MIS Quarterly Research Articles

Community of practices, knowledge transfer, and ERP project (ERPP)

In this research, we are interested in ERP systems which are common information repositories that are aimed at matching the knowledge, practices, and skills that drive the organization in the best possible way. Can the cognitive and hierarchical models coexist within the same project? What is the impact of ERP on the interconnection between communities? To answer these questions, we rely in particular on the work of Levina and Vaast (MIS Quarterly 29(2):335–363, 2005), which underlines that the modes of interaction between CPs must be mediated by the activation of boundary objects and/or the mobilization of boundary spanners. Finally, this leads us to discriminate between two types of ERPPs (hierarchical/cognitive) and to underline the role of the switch in the ERPP success.

Emergent Themes in the Interface Between Economics of Information Systems and Management of Technology

In this article, we look at research published over a five‐year time span in the economics of information systems (IS) area in four premier journals, including Management Science, Information Systems Research, MIS Quarterly, and Production and Operations Management, to identify research themes that have implications for future research in the area of Management of Technology (MOT). Through our examination of the literature, we identify three emergent themes that can be used to form foundations for future MOT research from an economics of IS perspective: productivity, vertical relations, and platforms. Within each of these themes, we classify previous research into subthemes, summarize the major findings, and explore future research opportunities within the MOT domain that are relevant to these subthemes. Specifically, we examine how information technology has impacted firm productivity, their product design and development process, innovation capabilities, knowledge management capabilities, and supply chain integration.

Investigating the predictive power of TAM: A case study of CEGEP students’ intentions to use online learning technologies

The purpose of this research is to investigate pre-university science College d’enseignement general et professionnel (CEGEP) students’ behavioral intentions towards using online learning technologies. Heretofore, CEGEP students’ use of technology has received scant attention, yet online learning technologies are found to play an increasingly important role in CEGEP classrooms today. The present study seeks to address this by examining CEGEP students’ use of online learning technologies. Our main research question was: What factors affect CEGEP students’ intentions to use online learning technologies? A total of 213 CEGEP students were surveyed, the resulting data was analyzed using the technology acceptance model (TAM; Davis MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319, 1989). The findings of this research provide guidance for future implementations of online learning technologies in the CEGEP education system.

Examining CEGEP students’ acceptance of computer-based learning environments: A test of two models

As the use of technology in education advances and broadens, empirical research around its use assumes increased importance. Yet literature investigating technology acceptance in certain populations remains scarce. We recently argued that technology acceptance investigations should also consider the modality of the antecedent belief, to distinguish between beliefs of conditionality, and necessity, such that sometimes we are constrained to act by circumstance, and other times we act to obtain a certain outcome, which differently affects our appraisals of situations (Doleck et al. 2016). In this vein, we propose to study technology acceptance with a population that is constrained in their acceptance of certain technologies, such as university or college students’ tacit acceptance of classroom computer applications. In the present paper, we pose the question: what factors affect College d’enseignement general et professionnel (CEGEP) students’ technology acceptance, specifically, what are the antecedents to their computer-based learning environment (CBLE) use. To explore this question, we employ a structural equation modeling approach, specifically a partial least square (PLS) approach, using the technology acceptance framework. The present study applies two well-known models of acceptance, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM; Davis in MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319–340 1989) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT; Venkatesh et al. in MIS Quarterly, 27(3), 425–478 2003) to investigate the acceptance of CBLEs among CEGEP students and attempts to address technology acceptance in forced-choice situations.

DEVELOPING CONCEPTUAL GOVERNANCE MODEL FOR COLLABORATIVE KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANISATIONS

Nowadays most of the public sector organisations are implementing a knowledge management system (KMS) to assist the systematic creation and sharing of their knowledge resources. The recent technological needs, collaboration and cooperation among public sector organisations (PSO) serve a vital role in the development of knowledge management systems (KMS). However, in order to establish a successful and standardised collaborative KMS amongst Malaysian PSO (MPSO), proper governance needs to be in place. The aim of this study is to identify governance components for collaborative KMS (CKMS). Accordingly, the journal articles published within the period 1998-2013 were identified and analysed. The articles were sourced mainly from Knowledge Management Research & Practice, Science Direct, Emerald, MIS Quarterly, as well as from some other academic databases. Keywords used during the literature search were “governance”, “knowledge management system”, “collaboration”, “collaborative knowledge management system”, “knowledge sharing” and “knowledge management governance”. Moreover, expert opinion from the public sector expert teams and academic experts was also acquired from several consultation sessions to ensure that the components obtained from the readings meet the requirements of KMS collaborations. Based on the analysis and consultation, a conceptual model for governance of CKMS is constructed.

