Brian Webb

Evaluating the Quality of Learning in Computer Supported Co-Operative Learning

Can learning quality be maintained in the face of increasing class size by the use of Computer Supported Cooperative Learning (CSCL) technologies? In particular, can Computer‐Mediated Communication promote critical thinking in addition to surface information transfer? We compared face‐to‐face seminars with asynchronous computer conferencing in the same Information Management class. From Garrisons theory of critical thinking and Henris critical reasoning skills, we developed two ways of evaluating critical thinking: A student questionnaire and a content‐analysis technique. We found evidence for critical thinking in both situations, with some subtle differences in learning style. This article provides an overview of this work.

Benchmarking small companies on the internet

Abstract The World Wide Web offers tremendous opportunities to high growth SMEs, but successive research studies have shown that significant business benefits are not being realised. This paper reports the results of the first comprehensive study into web adoption and usage by SMEs in Northern Ireland. It confirms broader research into SME adoption and usage of the World Wide Web and suggests that, if SMEs are to realise the full potential of the Web, they must think globally, act strategically and learn from competitors.

The Impact of Strategic Assets on Financial Performance and on Internet Performance

Abstract Whereas the resource‐based view (RBV) of the firm is the dominant theory in strategic management research, it has hardly been applied to e‐Business. This paper aims at identifying key performance drivers for small and medium‐sized companies that sell online (e‐SMEs), by empirically examining the impact of resources and capabilities on financial performance and on Internet performance. Regression results of 106 companies showed that resources and capabilities differ in their impact on financial and on Internet performance. Business resources are important predictors of both financial performance and Internet performance. However, dynamic capabilities only affect financial performance (and not Internet performance), and IT resources only drive Internet performance (and not financial performance). The findings have implications for both researchers and practitioners. For researchers the results imply that the choice of the dependent variable can change the main conclusions of a study and, therefore,...

Paradigmatic analysis as a means of eliciting knowledge to assist multimedia methodological development

We have identified two paradigms in multimedia systems design based on the software engineering and graphic design approaches. Our aim is to better inform methodological development in the field. We argue that unless and until the underlying paradigm of each community is understood, attempts to develop specific multimedia methods will be sub-optimal. ‘Paradigm’ is defined in the Kuhnian sense of a ‘disciplinary matrix’ that is composed of those shared beliefs and values that guide a ‘community’ of theorists and practitioners. This paper is based on analyses of several textbooks from both disciplines and also on interviews with software engineers and graphic designers who are actively engaged in the development of digital interactive multimedia (DIM). The results indicate that (a) Kuhns concept of paradigm is a useful mechanism through which to examine the knowledge and approaches of these two design disciplines vis-à-vis multimedia development; and (b) that the resulting paradigms provide a useful framework from which to inform methodological development within the multimedia field. The paper concludes with a discussion of how the paradigms can assist theorists and practitioners in developing a framework for method evaluation and integration in multimedia.

The Internet as a Complementary Resource for SMEs: The Interaction Effect of Strategic Assets and the Internet

It has been suggested that the Internet can be used to leverage a firm’s strategic assets. However, empirical research on complementarity is still rare and frequently inconclusive, especially in the context of small and medium-sized enterprises. We propose a theoretical framework with the independent variables business resources, dynamic capabilities and IT assets. Survey data of 146 small firms suggest that the Internet is complementary with business resources and dynamic capabilities but not with IT assets. Therefore, the framework may enable small firm managers to create competitive advantage by identifying strategic assets that are complementary with the Internet. Furthermore, our research our research highlights the threat of an over-investment in IT assets.

Truth to Tell

A motivation for the 1984 Manchester conference was to question the applicability of scientific truth tests to the study of socio-technical systems. While most IS researchers now agree that such tests are not appropriate, or at least are not always appropriate, the debate on the use of alternatives continues. This paper examines several truth tests applied to two truth statements in one piece of published research. Since the paper was published in a mainstream IS journal, it is argued that the standard of truth tests applied to this paper is indicative of the standard of truth tests acceptable within the IS community.

Evaluating Narrative in Multimedia

A need exists within multimedia for a method which evaluates a holistic design as opposed to aspects of a design such as structure or interface style.

Mapping Commonalities and Differences in Software Engineering and Graphic Design Approaches to Multimedia Systems Development

Many studies that highlight tensions between Software Engineers and Graphic Designers in Multimedia Systems Development advocate interventions based upon differences, not commonalities. Yet continuing problems with methods acceptance suggest that it may be timely to focus on what unites the two design communities as well as what divides them. In this paper we report the results of an empirical study of sixteen multimedia designers. We find that although clear and persistent differences do exist, there is evidence that the two communities are moving closer together, often in surprising ways. Our results suggest that methods need to be based upon a good understanding of commonalities (as a minimum requirement or common core) and differences (as a set of features particularly important to one or other of the communities) rather than being based upon commonalities or differences only. Our results have implications for researchers seeking to understand further the behaviour of multimedia systems designers, for method developers who need to accommodate this behaviour in a single method or methods, and for managers who must select and implement such methods.

Information Technology and Competitive Advantage in Small Firms

Does IT matter? This book argues that even as IT hardware, software, data and associated processes are becoming more of a commodity, it has never been more important to manage IT as a strategic asset. However, managing IT as a strategic asset is notoriously difficult, as is studying the impact of IT on firm performance. This book sets out to identify, explain and critically evaluate current research in this area. Beginning with a thorough introduction to Schumpeterian economic theory the authors re-cast the pre-eminent theory in strategic management research (the Resource Based View) in the light of a Schumpeterian analysis and identify Dynamic Capabilities as an extension of, but also a radical departure from, RBV. The role of IT as an endogenous technology is discussed and it is argued that how we define IT determines not only how we study it but also how we use it and benefit from it.

Resilience as a Source of Competitive Advantage for Small Information Technology Companies

Resilience, defined as the capacity for continuous reconstruction, is based on Hamel’s earlier work on core competencies. We deploy the resilience concept to explain the performance differentials of small information technology companies. Our interviews with owner-managers suggest that the resilience concept is insufficient to account for competitive advantage and suggest that a sole focus on core competencies can even create competitive disadvantage. In particular, those managers that focused too much on their own core competencies and ignored market developments and other stakeholders created competitive disadvantages. We therefore suggest that resilience can only be a source of competitive advantage if it is extended with the option of replacing core competencies. In addition, core competencies frequently have to be supplemented by competencies of partners or customers in order to achieve competitive advantage.