ABSTRACT Flow, a state of mind experienced by those deeply involved in an activity, has become in... more ABSTRACT Flow, a state of mind experienced by those deeply involved in an activity, has become increasingly relevant to online merchants. Flow leads to positive and excited engagement with a website and an increased likelihood of return visits, or e-loyalty. However, researchers have struggled with the definition and measurement of flow in an e-commerce environment.
Abstract Develops a competency maturity model to describe the skills of a data analyst that posit... more Abstract Develops a competency maturity model to describe the skills of a data analyst that positively influence data warehouse usage and insight generation in today's data warehouse environment. Exploratory case studies were used to identify critical competencies and develop new measures of data warehouse usage and success. Grounded in HC Triandis's (1979) theory of motivation, a research model was tested using a survey of 169 data analysts from seven organizations.
ABSTRACT Recent regulatory changes have affected the composition, role, and responsibilities of B... more ABSTRACT Recent regulatory changes have affected the composition, role, and responsibilities of Boards of Directors worldwide. While a sound knowledge of directors' fiduciary responsibilities has emerged, considerably less attention has been devoted to understanding the nature of, and concomitant duty-of-care towards information systems and technology assets in the organization, or IT Governance.
Today the market for luxury goods and services is booming: from the $2 Million Bugatti Veyron, th... more Today the market for luxury goods and services is booming: from the $2 Million Bugatti Veyron, through gem encrusted $700,000 Montblanc pens, to a mere $10,000 for a bespoke Asprey Christmas cracker. However, luxury is nothing new. During the seventeenth century, luxury was found in extraordinary commodities—rare pearls, crystal, perfumes, and spices from the Caribbean.
Most organizations spend vast sums on information technology to gather, manipulate, store, and us... more Most organizations spend vast sums on information technology to gather, manipulate, store, and use the information and data they gather. Yet, as these authors point out, managing this resource entails protecting it and complying with all laws and regulations. The authors prescribe ten best practices that should allow an organization to protect its data and comply with the law.
B2B relationships are characterized by strategic partnerships between firms and the suppliers of ... more B2B relationships are characterized by strategic partnerships between firms and the suppliers of goods and services integral to their offerings. Failure to choose the right partner could jeopardize the survival of both partners. While a number of studies suggest that partnering firms need to be aligned operationally, few studies look at whether there should be alignment between the brands of firms and their suppliers.
User-generated online content poses a problem when it takes the form of advertising. Consumer-gen... more User-generated online content poses a problem when it takes the form of advertising. Consumer-generated advertising challenges researchers and practitioners to understand consumers' articulated responses to ads and to the responses of other consumers, as well as the implications these may have for the brand. Traditional research methods such as viewer-response testing may be limited when the viewer becomes part of the conversation.
Sobeys Inc., abandoned an $89 million SAP implementation, taking an after-tax charge of $49.9 mil... more Sobeys Inc., abandoned an $89 million SAP implementation, taking an after-tax charge of $49.9 million, or $0.82 per share. 2 Sydney Water, a public utilities company in Australia, abandoned a customer relationship management and billing system in 2002, with an estimated write off of AUD $61 million. The auditor-general for New South Wales wrote a scathing report, criticizing its Board for failing to exercise proper oversight.
Abstract. Ethics has been perceived as one of the most important factors in establishing good cor... more Abstract. Ethics has been perceived as one of the most important factors in establishing good corporate governance. Information Technology (IT) plays an increasing role in helping modern organizations to achieve their goals, and it has become critical in creating and implementing effective IT governance mechanisms. This study examines the extent to which an ethic or culture of compliance in IT within an organization influences the overall effectiveness of IT governance, and the factors that contribute to this effect.
Abstract The article reports on term-long use of a discussion-based GSS (group support systems) b... more Abstract The article reports on term-long use of a discussion-based GSS (group support systems) by 137 undergraduate business students in a case-based core MIS course. We develop a model of student participation in case-based learning environments and examine the role and impact of technology on participation. Overall, participation increased significantly as students became more comfortable and adept with the technology.
