IT Change Research Articles

Coping with rapid changes in IT

Coping with rapid changes in IT

Technological Changes in IT and Their Influence on Insurance: The Change Ahead (II)

Technological Changes in IT and Their Influence on Insurance: The Change Ahead (II)

Technological Changes in IT and Their Influence on Insurance: The Change Ahead (I)

For decades the insurance industry has been using computer systems to optimize its business. From simple list processing in the early 1960s we made our way over batch applications to online systems based on databases in the 1970s. We dealt with the PC revolution in the 1980s and mastered the challenge of client/server in the 1990s. The focus of our work was very much directed to the optimization of our internal processes, the reduction of our expenses, and the automation of previously manual steps. We were striving to improve efficiency and increase productivity: cost cutting was a focal point in our strategies. We have achieved excellent results in that area. We even used these techniques to improve the productivity of our IT departments by using standards for the architectures of our computer applications. Reuse of components reduced the expenses for development and increased the speed of deployment. Portability enabled the use of the same application both on the central mainframe and on the laptop of the sales agent. In this way a quote for a specific coverage is calculated on the laptop and the mainframe with the identical software. A lot of applications in the insurance industry have been developed over years and are still heavily used today. We still allocate a significant part of our IT staff both to provide more functionality and to optimize these applications from a technical point of view.

Heart rate stabilization due to ventricular pacing in patients with biotronik actros s pacemaker and chronic atrial fibrillation improves hemodynamic parameters

Both a rapid and irregular ventricular response to atrial fibrillation may produce adverse hemodynamic effects and symptoms. Stabilization of ventricular response in patients with atrial fibrillation may be achieved by ventricular pacing. The aim of the study was to assess hemodynamic effect of right ventricular pacing in patients ( pts ) with VVI Biotronik Actros S pacemaker and chronic atrial fibrillation (chAF). Methods: 32 pts ( 15 males.I 7 females; mean age 70,2 +/9 years with VVI pacemaker and chAF were studied. Patients were studied at the each of tv.'o modes: VVI 40 beats/rain without pacing during ECHO examination (control AF pts) and 80 beats/min -with 100% pacing during Doppler studying ( VRS pts ). Continuous ECHO Doppler ,,,'ave of aortic outflow with mean velocity time integral ( VT1 ) , mean stroke volume ( SV ), mean cardiac output ( CO ) and mean cardiac index ( Cl ) from the five RR cycles were measured at each of the two modes in eve~ one patient. Five minutes intervals after a pacing mode reprogramming were allowed for the heart stabilization. Results: There were no significantly differences in VTI (cm): control AF pts=22,2 +/5,7 ; VRS pts = 22,1 +/5,8 (NS) and SV ( ml ): control AF pts =77,2 +/32,5 ; VRS pts = 74.1 +/26.2 (NS). Patients due to heart rate stabilization ( VRS pts ) 100% pacing during ECHO performing with mean heart rate 80/rain. achieved significantly higher rate dependent hemodynamic parameters: CO (I/mira): VRS pts = 5,75 +/1,2 ; control AF pts = 4,25 +/0,9 ( p.<O.05) and Cl (I/rain/m2): VRS pts = 3,62 +/1,2 ; control AF pts = 2,94 +/0,8 (p.<0,05). Conclusions: I.Right veutricular pacing 80/min due to heart rate stabilization in resting patients with chronic AF in resting state significantly increases rate dependant hemodynamic parameters..2.Selection of the most heraodynamic appropriate pacing rate during daily activities should be tested in future studies. NIGHT HEART RATE PROGRAMMING COULD IT CHANGE VENTRICULAR ARRHITHIMIA DENSITY IN PATIENTS WITH W I SYSTEM? AS Menezes Jr.; APM Nascente; BW Calac, a; GM Silveira; HPP Gama. Research Center of Santa Helena Hospital, Goi~nia, GO, Brazil.

IT and organizational change: an institutionalist perspective

This article challenges the tendency of the information systems literature to subsume IT innovation in processes of organizational change, either with the role of “enabler” of organizational objectives, or as an instrument appropriated by situated organizational actors. Using institutionalist theory, the relationship between information systems development and organizational transformation is studied as the interaction of two institutionalization processes: the increasing momentum and legitimation of IT innovation; and the organizational efforts for the substitution of established structures and activities with new ones which often do not command adequate legitimacy. Such analysis suggests that IT innovation in organizations is to a large extent sustainable by its own institutional forces, irrespective of contribution to the processes of organizational change. This perspective is demonstrated with the case study of the Mexican oil company, Pemex, where IT projects have played a large part in its transformation from a state‐owned to private enterprise.

Rapid Change: Nine Information Technology Management Challenges

Information technology is rapidly changing. This increases the complexity of IT management. Previous research hypothesized that rapid change in IT causes eleven different categories of problems for IT managers. The current study developed a survey instrument based on detailed items about such problems from that research. The instrument was mailed to a nationwide sample of 1,000 IT professionals. Two hundred forty-six provided useable data. The data supported and clarified nine of the categories of problems of rapid change in IT. The categories are Vendor Neglect, Vendor Oversell, Acquisition Dilemma, Support Burden, Resistance, Cascading Needs, New Integration, Errors, and Training Demands. The research also offers suggestions for future investigation of the problems and a potential instrument with which to conduct it. Anticipating and planning for the problems may help IT managers avoid project delays and budget overruns.

