Rana Mostaghel

Adoption of enterprise systems and radio frequency identification among service firms

A promising technology for optimizing supply-chain processes is radio frequency identification (RFID). By adding functionality to previous enterprise systems, the aim is to increase transparency of information throughout the supply chain. In this paper, we present a survey of RFID implementation in Swedish service firms. The findings show that although the great majority of firms are actively working with integrated information systems, only a very small fraction have adopted RFID.

Elderly and technology tools: a fuzzyset qualitative comparative analysis

The number of senior citizens is growing globally and governments are striving to find innovative solutions to deal with complex care demands of this part of the population. Technology has been an answer to this situation; however, it is very important that the elderly accept and actually use the technology. This paper empirically tests the senior technology acceptance model using the fsQCA method to analyse data with a sample of 811 seniors aged 60 and over living in Sweden. The results revealed that the necessary conditions for high “perceived ease of use” and “perceived usefulness” are gerontechnology self-efficacy, gerontechnology anxiety, and cognitive abilities; however, each of these is not sufficient on its own. Self-reported health conditions and physical function also play a peripheral role in achieving the desired outcome. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed at the end of the paper.

Activities and Resources of Institutional Actors in International Development Projects

In this paper, we draw on industrial network research to analyze the activities and capabilities of institutional actors in project networks. We use the concept of ‘political embeddedness’ to show how business and political exchange can be interrelated in industrial networks, with business actors engaging in political behaviour and institutional actors taking on business roles such as purchasing. We report on a comparative case study that encompasses three international project networks, which vary according to the type and role of institutional actors. Our case analysis shows the multifaceted activities and capabilities of institutional actors, in terms of: 1) their relationships with firms and other institutional actors, and 2) their role and importance in the network. We also conclude that these activities and capabilities have implications for international project marketers in terms of their activities at each stage of the project cycle. As our empirical cases come from developing countries of Africa and Asia we will also provide knowledge and implications for business in the developing and emerging economies of these regions.