Theory of advice as an information object targeted at an unmade decision

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 212-230
Author(s):  
Allen J. Flynn
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Conceptual Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Object ◽  
Advice Giving ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Scientific Fields

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to advance an understanding of the concept of advice and its relationship to documents, information and knowledge. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual analysis of a sample of 48 relevant advice studies and two books, directly informed by documentation and information theories, was conducted to find out how researchers have approached advice conceptually since 1940. Further gains in understanding advice came from analyzing its relationship with environmental uncertainty. Findings Researchers have studied advice in the context of human-human, machine-machine and information and communication technology-intermediated interactions. Advice has been conceptualized and categorized in many different ways. Over time, conceptualizations of advice have broadened and become more general. In this light, it is theorized that advice is as an information object targeted at an unmade decision. This conceptualization of advice permits situated and momentary advice documents. A newly developed content-based framework of advice leads to an advice typology with four content-based categories of best possible advice: correct answers, probabilities, possibilities, and acknowledgments of the unknown. Research limitations/implications The refined advice theory, content-based advice framework and related typology of advice contributed here are small steps toward improved clarity about the nature of advice. These findings are limited in their focus to advice theory and advice categorization. Practical implications Scholars, practitioners and information system developers may reconsider advice theory and make use of the content-based framework and related advice typology in their work. These contributions will help advice-givers and the developers of advice-giving information systems and advice networks to provide better advice. Originality/value This paper fills a need for a clear and straightforward overall conceptualization of advice that accounts for advice documents and is informed by how advice has been previously conceptualized in multiple scientific fields.

scholarly journals Navigating the tensions in environmental innovation: a paradox perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia Di Paola ◽  
Tiziana Russo Spena
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Comparative Analysis ◽  
Environmental Innovation ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Specific Attribute ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the hybrid nature and scope of environmental innovation (EI) by assuming a paradox perspective and developing it empirically. Specifically, the authors raise the questions of how the opposite elements of EI characteristics can be arranged and combined to generate benefits for companies and markets.Design/methodology/approachA fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) is conducted to analyse European companies operating in telecommunications and in information and communication technology (ICT). This method helps us interpret the complexity occurring in the real world, in which the contribution of a specific attribute to the outcome might change according to other interacting and concurring aspects.FindingsBy recognising the conflicting aspects inherent to the complexity of EI, this study addresses how these tensions can be embraced. Specifically, the paradox logic is proposed to open EI strategy to a “both-and” perspective, with the purpose of making EI goals concretely feasible and integrated into a holistic view.Practical implicationsParadoxical resolution denotes purposeful iterations between alternatives to ensure simultaneous attention to them over time. A paradox logic can support managers in making the EI strategy more workable and reconciling the extremes as well as possible.Originality/valueThis study unpacks the multiple enactments of EI by exploring the factors enabling integrated EI benefits. By adopting a paradox approach, the EI strategy may be interpreted in a “both-and” perspective, allowing firms to concretely achieve integrated EI benefits.

Transaction formalism protocol tool in infrastructure management

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 180-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jehan Zeb ◽  
Thomas Froese
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Infrastructure Management ◽  
Software Developers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Domain ◽  
Step Procedure ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop an eight-step procedure – transaction formalism protocol (TFP) – in the area of infrastructure management. The proposed TFP is developed from two perspectives: TFP Specification (conceptual) and TFP Tool (application). This paper introduces the TFP Specification and discusses the TFP Tool in detail. Design/methodology/approach To develop the proposed TFP Tool, a five-step methodology was used: identify and select existing standards, benchmark standards, link and build on these standards, develop the proposed TFP Tool and validate the protocol. Findings The TFP Specification defines each step as a function for which inputs, controls, mechanisms, tools/techniques and outputs are specified. The TFP Tool comprises a set of forms and guidance that the transaction development personnel, including transaction analysts, transaction designers, software developers, process modellers and industry experts, will use to define transactions in infrastructure management domain. Practical implications The proposed TFP Tool enables transaction development personnel to define transactions effectively and efficiently for information and communication technology (ICT)-based solutions through defining information in a structured, consistent and easy way. Originality/value The TFP Tool was built on existing standards incorporating their shortcomings, including lack of a step-by-step procedure to help guide the personnel what to do next, lack of transaction monitoring and improvement steps and lack of standardised forms to collect information in a prescribed format for implementation in ICT-based collaboration systems. The proposed Tool was evaluated and found to be feasible, usable and useful.

