A Methodology for Creating a Macro Action Plan to Improve IT Use and Its Governance in Organizations

Information Technologies represent a primary instrument in all types of organizations. However, their use is not always well planned in the public sector. The research proposes a methodology to build a realistic action plan that improves the use of information technology and its governance in public organizations. We conduct a case study using semi-structured interviews to investigate the different views of 8 decision-makers regarding the use of IT and its governance. The findings were analyzed systematically and synthesized into a set of perspectives on the subject. An interference matrix reveals how each view interferes and receives positive and/or negative interference from the others. Based on the matrix, the methodology applies criteria to prioritize the perspectives with the highest potential to improve the use of IT and its governance. The final product of the methodology is an action plan aligned with the vision of the institution’s decision-makers. The plan requires little effort to improve the use of IT and its governance. Seventeen views related to the use of IT and its governance emerged from the interviews. Four views that do not cause or receive harmful interference from other perspectives were selected to guide the plan elaboration. The methodology proved to be efficient for creating an action plan adapted to the institutional reality. According to the managers, the action plan represents with high precision the most urgent needs of the organization, respecting its work capacity and available resources for a project to improve the use of IT and its governance.

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A critical view of the German procurement process in the sector

Ambiente Construído ◽

10.1590/s1678-86212012000300004 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 45-56 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Alexander Hofacker ◽

Aguinaldo dos Santos ◽

Adriana de Paula Lacerda Santos

Keyword(s):

Public Sector ◽

Decision Makers ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Procurement Process ◽

Lean Principles ◽

The Public ◽

Value Stream ◽

Governmental Organizations ◽

A Value

This paper makes a critical analysis of the German procurement process in the public sector, based on a case study carried out at Karlsruhe University. The research protocol for the field study was developed in three phases: direct dialogue with the head of the department, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews. Data collection was concerned with both the analysis of the organization as well as with the mapping of project activities. A detailed study was carried out on a single construction project in order to enable the development of a value stream map of the procurement macro processes. Based on the data, the authors present a set of proposals for a radical improvement in the German procurement process, focusing on shortening the cycle time, increasing transparency and improving value generation. The study reinforces the need for more research focused on lean production concepts and principles in the public sector. By identifying radical improvement opportunities in the German procurement process, it may be possible to convince politicians and decision makers to change structures of responsibilities and to apply lean principles in public administration. The paper appears to be one of the first studies to apply lean principles into the procurement process of governmental organizations, in order to simplify processes, reduce waste and better allocate resources in order to add more value for the end-users.

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Understanding Intentions to Switch Toward Cloud Computing at Firms' Level

Journal of Global Information Management ◽

10.4018/jgim.2018010108 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. 136-165 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Zouhour Smaoui Hachicha ◽

Karim Mezghani

Keyword(s):

Cloud Computing ◽

Information Technologies ◽

Decision Makers ◽

Research Model ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Mediating Role ◽

Cloud Computing Adoption ◽

Multiple Case ◽

Toe Framework

This research aims to study intentions to switch toward cloud computing at firms' level. As a new way to deploy information technologies (IT) within firms, switching toward cloud computing remains a hard decision that depends on several contextual factors. While several studies have focused mainly on technological aspects, this research adopts a multidimensional perspective by combining the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework with a two-factor theory perspective. Doing so, the authors attempt to propose a research model that can be useful to deeply understand how firms perform when thinking about switching toward cloud-based solutions. A multiple-case study within five Tunisian firms has been conducted to contextualize the research model and give it more explanation power. The Tunisian context should be interesting, as cloud computing adoption is a new topic that is not sufficiently studied in developing countries, particularly in those characterized by an economy in transition. Data have been collected by semi-structured interviews and coded using the Nvivo software. The analysis of interviews content shows that the expected switching benefits and risks play a mediating role between TOE factors and intentions to switch toward cloud computing. Indeed, the authors found some different results within cases revealing the dual effects of technology, organization, and environment factors on intentions by generating different expected switching benefits and risks. In light of these results, some recommendations are proposed to decision makers in this area.

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Teaching Science in Today’s Society: The Case of Particle Physics for Primary Schools

Universe ◽

10.3390/universe7060169 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (6) ◽

pp. 169

Author(s):

Cristina Lazzeroni ◽

Sandra Malvezzi ◽

Andrea Quadri

Keyword(s):

Particle Physics ◽

Primary Schools ◽

Scientific Information ◽

Decision Makers ◽

Educational Institutions ◽

The Public ◽

The Past ◽

Rapid Changes ◽

The Subject ◽

Ongoing Project

The rapid changes in science and technology witnessed in recent decades have significantly contributed to the arousal of the awareness by decision-makers and the public as a whole of the need to strengthen the connection between outreach activities of universities and research institutes and the activities of educational institutions, with a central role played by schools. While the relevance of the problem is nowadays unquestioned, no unique and fully satisfactory solution has been identified. In the present paper we would like to contribute to the discussion on the subject by reporting on an ongoing project aimed to teach Particle Physics in primary schools. We will start from the past and currently planned activities in this project in order to establish a broader framework to describe the conditions for the fruitful interplay between researchers and teachers. We will also emphasize some aspects related to the dissemination of outreach materials by research institutions, in order to promote the access and distribution of scientific information in a way suited to the different age of the target students.

