Susan Standing

An adoption model for mobile banking in Ghana

The impact of social and cultural factors on the adoption of technology still requires much research. To investigate it more fully, we examine the reasons for the adoption and non-adoption of mobile banking in Ghana. Through a survey of 271 people in Ghana, it has been found that social and cultural factors in the form of perceived credibility, facilitating conditions, perceived elitisation and demographic factors do play a significant role in adoption decisions. It has been found that elitisation of technology and services can be a positive influence for adopters whilst being a negative influence for non-adopters. In addition, perceived credibility and facilitating conditions also influence attitudes towards the technology. When these factors are added to a range of demographic factors, the impact of the social and cultural features of the context of studies can be seen as significant.

A review of research on e-marketplaces 1997-2008

Electronic marketplaces are an important theme of research on the information systems landscape. In this paper we examine eleven years of research on electronic marketplaces in leading journals. The research articles are classified according to whether they focus on electronic markets theory; whether they take a system perspective and focus on the technology or functionality of the system; whether they investigate adoption and implementation issues, or organisational issues. The analysis of the literature highlights two distinct issues that researchers in the discipline need to address. The first is the lack of research on the fundamental questions on the nature of electronic markets and their efficiency. If information systems research does not address this question then it will not be seen as tackling critical issues by those outside of the discipline. The second is the relative lack of papers on the organisational implications of adopting and managing electronic marketplaces. These include, the organisational benefits, costs and risks of trading through e-marketplaces and strategies and methodologies for managing organisational participation. Both issues can be addressed by increasing the number of macro studies examining efficiencies in electronic markets.

Searching for Value in Researching the Adoption and Use of M-services

Mobile services (m-services) have become an important part of the e-commerce landscape. Although research has been conducted on which services people use and the benefits they attach to those services, the values associated with the adoption and use of m-services at the individual level is still unclear. This article addresses the question of why and how individuals adopt and appropriate m-services with a particular focus on m-communication? In the information systems field, various technology adoption models have been proposed and validated in relation to technology adoption within an organisational setting, but personal adoption and use of technology is less researched. We propose the use of means-end chains and laddering techniques to determine the basic primitive values that are fulfilled for the individual by using various m-services. The examples presented show that mobile services often fulfill such basic needs as selfesteem, achievement, individuality, belonging, and well-being. Exploring the realization of values as a theoretical framework offers researchers a way forward in environments characterised by individual technology decisions.

The role of politics in IS career progression

Information systems (IS) training and career opportunities frequently emphasize the need for a range of skills. This paper examines the role of politics in the promotion of IS professionals. Most studies take a management perspective when looking at the skills required of employees. In this study, the views of the employees are considered. A systems view is taken which allows a holistic interpretation of the complex organizational reality and which acknowledges emergent properties. The case study of an IS department is examined through multiple interpretations using a dialectical hermeneutics approach. The main difference from previous studies is the emphasis in career progression given to the role of politics by IS practitioners. Politics in careers manifests itself in both legitimate and undesirable ways. These include negotiation and persuasion, manoeuvring for a better position, systems of favours and developing strategic friendships. A systems perspective is useful in helping the employee understand the nature of the situation he/she is faced with and in making a decision on the right course of action to take. Politics is usually seen as a very informal aspect of organizational life. Hence, its management, particularly of the less desirable aspects, is difficult and rarely done well. Managers need to be aware of what is happening in their organization and manage the potentially undesirable aspects of political activity. They can do this by reducing uncertainty attached to organizational procedures, rules of conduct and ethical behaviour in the workplace. In the case of careers, they can manage job assignments better and set up and manage effective job assessment procedures. Copyright

Making the Most of Virtual Expertise in Telemedicine and Telehealth Environment

Virtual expertise is a critical component of telehealth projects and it needs to be effectively managed if telehealth is to deliver on its potential. There are many issues within telehealth that relate in some way to the management of knowledge and we identify from a range of papers these specific issues. We propose a virtual expertise platform that provides the basic building blocks for effect leveraging of expertise in this domain. The platform includes management directives and goals, a collaborative culture, an appropriate ICT platform and a knowledge tools layer that interact facilitate knowledge sharing and ultimately improved patient care. We also emphasise how social media tools can be used as part of the knowledge tools layer to improve virtual knowledge sharing before and after the telehealth events.