Examining the antecedents of social networking sites use among CEGEP students

Investigations in technology acceptance in education has largely overlooked certain unique populations like students from the College d’enseignement general et professionnel (CEGEP) system. In studies examining CEGEP students’ use of technology, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) perspective has not been taken into account, nor have modalities of beliefs underlying the TAM framework. Modalities of belief refer to the different way of knowing something, such as certainty, necessity, conditionality/probability, etc. This study explores CEGEP students’ use of social networking sites (SNSs) employing the TAM framework proposed by Davis (MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319–340, 1989). The increased role of SNSs like Facebook in the digital experience and lives of college students offers novel venues and presents new opportunities for technology acceptance research. This study examines the determinants of intention and use of SNSs among CEGEP students and includes a new antecedent factor ‘need for self-expression’, as a modality of belief. Using structural equation modeling, specifically partial least squares (PLS), we test and present the results finding good fit with the data for our extended TAM model for Facebook use. We close by discussing the implications, limitations, and avenues for future research.

A decade plus long introspection of research published in Information & Management

It is insightful for a leading publication in information systems like Information & Management to conduct a deep introspection of what it publishes and how it has evolved over the years. It informs all constituencies: readers, authors, reviewers and editors in future research efforts. Information & Management (I&M for short) is one of the oldest journals in the information systems field and has been continuously regarded as a top journal with high quality publications. The purpose of this study is to conduct a detailed examination of the research I&M has published in a 10+ year period from 2004 to 2014. Specifically, we consider four dimensions of research: topics, research methodologies, research models, and paradigmatic research approaches. Patterns and trends for these four dimensions are presented in order to provide an in-depth examination. For benchmark purposes, we compare our results to a major US-based journal: the MIS Quarterly (MISQ) and a major European journal: the European Journal of Information Systems (EJIS).

Valoraciones de la “Aceptación de la Tecnología de Formación Virtual” por profesores universitarios asistentes a un curso de formación virtual

En esta investigación se describe la experiencia desarrollada con 24 profesores y profesoras universitarios de la Universidad Apec, en Santo Domingo (República Dominicana), con la finalidad de conocer el grado de aceptación de la formación virtual como metodología, después de participar en una acción formativa sobre dicha temática, a través del modelo TAM de Davis. Entre los resultados más relevantes destacamos que la percepción que tienen sobre la facilidad de uso y utilidad, la actitud hacia el uso y la relevancia de la misma en el desarrollo de su trabajo como docentes es muy positiva.

DEVELOPING CONCEPTUAL GOVERNANCE MODEL FOR COLLABORATIVE KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANISATIONS

Nowadays most of the public sector organisations are implementing a knowledge management system (KMS) to assist the systematic creation and sharing of their knowledge resources. The recent technological needs, collaboration and cooperation among public sector organisations (PSO) serve a vital role in the development of knowledge management systems (KMS). However, in order to establish a successful and standardised collaborative KMS amongst Malaysian PSO (MPSO), proper governance needs to be in place. The aim of this study is to identify governance components for collaborative KMS (CKMS). Accordingly, the journal articles published within the period 1998-2013 were identified and analysed. The articles were sourced mainly from Knowledge Management Research & Practice, Science Direct, Emerald, MIS Quarterly, as well as from some other academic databases. Keywords used during the literature search were “governance”, “knowledge management system”, “collaboration”, “collaborative knowledge management system”, “knowledge sharing” and “knowledge management governance”. Moreover, expert opinion from the public sector expert teams and academic experts was also acquired from several consultation sessions to ensure that the components obtained from the readings meet the requirements of KMS collaborations. Based on the analysis and consultation, a conceptual model for governance of CKMS is constructed.

