Melinda Cline

Exploring knowledge sharing in ERP implementation: an organizational culture framework

This is a multi-site case study of firms that have implemented enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. It examines eight dimensions of culture and their impact on how ERP implementation teams are able to effectively share knowledge across diverse functions and perspectives during ERP implementation. Through synthesizing the data, we develop a cultural configuration that shows the dimensions of culture that best facilitate knowledge sharing in ERP implementation. The results also indicate ways that firms may overcome cultural barriers to knowledge sharing. A model is developed that demonstrates the link between the dimensions of culture and knowledge sharing during ERP implementation. Possible research questions on which future research can be based are also identified.

The Impact of Information Technology Investment on Enterprise Performance: A Case Study

Abstract Investment in information technology is steadily increasing, but many organizations find it difficult to formally assess the value of IT investments because the latter are often incorporated into broad management initiatives. the authors believe that the results of the research study reported on here can help firms to develop a better understanding of the dynamic relationship between IT investment and performance at both the firm and industry levels of analysis. This study clearly demonstrates the importance of adopting an organizational change perspective when assessing the impact of IT investment on firm performance.

Teaching the undergraduate CS Information Security Course

This paper presents a lab based approach to teaching the undergraduate CS Information Security course. Given the magnitude of real and potential loses associated with security breaches, employers increasingly expect graduates of CS programs to have an understanding of information security concepts. The infrastructure requirements for the course includes setting up a secure laboratory environment to accommodate the development of viruses and worms. The labs and lectures are intended to instruct students in the inspection and protection of information assets, and detection of and reaction to threats to information assets.

Equal rights? not for 100,000+ American H‐4 visa holders

Currently, there are thousands of women living in the US who are denied the freedom to work, the right to live with their spouse as an equal partner, and the dignity that comes with the ability to make their own choices. These are women residing legally in the US in H‐4 visa status, dependents of an H‐1B visa holder. In the upcoming US congressional session the terms of the H‐1B visa will be reviewed. Changes should also be considered to ensure the rights of the H‐4 holder.

Investment appraisal under conditions of continuous and discrete cash flows and discounting

Purpose – This research furthers scholarly discourse which discusses the most effective way(s) to calculate investment returns under conditions of continuous and/or discrete cash flows with continuous and/or discrete discounting.Design/methodology/approach – Discusses Pogues work on the methods for investment analysis.Findings – Pogues article of discrete versus continuous calculation of investment returns discusses limitations of the traditional assumption that cash flows in investment appraisal occur at the end of each period and points to a more realistic assumption that cash flows occur on a continuous basis. Pogue then proposes a formula for managers to use when calculating investment returns. Finds that Pogues suggested method of calculation is neither supported by prior literature nor sound in its implications.Originality/value – Provides further analysis of discrete and continuous discounting models in investment decisions.