Vol. 11, No. 1, January 2009
Editorial Preface
Why Technology in the University Classroom is Necessary
Daniel A. Peak, PhD, University of North Texas, peak@unt.edu
INTRODUCTION
Significant changes to higher education have followed the acceptance and adoption of internet courses, which now are being offered at a most universities in this country. Still, the vast majority of courses offered continue to be face-to-face, with a comparable majority of students wanting at least some of their courses to be face-to-face. Despite their desire for classroom instruction, students also want the benefits of current classroom technology and instructors who can use technology to enhance their learning experiences. As technology professors, I believe that we have a duty and a responsibility to make that happen.
ARTICLES:
Research Article One
Fueling Community-based Knowledge Management: Matching Peer-to-Peer Technology and the Social Architecture of Knowledge
Stefan Baldi, Munich Business School, Germany
Hauke Heier, Accenture – Strategic IT Effectiveness, Germany
ABSTRACT
Earlier research has shown the interdependence of knowledge management systems (KMS) and organizational factors. This study explores how peer-to-peer (P2P)-based KMS are perceived by users and whether those perceptions have impact on user acceptance and system usage. By employing a case study approach we bring together the overlapping disciplines and practices of
information system architectures, knowledge management, and organizational behavior by exploring structural analogies between the social architecture of knowledge and the technical architecture of decentralized KMS. Our case analysis suggests a range of potential benefits: saved time in making knowledge available, higher levels of reciprocity and transparency, as well as faster knowledge creation.
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Research Article Two
A Failure to Learn by Software Developers: Inhibiting the Adoption of an Agile Software Development Methodology
John McAvoy and Tom Butler, University College Cork, Ireland
ABSTRACT
The adoption of an Agile software development methodology can be impacted by many stakeholders. In the parlance of Chris Argyris, the adoption of Agile is an exercise in learning - behavioral change created by Agile’s values. This paper presents a case study investigating the failures associated with the introduction of elements of a new software development methodology by the software developers within a software development team. Although Argyis’ work is often portrayed at the organizational level, this case study examines individual learning. The failure to adopt aspects of the new methodology is seen as a failure to learn by the individual software developers within the team. This paper posits that learning is more than a pedagogical view of learning a new skill; learning also involves changes in individual behaviors, attitudes and opinions. As methodology adoption involves changes to the software developers’ activities and values, this study investigates the introduction of an Agile Method as a learning experience. This case study concentrates on one particular group of stakeholders – the software developers – and examines the affect their traits can have on the learning activity of adopting an Agile methodology in a project. Extant research focuses on the traits of software developers but does not incorporate influences from the values inherent in Agile. The objective of this case study is to examine the traits of individual programmers to determine the impact they can have on the adoption of an Agile methodology by examining, in depth, the introduction of Agile by the software developers in a team. This leads to the research question which asks if and how the traits of software developers can negatively impact on the behavioral changes required for the learning inherent in an Agile adoption?
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Teaching Case Article
Integrating ERP Systems in a Decentralized Company: A Case Study
Gee-Woo Bock, SungKyunKwan University, Seoul, Korea
Emilia Flores, Donald Latumahina, Harry Cheng, Vu Tung Lam, Stephanie Chan and Ronald Soeharto, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Youn Jung Kang, SungKyunKwan University, Seoul, Korea
ABSTRACT
System integration across regions is essential for global operations, especially in business-to business (B2B) transactions. Medical Device Corporation1 (MDC), a medical-device manufacturer, aims to implement an e-procurement system to increase efficiency in group purchasing transactions and to enhance customer service. However, the company needed to standardize work processes in its various regions and integrate disparate regional ERP systems prior to the implementation of an e-procurement system. To achieve this objective, MDC is currently conducting a two-phase system integration strategy. This study describes MDC’s system integration promotion strategy in the context of the unique features of the medical supply industry and an environment in which work processes vary enormously with distinct regional environmental characteristics.
