Information Systems Theory Research Articles

Introduction to this special issue

People spend large part of their time indoors, such as school buildings, office buildings, shopping malls, and public transportation centers. As indoor space is different from outdoor space, it is difficult to just employ location-based technologies and services designed for outdoor space to indoor space. Thus, it is necessary for scientists and researchers to develop new spatial and spatio-temporal data management and geographic information systems (GIS) theories, technologies and applications for indoor space. The mission of this special issue "Indoor Spatial Awareness (Part 1)" is to bring together scientists and researchers who work on different topics of indoor spatial awareness and to provide a venue for inspiring new research directions in all relevant aspects.

Book Reviews

In Book Reviews, we review an extensive and diverse range of books. They cover theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems. In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. The editor will be pleased to receive an email from those willing to review a book, with an indication of specific areas of interest. If you are aware of a specific book that you would like to review, or that you think should be reviewed, please contact the editor. This issue of Interfaces, 47(3), May–June 2017, includes two book reviews. The first, Themed Book Review: Big Data and Social Media Analytics, comprises three books: Big Data at Work: Dispelling the Myths, Uncovering the Opportunities, Thomas H. Davenport; Human-Centered Social Media Analytics, Yun Fu, ed.; and Big Data Is Not a Monolith, Cassidy R. Sugimoto, Hamid R. Ekbia, and Michael Mattioli, eds. The second reviews Sustainability for a Warming Planet, Humberto Llavador, John E. Roemer, and Joaquim Silvestre.

Nuances of development contexts for ICT4D research in least developed countries: An empirical investigation in Haiti

While technology and internet has a riveting presence for most in the urban settings and developed areas, it remains at a distant periphery for many in the under-served pockets of the world. To link the appropriation of ICT for development (ICT4D) in least developed countries (LDCs) and its achievement of the development goals, we propose a citizen-centric capacity development (CCD) framework. We use the framework to guide the design, implementation, and evaluation of ICT for education (ICTE) artifacts in Haiti. To understand the contextual factors influencing participant’s intentions to use ITCE, we develop an integrated theoretical model that draws upon a popular information systems (IS) theory (UTAUT) and a behavior change model (HBM) from the public health domain. Data from 222 users is used to assess individual perceptions of ICTE benefits and barriers, and personal motivations to use ICTE. Compared to UTAUT, the results of our model better explain variations in behavior intentions of ICTE use. For practitioners, the study offers insights on what drives ICT use in LDCs. For researchers, the study generates discussion on the importance of understanding interdependencies between technology and development context. We argue that understanding these interdependencies are crucial if ICT4D interventions are to be meaningful and impactful.

Consumers’ post-adoption behaviour towards Internet banking: empirical evidence from Australia

ABSTRACTThis study sets out to investigate the factors that influence Australian consumers’ post-adoption behaviour towards Internet banking. By integrating the research streams of technology adoption, diffusion of innovations and continuance theory of information systems, technology factors, channel factors, social factors and value-for-money factors were hypothesised to exert an impact on consumers’ post-adoption behaviour towards Internet banking. Data were gathered from 372 Internet banking users through a cross-sectional mall intercept survey. The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares path modelling. The results show that technology factors, channel factors and value-for-money factors partially influence consumers’ post-adoption behaviour towards Internet banking. Social factors were found to be non-significant. The practical implications for retail bank managers in formulating effective service delivery channel management strategies were outlined. The practical, theoretical and methodological implications of the study were discussed, and limitations and avenues for future research were presented.

Stepwise optimal scale selection for multi-scale decision tables via attribute significance

Hierarchically structured data are very common or even unavoidable for data mining and knowledge discovering from the perspective of granular computing in real-life world. Based on this circumstance, multi-scale information system is introduced by Wu and Leung and extends the theory and application of information system. In such table, objects may take different values under the same attribute measured at different scales. Recently, scale selection is the main issue of multi-scale information system, and optimal scale selection is to choose a proper decision table for final decision making or classification. In this paper, we firstly propose the concept of multi-scale attribute significance, and, in the sense of binary classification, another two equivalent definitions are given. Then based on the concept of significance, this paper introduces a novel approach of stepwise optimal scale selection to obtain one optimal scale combination with less time cost compared with the lattice model. Specially, for inconsistent multi-scale decision tables, different types of consistence are considered with different requirements for optimal scale selection. Finally, five algorithms are designed and six numerical experiments are employed to illustrate the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed model.

