Successful Implementation Of System Research Articles

The impacts of supply chain management systems on information sharing and integrated-performance

As the business environment rapidly changes, closer connected activities have been involved in the buyer–supplier relationship. Among the four aspects of supply chain integration (cash flow, material flow, product flow and information flow), the integration of information flow is the most critical element in enabling coordinating activities and supply chain alliances. Yet, there are unanswered questions regarding the extent to which information exchanged is effective in the supply chain alliance. In this study, we adopted the ‘contingency theory’ as the theoretical foundation, and interviewed eight selected firms to investigate the impact of supply chain partners among organizations on information sharing quality, and the impact of inter-organizational information sharing quality on the supply chain integrated-performance. The results show that (1) supply chain partners within and between groups have a positive impact on inter-organizational information sharing quality, (2) inter-organizational information sharing quality has a positive impact on the supply chain integrated performance, and (3) information sharing quality should be multi-dimensional. We believe that the successful implementation of SCM systems among firms will produce significant synergy and be associated with the competitive advantages. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Municipal Performance Measurement in Practice: Which Factors Matter?

Performance measurement systems have two contrasting facets. On one hand, they assist managers to take rational actions; on the other, they disclose important information to citizens on their “value for money”. For political reasons the latter may prevail over the former, and this can undermine the validity, legitimacy and functionality of performance measurement systems for managerial action (Bouckaert 1993). Departing from the neo institutional theory, the purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of the drivers that affect the use and implementation of managerially oriented performance measurement systems in municipalities, and how these drivers could affect the validity, legitimacy, and functionality of performance measurement itself. A multiple case study approach is used, with extensive document analysis and direct interviews in four municipality (two in Spain and two in Italy), that have successfully implemented performance measurement systems. Findings provide evidence to inform practitioners about the conditions under which the introduction and use of performance measurement systems in municipalities might be successful, identifying the important drivers of a successful implementation effort and help to increase municipal managers’ understanding of the factors that play a role in the successful implementation of a managerially-oriented performance measurement system in a municipal context.

Tecnología de información y ventaja competitiva: el caso de los sistemas ERP en Chile

Este trabajo presenta un examen de los factores que anteceden la integración exitosa de una tecnología de información, como son los sistemas ERP (Enterprise Resources Planning), y cuales de estos factores pueden generar una ventaja competitiva sostenible para la empresa. El análisis se basa en un estudio empírico que indagó el fenómeno de implantación exitosa de sistemas ERP en 72 grandes empresas chilenas y lo contrastó con un modelo de investigación propuesto por los autores, utilizando para estos efectos la técnica PLS (Partial Least Square) de modelado de ecuaciones estructurales. Basados en el enfoque conceptual de la teoría de recursos y capacidades, los resultados de la investigación indican que el aprendizaje y la predisposición para el cambio (en conjunción con los otros factores antecedentes del éxito de un sistema ERP y del propio ERP) pueden ser fuentes de una ventaja competitiva sostenible.

Organisational culture, job satisfaction and higher education service quality

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of organisational culture and job satisfaction on the quality of services provided in higher education and to raise questions about the successful implementation of quality assurance and evaluation systems recently launched in Greece.

Quasistatic displacement self-sensing method for cantilevered piezoelectric actuators

Piezoelectric meso- and microactuator systems required for manipulation or assembly of microscale objects demand reliable force and/or displacement information. Available sensors are prone to dimension restrictions or precision limitation. Self-sensing method, based on the electric charge measurement, may represent a solution in terms of cost-effectiveness and integration, the actuator performing simultaneously as its own sensor. This paper presents a self-sensing method dedicated to free uni- and bimorph piezocantilevers but can also be adapted to other piezoactuator types. The integrated electric current, used to convert the charge, can be compensated against piezoelectric material nonlinearities to provide accurate displacement information. The advantages relative to existing self-sensing methods consist in the ability to keep this displacement information for long-term periods (more than a thousand seconds) and in the reduction in signal noise. After introductive issues related to the method the base principle allowing the estimation of tip displacement is presented. Then, the identification procedure of the estimator parameters is depicted and representative experimental results are shown. Finally, a series of aspects related to electronic circuits are discussed, useful for successful system implementation.

