Proposed Research Framework Research Articles

Internet Retailing Adoption by Small-to-Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs): A Multiple-Case Study

Despite the proliferation of Internet retailing and the relative novelty and complexity of this phenomenon, very little theory-guided qualitative research has been conducted to improve our understanding of the adoption of Internet retailing project by SMEs. This study presents a theoretical framework for analyzing the adoption of Internet retailing for SMEs. Organizational readiness (IT sophistication, financial resources, and customer readiness), perceived benefits of Internet retailing, and environmental factors are proposed to be the key drivers of adoption of Internet retailing. This research was designed using a qualitative approach through in-depth case studies selected from firms in Hong Kong where there is a proliferation of SMEs. The contextual meaning and practical manifestation of the key adoption factors were captured through the case studies. Our findings provide preliminary support for the proposed research framework, and contribute towards a better conceptual and practical understanding of the main factors driving SMEs to adopt Internet retailing. Contrary to popular belief, customer readiness for Internet shopping was not found to be a significant factor influencing SMEs' decision to adopt Internet retailing.

Contextual Determinants of Variable Pay Plan Design: A Proposed Research Framework

Increasingly, organizations are using variable pay plans to reward employees for the results that they achieve. Current discussion of variable pay focuses on variable pay plan design mechanics, with insufficient attention given to contextual variables that may affect variable pay plan design. We offer a preliminary framework for examining the contextual determinants of variable pay plan design. Components of the framework include characteristics of the environment, characteristics of the organization, and the organization's pay strategies. Propositions for future research are offered.

A proposed research framework for distributed group support systems

Globalization, virtual corporations, telecommuting, empowerment of teams, reduced cycle time and the need to frequently make decisions quickly makes it necessary for groups to work together while the participants may be in different locations. Distributed Group Support System ( DGSS) is a technology that can help groups to overcome some of the difficulties associated with being in different places and sometimes in different time zones. The purpose of this paper is to propose a research framework that addresses the major issues involved in the implementation of DGSSs. These issues were identified in a literature review and in a small scale survey of practitioners. The proposed framework extends the traditional decision room GSS framework by adding relevant topics in all major parts. In addition, a new set of characteristics (input) variables related to communication issues while being in different places, was added.

Proposed Research Framework for Factors and Scales of Product Hedonic Values

Proposed Research Framework for Factors and Scales of Product Hedonic Values

Ulcer Epidemiology: An Overview and Proposed Research Framework

A proposed framework for integrated research in ulcer epidemiology is presented. This framework entails the integration of ulcer epidemiology information from national data sets and regional or specialized data sources to produce an organized sequence of studies. National data sets are used to determine the descriptive characteristics of ulcer epidemiology in terms of person, place, and time. Once subpopulations with high or low rates of ulcer disease are identified, hypotheses are generated to explain subpopulation differences. These etiologic hypotheses are then tested in regional or specialized study populations such as the Adventist Health Study, the Rand Health Insurance Study, or the American Rheumatism Association Medical Information System.

MIS and the behavioral sciences

Many of the questions of concern to information system (IS) researchers and practitioners are, in essence, behavioral questions. Behavioral considerations in the design and implementation of information systems and in the management of IS professionals are crucial to the successful development and delivery of quality services to users. Implementation of IS may provide a beneficial means to facilitate changes in task design, organizational structure, and social relations. Guidance for interpreting past MIS behavioral research and suggestions for future studies are provided by a proposed research framework. The importance of adopting behavioral science research standards, e.g., theory-based research questions and appropriate methodology, is stressed.