Showing papers by "Thomas Hess published in 2010"

Memorandum zur gestaltungsorientierten Wirtschaftsinformatik

Abstract: schungsparadigma, dem Behaviorismus.

Age Differences in the Effects of Conscious and Unconscious Thought in Decision Making

Abstract: The roles of unconscious and conscious thought in decision making were investigated to examine both (a) boundary conditions associated with the efficacy of each type of thought and (b) age differences in intuitive versus deliberative thought. Participants were presented with 2 decision tasks, one requiring active deliberation and the other intuitive processing. Young and older adults then engaged in conscious or unconscious thought processing before making a decision. A manipulation check revealed that young adults were more accurate in their representations of the decision material than older adults, which accounted for much of the age-related variation in performance when the full sample was considered. When only accurate participants were considered, decision making was best when there was congruence between the nature of the information and the thought condition. Thus, unconscious thought was more appropriate when participants relied on intuitive rather than deliberative processing to make their decision, whereas the converse was true with conscious thought. Although older adults displayed somewhat less efficient deliberative processing, their ability to process information at the intuitive level was relatively preserved. Additionally, both young and older adults displayed choice-supportive memory.

Pricing of Content Services – An Empirical Investigation of Music as a Service

Abstract: In the last years new concepts of digital music distribution have been developed. One of them is Music as a Service, which provides music streaming over the internet as a service - without transferring ownership for the content. This differentiates Music as a Service from Download to Own, which is used by music download platforms predominantly and is the most widely studied concept in academic research. The aim of this paper is to receive first research implications about customers’ attitudes towards MaaS.

The Role of SaaS Service Quality for Continued SaaS Use: Empirical Insights from SaaS Using Firms

Abstract: Despite its success in the software industry, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) still struggles with fulfilling customer expectations regarding service quality. To contain customer churn rates to low levels, SaaS providers have to address their service quality weak spots and find out which factors are crucial for continued SaaS usage. Drawing on previous service quality literature, we develop a Zone-of-Tolerance (ZOT)-based SaaS-QUAL scale and validate it in a model of IS continuance based on two empirical surveys of SaaS using firms. By doing this, we examine the importance of SaaS service quality factors for shaping customer satisfaction and SaaS continuance intentions. Furthermore, we provide insights into what service factors effectively meet or miss SaaS customer expectations. As a practical contribution, we develop and apply a SaaS-QUAL scale that can be used as a diagnostic tool by SaaS providers and users alike. For researchers, we enrich existing research models on IS continuance by integrating a more fine-grained conceptualization of service quality confirmation that provides stronger explanatory power than in previous models.

The risks of sourcing software as a service — An empirical analysis of adopters and non-adopters

Abstract: Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is said to become an important cornerstone of the Internet of Services. However, while some market research and IT provider firms fervently support this point-of-view, others already conjure up the failure of this on-demand sourcing option due to considerable risks associated with SaaS. Although there is a substantial body of research at the intersection of traditional and on-demand IT outsourcing and risk management, existing research is virtually silent on analyzing the risks of SaaS. This study thus seeks to deepen the understanding of a comprehensive set of risk factors affecting the adoption of SaaS and discriminates between SaaS adopters and non-adopters. Grounded in perceived risk theory, we developed a research model that was analyzed with survey data of 379 firms in Germany. Our analysis revealed that security risk was the dominant factor influencing companies’ overall risk perceptions on SaaS-based sourcing. Moreover, we found significant differences between adopters’ and non-adopters’ perceptions of performance and financial risks. Overall, this study provides relevant findings that potential and actual SaaS clients may use to better assess SaaS-based offerings. For SaaS providers, our study gives important factors to emphasize when offering SaaS services to companies in different stages of the technology adoption lifecycle.

The Role of SaaS Service Quality for Continued SaaS Use: Empirical Insights from SaaS Using Firms

Abstract: Despite its success in the software industry, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) still struggles with fulfilling customer expectations regarding service quality. To contain customer churn rates to low levels, SaaS providers have to address their service quality weak spots and find out which factors are crucial for continued SaaS usage. Drawing on previous service quality literature, we develop a Zone-of-Tolerance (ZOT)-based SaaS-QUAL scale and validate it in a model of IS continuance based on two empirical surveys of SaaS using firms. By doing this, we examine the importance of SaaS service quality factors for shaping customer satisfaction and SaaS continuance intentions. Furthermore, we provide insights into what service factors effectively meet or miss SaaS customer expectations. As a practical contribution, we develop and apply a SaaS-QUAL scale that can be used as a diagnostic tool by SaaS providers and users alike. For researchers, we enrich existing research models on IS continuance by integrating a more fine-grained conceptualization of service quality confirmation that provides stronger explanatory power than in previous models.

