Irit Alony

Guiding the Use of Grounded Theory in Doctoral Studies - An Example from the Australian Film Industry

Selecting the most appropriate research method is one of the most difficult problems facing a doctoral researcher. Grounded Theory is presented here as a method of choice as it is detailed, rigorous, and systematic, yet it also permits flexibility and freedom. Grounded Theory offers many benefits to research in Information Systems as it is suitable for the investigation of complex multifaceted phenomena. It is also well equipped to explore socially related issues. Despite existing criticism, it is a rigorous and methodical research approach capable of broadening the perceptions of those in the research community. This paper provides detailed and practical guidelines that illustrate the techniques, utility, and ease of use of grounded theory, especially as these apply to information systems based research. This paper tracks a Grounded Theory research project undertaken to study the phenomena of collaboration and knowledge sharing in the Australian Film Industry. It uses this to illustrate and emphasize salient points to assist potential users in applying the method. The very practical approach shared in this paper provides a focused critique rendering it a valuable contribution to the discussion of methods of analysis in the IS sphere, particularly grounded theory.

The Cultural Impact of Information Systems – Through the Eyes of Hofstede – A Critical Journey

With the increasing levels of multiculturalism in today’s business and the proliferation and essentiality of information systems, development and management of IS needs to be considered in light of the cultural factors which impact upon its utility. Hofstede’s work on culture is the most widely cited in existence. His observations and analysis provide scholars and practitioners a valuable insight into the dynamics of cross-cultural relationships. However, such a groundbreaking body of work does not escape criticism. Hofstede has been dogged by academics discrediting his work in part or whole. Nonetheless, far more scholars exist who support Hofstede than those that don’t. Most quote Hofstede’s work with unabashed confidence, many including his findings as absolute assumptions. This paper takes a critical look at Hofstede’s work and applies his findings to the practical needs of information systems. The paper finds support for the dimensions promoted by Hofstede in regard to information systems, but recommends continued research to provide greater clarity and continued applicability of his espoused dimensions.

Sharing Tacit Knowledge: A Case Study in the Australian Film Industry

This paper explores tacit knowledge sharing. This case demonstrates the significance of knowledge sharing to organizational performance, by exploring the contribution of tacit knowledge sharing to the success of projects in the Australian Film Industry (AFI). The differences between knowledge sharing, collaboration and communication, and their interrelations are addressed. We also explore the concepts of knowledge, information, and data. In the interchanges reported here the knowledge shared is almost entirely tacit, and the “raw” data and information do not exist without the context that makes them knowledge. The paper includes the identification of many factors affecting knowledge sharing, not all of which have been identified by previous researchers. This research contributes to a better understanding of tacit knowledge and how that knowledge is shared. This in turn contributes to a better understanding of how knowledge management can be supported in a modern organization, where often the technology is used in ways not well understood by system managers and software developers. A better understanding can lead to better ICT design and support of knowledge sharing both within and across organizations.

The bullwhip effect in complex supply chains

This paper reviews the various methods of modelling the dynamics of supply chains. We then present recently documented causes of the Bullwhip effect in production supply chains, and the methodologies used to describe and measure the importance of these causes. We examine the limitations of these methodologies and suggest a combined approach discrete event-continuous simulation modelling approach to further study this phenomenon in complex production supply chains.

Mixed Methods to the Rescue: Addressing the Problem of Employee Turnover Using Marital Research

Abstract Decades of turnover research have identified sets of factors that lead to voluntary employee separation. However, the predictive power of existing turnover models is extremely limited, and does not go far beyond 30%. In contrast, marital research has developed a MMR tool for predicting dissolution which has an accuracy of over 90%, based on a couple’s reflections on their past. This paper presents this complex prediction method in current MMR terms, and details the process of adjusting it into employment setting. The paper presents the main issues to consider when adjusting this tool, and provides a detailed description of the concurrent, sequential, conversion, and integrated aspects of it. The paper concludes with remarks highlighting the value this description offers to the MMR toolkit, and to researchers of relationships in general.

