Business Information Systems - Journal Articles

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The added value of a mobile application of Community Case Management on referral, re-consultation and hospitalization rates of children aged under 5 years in two districts in Northern Malawi: study protocol for a pragmatic, stepped-wedge cluster-randomized controlled trial
(BioMed Central, 2017-10-11) Hardy, Victoria; O'Connor, Yvonne; Heavin, Ciara; Mastellos, Nikolaos; Tran, Tammy; O'Donoghue, John; Fitzpatrick, Annette L.; Ide, Nicole; Wu, Tsung-Shu Joseph; Chirambo, Griphin Baxter; Muula, Adamson S.; Nyirenda, Moffat; Carlsson, Sven; Andersson, Bo; Thompson, Matthew; Seventh Framework Programme
Analysing the impact of enterprise resource planning systems roll-outs in multi-national companies
(Academic Conferences and Publishing International (ACPI), 2003-06) Carton, Fergal; Adam, Frédéric
Large organisations, in particular multi-national corporations, have been at the forefront of the ERP movement since its origins. They have used these highly integrated systems as a way to achieve greater levels of standardisation of business processes across sites and greater centralisation of IT resources. The most common scenario for an ERP implementation in a large multi-national firm is the phased roll-out, whereby the modules of the application are implemented in all the sites in a series of waves. A standard implementation, as designed by Headquarters, is replicated in each site. This standard implementation uses a base configuration, sometimes referred to as a template or blueprint, which cannot be deviated from in any of the sites. These monolithic implementations can be quite traumatic for individual sites where local practices, sometimes quite well established and rich in organizational learning, must be abandoned. This may lead to large scale organisational problems, which must be ironed out if the full potential of the enterprise-wide system is to be obtained. In an attempt to tease out the issues in the global implementation of ERP systems, we carried out a number of case studies at Irish manufacturing sites of multinational firms where management sought ways to defend their hard won local reputation for excellence and efficiency in the face of changes to the organisation due to a corporate ERP implementation. Our study indicates that local managers are given too little scope and time to adequately adapt the template to their site and that the risk of productivity loss is quite high, at least in the short term. We conclude that mechanisms must be put in place to better understand how to accommodate local specificities whilst enforcing the required level of standardisation.
Approaches to mobile health evaluation: a comparative study
(Taylor & Francis, 2019-11-27) Dick, Samantha; O'Connor, Yvonne; Heavin, Ciara; Seventh Framework Programme
A major challenge faced by mobile health (mHealth) is identifying an evaluation technique which provides a rigorous evaluation while capturing the unique characteristics of the intervention. This study investigates traditional and emerging methods of mHealth evaluation, identifying existing gaps. This research is a useful first step toward developing an evaluation technique which will facilitate implementation and enable mHealth to reach its potential in accelerating socio-economic development, particularly in Low and Middle Income countries (LMICs).
Barriers to deciding on a consumption-based model for funding IT
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2020-06-19) Cooney, Alan; Hayes, Jeremy; McAvoy, John; O'Raghallaigh, Paidi
This study explores the factors that hinder IT departments in moving towards a consumption-based operating model (OpEx). The study explores the views of major stakeholders in a large global technology company on the possible introduction of the model. These views are triangulated with those of a select number of external experts. IT funding decisions have been complex problems for organisations. In the real world there are conflicts between the nominal IT funding practices and the actual IT operational practices currently being employed. The IT funding process skews the downstream management controls. Further research is required to understand the dynamism between the two. The study uses the lens of Behavioural Cloudonomics, which is at the intersection of psychology, economics, and the cloud and is well positioned to help us understand and address the factors that underpin the economic decision-making behaviours around the move to the Cloud.
