Journal of Systems and Information Technology

Chung, Moonsang; Bae, ZongTae; Lee, Jinjoo

1999 Journal of Systems and Information Technology

doi: 10.1108/13287269980000745

This paper proposes a new hierarchical approach toward MIS evaluation, which emphasizes the evaluation of the strategic aspects of MIS, as well as the evaluations of the activities of MIS functions and the quality of application systems. Based on the previous studies and the preliminary field survey, concepts and contents of three hierarchical evaluation types such as systemoriented, functionoriented and strategyoriented evaluations were presented, and four propositions were drawn. The surveys of 130 Korean firms, conducted in 1991 and 1997 successively, show that majority of firms use systemoriented or functionoriented evaluation type, although the usage rate of strategyoriented type is slightly higher in 1997 than in 1991 and most MIS managers consider the strategyoriented evaluation as the ideal one. It is also found that the firms of higher MIS maturity use the strategyoriented evaluation type, and the firms with strategyoriented evaluation type show a higher MIS performance. Results of this study imply that strategic roles of MIS should be more emphasized and different evaluation types should be used along with MIS maturity. In addition, the design of MIS evaluation framework should be done carefully in the strategic and managerial contexts, because MIS performance can vary with evaluation type. Finally, some limitations of the study and directions for further research were suggested.

Castleman, Tanya; Coulthard, Darryl

1999 Journal of Systems and Information Technology

doi: 10.1108/13287269980000746

If IS educators are to provide their students with an understanding of the overall context in which they will develop professional careers, they must have good information about graduates employment destinations and their workforce experiences. That information is difficult to obtain from standard data collections. This paper explores the early job experiences of IS graduates using survey and interview data. While the graduates have a strong IS professional orientation and experience friendly work environments, their expectations of access to interesting work, career advice and opportunities for advancement appear to outstrip their experience in the workplace.

van Akkeren, Jeanette K.; Cavaye, Angle L.M.

1999 Journal of Systems and Information Technology

doi: 10.1108/13287269980000747

The adoption of Internet technologies by the small business sector is important to their ongoing survival. Yet, given the opportunities and benefits that Internet technologies can provide it has been shown that Australian small businesses are relatively slow in adopting them. This paper develops a model from recent literature on the facilitators and inhibitors to the adoption of Internet technologies by small business. Crosscase analysis of findings from three case studies are presented. Findings indicate that perceived lack of business benefit, mistrust of the IT industry and lack of understanding of Internet technologies are major inhibitors to Internet adoption by small business.

Symonds, Judith

1999 Journal of Systems and Information Technology

doi: 10.1108/13287269980000748

The differences between urban and rural Internet capability have emerged as a very important issue in recent years. In Australia, the problem has been addressed partly, through providing support for public regional Internet Facilities such as Internet Cafes. The economic merits of public Internet facilities in regional and rural areas are well promoted. This study explores these economic benefits, as well as some very valuable social benefits not often recognised. An exploratory research design is employed and data from indepth interviews with four public Internet facilities is analysed. The study draws conclusions about the balance between economic and social issues in managing the Internet. These findings have implications for the future development of public regional Internet facilities.