scholarly journals From “Technical Newbies” to “Optimistic Politicians”

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
James Prater ◽  
Konstantinos Kirytopoulos ◽  
Tony Ma
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Scheduling Problems ◽  
Information Technology Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Common Causes ◽  
The Common ◽  
Project Estimation ◽  
Engineering Projects

Purpose Despite the advent of sophisticated control methods, there are still significant issues regarding late delivery of information technology projects. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the common causes of scheduling problems specifically in the information technology projects context. Design/methodology/approach Through a quantitative research, the importance of those causes, as well as the underpinning factors driving them, is explored. The causes are ranked according to their relative important index, and exploratory factor analysis is employed to reveal underlying dimensions (factors) of these causes. Findings From the analysis, four factors were extracted, namely, “Dataless Newbie,” “Technical Newbie,” “Pragmatic Futurist” and “Optimistic Politician.” These factors explain the different latent conditions that lead to scheduling problems in information technology projects. Practical implications The key contribution of this research is that it enlightens the latent conditions underpinning scheduling problems. Also, the evidence provides that schedule development for information technology projects is impacted by the same causes that impact engineering projects, and that applying a number of mitigation techniques widely used within the engineering area, such as reference class, would, no doubt, not only improve information technology schedules but also reduce the political pressures on the project manager. Originality/value This research provides a valuable insight into understanding the underlying factors for poor project estimation.

Embracing qualitative research: an act of strategic essentialism

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 306-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raza Mir
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Postcolonial Theory ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Social Scientists ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Strategic Essentialism ◽  
The Common ◽  
Good Research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to argue that rather than contest the artificial schism produced by social scientists between “qualitative” and “quantitative” research, we should to accept this binary, however, contingently, and use it productively. This would be an act of “strategic essentialism” that would allow us to be productive in the research and inquiry. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses postcolonial theory to make a case for contingent representation, i.e. using artificial categories to carve out a space for heterodox theoretical approaches. Findings Researchers devoted to qualitative research must resist thinking, speaking and evaluating that research using quantitative thinking. Also, while ethical considerations are paramount in qualitative research, we need to debunk the narrow understanding of ethics as “following rules.” Also, qualitative researchers need to be aware of the institutional pulls that the research will be subject to, and also be ready to resist them. Originality/value This paper discusses how good research resists the siren call of institutionalization. It challenges the “common sense” assumptions of the field and brings them into the realm of the questionable. It seeks to theorize the untheorizable, and anthropologize the dominant.

Perceptions of a heritage site and animosity: the case of the West Bank

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (5) ◽  
pp. 765-777
Author(s):  
Villy Abraham ◽  
Yaniv Poria
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Conflict Theory ◽  
Site Management ◽  
Common View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Heritage Site ◽  
Realistic Conflict Theory ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
The Common

Purpose Drawing on the theories of social identity and realistic conflict theory, the purpose of this study is to enrich the literature by proposing and testing a model conceptualizing the relationships between animosity, an antecedent (tourists’ perception of a heritage site) and demand variables (e.g. length of stay). Design/methodology/approach Data collected for the study is based on a combination of qualitative (20 interviews) and quantitative research (n = 330) methods. Findings The study demonstrates that animosity should be integrated into tourism research. The study provides relevant insights indicating that animosity harbored toward locals is crucial to the understanding of tourists’ behavior. Research limitations/implications The study provides relevant insights indicating that animosity harbored toward locals is crucial to the understanding of tourists’ behavior. Practical implications Managerial implications for those entrusted with the promotion of tourism and site management are suggested in areas at the heart of a conflict. Originality/value The study of animosity challenges the common view in heritage tourism which focus on positive emotions harbored by tourists. In the present study, the authors focus on the consequences of negative emotions.

