Robert M. O'Keefe

Cultural differences in the online behavior of consumers

Understanding how different cultures use the Net---as well as perceive the same Web sites---can translate to truly global e-commerce.

The role of intermediaries in electronic marketplaces: developing a contingency model

Abstract. Early research in electronic markets seemed to suggest that e- commerce transactions would result in decreased costs for buyers and sellers alike, and would therefore ultimately lead to the elimination of intermediaries from electronic value chains. However, a careful analysis of the structure and functions of electronic marketplaces reveals a different picture. Intermediaries provide many value-adding functions that cannot be easily substituted or ‘internalized’ through direct supplier–buyer dealings, and hence mediating parties may continue to play a significant role in the e-commerce world. In this paper we provide an analysis of the potential roles of intermediaries in electronic markets and we articulate a number of hypotheses for the future of intermediation in such markets. Three main scenarios are discussed: the disintermediation scenario, in which market dynamics will favour direct buyer–seller transactions; the reintermediation scenario, in which traditional intermediaries will be forced to differentiate themselves and re-emerge in the electronic marketplace; and the cybermediation scenario, in which wholly new markets for intermediaries will be created. The analysis suggests that the likelihood of each scenario dominating a given market is primarily dependent on the exact functions that intermediaries play in each case. A detailed discussion of such functions is presented in the paper, together with an analysis of likely outcomes in the form of a contingency model for intermediation in electronic markets.

ERP problems and application integration issues: an empirical survey

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems were introduced into companies to solve various organisational problems, and to provide an integrated infrastructure. Although ERP packages offer advantages to enterprises, they have not achieved many of their anticipated benefits. Autonomous and heterogeneous applications co-exist in companies with ERP systems and integration problem having not been addressed. This paper seeks to make contribution to this area by studying and analysing ERP problems through an Internet based survey. Responses are analysed in detail and a new approach to integration problem; the enterprise application integration (EAI) is examined. EAI is a new class of integration software that leads to the development of strategic business solutions by securely incorporating functionality from disparate applications. EAI could be the solution to ERPs integration problems.

Trust, planning and benefits in a global interorganizational system

Abstract.  Trust has been shown by many researchers to be an important factor in the success of interorganizational systems (IOS). In this paper, we describe an example of an IOS developed as part of a strong inter‐firm relationship. In 1999, Vodafone of the UK embarked on a transformation to globalize its relationship with Ericsson of Sweden, moving from a set of in‐country relationships to a global relationship mediated through an IOS. As of 2002, the IOS is heavily used, and continues to evolve as part of the overall relationship. Vodafone and Ericsson pursued a journey‐oriented approach to globalization and development, freed from any formal project plan, and identified asymmetric benefits. Using a model previously developed by Gallivan & Depledge (2003), we explore the roles and dynamics of trust, planning and benefits. We posit that a journey or improvisational approach to IOS development works where a relationship is strong and levels of inter‐firm trust are high. We suggest that the nature of the inter‐firm relationship is more important than the approach to IOS development.

The impact of religious affiliation on trust in the context of electronic commerce

Abstract There is currently a growing literature on the role that trust plays in encouraging consumers to engage in e-commerce transactions. Various models have been proposed which aim to identify both the antecedents and outcomes of trust displayed towards e-commerce web sites. Increased trust is generally shown to increase positive user attitude, which in turn is linked to increased willingness to buy. Studies have shown the antecedents of trust include variables such as the perceived reputation and size of the vendor organisation. The current paper explores the role of cultural variables as antecedents of trust with the main emphasis being on religious affiliation. Participants recruited from Christian, Muslim and other faiths were asked to interact with online bookstores identified as Christian, Muslim or Neutral. Trust and attitudes towards the web sites were measured and this data was used to test the hypothesis that same-religion sites would be trusted and liked more than other religion or neutral sites. This hypothesis was partially supported, but only for the Muslim participants. It was found that the Muslim group expressed significantly more trust in the Muslim site compared to the Christian site. They also expressed significantly more positive attitudes towards the Muslim online bookstore than the other two sites. The implications of these results for theories of web based trust and attitude are discussed along with the practical implications of the findings.