Purpose–The purpose of this paper is to address the issues of luxury gift giving and the giving o... more Purpose–The purpose of this paper is to address the issues of luxury gift giving and the giving of luxury wines as gifts from a conceptual perspective. Design/methodology/approach–The article considers the OA (aesthetic and ontology) model as proposed by Berthon et al. that permits the integration of various conceptualisations of different authors in the area of luxury branding. The model offers a typology of luxury brands that draws on Heidegger's theory of arts and Whitehead's process philosophy.
The Social Media Release (SMR) is emerging as a potentially powerful public relations tool in a w... more The Social Media Release (SMR) is emerging as a potentially powerful public relations tool in a world of social network media, particularly when targeted at influential bloggers. The research described here studies the factors that influence bloggers to use SMRs, using the Technology Acceptance Model as a theoretical framework, concentrating specifically on their perceptions of usefulness and ease of use.
This paper reports on a research case study in which the use of a Group Support System (GSS) by a... more This paper reports on a research case study in which the use of a Group Support System (GSS) by a multi-organizational alliance failed. The paper argues that the leadership style of the meeting champion may be a much greater moderating factor in GSS meeting success than previously thought. Transformational Leadership Theory is used to explain the results, and implications for both researchers and managers are drawn. Two themes emerge: first, the case shows where the concept of “phony democracy” may or may not occur. Second, the case illustrates conditions under which a GSS may generate, as opposed to mitigate conflict. For managers, it suggests that using a GSS may not be optimal if they choose to adopt a Transactional leadership style. For researchers, this work offers insights into boundary conditions affecting GSS usage, extending a paucity of research in negative GSS‐usage cases.
That Group Support Systems (GSS) can enhance group performance has been revealed by several studi... more That Group Support Systems (GSS) can enhance group performance has been revealed by several studies. Studies have also demonstrated a favorable influence on process satisfaction. However, GSS research has drawn heavily from a perspective that may limit the full range of phenomena at play in group meetings. In addition to the micro-level interaction that occurs in GSS-supported group meetings, group participants are also likely influenced by other groups and macro-level institutions outside any given small group meeting. We focus on two processes in particular. Group performance perceptions such as process satisfaction appear to be driven by reproduction of institutionally relevant procedures while group interaction perceptions such as cohesion are driven by micro-level group interaction. This study more fully considers the impact on group interaction variables by varying levels of GSS restrictiveness (i.e., facilitation and process structuring) and assessing the effect that these may have on perceptions of group cohesion and process satisfaction. We develop and test a causal path model, finding that groups in the more restrictive treatment perceived that they made more appropriate use of the GSS, leading to higher process satisfaction than did those in the less restrictive treatment. However, these groups are also characterized by reduced group interaction, and also expressed lower perceived cohesion than did those in the non-restrictive treatment. Theoretical discussions of why this may have occurred are offered.
ABSTRACI 'This paper describes and illustrates how Behavioral Sampling, a datagather... more ABSTRACI 'This paper describes and illustrates how Behavioral Sampling, a datagathering technique with a long record of use in the social sciences, might be adapted to GSS-research in order to provide richer, more accurate group-level data. Consisting of real-time observation by two or more independent persons adhering to a rigid protocol, it is suggested that this method can capture detail on group dynamics that other, mostly post-hoc approaches neglect. The paper describes how-hers might use this method, and illustrates ...
Brand extensions are always tempting to marketers, and in the case of luxury brands the allure is... more Brand extensions are always tempting to marketers, and in the case of luxury brands the allure is particularly strong. While the path to luxury brand success may be partly paved with extensions, there are even more examples of brand extension disasters that litter the way. Brand extensions continue to be among the most researched and studied phenomena in marketing. When it comes to luxury brands, however, the factors that lead to successful extension have received far less attention. In this article, we consider the notion of perceived premium degree of the brand as a function of its category, and what we term the degree of adjacency between its product categories. Building on our research, which found that a luxury brand's perceived premium degree has a different impact on profitability depending on whether or not the brand is spread across adjacent product categories, we demonstrate when luxury brand extensions work—and when they fail. Perhaps most importantly, we herein introduce the premium adjacency matrix as a tool for luxury brand managers to consider in formulating extension strategies.