How audacious strategies pay off during hard times

2016 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 468-496
Author(s):  
Murali Kailasam ◽  
Winai Wongsurawat
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Economic Recession ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Companies ◽  
Global Recession ◽  
Corporate Turnaround ◽  
Hard Times

Purpose This paper aims to identify strategies used by companies during the recent global recession and to investigate the effectiveness of offensive and defensive strategies. It also investigates how these different types of strategies are sequenced. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws on cases from seven publicly listed Indian information technology (IT) and information technology-enabled services (ITESs) companies. This longitudinal study draws on 32 semi-structured interviews with top management. The data were triangulated using annual and quarterly reports, emails, organization profiles and customer satisfaction reports. Findings Offensive and defensive strategic responses were deployed concurrently, not sequentially. Offensive responses were crucial in turning around a firm. Identical strategies can yield different results in product and service companies. Research limitations/implications The findings of this paper should be generalized with care because of the sampling scope. Future studies should include quantitative research over different recession periods. Practical implications The paper provides insights for practitioners on how to respond to economic recession and prepare for recovery. Originality/value The paper enriches the corporate turnaround and business cycle management literature by analyzing the behavior of firms from India and from the high-tech industry.

Influence processes of implementation effectiveness in challenged information technology projects in Africa

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 318-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nixon Muganda Ochara ◽  
John Kandiri ◽  
Roy Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
It Projects ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Information Technology Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Implementation Effectiveness ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Innovation Attributes

Purpose – This research reports on how influence processes (IP) impact on the implementation effectiveness of information technology (IT) projects. Drawing on an innovation perspective that elevate the interplay of factors related to innovations framing, innovations environment and innovation attributes, the study focused on IT projects based in Africa that are generally classified as “challenged” due to the conditions in the environment. The purpose of this paper is to assess how IP related to innovation framing, innovation environment and innovation attributes can be used to determine implementation effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach – Using a interpretive approach, a case study of institutions under a partnership that has been implementing various educational technologies in five African countries formed the sample. In all, 25 interviews of top-management representatives, project leaders and user representatives were conducted between 2012 and 2013 to assess the implementation effectiveness of these projects. Theoretical thematic analysis, based on a deductive approach, was employed to analyse the data. Findings – The results show that a majority of these development-oriented projects are “mandated failures” characterized by high framing, a bad internal environment and typically negative innovation attributes. That typically, the institutions engage symbolically in such innovations initiatives which are regarded as “show” projects. Such behaviour can be construed to be a pattern of cynical technology adoption linked to the appeasement of external stakeholders. In addition, participation in initiatives was largely symbolic and is considered as a mere demonstration of a modern organization that is technologically aware, yet the requisite innovation environment is lacking for effective appropriation of the technology. Third, mandated failures result in low morale of employees, who regard themselves as pawns in the process which make them grudgingly participate in the implementation process. Practical implications – These findings have implications for managing innovations in such challenged environments: the first proposition is that projects in challenged environment for innovation adopting organizations need to be considered as technology transfer projects. Second, the innovation environment and attributes can only be improved during implementation of the conditions related to absorptive capacity of the organization and the individual are addressed. Originality/value – The research reported in this paper, provides an empirical determination of the concept of implementation effectiveness by using three constructs of innovations framing, environment and attributes. On the basis of the empirical findings, an original contribution is claimed, especially in “challenged” IT project environments where the concept of success if fluid and outcomes uncertain.

Explaining attribution in information technology projects

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-227
Author(s):  
Oliver Standing ◽  
Susan Standing ◽  
Eric Kordt
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Attributional Style ◽  
Attribution Theory ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Line Managers ◽  
Information Technology Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Government Organisation ◽  
Executive Managers

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between project failure and success and an individual’s attributional style and level of seniority. Information technology (IT)-related projects are often complex because of the need to work with a range of stakeholders and satisfy diverse expectations, and thus projects often fail. Design/methodology/approach A case study of a large government organisation was undertaken: interviews and focus groups were conducted and used as primary data for qualitative analysis. Findings Line and executive managers have the tendency to increasingly make more pessimistic attributions than support workers, believing that failure was likely to persist in the future because of the inability to influence management and stakeholders. Support workers have the tendency to be more optimistic than line and executive managers and this has implications for self-serving evaluation practices. Originality/value The application of the attribution theory provides insights into project success and failure and the discrepancies between line managers’ and employees’ job satisfaction.