Book Reviews

In Book Reviews, we review an extensive and diverse range of books. They cover theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems. In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. The editor will be pleased to receive an email from those willing to review a book, with an indication of specific areas of interest. If you are aware of a specific book that you would like to review, or that you think should be reviewed, please contact the editor. The following books are reviewed in this issue of Interfaces, 47(2), March–April 2017: Forest Value Chain Optimization and Sustainability, Sophie D’Amours, Mustapha Ouhimmou, Jean-François Audy, and Yan Feng, eds.; Rise of the Robots: Technology and the Threat of a Jobless Future, Martin Ford.

Rebooting Kirkpatrick: Integrating Information System Theory Into the Evaluation of Web-based Continuing Professional Development Interventions for Interprofessional Education.

Information system research has stressed the importance of theory in understanding how user perceptions can motivate the use and adoption of technology such as web-based continuing professional development programs for interprofessional education (WCPD-IPE). A systematic review was conducted to provide an information system perspective on the current state of WCPD-IPE program evaluation and how current evaluations capture essential theoretical constructs in promoting technology adoption. Six databases were searched to identify studies evaluating WCPD-IPE. Three investigators determined eligibility of the articles. Evaluation items extracted from the studies were assessed using the Kirkpatrick-Barr framework and mapped to the Benefits Evaluation Framework. Thirty-seven eligible studies yielded 362 evaluation items for analysis. Most items (n = 252) were assessed as Kirkpatrick-Barr level 1 (reaction) and were mainly focused on the quality (information, service, and quality) and satisfaction dimensions of the Benefits Evaluation. System quality was the least evaluated quality dimension, accounting for 26 items across 13 studies. WCPD-IPE use was reported in 17 studies and its antecedent factors were evaluated in varying degrees of comprehensiveness. Although user reactions were commonly evaluated, greater focus on user perceptions of system quality (ie, functionality and performance), usefulness, and usability of the web-based platform is required. Surprisingly, WCPD-IPE use was reported in less than half of the studies. This is problematic as use is a prerequisite to realizing any individual, organizational, or societal benefit of WCPD-IPE. This review proposes an integrated framework which accounts for these factors and provides a theoretically grounded guide for future evaluations.

The implementation of electronic recordkeeping systems

PurposeThis study aims to present the findings of the first phase of a project entitled Putting the “Fun” Back in “Functional”, which has been investigating the socio-technical issues surrounding users’ interaction with electronic recordkeeping systems. The ultimate goal of the project is to improve that interaction by positively influencing the way in which individuals perceive their work practices and the tools they use to accomplish them. In its first phase, the project considered the implementation of such systems for the purpose of gaining a better understanding of the factors and processes that contribute to its success.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 public employees from a large provincial government and a large city government in Canada about two information systems (ISs) – a meeting management system and an Electronic Documents and Records Management System.FindingsSeveral salient themes emerged from the research data, including the value accorded to information and records, the implementation of electronic recordkeeping systems as a complex process, the appropriation of electronic recordkeeping systems, understanding users, ease of use and information/records specialists as part of the solution. Analysis of these themes shows that many of them can be explained through theories developed in the IS field.Research limitations/implicationsThe results show that many themes are common across the records management and IS fields. Further, the results indicate the applicability of theories in the IS field to explain and predict the implementation of electronic recordkeeping systems.Originality/valueThis study is one of few that explicitly draw on IS theories to understand the implementation of electronic recordkeeping systems. The results of this study open up many opportunities for future research on electronic recordkeeping systems.

