Showing papers in "Journal of Information Technology in 1992"
TL;DR: A speculative heuristic is proposed for matching an evaluation method with a particular situation and is presented in the hope of stimulating further research into the matching problem.
Abstract: Evaluating the costs and benefits of IT projects is currently a major issue for senior general managers. This paper focuses on a particular aspect of the problem: how organizations appraise IT investments in taking the decision whether to go ahead with them or not. The paper looks first at the different roles of evaluation; second at what is done in practice and third at what might be done given the wide range of techniques that are available and the widely different circumstances in which appraisal is undertaken. A speculative heuristic is proposed for matching an evaluation method with a particular situation. The method is presented in the hope of stimulating further research into the matching problem.
267 citations
TL;DR: The 1990s look different from the 1980s: IT expenditures are no longer rising, value for money questions are being asked about IT, changes are being made to IT organization structures and IS Directors are losing their jobs as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The 1980s were characterized by rapid developments in information technologies, continuously rising IT expenditures in firms and high hopes about the pay-off of IT investments. In many ways, the great expectations of IT seemed to encourage organizations to manage IT as a special case, somehow above the norms of conventional policy and practice. The 1990s look different. IT expenditures are no longer rising, value for money questions are being asked about IT, changes are being made to IT organization structures and IS Directors are losing their jobs. Michael Earl argues for a more realistic approach to managing IT. He calls it “putting the business back into IT”.
93 citations
TL;DR: An integrated approach to risk analysis for Information Systems (IS) using the Structured Risk Analysis (SRA) methodology developed at Hyperion, a practical and cost-effective basis for risk analysis and risk management in commercial organizations.
Abstract: This paper presents an integrated approach to risk analysis for Information Systems (IS) using the Structured Risk Analysis (SRA) methodology developed at Hyperion. SRA has been used, very successfully, to perform risk analysis both for security-oriented risk analysis in the City and safety-oriented risk analysis for the European Space Agency. This paper develops and describes a particular instance of the SRA methodology for IS. Excluding safety-critical applications allows certain simplifications to the methodology in the case of IS. These simplifications make structured risk analysis for information systems (SRA-IS) a practical and cost-effective basis for risk analysis and risk management in commercial organizations.
54 citations
TL;DR: Two case studies, from the public and private sectors, show two different, practical uses of the Information Economics approach, and how it can be adapted to different organizations.
Abstract: This chapter outlines some early experience gained from using an approach to the evaluation of information systems, called information economics (IF). This has received attention elsewhere in the book, notably in Chapters 3 and 4. The objective here will be to suggest how the IE approach can be operationalized. Two case studies will be used to show and assess the learning points from the IE approach in practice. Information economics was devised by Marilyn Parker and Robert Benson, from the IBM Los Angeles Research Center and Washington State University respectively. Their early work started to enter the professional literature in 1987 and 1988. It was soon taken up in the US and a definitive description appeared with the publication of a book (Parker et al., 1988). Parker and Benson had been greatly helped by Ed Trainor, a practical DP manager, who had been responsible for IT at Amtrak, the US railroad company. His contribution ensured that the IE approach was practical. By 1989, the IE approach was ‘sweeping the board’ (Strassmann, private communi-cation) in the USA. Some idea of its influence can be gauged from its frequent mention in other chapters of this book.
49 citations
TL;DR: Several aspects of service management are explored, including the nature of service products, customer-supplier contact, the design of service delivery systems, and measuring and achieving service quality.
Abstract: Research into service management has revealed concepts and ideas which may be usefully applied in other management settings. In order to evaluate their potential relevance to managing information technology (IT), several aspects of service management are explored, including the nature of service products, customer-supplier contact, the design of service delivery systems, and measuring and achieving service quality.
43 citations
TL;DR: The results show that MIS success (UIS) varies between users of the same MIS based on their organizational function and that user involvement in the systems development life cycle (SDLC) has a significant positive effect on UIS.
Abstract: Organizations have been developing and implementing computer-based management information systems (MIS) at an increasing rate for the last 35 years. However, evidence indicates that many computer-based MIS are not as successful as they should be and many may be considered failures.
36 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that domain characteristics, historical factors and skill availability are amongst the most significant variables influencing automation in the UK accounting profession.
Abstract: This article examines the use of computer technology by the UK accounting profession. The first part of the paper examines the nature of the accounting environment and identifies a number of reasons why accounting automation should be an issue of general concern. A particular accounting task, auditing, is examined in detail to illustrate some of the factors affecting accounting automation. The second part of the paper reports the findings of an empirical examination of computerization amongst a number of different accounting groups with different working environments. Practitioners' views on several factors constraining further technological innovation, and on factors motivating innovation, are analysed and examined. It is concluded that domain characteristics, historical factors and skill availability are amongst the most significant variables influencing automation.
