Vol. 9 No. 1, January 2006
SPECIAL ISSUE ON VIRTUAL WORK IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT
Guest Editor: Celia Romm Livermore, WayneStateUniversity
EDITORIAL PREFACE: VIRTUAL WORK IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT
Celia Romm Livermore, WayneStateUniversity, Detroit.
Virtual teams have been defined as geographically and/or organizationally dispersed coworkers
that are assembled using a combination of telecommunications and information technologies to accomplish an organizational task. Virtual teams are also in many cases cross-national and cross-cultural and are associated with innovative and possibly controversial practices, such as outsourcing. The guest editor Dr. Celia Romm Livermore introduces the papers in this special issue. These papers represent an attempt to address and discuss some of the “hottest” questions in the research on global virtual work today.
ARTICLES:
VIRTUALITY AND TEAM PERFORMANCE: UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF VARIETY OF PRACTICES
Mei Lu, Intel Corporation, Mary Beth Watson-Manheim, University of Illinois, Chicago,
Katherine M. Chudoba, FloridaStateUniversity, and Eleanor Wynn, Intel Corporation.
In this study conducted at Intel Corporation, the authors examine how different
components of virtuality influence specific aspects of performance of virtual teams. Both
quantitative and qualitative data are used for analysis. The findings indicate that variety
of practice creates significant negative influence on several aspects of performance,
including communication and trust in team members, and ability to meet commitments
and complete projects on time. Also, members experiencing more variety of practice
perceived less risk-taking in their teams and less ability to focus the team on the right
questions for the projects being undertaken.
A RESEARCH FRAMEWORK FOR THE IMPACT OF CULTURAL DIFFERENCES ON IT OUTSOURCING
Anil Gurung and Edmund Prater, University of Texas at Arlington.
This conceptual paper looks at the effect of cultural differences on IT outsourcing and
virtual teams’ performance. The applicable literature on outsourcing, virtual teams and
culture is analyzed and a framework of offshore outsourcing success is developed. This
framework includes the concept of psychic distance to better understand the phenomenon
of virtual teams and outsourcing success. Adding this as a key research component
provides a more realistic way of researching global virtual teams. By assessing the
cultural differences of virtual teams in IT outsourcing, the research framework will help
academics pursue this growing business phenomenon.
A STUDY OF COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION IN COLLABORATIVE SOFTWARE EVELOPMENT
Reza Barkhi ,Virginia Polytechnic Institute & StateUniversity, Ali Amiri, Oklahoma
StateUniversity, and Tabitha L. James, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State
University
Examined are the communication, coordination, and satisfaction of members as they
work with both co-located and remote members in virtual software development teams.
Results indicate that virtual teams can have communication and coordination problems if
not properly managed but successful virtual teams can work effectively despite the lean
electronic communication. Members who use a lean communication mode are more likely to break communication with their team members and tend to be more critical of the contributions of their remote members. Our results suggest that successful teams communicate information that is perceived to have value and develop a shared context within the communication and coordination structure.
THE EXPERT OPINION: AN INTERVIEW WITH ALAN HUBERTY, CONSULTANT TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Conducted by Alison Link and Peter Filias, WayneStateUniversity
Ford Motor is firmly entrenched in the status quo as one of the world's largest makers of
cars and trucks. It makes vehicles with such brands as Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar
<http://www.hoovers.com/jaguar-cars/--ID__56156--/free-co-factsheet.xhtml>, Lincoln
<http://www.hoovers.com/lincoln-mercury/--ID__131287--/free-co-factsheet.xhtml>,
Mercury <http://www.hoovers.com/lincoln-mercury/--ID__131287--/free-cofactsheet.
xhtml>, and Volvo <http://www.hoovers.com/volvo-car-corp./--ID__137886--/free-cofactsheet.
xhtml>. The interview discusses the virtual team experience at Ford, and the various technologies and practices associated with virtual work.
BOOK REVIEW: CREATIVITY IN VIRTUAL TEAMS – KEY COMPONENTS FOR SUCCESS
by Jill E. Nemiro Reviewed by Celia Romm Livermore
The focus of this book on the creative aspect of virtual work is unique. The author
explains this choice by indicating that the emphasis on creativity was motivated by the
role that virtual teams play in global competition. The book describes tools that assess
and develop creativity in virtual teams, including diagnostic instruments, reflection
questions, checklists, and exercises.
Vol. 9, No. 2, April 2006
EDITORIAL PREFACE: KEY IS MANAGEMENT ISSUES: NEED FOR AN INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH PROGRAM
Prashant Palvia, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA
The Editor-in-Chief proposes an international research program which would address the limitations of current key IS issue studies (conducted mostly in the US) and create a useful agenda of research for members of the global IT community. He outlines the essential objectives and milestones of this research program.