The benefit of receding horizon control: near-optimal policies for stochastic inventory control
(Elsevier Ltd., 2019-07-24) Dural-Selcuk, Gozdem; Rossi, Roberto; Kilic, Onur A.; Tarim, S. Armagan
In this paper we address the single-item, single-stocking point, non-stationary stochastic lot-sizing problem under backorder costs. It is well known that the (s, S) policy provides the optimal control for such inventory systems. However the computational difficulties and the nervousness inherent in (s, S) paved the way for the development of various near-optimal inventory control policies. We provide a systematic comparison of these policies and present their expected cost performances. We further show that when these policies are used in a receding horizon framework the cost performances improve considerably and differences among policies become insignificant.
Benefit realisation through ERP: the re-emergence of data warehousing
(Academic Conferences and Publishing International (ACPI), 2003-01) Carton, Fergal; Sammon, David; Adam, Frédéric
The need for an integrated enterprise-wide set of management information pronounced Data Warehousing the ‘hot topic’ of the early-to-mid 1990’s, however, it became unfashionable through the mid-to-late 1990s, with the approach of Y2K and with it the widespread implementation of ERP systems. However, in recent times, the re-emergence of Data Warehousing, to address the limitations and unrealised benefits of ERP systems implementation, provides researchers with a new challenge in understanding the ‘double learning curve’ for an organisation, undertaking in quick succession both an ERP systems project and a Data Warehousing project, in an attempt to finally achieve the benefits expected but never realised.
Blended stakeholder participation for responsible Information Systems research
(2020) McCarthy, Stephen; Rowan, Wendy; Lynch, Laura; Fitzgerald, Ciara
Information Systems (IS) research is often conducted under the assumption that technology use leads to positive outcomes for different stakeholders. However, many IS studies demonstrate limited evidence of having engaged with the stakeholders that they claim benefit and speak on behalf of. It is therefore not surprising that examples abound of where technology use has failed ‘to make the world a better place’, or worse still has contributed towards unintended negative outcomes. In light of these concerns, calls have recently emerged for responsible research and innovation (RRI) studies in IS to understand how different stakeholder groups can have a voice in complex socio-technical issues. In this paper, we take steps towards addressing this call by presenting case study findings from a responsible IS research project which combined ‘blended’ face-to-face and online participatory techniques. The case study relates to a large-scale consultation undertaken in a 24-month European project involving 30 countries. The project engaged over 1,500 stakeholders in the co-creation of future research agendas for the European Union. We discuss case study findings using Stilgoe, Owen, & Macnaghten’s (2013) RRI framework (Anticipation, Reflexivity, Inclusion, Deliberation, Responsiveness) and reflect on lessons learned for responsible IS research going forward.
Building a shared understanding of female participation in IT through collaboration: a shared mental model approach
(AIS Electronic Library (AISeL), 2019-01) Kiely, Gaye L.; Heavin, Ciara; Lynch, Patricia
Information Technology has never been more pervasive and accessible, yet decreasing female participation in the field (and the variety of reported causes) presents a ‘wicked problem’ for IT educators and professionals. In this article, we suggest that female students’ decision-making is adversely impacted by an inaccurate, shared understanding of IT. Subsequently, the problem of low female participation in IT requires a practical, collaborative solution. Employing an abductive research approach, we undertook a qualitative, exploratory study of female-only schools in Ireland using the #MakeITWork programme. During this multi-phased programme, we conducted (i) focus groups to explore female students’ perception of IT undergraduate degree programmes and careers; (ii) knowledge exchange (KX) sessions to communicate IT degree and career opportunities; and (iii) a survey to assess the efficacy of the approach in changing perceptions. Data analysis revealed that a new accurate shared mental model (SMM) was needed to support female students’ education decisions. This facilitated theory development with respect to female students’ decision to pursue IT education and careers. Study findings indicate that while attitudes towards IT careers are largely outdated, these views can be changed through a collaborative intervention workshop approach. This can be achieved through greater stakeholder collaboration and better quality information available via novel formats.