Expectations and outcomes in electronic identity management: the role of trust and public value

This paper is concerned with the issues facing stakeholders attempting to develop, implement and maintain electronic identity management (IdM) systems in government. It argues that perceptions of electronic IdM vary, and thus a single conceptualisation of the concept is difficult. Using data collected from stakeholders in 17 European countries, Canada, New Zealand and the U.S.A. from 2003 through 2007, a qualitative analysis identifies 10 dominant stakeholder areas of concern which we term ‘themes’. These are then mapped onto a framework of public value due to Grimsley and Meehan which relates services to outcomes and the development of trust. We conclude by questioning the conceptualisation of trust within the context of IdM, and suggesting that considering trust as the mitigation of relational risk is more appropriate. We also consider the usefulness of public value as a notion for informing IdM and highlight the lack of national differences in our diverse data set.

The action research vs design science debate: reflections from an intervention in eGovernment

As Design Science (DS) establishes itself as an acceptable approach to Information Systems research, many have commented on the similarity, or otherwise, between DS and Action Research (AR). Most of the writing on this topic has been conceptual, and not grounded in practice. In this paper, we present a piece of completed research that was perceived and executed as AR, but also reflected upon as DS. The research produced a new method for diagramming electronic workflows and creating the associated digital signatures, within the domain of eGovernment. Our conclusion is that AR that produces an artefact can be quite easily, and perhaps superficially, presented as DS. Epistemologically, there is little to separate the two methodologies. However, there are some subtle differences in practice, especially with regard to the role of the artefact, the structuring of the process, the focus of evaluation of the intervention and research, and the emphasis on learning and knowledge. We provide guidance to researchers contemplating either approach, and also consider the role of pluralist attempts to combine the approaches.

The IT contribution in developing a transnational capability at Electrolux

Abstract Transnational companies combine global integration with local responsiveness, catering to national and even regional tastes while obtaining efficiencies through global operations. What is the role of IT in enabling an organisation to become transnational? What actions ensure that IT helps, rather than hinders, the transition? One major European company recognised as having a transnational disposition is Electrolux. Home Products Europe (HPE), the largest sector in Electrolux, has previously been investigated both by international business and IT researchers. This paper updates the longitudinal perspective of HPE, including an examination of the transnational change drivers. Using a tentative framework that combines previous research into multinational and transnational IT policy, it shows that all of HPEs IT strategies align with the framework. We identify a number of key obstacles in the HPE case that hindered the transition, most notably problems of data quality and integration, largely occurring due to acquisitions. We also note the slow changes in the working practices of distributed IT groups and suggest that future research and frameworks need to better address staff issues.

Defining and assessing requisite supply chain visibility in regulated industries

Purpose – Supply chain visibility (SCV) is vital where supply chain (SC) partners must have access to information regarding materials within the SC. This is particularly important in regulated industries where government or industry regulators require additional SC‐related information. An argument is presented that in regulated industries there is a requisite level of visibility that should be assessed. The purpose of this paper is to identify and organise the components of requisite supply chain visibility (RSCV), producing simple concepts that could lay the foundation to assess the requisite level of visibility.Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on previous research into, and definitions of SCV, this paper builds a definition for RSCV. A project where RSCV is applied as a concept is then presented as a case. The Swiss firm Jet Aviation, its logistics provider Fiege, its equipment suppliers, and involved logistics agents are the participants in the case.Findings – Requisite SCV in regulated environmen...

Experimental behavioural research in operational research: What we know and what we might come to know

There is a long standing, but thin, stream of experimental behavioural research into understanding how modellers within operational research (OR) behave when constructing models, and how individuals use such models to make decisions. Such research aims to better understand the modelling process, using empirical studies to construct a body of knowledge. Drawing upon this research, and experimental behavioural research in associated research areas, this paper aims to summarise the current body of knowledge. It suggests that we have some experimentally generated findings concerning the construction of models, model usage, the impact of model visualisation, and the effect (or lack thereof) of cognitive style on decision quality. The paper also considers how experiments have been operationalised, and particularly the problem of the dependent variable in such research (that is, what beneficial outputs can be measured in an experiment). It concludes with a consideration of what we might come to know through future experimental behavioural research, suggesting a more inclusive approach to experimental design.