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First, the key vulnerability factors from the literature are identified. Second, using the vulnerability factors as indicators, a composite index is developed. Last, from the index values, a set of vulnerability knowledge maps, showing the vulnerability hotspots, are prepared.

This study aims to develop a pandemic vulnerability knowledge visualisation index to support the strategic decision-making efforts of authorities.

Ten indicators are identified as vulnerability factors that could significantly impact the virus spread risks. Verifying the identified hotspots against the recorded infected cases and deaths has evidenced the usefulness of the index. Determining and visualising the high-vulnerability locations and communities could help in informed strategic decision-making and responses of the authorities to the pandemic.

The study demonstrates that the developed pandemic vulnerability knowledge visualisation index is particularly appropriate in the context of Australia. Nonetheless, by replicating the methodologic steps of the study, customised versions can be developed for other country contexts.

The purpose of this paper is to assess electronic information transfer in logistics organizations. The paper approaches information transfer as an elemental component of contemporary business to business (B2B) processes.

The empirical material concerns companies that together comprise a logistical chain. The paper uses interview data to show information exchange patterns within one particular logistics chain. The interviews were designed according to current topics in information management literature and analyzed with content analysis.

The results show the need to enhance information distribution in B2B operations. In addition, business to government operations rely, to a large extent, on a combination of paper and electronic information distribution. The government interface should also be recognized: customs and information exchange is a major time consumer in international transport.

The empirical analysis of a logistic chain is not an easy task. This is due to the confidential nature of the business information that has to be acquired. Companies do not want to reveal too many details regarding their B2B relations: the interviewed companies gave information on data exchange on a general level only. For example, the goal of determining information content was affected by the reluctance of companies to discuss their business processes.

Three main components to a large extent determine the success of information and communication technologies implementation in the logistics business process. These are: reliability and interoperability that are achieved through standardization. This paper exemplifies these difficulties with empirical data from Finland. It also provides insight into how to carry out similar studies in different settings.

The purpose of this paper is to classify the best practices selected by the “Finnish Government Information Society Policy Programme” with a framework that includes four segments: technology, supply, demand, and spatial impact scale. These segments are elemental parts of service development processes, the best of which are classified into seven distinct categories: Telecommunications; Citizen Readiness; Education and Research; Working Life; Public Sector Electronic Services; Social and Health Care; and Electronic Commerce.

The empirical material includes the best practices as defined by the Finnish Government Information Society Policy Programme 2003‐2007. The best practices were analyzed through their project descriptions. The data were classified with textual content analysis into categories that were further analyzed numerically. The tools of statistical analysis included cross‐tabulations and chi‐square tests.

The results reveal differentiation among the best practices. The majority of service development concerns applications and software. However, physical infrastructure development was also present in the largest cities. Public sector organizations produced more than half of all of the best practices selected. Public‐private partnerships were also common, and the majority of service development was targeted to the national level.

The best practices analyzed illustrate the view of the Finnish Government Information Society Policy Programme. Consequently, the analysis highlights the values of the policy program. The data include only a small segment of on‐going development activity and represents a case study and therefore it is limited to the Finnish and Nordic context.

This paper uses a unique primary data set. The results obtained reflect the originality of the study and clearly provide sufficient grounds to consider electronic service development. The results are also transferable to public sector decision makers dealing with regional policies and development.