Motivational Drivers to Develop Apps for Social Software-Platforms: The Example of Facebook

Abstract: Online social networks like Facebook or MySpace have enjoyed a formidable success in recent times which is partly due to the provision of software-platforms for the development of social applications through third-party complementors. Consequently, the study of aspects on the role and motivations of these complementors becomes increasingly important. Our empirical study contributes by revealing how the different motivations of social application developers are interrelated and how these motivations influence application developers’ effort intensity on the platform. Drawing on established motivation theories, we develop a theoretical model and test it using empirical data from Facebook application developers. PLS-based structural equation modeling demonstrated that “external rewards” and “status and job opportunity” motives were the dominating motivational drivers. Moreover, we found that external rewards undermine intrinsic motivation, while internalized motives strengthen it. Based on our findings, we discuss practical implications regarding incentive schemes and theoretical implications as starting point for further research.

The “As-a-Service”-Paradigm and Its Implications for the Software Industry – Insights from a Comparative Case Study in CRM Software Ecosystems

Abstract: By presenting insights from our comparative case study of two CRM ecosystems, we indicate how “as-a-service”-based ecosystems differ from traditional “on-premise” ecosystems and how the particular roles of the market players might change due to the increasing diffusion of the “as-a-service” paradigm. Within the scope of our case studies, we differentiate two views on the ecosystems: the relationship between the platform provider and providers of complementary extensions (ISVs) as inside perspective and the relationship between customers and the CRM ecosystem as a whole as outside perspective. Based on transaction cost theory and intermediary theory our results let us assume that (1) “as-a-service”-based ecosystems will have a higher level of market coordination than “on-premise” ecosystems and (2) the task profiles of intermediaries and platform providers participating in “as-a-service”-based software-ecosystems will differ from task profiles in “on-premise” ecosystems. Based on these findings, we discuss practical implications for involved market players.

Exploring Use Patterns and Perceived Value of Location-Based Services

Abstract: The recent impressive diffusion of smartphones in the mobile industry offers new opportunities to mobile services vendors. One of the most influenced service categories are location-based services. In the present study we investigate the use of location-based services. Based on insights from behavioural decision making a theoretical framework is developed to analyse the individual decision to use location-based services and to identify the factors influencing use. Through a qualitative study based on LBS users’ interviews, we find that the distinct value dimension and the positive experiences from the service use are the main drivers, pivotal to the continuance of use.

Motivational Drivers to Develop Apps for Social Software-Platforms: The Example of Facebook

Abstract: Online social networks like Facebook or MySpace have enjoyed a formidable success in recent times which is partly due to the provision of software-platforms for the development of social applications through third-party complementors. Consequently, the study of aspects on the role and motivations of these complementors becomes increasingly important. Our empirical study contributes by revealing how the different motivations of social application developers are interrelated and how these motivations influence application developers’ effort intensity on the platform. Drawing on established motivation theories, we develop a theoretical model and test it using empirical data from Facebook application developers. PLS-based structural equation modeling demonstrated that “external rewards” and “status and job opportunity” motives were the dominating motivational drivers. Moreover, we found that external rewards undermine intrinsic motivation, while internalized motives strengthen it. Based on our findings, we discuss practical implications regarding incentive schemes and theoretical implications as starting point for further research.

Does Personality Matter in the Evaluation of ERP Systems? Findings from a Conjoint Study

Abstract: Most leading organizations, in all sectors of industry, commerce and government are dependent upon ERP for their organizational survival. Yet despite the importance of the decision to adopt ERP, IS research has so far neglected to comprehensively study the evaluation of ERP systems in general, and the impact of individual characteristics of IS managers on the ERP acquisition decision in particular. This study is the first of its kind to examine the impact of personality traits of IS managers on the relative importance they ascribe to evaluation criteria in ERP selection. We present the results which provide interesting insights into what evaluation criteria are more or less important for IS managers with different personality styles. In line with findings at the intersection of personality and IS research, we found that the personality dimensions of the five-factor model do considerably matter in ERP evaluation in the sense that the relative importance ascribed to evaluation criteria are affected by individual personality traits. Theoretical and practical implications are derived from our findings to advance insights for ERP adopters and vendors into the ERP evaluation process and to enhance the precision of IS theory.

The impact of experienced emotion on evaluative judgments: the effects of age and emotion regulation style.