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The Expert Opinion
An Interview with Capers Jones, Chief Scientist Emeritus and Founder Software Productivity Research Software Management Consultant
Conducted and Documented by
Daniel A. Peak, University of North Texas, Texas, USA
Book Review
Financial Intelligence for IT Professionals
By Karen Berman and Joe Knight with John Case Published in 2008 by Harvard Business PressISBN: 978-1-4221-1914-3; 296 pages
Reviewed by Richard G. Platt, University of West Florida
Vol. 11, No. 2, April 2009
Special Issue on Technology Enabled Social Networks
Special Issue Editor: Salvatore Parise, Babson College, Massachusetts, USA
Editorial Preface
Social Media Networks: What Do They Mean for Knowledge Management?
Salvatore Parise, Babson College, Massachusetts, USA
ARTICLES:
Research Article One
Analyzing R&D Knowledge Flows in the Flat World
Eoin Whelan, University of Limerick, Ireland
Brian Donnellan and Willie Golden, National University of Galway, Ireland
ABSTRACT
Previous research has firmly established the importance of informal social networks in facilitating knowledge flows in research and development (R&D) settings. However, the explosion of Web technologies in recent years have ‘flattened’ the planet and dramatically altered our understanding of what constitutes a social network. Despite this, current research has neglected to examine how Web technologies have impacted knowledge flows in R&D. To address this research gap, we revisit the highly influential technological gatekeeper theory. Drawing on social network analysis (SNA) and interview evidence from a medical devices R&D group, we find that the gatekeeper role is still vital, but no longer needs to be performed by a single individual. Instead, the modern R&D group can keep abreast of the latest technological advances through a combination of Web-enabled internal and external communication specialists. A unique contribution this paper makes to the IT-enabled social network literature is the development of an updated conceptual framework of how the gatekeeper role is performed in the modern R&D group.
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Research Article Two
Limits to Growth: A Theoretical Framework to Simulate Dynamics in Online Community Networks
Peter Otto, PhD., Associate Professor School of Management, Union Graduate College, Schenectady, NY, ottop@union.edu
ABSTRACT
Online communities can help an organization discover and share knowledge more effectively by facilitating learning both from within the organization, as well as from entities outside the organization. In those instances where firms have linkages with outside organizations, however, the acquisition and sharing of knowledge takes place free from the constraints of hierarchy and local rules. These networks can be characterized as loosely structured, and generally selforganizing, and made up of individuals who voluntarily participate in the creation and sharing of knowledge. Building online networks without formal boundaries is a challenging task for any organization. This is because those responsible for building them must not only encourage the use of the new tools, but also refrain from intervening too often or with too heavy a hand. The objective of this article is to conceptualize a simulation model with which we can test the effects of structural interventions in online community networks. The simulation model described in this paper is based on an explicit dynamic theory derived from the relevant literature.
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Teaching Case Article
Harnessing Unstructured Knowledge: The Business Value of Social Bookmarking at MITRE
Salvatore Parise, Patricia J. Guinan, and Bala Iyer, Babson College, Massachusetts, USA
Donna L. Cuomo and Bill Donaldson, MITRE Corporation, USA
ABSTRACT
Due to an increasingly complex and dynamic environment with respect to gathering and analyzing knowledge for its government clients, the MITRE organization had to re-think its knowledge management strategy. Sharing “unstructured” knowledge, such as a video podcast of a recent external speaker, expert opinions on latest research topics that are on external blogs and websites, and conference presentations residing on people’s desktops, among employees was deemed critical. MITRE introduced onomi, a social tagging system which allows users to "tag" any knowledge document or web resource, and to share these bookmarks and tags with other users. In 2008, while there had been anecdotal evidence that this social tool was well-received, measuring the value of these social tools (often called Web 2.0) had been difficult. The challenge remained: How to move adoption of the onomi tool from early adopters to the broader MITRE population. This required convincing employees that onomi provided value to their work and was “not just another tool”.
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The Expert Opinion
An Interview with Sukumar Rajagopal, Senior VP & CKO, Cognizant Technology Solutions
Conducted and Documented by Salvatore Parise, Babson College, Massachusetts, USA
Book Review
Groundswell: Winning in a World Transformed by Social Technologies
By Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff Published in 2008 by Harvard Business PressISBN: 978-1-4221-2500-7, 286 pages
Reviewed by Richard G. Platt, University of West Florida, USA
Vol. 11, No. 3, July 2009
Editorial Preface
Customer Relationship Management (CRM): An Approach for Transforming the ‘Myth’ of CRM Success into Dual-Creation of Value
Kelley O’Reilly and David Paper, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA, k.o@aggiemail.usu.edu, david.paper@usu.edu
THE “MYTH” OF CRM SUCCESS
Commonly, the term ‘myth’ refers to a false account of history. In a child’s eye, a ‘myth’ is a story with gods or supernatural heroes as the main characters. A contemporary view of a ’myth’ might conjure Spiderman or Wonder Woman to one’s mind. Childhood lets us revel in the idea of places and events beyond explanation or prediction as a way to spread our creative wings and enlighten our play.