Building consumer trust in the cloud: an experimental analysis of the cloud trust label approach
(Springer, 2019-04-24) van der Werff, Lisa; Fox, Grace; Masevic, Ieva; Emeakaroha, Vincent C.; Morrison, John P.; Lynn, Theo; Enterprise Ireland; IDA Ireland
The lack of transparency surrounding cloud service provision makes it difficult for consumers to make knowledge based purchasing decisions. As a result, consumer trust has become a major impediment to cloud computing adoption. Cloud Trust Labels represent a means of communicating relevant service and security information to potential customers on the cloud service provided, thereby facilitating informed decision making. This research investigates the potential of a Cloud Trust Label system to overcome the trust barrier. Specifically, it examines the impact of a Cloud Trust Label on consumer perceptions of a service and cloud service provider trustworthiness and trust in the cloud service and cloud service provider. An experimental study was carried out with a sample of 227 business decision makers with data collected before exposure to the label to examine initial perceptions and after exposure to the label to examine any change in perceptions and attitudes. As hypothesised, the results suggest that Cloud Trust Labels that contain positive information can have a positive impact on trust and trustworthiness while Cloud Trust Labels that contain negative information have a negative impact. The practical implications of this new method of communicating trustworthiness online are discussed and recommendations are made for future research.
A categorisation framework for a feature-level analysis of social network sites
(Taylor & Francis, 2016-06-16) O'Riordan, Sheila; Feller, Joseph; Nagle, Tadhg
Social media (SM) have enabled new forms of communication, interaction, and connectivity that affect individuals on a personal and professional level. But SM is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of technologies with both distinct and shared capabilities. In addition, while there is an agreed-upon definition of these systems, a comprehensive list of features and their affordances does not exist. Hence, this study sought to create a feature-level categorisation framework for analysing the use of social network sites (SNS). This categorisation was undertaken using the concept of affordances, which framed the high-level characteristics as well as distinct SNS features, to better understand the divergence in SNS capabilities and inform the study of different types of SM. The framework was created from an analysis of the literature on SNS affordances and a system investigation into three types of SNS (Facebook, YouTube and Twitter). The comprehensive review was undertaken using two families of SNS affordances (social and content affordances) identified in the literature to categorise and compare the platforms. The study reveals a diverse collection of features which afford behaviour in six areas of activity: profile building, social connectivity, social interactivity, content discovery, content sharing and content aggregation. Finally, the framework provides a basis from which the usage and management of SM within organisations can be more rigorously investigated.
Characterising the knowledge approach of a firm: an investigation of knowledge activities in five software SMEs
(Academic Conferences and Publishing International (ACPI), 2012-01) Heavin, Ciara; Adam, Frédéric
An organisation’s ability to successfully compete in a changing market place is contingent on its ability to manage what it knows, in order to serve the objectives of the firm. While it has been argued that due to their size, knowledge management (KM) is not a concern for smaller organisations, in the current economic climate, it is expected that a more formalised approach to KM allows the company to seize opportunities as they arise, and deal with environmental uncertainty more effectively. In view of this, the objective of this study was to devise a classification of knowledge activities (KAs) which facilitates the exploration of a Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in terms of the type and extent to which knowledge is managed. Furthermore, analysis of KAs provided a greater understanding of the fit between the firm’s objectives and the KM approach pursued. In order to achieve this, five case studies were conducted. Based on the classification of KAs identified, a qualitative analysis approach was used to code each of the twenty eight interviews carried out. Both quantitative and qualitative content analysis methods were applied to facilitate data reduction and generate meaning from the significant volume of data collected. The output from this study includes a classification of KAs which provides rich insight into how SMEs are motivated to deal with knowledge as a means of achieving their organisational objectives. From a practitioner viewpoint, this study seeks to offer an improved understanding of a software SMEs’ approach to KM.