UTILIZAÇÃO DE TEORIAS EM PESQUISAS NA ÁREA DE ADMINISTRAÇÃO DA INFORMAÇÃO NO BRASIL: REFLEXÕES INICIAIS

Theories have multiple roles in a field of knowledge, from the understanding of the causes of a phenomenon to the prevision of its behavior. Thus, analyzing the use and the role of theories in an area of knowledge is a way to understand its genesis and to discuss points to be explored. The objective of this paper is to analyze the use of theories in Information Systems (IS) research in terms of frequency and diversity. We analyzed all papers published in RESI and JISTEM, the two main IS journals in Brazil, from their founding (2002/2004) to 2014, comprising 396 articles. The Gregor taxonomy for analyzing theories (2006) was used; this taxonomy considers different roles of theories, such as analyzing, explanation, prediction, explanation/prediction, design and action. A group of 32 articles cited 18 different theories and each theory was cited by up to two articles. These results were compared with the research of Lim et al. (2009), which identified the most commonly used theories in MIS Quarterly and Information System Research journals: 70% of the 386 analyzed articles employed at least one theory, and the 10 most cited theories are present in 90% of the articles. A much smaller number of papers in national journals use theories (5.3%) and a lower number of different theories are used (18) compared to the papers in American journals (70% and 154). Even considering the differences among the journals, the lower use of theories in Brazilian IS research gives cause for concern.

Usability, expectation, confirmation, and continuance intentions to use electronic textbooks

A trend in education is the use of electronic textbooks (e-textbook, [Stone, R. W., and L. Baker-Eveleth. 2013. “Students’ Expectation, Confirmation, and Continuance Intention to Use Electronic Textbooks.” Computers in Human Behavior 29 (3): 984–990.]). A variety of research has examined the motivations for e-textbook adoption as well as continuance intentions of e-textbooks after an initial adoption. This research extends the continuance intentions literature using the expectation–confirmation model ([Bhattacherjee, A. 2001. “Understanding Information Systems Continuance: An Expectation–Confirmation Model.” MIS Quarterly 25 (3): 351–370.]) and including the constructs of e-textbook usability and its dimensions. The data were responses to an online questionnaire by students at a medium-sized (USA) university. A total of 1434 responses were received for a 12.52% response rate. These responses were partitioned to include only complete responses from students who had previously used an e-textbook. This produced a sample of 639 questionnaire responses for empirical analysis. The analysis was performed using structural equation modelling (i.e. Procedure Calis in PC SAS version 9.2). The results showed that students' continuance intentions of e-textbooks are driven by students' satisfaction with e-textbooks and perceived usefulness. Additionally, students' expectation–confirmation and e-textbook usability positively influence both students' satisfaction and perceived usefulness and hence the intentions for continued e-textbook adoptions. Finally, the usability dimensions of efficiency and effectiveness significantly influence e-textbook usability.

Editorial Policy

Editorial Policy

Editor's Comments: Developing our Authors

The author, editor of the publication, looks at the developmental approach to peer review of academic articles, described as practices which focus not only on evaluating or identifying weaknesses in an article but on providing guidance to the original author on how the article can be improved and on how he or she can become a better scholar. She contrasts effective developmental reviewing with practices she considers ineffective including ghostwriting the article. Other topics include the role of developmental reviewing in expanding inclusion and diversity in an academic field and its benefits for long-time as well as young scholars.

Editorial

It is well known that Journals play a significant role in the dissemination of knowledge as well as they support important discoveries. Although JISTEM does not publish special issues in selected research streams, the Editorial board, Editor and reviewers are always sensitive to determining when submissions are being innovative. That makes each edition a rich and relevant resource for academics as well as practitioners. If the research results of the published articles reach the right target, it is hard to know. But as Straub and Ang (2011) states: “The way assuredly not to examine this question (Is information systems research relevant to practice?) is by asking practitioners whether they read scholarly journals. They do not. Nor should they. Scholarly journals are written by scholars for scholars. In many cases, the scientific apparatus is so complicated and sophisticated that only a subset of scholars can fully appreciate specialist articles. But if scientific articles have merit for praxis then this knowledge can and should be shared. It is conceivable that the essential principles and implications of academic research can be communicated to practitioners by the best IS academics. In this second issue, May – August of 2014, we are pleased to present a selection of 11 highly relevant articles plus the Report: Outcomes of the 11th CONTECSI USP. The articles cover the following main topics: • Decision Models • User Testing Methods • Fuzzy Multicriteria Approach • Analytic Network for Selection of Integrated Management Systems (ERP) • Information Technology Governance • Internet on the Patient-Doctor Relationship • Integrating Services • BSC for Strategic Planning • Credit Analysis Using Data Mining • Performance Measurement of IT Governance • Automated Text Clustering • Continuous Auditing • Outcomes of the 11th CONTECSI USP– International Conference on Information Systems And Technology Management – May 28 to 30, 2014 JISTEM maintains the high quality and visibility in both national and international sectors. In addition to authors from UK, Jordan and Spain, we also present Brazilian authors from Rio Grande do Sul, Minas Gerais, Sao Paulo, Goias and the Federal District. We thank all authors and reviewers and wish you a pleasant reading. * Straub, D. and Ang, S. (2001) MIS Quarterly Vol. 35 No. 1 pp. iii-xi/March