Digitize and punish: Computerized crime mapping and racialized carceral power in Chicago

While critical attention has recently turned to racialized police violence in US cities, another quiet development in urban policing is taking place. Hundreds of police departments have begun to wed database software with geographic information systems to represent crime cartographically. Focusing on the Chicago police’s digital mapping application, CLEARmap, the article interprets this development from the standpoint of racialized carceral power. It puts critical geographic information systems theory into discussion with critical ethnic studies and builds the case that CLEARmap does not passively “read” urban space, but provides ostensibly scientific ways of reading and policing negatively racialized fractions of surplus labor in ways that reproduces, and in some instances extends the tentacles of carceral power. CLEARmap’s data structure ensures that negatively racialized fractions of surplus labor, the places they inhabit, and the social problems that afflict them are only representable to state authorities and the public as objects of policing and punishment. CLEARmap is also used at police–community meetings and via the Internet to adapt public perceptions of crime to that of the policing apparatus, and mobilize the public as appendages of police surveillance. By tracing these phenomena, the article casts a heretofore untheorized dimension of the carceral power into sharp relief.

Predicting user continuance intention towards M-pesa in Kenya

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to integrate established information systems theories (post-acceptance model (PAM) and task-technology fit (TTF)) to model and test determinants of user continuance intention within Kenya toward a proliferated mobile money service called M-pesa.Design/methodology/approachA positivist method informed the design of the study. A survey instrument was developed and administered amongst M-pesa users in Kenya, yielding 618 responses. Selection of users followed a systematic sampling technique. Afterwards, structural equation modelling (SEM)-partial least squares (“SEM-PLS”) was used to examine the measurement and structural model of the study.FindingsThe results revealed an unexpected finding that TTF’s utilization has a stronger path coefficient than PAM’s satisfaction in predicting user continuance intention toward M-pesa. This is contrary to most extant literature reports that satisfaction is the dominant predictor of usage continuance. Also, unexpected, the results revealed a lack of significant influence between the PAM’s post-usage usefulness (PUU) and satisfaction. Again, the relationship between PUU and satisfaction in most extant studies is reported as significant.Originality/valueThe study suggests that saliency order of determinants of user continuance intention could differ within the developing world and developed world.

Knowledge pairing systems in granular computing

In Pawlak’s theory of information systems, one has a collection of objects and knows the values of any object with respect a certain class of properties, usually called attributes. An implicit assumption of this theory is that the difference between the nature of objects and attributes is well outlined. In our paper we generalize the concept of information system by analyzing the case in which there is no a priori distinction in the nature of objects and attributes and, hence, both the interpretations are admissible. We call the structure arising in the previous context knowledge pairing system. We study the indiscernibility relations induced in both the admissible interpretations by means of up-down operators, in such a way to have a direct analogy with the extent and intent operators used in Formal Context Analysis. In particular, we investigate three models of knowledge pairing systems arising from real contexts and modeled respectively by graphs, digraphs and hypergraphs. We show the real convenience to use the notion of knowledge pairing system focusing on interpretation of this structure and discussing the two admissible perspectives obtained by avoiding the difference between the roles of objects and attributes.

Big data and knowledge management: a case of déjà vu or back to the future?

PurposeBig data clearly represent an important advance in information systems theory, but to describe it as “revolutionary” is premature. Similar technological breakthroughs, from online databases to ERP, were clearly modulated by advances in the organizational domain, including matters of structure, strategy and culture and arguably big data will be similar. The purpose of this paper is to encourage discussion of the wider implications of big data for the theory and practice of knowledge management.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual study based on critical analysis of the relevant literatures including those of organizational studies and management, big data and knowledge management.FindingsThe literature of big data emphasizes the application of algorithms to pattern analysis and prediction, resulting in data-driven decision-making, with data being the creator of value in organizations and societies. This would appear to render obsolete previous depictions of the “data-information-knowledge” relationship and, in effect, spell the end of knowledge management. However, big data literature largely ignores the organizational dimension and, significantly, the importance of frameworks, strategies and cultures for big data. As all of these are present in the literature of knowledge management, it would seem that big data have a long way to go to catch up and qualify even as a sub-discipline. Indeed, on the evidence, big data may well have a future as a contributor to and/or an element of knowledge management. Even for this to happen, however, major advances are required across the spectrum of big data technologies.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a position paper written as the precursor for an empirical study.Originality/valueThe paper offers a critical literature-based and knowledge management perspective on big data while pointing out the common thread that runs through decades of advances in information systems technologies.