A cognitive model of digital transformation and IS decision making
(Taylor & Francis, 2020-11-30) Russell, Kenneth D.; O'Raghallaigh, Paidi; McAvoy, John; Hayes, Jeremy
Individuals are complex bundles of thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and behaviours. For a digital transformation (DT) to be successful, it is necessary to understand how these bundles impact individuals' reactions to an impending change to then intervene to increase the likelihood of its success. Cognition is the mental action or process of acquiring understanding through thoughts, beliefs and emotions. Cognitive Models (CMs) describing these thoughts, beliefs, emotions and behaviours are applied and researched in psychology. On the other hand, the Information Systems (IS) domain is dominated by a behaviourist rather than a cognitivist approach. In this paper, we investigate what we can learn from these other sciences. By combining the research from the IS domain with that from the psychology domain, this paper presents a theoretical Cognitive Model for Digital Transformation (CMDT) that is a move towards explaining individual cognitive predispositions to DT and change decision making.
Comparing approaches to optimize cut-off scores for short cognitive screening instruments in mild cognitive impairment and dementia
(IOS Press, 2017) O'Caoimh, Rónán; Gao, Yang; Svendovski, Anton; Gallagher, Paul F.; Eustace, Joseph A.; Molloy, D. William; Canadian Institutes of Health Research; Atlantic Philanthropies
Background: Although required to improve the usability of cognitive screening instruments (CSIs), the use of cut-off scores is controversial yet poorly researched. Objective: To explore cut-off scores for two short CSIs: the Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE) and Quick Mild Cognitive Impairment (Qmci) screen, describing adjustments in scores for diagnosis (MCI or dementia), age (<=, > 75 years), and education (<, >= 12 years), comparing two methods: the maximal accuracy approach, derived from receiver operating characteristic curves, and Youden's Index. Methods: Pooled analysis of assessments from patients attending memory clinics in Canada between 1999-2010 : 766 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 1,746 with dementia, and 875 normal controls. Results: The Qmci was more accurate than the SMMSE in differentiating controls from MCI or cognitive impairment (MCI and dementia). Employing the maximal accuracy approach, the optimal SMMSE cut-off for cognitive impairment was < 28/30 (AUC 0.86, sensitivity 74%, specificity 88%) versus < 63/100 for the Qmci (AUC 0.93, sensitivity 85%, specificity 85%). Using Youden's Index, the optimal SMMSE cut-off remained < 28/30 but fell slightly to < 62/100 for the Qmci (sensitivity 83%, specificity 87%). The optimal cut-off for MCI was < 29/30 for the SMMSE and < 67/100 for the Qmci, irrespective of technique. The maximal accuracy approach generally produced higher Qmci cut-offs than Youden's Index, both requiring adjustment for age and education. There were no clinically meaningful differences in SMMSE cut- off scores by age and education or method employed. Conclusion: Caution should be exercised selecting cut-offs as these differ by age, education, and method of derivation, with the extent of adjustment varying between CSIs.
Compliance-innovation: a quality-based route to sustainability
(Elsevier Ltd., 2018-11-01) Doyle, Eleanor; McGovern, Damien; McCarthy, Stephen; Perez-Alaniz, Mauricio; Environmental Protection Agency
The areas of Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) and innovation are under-explored in research generally, and specifically in sustainability-oriented research. In this paper we propose a practice-based concept of Compliance-Innovation and set out its significance for sustainability. Development of the concept is based on a literature review and exploratory qualitative research with eighteen practitioners. The concept acknowledges the central role of knowledge integration across business domains as the basis of modern competitive advantage. The absence of such integration in the GRC and innovation domains, revealed in practice, opens opportunities. The governing force for such integration is presented here as sustainability, when applied as a strategic orientation for business. We outline how the integration of GRC and innovation domains drive commercial exploitation for environmental sustainability and business sustainability. Building on the concept of Absorptive Capacity we identify both external and internal sources of knowledge as determinants of organization's selected sustainability goals, which are relevant across the phases of organizations' innovation activities throughout its Innovation Value Chain. We argue that a quality-based orientation is necessary to derive value from the networks employed in applying the concept in practice.