Abstract: Adults aged from 24 to 79 were exposed to four commercial advertisements within the context of television programs designed to induce either a positive or negative mood. Although age was associated with memory for the content of the commercials, it did not moderate the impact of mood on evaluations of the advertized products. Instead, participants who reported engaging in expressive suppression as a common emotion regulation strategy were more likely to make evaluations that were biased by moods than those individuals who reported low use of this strategy. The results suggest that the maintenance of emotion regulation ability in later adulthood may help people control certain affective influences on thought.

IT Standard Implementation and Business Process Outcomes - An Empirical Analysis of XML in the Publishing Industry

Abstract: Despite huge incentives and investments in information technology (IT) standards, many firms still fail to fully benefit from their implementations. To explain such failures, we examine why some firms benefit more from IT standard implementation than others. Specifically, we look at the implementation of the eXtensible Markup Language (XML) from a technological diffusion perspective, and investigate under what contextual conditions the extent of XML implementation has the greatest effect on business process outcomes. Using empirical data from the publishing industry (N=188), we find that the extent of XML implementation impacts business process outcomes, and both business process radicalness of XML implementation and related XML knowledge play moderating roles. For information systems (IS) practice, this study helps managers direct their attention to the most promising factors and elaborates on their differential effects on business process outcomes. For IS research, it integrates innovation diffusion theory into our current knowledge of IT implementation and provides theoretical explanations for XML implementation successes and failures.

Chancen und Risiken des Einsatzes von SaaS — die Sicht der Anwender

Abstract: On-demand Software-Losungen sind seit den spaten 1990er Jahren bekannt und treten seitdem in vielen Formen und Varianten auf, wie z.B. Application Service Providing (ASP) oder Business Service Providing (BSP). Der gemeinsame Nenner dabei war und ist, dass diese Art von nachfragegetriebenen Sourcing-Modellen einen flexiblen netzwerkbasierten Zugriff nicht nur auf IT-Ressourcen und Fachkompetenzen, sondern auch auf ein integriertes Portfolio komplexer Anwendungen bietet, das die vollstandige virtuelle Wertschopfungskette eines Unternehmens abdecken kann. Wahrend die Diskussionen um ASP-basiertes Outsourcing jedoch insbesondere aufgrund fehlender Erfolgsgeschichten verstummten, wird das weiterentwickelte On-demand Modell Software‐as‐a‐Service (SaaS) von vielen Seiten als ein wichtiger zukunftiger Umsatzbringer von IT-Anbietern gesehen. Obwohl das Konzept oft als „alter Wein in neuen Schlauchen“ bezeichnet wird, soll SaaS die letzten Akzeptanzbarrieren von Ondemand Software-Losungen durchbrechen. Es wird vorhergesagt, dass SaaS auf Anwenderseite ausgereifte und umfassende Software-Dienstleistungen sowie einen flexiblen Zugang uber einfach zu bedienende Internetschnittstellen bietet.

IT Standard Implementation and Business Process Outcomes - An Empirical Analysis of XML in the Publishing Industry

Abstract: Despite huge incentives and investments in information technology (IT) standards, many firms still fail to fully benefit from their implementations To explain such failures, we examine why some firms benefit more from IT standard implementation than others Specifically, we look at the implementation of the eXtensible Markup Language (XML) from a technological diffusion perspective, and investigate under what contextual conditions the extent of XML implementation has the greatest effect on business process outcomes Using empirical data from the publishing industry (N=188), we find that the extent of XML implementation impacts business process outcomes, and both business process radicalness of XML implementation and related XML knowledge play moderating roles For information systems (IS) practice, this study helps managers direct their attention to the most promising factors and elaborates on their differential effects on business process outcomes For IS research, it integrates innovation diffusion theory into our current knowledge of IT implementation and provides theoretical explanations for XML implementation successes and failures

The Contribution of IT Features to Increase Trust and Participation in Online Communities: An Empirical Analysis

Abstract: Despite the fact that online communities (OCs) enjoy a growing number of members, their success is regularly impaired by infringements of user trust by either the community operator or other users. Since previous research studies have focused their investigation of the effects of single IT factors on user trust and participation in OCs, the field lacks an integrative view on how a comprehensive set of IT factors affect trust and participation from a user perspective. This study aimed to address this limitation in the IS literature by conducting an online-survey among 364 members of general-interest OCs. The results show that the four clusters of IT factors (usability, transparency, quality assured content, and security/privacy) investigated in this study vary in their impact on trust factors and participation. Interestingly, usability was the sole IT factor to significantly influence both trust and participation. While transparency had only a significant effect on trust variables, quality-assured content and security/privacy-related IT factors were significantly related only to participation. Our findings offer a variety of theoretical and practical contributions that shed light on the design of online communities and on strategies that can be used to attract new users by investing money in appropriate IT mechanisms.

