Linda Volonino

The strategic business objectives method for guiding executive information systems development

Abstract:Many organizations are moving forward with the development of an executive information system (eis). Based on the experiences of other organizations, there are guidelines that can be followed when creating an eis. The strategic business objectives methodology corresponds with these guidelines and involves a six-step process: (1) the organization’s strategic business objectives are identified; (2) the business processes that are critical to the strategic business objectives are identified; (3) priorities are assigned to the strategic business objectives, and as a consequence, to the critical business processes; (4) information needed to support the critical business processes is defined; (5) information linkages among business processes are identified; and (6) a plan for a modular eis development, implementation, and evolution is developed. Fisher-Price used a similar methodology when developing its eis, and this has helped Fisher-Price become more market oriented.

Using EIS to respond to dynamic business conditions

Abstract Early research on executive information systems (EISs) focused on distinguishing EISs from other types of support systems and identifying the attributes of their successful design and implementation. Recent research has shifted to a broader, more profitable focus on examining how EISs can be applied to solve challenging business problems. The shift signifies the deemphasis of EISs as elitist applications and the positioning of EIS as a versatile technology for every managerial level. This paper extends that new perspective by investigating how EIS technology can be used to respond to major business problems being intensified by global recessionary and competitive forces — adaptability to changing customer requirements, quality improvement, and cost-containment. To do so, an EIS must be flexible enough to support diverse classes of business data (e.g., external, internal, structured, and unstructured) and distinct classes of users (i.e., executive as well as non-executive users). We examine the current problems confronting organizations and the changes in organizational structure and managerial activities that are being undertaken to mitigate those problems. Then we discuss how emerging technologies and software development tools can redefine the utility, desirability, and economic viability of EIS technology with a focus on the special needs of executives.

One-Up, One-Back ERM in the Food Supply Chain

ABSTRACT Repeated outbreaks of E. coli and other food poisonings call attention to the need for fast, accurate tracing capabilities to identify sources of contamination and track contaminated foods to their destinations. Concerns about biological agents contaminating food or beverages led to the U.S. Bioterrorism Act of 2002. This Act requires those in the food supply chain to identify the immediate previous source (“one-back”) of all food received and the immediate subsequent recipient (“one-up”) of all food released, but recordkeeping remains seriously inadequate. In this article, we examine the role of radio frequency identification (RFID) in electronic record management (ERM) to improve supply chain operations and responses to public health crises.

Managing the Lifecycle of Electronically Stored Information

ABSTRACT In December 2006, amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure took effect that changed the way companies must handle electronic documents, records, and messages—collectively defined as electronically stored information, or ESI. Any ESI that could become evidence in a federal case, such as interstate lawsuits, compliance regulations (e.g., Sarbanes-Oxley, HIPAA, and OSHA), EEOC and other employment issues, immigration cases, and actions by the Internal Revenue Service, are included. Actually, it is difficult to think of any business document that might not be covered. This article discusses the amended rules, how failure to manage ESI properly can lead to catastrophic results, and how to manage the lifecycle of ESI.

Recognizing the Impact of E-Discovery Amendments on Electronic Records Management

Abstract Amended rules to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP), which became law in December 2006, are aimed at a single issue—the discovery of electronically stored information (ESI), referred to as electronic discovery (e-discovery). All forms of ESI may be subject to discovery, the investigative phase of a legal case when the parties determine what evidence is, or might be, available. This article addresses concerns of organizations in responding to e-discovery requests and concludes with recommendations for the design and development of an electronic records management (ERM) policy that recognizes the duties imposed by the e-discovery amendments.

A Framework for the E-Discovery of Social Media Content in the United States

People are using social networking sites (SNS) for day-to-day communications, outpacing email and texts. SNS are evidence gold mines subject to discovery in investigations, audits, and litigation. This paper examines the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP), which specifically address electronically stored information (ESI), but not social content, as a unique form of evidence. A framework is presented to categorize legal cases according to the degree of e-discovery access granted. One conclusion is caveat usor.

The strategic business functions (SBF) approach to EIS planning and design

The authors discuss the beneficial contribution of the SBF methodology for EIS (executive information systems) design. The intent of the SBF approach is the development of an EIS to support competitive advantage. Thus, the goal is to align the EIS with the firms strategic plan. Key characteristics of the SBF approach include developing an understanding of the business functions strategic to success, identifying linkages between essential business functions, and defining information needed to support the functions. This way, business strategy drives EIS design to develop a system that can better endure changes in top management and executive sponsors. Prioritizing of the business functions leads to an implementation plan. As a result of this methodology, an EIS is less calibrated to the information needs of specific individuals, but better tailored to the more stable strategic goals of the organizations.<<ETX>>

Privacy Concerns Associated with Smartphone Use

A wide range of personal and consumer information may be collected from smartphone users in utilizing their mobile devices for personal and business purposes. The purpose of this article is to examine smartphone users’ privacy concerns associated with the ways in which their privacy may be violated, including applications, mobile malware, location or movements, information collection by smartphone service providers, and loss or theft of a smartphone. Researchers then examine the United States Federal Trade Commissions ongoing efforts to enforce vendor representations with respect to privacy and develop recommendations for the best practices to improve mobile privacy disclosures. They conclude by offering directions for future research. The jurisdictional scope of this article is limited to the United States.

Object-oriented hypermedia support systems

The autors explore the integration of three software technologies, hyper-navigational user control, multimedia, and object-orientation, to develop more responsive support systems. The merger of these technologies gives rise to a visionary hybrid system type referred to as hypermedia support systems (HSSs). HSSs promote higher levels of understanding because users can interact with rich data types-video, audio, text, and graphics-and approach information from different points of view. Hyper-navigation parallels the associative memory model proposed by cognitive psychologists to represent the human thinking process. As such, hyper-navigation gives users the ability to access information in an intuitive and flexible manner, thereby supporting even unstructured problem solving. Incorporating multimedia technology further increases responsiveness by combining different media elements for display and control from a PC. An object-oriented approach coupled with special objects called software topics provides an integrating mechanism for HSSs.<<ETX>>

EIS and Organizational Change

Abstract The need for innovation, flexibility, and adaptability has fostered significant changes in information system requirements, particularly those that are hosted on information technology (IT) infrastructures. Attempts to respond to these competitive needs in dynamic and at times disruptive environments by applying IT is driving dramatic changes in how organizations are designed to conduct business in domestic and transnational markets. The expanding roles of information systems have intensified the long-standing interest in evaluating their implications for organizational design. One technology that has changed the distribution of authority, management control methods, communication processes, and organizational structure is executive information systems (EIS). This paper presents a conceptualization for considering these organizational changes brought about by EIS, examples of change in a variety of organizations, and speculations about future changes.