Ethics and ICT: Why all the fuss?

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Warren ◽  
Richard Lucas
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Special Section ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technology Ethics ◽  
Information And Communication

Purpose This paper aims to introduce a special section based on papers from Australasian Conference for Information Systems 2014. Design/methodology/approach This paper comments on key contextualisation moments in relevant history. Findings This paper describes the initiative in Australia to widen Information and Communication Technology ethics awareness. Originality/value This is a new attempt to bring Ethics and Information Systems academics closer together.

ICT and sustainability: skills and methods for dialogue and policy making

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iordanis Kavathatzopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Policy Making ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Environmental Issues ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Classical Philosophy ◽  
The Way

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an overview and to discuss the following issues: most often, discussions about Information and communication technology (ICT) sustainability focus on environmental issues; however, there are other aspects referring to ICT internal sustainability and to its role as a tool in managing general sustainability issues. The way to handle ICT sustainability issues is also significant. Design/methodology/approach – The paper discusses and investigates various aspects of ICT sustainability, and of methods to handle these issues and make decisions. Findings – Classical philosophy and psychological empirical research on decision-making demonstrate the way to take care of ICT sustainability issues. This way is philosophizing, which has to be trained and supported for people and organizations involved to acquire the necessary skills and to use suitable methods. Originality/value – The paper highlights other significant aspects of ICT sustainability rather than the environmental impact alone. It also proposes focus on the way ICT sustainability issues are handled rather than focus on normative or ideological aspects of it.

scholarly journals Corporations and professionalism: awkward bed-fellows?

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 366-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Kreps
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Political Situation ◽  
Information And Communication

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to respond to Burmeister’s paper on Professionalism in information and communication technology. Design/methodology/approach This is a short and simple response to an issue that seemed central to Burmeister’s paper. Findings A key conundrum between the definitions of professionalism and corporations needs addressing. Originality/value This conundrum is a global political situation outwith the ability of the profession to address.

scholarly journals The evolution of business models of information and communication technology suppliers

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Merlin Stone ◽  
Eleni Aravopoulou ◽  
Ryan Stott ◽  
Brett David Parnell ◽  
Jon Machtynger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Business Model ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Conceptual Analysis ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Evolutionary Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Ict Industry ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to show how the business model of the information and communications technology (ICT) industry has evolved and the general differences that evolution has made to information management. Design/methodology/approach Literature review was carried out accompanied by conceptual analysis. Findings It shows that changes in the business model of the ICT industry have been quite dramatic and have led to significant changes in the structure of the industry. Research limitations/implications This research is based on analysis of the ICT industry. The analysis could be broadened to include other industries. Research into business model change should consider adopting the evolutionary approach taken in this paper. Practical implications Managers in the ICT industry should factor the likely evolution of business models in their industry into their planning. Social implications Government policymakers considering how to stimulate the development of the ICT industry in their country should be aware of the moving nature of their target. Originality/value This is one of the first papers to apply the evolutionary approach to business model change.

With best intentions

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 246-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Netta Iivari ◽  
Marianne Kinnula ◽  
Leena Kuure
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Critical Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Children have been recognized as an important user group for information and communication technology (ICT) and methods for involving them in ICT design have already been devised. However, there is a lack of research on children’s genuine or authentic participation in ICT design as well as a lack of critical research scrutinizing how “children” and “their participation” actually end up constructed in ICT design. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – An intervention involving children in ICT design following the research strategy of nexus analysis was implemented. A qualitative data archive of this intervention is examined through a Foucauldian lens. Findings – The study reveals that numerous discourses were relied on when talking about “children” and “their participation” in the case project: the discourses of participation, equality, domination, segregation, rebellion, and patronization were identified. Moreover, “children” were constructed as equal partners and influential, but also as ignorant, ignored, silent, and silencing each other. Some of the findings are in line with the existing ICT literature on the matter, others even with the literature on genuine participation of children. However, children and their participation were also constructed as “problematic” in many senses. Research limitations/implications – The study contributes to and opens up avenues for critical research on genuine participation of users, especially children. Practical implications – Practical suggestions for researchers interested in participation of children in ICT design are provided. Originality/value – While research literature offers an abundance of best practices and an idealized view on children and their participation, this study shows the multitude of challenges involved and discourses circulating around.