33 citations
TL;DR: The use of content analysis and correspondence analysis in respect of case study research performed by the author in the field of strategic information systems planning to see what general principles relating to the formulation and implementation of a strategic information system could be derived.
Abstract: This paper describes the use of content analysis and correspondence analysis in respect of case study research performed by the author in the field of strategic information systems planning. During the collection of data from the firms participating in the case study research the author collected in excess of 200 pages of text. It was necessary to analyse and summarize the data in order to see what general principles relating to the formulation and implementation of a strategic information system could be derived. The main process adopted for this analysis and synthesis was content analysis. Correspondence analysis was then applied in order to help corroborate the findings of the content analysis.
22 citations
TL;DR: The interaction between formal, government-approved guidelines for rural development management and informal practice at the local level is examined and reveals that the diffusion of technology has not been accompanied with changes to local work, decision and administrative processes.
Abstract: Administrative reform currently being undertaken in a number of developing countries is focusing on the introduction of microcomputers as a tool for the decentralization of rural development administration. Experience to date concerning these efforts reveals that the key determinants of successful implementation of the technology are associated with organizational factors rather than hardware and software. However, these factors have been inadequately addressed in the literature on information technology in developing countries and empirical research drawing on experience of individual projects in developing countries is needed. To this end, this paper describes the case of the Computerized Rural Information Systems Project (CRISP) which is a government initiative to promote decentralization of rural development management in India. The interaction between formal, government-approved guidelines for rural development management and informal practice at the local level is examined. The findings reveal that the diffusion of technology has not been accompanied with changes to local work, decision and administrative processes.
22 citations
TL;DR: This paper presents a structured method, based on practical experience, to derive critical success factors using a business game called ‘scenario playing’ and shows why this method is superior to other well-known focusing techniques or group evaluation methods.
Abstract: This paper presents a structured method, based on practical experience, to derive critical success factors using a business game called ‘scenario playing’. It aims to show why this method is superior to other well-known focusing techniques or group evaluation methods.
18 citations
TL;DR: This paper, based on research carried out from July to September 1990, identifies the methodologies which organizations applied to define performance indicators presented on their Executive Information Systems and if these indicators helped steer the organizations towards their strategic objectives.
Abstract: Much effort and research has concentrated on the need to formulate and implement business strategy, and the need to monitor performance against strategic plans. This paper, based on research carried out from July to September 1990, identifies the methodologies which organizations applied to define performance indicators presented on their Executive Information Systems and if these indicators helped steer the organizations towards their strategic objectives. Organizations applied either a critical success factor, an alternative top-down, or an evolutionary/prototype methodology to build their EISs. Unfortunately, not one organization which took part in the research modelled its EIS on its overall business strategy, thus limiting the use of their EIS to that of a glorified fire extinguisher rather than using it to help bridge the gap between formulating and implementing a business strategy.
TL;DR: This paper reviews previous frameworks used to promote the understanding and discussion of information systems and suggests an integrated taxonomy, based on the three Ts, as the basis for future research and discussion.
Abstract: Many academic and practical traditions have been brought to bear upon the field of business information systems in an attempt to understand a rapidly changing subject. The insights provided by traditional disciplines to an essentially multi-disciplinary subject is essential and very healthy. However, there is a danger of proliferating many different, overlapping frameworks of information systems. There is a need to review the frameworks and suggest a way of integrating several approaches. The future research effort depends upon a consistent set of data being available and discussed. This paper reviews previous frameworks used to promote the understanding and discussion of information systems. The one-dimensional approach is rejected in favour of a three-dimensional approach built around three basic questions characterized as the three Ts. What tasks does the information system have to perform? What technology can best deliver the systems? In what timeframe are we operating? The paper concludes by suggesting an integrated taxonomy, based on the three Ts as the basis for future research and discussion.
TL;DR: Using case studies of international videotex use by eight firms, the key strategies firms use to exploit videotex internationally are outlined, as well as the major impacts of this use.
Abstract: Business applications represent one of the fastest growing areas for videotex. Due to the efforts to link national videotex systems, we analyse the potential uses and effects of videotex for international business applications. Using case studies of international videotex use by eight firms, we outline the key strategies firms use to exploit videotex internationally, as well as the major impacts of this use. Main strategies include: (1) adding value to basic transactions through the incremental addition of new services, (2) using the basic service as a product leader that draws customers into a relationship, (3) using the information byproducts of transactions to better manage relationships with system users and (4) Unking videotex systems with other networks and information systems as a means of broadening reach. Impacts centered primarily on the ways firms related to their customers and suppliers including a shifting of costs of transactions away from the service provider, a more easily expanded base of partners and more standardized interactions with these. International connections via videotex helped to alleviate the high costs of international telecommunications, and in some cases, permitted companies to access foreign markets previously too expensive to reach. Theoretically, the case studies illustrate the use of telematic systems to enable marketing strategies that have characteristics of both market and hierarchy approaches as noted by Williamson (1975), and both cost/volume and product differentiation strategies pointed out by Porter (1980). Regarding international strategy, the case studies further illustrate that such telematic applications can help firms achieve the benefits of both global and multidomestic approaches discussed by Porter (1986).
