Marion G. Sobol

The relationship between computerization and performance: A strategy for maximizing the economic benefits of computerization

Abstract The relationship between computerization and several measures of overall firm performance is examined. Sample firms consisted of 138 wholesalers in a single industry with annual sales between one million and over ten million dollars. Three performance comparisons are presented: users versus non-users of computers, three levels of usage, and class of computer usage. Results indicate that computerization is related to overall performance. Non-users tend to be small firms with about average overall performance. On the other hand, firms owning computers and making extensive use of them in a variety of ways tend to be either very high or low performers. Possible explanations for these bi-modal results are presented.

IS outsourcing practices in the USA, Japan and Finland: a comparative study

With increasing cost-reduction pressures, outsourcing of information systems (IS) functions has emerged as an important option for managers in companies around the world. In this paper we present the results of our exploratory, empirical research comparing practices of domestic and global IS outsourcing in the USA, Japan and Finland. The research methodology of a mail survey with similar questionnaires was used in all three countries. The paper provides new empirical evidence comparing these countries on the types of functions being commonly outsourced, the extent to which these functions are outsourced, views of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) on the desired cost savings and the comparative ratings of the advantages and disadvantages of IS outsourcing. Also compared are the roles played by different executives in making outsourcing decisions. The implications of these results for IS managers and directions for future research are presented in the conclusions.

Domestic and global outsourcing practices of America's most effective IS users

With increasing cost-reduction pressures, outsourcing - selectively turning over some information systems functions and processing services to a subcontractor - has emerged in the last few years as an important option for chief information officers (CIOs). In this paper we present the results of our exploratory, empirical research into the practices and views of IS outsourcing. The research methodology of a questionnaire-based mail survey was used. The survey sample consisted of companies that were identified as the most effective users of IS by Computerworld magazine. The paper provides empirical evidence on the extent to which outsourcing of various IS functions is being practised, and the views of CIOs concerning the advantages, disadvantages and motives of IS outsourcing. The paper also sheds light on the relationship between various firm characteristics and IS outsourcing, and investigates the economics of, and decision-making processes in, IS outsourcing. There is a special focus on the comparison of USA-based and global IS outsourcing.

Relation of CIO background, IT infrastructure, and economic performance

The literature of the past three decades has not provided a consistent picture of payback for IT investment. Firm strategies and infrastructure play a part in determining return on investment and, in recent years, chief information officer (CIO) characteristics have been cited as essential factors in ensuring economic returns for IT investment. In our study we related CIO background and attitude toward IT investment to the objective measures of a firms performance. The financial measures tended to be higher when the CIO was from IT rather than general management, however, an IT manager in a firm that had a strategic orientation to IT rather than a utilitarian one was more likely to have higher financial performance. Thus, although a CIO should have a technological background, the CIO who has a strategic rather than utilitarian orientation is more likely to help in forming a highly profitable company.

Performance ratings and importance of performance measures for IS staff: the different perceptions of IS users and IS staff

Information systems (IS) users are being increasingly included in the evaluation of IS staff performance; however, unless there is agreement on the importance and selection of performance measures, interpretation and implementation of such evaluation is confounded. Differences in job duties and educational background between IS users and IS staff members lead us to expect differences in up-front task importance and in subsequent evaluation of IS staff job performance. An instrument is developed to study seven aspects of IS staff performance evaluation from IS staff and user perspectives. Gaps are confirmed in a study with a sample of 100 IS users and 93 IS staff members. Techniques for reaching agreement are suggested based on improving communication and understanding of common measures.

New graphics as computerized displays for human information processing

A comparative study of various graphic and tabular representations of financial and accounting statistics in an interactive decision setting is presented. Controls are placed on demographic variables, cognitive style, abilities, and math and computer anxiety. Bar graphics are found to be a faster but more accurate form of man-machine communication that tabular presentation of information in credit rating and industry classification decisions. Star graphics take more time on the part of the user but improve the ability to make decisions which involve ranking alternatives. Persons whose cognitive style is more directed toward thinking than feeling have significantly better success in utilizing new graphic forms. It is argues that all new graphics should be tested for speed and efficacy for different types of information display and for people with different cognitive styles and computer backgrounds before they are incorporated into outputs for computerised decision-support systems. >

GPA, GMAT, and SCALE: A method for quantification of admissions criteria

Multiple regression analysis is used to establish a scale, measuring involvement in campus activities, work experience, technical background, references, and goals. This scale is then tested to see whether it improves the prediction of success in school. For graduate business students, previous studies have shown a coefficient of determination .14 when both GMAT score and grade point average are used. Introduction of the scale raises the coefficient to .19 for the 1976–1977 graduate class. Appropriate predictive cross-validation techniques indicate that the regression is validated on data from the 1980–1981 academic year. Using standard statistical computer software, any school can choose variables, experimentally build a scale, and test its predictive value. This type of scale helps to integrate much of the miscellaneous information collected on the standard college and graduate school application.

Which Systems Analysts Are More Likely to Prototype

Prototyping has become a valuable tool for systems development because it accelerates the development process, helps define system requirements, and encourages end-user involvement. Because prototyping is a valuable tool, a study of the training environment and characteristics of systems analysts more likely to use the tool can help IS managers formulate policies to encourage its use. This article examines a nationwide survey of 104 systems analysts in education, government, and for-profit organizations and is designed to elicit information concerning the personal characteristics and training backgrounds of systems developers who choose the prototyping technique. The study also analyzes organizational environments in which prototyping is used.

The CIM-IS partnership: integration for competitive advantage

Abstract This paper focuses on the growing need to closely coordinate and link up manufacturing activities with information systems and networks. Computer-integrated manufacturing is helping an increasing number of firms produce higher variety goods in smaller lot sizes. A 4-cell matrix of degree of product complexity and production lot size is formed to study the needs for interaction of Information Systems (IS) tools and computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) tools. As product complexity grows and lot size diminishes, more integration of IS and CIM is needed to build competitive advantages.

Systems analysis techniques for the implementation of expert systems

Abstract Knowledge-based expert systems incorporate human expert knowledge with the use of computer systems. Today, the wide availability of expert systems shells allows the knowledge engineer to implement specific rules for a desired application. The final design of the artificial intelligence system is the outcome of a detailed study in an organized fashion. In this paper the application of system analysis tools for designing knowledge-based expert systems is presented. The paper illustrates the application of the tools with a simplified example drawn from the oil and gas exploration business. The use of a systematic approach in designing expert systems should help the knowledge engineer clearly identify the facts and rules representative of the acquired human knowledge.