scholarly journals Adopting a socio-technical perspective to rethink the use of ICT in VNFIL

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Fahrenbach ◽  
Karin Luomi-Messerer
Keyword(s):  
Informal Learning ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Formal And Informal Learning ◽  
Information And Communication

Purpose This paper aims to draw on a socio-technical perspective to explore how information and communication technology (ICT) supports the validation of non-formal and informal learning (VNFIL) in specific practices and arrangements. Design/methodology/approach The authors use qualitative content analysis to analyse 43 country reports of the “European inventory on validation” published by the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) in 2019. Findings This study conceptualises ICT supported VNFIL practices and arrangements from a socio-technical perspective. Given this, the paper finds that ICT is used mainly to provide information on validation practices and arrangements, store qualification registers online and identify and document learning outcomes. The use of ICT to assess and certify learning outcomes remains limited. Originality/value VNFIL is very rarely seen in a technical context. This paper contributes to a theoretical perspective and highlights the mutual interdependence of social and technical components. Furthermore, this study provides an overview of inasmuch ICT is currently used to support VNFIL practices and arrangements. Based on the results, validation researchers and practitioners can get inspiration on how to develop ICT supported VNFIL practices and arrangements further.

Information and Communication Technology and Cultural Change

2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 222-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Hansen ◽  
Tom Postmes ◽  
Nikita van der Vinne ◽  
Wendy van Thiel
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Cultural Change ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Self Construal ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Ict For Development ◽  
Practical Implications

This paper studies whether and how information and communication technology (ICT) changes self-construal and cultural values in a developing country. Ethiopian children were given laptops in the context of an ICT for development scheme. We compared children who used laptops (n = 69) with a control group without laptops (n = 76) and a second control group of children whose laptop had broken down (n = 24). Results confirmed that after 1 year of laptop usage, the children’s self-concept had become more independent and children endorsed individualist values more strongly. Interestingly, the impact of laptop usage on cultural values was mediated by self-construal (moderated mediation). Importantly, modernization did not “crowd out” traditional culture: ICT usage was not associated with a reduction in traditional expressions (interdependent self-construal, collectivist values). Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

scholarly journals “Happy slaves”? The adaptation problem and identity politics in the writings of Amartya Sen

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (12) ◽  
pp. 1178-1193
Author(s):  
Tony Burns
Keyword(s):  
Identity Politics ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Conceptual Analysis ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Mary Wollstonecraft ◽  
Amartya Sen ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between Amartya Sen’s notion of adaptation and his views on identity politics by focussing on the issue of slavery and, more specifically, on the example of the happy or contented slave. Design/methodology/approach The paper is text based. The methodological approach adopted is that of conceptual analysis, as is typical for work of this kind. Findings The paper concludes that the example of the happy or contented slave is indeed a fruitful one for those interested in exploring the relationship between Sen’s views on “the adaptation problem” and his views on identity politics, especially in relation to the subjection of women. Here Sen’s debt to the ideas of Mary Wollstonecraft and John Stuart Mill is particularly important. Research limitations/implications One implication of the argument of the paper is that there is a need to consider more carefully the differences that exist between the views of Wollstonecraft and Mill, so far as the example of the happy or contented slave is concerned. Practical implications One practical implication of the paper is that, hopefully, it establishes the continued relevance of the ideas of thinkers such as Wollstonecraft and Mill today, not least because of the influence that they have had on theoreticians such as Amartya Sen. Social implications The paper addresses issues which are of considerable social and political significance, especially for women in underdeveloped societies today. Originality/value The example of the happy or contented slave has not received much discussion in the literature on Sen, although Sen himself has suggested that the distinction between happiness and contentment is an important one, which does merit further discussion.

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