A comprehensive view on quantity based aggregation for cadastral databases
(Elsevier Ltd, 2017-03-01) Al Khalil, Firas; Gabillon, Alban; Capolsini, Patrick
Quantity Based Aggregation (QBA) control is a subject that is closely related to inference control in databases. The goal is to enforce k out of n disclosure control. In this paper we work on QBA problems in the context of cadastral databases: how to prevent a user from knowing 1) the owners of all parcels in a region, and 2) all parcels belonging to the same owner. This work combines and extends our previous work on the subject [1, 2, 3]. We overview the legislative context surrounding cadastral databases. We give important definitions related to the QBA concept. We present a complete model for QBA control in cadastral databases. We show how to implement the security policy efficiently, and we present our prototype of secure cadastral databases with some performance evaluations.
Computing optimal (R,s,S) policy parameters by a hybrid of branch-and-bound and stochastic dynamic programming
(Elsevier, 2021-01-13) Visentin, Andrea; Prestwich, Steven D.; Rossi, Roberto; Tarim, S. Armagan; Science Foundation Ireland; European Regional Development Fund
A well-known control policy in stochastic inventory control is the policy, in which inventory is raised to an order-up-to-level S at a review instant R whenever it falls below reorder-level s. To date, little or no work has been devoted to developing approaches for computing policy parameters. In this work, we introduce a hybrid approach that exploits tree search to compute optimal replenishment cycles, and stochastic dynamic programming to compute levels for a given cycle. Up to 99.8% of the search tree is pruned by a branch-and-bound technique with bounds generated by dynamic programming. A numerical study shows that the method can solve instances of realistic size in a reasonable time.
Contemporary issues of open data in information systems research: considerations and recommendations
(Association for Information Systems, 2017-11) Link, Georg J.P.; Lumbard, Kevin; Conboy, Kieran; Feldman, Michael; Feller, Joseph; George, Jordana; Germonprez, Matt; Goggins, Sean; Jeske, Debora; Kiely, Gaye; Schuster, Kristen; Willis, Matt
Researchers, governments, and funding agencies are calling on research disciplines to embrace open dataâ data that anyone can access and use. They have done so based on the premise that research efforts can draw and generate several benefits from open data because it might provide further insight and enable individuals to replicate and extend current knowledge in different contexts. These potential benefits, coupled with a global push towards open data policies, bring open data into the agenda of research disciplines, which includes information systems (IS). In this paper, we respond to these developments as follows. We outline themes in the ongoing discussion around open data in the IS discipline. The themes fall into two clusters: 1) the motivation for open data includes themes of mandated sharing, benefits to the research process, extending the life of research data, and career impact; and 2) the implementation of open data includes themes of governance, socio-technical system, standards, data quality, and ethical considerations. In this paper, we outline the findings from a pre-ICIS 2016 workshop on the topic of open data. The workshop discussion confirmed themes and identified issues that require attention in terms of the approaches that IS researchers currently use. The IS discipline offers a unique knowledge base, tools, and methods that can advance open data across disciplines. Based on our findings, we provide suggestions on how IS researchers can drive the open data conversation. Further, we provide advice for adopting and establishing procedures and guidelines for archiving, evaluating, and using open data.
Contextual barriers to mobile health technology in African countries: a perspective piece
(Journal of Mobile Technology in Medicine Inc., 2015-01) O'Connor, Yvonne; O'Donoghue, John; Seventh Framework Programme
On a global scale, healthcare practitioners are now beginning to move from traditional desktop-based computer technologies towards mobile computing environments[1]. Consequently, such environments have received immense attention from both academia and industry, in order to explore these promising opportunities, apparent limitations, and implications for both theory and practice[2]. The application of mobile IT within a medical context, referred to as mobile health or mHealth, has revolutionised the delivery of healthcare services as mobile technologies offer the potential of retrieving, modifying and entering patient-related data/information at the point-of-care. As a component of the larger health informatics domain mHealth may be referred as all portable computing devices (e.g. mobile phones, mobile clinical assistants and medical sensors) used in a healthcare context to support the delivery of healthcare services.
