Janet Williams

RFID systems in libraries: An empirical examination of factors affecting system use and user satisfaction,

Abstract Library operation and management requires the performance of a number of repetitive, painstaking, labour- and time-intensive activities. Hence, in order to increase efficiency and effectiveness, many libraries are moving towards automation of the majority of their activities. Libraries are deploying Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology as a substitute for barcode systems for item identification and tracking, and this ultimately enables the automation of the majority of their processes. It is apparent from the available literature that research on RFID-related issues is largely concentrated on technical, organizational and implementation aspects, and less attention has been paid to understanding the use and user-satisfaction aspects. Therefore, this article aims to understand factors affecting the use of RFID systems and user satisfaction in a library context by empirically testing relevant constructs from DeLone and McLeans IS Success Model. A questionnaire-based survey was employed to collect data from a total of 181 respondents, who were all active users of an RFID-based library system. The findings from this study suggest that factors like system quality, use and user satisfaction positively influence consumer attitudes towards RFID-enabled services. The concluding section outlines salient points and briefly describes the associated limitations of this research, along with suggestions for future research directions.

Reflecting on E-Government Research: Toward a Taxonomy of Theories and Theoretical Constructs

After more than a decade of research in the field of e-government, it is now timely and appropriate to reflect upon the overall developmental directions in the area. This paper explores research progress to date by systematically analyzing the existing body of knowledge on e-government related issues, and reveal if there is lack of theoretical development and rigor in the area. Usable data relating to e-government research currently available were collected from 779 research articles identified from the ISI Web of Knowledge database, and by manually identifying relevant articles from dedicated journals on electronic government such as Transforming Government: People, Process, and Policy TGPPP, Electronic Government, an International Journal EGIJ, and International Journal of Electronic Government Research IJEGR. Based on the investigation of the various studies, findings reveal that generic e-government applications were explored more than any specific applications, and the technology acceptance model TAM was the most utilized theory to explain research models. Although a large number of theories and theoretical constructs were borrowed from the reference disciplines, their utilization by e-government researchers appears largely random in approach. The paper also presents limitations and further research directions for future researchers.

A change management approach to evaluating ICT investment initiatives

Purpose – Despite the availability of methods and techniques designed to assist with predictive and retrospective evaluation of ICT initiatives, management continues to struggle to perform meaningful evaluations, and the measurement of ICT investment payoff remains a challenge. A recurring problem associated with failed ICT‐based investment is poor change management. This paper aims to focus on the value of understanding the change management aspects of ICT investments.Design/methodology/approach – A framework was developed from a study of the change management literature. An empirical investigation involving a qualitative case study approach was then conducted in order to assess the efficacy of the framework during the evaluation process.Findings – Business benefit from ICT is likely only when ICT investment is accompanied by appropriate change management skills. The study highlights the particular importance of communication, championing and change agency, resources, and the project timescale.Research l...

A teleological process theory for managing ERP implementations

Purpose – The literature on enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation has been dominated by variance theories which have identified numerous lists of critical success factors (CSFs) for managing implementation but there has been relatively little research adopting a process theory approach which explains how change occurs. One such theory, the teleological process, has been criticised in the IS literature for its capability to evolve and learn due to its convergence towards an end goal. Drawing upon the field of organisational development (OD), the purpose of this paper is to illustrate the usefulness of the theory and contend that, whilst it exhibits planned behaviour, events are adaptive and learned and emerge though social construction of actors in organisations.Design/methodology/approach – An in‐depth interpretive study of eight public‐sector organisations is used. During the investigation, two primary methods of data collection were analysed: survey questionnaires (2) and in‐depth interviews...

Diversity and diffusion of theories, models, and theoretical constructs in egovernment research

After more than a decade of research in the field of e-government, it is now timely and appropriate to reflect upon the overall developmental directions in the area. The purpose of this paper is to explore research progress to date by systematically analysing the existing body of knowledge on egovernment related issues. Usable data relating to e-government research currently available were collected from 434 research articles. Based on the investigation of the various studies, our findings reveal that survey was the most utilised research method, and the Technology Acceptance Model was the most utilised theory to explain research models. Although a large number of theories and theoretical constructs were borrowed from the reference disciplines, their exploitation by e-government researchers appears largely random in approach. The paper also presents limitations and further research directions.

Factors contributing to successful ERP implementation in locally-owned and multinational firms in India

This paper aims to explore the factors contributing to the successful implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in Indian firms. It also aims to explore the similarities and differences in ERP implementation between locally-owned and multinational companies in India. An in-depth literature review led to identifying 14 factors that contribute to the successful implementation of ERP systems. Using these factors as a basis, a survey was carried out. Data were collected from 56 project managers and business analysts who were involved in ERP implementation in both locally-owned and multinational companies. Findings suggest that business plan and vision, project management and top management support were perceived as three key factors contributing to the successful implementation of ERP systems. Surprisingly, the result revealed no significant differences between locally-owned and multinational companies. Compared to project managers, business analysts seem to give more importance to vendor selection and the appropriateness of information technology legacy systems.