Showing papers in "Information-Knowledge-Systems Management archive in 2008"

A socio-technical perspective of mobile work

Abstract: Developing an effective mobile work environment is one of the major challenges that many organizations are facing today. Organizations need to understand the myriad of issues that will determine the success of mobile work. These issues can be best studied from the socio-technical perspective in order to gain a holistic understanding of mobile work. The premise of the socio-technical theory is that the social and technical systems are interdependent and must be jointly optimized in order to determine the best overall solution for the organization. Based upon the information gleaned from structured interviews conducted with the Chief Information Officers (CIO) of ten organizations, this study identifies the primary elements of the social and technical subsystems related to mobile work. Additionally, the study provides a list of recommendations for organizations in order to improve their mobile work environment using the socio-technical perspective.

Protecting data on mobile devices: A taxonomy of security threats to mobile computing and review of applicable defenses

Abstract: Mobile devices such as laptops, PDAs and cell phones have become essential tools for enterprise productivity, but they are in fact significantly more vulnerable to attack than desktop computers. This paper provides a broad overview of threats to mobile devices and the data that resides on them, as well as available defenses. It provides a taxonomy that divides threats to mobile devices into seven categories: malware, phishing and social engineering, direct attack by hackers, data communication interception and spoofing, loss and theft of devices, malicious insider actions, and user policy violations. It then discusses security technologies that can be applied against each of these threat types, including firewalls, anti-virus and zero day anti-malware software, intrusion prevention systems, virtual private networks, data encryption, device control and data leak prevention technologies. It suggests how to assess priorities among the different threats and defenses, and concludes with suggestions for further research.

User requirements of mobile technology: A summary of research results

Abstract: As advanced mobile technology becomes more widespread, the impacts on professional environments and on the personal lives of individual users continue to increase. Devices, such as smart cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and laptop computers can free their owners of the need to remain close to a wired information system infrastructure that is provided in a stationary office environment, and provide the opportunity to perform tasks in a wide variety of use contexts. With changes in use context, however, come changes in requirements, such as the need to limit weight and size of a device. In order to achieve success in the form of adoption, use, and positive impacts on user performance, a thorough understanding is needed about the functional and non-functional technology requirements of mobile professionals. In this paper, we summarize the results of a series of research studies that we conducted to explore the technology requirements of mobile professionals. The research studies included a content analysis of online user reviews, two empirical surveys, and a series of user interviews. Our research findings indicate that (1) user-perceived technology maturity is a critical factor to explain and predict the use of mobile technology by mobile professionals; (2) mobile technology needs to be available in a broad variety of use-situations; (3) users require basic communication and productivity-related functionality, in particular to support non-routine and supervisory task profiles; and (4) mobile technology can have considerable impacts on the job performance and on the personal lives of its users. Our findings have implications for the design, management, and research of mobile information systems.

Exploring enterprise mobility: Lessons from the field

Abstract: The mobile phone has received global attention primarily as a personal consumer technology. However, we believe that mobile information technology in general will play a significant role in organisational efforts to innovate current practices and have significant economic impact. Enterprise mobility signals new ways of managing how people work together using mobile information technology and will form an integral part of the efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of information work. This belief is, however, not reflected in the current selection of books and collections exploring the issue of enterprise mobility. The aim of this paper is to highlight some of the key challenges in the application of mobile information technology to improve organisational efficiency. This is accomplished through comparing and contrasting findings from a selection of 11 empirical studies of enterprise mobility with information technology conducted between 2001 and 2007. The paper argues that the debate so far has largely failed to embed glowing accounts for technological potential in a sound discussion of organisational realities. In particular, there has been a lack of balanced accounts of the implicit and explicit trade-offs involved in mobilising the interaction between members of the workforce.

The strategic value of enterprise mobility: Case study insights

Abstract: The rapidly improving price-performance of wireless technologies is providing an unprecedented platform for the development of wireless applications for businesses. This paper aims to explore the strategic value of enterprise mobility. In order to achieve this goal, it provides an overview of the literature related to mobile business applications in the work domain and highlights the findings of four studies developed in New Zealand. The paper concludes with a discussion about present challenges and the future of the mobile enterprise.