Concurrent Error Detection in Multiplexer-Based Multipliers for Normal Basis of GF(2 m ) Using Double Parity Prediction Scheme

Successful implementation of elliptic curve cryptographic systems primarily depends on the efficient and reliable arithmetic circuits for finite fields with very large orders. Thus, the robust encryption/decryption algorithms are elegantly needed. Multiplication would be the most important finite field arithmetic operation. It is much more complex compared to the finite field addition. It is also frequently used in performing point operations in elliptic curve groups. The hardware implementation of a multiplication operation may require millions of logic gates and may thus lead to erroneous outputs. To obtain reliable cryptographic applications, a novel concurrent error detection (CED) architecture to detect erroneous outputs in multiplexer-based normal basis (NB) multiplier over GF(2 m ) using the parity prediction scheme is proposed in this article. Although various NB multipliers, depending on $$ \alpha \alpha^{{2^i }} = \sum\limits_{j = 0}^{m - 1} {t_{i,j} } \alpha^{{2^j }} $$ , have different time and space complexities, NB multipliers will have the same structure if they use a parity prediction function. By using the structure of the proposed CED NB multiplier, a CED scalable multiplier over composite fields with 100% error detection rate is also presented.

해운.항만조직의 지식공유의도 영향요인이 지식관리시스템 사용정도에 미치는 영향에 관한 연구

본 연구에서는 지식공유와 지식관리시스템에 관한 이론과 선행연구를 통하여 해운 항만 공공부문과 해운기업을 대상으로 지식관리시스템 사용과 지식공유 의도에 영향을 주는 요인들을 추출하여 그 요인들의 상호 영향관계를 살펴보았다. 총 7개의 가설을 검증한 결과, 먼저 지식공유 의도의 영향요인들 중에서 최고 경영층의 지원, 자기 가치감, 신뢰가 지식공유 의도에 영향을 미치는 것으로 확인되었고, 또한 보상제도와 지식관리시스템의 사용과 관계, 지식공유 의도와 지식관리시스템 사용과의 관계 통계적으로 유의한 결과로 나타났다. 본 연구 결과는 앞으로 지식관리시스템 사용과 관련된 연구에 있어서 지식공유 의도의 영향력에 대학 실증적 근거로 제시될 수 있을 것이다. 또한 지식관리 시스템을 도입 사용하고 있는 기업의 실무자들에게 현재 자신들의 지식관리시스템 사용 현황을 재진단하고 문제점을 짚어봄으로써 향후 지식관리시스템을 통한 지식공유를 촉진하기 위한 방안을 모색하는데 기초 자료로 활용될 수 있을 것이다. Through the study of precedent researches, this study classified the influential factors of knowledge sharing intention into the support of CEO, self-worth, trust, and incentive. Then, this study conducted a survey among the workers, who are in maritime and port sectors, to illuminate how the forementioned variables influence on the knowledge sharing intention and the usage of knowledge management system The analysis of the result illustrated that the support of CEO, self-worth, trust appeared to be the influential factors of knowledge sharing intention, and that incentive and the knowledge sharing intention appeared to influence the usage of knowledge management system. This study aims to contribute to proposing a successful forthcoming implementation of a knowledge management system, by suggesting the influential factors to increase its usage to the maritime and port organizations planning to implement it before they actually installs it.