Book Reviews

In Book Reviews, we review an extensive and diverse range of books. They cover theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems. In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. The editor will be pleased to receive an email from those willing to review a book, with an indication of specific areas of interest. If you are aware of a specific book that you would like to review, or that you think should be reviewed, please contact the editor. The following books are reviewed in this issue of Interfaces, 47(1), January–February 2017: Decision Science for Housing and Community Development: Localized and Evidence-Based Responses to Distressed Housing and Blighted Communities, Michael P. Johnson, Jeffrey M. Keisler, Senay Solak, David A. Turcotte, Armagan Bayram, and Rachel Bogardus Drew; Linear and Mixed Integer Programming for Portfolio Optimization, Renata Mansini, Wlodzimierz Ogryczak, and M. Grazia Speranza.

Information Re-Sharing on Social Network Sites in the Age of Fake News

Aim/Purpose: In the light of the recent attention to the role of social media in the dissemination of fake news, it is important to understand the relationship between the characteristics of the social media content and re-sharing behavior. This study seeks to examine individual level antecedents of information re-sharing behavior including individual beliefs about the quality of information available on social network sites (SNSs), attitude towards SNS use and risk perceptions and attitudes. Methodology: Testing the research model by data collected through surveys that were adminis-tered to test the research model. Data was collected from undergraduate students in a public university in the US. Contribution: This study contributes to theory in Information Systems by addressing the issue of information quality in the context of information re-sharing on social media. This study has important practical implications for SNS users and providers alike. Ensuring that information available on SNS is of high quality is critical to maintaining a healthy user base. Findings: Results indicate that attitude toward using SNSs and intention to re-share infor-mation on SNSs is influenced by perceived information quality (enjoyment, rele-vance, and reliability). Also, risk-taking propensity and enjoyment influence the intention to re-share information on SNSs in a positive direction. Future Research: In the dynamic context of SNSs, the role played by quality of information is changing. Understanding changes in quality of information by conducting longitudinal studies and experiments and including the role of habits is necessary.

Deducing of an Automobile Design for an Electric Vehicle (EV): Perspective of Technological Acceptance Model (TAM)

Research looks at the integration of the EV in the Ghanaian market from textual analysis and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) point of view to aid in an EV design. This information systems theory models how users come to accept and use a technology. The model use purposive random sampling of stratums from various transports stations and public drivers by considering; Perceived usefulness (PU) and Perceived ease-of-use (PEOU). In the study, it was observed that about 76% of the respondents said they were willing to use an EV if they are available in the Ghanaian market whilst 24% said they will not use and EV. There was also textual analysis of the existing EV to develop a proposed EV which will forgo the major challenges like the frequent charging and avoid the use of fuel completely. Therefore, the research is to seek an alternative EV which avoids the use of continuous charging of batteries, fuel, power density problems and poor life time performance. It was noticed that about 33% of the respondents said their reason for willing to use EV was to save cost, 25% stated for comfort, 18% were also will for the purposes of no fuel use and 13% for EV will be least expensive. Therefore, the research concluded that, for a EV to be acceptable, it has to have the characteristics of being cost efficient, environmental cleanliness, good performance and convenience in usage.

Book Reviews

In Book Reviews, we review an extensive and diverse range of books. They cover theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems. In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. The editor will be pleased to receive an email from those willing to review a book, with an indication of specific areas of interest. If you are aware of a specific book that you would like to review, or that you think should be reviewed, please contact the editor. The following books are reviewed in this issue of Interfaces, 46(6), November–December 2016: Only Humans Need Apply, Thomas H. Davenport and Julia Kirby; Success and Luck: Good Fortune and the Myth of Meritocracy, Robert H. Frank; and Multiobjective Linear Programming, An Introduction, Dinh The Luc.