Highly cited articles in the Information Science and Library Science category in Social Science Citation Index: A bibliometric analysis

This study aims to identify and analyse the characteristics of highly cited articles published in the Information Science and Library Science category in the Social Science Citation Index. Articles that have been cited at least 100 times since publication up to the end of 2012 were analysed. We identified 501 highly cited articles published between 1956 and 2009 in 37 journals. MIS Quarterly published 26% of all analysed highly cited articles. The most productive researcher published 11 articles. Six bibliometric indicators were used to evaluate source institutions and countries. The 13 most productive institutions were all located in the USA and Canada. Harvard University in the USA was the most productive institution, ranked number one in the total number of highly cited articles, while the University of Maryland in the USA had the highest publication performance of first and corresponding author articles. Researchers from the USA contributed 67% of highly cited articles.

Predicting the use of online information services based on a modified UTAUT model

There is a growing consensus that the conventional technology acceptance model should be modified and expanded to provide a better understanding of the behaviour related to Internet services. Recognising this need, this study re-evaluates the utility of Venkatesh et al.’s [2003. User acceptance of information technology: toward a unified view. MIS Quarterly, 27 (3), 425–478] Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. First, this study proposes a new modified model of technology acceptance by adding the concepts of trust and flow experience to the original UTAUT model. Second, the study investigates how the model's explanatory power changes for different types of Internet services. For this, this study considers two services – ‘e-learning’ and ‘online gaming’ – for their utilitarian and hedonic characteristics, respectively. The results of this study suggest that the proposed model can better explain behavioural intentions towards Internet services than the original model. The two variables – flow experience and trust – contributed to the overall significance of the model. Furthermore, the type of Internet service moderated the effects of the independent variables on behavioural intentions and use behaviour.

Information Technology Capability and Firm Performance: Contradictory Findings and Their Possible Causes

Several studies support the positive link between information technology capability and firm performance, including Bharadwaj (2000) and Santhanam and Hartono (2003), which appeared in MIS Quarterly. We conducted a study to see if this link is still stat

An investigation of source use in the results and the closing sections of empirical articles in Information Systems: In search of a functional-semantic citation typology for pedagogical purposes

This paper presents an analysis of how behavioral science researchers from the soft domain of Information Systems (IS) engage prior knowledge of the field to construct research claims in journal articles. Data was drawn from the Results and the Discussion sections of 40 IS research articles published in one research journal (MIS Quarterly, N = 20) and one applied-research journal (Information Management, N = 20). To perform the analysis, the Results and the Discussion sections of the articles were first parsed into moves, and citations in each of the moves were classified according to their rhetorical functions and the types of knowledge cited (semantic content). Based on the classification, a functional-semantic citation typology was developed. Counts of the citations in each category represented in the typology were then subjected to a series of statistical analyses to examine their distribution across the two journals as well as the two target sections. The results reveal that while all the citation categories in the typology were present in both journals, they appeared only sparingly in the IM articles, and cross-sectional differences in their distribution were statistically significant in the MIS Quarterly corpus only. Pedagogical implications will be presented.

Editorial Policy

Editorial Policy

Technology for Development: Understanding Influences on use of Rural Telecenters in India

In recent years, there has been an increasing use of information and communication technology as a means of improving the income and capabilities of farmers. Many large agri-business organizations, governments, and independent private firms have created telecenters to meet these goals. However, use of telecenter facilities has not met its potential. We use the technology adoption and diffusion frameworks of Rogers (adoption/diffusion, 2003) and Davis (technology adoption model – TAM, [(1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319–339]) to understand factors that influence adoption and use of information technology by farmers. Based on a five-state sample of 280 farmers and agricultural workers, we identify adoption/diffusion factors that increase use of telecenters. Bivariate results support the dimensions suggested by Rogers: relative advantage, compatibility, low complexity, and observability, while also supporting the TAM factors of usefulness and ease of use. Logistic regression findings identify the most important Rogers' dimensions. Binary-independent variables of North–South telecenter location and telecenter business-independent ownership indicate North–South location influences both the models of adoption/diffusion and TAM factors, while telecenter ownership influences the model of TAM factors. The practical and government policy implications are examined.