Information technology for medication administration

Medication errors continue to be of great concern to hospitals. The use of Information technology (IT) for medication administration was recommended to assist nurses to administer medications safely, decrease the chance of medication errors, and contribute to patient safety. Such IT will be operational soon in some Lebanese hospitals. Users' readiness and acceptance to use such an IT application is crucial as it is a prerequisite for successful system implementation. This descriptive study used the Technology Acceptance Model to determine the level of nurses' readiness to use IT for medication administration in Lebanon. The sample included nurses working in three different major hospitals in Beirut. Data were collected on nurses' demographics, attitudes, perceived usefulness and ease of use of IT for medication administration. During the first 2 weeks of July, 2007, nurses manually or electronically were asked to voluntarily complete the questionnaire. Results showed that the users' attitude towards the use of the proposed IT is correlated with their perceptions on system usefulness and ease of use. Many showed a positive attitude towards system use and scored high on both perceptions. Yet around 20% of the nurses in the sample showed a negative attitude towards the use of the proposed system.

Features predicting the success of computerized decision support for prescribing: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundComputerized decision support systems (CDSS) are believed to have the potential to improve the quality of health care delivery, although results from high quality studies have been mixed. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate whether certain features of prescribing decision support systems (RxCDSS) predict successful implementation, change in provider behaviour, and change in patient outcomes.MethodsA literature search of Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and INSPEC databases (earliest entry to June 2008) was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials involving RxCDSS. Each citation was independently assessed by two reviewers for outcomes and 28 predefined system features. Statistical analysis of associations between system features and success of outcomes was planned.ResultsOf 4534 citations returned by the search, 41 met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 37 reported successful system implementations, 25 reported success at changing health care provider behaviour, and 5 noted improvements in patient outcomes. A mean of 17 features per study were mentioned. The statistical analysis could not be completed due primarily to the small number of studies and lack of diversity of outcomes. Descriptive analysis did not confirm any feature to be more prevalent in successful trials relative to unsuccessful ones for implementation, provider behaviour or patient outcomes.ConclusionWhile RxCDSSs have the potential to change health care provider behaviour, very few high quality studies show improvement in patient outcomes. Furthermore, the features of the RxCDSS associated with success (or failure) are poorly described, thus making it difficult for system design and implementation to improve.

Technical Considerations for Successful Implementation of a Barcode-based Medication System in Hospital

Objective: To identify the technical considerations in implementing a barcode-based medication system and propose practical solutions for successful implementation of the system. In order to reduce medical errors related to medication and blood transfusion, we analyze various factors that hinder the successful implementation of the barcode-based medication system and discuss issues involved in the effective adoption of such a system. Methods: The barcode-based medication system of this research uses one-dimensional, barcode bands on patients’ wrists and two-dimensional barcodes attached to drug bags and blood bags. PDAs with barcode reading capability and wireless networking function are used, which enables Point of Care. The business process for applying the developed system and the current status of the system usage are analyzed. Results: The factors causing a variety of system failures in the demonstration and pilot periods were identified and categorized as including PDA malfunction, PDA battery discharge due to users’ carelessness, confusion in reading barcodes and so on. Conclusions: It is expected that the analyzed obstructive factors and the proposed technical considerations addressed in this paper can help other hospitals implement similar barcode-based medication systems successfully. Ultimately, this research will contribute to reducing medical errors and improving quality of patient care. (Journal of Korean Society of Medical Informatics 15-3, 303-312, 2009)

Biopharmaceutical aspects of gastro-retentive dosage forms: the gabapentin paradigm

Gastro-retentive dosage form (GRDF) is a controlled-release modality of drug delivery technology that allows continuous administration to the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. The manuscript summarizes various aspects that should be considered for the successful implementation of these region-specific delivery systems, including underlying physiological principles, technologies, and performance assessment approaches. In particular it focuses on characterization of potential drug candidates for GRDF and the anticipated pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic advantages associated with GRDF administration. These considerations are demonstrated using gabapentin as a representative narrow absorption window drug. The pharmacokinetic model that was developed for description of oral absorption of gabapentin in humans included variable intragastric input functions, saturable absorption kinetics and limited absorption window in the proximal gut. The pharmacokinetic profiles obtained via simulation demonstrated the potential benefits that can be accomplished by GRDF for gabapentin, including dose-proportional absorption, extended duration of absorption and thereby reduced dosing frequency and lowered total daily dose. Such pharmacokinetic modeling and simulation are shown to be an important and useful tool that can be used to optimize the selection of the mode of oral drug administration, including GRDF approach.