Journal of Strategic Information Systems, Jan 1, 2004
The evaluation-and-selection of enterprise technologies by firms has been said to be largely rati... more The evaluation-and-selection of enterprise technologies by firms has been said to be largely rational and deterministic. This paper challenges this notion, and puts forward the argument that substantial ceremonial aspects also play an important role. An in-depth, exploratory longitudinal case study of a bank selecting a ubiquitous and pervasive e-mail system was conducted using grounded theory and a hermeneutic [pre] understanding of institutional and decision making theories. Intuition, symbols, rituals, and ceremony all figured prominently in the decision process. However, rather than being in conflict with the rational processes, we found them to be in tension, leading to a more holistic social construction of decision processes. For researchers, this suggests that a focus on process rationality, not outcomes, might lead to a fuller understanding of these critical decisions. For managers, it underscores the importance of understanding the past in order to create the future.
The recent introduction of a spate of data access applications, such as CLAP and data mining tool... more The recent introduction of a spate of data access applications, such as CLAP and data mining tools, has led to an increased interest on the part of both scholars and practitioners on how best to use and benefit from these tools. This paper reports on six exploratory case studies involving eight decision-makers and seven end-users. A process model based on the Value Chain is proposed and explained. Results show that database usage and information processing practices have indeed grown more sophisticated. Implications for practice and future research aimed at testing the Value Chain model are proposed.
The main purpose of this study is to determine the mix of organizational and technical skills dem... more The main purpose of this study is to determine the mix of organizational and technical skills demanded of Webmasters, and the degree to which those skills influence job performance. The study is composed of two parts. First, a job-content analysis of 800 Webmaster positions is conducted in order to determine the mix of skills demanded of Webmasters by employers. Second, a survey of 232 Webmasters is conducted to test the relationships between those skills and job performance. The job-content analysis suggested that employers seek ...
ABSTRACT Flow, a state of mind experienced by those deeply involved in an activity, has become in... more ABSTRACT Flow, a state of mind experienced by those deeply involved in an activity, has become increasingly relevant to online merchants. Flow leads to positive and excited engagement with a website and an increased likelihood of return visits, or e-loyalty. However, researchers have struggled with the definition and measurement of flow in an e-commerce environment.
Abstract Develops a competency maturity model to describe the skills of a data analyst that posit... more Abstract Develops a competency maturity model to describe the skills of a data analyst that positively influence data warehouse usage and insight generation in today's data warehouse environment. Exploratory case studies were used to identify critical competencies and develop new measures of data warehouse usage and success. Grounded in HC Triandis's (1979) theory of motivation, a research model was tested using a survey of 169 data analysts from seven organizations.
ABSTRACT Recent regulatory changes have affected the composition, role, and responsibilities of B... more ABSTRACT Recent regulatory changes have affected the composition, role, and responsibilities of Boards of Directors worldwide. While a sound knowledge of directors' fiduciary responsibilities has emerged, considerably less attention has been devoted to understanding the nature of, and concomitant duty-of-care towards information systems and technology assets in the organization, or IT Governance.
Today the market for luxury goods and services is booming: from the $2 Million Bugatti Veyron, th... more Today the market for luxury goods and services is booming: from the $2 Million Bugatti Veyron, through gem encrusted $700,000 Montblanc pens, to a mere $10,000 for a bespoke Asprey Christmas cracker. However, luxury is nothing new. During the seventeenth century, luxury was found in extraordinary commodities—rare pearls, crystal, perfumes, and spices from the Caribbean.
Most organizations spend vast sums on information technology to gather, manipulate, store, and us... more Most organizations spend vast sums on information technology to gather, manipulate, store, and use the information and data they gather. Yet, as these authors point out, managing this resource entails protecting it and complying with all laws and regulations. The authors prescribe ten best practices that should allow an organization to protect its data and comply with the law.
