Edward T. Chen

Program Complexity and Programmer Productivity

This paper proposes a measure of program control complexity from an information theory viewpoint. A set of empirical data showing programmer productivity as a function of program control complexity is also presented. The data reveals a step-function-like contour to programmer productivity with increasing program control complexity.

The Importance of Building a Foundation for User Involvement in Information System Projects

User involvement in the process of developing information systems has long been known to be a critical component of eventual success. This study examines the importance of building an acceptable foundation for the interactions between the stakeholders in the projects outcome. A model is developed and empirically tested via a survey that explains the relationship between the foundation, the amount of user-related risk, and the project performance. The partnering activities used to build the foundation prove to be significant in the eventual process and should be considered as part of each development project.

Firm performance effects in relations to the implementation and use of knowledge management systems

Knowledge Management Systems (KMS) are IT-based systems developed to support the organisational processes of knowledge creation, storage, and application. While sizeable investments in KMS are being made, practitioners are struggling to determine whether these expenditures improve the firm performance. The results indicate that not only does the adoption of KMS decrease administrative cost, but it also pays off in profitability. Furthermore, this study also examines the industry effect between manufacturing firms and service firms. Results indicate that administrative costs and profitability are significantly better for manufacturing firms, as compared to service firms. These findings will help both researchers and practitioners.

Implementation of Knowledge Management Systems and Firm Performance: An Empirical Investigation

This study examines the impacts of adopting knowledge management systems (KMS) on firm performance. Although many organizations have implemented KMS, sparse empirical evidence reveals the impacts of KMS on firm performance. This research attempts to analyze the impacts of KMS on the firms that adopt KMS with the data extracted from the COMPUSTAT. The results indicate that these firms significantly reduce administrative costs and improve productivity in the second year after adopting KMS. To control the macroeconomic effects, the study also compares the financial performance of KMS adopters and non-adopters in a pairwise design. Furthermore, pertaining to cost and profit ratios, significant differences arise because the financial performance of non-adopters decreases over time while it holds steady for adopters. The findings verify some of our hypotheses, provide new insights into the productivity paradox associated with KMS adopters, and confirm that KMS adopters indeed gain a competitive advantage over non-adopters.

An assessment of the job prospects of MIS doctoral students in the academic marketplace

Abstract A survey was conducted on 322 new MIS doctoral graduates in the USA to investigate their profiles, qualifications, research and teaching interests, and job placement during the two years of their graduation. Several important findings emerged: the MIS candidates are found to be more experienced in teaching and productive in research publication than previously; more candidates are found to be interested in teaching MIS, Systems Analysis and Design, and Decision Support Systems; Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems are found to be the most intensive research areas of recent MIS graduates; the average salary for new MIS hires, on a 9-month basis, was found to be slightly above

Time management in GDSS: a satisficing model

50,000; and finally their degree stage, gender, proceedings publication, and DSS/AI/ES specialty are found to be significant factors in affecting job placement.

The Gamification as a Resourceful Tool to Improve Work Performance

Focuses on time reduction in meetings through the use of group decision support systems (GDSS). Reports on some criticisms of GDSS, in that it increases time taken to reach a decision, and addresses this issue. Refers to Grosch’s Law, the Satisficing Model, and the 80/20 rule (or Pareto Principle). Applies the 80/20 rule to the number of papers published by a number of authors. Plots a chart of the figures and finds that 77 per cent of papers are written by 23 per cent of authors. Links back these findings to GDSS and suggests that by controlling openness, some control can be exercised over the length of time it takes to reach a decision. Indicates that the use of electronic meeting systems will increase and, consequently, further research should be carried out in reducing uproductive meeting time.

E-Procurement in Taiwan: Issues and Viewpoints

Gamification is the use of game and behavioral analytics, game mechanics, interactive media, and social networking to improve work performance and transform a business by engaging and training users to solve problems. Gaming techniques and strategies have been used in areas such as employee training programs, financial services websites, customer relationship management, project management, business intelligence, market research, online shopping, and education. The level of sophistication involved in the technology applied to these needs varies greatly. This chapter will focus on the more technologically sophisticated methods applied to implementing gaming solutions in work situations. The use of gamification technologies that extends the video gamer lifestyle and skill set to engage and build loyalty with customers and employees will be discussed. Cases of practices in applying gamification to provide solutions for businesses will be examined. This chapter will conclude with imitations, implications, managerial caveats, and assessment of gamification.

Successful E-Learning in Corporations

Much advancement has taken place in E-commerce, especially in the area of e-procurement. This article describes some essential characteristics of e-procurement and its role in e-commerce and industry as a whole. We also discuss some of the newer developments in e-procurement and surmise the necessary modification of these developments for companies in Taiwan.