An exploratory study of MRP benefit determinant relationships: ACE analysis model

This paper aims to examine the MRP (MRPI and MRPII) benefit?determinant relationships using the alternating conditional expectation (ACE) technique within Egyptian manufacturing firms. To do that, the research is intended to test, empirically, the key hypothesis that the uncertainty and organisational, implementational, technological and human variables do not correlate with the benefits obtained from MRP implementation in a linear manner. This is done by constructing a series of mathematical models for both MRP benefits measures (tangible and subjective benefits) using the ACE technique as an advanced statistical modelling technique. The data analysed in this paper were collected by a mail questionnaire sent to Egyptian manufacturing firms. The findings indicate that data accuracy has a positive effect on the successful implementation of MRP systems. Also, our findings indicate that, as capacity uncertainty increases, so delivery lead time and the number of expediters increase in order to meet due dates. Moreover, our findings show that a company's size has a positive impact on operational efficiency. Managerial implications and avenues for further research are recommended.

Ingredients for a Successful Supply Chain Management System Implementation

The purpose of this article is to report on the implementation of a supply chain management (SCM) system at a Fortune 500 corporation. The paper describes the organization’s key supply chain processes, the approach to planning and implementing the project, lessons learned, and project outcomes to achieve higher levels of distributor service and reduced costs. This study reveals the importance of experience with large information systems projects and a carefully designed approach to implementation. Among the important lessons learned from this project are to establish the importance of the project within the organization, obtain strong topmanagement commitment, carefully consider the structure of project teams, and make strategic use of consultants.

Analyzing Enterprise Resource Planning System Implementation Success Factors in the Engineering–Construction Industry

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems offer many benefits to the engineering–construction industry. Many construction firms recognize the benefits of ERP system implementation; however, they still hesitate to adopt these systems due to high cost, uncertainties, and risks. This study identifies and analyzes critical factors that need to be considered to ensure successful ERP system implementation in the construction industry. First, this paper identifies the factors associated with the success and failure of ERP systems, and provides indicators to evaluate the success of such systems. Then, the paper develops an information system success model to analyze the relationships between factors and success indicators. Finally, the paper provides recommendations for successful ERP systems based on the analysis. The derived success factors should help senior managers in construction firms make better decisions and improve their business value by implementing the most effective EPR systems.

Effective teamwork

Giving teams time to cohere has been fundamental to the successful implementation of an online learning management system, says Linda Chapman

Spread of ictal activity in focal epilepsy

Latencies between seizure onset, propagation of ictal activity, and initial clinical symptoms and signs are critically important for the successful implementation of detection-based intervention systems in the treatment of epilepsy. This study analyzes intracranial EEG-recordings for temporal characteristics of ictal spread and its dependence on focus localization. Intracerebral EEG recordings of 215 seizures from 43 patients with pharmacoresistant focal epilepsy were evaluated based on site of first propagation, latencies between EEG seizure onset, early propagation, and clinical seizure onset. Seizure onset was mesial temporal in 15 patients, neocortical temporal in 15 patients, and frontal in 13 patients. Periods during which ictal activity remained confined to the seizure onset area showed significant differences between the patient groups. Median latencies between electrographic seizure onset and early propagation were significantly longer for patients with mesial temporal (5 s in seizure-based analysis/10 s in patient-based analysis) as compared to neocortical temporal (3 s/5 s) and frontal seizure focus (1 s/2 s; p < 0.01). Concordantly, median latencies to onset of clinical symptomatology were significantly longer for patients with mesial temporal (17 s/19 s) as compared to neocortical temporal (11 s/17 s) and frontal seizure focus (4 s in seizure-based analysis and 6 s in patient-based analysis; p < 0.01). The speed of propagation of ictal activity and the latencies until initial clinical seizure symptoms differ significantly depending on focus localization. Extended spread often occurred within the time window during which current detection systems operate. This suggests that inclusion criteria of patients suitable for testing the efficacy of detection-based seizure intervention strategies should be based on focus localization and patient-individual propagation patterns.