Enterprise mobility: Researching a new paradigm

Abstract: The proliferation of mobile information and communication technologies has led to a profound change in the way people work, communicate, and collaborate and conduct business. However, businesses today are just beginning to recognize the importance and potentially transformative impact of enterprise mobility. While the concept of enterprise mobility continues to emerge in the management and technology literatures, it is still not well understood. This special issue brings together global, multi-disciplinary perspectives from leading scholars and practitioners on the value and transformative impact of enterprise mobility on work, technology, and organizations, discusses critical enablers and strategies, and provides case study insights.

Telecommuting and corporate culture: Implications for the mobile enterprise

Abstract: Enterprise mobility includes at home work often called telecommuting. Although telecommuting has been highly touted for a number of years, its adoption has seen varying levels of success. Earlier studies indicated that corporate culture might be a deterrent to the acceptance of the practice. The purpose of this research is to re-investigate the impact of corporate culture on telecommuting. This paper reports the results of a survey of business professionals and managers regarding perceptions of corporate culture toward telecommuting. The main conclusion of the paper is that corporate culture is still a deterrent to telecommuting in many organizations. The results have implications for management, workers, and organizations moving toward a more mobile enterprise.

Mobile interaction design: Integrating individual and organizational perspectives

Abstract: While mobile computing provides organizations with many information systems implementation alternatives, it is often difficult to predict the potential benefits, limitations, and problems with mobile applications. Given the inherent portability of mobile devices, many design and use issues can arise which do not exist with desktop systems. While many existing rules of thumb for design of stationary systems apply to mobile systems, many new ones emerge. Issues such as the security and privacy of information take on new dimensions, and potential conflicts can develop when a single mobile device serves both personal and business needs. This paper identifies potential issues and problems with the use of mobile information systems by examining both personal and organizational perspectives of mobile devices and applications. It provides a set of guidelines that can assist organizations in making decisions about the design and implementation of mobile technologies and applications in organizations.

A fuzzy-enhanced multicriteria decision analysis model for evaluating university Academics' research output

Abstract: Research is crucial in universities' contribution to national and global development. A few models have been developed for the evaluation of research contributions of university academic staff, especially at inter-institutional levels. Most of the models have focused on number and quality of output as key determinants of research productivity. In this study, a fuzzy-enhanced multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) model is developed for the evaluation of research at the individual level. The model takes into consideration a number of structured and unstructured criteria, which were weighted by decision experts with a measure of confidence. The results show that the highest premiums are placed on type of publication (25.8%) and quality of publication (25.0%). Others are: specialization/research focus (14.6%), reputation of publisher (13.3%), authorship (11.4%), and place of publication (9.9%). The study also provides a multi-dimensional basis of analysis of peer research output for selection purposes.

Enterprises as systems: Context, boundaries, and practical implications

Abstract: The focus of this paper is to describe the domain of enterprise analysis. This is accomplished through an exploration of relevant definitions, a discussion on boundaries, and a summary of practical implications for researchers and practitioners. Specifically, we consider the perspectives of stakeholders involved in small- and large-scale enterprise transformation, be they executives in corner offices or line workers on the factory floor. Anecdotes derived from research experiences with enterprise transformation provide insight into current enterprise research opportunities. To illustrate the domain of enterprise analysis, we identify three critical enterprise attributes - structure, function and value delivery - and investigate how these attributes can be used to influence boundary analysis, a discussion which provides researchers and practitioners the ability to use enterprise thinking as an invaluable tool to transform enterprises.

Designing productive spaces for mobile workers: Role insights from network analysis

Abstract: Workspace design has not been keeping up with the evolving needs of mobile workers. Although the economic benefits of mobile work have been expanding for companies, few companies have mobile worker strategies that seriously address how new ways of working require different kinds of physical space, mobile devices, and office equipment. Popular mobile worker ``myths'' about the work they do, what they need when they are in the office, and even gender and age have led to costly mistakes in office design and installations and technology purchases. This paper presents findings from a mobile workforce study, in which value network analysis was used to define the roles mobile workers play, map the ways they interact with others and explore how this interaction impacts technology and workspace needs. The insights gained from this approach are helping workplace designers, technology providers, and workspace managers better meet the real needs of workers and use resources more effectively.