A methodology for knowledge management implementation

This article describes research work which was directed towards providing the automotive industry with a practical methodology that translates the conceptual ideas of knowledge management (KM) into a working programme with defined objectives, using industry terminology. The research also developed a supporting analysis methodology that enables an effective analysis of the influences on employee activities when creating and sharing valuable corporate knowledge, that spans technical and cultural boundaries. This happens through identifying the factors that impact on defined KM metrics. The analysis identifies the key influencing factors within a working environment. The research benefits are felt when the ground‐level drivers of KM behaviour are improved through links to an appropriate KM strategy. KM strategy may emphasise organisational cultural changes or IT changes or both in an endeavour to improve innovation, reduce business costs and reduce time to market of new products. An industrial case study was undertaken to validate the research.

Evolution of collaborative distance work at ITESM: structure and process

Evolution of collaborative distance work at the Monterrey Institute of Technology, ITESM, is discussed and analyzed. ITESM’s location, geographic distribution, organizational structure, development strategies and recent expansion throughout the Americas are described. The evolution of the institution’s networking capability from a national and intra‐institutional network of 26 campuses to a complex array of over a thousand inter‐institutional entities of various kinds across the continent is reconstructed. This evolution is reviewed in light of ITESM’s pursuit of an aggressive transformation strategy that includes a shift towards distributed and participative teaching as well as a strong outward‐looking, international approach. The paper discusses some relationships between the deployment of an IT platform and change management of core university processes. Some lessons are drawn from ITESM’s experience, concluding with the unavoidable challenge the higher education establishment faces worldwide to redefine itself as an instrument designed for the knowledge society.

A Model of the Motivation for IT Retraining

The skill-sets of many information technology IT professionals are becoming obsolete as IT changes accelerate. Organizations are retraining many software developers with legacy systems skills to skills required in the new Internet-based, client-server and object-oriented paradigms. This type of retraining is not incremental, but entails major cognitive, methodological and procedural shifts. Given its importance, cost, and currency, processes that impact the effectiveness of training should be considered. Trainee motivation is one such process that should be investigated because it is more malleable than other aspects, such as trainees' cognitive ability. This paper proposes a model of motivational intentions and antecedents in this information technology retraining context. Theoretical background for the model is described. In addition, the implications of the model and its potential utilization in influencing motivational intentions, and ultimately improving retraining outcomes is discussed.

IT and organizational change in digital economies

article Free Access Share on IT and organizational change in digital economies: a socio-technical approach Authors: Rob Kling Indiana University Indiana UniversityView Profile , Roberta Lamb Case Western Reserve University Case Western Reserve UniversityView Profile Authors Info & Claims ACM SIGCAS Computers and SocietyVolume 29Issue 3September 1999 pp 17–25https://doi.org/10.1145/572183.572189Published:01 September 1999Publication History 62citation3,360DownloadsMetricsTotal Citations62Total Downloads3,360Last 12 Months380Last 6 weeks68 Get Citation AlertsNew Citation Alert added!This alert has been successfully added and will be sent to:You will be notified whenever a record that you have chosen has been cited.To manage your alert preferences, click on the button below.Manage my AlertsNew Citation Alert!Please log in to your account Save to BinderSave to BinderCreate a New BinderNameCancelCreateExport CitationPublisher SiteeReaderPDF

IT-Based Product and Process Innovation: A Case from the Spanish Legal Information Sector

In this paper we analyse the process of technical and organizational innovation through which Editorial Aranzadi (the leading firm in the Spanish legal information sector) adapted to the changes in its environment in the late 1980s and early 1990s. After a theoretical introduction, we introduce the firm (Editorial Aranzadi) and study some of the factors that provoked the beginning of the innovation process in the late 1980s. Then we analyse the main phases of the process of introduction of IT and organizational change in Editorial Aranzadi. Attention is then focused on product and process innovation. Finally, we draw the main conclusions from this case study.

IT-based product and process innovation: a case from the Spanish legal information sector

In this paper we analyse the process of technical and organizational innovation through which Editorial Aranzadi (the leading firm in the Spanish legal information sector) adapted to the changes in its environment in the late 1980s and early 1990s. After a theoretical introduction, we introduce the firm (Editorial Aranzadi) and study some of the factors that provoked the beginning of the innovation process in the late 1980s. Then we analyse the main phases of the process of introduction of IT and organizational change in Editorial Aranzadi. Attention is then focused on product and process innovation. Finally, we draw the main conclusions from this case study.

