics processes. The outcome of the article is a concept of reverse logistics information system and will serve as a bottom line for further research in this area. Reverse logistics has been occurring in academia discourses since 1974 and a positive trend of more frequent presence in logistics literature can be spotted. This article follows such a trend and tries to summarize and broaden the information technology topic in the reverse logistics field, as there are only a few works on the topic. This situation is in direct contradiction with the significance of information technology and information systems in the current economy. The aim of the article is to open a discussion about information systems that support reverse logistics processes. The outcome of the article is the concept of a reverse logistics information system and will serve as a bottom line for further research in this area. In order to gather knowledge about the current state of the art the, a literature review on the following topics was made: reverse logistics processes, information system support of reverse logistics processes, models of corporate information systems. The design is also a result of findings from the literature review and from research that was aimed at value creation in reverse logistics.

Product returns – interdisciplinary interfaces betweenknowledge, quality and product innovation management

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to review existing research on intersections of four disciplines, specifically knowledge, quality and product innovation management related to the consumers´ product returns within the reverse logistics (reverse supply chain management) discipline to identify gaps justifying further research activities. The primary aim of this review is to summarize and evaluate existing literature pertaining the above-mentioned areas of interest and to formulate potential research streams dedicated to the intersections that would help to unify management practices. Design/methodology/approach: Literature review of English-written peer-reviewed journal articles was conducted in two scientific databases: Web of Science and SCOPUS. Multiple keyword combinations were used for search to ensure potential intersections. Findings: Identified state of the art in the literature shows that the existing intersections do not link all four disciplines and that linkages exist only between two disciplines. It is evident that only very weak interdisciplinarity exists in theory. Research limitations/implications: A key limitation is that the paper is based primarily on review of articles accessible in two databases. Both research and managerial implications result from the review. The outcomes can assist researchers and managers to better understand the link between the disciplines and individual functions in organizations and to promote the integration of methods, tools and practices that potentially can lead to needed knowledge integration across organizations. Originality/value: The paper identifies gaps in the literature concerning the needed interdisciplinary linkages between four disciplines as well as key drivers for interdisciplinarity in research in the aforementioned four areas if interest.

Knowledge management and ICT support in reverse logistics

Abstract: This article reports findings from an exploratory quantitative survey concerning knowledge management (KM) and ICT support of reverse logistics (RL) processes. This study focuses on ICT support RL processes, the extent of the support, and the role KM plays in RL. This study is based on explorative statistical analysis of results of quantitative survey gathered from 55 Czech and Slovak companies. Cross-sectional sampling was utilized in order to gather the most various answers. This study tries to enhance the scattered knowledge about these aspects and simultaneously provide suggestions for further (qualitative) research by exploring the reasons, why companies in the RL field do not know or not employ evaluation methods, why they do not focus on knowledge management and how they are measuring the performance of RL. First, the data confirmed that the larger the company is the more developed ICT support it has. Second, evaluation of ICT support of RL processes was reported in less than half of the cases. Third, most companies do not perceive significant barriers regarding implementation of ICT support of RL processes. Fourth, companies that have implemented ERP systems report the support of ERPs as effective. Fifth, some approaches to ICT evaluation positively correlate with the level of KM development. Although the companies do not perceive the barriers of ICT support implementation, the effectiveness of such support is perceived positively. This can be caused by low penetration of ICT evaluation. Therefore, the practical implication of these findings for the companies involved in reverse supply chain is to implement knowledge management and ICT evaluation methods in order to gather the knowledge about RL and to be able to make decisions about investment in RL ICT support with proper information.

Specifika řízení zpětných toků

Abstract: Cilem předkladane monografie je prezentovat dalsi výsledky z několika-leteho empirickeho výzkumu věnovanemu řizeni zpětných toků v Ceske republice a to zejmena výsledky analýz, věnovaných hledani vztahů a sou-vislosti mezi různými proměnnými, jež byly předmětem zkoumani. Vztahy a souvislosti přinasi hlubsi a detailnějsi pohled do ramcove situace zkou-mane problematiky, ukazuji mimo jine, jake podniky, tj. jake charakteristi-ky podniků a jake charakteristicke prvky jejich řizeni zpětných toků souvisi s jinými charakteristikami zkoumaných podniků a s dalsimi prvky řizeni zpětných toků. Vztahy a souvislosti take umožňuji najit odpověď na formu-lovane hypotezy o předpokladanem chovani podniků, postojich, praktikach a dopadech tohoto chovani v konkretně vymezených oblastech.

Integrating quality management practices with knowledge creation processes

Abstract: Several quality thought leaders have considered the role of knowledge in quality management practices. For example, Deming proposed The Deming System of Profound Knowledge™ that dealt explicitly with knowledge. However, various authors in the quality field diverge considerably when contemplating knowledge. We propose an integrated view of quality and knowledge using Nonaka's theory of knowledge creation. This integrated view helps illuminate how quality practices can lead to knowledge creation and retention. The knowledge perspective also provides insight into what it means to effectively deploy quality management practices. Previous empirical research noted the importance of effective deployment, but provided little insight into what effective deployment means. This research argues that quality management practices create knowledge, which leads to organizational performance. Taking a knowledge-based view (KBV) of the firm provides a deeper understanding of why some organizations are more successful at deploying quality management practices than others.

Proceedings of the Global Conference on Services Management: Volume 2

Abstract: This paper aims to investigate business motivations of various categories of rural tourism entrepreneurs, particularly highlighting the differences between Opportunity, Necessity and Irrational entrepreneurs with a deep focus on commercial, social, irrational as well as mixed intrinsic motives in start-up initiatives.

Enterprise system investments for competitive advantage: An empirical study of Swiss SMEs

Abstract: Previous research identifies various reasons companies invest in information technology (IT), often as a means to generate value. To add to the discussion of IT value generation, this study investigates investments in enterprise software systems that support business processes. Managers of more than 500 Swiss small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) responded to a survey regarding the levels of their IT investment in enterprise software systems and the perceived utility of those investments. The authors use logistic and ordinary least squares regression to examine whether IT investments in two business processes affect SMEs' performance and competitive advantage. Using cluster analysis, they also develop a firm typology with four distinct groups that differ in their investments in enterprise software systems. These findings offer key implications for both research and managerial practice.

Spatial Patterns and Development Characteristics of China's Postgraduate Education

Abstract: Using four types of publicly available datasets and ArcGIS software, the authors identify the spatial characteristics of postgraduate education in China at three scales: comprehensive economic zone, provincial, and city. They also employ geographically weighted regression and ordinary least squares to study the factors influencing the spatial pattern of postgraduate education in Gin at the city scale. The findings show that the number of postgraduate education institutions increases as the longitude of a city increases, but the number decreases from coast to inland. Second, postgraduate education institutions tend to group together in provincial capitals and megacities. Finally, GDP, per capita GDP, population size, local income, and total retail sales of consumer goods significantly impact postgraduate education development. The study contributes to the literature and provides insights for practitioners in promoting urban planning and infrastructure development.