Enterprise mobile product strategy using scenario planning

Abstract: The Mobile industry is changing at a rapid pace and so is the behavior of enterprise workforce which uses mobile technologies. When planning for a long-term product roadmap, one has to consider a myriad of evolution trends and forecasts to determine the probable list of product functionality and their introduction timing in the lifecycle of the product. One has to look at the technology trends by market, the competitive landscape, and the mobile worker adoption trends. However, one can only come up with a prioritized list of capabilities by taking into context the company's own core competencies, skill sets, and overall mission. This paper looks at how mobile product companies can use scenario-planning methodology to formulate their product strategy and roadmap.

An exploratory study of the relations between the U.S. manufacturers and their local distributors in developing markets

Abstract: We develop and investigate a model of long-term, inter-firm relationships in three developing countries and develop international organizational relationship antecedent factors from the local distributor's perspective. We sought to test these factors across three developing countries to see if manufacturers treated their local distributors differently in different environments. A comprehensive survey was conducted in three developing countries; South Africa, India, and Pakistan. A total of 116 interviews were carried out with local distributors in these countries to test a conceptual model of the hypothesized relationships between satisfaction, perceived conflict, use of coercion by distributor, use of coercion by manufacturer, role performance, and dependency. This study furthers our understanding of the relations between U.S. manufacturers and their local distributors. Several key findings suggest ways to improve these relationships. From our study it was clear that manufacturers treat their local distributors differently in different settings. We show that the more developed a market was (a buyers market) the better a local distributor was treated and stronger the overall relationship. The local distributors in less developed markets were found to be treated worse and there was more antagonism in the relationship. Our sample was limited to 116 interviews with higher level managers who generally spoke English. We also limited our research to a very specific industry. Care should be given in extrapolating these results to other industries. The paper elucidates the notion that U.S. companies do not always have the best relationship with their local distributors. If they wish to develop these markets more care should be given in developing long-term relationships built on trust.

Business mobility: A changing ecosystem

Abstract: This paper examines the evolution of the still-nascent business mobility ecosystem and its key drivers, such as consumer behavior, that shape the segment. It also explores the changing roles and relationships of the ecosystem's key players; projections for growth in business mobility; and the value or ROI of business mobility. It offers advice to businesses that are considering business mobility solutions. And it points out a number of changes that members of the business mobility ecosystem will need to make in order for business mobility to evolve to the point of fruition, where companies are willingly ready to purchase solutions as a strategic investment, and where the solutions are as solid but also as flexible and easy to buy and integrate in a heterogeneous, global market. Lastly, the paper takes a look at a few large companies that have made significant steps toward strategic and holistic adoption of business mobility.

A socio-technical perspective of mobile work

Abstract: Developing an effective mobile work environment is one of the major challenges that many organizations are facing today. Organizations need to understand the myriad of issues that will determine th...

The convergence of wireless, mobility, and the Internet and its relevance to enterprises

Abstract: Convergence will have an effect on every aspect of an enterprise. Exactly what is convergence and how will we get there? This paper examines how new technologies have traditionally entered the workplace, how this process is changing and the implications for enterprises as they enter a new world of converged communications. Part of the convergence experience is to make information easily available no matter what type of device we are using or where we are. Convergence, based on a set of smart networks, smart devices and a new approach to the Wireless Internet, will help us manage all of our telecommunications requirements on an ongoing basis.

A comparative anatomy of mobile enterprise applications: Towards a framework of software reuse

Abstract: While more and more enterprises are making use of mobile technology to enable field workers, in many cases a mobile solution is built from the ground up for use by a single company. This is costly, both in terms of development and support resources. By achieving higher reuse of software components these costs can come down. This paper develops a methodology for identifying re-usable components; and using this methodology several re-usable components are listed. As a by-product of this research we develop a taxonomy of mobile applications. We suggest the new term field office applications to describe applications used by mobile workers.