ARTICLES:
INFLUENCES ON TAIWANESE SME E-MARKETPLACE ADOPTION DECISIONS
Chian-Son Yu, ShihChienUniversity, Taipei, Taiwan
The rate of adoption of e-marketplaces among Taiwanese small and medium enterprises (SMEs) has remained lower than expected. This low adoption rate is particularly difficult to understand given that the Taiwanese government has constructed one of the highest quality national information infrastructures in the world, and has encouraged SMEs to seek global trade opportunities over time. Accordingly, this work explores the influences on Taiwanese SME decisions regarding e-marketplace adoption.
KEY INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT ISSUES IN ESTONIA FOR THE 2000S AND A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Princely Ifinedo, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
This study reports key information system (IS) management issues in Estonia, for a second time since 1993. The primary objective was to compare and contrast the findings in a previous study with the present effort. Secondary objectives included investigating views across professional classifications and sectors. A comparison between Estonia (an emerging economy) and Norway (a developed country) was made. Findings indicate: 1) the past decade has produced salient changes in the ranking of IS issues for Estonia, 2) there are significant differences across professional groupings (IT and non-IT), 3) a convergence of opinions regarding key IS issues seems to be noticeable in Estonian public and private sectors, and 4) there is a significant difference in the ranking of comparable issues between Estonia and Norway.
UNDERSTANDING E-GOVERNMENT PROJECT MANAGEMENT: A POSITIVIST CASE STUDY OF SINGAPORE
Weiling Ke, Clarkson University, USA
Kwok Kee Wei, CityUniversity of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
The authors extend the contingency framework of project management proposed by Barki and his
colleagues to the context of e-government projects. In particular, they contend that the digital divide is another risk factor for e-government projects and therefore bridging the digital divide should be part of egovernment projects’ management profiles. To test the research model, they conducted a case study with a ministry in Singapore. Theoretical contributions and managerial implications of this study are discussed.
THE EXPERT OPINION:
An Interview with Hanno Van Pelt, President and CEO, Promisan
Conducted by Hamid R. Nemati, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA
Mr. Hanno Van Pelt discusses major opportunities and challenges facing his company, and the small IT consulting industry as a whole. Promisan has an international client base in countries such as Mozambique and South Africa, and has global reach with a culturally diverse team.
BOOK REVIEW: THE WORLD IS FLAT: A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY, BY THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
Reviewd by Mark Wesker
Thomas Friedman delivers an excellent analysis of how the economic playing field is leveling across the world (“the world is flat” is a metaphor). Every day the western media is awash with reports of lost jobs, relocating manufacturing facilities, and western companies investing more and more in “third-world” nations. What macro-economic and geopolitical factors are behind this economic shift? And, how does this impact the United States, and other western economies. These are just some of the issues addressed in Friedman’s The World is Flat.
Vol. 9, No. 3, July 2006
EDITORIAL PREFACE: GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT IN THE AGE OF ECONOMIES OF STYLE
Paul S. Licker, Oakland University, USA
Four new trends are highlighted: outsourcing, offloading, integration of outsourcing with offloading, and economies of style. The author argues about the destruction of the economies of scale and scope. Instead, the third kind of economy, economy of style, trading on multiple, dynamic relationships, is the key to business.
ARTICLES:
TRENDS, IMPLICATIONS, AND RESPONSES TO GLOBAL IT SOURCING: A FIELD STUDY
Madhu T. Rao, William Poole, Peter V. Raven and Diane L. Lockwood, SeattleUniversity
This article presents the results of a study of the perceived direction of global IT sourcing in the United States and its implications for business. The primary drivers of offshoring partnerships were cost, access to expertise, and domestic headcount stabilization. Significant concerns were expressed as to the nature of computer science education in the United States and a need to shift from technical skills to those that focus on business domain knowledge.
THE ALIGNMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN SMES IN MALAYSIA
Noor A. Ismail, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia and Malcolm King, Loughborough University, U.K.
This study explores the alignment between information systems processing capacity and information requirement in the context of accounting information in small and medium sized manufacturing firms. Cluster analysis was used to group SMEs with similar levels of alignment. Three groups emerged which could be readily identified as Aligned, Moderate and Not aligned. Statistical tests confirmed that the group of SMEs with the high
MIDDLE-EAST.COM: DIFFUSION OF THE INTERNET AND ONLINE SHOPPING IN JORDAN AND TURKEY
Thomas F. Stafford, University of Memphis, USA,
Aykut H. Turan, Adnan Menderes University, Turkey
Ahmad M. Khasawneh, The University of Newcastle, Australia
The emerging online markets represented by the developing nations of the Middle East are important, but not well understood. This study makes a comparative analysis between Turkey, one of the more mature developing nations of the region, and Jordan, a smaller developing nation that has recently adopted important technology initiatives. The rapid advance of Internet user motivations and online shopping intentions in the Kingdom of Jordan appear to be a direct result of the new King’s recent technology initiative.
