Valerie Baker

Unpacking the RFID Investment Decision

Mandates aside, there are many reasons why firms decide to move forward with or delay investment in radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. In this paper, we use a theoretically-based, easy to implement methodology to empirically derive a relative importance scale of those factors that influence the decision to invest in RFID technology. More specifically, we compare the factors that matter most and least to a sample of firms that have adopted RFID technology with a sample of firms that have yet to embrace RFID technology. The theoretical and practical implications are that both RFID adopters and nonadopters are driven by the promise of greater data accuracy, improved information visibility, service quality, process innovation, and track-and-trace capabilities. What separates the adopters from the nonadopters is an opportunity to derive strategic benefits from RFID through improved decision making. Not surprisingly, the nonadopting firms are primarily concerned with the high acquisition and other ongoing costs associated with RFID technology.

Understanding the ERP Investment Decision

This paper investigates the multi-million dollar decisions that organizations undertake when they decide to invest in ERP systems. The focus is on the recent decision made by a large manufacturing organization in Australia, to invest in ERP. Many issues surrounding ERP as a source of competitive advantage are brought to light and approaches to solving the complex investment problems are posed

The Hybridization of Automatic Identification Techniques in Mass Market Applications: Towards a Model of Coexistence

The number and type of automatic identification technologies in the market have grown since the bar code was introduced in the retail sector in the late 1960s. This paper studies the selection environment of auto-ID and defines, describes and gives examples of three main patterns of innovation: migration, integration, and convergence. The findings indicate that technology adoption is not always about choosing the dominant design but about how to future-proof an auto-ID implementation. Enterprises wishing to adopt auto-ID techniques need to be aware that technology is not static, auto-ID techniques are not stand-alone, and consumers may have wide-ranging requirements for multipurpose auto-ID devices

The Evolution of eCommerce Strategy and Supply Chain Management Practices in the Steel Manufacturing Industry

A central concern of businesses who seek to be successful in e-commerce environments is: “ How are companies both old and new moving from traditional applications to the new breed of integrated, e-business application architectures?” (Kalakota and Robinson, 2000). A recent study undertaken at BHP Billiton Steel (Aust) explores how companies evolve from a traditional supply chain philosophy to one that utilises technologies such as the Internet and Web, adding non-traditional business practices that in corporate an end consumer link.