How organizing visions influence the adoption and use of reverse auctions

This research investigates strategic and tactical approaches to reverse auction use, and how they are influenced by organizing visions. Organizing visions are real and perceived forces that influence the adoption of information technology. We use an extensive literature review and a case study of a reverse auction provider, that has managed thousands of auctions for organizations, to investigate how organizing visions impact on decision making in relation to reverse auction adoption and use.The findings from the study show that e-auctions are used to reduce procurement costs and improve efficiency and are more likely to be used for commodity purchases. The narrower tactical role for e-auctions that is now evident in some organizations is shaped by the fear and disdain surrounding past use and in particular the perception of the damage to supplier relationships that their widespread adoption in procurement could create. The reverse auction vendor legitimates tactical adoption through the type of service provided. The paper makes an original contribution to theory in extending the concept of organizing visions. It concludes that although an organizing vision is often viewed as a force for adopting technology it can also be a limiting force that inhibits organizations from obtaining significant benefits from technological opportunities.

The politics and ethics of career progression in IS: a systems perspective

Organizational politicsExamines the role of politics in the internal promotion of information systems IS professionals. Most studies take a management perspective when looking at the skills required of employees. Takes an employee perspective. Taking a systems perspective has a number of benefits when examining career progression since the important factors are so interwoven and deal greatly with softer perceptions. A systems view relies on providing multiple representations of reality. The main difference from previous studies is the emphasis on career progression given to the role of politics by IS practitioners.

CAN E-MARKETPLACES BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE? AN ANALYSIS OF TWO WESTERN AUSTRALIAN CASES

In Australia, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly rural SMEs, are perceived as being on the wrong side of the digital divide. Government at local and state levels has taken a leading role in the development of electronic marketplaces with an aim of improving SME participation. Many government departments now either own or sponsor electronic marketplaces. The aims of government agencies in creating e‐marketplaces are often motivated by regional economic development issues. Whilst government entities may think e‐marketplaces are an effective channel for implementing government policy, a number of complications can arise from this model. Despite the community development motivation, a major argument for e‐marketplace development being put forward is the economic one and this has contributed to a narrow view of the e‐marketplace concept and one, which for the time being at least, is likely to restrict its impact. Government sponsored e‐marketplaces should consider the value of on‐line business networks to share knowledge and potentially increase levels of innovation. The findings have implications for government sponsored e‐marketplace initiatives around the world.

Service value exchange in B2B electronic marketplaces

Purpose – This paper aims to explore what aspects of organisational value can be realised through taking a service exchange perspective of e-marketplaces as opposed to a product transaction perspective Marketing is increasingly concerned with the notion of service value in business-to-business markets. Electronic marketplaces (e-marketplaces) have been used in B2B exchanges for many years and continually evolve as the understanding of e-marketplace participation and the technologies develop. Design/methodology/approach – A case study approach is taken using three large e-marketplace organisations and interviews with senior managers from each company. Findings – The paper argues that e-marketplaces should not be thought of solely as a product transaction mechanism but rather as a digital marketing and communication network where service, rather than products, forms the basis of a value creating exchange. Practical implications – Organisations can co-create value within an e-marketplace network but must mar...

The Role of the Lifeworld Concept in Wiki Adoption and Use

ABSTRACT Wikis can be useful collaborative tools within a design environment for sharing knowledge and expertise. However, there is still a need for research to explain the reasons for their success and failure in organizations. In this paper, we examine the role and influence of wiki adoption and use on the lifeworld of a group of designers in an interior design firm in China. We propose a framework of where and how wiki use impacts on the lifeworld of the designers that can be used to guide designers in their adoption of such tools. In particular, the study highlights the implications of taking an overly instrumental approach in their adoption that can detract from the potential benefits of their use.