Jože Zupančič

Experiences and expectations with CASE technology—an example from Slovenia

Abstract Adoption and current use, perceived benefits, problems, and expectations in the application of information system development methods and tools, specifically CASE technologies, are presented in the settings of Slovenia. Current practices and trends in the use of CASE technology were surveyed; major differences in the IS development approaches in organizations that currently use or do not use CASE were identified. The findings are believed to be indicative of some other new Central and Eastern European democracies that are at a comparable stage in developing their IS technology markets. Although most IS managers in Slovenia are aware of CASE technology or have considered its use, organizations with a comparatively high level of IS maturity - ones with some corporate IS development standards in place - actually use it. More than limited funding for investments in advanced information technology, the lack of related methodological and management knowledge and skills seems to be the major reason why system developers do not adopt it or, with limited use, slowly adopt CASE.

Application of Information Technology in Small Business in Slovenia

Small businesses, an essential part of the economy for United States, West European and newly industrialised Pacific countries, constitute majority of business organisations and contribute an ever increasing proportion of economic growth. For example, in the United States they account for about 97% of all businesses, contribute 45% of the Gross National Product and represent 57% of the employment (Ibrahim and Goodwin, 1986; Park, 1990). in Singapore they represent 90% of all registered companies and employ 44% of the workforce (Grant and Raman, 1992). in Slovenia, and in other East European countries, the proportion of small businesses is considerable smaller but is growing fast, because of corporate restructuring or founding of new firms. Small business research often defines small firms differently. Criteria depending on the nature of the business and industry, also vary. Most authors use the total number of employees as a criterion for research analysis. Sometimes this is combined with such financial indicators as total annual sales, operating capital or total assets. Employee criteria range from 15 (Ibrahim and Goodwin, 1986) to 50 (Schleich et al., 1990) for a service sector, to as much as 500 for manufacturing companies (Park, 1990; Yeh et al., 1990). in this study, small business is defined as a company employing 4 to 100 employees.

User Experience with Security Elements in Internet and Mobile Banking

Abstract Background/Purpose: Maintaining a balance between security and a positive user experience in mobile and Internet banking is becoming increasingly difficult for the providers of banking services. The goal of our research is to analyse user opinions about the current situation: how users perceive security and how the authentication methods they are using affect user experience. Methodology: Data were collected using an online survey among the users of 15 banks operating in Slovenia, and statistical methods were applied to analyse them. Results of the users’ study were evaluated and commented by a limited number of interviewed banking security experts. Results: The results indicate that the use of mobile banking in Slovenia is relatively low, as only 30 percent of respondents use mobile banking along with Internet banking. Slovenian users perceive security to be the most important factor in mobile and online banking, closely followed by reliability. We also verified whether the users knew which authentication methods they were using: 69% of respondents selected the correct authentication method. The opinion of 88% of respondents was that authentication methods do not limit them when using mobile and Internet banking. Results of the study of user’s opinions did not surprise the experts, although experts’ views about the balance between security and usability diverged considerably. Conclusion: Our results indicate that, in Slovenia, users of the Internet and mobile banking services regard security to be the most important element in mobile or Internet banking and find user experience less important while they absolutely do want products that are easy to use.

Key Issues in Information Technology Adoption in Small Companies

The influence of small companies in the entire economy is increasing. Small companies employ more people than ever, and many more are starting their own businesses. Small companies sometimes act as incubators for future economic giants. Realizing the importance of new information technology (IT) small companies are increasingly investing in their information systems, encouraged also by declining cost of contemporary IT. They are replacing their existing manual systems or old legacy systems with new, more flexible and reliable systems, to run their daily operations. A general belief exists that this enhances the flexibility of small companies, although some investigations (e.g. Levy and Powell, 1998) indicated that IT increases the effectively and effectiveness of the business and strengthens a creative way of thinking, but does not improve their flexibility.

The Year 2000 Problem in Slovenia

Results of a survey of the Year 2000 compliance among organizations in Slovenia are presented, and levels of Year 2000 readiness according to COMPARE scale (COMpliance Progress And Readiness, by Gartner Group) are estimated. The results are compared with the outcome of a similar investigation which was conducted 18 months earlier, and progress regarding the awareness and resolving the Year 2000 issue is assessed.

Addressing the Year 2000 Issue

Professional literature surveys the Year 2000 problem (century date change problem) as one of the major issues in information systems (IS) development in the next few years. This paper gives an overview of the problem, presents results from a survey of organizations in Slovenia with a focus on the Year 2000 issue, and indicates possible solutions. Results of the study pointed out that the awareness of the problem among the respondents, managers of IS Departments, is relatively low. In most cases, they underestimated the magnitude of the problem and considered the Year 2000 issue as a problem internal to IS, and not a concern of general management.

Current Status and Trends in Customer Relationship Management

Winning new customers is becoming more and more important for organizations worldwide, and keeping the loyalty of existing customers is becoming increasingly difficult. In the times of e-economy often only a mouse click separates the customer from a competitor. This means that organizations must build relations with customers and focus on satisfaction of their customers. Customer information has always been one of the most important elements for building a stable and profitable relationship; therefore it is essential that organizations capture, integrate and store all the available customer related data.

THE YEAR 2000 PROBLEM IN SMALL COMPANIES IN SLOVENIA

Results of an investigation conducted in Slovenia in 1998, focusing on the Year 2000 problem in small Slovenian companies are presented. The level of awareness of the problem among managers of these companies is assessed, and actions, plans expectations and approaches to the solution of the problem is surveyed. Based on the survey, some recommendations for managers of small companies in connection with the Y2K issue are given.

Use of Product Development Tools - An Empirical Study

Abstract Results of a survey conducted in Slovenian manufacturing enterprises focusing on development of information systems (IS) and application of information technology (IT) enlphasizing product development tools, are presented and discussed. The survey shows that the majority of companies use less powerful but relatively cheap twodimensional product development tools. In most cases, these tools are not or not adequately integrated into the corporate IS. Investments for development systems, particularly in advanced IT, are relatively low. In addition, insufficient attention is given to education and training of development tools users.

End-User Computing Environment: A Case Study

End-user computing (EUC) is direct hands-on use and development of Information Systems (is) by principal users of the system’s outputs or by their immediate support staff (Werherbe, 1988). the rapid growth of EUC has dramatically affected the nature of information systems in many countries. Traditional is development methods have been overwhelmed resulting in long lead times and application backlog. User needs far exceed what is departments can deliver. Recent advances both in hardware and in software alter the economics of computing. Networks of powerful PCs gradually replace mainframes. Decentralisation of organisation business units causes a decentralisation of computing power. the Mis departments have less involvement and less control over purchasing decisions for individual departments. Many organisations implement a strategy that shifts more of the responsibility of system development away from the is Department toward the end-user. On the other hand, the is staff often must support an increasing range of hardware and software and offer appropriate, training for end-users (Rogers, 1992).