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SMARTIES Project: The Survey of Needs for Municipalities and Trainers for Smart Cities

Challenges ◽

10.3390/challe12010013 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 13

Author(s):

George Xydis ◽

Luca Pagliaricci ◽

Živilė Paužaitė ◽

Vygintas Grinis ◽

Gyula Sallai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Sector ◽

Smart Cities ◽

Prior Experience ◽

Environmental Awareness ◽

General Concept ◽

Decision Makers ◽

The Public ◽

Low Level ◽

The Subject

In an aim to contribute to already existing knowledge upon the subject of smart cities and the public sector’s wider knowledge in Europe, this study investigates the perception by the municipalities and the wider public sector, responsible for implementing smart solutions in the environment. The understanding of the concept of smart cities/villages by municipalities is on a low level due to the fact that the problem is too wide, not well described, solutions even wider, accompanied by the lack of experts able to offer comprehensive solutions to municipalities. The study presents factors according to the current municipalities’ knowledge (environmental awareness, knowledge and prior experience) and the existing market, of whether these factors can be said that affect the acceptance of smart cities. The public is already aware of the smart cities as a general concept, however, the study sheds light upon the established knowledge that the decision makers have in five countries, Hungary, Slovakia, Italy, Lithuania, and Denmark.

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Which Technologies Do Pre-Service Teachers Prefer to Use While Presenting Their Teaching Skills and for What Purposes Do They Use These Technologies?

Higher Education Studies ◽

10.5539/hes.v7n3p103 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 103

Author(s):

Fatma Sasmaz Oren

Keyword(s):

Science Teachers ◽

Research Data ◽

Service Science ◽

Teaching Skills ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Science Courses ◽

Use Of Technology ◽

The Subject

This research aims to determine the technologies that pre-service science teachers prefer to use in micro teaching presentations performed for improving their teaching skills and to determine the purposes of using these technologies. For this purpose, the case study model was used in the research. The research was made with some 48 pre-service science teachers. In the research, data was collected from the presentation files the pre-service science teachers had prepared with respect to the microteaching applications, from the instructor’s observation notes on their presentations, from the view form and from the semi-structured interviews. According to the findings obtained from the research, the pre-service science teachers used computers, projection apparatuses, overhead projectors, videos, animations, simulations and microscopes the most in the microteaching applications. The pre-service science teacher’s expressed that they used technology primarily for reasons such as enhancing the comprehensibility of the subject, concretizing abstract subjects, ensuring visuality and saving time. Considering these results, some recommendations were made regarding the use of technology in science courses.

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ENTRE SUJEITO E PERSONAGEM: a morte de Roberto Bolaños e a vida de Chespirito

Revista Observatório ◽

10.20873/uft.2447-4266.2018v4n2p624 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 624

Author(s):

Vanessa Matos Santos ◽

Victor Pereira Albergaria

Keyword(s):

Media Coverage ◽

The Public ◽

Cultural Aspect ◽

Palabras Clave ◽

El Sistema ◽

The Media ◽

The Subject ◽

Medios De Comunicacion ◽

Estudio De Caso

Esta pesquisa consiste no estudo de caso entre as coberturas da morte do ator mexicano Roberto Gómez Bolaños, o “Chespirito”, feitas pelo canal FOROtv, pertencente ao conglomerado de mídias mexicano Televisa, e pelo Sistema Brasileiro de Televisão. O aspecto cultural merece especial destaque e, por meio da problematização das distinções existentes entre a morte (substantivo) e o morrer (verbo), o presente estudo demonstra que as coberturas da mídia nestes casos se fazem a partir da relevância da personagem para a identidade do público. Conclui-se, por meio do estudo de caso, que ocorreu o ofuscamento do sujeito (Roberto Bolaños) em detrimento da personagem (Chespirito). A cobertura sobre o morrer de Chespirito serviu, na verdade, para reafirmar sua vida e presença na mídia. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Morte; Morrer; Roberto Bolaños; Chespirito; Cobertura de mídia; Televisão. ABSTRACT This research is the case study of the coverage of the death of Mexican actor Roberto Gómez Bolaños "Chespirito" made by FOROtv, news channel belonging to the Mexican media conglomerate Televisa, and the Sistema Brasileiro de Televisão. The cultural aspect deserves special attention, and through the questioning of existing distinctions between death (noun) and the die (verb), this study shows that media coverage in these cases are made from the importance of the character to the identity of the public. So, through the case study, the conclusion is that ocurred the obscuring of the subject (Roberto Bolaños) at the expense of the character (Chespirito). The coverage of the death of Chespirito served actually to reaffirm his life and presence in the media. KEYWORDS: Death; Dying; Roberto Bolaños; Chespirito; Media coverage; Television. RESUMEN Esta investigación es el estudio de caso de la cobertura de la muerte del actor mexicano Chespirito, el "Power Board", realizado por el canal FOROtv perteneciente al conglomerado de medios Televisa de México, y el Sistema Brasileño de Televisión. El aspecto cultural merece una atención especial y, a través de preguntas de las diferencias existentes entre la muerte (sustantivo) y la matriz (verbo), este estudio muestra que la cobertura de los medios de comunicación en estos casos se hace de la importancia del carácter de la identidad el público. En conclusión, a través del estudio de caso, que se oscurece el sujeto (Roberto Bolaños) a expensas de carácter (Chespirito). La cobertura de la muerte de Chespirito sirve en realidad para reafirmar su vida y su presencia en los medios de comunicación. PALABRAS CLAVE: Muerte; morir; Roberto Bolaños; Chespirito; la cobertura de los medios de comunicación; Televisión.

