Rhoda C. Joseph

A comprehensive framework for the assessment of eGovernment projects

Abstract The area of electronic government (eGovernment) has received increased prominence and attention over the last few years. In spite of the current developments, many avenues in the area of eGovernment remain unexplored. One such area is the comprehensive assessment of eGovernment projects. We propose that understanding the value of projects drives the assessment process. Assessment of information technology (IT) initiatives is conducted either as an ex-ante (before implementation) or ex-post (after implementation) procedure. In this study, we present an ex-post framework for the assessment of eGovernment projects. Assessment identifies the value of the eGovernment project post-implementation. This paper examines a three-dimensional framework for the assessment of eGovernment initiatives. The three dimensions are eGovernment maturity level, stakeholders, and assessment levels.

Big Data and Transformational Government

The big data phenomenon is growing throughout private and public sector domains. Profit motives make it urgent for companies in the private sector to learn how to leverage big data. However, in the public sector, government services could also be greatly improved through the use of big data. Here, the authors describe some drivers, barriers, and best practices affecting the use of big data and associated analytics in the government domain. They present a model that illustrates how big data can result in transformational government through increased efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of services. Their empirical basis for this model uses a case vignette from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, while the theoretical basis is a balanced view of big data that takes into account the continuous growth and use of such data. This article is part of a special issue on big data and business analytics.

A structured analysis of e-government studies: Trends and opportunities

Abstract E-government involves the use of information and communications technology to facilitate government interaction with citizens, employees, businesses and other governments. E-government studies provide a platform to examine prior developments, and explore future opportunities in the field. This paper presents a theoretical model for the analysis of e-government studies and further uses a bibliometric analysis to examine constructs such as theoretical perspectives, methods, and units of analyses. We examine current trends in e-government research, and discuss emerging opportunities.

E-Government Meets Social Media: Realities and Risks

This study uses a content-analysis methodology to examine 100 e-government websites in the US and relevant social media accounts, assessing how state government portals and state governors use social media. After comparing these two environments, the author discusses the inherent risks involved in using social media.

An examination of web disclosure and organizational transparency

Web disclosure is a significant technological innovation aimed at improving organizational transparency. Organizations that voluntarily disclose high quality financial and performance information on their public websites are viewed as being more open, trustworthy, and accountable by the general public. Despite the positive benefit of enhanced public trust, many organizations have not implemented the recommended web disclosure principles and best practices. Informed by the theoretical underpinnings of organizational ecology theory, this study develops a theoretical model in order to examine the problem of differential implementation of web disclosure in nonprofit settings. Empirical evidence reveals that the majority of nonprofit websites lack high quality financial and performance information which reflects an opaque digital informative strategy. Our results further suggest that organizational inertia - particularly resistance to change in organizational form - may play an important role in the decision to voluntarily adopt and implement innovative web disclosure practices. The findings have implications for research and information systems design.

E-Government in the Caribbean Nations

Abstract E-government is a global phenomenon, whereby government authorities provide various services online to citizens, businesses, and employees. This study provides an overview of the current state of e-government in the Caribbean. The methodology employed is a web site content analysis using a theoretical framework based on the Siau and Long (2005) e-government stages model. This analysis focuses specifically on member states of the Caribbean Community also called Caricom, which is a trade agreement encompassing several of the territories in the region. This study examines the level of maturity of e-government in the Caribbean. Our analysis indicates that e-government among Caricom member-countries is established and poised for continued growth.

M-Government for Emergency Notifications

This study examines the use of mobile devices for the delivery of emergency notifications to end users from a mobile government (m-government) perspective. The study is informed by the task-technology fit model, technology acceptance models, and the literature on emergency management. Our findings indicate that the task, technology, behavioral, and to a lesser extent situational characteristics affect the use of m-government for the delivery of emergency notifications. Additional themes of equity and dependence emerge as relevant to user perceptions. This paper contributes to the m-government literature by examining and presenting findings relevant to emergency management and provides insights on the user perceptions of m-government for emergency notifications. This study also has implications for all levels of government including local, state, and federal. Lastly, as mobile technology use grows in the public domain this type of study advances the goal of using information and communications technologies (ICTs) to benefit human well-being.

Information Technology Resources and Customer-Service Process Coordination in Third-Party Logistics

Adopting the supply chain paradigm, we define customer service as a multifunctional sequence of process activities supported by an intricate tapestry of information technology (IT) and non-IT resources that enable the coordination and communication necessary to create value for the customer. The resource-based view (RBV) serves as our theoretical lens for assessing the strategic contributions of IT in the customer-service process of third-party logistics firms. Our findings support the RBV assertion of significant direct and indirect impacts but suggest that the challenges of fully integrating IT resources as process components go beyond merely leveraging complementarity, as emphasized by RBV.

The Cloud Gets Personal: Perspectives on Cloud Computing for Personalized Medicine

Cloud computing, at its most fundamental level, is a technology that allows computing to occur as an on-demand utility. Personalized medicine is revolutionizing the field of medicine, and aims to provide individualized treatment for patients, based on their genetic material and medical history, through comparisons to genetic material from thousands of other patients. Better patient outcomes are expected in a personalized medicine domain as compared to more generic generalized options. In this paper the authors explore the use of cloud computing in the area of personalized medicine examining unique benefits and opportunities. They also recognize and discuss the presence of some inherent risks. Using the cloud for personalized medicine can expedite collaborations and data collection across different clinicians, researchers and other stakeholders involved in the fight against diseases. This paper examines key elements associated with using cloud computing in the specialized area of personalized medicine.

Data Breaches: Public Sector Perspectives

A data breach exposes confidential, protected data to unauthorized access and manipulation. This study examines the extent and occurrences of data breaches in the US public sector through an analysis of data breaches over a five-year period. This research is motivated by two questions: What are the current trends of data breaches in the public sector and how do contextual governmental factors impact these data breaches?