Monica C. Holmes

Cross-cultural differences and information systems developer values

The increasingly global nature of software development and the increasing diversity in the information systems (IS) workforce have led to failures arising from inadequate understanding of cultural influences on IS design and development. This study aims to examine the relationship between the cultural background and development values of IS developers through a field survey in Singapore and the United States. The relationship between two cultural dimensions (individualism-collectivism and masculinity-femininity) and three development values (technical, economic, and socio-political) of IS developers were investigated. A model relating cultural dimensions to development values was formulated. The findings indicate that both individualism-collectivism and masculinity-femininity are related to the technical, economic, and socio-political values of IS developers (including DSS developers). Implications for further research and practice are discussed.

A framework for applying six sigma improvement methodology in an academic environment

Purpose – The six sigma methodology has been successfully implemented in many organizations leading to tremendous quality improvements in products manufactured and services delivered. However, academic institutions have lagged other organizations in implementing six sigma. The purpose of this paper is to examine the challenges of implementing the methodology in academia and proposes a framework that serves as a guide for implementing six sigma in academic institutions.Design/methodology/approach – Several unique aspects that differentiate an academic environment from a manufacturing setting for six sigma are identified. A three‐tiered framework to organize the six sigma improvement methodology and related academic performance indicators into a hierarchy fitting academic institution governance levels is proposed. Examples of strategic objectives and performance indicators by levels of implementation for the DMAIC process are also provided.Findings – The findings suggest that the unique structure of an acad...

A Framework for Six Sigma Project Selection in Higher Educational Institutions, Using a Weighted Scorecard Approach.

Purpose – This paper discusses the importance of the Six Sigma selection process, describes a Six Sigma project in a higher educational institution and presents a weighted scorecard approach for project selection. Design/methodology/approach – A case study of the Six Sigma approach being used to improve student support at a university computer help desk was used. An error related to the timeliness of service was defined and improved over the course of the project. Findings – The Six Sigma approach was useful for improving timely service, but a methodology for selecting the project was needed by the project leader. Using such a methodology would have ensured higher probability of project success. Practical implications – This framework provides directions for selecting a Six Sigma project in a higher educational setting. The weighted scorecard method is presented and may be used for selecting a project which would likely be the most efficient use of time and resources. Originality/value – While project sel...

Approaching the Challenge of Student Retention through the Lens of Quality Control: A Conceptual Model of University Business Student Retention Utilizing Six Sigma:

Student retention in higher education is a major issue as academic institutions compete for fewer students and face declining enrollments. A conceptual model of applying the quality improvement methodology of Six Sigma to the problem of undergraduate student retention in a college of business is presented. Improvement techniques such as cause and effect analysis, process maps and failure models, and effects analysis are illustrated with representative student retention variables and outcomes from a large midwestern university. The use of Six Sigma in academic settings is rare and its utilization to improve student retention is a novel application.