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Fraud in overseas aid and the challenge of measurement

Journal of Financial Crime ◽

10.1108/jfc-02-2014-0006 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 22 (2) ◽

pp. 184-198 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Mark Button ◽

Chris Lewis ◽

David Shepherd ◽

Graham Brooks

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

International Development ◽

Local Context ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Content Type ◽

The Public ◽

The Uk ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges of measuring fraud in overseas aid. Design/methodology/approach – The research is based on 21 semi-structured interviews with key persons working in the delivery of aid in both the public and voluntary sectors. It uses the UK Department for International Development as a case study to applying more accurate measures of fraud. Findings – This paper shows there are significant challenges to using fraud loss measurement to gauge fraud in overseas aid. However, it argues that, along with other types of measures, it could be used in areas of expenditure in overseas governments and charities to measure aid. Given the high risk of such aid to fraud, it argues helping to develop capacity to reduce aid, of which measuring the size of the problem is an important part; this could be considered as aid in its own right. Research limitations/implications – The researchers were not able to visit high-risk countries for fraud to examine in the local context views on the challenges of measuring fraud. Practical implications – The paper offers insights on the challenges to accurately measuring fraud in an overseas context, which will be useful to policy-makers in this context. Social implications – Given the importance of as much aid as possible reaching recipients, it offers an important contribution to helping to reduce losses in this important area. Originality/value – There has been very little consideration of how to measure fraud in the overseas aid context, with most effort aimed at corruption, which poses some of the same challenges, as well as some very different challenges.

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E-Government's Role in Shifting the Paradigm of Performance in the Public Sector

Open Government ◽

10.4018/978-1-5225-9860-2.ch024 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 497-514

Author(s):

Lidia Noto

Keyword(s):

Dynamic Simulation ◽

Public Management ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

The Public ◽

Government Services ◽

The World ◽

Critical Issues ◽

Government Project ◽

Feedback Structure

The emergence of e-government changed the world of the Public Administration (PA) and the discipline of Public Management dramatically. Through the presentation of a case- study of the municipality of Palermo, this article attempts to discuss the renewed need for assessing performance of e-government services in a local government and to disclose the main critical issues in accomplishing this evaluation. Palermo is experiencing the implementation of a second- generation e-government project that is embodied in the realization of a web portal. The conceptualization of a framework to assess the performance of the digital services appears to be crucial in order to improve the system and to avoid the errors of the first project. This work relies on a survey to the citizens and semi-structured interviews to managers in charge of the development of the project. System Dynamics, a particular kind of dynamic simulation, is used to provide the necessary feedback structure for identifying the determinants of the success of the portal.

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Factors Influencing Adoption of Information Technologies for Public Transportation Project Inspection: A WSDOT Case Study

Transportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board ◽

10.1177/0361198118823198 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2673 (2) ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Julian Yamaura ◽

Stephen T. Muench ◽

Kim Willoughby

Keyword(s):

Organizational Change ◽

Change Management ◽

Public Transportation ◽

Information Technologies ◽

User Study ◽

New Technology ◽

Management Program ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Structured Interviews

This paper presents a case study of the organizational change process associated with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) year-long research program that implemented a cloud-based mobile project inspection application to 18 project engineering offices (PEO) across the state. Ultimately, four out of the 18 PEOs decided to adopt the new technology. Data from semi-structured interviews and a user study conducted two months after implementation are used to identify organizational change strategies used by WSDOT, and how those relate to ideas from the general literature on change management. The loss of upper management program leaders, inadequate communication and training to prepare personnel for the change, and policy and procedural uncertainties in integrating the change with other systems and operations were found to be factors that may have influenced the outcome of the program. While this paper focuses on one DOT’s efforts, other DOTs may have similar organizational structures and implementation efforts, and the findings and lessons learned could serve as a representative model for how such implementation might best be accomplished in a DOT and how that might differ from traditional change management guidance.

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