B2B relationships are characterized by strategic partnerships between firms and the suppliers of ... more B2B relationships are characterized by strategic partnerships between firms and the suppliers of goods and services integral to their offerings. Failure to choose the right partner could jeopardize the survival of both partners. While a number of studies suggest that partnering firms need to be aligned operationally, few studies look at whether there should be alignment between the brands of firms and their suppliers.
User-generated online content poses a problem when it takes the form of advertising. Consumer-gen... more User-generated online content poses a problem when it takes the form of advertising. Consumer-generated advertising challenges researchers and practitioners to understand consumers' articulated responses to ads and to the responses of other consumers, as well as the implications these may have for the brand. Traditional research methods such as viewer-response testing may be limited when the viewer becomes part of the conversation.
Sobeys Inc., abandoned an $89 million SAP implementation, taking an after-tax charge of $49.9 mil... more Sobeys Inc., abandoned an $89 million SAP implementation, taking an after-tax charge of $49.9 million, or $0.82 per share. 2 Sydney Water, a public utilities company in Australia, abandoned a customer relationship management and billing system in 2002, with an estimated write off of AUD $61 million. The auditor-general for New South Wales wrote a scathing report, criticizing its Board for failing to exercise proper oversight.
Abstract. Ethics has been perceived as one of the most important factors in establishing good cor... more Abstract. Ethics has been perceived as one of the most important factors in establishing good corporate governance. Information Technology (IT) plays an increasing role in helping modern organizations to achieve their goals, and it has become critical in creating and implementing effective IT governance mechanisms. This study examines the extent to which an ethic or culture of compliance in IT within an organization influences the overall effectiveness of IT governance, and the factors that contribute to this effect.
Abstract The article reports on term-long use of a discussion-based GSS (group support systems) b... more Abstract The article reports on term-long use of a discussion-based GSS (group support systems) by 137 undergraduate business students in a case-based core MIS course. We develop a model of student participation in case-based learning environments and examine the role and impact of technology on participation. Overall, participation increased significantly as students became more comfortable and adept with the technology.
Purpose–The purpose of this paper is to address the issues of luxury gift giving and the giving o... more Purpose–The purpose of this paper is to address the issues of luxury gift giving and the giving of luxury wines as gifts from a conceptual perspective. Design/methodology/approach–The article considers the OA (aesthetic and ontology) model as proposed by Berthon et al. that permits the integration of various conceptualisations of different authors in the area of luxury branding. The model offers a typology of luxury brands that draws on Heidegger's theory of arts and Whitehead's process philosophy.
The Social Media Release (SMR) is emerging as a potentially powerful public relations tool in a w... more The Social Media Release (SMR) is emerging as a potentially powerful public relations tool in a world of social network media, particularly when targeted at influential bloggers. The research described here studies the factors that influence bloggers to use SMRs, using the Technology Acceptance Model as a theoretical framework, concentrating specifically on their perceptions of usefulness and ease of use.
This paper reports on a research case study in which the use of a Group Support System (GSS) by a... more This paper reports on a research case study in which the use of a Group Support System (GSS) by a multi-organizational alliance failed. The paper argues that the leadership style of the meeting champion may be a much greater moderating factor in GSS meeting success than previously thought. Transformational Leadership Theory is used to explain the results, and implications for both researchers and managers are drawn. Two themes emerge: first, the case shows where the concept of “phony democracy” may or may not occur. Second, the case illustrates conditions under which a GSS may generate, as opposed to mitigate conflict. For managers, it suggests that using a GSS may not be optimal if they choose to adopt a Transactional leadership style. For researchers, this work offers insights into boundary conditions affecting GSS usage, extending a paucity of research in negative GSS‐usage cases.
