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Article
Publication date: 1 March 1986

Martin D. Goslar and Stephen W. Brown

Information technology has made possible the recognition, acquisition, organization, and controlled retention of data from sources virtually unavailable in the past. Terms such as…

Abstract

Information technology has made possible the recognition, acquisition, organization, and controlled retention of data from sources virtually unavailable in the past. Terms such as “the information society” and “information glut” have become commonplace. High‐level corporate positions with titles such as Chief Information Officer are being created in an attempt to efficiently and effectively use information for the benefit of the organization and the society it serves. A major challenge in the 1980s is to gain and maintain the ability to use this information for competitive advantage. Decision Support Systems (DSS) enable marketing managers to integrate internal and external information environments within a decision‐making context. Useful features available within Marketing Information Systems can be incorporated with the potentials of DSS. Together the two systems can provide marketing managers with opportunities to anticipate, identify, and creatively respond to changing consumer demand.

Details

Journal of Consumer Marketing, vol. 3 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0736-3761

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 1 August 2023

Baoru Zhou and Li Zheng

This study aims to investigate the motivations for the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies among manufacturing firms in developing economies. Specifically, the effects of…

1433

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the motivations for the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies among manufacturing firms in developing economies. Specifically, the effects of relative advantage of the technologies, competitive pressure, and government support on the adoption are explored. Moreover, the mediating role of top management support between environmental factors (government support and competitive pressure) and the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model is developed based on the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework strengthened by institutional theory. Structural equation modeling (SEM) approach is employed to evaluate the model using data obtained from 215 manufacturing firms through a cross-industry survey. Additionally, a post-hoc analysis is conducted using cluster analysis and ANOVA.

Findings

The results show that competitive pressure and government support significantly promote top management support, which in turn contributes to the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies. Relative advantage of the technologies is not significantly related to the adoption.

Research limitations/implications

This study does not explore the relationship between technology type and the specific needs of manufacturing firms. Future researchers can conduct a more comprehensive analysis by examining how different technology types align with the unique needs of individual companies.

Practical implications

The findings of this study have implications for both policymakers and managers. Policymakers can leverage these insights to understand the underlying motivations behind manufacturing firms' adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies and develop promoting policies. In turn, managers should keep an eye on government policies and utilize government support to facilitate technology adoption.

Originality/value

This study uncovers the underlying motivations—government support and competitive pressure—for the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies among manufacturing firms in developing economies. Meanwhile, it complements previous research by showing the mediating role of top management support between environmental factors (government support and competitive pressure) and the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 34 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 August 2019

Arash Asiaei and Nor Zairah Ab. Rahim

The purpose of this study is to develop a model to understand the relationships among technology, organizational and environmental (TOE) contexts, intention to adopt cloud…

2325

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a model to understand the relationships among technology, organizational and environmental (TOE) contexts, intention to adopt cloud computing (IACC) and actual usage of cloud computing (AUCC) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia as a developing country. More specifically, this paper seeks to explore the mediation effect of IACC on the relationship between TOE context and AUCC.

Design/methodology/approach

A positivist research approach was selected for this study. Drawing largely upon the TOE framework, this study uses survey data from 209 Malaysian SMEs. Structural equation modelling (SEM) based on partial least squares (PLS) was used to assess the structural relations of the research model.

Findings

The results of the structural model show that data security, technology readiness, top management support, competitive pressure and innovativeness are the most significant factors in predicting the adoption of cloud computing in Malaysian SMEs. Further, the results indicate that intention to adopt cloud computing can play a mediating role between TOE factors and the actual usage of cloud computing.

Research limitations/implications

The focus upon Malaysian SMEs may diminish the generalizability of the findings. This study provides profound insight into the management and foundation of cloud computing, different types of cloud services and deployment models that could facilitate the management of enterprise strategic resources and contribute to the performance improvement. This study also provides another important implication for practitioners regarding the absolute necessity of value drivers’ identification within enterprise and understand the causal relationships, which are vital in driving those values.

Practical implications

This study provides several practical guidance for practitioners in deploying cloud services which are most suitable option for their specific technology requirement in their enterprise to enjoy the full benefits of their intangible assets. Another significant implication of this study lies in the fact that it may require a different emphasis on nature and adoption design when there is a higher level of stress on technology-related and cloud computing resources.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the extant literature by developing an integrative model to identify how a wide set of contextual factors can determine the intention to adopt cloud computing and, in turn, influence the actual usage of cloud computing in SMEs in Malaysia as a developing country.