ARTICLES:
Research Article One
A Review of the Critical Success Factor Method Using Insights from an Interpretive Case Study
Vanessa A. Cooper, RMIT University, Australia
ABSTRACT
The Critical Success Factor (CSF) method has been adopted for numerous research studies in Information Systems (IS) since it was first proposed by John Rockart thirty years ago. This paper provides a review of Rockart’s original CSF method, synthesizing its primary contributions, criticisms and subsequent adaptations. The paper then discusses insights gained from the application of an adaptation of the CSF method in a large interpretive case study investigating a multi-national information technology (IT) service organization and a cross-organizational focus group with representatives from five comparable organizations. These insights provide valuable guidance to researchers who may consider using the method in future case study-based research.
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Research Article Two
Applying Systems Thinking to Knowledge Management Systems: The Case of Pratt-Whitney Rocketdyne
Mark W.S. Chun, Pepperdine University, USA; Kiho Sohn, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne
Priscilla Arling, Butler University, USA; Nelson Granados, Pepperdine University, USA
ABSTRACT
This paper describes Pratt-Whitney Rocketdyne’s (PWR) use of a systems thinking methodology to define and improve knowledge management (KM) within the firm. Using systems thinking, the company identified and changed key behaviors within the KM environment and effectively established a generative learning environment. This manuscript is one of the first papers that analyzes and reports a real-world application of the systems thinking methodology to improve KM practices. We first review systems thinking concepts and adapt them to the KM context. We then present the case study of the application of systems thinking to KM at PWR. Finally, we use an inductive approach based on an analysis of the case to develop propositions on how and why the KM systems thinking methodology at PWR can be transferred to KM practices in other organizations.
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Teaching Case Article
ERP Implementation in Tata Steel: Focus On Benefits and ROI
Sanjay Kumar, Management Development Institute, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
Anurag Keshan, B.E. Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, India
INTRODUCTION
The case deals with the implementation of ERP systems in a major steel plant in India. The case covers the following three phases:
Phase 1: SAP implementation in the Order generation and fulfillment process. Period 1998-99 to 1999-2000.
Phase 2: SAP implementation in the entire plant covering the finance and accounts, procurement, materials management and costing functions. Other business processes were also covered. Period 2000-01 to 2002-03.
Phase 3 : ERP audit and benefits evaluation for enhancement of the ERP systems period 2003 to 2005-06, before approving additional investment in the SCM modules and upgradation of the ERP software.
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The Expert Opinion
An Interview with Cary A. King, Managing Partner, Minerva Enterprises, Inc.
Conducted and Documented by
Mahesh S. Raisinghani, Associate Professor, Texas Woman’s University, TX, USA
Book Review
Dot.Cloud: The 21st Century Business Platform
By Peter Fingar, Published in 2009 by Meghan-Kiffer Press,
ISBN: 978-0-929652-49-8; 232 pages
Reviewed by Richard G. Platt, University of West Florida, USA
Vol. 11, No. 4, October 2009
Guest Editor, Luca Iandoli, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Editorial Preface
Internet-Based Decision Support Systems: Leveraging Mass Collaboration to Address Complex Problems
Luca Iandoli, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
INTERNET-ENABLED COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE
Within the last decade, many experts have acknowledged mass-collaboration, enabled by Internet-based collaborative platforms (e.g. open standards development, forums, wiki, and social networks), to be one of the most interesting novelties in the IT world. Thousands of anonymous users create and update daily the largest encyclopedia of the world (Wikipedia); distributed teams formed by thousands of open-source programmers collaborate to develop software products able to compete with large multinationals; millions of users exchange massive amounts of digital content through social networking platforms like Flickr and YouTube; hundreds of thousands of activists contributed to Barack Obama’s electoral campaign playing a significant role in influencing the electoral outcome and now pursuing open-lobbying on the Presidential agenda through the Internet.