From P Economy to K Economy: An empirical study on knowledge-based quality factors

Knowledge management (KM) initiatives, projects and systems are just beginning to appear in organisations, there is little research and field data to guide the successful development and implementation of such systems or to guide the expectations of the potential benefits of such systems. Therefore, and due to the complex and integrated nature of KM, the investments involved, and the relatively high implementation failure rates, this paper attempts to fill this gap by investigating the critical success factors of KM implementation in organisations that have already implemented it, and learn from their practice. In this paper, an integrated model for effective implementation of KM projects based on a best practice perspective has been proposed. This paper aims to identify and empirically assesses the critical success factors (CSFs) in the KM implementation and the investigation of how the KM processes and these factors are being addressed and implemented in projects. This paper has identified a series of critical issues that must be carefully considered to ensure successful implementation of a KM system project. However, most of these factors are not related to technology and almost entirely to the people and business processes, and they are highly interdependent. Although this study has reviewed a large body of relevant literature and collected a vast set of appropriate data from both primary and secondary sources, it is not possible to claim that the empirical investigation has come across all issues related to KM project implementation. The paper shows that by explicitly describing these knowledge assets, the KM activities within organisations can more effectively leverage knowledge and improve performance. In essence, adhering to the various levels of application of KM projects will ensure that organisations can derive maximum benefits from KM and that the decision-making process and the flow of information happen in a seamless, corporate-wide perspective. Finally, it is hoped that the theory and research findings presented in this paper can aid the development of the KM, as well as serving as a consultative tool for organisations in their KM implementations.

Modeling, simulation, and control of an electromechanical aerofin control system with a PWM-controlled DC motor

A nonlinear model of an electromechanical actuator (EMA) system for aerofin control is presented. The EMA is realized with a permanent magnet brush DC motor controlled by a constant current driver. In this paper we introduced a simulation model that includes nonlinearities of the motor driver. A PID position controller was designed using the simulation model, although it was impossible to develop a linear model. The simulation results have been of the great importance for understanding the system behavior and successful control system implementation. The proposed control system has experimentally been validated on a test bench. The EMA-AFC test bench is designed to provide real operating conditions.

Do organizational citizenship behaviors lead to information system success?: Testing the mediation effects of integration climate and project management

We adapted a model in organizational theory to determine whether organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) of system implementation teams influenced that organization's integration climate and improved their project management, resulting in successful system implementation. Surveys were elicited from 254 system users in various business organizations that had implemented large-scale IS in the previous year; the analysis of their responses provided support for our model, suggesting that the OCB of the implementation team created a higher level of integration climate and more effective project management, and that these in turn influenced information system success. Implications for researchers and managers are discussed and limitations are identified.

Exploiting Process thinking in Health Care

In Finland, a project designed to modernize processes and reduce the waiting list for joint replacement surgery has recently been completed. The new surgery arrangements for artificial joint patients were monitored for a period of 1 year. The new arrangements involved relocating the anaesthesia phase outside the operating theatre. The reorganization of the patient care process for joint replacement surgery succeeded in achieving a 50% increase in operations. While conventional operations can often be pushed up a notch with state-of-the-art technology, for example, this article supports the argument that process thinking can be exploited effectively to support new ways of work and improve productivity in health care. Paying enough attention to this at the planning stage can be vital to the success of new IT system implementation.