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4620

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 September 2016

Madhavi Latha Nandi and Ajith Kumar

Centralization, which indicates distribution of decision-making power in organizations, is well-discussed in innovation literature as one of the influencing factors of innovation…

4441

Abstract

Purpose

Centralization, which indicates distribution of decision-making power in organizations, is well-discussed in innovation literature as one of the influencing factors of innovation implementation. Motivated by a gap in enterprise resource planning (ERP) research, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of centralization on the success of ERP implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

Centralization is characterized twofold: policy-related centralization (PRC) and work-related centralization (WRC). ERP implementation success is captured in terms of user acceptance and the use of the ERP system. Using organizational innovation theory, six hypotheses relating centralization, ERP implementation success, and organization size are built and tested using data gathered from 51 Indian organizations that implemented ERP. The data are analyzed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling.

Findings

User acceptance is significantly inhibited by PRC. WRC has a negative influence on use. The negative influence of PRC on acceptance is more pronounced in the case of larger organizations. On the whole, a decentralized set-up is favorable to ERP implementation success.

Originality/value

The study highlights the impact of a centralized management structure on success of ERP implementation and in doing so, it demarcates the varied influence of two types of centralization. It contributes to the scarce research on ERP implementation using the strong theoretical basis of organizational innovation. The findings highlight the implications of centralization to the implementation outcomes, for organizations embarking upon ERP.

Details

Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 29 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0398

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 April 2013

Yazn Alshamaila, Savvas Papagiannidis and Feng Li

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a growing body of research on cloud computing, by studying the small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) adoption process. If SMEs have…

25690

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a growing body of research on cloud computing, by studying the small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) adoption process. If SMEs have access to scalable technologies they could potentially deliver products and services that in the past only large enterprises could deliver, flattening the competitive arena.

Design/methodology/approach

By adopting the Technological, Organisational and Environmental (TOE) framework as a theoretical base, this qualitative exploratory study used semi‐structured interviews to collect data in 15 different SMEs and service providers in the north east of England. The north east of England was selected as it is a region that aspires to become home to innovative digital firms and most of the companies in the region are SMEs.

Findings

The main factors that were identified as playing a significant role in SME adoption of cloud services were: relative advantage, uncertainty, geo‐restriction, compatibility, trialability, size, top management support, prior experience, innovativeness, industry, market scope, supplier efforts and external computing support. In contrast, this study did not find enough evidence that competitive pressure was a significant determinant of cloud computing adoption.

Research limitations/implications

These findings have important implications and great value to the research community, managers and information and communication technologies (ICT) providers, in terms of formulating better strategies for cloud computing adoption. For service providers, using the research model in this study can assist in increasing their understanding of why some SMEs choose to adopt cloud computing services, while seemingly similar ones facing similar market conditions do not. Also, cloud computing providers may need to improve their interaction with SMEs which are involved in the cloud computing experience, in an effort to create a healthy environment for cloud computing adoption, and to remove any vagueness surrounding this type of technology.

Originality/value

This study is an attempt to explore and develop an SME cloud computing adoption model that was theoretically grounded in the TOE framework. By adopting the TOE framework this study has shown that the three contexts of this framework (technological, organisational, and environmental) are connected to each other.

Article
Publication date: 9 November 2010

Jens Strüker and Daniel Gille

There is no doubt about the economic importance of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in industrialised countries. The amount of research on organisational size as a…

2046

Abstract

Purpose

There is no doubt about the economic importance of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in industrialised countries. The amount of research on organisational size as a factor of radio frequency identification (RFID) adoption, however, is as yet, minimal. This paper aims to fill that gap by first determining firm‐size specific characteristics of RFID and then using organisational inertia theory to derive the hypothesis that the size and structure of SMEs can be advantageous for the adoption of RFID.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on organisational inertia theory and survey data.

Findings

A survey conducted among German enterprises already deploying RFID is used to test our hypothesis. It confirms that smaller enterprise size can make RFID adoption and exploitation of the productivity potential easier. Accordingly, it recommends that SMEs avoid adopting a wait‐and‐see position or restricting themselves to easy‐to‐conduct RFID automation applications.

Originality/value

The study provides a starting point for future research and facilitates knowledge accumulation and creation concerning the role of organisational size for RFID adoption.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 16 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 August 2020

Hassan M. Selim, Riyad Eid and Gomaa Agag

The adoption of smart classroom is increasing in higher education around the world. Yet, factors affecting smart classroom adoption have not been sufficiently explored. Based on…

Abstract

Purpose

The adoption of smart classroom is increasing in higher education around the world. Yet, factors affecting smart classroom adoption have not been sufficiently explored. Based on the innovation diffusion theory and external pressures, the present study developed a model to investigate the main drivers of smart classroom adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

SEM-AMOS was used to analyse the data collected from a sample of 1,208 educators.

Findings

The findings revealed that innovation diffusion theory and external pressures provide an appropriate model for understanding smart classroom adoption.

