Kailash Joshi

The measurement of fairness or equality perceptions of management information systems users

This article reports the development of an instrument to measure the perceptions of fairness or equity experienced by users in the context of allocation of information systems resources by the centralized MIS function. Literature in the area of equity and social justice is presented to identify the dimensions of equity relevant to the MIS environment. The article presents the results of data analysis on a cross-sectional survey conducted to refine and evaluate the instrument. Support for reliability and validity of the instrument is presented. Possible applications of the instrument are discussed in the concluding section.

A casual path model of the overall user attitudes toward the MIS function: the case of user information satisfaction

Abstract MIS literature has identified the importance of user attitude toward MIS, which is measured by user information satisfaction (UIS). However, poor user evaluation of the function remains a problem in many organizations. In this paper we examine factors that may influence UIS and their relative influence or importance. The paper evaluates some alternate causal path models of UIS involving traditional factors such as quality of information products, knowledge and involvement, and attitude towards EDP staff and service, along with three new factors: equity in the allocation of MIS resources, role conflict, and role ambiguity. Data from a cross-sectional survey involving 324 users is employed to evaluate the causal path models through path analysis. Equity was found to be the most important variable influencing UIS. The importance of equity identified here supports the existence of struggle for obtaining scarce MIS resources reported by other researchers. The results also highlight a need for the establishment of mechanisms and structural arrangements for fair allocation of resources.

Understanding User Resistance and Acceptance during the Implementation of an Order Management System: A Case Study Using the Equity Implementation Model

Abstract Successful implementation of new technologies and systems is vital for sustaining and enhancing the productivity and the competitive position of an organization. However, many implementation efforts fail due to resistance or non-acceptance of new systems by users. This paper presents the details of the implementation of an order management system in a custom furnishing business. Details of changes brought about by the new system in the work environment of users and the resulting user acceptance and resistance behaviors are examined in the light of the user evaluation process proposed by the equity implementation model (EIM). The paper concludes that the findings of the case study support EIM, which provides an understanding of both resistance and acceptance behaviors. EIM also provides an understanding of users’ initial reactions to the implementation as well as their post implementation responses. Such insights can be helpful in developing better strategies for implementing systems and dealing with user resistance.

Perspectives of citizens towards e-government in Thailand and Indonesia: A multigroup analysis

Thailand and Indonesia are two developing countries still in the early stages of e-government implementation. An understanding of their citizens’ perspectives can help the governments of these countries better plan their services and also provide useful information to governments of other developing countries. The current study uses a new survey instrument to assess the importance of e-government services and website success factors from the perspective of citizens. Using multigroup analysis to validate the instrument, it identifies that an important difference between the perceptions of citizens of the two countries is that in Thailand, the importance of financial transaction services is negatively related to the importance of citizen identification with the e-government site whereas in Indonesia this relationship is insignificant. Only two expected relationships were found to be equivalent across both datasets, i.e., the importance of financial transactions services is positively related to the importance of website efficiency and the importance of local information services is positively related to the importance of citizen identification with the site. The multigroup analysis showed that citizens in both countries interpreted the survey instrument similarly but had very different expectations for their e-government services.

Development of a framework to assess and guide IT investments: An analysis based on a discretionary-mandatory classification

Assessing the economic feasibility of information technology (IT) projects remains a challenge for most organizations. On one hand there are concerns for the rising IT costs, on the other hand organizations may lose significantly if they do not make an appropriate investment in IT. Considering the range of IT projects, a single, standardized capital budgeting approach may not serve the best interests of organizations. This paper presents a framework to help evaluate different IT projects through a mix of suitable methods. The framework is based on the classification of IT projects along a discretionary-mandatory dimension into four types: purely discretionary, mainly discretionary, mainly mandatory, and purely mandatory. A set of factors are identified that may influence the final classification of an IT project into one of the four types. This classification is used to arrive at suitable IT evaluation techniques and methods. Use of strict financial evaluation criteria is suggested for discretionary projects. The need for analyzing financial risks associated with IT projects is also identified and it is suggested that higher standards of project acceptance be used for riskier projects that are not deemed mandatory in the earlier analysis. The framework should be useful for information systems researchers and practitioners in streamlining the assessment of IT projects.