THE EXPERT OPINION:
AN INTERVIEW WITH ALAIN M. SADEGHI, PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER, eTechSecurityPro Conducted by Hamid R. Nemati, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA
Mr. Sadeghi discusses the background of information security industry and his company. He comments on preventive measures, global issues, and regulations/competencies pertaining to security firms.
BOOK REVIEW: THE SOURCES OF ECONOMIC GROWTH IN INDIA, BY SIVA SIVASUBRAMONIAN
Reviewed by Roberto Vinaja
During the last few decades, India has become one of the more dynamic economies in the world. The book presents a comprehensive study of Indian economic development. Understanding the forces behind India’s growth pattern is relevant both from a local and global perspective. This book provides a rich source of statistical data which, combined with Information Technology data, can be used by policy makers and researchers interested in the relationship between Information Technology and economic development.
Vol. 9, No. 4, October 2006
EDITORIAL PREFACE: THE IT CURRICULUM: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
Roberto Vinaja, TexasA&MUniversity – Commerce
With profound changes in the global application of Information Technology, new skills are needed necessitating fundamental changes in IS curriculum and involvement from industry. Dr. Vinaja highlights issues related to global availability of skilled professionals, developing skills, developing IT curriculum, model curriculum initiatives, and the role of industry, IT associations and accreditation.
ARTICLES:
INVESTIGATING THE DETERMINANTS OF SATISFACTION AND USAGE OF MOBILE IT SERVICES IN FOUR COUNTRIES
Ofrir Turel, Alexander Serenko, Brian Detlor, Mikael Collan, Inwoo Nam, and Jussi Puhakainen
This study integrates marketing and IS theories to investigate the antecedents and consequences of end-user satisfaction and usage with mobile IT services. Research findings, based on data from 736 individuals in four countries, support the viability of utilizing an extension of the American Customer Satisfaction Model to investigate the behavior of global wireless services users. Specific differences in the satisfaction end-users in Canada, Singapore, Finland, and Israel are also presented.
INDIA AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: A HISTORICAL & CRITICAL PERSPECTIVE
Ramesh Subramanian
This study uses a historical and critical perspective to analyze India’s quest for technology development in the preand post independent periods of its history. Its history, colonial past, culture, entrepreneurship climate, educational facilities and IT diffusion are examined. The study uses historical data from the turn of the twentieth century as it tries to identify the factors and go beyond to understand the strong historical and cultural roots that have affected the evolution of the IT industry in India. The study shows that India's current position is a result of almost eight decades of sustained efforts by its political leaders and intelligentsia – aided by social, cultural, and historical factors that have driven public policy – to build a strong technology-infrastructure and to achieve self-reliance.
EXPLORING BREAK-POINTS AND INTERACTION EFFECTS AMONG PREDICTORS OF THE
INTERNATIONAL DIGITAL DIVIDE
Joel I. Deichmann, Abdolreza Eshghi, Dominique Haughton, Michele Masnghetti, Selin Sayek, and Heikki Topi
In this article, the authors report the results of a comprehensive analysis of the determinants of the international digital divide. Results confirm many findings of past research, but also extend existing knowledge in important ways. By employing Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS), the authors discover non-linearities and interaction effects among the predictors. Policy implications based on the findings are discussed.
THE EXPERT OPINION:
AN INTERVIEW WITH WARREN RITCHIE, DIRECTOR OF IT GOVERNANCE AMERICAS REGIONS VOLKSWAGEN AG
Conducted by Paul S. Licker, Industry Editor
Mr. Ritchie discusses the role of information technology in the auto industry and for VW of America. He talks about the role of IT in the internationalization of VW of America and its parent organization. Included are strategic, management, and technical challenges.
BOOK REVIEW: DESIGNING AND EVALUATING E-MANAGEMENT DECISION TOOLS: THE INTEGRATION OF DECISION AND NEGOTIATION MODELS INTO INTERNET-MULTIMEDIA TECHNOLOGIES
GIAMPIERO E.G. BEROGGI Reviewed by Roberto Vinaja
This book is a study of decision making support for management in the Internet age. One of the main propositions is that the integration of analytical tools and Internet-based multimedia into a decision support system is the basis for a more efficient and effective decision making process.