TL;DR: This paper discusses the use of an information systems development methodology which consisted of a blend of other methodologies in a real-world situation (a large telecommunications company) where no formal methodology had been used previously.
Abstract: Many organizations develop their information systems without the use of any information systems development methodology. However, even when organizations identify the need for the use of such methodologies, it is not always obvious which to use, or whether a blended combination might be appropriate. Further, in using either stand-alone or blended information systems development methodologies in practice, a number of difficulties are encountered. This paper discusses the use of an information systems development methodology which consisted of a blend of other methodologies in a real-world situation (a large telecommunications company) where no formal methodology had been used previously. A number of difficulties arose in practice, some of which were not anticipated. Examples are given of the types of difficulty encountered, and these fell into three broad categories: those related to the deficiencies in the design techniques and tools themselves; those related to implementing the system from the design; and those related to the particular environment.
TL;DR: The paper focuses on the organizational changes accompanying the new techniques as publishers internalize page make-up, and in so doing bring into question the long term future of an independent pre-press sector.
Abstract: The new information technologies have transformed the techniques of print publishing. This paper charts the diffusion of digital desktop publishing (dtp) systems within the magazine publishing sector, and assesses the threats and opportunities of the new information technologies for print publishing. In particular, the paper focuses on the organizational changes accompanying the new techniques as publishers internalize page make-up, and in so doing bring into question the long term future of an independent pre-press sector. The paper highlights the obstacles in the path towards full digital publishing, and examines the factors behind the slow diffusion of dtp amongst magazine publishers. Finally, the strategic implications for decision makers are assessed, and some wider issues arising from our study for the information technology community are considered.
TL;DR: It is argued that the outcomes experienced by early adopters of this paradigm may not be the same for later entrants, and the assumption that all nations should progress along identical telecommunications policy paths is questioned.
Abstract: The ascendancy of competition in the telecommunications industry suggests the emergence of a new public policy paradigm. By tracing the progress of two first movers - the United States and the United Kingdom - the technological, industrial and economic pressures for change can be observed. In this paper we present the underlying assumptions, effects and expected benefits of the competitive paradigm. We argue, however, that the outcomes experienced by early adopters of this paradigm may not be the same for later entrants. Evidence from other industries, economic development theory, and social equity literature questions the assumption that all nations should progress along identical telecommunications policy paths.
TL;DR: A set of evaluative criteria for the use of expert systems is developed, the nature of decisions in major international marketing decision areas are examined, and each decision area is evaluated against the set of criteria to determine if expert systems are suitable for that decision area.
Abstract: This article examines the use of expert systems in international marketing. In view of the increasing importance of internationalization of business around the world, a new generation of computer information systems known as Expert Systems offer a unique potential in international market entry and constantly changing global market conditions. The specific purposes of this paper are to develop a set of evaluative criteria for the use of expert systems, examine the nature of decisions in major international marketing decision areas, and evaluate each decision area against the set of criteria to determine if expert systems are suitable for that decision area.
TL;DR: A study in which theoretical requirements for systems development methodology were presented to practitioners for evaluation is presented and its findings described.
Abstract: A systems development methodology is a collection of procedures, tools, and techniques to develop computer based information systems. To develop better information systems, research studies have suggested several requirements for these methodologies. These requirements may not be equally important for practitioners. Identification of their importance for practitioners can guide researchers to solve practical issues in systems development. It will also be useful to evaluate and compare various methodologies. A study in which theoretical requirements were presented to practitioners for evaluation is presented and its findings described.
TL;DR: Assessment of how leading or pioneering companies are utilising IT, as an enabling tool in CS, for competitive purposes, finds that there is great potential for using IT in marketing and CS, at both operational and strategic levels.
Abstract: Many companies are cultivating Customer Service (CS), through the use of Information Technology (IT), as a valuable asset to achieve strategic superiority over competition. This paper, based on research across three European countries, assesses how leading or pioneering companies are utilising IT, as an enabling tool in CS, for competitive purposes. It is clear from the findings that while IT is being used in marketing and CS, such application of IT is still in its infancy. It is equally clear that there is great potential for using IT in marketing and CS, at both operational and strategic levels. Organisations that fail to recognize the strategic value of IT in marketing and CS run the risk of being at a considerable disadvantage.