A Cross-National Comparison of the Determinants of Customer Satisfaction with Online Stores

Abstract Customer experiences with shopping have been found to vary across different national cultures. However, few empirical studies have examined the differences in the relationship of customer satisfaction in online shopping with its determinants across national cultures. This study employs Hofstedes cultural values to examine the relative influence of the determinants of customer satisfaction in online shopping across the US and South Korea. The results indicate that the levels of relationship of customer satisfaction with its determinants were influenced by national cultures. For example, time saved was found to be a more important factor for customer satisfaction for US customers, compared to Korean customers. Website aesthetic quality, risk, and customer support were found to be more critical factors for Korean customer satisfaction. The results of the study will be useful in understanding the role of culture in customer satisfaction and help provide guidelines for developing online stores with a global reach.

Transition and change during the implementation of a computer-based manufacturing process planning system: an analysis using the equity implementation model

Implementing changes in technologies, systems, work practices and organizational structures is vitally important for the survival of organizations in todays competitive environments. However, introducing changes in organizations is not easy. Employees often resist changes. This paper presents a case study of the implementation of a computer-based manufacturing process planning system in an automotive assembly plant. The paper employs an equity implementation model to understand resistance to the system by zone supervisors and quick acceptance by plant engineers, two major employee groups who were affected by this change. Factors affecting employee reactions to the change are identified and analyzed on the basis of the equity implementation model. The paper concludes that the equity implementation model provides a useful framework for understanding and explaining resistance and acceptance behavior of employees. The model can also be useful in assessing the job-related impacts of a system or technology implementation. The paper also discusses suggestions for implementers in developing successful change implementation strategies.

Purchasing process transformation: restructuring for small purchases

Purpose – Reducing purchasing costs remains an ongoing concern for most organizations. The standard purchasing process that works well for large purchases, however, generates proportionately much higher overhead and administrative costs for small purchases leading to purchase delays, high error rate, and poor vendor participation. There is a need to develop separate purchasing processes for small and large purchases and evaluate underlying factors that affect such process transformation. This paper aims to analyze a successful purchasing process transformation conducted at a utility company for small purchases.Design/methodology/approach – It uses a case study methodology to examine the transformation in detail and understand related issues such as benefits realization, resistance to change, and risk management involved in such transformation projects.Findings – It compares original and transformed purchasing processes and identifies resultant benefits to the company, participating vendors, banks, and emp...

An Alternative Lens for Understanding Technology Acceptance: An Equity Comparison Perspective

Many studies of technology acceptance have noted that new technology can have far-reaching effects, dramatically changing the environment (e.g., work, home, school) in which we use the technology. The current research considers an equity comparison perspective on technology acceptance and usage in the context of online discussion tools based on the equity implementation model (EIM). The EIM applies equity theory to assess user net outcomes related to adopting new technology in comparison to the net outcomes of other technology stakeholders. Facilitating conditions with the new technology are investigated as a moderating factor on intentions and usage. Equity theory and social comparisons provide an alternative lens for understanding technology acceptance that may capture broader issues related to the changes resulting from new technology. This research describes what we believe to be a first effort to operationalize social comparisons of equity in the context of technology acceptance. A survey instrument measuring social comparisons of net outcomes is developed, and a longitudinal, empirical study is conducted in the context of online discussion forums. The research model is also investigated within a nomological network of technology acceptance constructs. The results indicate that the model provides explanatory power comparable to existing models of technology acceptance and that outcome comparisons provide unique insight beyond known determinants of intentions and usage.

E-Government Functionality and Website Features: A Case Study of Indonesia

Abstract Indonesia is still in the early stages of e-government implementation. Therefore, an understanding of stakeholder perspectives can help the government plan its services and also provide useful information to other governments at similar stages of implementation. The current study assesses the importance of e-government functions and website features from the perspective of Indonesian citizens (regular users and government officials). Using a survey methodology it identifies that transactions functions are related to website appeal and efficiency; that services functions are related to website appeal; that local information functions are related to website appeal and personalization; that constituent functions are related to website quality, efficiency, and personalization; and that government resources functions are related to website efficiency. This study suggests that to develop successful e-government, it is important to consider the functionality and website features important to citizens. Improving the quality, appeal, efficiency, and personalization of e-government sites is necessary in order to achieve stakeholder buy-in to the services.