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Qualitative Research in Information Systems

With the rising demand for renewable energy and environmental protection, anaerobic digestion of biogas technology has attracted considerable attention within the scientific community. This paper presents a comprehensive review of research achievements on anaerobic digestion developments for biogas production. The review includes a discussion of factors affecting efficiency (temperature, pH, C/N ratio, OLR and retention time), accelerants (greenery biomass, biological pure culture and inorganic additives), reactors (conventional anaerobic reactors, sludge retention reactors and anaerobic membrane reactors) and biogas AD processes (lignocellulose waste, municipal solid waste, food waste, livestock manure and waste activated sludge) based on substrate characteristics and discusses the application of each forementioned aspect. The factors affecting efficiency are crucial to anaerobic digestion, because they play a major role in biogas production and determine the metabolic conditions for microorganism growth. As an additive, an accelerant is not only regarded as a nutrient resource, but can also improve biodegradability. The focus of reactor design is the sufficient utilization of a substrate by changing the feeding method and enhancing the attachment to biomass. The optimal digestion process balances the optimal digest conditions with the cost-optimal input/output ratio. Additionally, establishment of theoretical and technological studies should emphasize practicality based on laboratory-scale experiments because further development of biogas plants would allow for a transition from household to medium- and large-scale projects; therefore, improving stability and efficiency are recommended for advancing AD research.

Review on research achievements of biogas from anaerobic digestion

Mission Critical: Realizing the Promise of Enterprise Systems

This paper examines the integration of the human and technological aspects of innovation management by modelling the innovation stimulus – innovation capacity relationship in determining innovation performance. The research framework developed in this study was tested amongst 194 managers of Australian firms. The survey responses indicate that both the relationships between innovation stimulus and innovation capacity and between innovation capacity and innovation performance are significant and strong. However, innovation stimulus does not show any direct effect on innovation performance, suggesting that its effect is mediated through innovation capacity. The overall practical implication that can be drawn from the findings is that to achieve high innovation performance, organizations first need to develop the behavioural and cultural context and practices for innovation (i.e. stimulus), and only within such conducive environments is it possible for organizations to develop innovative capacity in research and development and technology so as to more effectively deliver innovation outcomes and performance.

Relationships between innovation stimulus, innovation capacity, and innovation performance

The present invention is directed to a method of using a multilayered fabric comprising a first absorbable nonwoven fabric and a second absorbable woven or knitted fabric in tissue repair and regeneration.

A reinforced absorbable multilayered fabric for use in tissue repair and regeneration

E‐services are important in B2C e‐commerce for managing customer relations and enhancing sales. In the electronic world the customer and the merchant do not meet face‐to‐face, and the clients are more discerning with increased options and solutions available to them online. With the click of a mouse a customer can find another provider. As customers embrace e‐commerce their expectations about service, support, and how they make purchases are changing. Services to customers offered electronically to enhance their online shopping experience include search support, e‐response to customer queries, orders and transactions, e‐payment, e‐transaction record management, e‐assurance and trust, e‐help and other online support in the B2C e‐space. This paper discusses the role of e‐services in B2C e‐commerce and how they can be applied to enhance the online customer shopping experience. Findings of two research projects that shed some light on both business and customer perspectives of the role of e‐services in the B2...

E‐services and their role in B2C e‐commerce

Wastewater treatment has been a challenge throughout the years due to varying influent characteristics and stringent effluent regulations. In response to this dilemma, a reliable, cost-effective and high-efficiency sequencing batch reactor (SBR) technology has been recently developed. SBRs are variations of the activated sludge process that operates on a fill-and-draw basis. It combines both aerobic–anaerobic phases in one unit and saves up to 25% of the aeration costs concomitant with low sludge production. Consequently, simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal from the wastewater could be achieved by adjusting the actual operating cycle. This review paper discusses the technical description and operational flexibility of SBR for the treatment of wide range of effluent under different operational conditions, together with its modifications that could increase the effectiveness of SBR systems in the future. Copyright © 2010 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Sequencing batch reactor technology for biological wastewater treatment: a review

Purpose – This paper aims to present a case study on the public value of the e‐Sri Lanka program. Four major dimensions of public value creation through e‐government including the delivery of public services, the achievement of outcomes, the development of trust, and the effectiveness of public organizations are considered in evaluating the performance of the e‐Sri Lanka program. The progress of e‐Sri Lanka program is evaluated, and the potential areas for improvement in the development of e‐government in Sri Lanka are identified.Design/methodology/approach – Existing methodologies for evaluating the public value of e‐government have been critically analyzed. The need for extending existing methodologies for better assessing the performance of e‐government is discussed. Consequently, an extended conceptual framework is developed for evaluating the public value of e‐government. Various national survey data in Sri Lanka on e‐government development are used for conducting the empirical analysis on the perfor...

Measuring the public value of e‐government: a case study from Sri Lanka

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to capture and understand the nature of the relationship between e-government development and the digital economy. Design/methodology/approach - Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model and Fountain's technology enactment theory, a multidimensional research model was developed. The model was tested empirically through an international study of 67 countries using reputable archival data, primarily including the UN's e-government survey and the Economist Intelligence Unit's digital economy rankings. Findings - The empirical findings indicate a strong positive reciprocal (two-way) relationship between e-government development and the digital economy. This finding provides empirical evidence to support the general notion of "co-evolution" between technology and organisations. The study also finds that along with social, economic, political, technological and demographic factors, certain national cultural characteristics have significant effects on the digital economy and e-government development. Research limitations/implications - Relying on archival global data sets, this study is constrained by the coverage and formulation of the data set indices, the sample size (67 countries), and the impossibility of detecting errors that may occur in the process of data collection. Therefore, caution should be taken when making generalisations about the findings of this study. Originality/value - The paper addresses a deficit of empirical research that is supported by sound and established theories to explain short-term dynamics and the long-term impact of the digital economy on public administration. The study contributes to a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the dynamic relationship between e-government development and the digital economy.

E-government development and the digital economy: a reciprocal relationship

Our research focuses on the possible determinants of eGovernment (E-gov) maturity in the Transition Economies of Central and Eastern Europe (TEECE). E-gov maturity, in this research, refers to the growth levels in a country?s online services and its citizens? online participation in governance. Our study of the extant literature indicated that few have discussed the determinants of E-gov maturity in TEECE. Studies from differing parts of the world are needed for theory development. Building on a prior framework, we used the contingency theory and the resource-based view perspective to guide our discourse. In particular, we examined the relationships between macro-environmental factors such as national wealth, technological infrastructure, rule of law, and so forth on E-gov maturity. A 5-year panel data of 16 TECEE selected from two main groupings was used for analysis in conjunction with structural equation modeling technique; the data consisted of 80 observations or data points. The data analysis underscored the relevance of such factors as technological infrastructure, rule of law, and human capital development as possible determinants of E-gov maturity in TEECE. National wealth was found to be an enabler in the research conceptualization. The implications of our study?s findings for research and policy making are discussed.

Mohini Singh

Papers

E‐services and their role in B2C e‐commerce

Sequencing batch reactor technology for biological wastewater treatment: a review

Measuring the public value of e‐government: a case study from Sri Lanka

E-government development and the digital economy: a reciprocal relationship

Determinants of eGovernment maturity in the transition economies of central and eastern europe