The common causes of rework in construction contracts: a diagnostic approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramin Asadi ◽  
Suzanne Wilkinson ◽  
James Olabode Bamidele Rotimi
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Contracts ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Common Causes ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Common ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The high rate of rework that occurs in construction projects has a negative effect on the performance of the construction projects. Although several mechanisms have been implemented to control reworking, a comprehensive list of rework causes is yet to be provided to present the common causes that contribute to rework in construction contracts. This paper aims to investigate the most common rework causes that need to be addressed in construction contracts. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method using both the qualitative and quantitative approach is used in this paper. First of all, the study adopted a four-step literature review to introduce the rework research trends and provide statistical reports using descriptive analysis. Next, a comprehensive review has been completed using content analysis to identify the common causes of rework in construction projects. Finally, the common causes in construction contracts are further investigated through a quantitative questionnaire survey to validate the initial results. Findings The results of the review showed an increasing trend of publications on rework over the last three decades. Most of the studies were conducted in Australia, the UK, Nigeria and Hong Kong. Based on further investigation in the study area of sources of rework, 37 causes of rework causes were identified and classified in five groups. Then, the most significant causes of rework in construction contracts were compiled in the list of 22 items. Research limitations/implications The paper’s reported result, contributes to the contract management body of knowledge by proposing a list of common rework causes that can be used by practitioners during the contract negotiation to prevent contractual issues. The result of the review can also be used for further investigation of the relationship between rework and contract conditions. Originality/value The proposed list of common causes of rework in construction contracts allows project parties to improve the terms of the contract in addressing rework, this could result in fewer contractual claims and disputes. The findings of this study will also guide the investigations into the contract conditions, thus the approach used is constructive.

Understanding the career development and employability of information technology students

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 456-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie McKenzie ◽  
Jo Coldwell-Neilson ◽  
Stuart Palmer
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Career Development ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Life Stage ◽  
Student Experience ◽  
Outcome Expectations ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Career Interest ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Technology Students

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the career development and employability needs of undergraduate information technology (IT) students at an Australian University, and their relation to students’ career interest. While many factors and stakeholders contribute to student career development, this study focused specifically on the student experience. Social cognitive career theory (SCCT) is used as an approach to understand the students’ needs of career development and employability.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was completed by 126 IT students to record information about students’ career development and employability background and needs.FindingsThe results demonstrate that SCCT helps understand the factors that impact on IT students’ career development, with their outcome expectations and self-efficacy informed by prior studies in IT and their need for access to “IT professionals” to contribute towards their career interest. In addition, IT students rely on academic achievement and experiential learning, rather than career resources, to guide their career development and employability.Research limitations/implicationsThe data collected in this study are limited to one discipline (IT) at one university, which necessarily limits the generalisability of the specific results.Practical implicationsCareer development is a complex, life-stage-dependant and discipline-specific process that varies for every decision maker. This research makes an important contribution in presenting the IT student experience and demonstrates how an appropriate career development model can help understand students’ needs. This outcome will help educators better support IT students to build the career interest.Originality/valueThis study explored the often-overlooked student experience of career development, providing valuable insight into IT students’ needs.

The effect of blockchain on business intelligence efficiency of banks

Kybernetes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fen Ji ◽  
Ai Tia
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Business Intelligence ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Banking Industry ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
The Impact

