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Eddy current and ultrasonic sensing have potentially large advantages over vision systems for guidance of arc welding, except with very complex geometries. They are simpler, less expensive, and eddy current is immune to fumes from the arc. The authors review work currently in progress at Oxford.

Traditional definitions of decision support systems emphasise their support role in individual decision making and utilise notions of rational choice. By considering decisions as an organisational activity, the interpretation of decision support systems use in organisations can move beyond this technical rational understanding, to include potential political and legitimating roles for these systems. These three possible interpretations are discussed in relation to the implementation of a large decision support system in a local government context described by Dutton (1981). In its technical role, the system was used as part of a rational planning agenda. However, the system was clearly also used politically, to promote particular interests and as a lever in negotiations between various groups. Part of the appeal of the decision support system was the appearance of rationality and technical neutrality that it gave to the planning and decision making process, and the legitimation it provided with external constituents. The paper concludes that an unquestioning acceptance of the technical received view of decision support system use is limiting, and that a more reflective approach to their development, implementation and use is required.

Examines the effects of decision unstructuralness (unstructuredness + noisiness) on decision‐support systems (DSS) adoption. Suggests that end‐users are sensitive to “unstructuralness” when they select a decision support approach. Problem structuring at the intelligence phase generates the first signal about DSS usefulness. If this signal is in favour of DSS, the manager either immediately adopts the DSS, or performs problem solving at the design phase. At this phase a new signal will be generated thus, confirming or denying DSS usefulness. This confirms that problem structuring prevails in making the DSS adoption decision. That is, in making the DSS adoption decision, priority is given to problem structuring in the intelligence phase.

This survey research explores the key variables of top management involvement for an effective end‐user training program. Out of the seven variables: top management belief, a discussion of operating functions, a discussion of the development of the training program, funding commitment, the setting of priorities, a written plan, and progress monitoring, only three (funding commitment, a written plan, and progress monitoring) were statistically significant. The research results provide guidelines for top management of organizations with end‐user training programs and recommendations for further study in top management involvement in end‐user training programs.

Drawing on the resource-based theory and dynamic capability view, this paper aims to examine the mechanisms by which business analytics (BA) capabilities (i.e. the effective use of data aggregation, analytics and data interpretation tools) in healthcare units indirectly influence decision-making effectiveness through the mediating role of knowledge absorptive capacity.

Using a survey method, this study collected data from the hospitals in Taiwan. Of the 155 responses received, three were incomplete, giving a 35.84 per cent response rate with 152 valid data points. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses.

This study conceptualizes, operationalizes and measures the BA capability as a multi-dimensional construct that is formed by capturing the functionalities of BA systems in health care, leading to the conclusion that healthcare units are likely to obtain valuable knowledge through using the data analysis and interpretation tools effectively. The effective use of data analysis and interpretation tools in healthcare units indirectly influence decision-making effectiveness, an impact that is mediated by absorptive capacity.

This study adds values to the literature by conceptualizing BA capabilities in healthcare and demonstrating how knowledge absorption matters when implementing BA to the decision-making process. The mediating role of absorptive capacity not only provides a mechanism by which BA can contribute to decision-making practices but also offers a new solution to the puzzle of the IT productivity paradox in healthcare settings.

Explains that information technology (IT) applications, especially as reinforcer of competitive advantage, has received prodigious attention. Despite a generous coverage of information systems (IS) concepts, there is still a clear communication gap between line managers and IS managers that is harming the gain of strategic advantage. The lack of understanding between line managers and information specialists can create serious conflicts in interpreting corporate goals and strategic objectives. Presents an easy and user‐friendly organization of fundamental IS concepts in order to promote a higher level of communication between the two groups and produce a finer alignment of IT strategy and overall corporate strategy.

Presents an in‐depth case study of the practical experience of applying interactive vehicle routeing and scheduling software at a major brewing company in the United Kingdom (UK). Illustrates the use of the software at all levels of transport planning and addresses strategic, tactical and operational issues; comprises a review of the software′s overall implementation and its consequences within the organization. Special attention is given to the critical analysis of both quantitative and qualitative benefits, as well as organizational problems arising from the use of such software.