Practical implications

The findings offer important implications for higher education institutions, IT managers, and are likely to stimulate further research in the area of smart classrooms.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that used innovation diffusion theory external pressures to understanding smart classroom adoption.

Details

Education + Training, vol. 62 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0040-0912

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2009

Hong‐Linh Truong and Schahram Dustdar

This survey aims to study and analyze current techniques and methods for context‐aware web service systems, to discuss future trends and propose further steps on making web…

1628

Abstract

Purpose

This survey aims to study and analyze current techniques and methods for context‐aware web service systems, to discuss future trends and propose further steps on making web services systems context‐aware.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes and compares existing context‐aware web service‐based systems based on techniques they support, such as context information modeling, context sensing, distribution, security and privacy, and adaptation techniques. Existing systems are also examined in terms of application domains, system type, mobility support, multi‐organization support and level of web services implementation.

Findings

Supporting context‐aware web service‐based systems is increasing. It is hard to find a truly context‐aware web service‐based system that is interoperable and secure, and operates on multi‐organizational environments. Various issues, such as distributed context management, context‐aware service modeling and engineering, context reasoning and quality of context, security and privacy issues have not been well addressed.

Research limitations/implications

The number of systems analyzed is limited. Furthermore, the survey is based on published papers. Therefore, up‐to‐date information and development might not be taken into account.

Originality/value

Existing surveys do not focus on context‐awareness techniques for web services. This paper helps to understand the state of the art in context‐aware techniques for web services that can be employed in the future of services which is built around, amongst others, mobile devices, web services, and pervasive environments.

Details

International Journal of Web Information Systems, vol. 5 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1744-0084

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 April 2020

Omar Ali, Anup Shrestha, Valmira Osmanaj and Shahnawaz Muhammed

The significance of cloud services in information technology (IT) is increasing as a means of achieving enhanced productivity, efficiency and cost reduction. Through cloud-based…

3236

Abstract

Purpose

The significance of cloud services in information technology (IT) is increasing as a means of achieving enhanced productivity, efficiency and cost reduction. Through cloud-based service, the reliability and scalability of an organization’s systems can be enhanced since organizations such as local governments are able to concentrate on their main business strategies. This research seeks to identify critical factors that may have an impact on the acceptance of cloud-based services, where the organizational context is based on local governments in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

To formulate a more comprehensive IT innovation adoption model for cloud technology, factors from the technology-organizational-environment framework, desires framework and diffusion of innovation model were integrated. Data was obtained from 480 IT staff working in 47 local government organizations.

Findings

The research results show that the factors which had a statistically significant and positive impact on the adoption of cloud-based services in local governments were compatibility, complexity, cost, security concerns, expected benefits and organization size. It is likely that the outcomes from this research will provide insights to any organization seeking to make investment decisions on the adoption of cloud-based services.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include generalizability of the findings since the data is restricted to local government areas in Queensland, Australia. Further, the sample mostly included individuals with managerial positions and may not completely capture the cloud adoption factors relevant for front line IT employees. Another limitation is the possible omission of factors that may be relevant but not considered due to the selected theories. Lastly, this research did not differentiate between different types of cloud adoption such as private, public, community and hybrid models that are possible in this context.

Originality/value

The paper provides a combination framework of cloud-based service adoption based on a literature review on cloud adoption from an IS perspective. It adapts integrated model to establish a more comprehensive innovation adoption framework for cloud technology.

Article
Publication date: 28 October 2013

Boumediene Ramdani, Delroy Chevers and Densil A. Williams

This paper aims to empirically explore the TOE (technology-organisation-environment) factors influencing small to medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs') adoption of enterprise…

5558

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically explore the TOE (technology-organisation-environment) factors influencing small to medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs') adoption of enterprise applications (EA).

Design/methodology/approach

Direct interviews were used to collect data from a random sample of SMEs located in the northwest of England. Using partial least squares (PLS) technique, 102 responses were analysed.

Findings

Results indicate that technology, organisation and environment contexts impact SMEs' adoption of EA. This suggests that the TOE model is indeed a robust tool to predict the adoption of EA by SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study focused on examining factors that influence SMEs' adoption of a set of systems such as CRM and e-procurement, it fails to differentiate between factors influencing each of these applications. The model used in this study can be used by software vendors not only in developing marketing strategies that can target potential SMEs, but also to develop strategies to increase the adoption of EA among SMEs.

Practical implications

This model could be used by software vendors to determine which SMEs they should target with their products. It can also be used by policy makers to develop strategies to increase the rate of EA adoption among SMEs.

Originality/value

This paper provides a model that can predict SMEs' adoption of EA. SMEs, adoption, enterprise applications, enterprise systems, ICT, PLS, technology-organisation-environment framework, TOE

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 20 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

Keywords

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