PurposeAccurate evaluation of the consequences of new technologies in various industries is of great significance. So, it will be essential to examine the impact of this technology on the banking industry, representing how to create, deliver and gain value in this industry. This study aims to investigate whether blockchain can affect the business intelligence efficiency of banks. This study also aims to examine the impact of security, fraud reduction and privacy of blockchain, equal and anonymous access to the blockchain, decentralization and sustainability of blockchain, accountability and transparency of blockchain, quality, speed and efficiency of blockchain on business intelligence efficiency.Design/methodology/approachTechnological changes are creating new challenges and opportunities for various industries. The inability of organizations to adapt to these changes may even lead to their deletion from the market. Blockchain is one of the most critical technologies in recent years. One of the sectors that will undergo significant changes in blockchain technology is the banking industry. According to the reviewed literature in this study, a comprehensive model has been proposed to examine the impact of security, fraud reduction and privacy of blockchain, equal and anonymous access to the blockchain, the decentralization and sustainability of blockchain, accountability and transparency of blockchain and quality, speed and efficiency of blockchain on business intelligence efficiency. A survey method was used to collect data from banks of the Nanjing city. The partial least square technique was used for data analysis.FindingsThe results showed that the fit of the proposed model was very good. Also, all assumptions except one were confirmed. It means that security, fraud reduction and privacy of blockchain factor have a remarkable and positive impact on all aspects of business intelligence efficiency, namely information technology, employees, competitors and customers. Also, equal and anonymous access to the blockchain factor has a positive and significant effect on all aspects of business intelligence efficiency. The decentralization and sustainability of blockchain factors have an impact on business intelligence efficiency. Also, blockchain's accountability and transparency as a fourth factor have a positive and significant impact on all aspects of business intelligence efficiency. Finally, the last factor (quality, speed and efficiency of blockchain) has a positive and significant effect on information technology, employees and customers' dimensions. But, it does not affect the competitors' dimension, and this hypothesis has not been confirmed.Practical implicationsThis paper offers valuable insight for business intelligence practitioners into how blockchain technology has the potential to disrupt existing business intelligence provisions.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the first studies to examine the impact of blockchain on IT dimension, organizational employees' dimension, customer dimension and competitors' dimension. It lays a firm foundation for future research.

Comparative learning challenges experienced by students in rural universities of developing nations in Sub-Sahara Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 90-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chinaza Uleanya ◽  
Bongani Thulani Gamede
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Policy Making ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Cognitive Learning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning Challenges ◽  
The Common ◽  
Rural Universities ◽  
Common Learning ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the common learning challenges experienced by undergraduates in selected rural universities in Nigeria and South Africa. Rural universities are strategically established and expected to enhance sustainable development by meeting the needs of host communities. Hence, an attempt is made to trace factors hindering the attainment of the goals. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research method was adopted for data collection. A self-designed questionnaire was administered to 2,335 randomly selected third-year students. Findings The outcome of the study shows that six common learning challenges: cognitive learning challenges, easy loss of concentration, previous learning experiences, distance, student–lecturer relationship as well as policy making and implementation are experienced by undergraduates in the two universities. Research limitations/implications This research shows the common challenges experienced by undergraduates in rural universities. However, the study is limited to two selected universities in Nigeria and South Africa. Practical implications These results are useful in guiding education stakeholders in policy making and how quality education can be provided for rural-based undergraduates. Originality/value The research suggests various ways by which common learning challenges experienced by students in rural universities can be overcome. It will be of immense value to curriculum designers and implementers toward sustainable nation building.

Effective communication for project success

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Frank Cervone
Keyword(s):  
Project Success ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Effective Communication ◽  
Project Team ◽  
Project Teams ◽  
Content Type ◽  
General Overview ◽  
Successful Communication ◽  
Common Causes ◽  
The Common

Purpose – The purpose of this review is to look at some of the common mistakes made related to communication within a project and how those mistakes can be avoided. Communication in projects is a critical factor in a project’s success. Many times, project teams forget some basic rules for communicating with their stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach – The approach of this paper is to provide a general overview of common themes in the project management literature related to communication within projects. Findings – While communication failures in projects are caused by many factors, the project team ultimately bears the burden for ensuring successful communication within a project. There are several common causes of communication failures. Thankfully, there are also some simple things that project teams can do to lessen the likelihood of miscommunication. Research limitations/implications – As this is a general overview, this article only explores the more commonly experienced issues related to project miscommunication. Originality/value – By observing some relatively easy to remember questions and concerns related to communication, a project team can be more effective in communicating with their project stakeholders. Effective communication will generally lead to better outcomes and, therefore, a higher likelihood for overall project success.

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