Journal of Systems and Information Technology

E.C.W. Lou; J.S. Goulding

2010 Journal of Systems and Information Technology

doi: 10.1108/13287261011070812

Purpose – Electronic readiness (e‐readiness) presents a measure to which an organisation or business may be ready, prepared or willing to obtain benefits which arise from the digital economy. In this context, an advanced state of organisational e‐readiness is needed for businesses to expand domestically and internationally; to compete readily in the global open market. It is therefore imperative that organisations align their business strategies with e‐readiness strategies. This paper aims to focus on these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The paper investigates the initiation, development and practice of e‐readiness of nations, and presents a case for possible adoption for the built environment area. By combining key indicators of e‐readiness of nations and achieving business success and competitive advantage, the pervasiveness of e‐readiness within the built environment arena is determined. The validity of this initial research is further endorsed through industry collaboration research. Findings – The relationship between people, process, and technology are common themes and enablers of e‐readiness. In this respect, built environment organisations are no different. These elements are highly interrelated, as developing competence in one element must be accompanied by improvement in the others. Contextually therefore, the key elements of organisational e‐readiness should embody each nation's (national) e‐readiness reports, rankings, assessments and measuring tools as their fundamental building blocks. Originality/value – This paper presents an argument that the industry needs to adopt a “measured approach” to help them be “e‐ready” – the rubrics of which should be augmented through some form of a practical framework which allows them to measure their e‐readiness capability. This paper postulates that any such model should embrace both the “hard” and “soft” issues associated with people, technology, and process.

Syed Arshad Raza; Craig Standing

2010 Journal of Systems and Information Technology

doi: 10.1108/13287261011070821

Purpose – This paper aims to propose an extended version of systems development life cycle (SDLC) based on critical systems thinking for information system (IS) adoption in an organizational context from a management perspective. Design/methodology/approach – The model integrates traditional SDLC with the ongoing process of “phase‐stakeholders‐identification” or “pha‐stak‐ification”. The emerging systemic stakeholder networks is proposed to be applied with network mechanisms to influence stakeholders' attitudes towards IS adoption. The authors, considering IS adoption as a multi‐phase innovation project, argue that boundary considerations using a multiple stakeholder perspective (boundary critique) provides an alternative focus for IS adoption. Findings – The study suggests that the proposed model has the capacity to serve as a roadmap for a smooth IS adoption by facilitating organizational learning and change. Research limitations/implications – The study has not been tested empirically. Originality/value – Successful IS implementation improves organizational efficiency and creates competitive advantage. Established information technology adoption models like technology acceptance model and theory of reasoned action consider technology adoption from the users' viewpoint without taking a holistic perspective into account. This article takes a systems perspective to technology development and the systems development life cycle.

Ali Hussein Zolait; Abdul Razak Ibrahim; V.G.R. Chandran; Veera Pandiyan Kaliani Sundram

2010 Journal of Systems and Information Technology

doi: 10.1108/13287261011070830

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to attempt to identify the relationship between supply chain process integration and firm performance. Design/methodology/approach – The dimension classification and measurement instrument of the framework adapted from the previous research focus on firm performance impacts of digitally enabled supply chain integration (SCI) capabilities. The study employed the quantitative method where convenience sampling and self‐administered survey questionnaires were sent to 98 conference participants in Malaysia. The research framework was pre‐tested using multivariate analysis. Findings – The findings reveal that all three dimensions of supply chain process integration were statistically significant to firm performance. Furthermore, information flow integration shows a greater influence than physical and financial flow integration. Research limitations/implications – This study focused on the manufacturing sector with respondents who were participants of a conference. Practical implications – The results offer insights to supply chain management practitioners and policy makers on the importance of SCI and information technology (IT) infrastructure to improve the competitiveness of manufacturing industry in terms of operational excellence, revenue growth and customer relationship. Originality/value – This study adds to the body of knowledge by providing new data and empirical insight on the relationship between SCI and firm performance specifically for the manufacturing industry in Malaysia. In addition, the findings may invite opportunities for comparative studies mainly with other industries as well as other developing and developed economies.

Steve Benson

2010 Journal of Systems and Information Technology

doi: 10.1108/13287261011070849

Purpose – The paper's aim is to present a personal viewpoint of the state of the information systems discipline in Australian universities and hence provoke useful discussion in academia and industry. Design/methodology/approach – Informal interviews with Australian information systems academics, were carried out, along with inspection of university web sites and conference mailing lists, using biology as a reference discipline. Findings – It would seem that the information systems discipline in Australian universities is close to collapse unless action is taken. Research limitations/implications – The paper represents a personal viewpoint, the methods employed are such that the paper is indicative rather than definitive. Practical implications – The paper is relevant to information systems academics, university managers, government and employers in Australia. It provides a useful referent for the consideration of education and immigration policies. Originality/value – It has been some time since a paper considering the state of the art of the information systems has been published. No published paper has taken this perspective.

Dong‐Young Kim; Gerald Grant

2010 Journal of Systems and Information Technology

doi: 10.1108/13287261011070858

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for assessing the maturity level of electronic government (e‐government). Design/methodology/approach – The conceptual framework is based on two models: the intellectual capital (IC) management and the capability maturity model integration (CMMI). Findings – The framework is composed of four input areas (human capital, structural capital, relational capital, and IT investment) and five maturity stages (web presence, interaction, transaction, integration, and continuous improvement). These areas are assessed by using the IC management model and the CMMI model. Employing the IC management process enables not only practitioners to effectively manage resources, but also auditors to more objectively assess the input area. Using the CMMI model allows governments to conduct process‐based assessments. Originality/value – The paper contributes to the literature and practice in the following ways. First, it outlines how to define and assess key attributes of e‐government activities. It can help governments to enhance the awareness and understanding of maturity levels of e‐government. Second, this research expands the scope of current studies on a maturity model by providing a balanced view between input factors (resources) and results (maturity stages). For practitioners, assessing the input factors enables them to realize how to prioritize strategies and resources. For academics, this attempt sheds light on the concepts of IC in e‐government studies. Third, considering the CMMI model will be helpful to conduct an objective and useful assessment. On the basis of a matrix for assessing maturity levels, governments can conduct self‐assessment and establish stable and mature implementation processes.