Marian Carcary

Integrating talent and knowledge management: where are the benefits?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how the principles of talent management (TM) can be leveraged to enhance an organizations knowledge management (KM) initiatives.Design/methodology/approach – This paper critically reviews the literature pertaining to the emerging concept of TM and specifically that which focuses on “smart talent management” i.e. the fusion of TM and KM concepts. The authors offer insights as to how TM can benefit KM and then discuss these insights with a focus group of KM practitioners.Findings – The fusion of the two concepts has so far only been considered by human resource scholars who have tended to examine how learnings from the field of KM can be leveraged to advance TM. The authors confront the issue in reverse and identify five KM concerns – identifying key knowledge workers, knowledge creation, knowledge sharing, developing knowledge competencies, and knowledge retention – which they argue can be advanced through the application of TM principles. Their focus grou...

Cloud Computing Adoption Readiness and Benefit Realization in Irish SMEs: An Exploratory Study

This exploratory article tests the applicability of existing cloud computing adoption models, targeted primarily toward larger organizations, in supporting Irish small and medium-sized enterprises in transitioning to the cloud computing environment. Further, the article examines benefits realized from cloud adoption. Based on a quantitative research approach, the study’s findings indicate that existing cloud adoption frameworks are not suitable “as is” for the small- and medium-sized enterprise market. This provides strong justification for developing small- and medium-sized enterprise-specific frameworks for managing cloud migration.

Migrating to the cloud

Purpose – Cloud computing is a relatively new phenomena. It has rarely been examined in the context of the small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this paper is to examine the drivers and barriers to cloud computing adoption by SMEs in Ireland. Design/methodology/approach – This study adopted an exploratory approach. A quantitative approach was adopted in the data collection phase. An online self-completion questionnaire was distributed by e-mail to 1,500 SMEs in Ireland. A response rate of 6 per cent was achieved generating 95 usable responses. Findings – Findings from this study indicate that Irish SMEs are adopting cloud technology. The key driver identified is the resultant cost benefits for the firm. However, concern over continuous availability of the service is identified by the SME as a key challenge and is hindering widespread adoption of cloud technology. Research limitations/implications – This study whilst exploratory in nature, has laid the foundation for further research in ...

A Framework for Information Security Governance and Management

Daily changes in the information security landscape mean that organizations face unprecedented challenges in securing their information systems. It appears easy for organizations to adopt a tactical approach in which they respond to problems as they occur. However, when such a paradigm exists, it becomes difficult to act strategically. What is required is for organizations to be able to assess their current maturity state with respect to information security governance and management, and to proactively identify problem areas that need to be addressed. Here, the authors present a capability maturity framework to support organizations in this activity. The framework addresses the technical, process, and human aspects of information security and provides insight and guidelines for organizations to implement effective information security governance and management processes.

Business Innovation and Differentiation: Maturing the IT Capability

The IT Capability Maturity Framework (IT-CMF) is an action-oriented IT capability toolset that determines an organizations current and desired level of IT capability maturity, and supports planning for improvement. Through capability improvement initiatives, organizations can more easily realize sustainable advantages through IT-enabled business innovation and differentiation.

Actions towards Maturing the ICT Profession in Europe

This paper presents a framework and identifies a series of action points to support the maturing of the ICT profession in Europe. The paper stems from a research initiative launched by the European Commission to develop proposals for a European framework for ICT professionalism, with the intention of maturing the ICT profession within Europe and facilitating worker mobility.