Chancen und Risiken des Einsatzes von SaaS — die Sicht der Anwender

Abstract: On-demand Software-Losungen sind seit den spaten 1990er Jahren bekannt und treten seitdem in vielen Formen und Varianten auf, wie z.B. Application Service Providing (ASP) oder Business Service Providing (BSP). Der gemeinsame Nenner dabei war und ist, dass diese Art von nachfragegetriebenen Sourcing-Modellen einen flexiblen netzwerkbasierten Zugriff nicht nur auf IT-Ressourcen und Fachkompetenzen, sondern auch auf ein integriertes Portfolio komplexer Anwendungen bietet, das die vollstandige virtuelle Wertschopfungskette eines Unternehmens abdecken kann. Wahrend die Diskussionen um ASP-basiertes Outsourcing jedoch insbesondere aufgrund fehlender Erfolgsgeschichten verstummten, wird das weiterentwickelte On-demand Modell Software‐as‐a‐Service (SaaS) von vielen Seiten als ein wichtiger zukunftiger Umsatzbringer von IT-Anbietern gesehen. Obwohl das Konzept oft als „alter Wein in neuen Schlauchen“ bezeichnet wird, soll SaaS die letzten Akzeptanzbarrieren von Ondemand Software-Losungen durchbrechen. Es wird vorhergesagt, dass SaaS auf Anwenderseite ausgereifte und umfassende Software-Dienstleistungen sowie einen flexiblen Zugang uber einfach zu bedienende Internetschnittstellen bietet.

Explaining Perceived Turnover in Open Source Software Projects based on Hygiene Factors

Abstract: The success of open source software (OSS) projects heavily depends on sustained participation of project members. However, turnover of members and the ensuing instability have become very common. To better understand the turnover of members in OSS projects, we base our study on Herzbergs two-factor theory to investigate whether hygiene factors will lead to membersdissatisfaction. At the same time, we draw on Mobleys model of withdrawal decision process to hypothesize the relationship between dissatisfaction and perceived turnover. We develop a research model and present hypotheses that should be tested in the future. To empirically assess this model, we intend to survey OSS project members through the largest development platform Sourceforge. This study will provide a new insight into how the turnover of members emerges in OSS projects. The findings of this progressive research will have implications for both practice and theory.

Je individueller, desto besser? Ein Ansatz zur Bestimmung des angemessenen Individualisierungsgrades digitaler Medienprodukte

Abstract: Die praktische Erfahrung mit individualisierten Medienangeboten sowie empirische Studien haben gezeigt, dass ein Mehr an Individualisierung nicht zwangslaufig zu einem hoheren Kundennutzen und damit zu einer Erfolgssteigerung des Internetauftritts fuhrt. Doch wie viel Individualisierung ist angemessen? Im Rahmen dieses Beitrags prasentieren wir einen konkreten Fahrplan, der es ermoglicht, den passenden Individualisierungsgrad fur eine Webseite zu bestimmen.

On the Architecture of Social News Services - What is Behind the Story?

Abstract: Due to the development of social news services users now have the possibility to influence the news offer they can choose from. Finally it is not a small number of editors but rather the voices of many that is responsible for creating, selecting and ranking news content. Despite the large potential of social news services, it is still not clear what the underlying technical foundations are and how these services function. Based on the empirical analysis of 37 social news services we identified an application architecture which maps the general functions and data pools that all services share. Building upon this common architecture, social news providers still have to take several functional design decisions which are described in detail. The identified framework serves as a basis for classifying social news services and for building further research upon.

Does personality matter in the evaluation of ERP systems? Findings from a conjoint study with IS purchasing managers

Abstract: Most leading organizations, in all sectors of industry, commerce and government are dependent upon ERP for their organizational survival. Yet despite the importance of the decision to adopt ERP, IS research has so far neglected to comprehensively study the evaluation of ERP systems in general, and the impact of individual characteristics of IS managers on the ERP acquisition decision in particular. This study is the first of its kind to examine the impact of personality traits of IS managers on the relative importance they ascribe to evaluation criteria in ERP selection. We present the results which provide interesting insights into what evaluation criteria are more or less important for IS managers with different personality styles. In line with findings at the intersection of personality and IS research, we found that the personality dimensions of the five-factor model do considerably matter in ERP evaluation in the sense that the relative importance ascribed to evaluation criteria are affected by individual personality traits. Theoretical and practical implications are derived from our findings to advance insights for ERP adopters and vendors into the ERP evaluation process and to enhance the precision of IS theory.