Measurement of internal user satisfaction and acceptance of the e-justice system in Turkey

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop an evaluation model for National Judiciary Informatics System (NJIS), which is an e-justice system forming part of e-government, based on the models and the theories of information systems (ISs). Design/methodology/approach The survey was conducted on 8,840 internal users working for judicial services in Turkey. The success of the NJIS as an e-justice system is evaluated using structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings The results show that while the most important factor is the latent variable information quality in the SEM created to analyze the satisfaction of internal users using the NJIS, other factors include perceived usefulness (PU), system quality, and service quality, respectively. It is found that design quality has affected directly and positively the perceived ease of use (PEoU) while PEoU has affected the PU in the same manner. Research limitations/implications This study was solely concerned with internal users. Therefore, a more comparative study in which other users such as lawyers and ordinary citizens can be incorporated is suggested. Related to internal user satisfaction of the e-justice system, it is explored whether or not internal users are satisfied with their information processing needs, the system’s efficiency, the number of process steps, technical office services, and the system in general. Originality/value The research presents a new developed evaluation model of e-justice system from an internal user perspective. Most evaluation models focus on system-centered evaluation or organizational structure while user-centered evaluation concerning judicial ISs has not been explored yet.

Triggered essential reviewing: the effect of technology affordances on service experience evaluations

This paper responds to the recent call for understanding the nature and consequences of the digital mediation of everyday experiences. We do so in the context of online opinion sharing. We propose that the unique design features of mobile computing devices and the intention and purpose of their users, meld into a technology affordance we label: Triggered essential reviewing. We empirically investigate the effect of this technology affordance on opinion characteristics (i.e., timing and length), and outcomes (i.e., opinion valence and content). We find that triggered essential reviewing engenders opinions that cover a narrower range of aspects of the experience and that it produces a negative evaluative bias—a bias that mitigates over time. Our work makes two contributions to the application of affordance theory in Information Systems. First, it shows the importance of IT design in studying experiential computing. While not taking a deterministic view of technology, we validate the notion that different technology designs produce a variation of effects around a predictable central tendency. Second, it empirically demonstrates that the affordances of embodied digital experiences have an effect on actual behavior as well as on the outcome of the experience itself.

Adoption of personal health records by chronic disease patients: A research model and an empirical study

With the increasing prevalence of chronic disease throughout the world, electronic Personal Health Records (ePHRs) have been suggested as a way to improve chronic disease self-management. However, ePHRs are not yet widely used by consumers. Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) has been successfully used to explain health related behaviours among chronic disease patients. In addition, Information Systems (IS) theories such as Task Technology Fit (TTF) have been successfully used to explain information technology adoption. This study leverages these theories along with the health self-management readiness concept of the Patient Activation Measure (PAM) to propose a theoretical model of ePHR adoption by chronic disease patients for the task of self-management. The role of educational interventions on various elements of the proposed model is also examined. A survey-based study of 230 Type 2 Diabetes patients is used to empirically validate the proposed model via structural equation modeling techniques. Results reveal that the PMT, TTF and PAM constructs all have significant direct and indirect effects on the intention to adopt an ePHR. In addition, the educational intervention analysis indicates that the provision of advanced ePHR education positively influences various constructs in the model, while the use of fear appeals does not have an effect.

Book Reviews

In Book Reviews, we review an extensive and diverse range of books. They cover theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems. In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. The editor will be pleased to receive an email from those willing to review a book, with an indication of specific areas of interest. If you are aware of a specific book that you would like to review, or that you think should be reviewed, please contact the editor. The following books are reviewed in this issue of Interfaces, 46(5), September–October 2016: An Economist in the Real World: The Art of Policymaking in India, Kaushik Basu; and Supply Chain Configuration: Concepts, Solutions, and Applications, Charu Chandra and Janis Grabis.