Diel changes in plasma arginine vasotocin, isotocin, and melatonin in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The diel changes in plasma AVT, IT and Mel in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were studied to assess potential relationships. Blood was sampled at 05:00, 11:00, 16:00, 22:30 and 05:00 in freshwater-adapted fish and at 22:30 in brackish water-adapted fish maintained under natural photoperiod. A few of the FW-acclimated fish were assigned to one of two experimental groups and adapted to DD or LL lighting regimes. Blood samples were taken at 11:00 and 22:30. Hormones were extracted from plasma by solid phase extraction and determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Marked diel variations in AVT and Mel were detected in fish maintained under natural photoperiod. Plasma AVT (fmol ml−1) increased during the light to reach the maximal level at the end of that phase (261.7±23.1). Thereafter, AVT concentration decreased and became minimal at 05:00 (68.9±11.5) 3 h before the sunrise. Plasma Mel (pmol ml−1) increased between 16:00 and 22:30 when a peak value was reached (1204.0±55.5). Thereafter, Mel levels decreased and were minimal after the onset of the light phase (242.8±37.0). IT levels displayed no significant diel changes. Linear regression analysis indicated the negative correlation between plasma Mel and AVT for five collecting times of the daily 24 h cycle in freshwater fish and at 22:30 in brackish water fish. A similar correlation occurred at 11:00 in the DD group and at 22:30 in the LL group. To elucidate the character of the Mel-AVT relationships further studies are required.

Up from the DP tar pit into the IT mosh pit

In IT, there is no downtime. Changing careers, the "experts" say, is difficult, if not impossible, and, because programming techniques have fundamentally changed, data processing (DP) experience counts for nothing. However, you can re-enter the IT workforce or change technical specialties if you are prepared to start at the bottom, work long hours and risk being elbowed aside initially.

Strategic turbulence in the public library service: vision and reality

Examines the prominence of information technology in the strategic and “vision” statements made by government, and reviews the role of IT in the various initiatives under way. Considers the implications for the public library service and draws on research evidence obtained by the Aslib Review of the public library service in England and Wales. Elaborates on the reasons which illustrate that there is now a fundamental change in the way IT is enabling end‐users to utilize information. This has altered public perceptions of the public library service. Considers the argument that, unless libraries participate fully in the current revolution in communications technology, there is a danger the service might be “marginalized”. Compares IT initiatives in the UK primarily with Singapore and Europe. Draws the conclusion that there is much that is already being done in the UK but there remains a danger of not being able to provide a fully effective service to all if the public library branch network continues to be diminished by budgetary constraints.

IT and Organizational Change: Lessons from Client/Server Technology Implementation

Information technology can be linked with core business processes to facilitate organizational change and generate new sources of competitive advantage.

The dialectic of IT chargeback systems

Many organisations have adopted chargeback systems whereby users are charged for the IT resources which they use. The purpose is to control the costs of information technology. Chargeback systems have recently received a resurgence of interest with the rapid change in IT. Many writers are currently advocating chargeback systems to control the escalating costs. Chargeback systems are expected to increase user awareness of IT costs, and thereby, improve decision-making and effectiveness of Information Technology. Many organisations have never adopted chargeback systems. They have used other management techniques for controlling IT costs. Chargeback systems have been controversial since the earliest computer applications. The current environment has added new issues which have provoked discussion. This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of chargeback systems. The emphasis is on new issues which have arisen due to the changing technological environment. The dimensions which frame the discussion are the evolving empowerment of users, complexity of systems, and the cost structure. Recommendations are made for effectively using chargeback systems alternatives.

Changing information technology and information technology management

Information technology is changing at a rapid rate. A theory has hypothesized that change in IT causes problems for IT managers and that they respond with coping mechanisms to handle these problems. Structured interviews with 16 IT professionals at different organizations identified 31 unique projects that used 86 new ITs which caused 142 problems. Eleven categories summarized the problems. The most common were training demands, vendor oversell, acquisition dilemmas, new integration, support burden, vendor neglect, and resistance. The eleven categories also summarized the coping mechanisms applied to these problems. The most common of these were education and training, inaction, internal support, vendor support, new procedures, and persuasion. This research provides practicing IT managers with alternative perspectives on the problems and a variety of coping mechanisms from which to choose. It also provides suggestions for future researchers.

Information Technology Success Factors for Small Business Managers

AbstractInformation Technology (IT) provides great scope for small business to gain benefits in terms of customer service, productivity, business growth, return on investment, profits and time based competitiveness. Yet these outcomes are not guaranteed. In this study of 80 small businesses in Victoria, which have been drawn into IT networks by larger organisations and invested in IT, factors which inhibit or promote gains are investigated. One important aspect is whether certain characteristics related to the small business manager show a relationship with ‘success’ or positive outcome indicators. Data analysis indicates that factors such as length of time using computers, accessibility of information and positive attitude towards IT change are associated with the extent to which business benefits are realised.

Information Technology Success Factors for Small Business Managers

AbstractInformation Technology (IT) provides great scope for small business to gain benefits in terms of customer service, productivity, business growth, return on investment, profits and time based competitiveness. Yet these outcomes are not guaranteed. In this study of 80 small businesses in Victoria, which have been drawn into IT networks by larger organisations and invested in IT, factors which inhibit or promote gains are investigated. One important aspect is whether certain characteristics related to the small business manager show a relationship with ‘success’ or positive outcome indicators. Data analysis indicates that factors such as length of time using computers, accessibility of information and positive attitude towards IT change are associated with the extent to which business benefits are realised.