Crisis checklists for in-hospital emergencies: expert consensus, simulation testing and recommendations for a template determined by a multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary learning collaborative
(BioMed Central, 2017-05-08) Subbe, Christian P.; Kellett, John; Barach, Paul; Chaloner, Catriona; Cleaver, Hayley; Cooksley, Tim; Korsten, Erik; Croke, Eilish; Davis, Elinor; De Bie, Ashley J.R.; Durham, Lesley; Hancock, Chris; Hartin, Jilian; Savijn, Tracy; Welch, John; Crisis Checklist Collaborative
Background: ‘Failure to rescue’ of hospitalized patients with deteriorating physiology on general wards is caused by a complex array of organisational, technical and cultural failures including a lack of standardized team and individual expected responses and actions. The aim of this study using a learning collaborative method was to develop consensus recomendations on the utility and effectiveness of checklists as training and operational tools to assist in improving the skills of general ward staff on the effective rescue of patients with abnormal physiology. Methods: A scoping study of the literature was followed by a multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary international learning collaborative. We sought to achieve a consensus on procedures and clinical simulation technology to determine the requirements, develop and test a safe using a checklist template that is rapidly accessible to assist in emergency management of common events for general ward use. Results: Safety considerations about deteriorating patients were agreed upon and summarized. A consensus was achieved among an international group of experts on currently available checklist formats performing poorly in simulation testing as first responders in general ward clinical crises. The Crisis Checklist Collaborative ratified a consensus template for a general ward checklist that provides a list of issues for first responders to address (i.e. ‘Check In’), a list of prompts regarding common omissions (i.e. ‘Stop & Think’), and, a list of items required for the safe “handover” of patients that remain on the general ward (i.e. ‘Check Out’). Simulation usability assessment of the template demonstrated feasibility for clinical management of deteriorating patients. Conclusions: Emergency checklists custom-designed for general ward patients have the potential to guide the treatment speed and reliability of responses for emergency management of patients with abnormal physiology while minimizing the risk of adverse events. Interventional trials are needed.
The dark side of digitalization and social media platform governance: a citizen engagement study
(Emerald, 2023-01-09) McCarthy, Stephen; Rowan, Wendy; Mahony, Carolanne; Vergne, Antoine
Purpose: Social media platforms are a pervasive technology that continues to define the modern world. While social media has brought many benefits to society in terms of connection and content sharing, numerous concerns remain for the governance of social media platforms going forward, including (but not limited to) the spread of misinformation, hate speech and online surveillance. However, the voice of citizens and other non-experts is often missing from such conversations in information systems literature, which has led to an alleged gap between research and the everyday life of citizens. Design/methodology/approach: The authors address this gap by presenting findings from 16 h of online dialog with 25 citizens on social media platform governance. The online dialog was undertaken as part of a worldwide consultation project called “We, the internet”, which sought to provide citizens with a voice on a range of topics such as “Digitalization and Me,” “My Data, Your Data, Our Data” and “A Strong Digital Public Sphere.” Five phases of thematic analysis were undertaken by the authors to code the corpus of qualitative data. Findings: Drawing on the Theory of Communicative Action, the authors discuss three dialogical processes critical to citizen discourse: lifeworld reasoning, rationalization and moral action. The findings point toward citizens’ perspectives of current and future issues associated with social media platform governance, including concerns around the multiplicity of digital identities, consent for vulnerable groups and transparency in content moderation. The findings also reveal citizens’ rationalization of the dilemmas faced in addressing these issues going forward, including tensions such as digital accountability vs data privacy, protection vs inclusion and algorithmic censorship vs free speech. Originality/value: Based on outcomes from this dialogical process, moral actions in the form of policy recommendations are proposed by citizens and for citizens. The authors find that tackling these dark sides of digitalization is something too important to be left to “Big Tech” and equally requires an understanding of citizens’ perspectives to ensure an informed and positive imprint for change.

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