ARTICLES:
Research Article One
24-Hour Knowledge Factory Paradigm and Its Role In IT Collaborations In Organizations
Satwiksai Seshasai, IBM and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
Amar Gupta, Univ. of Arizona and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
ABSTRACT
A new paradigm based on the 24-Hour Knowledge Factory is emerging in software development, where groups spanning the globe collaborate on the same work product over the entire 24 hour day, as a means to reduce development time and costs. This paradigm supports a gain in productivity but requires smooth transfer of knowledge -- such as the rationale behind key architectural decisions -- among distant development teams. Distant collaboration is seen in conventional wisdom as a barrier to overcome because of the challenges in coordinating work amongst remote sites. In this paper, we report a case study comparing a co-located team and a distributed team to provide empirical evidence of the utility of Internet-based collaborative platforms. Our evidence show that context-driven knowledge transfer via Internet can provide an effective mechanism for transcending geographic barriers through the use of intuitive interfaces and visualizations. When applied in conjunction with existing versioning systems and code repositories, these interfaces and visualizations can allow developers to gain several benefits: rapid contextual understanding of the previous teams' contributions; and more effective handling of management tasks such as task assignment and planning.
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Research Article Two
Improvisation in Information Systems Development Practice
Karlheinz Kautz, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
ABSTRACT
Recently, the concept and the role of improvisation in information systems development (ISD) have gained some interest. There are however not many studies that investigate how and when and with what effects improvisation occurs in ISD practice. We provide such a study. For this purpose we develop an analytical framework, which combines a feature-based view of the phenomenon in terms of its triggers, conditions, influencing factors and outcomes with a reflexive perspective, which emphasises the course of an improvisation in terms of the improvisers’ past experience, their motives, and their expectations of the future. The two perspectives complement each other and explain how improvisation contributes to the progress and completion of ISD projects. In particular, the framework allows an analysis of both the positive, but even more importantly, the negative outcomes and their consequences for improvisations and puts an emphasis on the hidden – because-of – motives for improvisation. Following the research approach of engaged scholarship we apply the framework to a case study of an ISD project in a large Danish software company. We use Actor Network Theory (ANT) to create a case narrative with detailed empirical evidence that shows that improvisation is an important driver in ISD practice. We analyse the project in terms of the improvisations which we identify and discuss 6 significant improvisations and their impact on the course of the project and its outcome. We also examine some implications of our findings for practice and research. In doing so we demonstrate the usefulness of our framework and increase the understanding of the role and effect of improvisation on ISD practice.
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Research Article Three
Impact of Global Sourcing of Talent on Graduate IS Curricula: A Case Study of One Approach to Redesign
James B. Pick and Hindupur Ramakrishna, University of Redlands, USA
ABSTRACT
With the extensive availability and rapidly decreasing cost of the Internet bandwidth around the world, the share of the outsourced service work from developed countries that is offshored is increasing. The global impact of this phenomenon has implications for properly preparing information systems (IS) students for this reality, whether to survive in this harsh reality or to seek potential opportunities. We present an exploratory case study of a successful curricular response to this reality. First, we examine background literature on outsourcing/offshoring phenomenon and on IS curricular redesign. A conceptual model is presented of team collaboration and outsourcing as they relate to IS graduate curriculum. A case study of one approach to an IS graduate curriculum redesign incorporating outsourcing is then introduced. The paper examines whether or not the case supports the usefulness of the model. We found that improved curricular coverage of interpersonal communications, cultural diversity, teamwork, and risk assessment contribute to success for graduates involved in outsourcing who participate in international collaborative teams. Consultation with industry is recommended for incorporating outsourcing in Master in IS/IT curricula.
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The Expert Opinion
An Interview with Joseph Faust, Regional Director of Public Affairs, BNSF Railway
Conducted and Documented by
Mahesh S. Raisinghani, Associate Professor, Texas Woman’s University, TX, USA
Book Review
Collaboration 2.0: Technology and Best Practices For Successful Collaboration In A Web 2.0 World
By Coleman and Richard Levine Published in 2008 by Happy About Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-60005-071-8; 320 pages
Reviewed by Luca Iandoli, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
