Benn R. Konsynski

Usefulness and ease of use: field study evidence regarding task considerations

Abstract Usefulness and ease of use (EOU) are both believed to be important factors in determining the acceptance and use of information systems. Yet, confusion exists regarding the relationship between these two constructs and the relative importance of each in relation to use. Usefulness is seen as a function of task/tool fit, while EOU is viewed as a task-independent construct reflecting intrinsic properties of the user interface. This paper presents the results of a field study illustrating the hazards of focusing on EOU and overlooking usefulness. Based on the study, the authors suggest that perceived EOU may be a function of task/tool fit.

Facilitating group creativity: Experience with a group decision support system

Abstract:This paper reports on the results of research on the use of a group decision support system (gdss) for idea generation and analysis within a planning and decision laboratory environment. Our experience to date in the use of the idea generation models suggests that the technology does significantly influence the planning process. The automated version of the brainstorming model appears to neutralize many of the group effects that have been responsible for poor performance of group brainstorming in the past. Anonymity is maintained and group members appear to express their true feelings without fear of social disapproval. In addition, the automated idea generation models appear to neutralize the effects of an authority hierarchy in the group. The models allow parallel processing of ideas and prevent one group member from dominating the group discussion. All ideas are automatically recorded in the computer and are stored within the knowledge base for use throughout the planning process.Several facto...

Inter-organization information sharing systems

The authors discuss concepts underlying the growth of Inter-Organizational Information Sharing System (IS). A classification scheme is presented and the issues of cost commitment, responsibility, and complexity of the operating environment are discussed. Organizational impacts associated with IS participation are also examined.

Uses and consequences of electronic markets: an empirical investigation in the aircraft parts industry

An electronic market is an interorganizational information system through which multiple buyers and sellers interact to accomplish one or more of the following market-making activities: (1) identifying potential trading partners, (2) selecting a specific partner, and (3) executing the transaction. It has been suggested that electronic markets, by lowering search costs, may lead to significantly increased price competition among sellers and hence, lower prices for buyers. Or, by allowing efficient, direct interaction between buyers and sellers, they may eliminate the role of intermediaries. Little evidence exists to support the claims. This paper empirically examines the validity of these arguments in the context of one electronic market: Inventory Locator Service (ILS) in the aircraft parts industry.Specifically, the paper addresses two questions: When do buyers use an electronic market? How do electronic markets affect each of the following: prices, inventory levels, and the role of brokers? The data show that current models do not adequately capture the complexity of electronic markets. For instance, while ILS sometimes helps buyers find a better price, in other cases it can help suppliers extract an extra premium by providing more accurate information on parts availability. ILS has also had little impact on the extent to which brokers are used, although the specific nature of the value added by brokers appears to be changing. Finally, inventory levels in the industry have been unaffected by the use of ILS.The scope of ILS is limited to the identification process only, so caution must be exercised in generalizing the findings to systems that also support selection and execution. However, the data do suggest additional variables that must be considered in understanding the uses and impacts of electronic markets, including the scope of the electronic market.

Research Commentary---Platform Evolution: Coevolution of Platform Architecture, Governance, and Environmental Dynamics

The emergence of software-based platforms is shifting competition toward platform-centric ecosystems, although this phenomenon has not received much attention in information systems research. Our premise is that the coevolution of the design, governance, and environmental dynamics of such ecosystems influences how they evolve. We present a framework for understanding platform-based ecosystems and discuss five broad research questions that present significant research opportunities for contributing homegrown theory about their evolutionary dynamics to the information systems discipline and distinctive information technology-artifact-centric contributions to the strategy, economics, and software engineering reference disciplines.

Knowledge Representation for Model Management Systems

This paper examines the concept of a model management system, what its functions are, and how they are to be achieved in a decision support context. The central issue is model representation which involves knowledge representation and knowledge management within a database environment. The model abstraction structure is introduced as a vehicle for model representation which supports both heuristic and deterministic inferencing as well as the conceptual/external schema notion familiar to database management. The model abstraction is seen as a special instance of the frame construct in artificial intelligence. Model management systems are characterized as frame-systems and a database implementation of this approach is described.

Complementarities Between Organizational IT Architecture and Governance Structure

This study addresses the theoretically neglected interplay between organizational information technology (IT) architecture and IT governance structure in shaping IT alignment. We theoretically develop the idea that IT architecture modularity helps sustain IT alignment by increasing IT agility, and that decentralization of IT governance strengthens this relationship. IT architecture therefore complements IT governance structure. Tests of the proposed mediated-moderation model using data from 223 organizations support these ideas. Implications for theory and practice are also discussed.

Second Life and Other Virtual Worlds: A Roadmap for Research

Virtual worlds like Second Life are becoming important tools for, among other activities, socialization, social networking, entertainment, collaboration, and business development. These environments offer information systems researchers a unique opportunity to study how these environments are built and managed by operators, how they are used and misused by users, and the impact that they have on users, communities, organizations, and societies at large. This paper summarizes the discussion of this topic that was presented at the ICIS 2007 panel entitled “Second Life and other Virtual Worlds: A Roadmap for Research.” The paper provides an introduction to this topic and offers a roadmap for research on virtual worlds based on insights offered by several academics and practitioners who are actively involved in building, managing, and using virtual worlds.

Interaction of task and technology to support large groups

Abstract There are multiple, and occasionally conflicting, prespectives regarding what Group Support Systems are, what they should be, and what directions research related to them should take. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the factors involved in Group Support Systems, with particular attention to the ways in which these factors interact. A University of Arizona implementation of automated group decision support is described as an example of an established Group Support System, based upon a philosophy that recognizes the critical importance of environment, hardware and software to the successful operation of the system. Research conducted at University of Arizona facilities has involved experience with many groups brought together to address real problems. This research has resulted in identification of three interacting factors deemed to be essential to a successful Group Support System: user profile, task domain, and technology. Each of these is defined and its relationships with the others are described. Aspects of benefits to larger groups, task dynamics, interaction among group tasks and technology, multiple session benefits, integration of information technology and impacts upon group process also are explored. Multiple-methodological research approaches and opportunities for future research are addressed.

Globalization and information management strategies

Recent globalization initiatives have encouraged firms to consider new organizational strategies and to change their coordination and control systems, management processes, and organization structu...