Hasmiah Kasimin

E‐procurement implementation: a case of Malaysia government

Purpose – Many countries worldwide have identified e‐procurement as a priority of e‐government agenda and have implemented, or are in the process of implementing, e‐procurement systems. The purpose of this paper is to understand the challenges of e‐procurement implementation in the government sector and efforts taken to overcome the challenges, using a Malaysia government case.Design/methodology/approach – This study adopts a qualitative case study approach of an e‐procurement project, which is one of Malaysias e‐government initiatives. Data were collected using a triangulation approach that involved semi‐structured interviews, document reviews and observation.Findings – The theoretical framework draws on Croom and Brandon‐Jones and was further developed during data analysis. Findings show that challenges of e‐procurement implementation in government sector are not only related to software integration, data management and roll‐out strategy, but also to legal and administration procedures, information tec...

The use of a soft systems approach in developing information systems for development planning: An exploration in regional planning

Information systems development for complex applications is a difficult process of inquiry. Complex applications involve inconsistent, incomplete and uncertain information and a lack of established models or theories. In general, an approach to the information system development in complex situations should have a number of characteristics, including: the capability for understanding and modelling complex problems, the capability to incorporate multiple views of the problem and the capability for learning. This paper presents an approach used in the development of an information system for a complex regional planning process. The approach is based on soft systems methodology [Checkland (1981). Systems thinking, system practice. Chichester: John Wiley] and concepts and methodologies that have been developed in planning and organizational studies.

Evaluating e-government services in Malaysia using the EGOVSAT model

Electronic Government (e-Government) is an initiative to deliver services to citizens, businesses and government agencies. It enables citizen to access information and government services by using the Internet and other computer resources. Its implementation has improved the efficiency of governance and government services in Malaysia. However, studies have shown that the adoption of E-Government is still low among Malaysians. Using the EGOVSAT Model, this paper aims to evaluate user satisfaction of e-Government services in Malaysia and identify its significant predictors. The satisfaction model consists of five main constructs which include utility, reliability, efficiency, customization and flexibility. To measure the level of user satisfaction, a survey approach is employed. By using multistage stratified random sampling, a total of 620 questionnaires were distributed to nine regions in Selangor. Reliability test, regression analysis and correlation analysis were done to obtain appropriate results. The results indicate that four constructs were found significant and positively related to citizen satisfaction.

Diagnosing an ongoing information technology transfer process: an approach based on ANT

This paper discusses the need for a framework to diagnose the ongoing Information Technology (IT) transfer process in a developing country, namely, Malaysia. A framework called Network Information Technology Transfer (NITT), which makes use of Actor-Network Theory (ANT) and IT transfer life cycle, is proposed. The framework views technology transfer as a translation process. The paper also discusses the application of NITT in a case study of smart-card technology transfer in Malaysia. Based on the experiences in the case study, NITT is found useful for diagnosing the root of the problems that causes delays in the transfer of technology and for monitoring the progress of the transfer process. Recommendations based on the analysis using NITT take into account the local situation in terms of actors involved in the process, the organisational structure and the organisational culture that characterised interrelationships between actors.

Using Evaluation to Support Organizational Learning in E-Government System: A Case of Malaysia Government

This paper discusses the need for a framework to understand the use of evaluation to support learning in the process of implementing an e-Government system in a developing country, namely, Malaysia. A conceptual interpretive framework focusing on evaluation use and evaluation practices to support organizational learning is proposed. The framework makes use of organizational learning theory and integrates the focus of previous interpretive frameworks. Application of the framework in a case study of an e-Government system is also elaborated. The framework is useful for exploring and understanding the use of evaluation to support learning in improving the e-Government system and helps in identifying the need for learning about evaluation practices to extend the benefits from evaluation. An implication from the analysis reveals the need for Knowledge Management Systems that is capable of providing feedback and feed-forward of shared information to support learning about the e-Government system and its evaluation practices.

Soft Systems Methodology: A Conceptual Model of Knowledge Management System Initiatives

This paper demonstrates how Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) can be used to consider a broad range of issues relevant to implement KMS initiatives including the technical, social and organizational context. The focus of applying the SSM is to develop a conceptual model that provides the basis of identifying the process involved and exploring the factor influencing the KMS initiatives. A multiple case study approach is used to get an extensive picture of and analyze the experience of four Malaysian Public Universities (MPUs). The findings provide comprehensive understanding on how KMS initiatives are being implemented in MPUs through the development of a conceptual model. The conceptual model provides the guidelines which can be used as a theoretical framework and practical tool to determine the important activities integrated within the process and the influencing factors in the KMS initiatives implementation.

Organizing Software Project Control Practices

The major challenge for software project control is to adapt to the associated control practices in order to achieve sustainability for the software project. This paper reviews software project control practices in a number of control perspectives, namely organizational controls, project management, software engineering and cybernetic management. The aim is to extend the concept of controlling software project towards adapting appropriate control practices. A number of basic control components are identified to better understand the control practices. We found that (a) control elements create its own complexities on software project control; (b) communication between the controller and controlee is important in identifying and understanding control direction; (c) each individual has their own roles in practicing software project control; and (d) there is a needs for organizing complexities in managing software project control practices. The principal recommendation is to understand proper control practices in studies of various complex situations of software project control.

Exploring Multi-Organizational Interaction Issues: A Case Study of Information Technology Transfer in thePublic Sector of Malaysia

In Malaysia major information technology transfer in public sector agencies is usually due to policy implementation. This policy-led technology transfer involves central government directives to implementation agencies. The technology transfer process usually not only involves multi-organizations that consist of many public agencies and private sector organizations but also involved many phases. Each organization plays certain roles and contributes to the achievement of the technology transfer objectives. Each phase serves a different purpose and each role during each phase has different requirements. Coordinating and encouraging multiple organization participation in each phase is complex and a challenge that may at least result in project delays or technological decision-making based on non-technical considerations. In such a case understanding interactions between stakeholders is important in designing activities and strategies for effective technology transfer processes suitable to the local environment. This is especially true for technology that requires further development to adapt it to the local environment. [Article copies are available for purchase from InfoSci-on-Demand.com]