TL;DR: A research survey is reported to find out about the use of CMDs and, specifically, whether they are being used strategically.
Abstract: The application of IT to the marketing function for strategic purposes has been the subject of much debate. At the same time the use of computerized marketing databsses has experienced rapid growth which is likely to continue. This paper reports a research survey to find out about the use of CMDs and, specifically, whether they are being used strategically.
TL;DR: Drawing upon previous systems analysis and design research, the effect of a task's degree of structure, interdependency, scope and periodicity, on the appropriate development environment is examined.
Abstract: The growth of user developed computer-based applications (UDA) presents today's organizations with a means to augment traditional systems development by Information Systems professionals. In order to effectively use the resources offered by these two development environments, organizations need to answer the question: given a systems requirement, which development environment should be used to ensure success. This paper hypothesizes that the answer to this question depends upon the characteristics of the task? Drawing upon previous systems analysis and design research, we examine the effect of a task's degree of structure, interdependency, scope and periodicity, on the appropriate development environment. Results from a preliminary empirical test indicate that these task characteristics are useful in suggesting the appropriate environment for successful development of an information system.
TL;DR: The combination of pressures which has led to the introduction of more sophisticated techniques of local market profiling and segmentation within UK organizations are reviewed, and in which information technology and the management of information has begun to play a significant role.
Abstract: The need for UK retailers and other consumer service companies to be taking better informed decisions within an increasingly uncertain market environment and in response to a series of other key drivers has had a number of consequences for the management processes within these organizations. Not least, it has served to formalize processes having to do with the geographical aspect of the market environment, a perspective of particular importance to the consumer services sector. This paper reviews the combination of pressures which has led to the introduction of more sophisticated techniques of local market profiling and segmentation within UK organizations, and in which information technology and the management of information has begun to play a significant role.
TL;DR: It is argued that the current generation of re-engineering tools can provide significant benefits for those organizations which have high applications maintenance overheads and promise to provide a migration path towards the integrated computer-aided software environments which will emerge over the next 5-10 years.
Abstract: The paper argues that the current generation of re-engineering tools can provide significant benefits for those organizations which have high applications maintenance overheads. The paper classifies the different types of re-engineering tools and their application potential. It is argued that these tools promise to provide a migration path towards the integrated computer-aided software environments which will emerge over the next 5-10 years. This paper follows on from work which the author has undertaken for the CSC-Index Performance Enhancement Programme (PEP). PEP is a continuous programme that is open to organizations wishing to measure and improve systems development and productivity.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the value-added services (VAS) market and identified a number of firms involved in the VAS production, based on a statistical analysis of an original sample.
Abstract: This article examines the value-added services (VAS) market. The production of these services requires the cooperation of assets and competences owned by different categories of firms. The first part of the paper points out the nature of the services and identifies a number of firms which are involved in the VAS production. The second part of the paper is based on a statistical analysis of an original sample. Three classes of services are discriminated: enhanced communication services, dedicated services, and information services. Then, we focus our attention on the dedicated services. A detailed analysis of this category enables us to identify three sub-groups of services: specialized communication services, community services and on Une transaction services. Moreover the production of these dedicated services is driven by users. It is concluded that users have gained control over a wide segment of the VAS market because they own some specific competences and knowledge.
TL;DR: The objectives of a distributed model management system are described and several important issues that must be considered before constructing the distributed model base are discussed and a layered schema architecture is suggested for designing the DMMS.
Abstract: Distributed model management systems (DMMS) represent the next frontier in the organizational usage of DSS technology. Due to the growing popularity of distributed computing systems and increased level of modelling activity in most organizations, significant benefits can be realized through the implementation of a DMMS. In several ways, the functions of a DMMS can be viewed as isomorphic to those of a “distributed database system.
TL;DR: How the Vision System, an interactive multimedia point-of-sale shopper loyalty and promotion system, is revolutionizing retail marketing in the United States is described, suggesting that supermarkets using such systems would achieve a significant competitive advantage.
Abstract: The increase in the scale of retail grocery operations to the supermarkets of today has been at the expense of the detailed knowledge of local customer preferences that small retailers could possess. This article examines the features of a technological solution to this problem and describes how the Vision System, an interactive multimedia point-of-sale shopper loyalty and promotion system, is revolutionizing retail marketing in the United States. The implications of highly-targeted marketing at the individual household level, micromarketing, are examined and it is suggested that supermarkets using such systems would achieve a significant competitive advantage. It is also suggested that the widespread adoption of Vision-type systems would have a profound impact upon manufacturers and the marketing industry as a whole.