Sharing Tacit Knowledge

This paper explores tacit knowledge sharing. This case demonstrates the significance of knowledge sharing to organizational performance, by exploring the contribution of tacit knowledge sharing to the success of projects in the Australian Film Industry (AFI). The differences between knowledge sharing, collaboration and communication, and their interrelations are addressed. We also explore the concepts of knowledge, information, and data. In the interchanges reported here the knowledge shared is almost entirely tacit, and the “raw” data and information do not exist without the context that makes them knowledge. The paper includes the identification of many factors affecting knowledge sharing, not all of which have been identified by previous researchers. This research contributes to a better understanding of tacit knowledge and how that knowledge is shared. This in turn contributes to a better understanding of how knowledge management can be supported in a modern organization, where often the technology is used in ways not well understood by system managers and software developers. A better understanding can lead to better ICT design and support of knowledge sharing both within and across organizations.

Embedding MOOCs in Academic Programmes as a Part of Curriculum Transformation: A Pilot Case Study

The University of Wollongong’s first locally developed and hosted massive open online course (MOOC) The Reluctant Mathematician was a highly scaffolded MOOC designed to support stressed and low-efficacy mathematics learners. It was developed to raise maths skills at our university and also in the community – where such skills continue to be a challenge and in some cases a source of stress. Internally, the MOOC provided an alternative online way to support students who struggle with mathematics at university level and as a complement to the existing face-to-face services. This paper describes a successful approach to using MOOCs not only for addressing skills shortage among university students but also to engage staff in the hybrid learning aspects of curriculum transformation. Based on a small-scale pilot, this paper describes the narrative of engagement of academics and highlights the main elements which were conducive to their involvement in selecting and using the MOOC as support for an assignment in their curriculum. A framework is proposed for educators who are interested in using MOOCs for a similar purpose.

Predicting turnover based on relationship diagnosis - lessons from marital research

Decades of turnover research have identified sets of factors that lead to voluntary employee turnover. However, existing models predict employee separation from organisations with an extremely limited predictive power, which rarely goes far beyond 30%. In contrast, marital research has identified a method for predicting separations which has an accuracy of over 90%, based on a couples’ reflections on their past. This paper presents preliminary findings from a pilot study, which applied this method to predicting employee turnover. The study identifies some indicators of distressed and non-distressed marriage that are transferrable to employment context, and indicators that were only identified in organisational context. The paper concludes with an expectation that this method can extend methods of enquiry used in turnover research.

Rights, respect and responsibilities online - Reflections and efficacy

Demands for moral development are increasing in business and professional training. Mixed results of diversity training programs in the higher education sector suggest that innovative approaches are required for preparing students to become morally upright leaders and teachers. This research looks at the implementation of an online interactive tutorial that focuses on students working and learning together with others from a variety of diverse backgrounds. The study comprises a three-year investigation on the attitudes and understandings of students prior to a group work assessment task, and after completing the online tutorial. First year primary education students (n=594) completed preand post-surveys on their perspective of working with others, with a moderating educational intervention. Results revealed mixed views about the value of the program to this generation of students. We make suggestions for institutions of higher education to consider when creating diversity training and support for university students.

My lawfully wedded workplace: identifying relational similarities of marriage and employment

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce a novel direction of enquiry into predictions of employee turnover through the application of a qualitative method adapted from marital research. This method focuses on diagnosing the relationship, and has been able to predict divorce with an accuracy of over 90 per cent, as opposed to existing turnover prediction methods’ modest success of about 30 per cent. By demonstrating that the method can be applied to turnover research, this study completes a seminal step in developing this promising direction of enquiry. Design/methodology/approach – The Oral History Interview method for predicting divorce is adapted to employment settings, and tested on Australian legal and healthcare employees. A qualitative analysis of their responses maps the results from this inquiry onto separation-predicting processes identified in marital research. The results are compared to turnover data collected two years later. Findings – Similar relational processes exist in marita...