That Group Support Systems (GSS) can enhance group performance has been revealed by several studi... more That Group Support Systems (GSS) can enhance group performance has been revealed by several studies. Studies have also demonstrated a favorable influence on process satisfaction. However, GSS research has drawn heavily from a perspective that may limit the full range of phenomena at play in group meetings. In addition to the micro-level interaction that occurs in GSS-supported group meetings, group participants are also likely influenced by other groups and macro-level institutions outside any given small group meeting. We focus on two processes in particular. Group performance perceptions such as process satisfaction appear to be driven by reproduction of institutionally relevant procedures while group interaction perceptions such as cohesion are driven by micro-level group interaction. This study more fully considers the impact on group interaction variables by varying levels of GSS restrictiveness (i.e., facilitation and process structuring) and assessing the effect that these may have on perceptions of group cohesion and process satisfaction. We develop and test a causal path model, finding that groups in the more restrictive treatment perceived that they made more appropriate use of the GSS, leading to higher process satisfaction than did those in the less restrictive treatment. However, these groups are also characterized by reduced group interaction, and also expressed lower perceived cohesion than did those in the non-restrictive treatment. Theoretical discussions of why this may have occurred are offered.
ABSTRACI 'This paper describes and illustrates how Behavioral Sampling, a datagather... more ABSTRACI 'This paper describes and illustrates how Behavioral Sampling, a datagathering technique with a long record of use in the social sciences, might be adapted to GSS-research in order to provide richer, more accurate group-level data. Consisting of real-time observation by two or more independent persons adhering to a rigid protocol, it is suggested that this method can capture detail on group dynamics that other, mostly post-hoc approaches neglect. The paper describes how-hers might use this method, and illustrates ...
Brand extensions are always tempting to marketers, and in the case of luxury brands the allure is... more Brand extensions are always tempting to marketers, and in the case of luxury brands the allure is particularly strong. While the path to luxury brand success may be partly paved with extensions, there are even more examples of brand extension disasters that litter the way. Brand extensions continue to be among the most researched and studied phenomena in marketing. When it comes to luxury brands, however, the factors that lead to successful extension have received far less attention. In this article, we consider the notion of perceived premium degree of the brand as a function of its category, and what we term the degree of adjacency between its product categories. Building on our research, which found that a luxury brand's perceived premium degree has a different impact on profitability depending on whether or not the brand is spread across adjacent product categories, we demonstrate when luxury brand extensions work—and when they fail. Perhaps most importantly, we herein introduce the premium adjacency matrix as a tool for luxury brand managers to consider in formulating extension strategies.
Journal of Strategic Information Systems, Jan 1, 2004
The evaluation-and-selection of enterprise technologies by firms has been said to be largely rati... more The evaluation-and-selection of enterprise technologies by firms has been said to be largely rational and deterministic. This paper challenges this notion, and puts forward the argument that substantial ceremonial aspects also play an important role. An in-depth, exploratory longitudinal case study of a bank selecting a ubiquitous and pervasive e-mail system was conducted using grounded theory and a hermeneutic [pre] understanding of institutional and decision making theories. Intuition, symbols, rituals, and ceremony all figured prominently in the decision process. However, rather than being in conflict with the rational processes, we found them to be in tension, leading to a more holistic social construction of decision processes. For researchers, this suggests that a focus on process rationality, not outcomes, might lead to a fuller understanding of these critical decisions. For managers, it underscores the importance of understanding the past in order to create the future.
The recent introduction of a spate of data access applications, such as CLAP and data mining tool... more The recent introduction of a spate of data access applications, such as CLAP and data mining tools, has led to an increased interest on the part of both scholars and practitioners on how best to use and benefit from these tools. This paper reports on six exploratory case studies involving eight decision-makers and seven end-users. A process model based on the Value Chain is proposed and explained. Results show that database usage and information processing practices have indeed grown more sophisticated. Implications for practice and future research aimed at testing the Value Chain model are proposed.
The main purpose of this study is to determine the mix of organizational and technical skills dem... more The main purpose of this study is to determine the mix of organizational and technical skills demanded of Webmasters, and the degree to which those skills influence job performance. The study is composed of two parts. First, a job-content analysis of 800 Webmaster positions is conducted in order to determine the mix of skills demanded of Webmasters by employers. Second, a survey of 232 Webmasters is conducted to test the relationships between those skills and job performance. The job-content analysis suggested that employers seek ...
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