Leveraging paradox in systems engineering: Discovering wisdom

Abstract: Based on preliminary research of the experience of groups like the policy community, we believe that engineers, especially those developing systems of systems, may benefit from an appreciation of paradox. For example, the policy community embraces and leverages paradox to address problems that might otherwise prove intractable. We believe that policy makers will also benefit from systems thinking. We briefly review the definition of paradox, introduce its potential to generate "breakthrough" thinking for innovative solutions, and illustrate some contemporary engineering problems that contain paradoxes. We then recount several historical examples of successfully applied paradoxical thinking, illustrate the paradoxes inherent in two fundamental systems thinking constructs, and postulate a three-step approach to leveraging paradox in problem solving situations. We close by posing some key follow-on questions and a research program designed to support the development of paradox-related training in both systems engineering and policy development.

A systems approach in examining optimization opportunities and dynamics of the global steel industry

Abstract: This paper takes a systems perspective in exploring and analyzing optimization possibilities and market dynamics of the global steel industry. To assess and improve this industry's performance, two analytical approaches are used. First, a multiple regression analysis was applied to determine the important relationships among world crude steel producers, international trading blocs and key countries to quantify the historical correlations in the steel industry. Next, game theory models are applied to study global steel industry dynamics and to quantify and compare historical production data in order to determine optimal approaches that could be employed to gain market share by key countries and players. In order to gain an in-depth understanding of interplay among various system's players within this complex global steel industry, the paper discusses protectionism, quotas, tariffs, exports, imports, capacity, substitution, specialization, mergers and cooperation, among other strategies used historically within the industry. A geographical survey of the global steel industry data is presented in multiple chart formats. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the industry players are compared. Implications of the analytical findings for the US, European, and Asian competitors in the global steel industry are outlined and recommendations that would lead to optimization of global steel industry operations are suggested.

Enterprise mobility and support outsourcing: A research model and initial findings

Abstract: The evolution of the wireless industry and the rapid proliferation of a mobile workforce have left businesses at a disadvantage. Business customers must be creative with currently available support resources in order to address their needs. Organizations with high mobile usage maturity levels are moving towards greater device and policy standardization and are seeking a solution to their problems. Given the intrinsic gaps in current mobile network operator business models to meet business customers' wireless device support needs, and that businesses themselves are just starting to develop their capabilities in-house, this paper investigates organizational receptiveness towards outsourcing and the potentially compelling benefits that outsourcing offers.

User requirements of mobile technology: A summary of research results

Abstract: As advanced mobile technology becomes more widespread, the impacts on professional environments and on the personal lives of individual users continue to increase. Devices, such as smart cell phone...

QoS protocols for end-to-end delay guarantee of instantaneous jobs on computer networks

Abstract: QoS (Quality of Service) guarantee is highly desirable for many service-oriented computer and network applications on the Internet. This paper focuses on the timeliness aspect of QoS, especially the end-to-end delay guarantee. Resource reSerVation Protocol (RSVP) has been proposed based on the Integrated Service (InteServ) model to provide the QoS guarantee through bandwidth reservation that is applicable to jobs with continuous data flows over a period of time, such as those for tele-conferencing, voice over IP, video and audio streaming applications. There are other applications such as emails generating one-time, instantaneous jobs that cannot be characterized by the flow rate and peak rate for bandwidth reservation. Hence, RSVP is not applicable to instantaneous jobs. This paper presents QoS protocols, called Instantaneous RSVP (I-RSVP) and Stable Instantaneous Resource reSerVation Protocol (SI-RSVP), which are developed for providing the end-to-end delay guarantee of instantaneous jobs. The performance of I-RSVP and SI-RSVP are tested and compared with that of the best effort service model using both small and large scale network simulations.

Inventory logistics cost analysis model for the proposed EU intermodal loading unit -- A business case

Abstract: This study focuses on the new initiative of the European Union (EU) which deals with simplifying the intermodal product shipment approach that may lead to improvement in the available transportation logistics infrastructure. The analysis involves determining the significance in the difference between the mean total costs in using a motor carrier, an intermodal platform, or the new intermodal loading unit (ILU). The study found a clear difference between the mean total costs for a motor carrier, a regular intermodal transportation and the use of the new ILU. Sensitivity analysis showed that the regular intermodal transportation is less competitive than the new ILU. The study provides rationale for the transportation industry to more closely examine the benefits of complying with the new EU ILU standard.