Comparative Pairs Analysis for Inter-Organizational Information Systems (IOIS) Research

This chapter suggests the use of comparative pairs analysis as a method of collecting data for inter-organizational information system and chain research. It is argued that chains of organizations can be analyzed by collecting data from a focal firm about upstream suppliers and downstream customers. By comparing pairs of respondents within the focal firm, the differences between customers and suppliers can be analyzed. In addition, it is suggested that by asking each respondent to discuss two third-party organizations, differences in responses can be highlighted and explained during the data collection process. This can provide a rich source of data to explain results obtained.

Application Service Provision

The Application Service Provision (ASP) business model offers a pragmatic adoption path for inter-organizations in the Internet Age. Given this pragmatic adoption path, academics are beginning to question the following: Where are enterprises adopting ASP technology first? Why are they choosing these areas? Where will they apply the evolving Web services technology next? This chapter’s primary purposes are to point out a number of issues that concern management of inter-organizations of the Internet Age and to explore the impact of ASP on such organizations. It will examine the strategies that will enable inter-organizations to better manage ASP resources for competitive advantage. While the phenomenon of ASP is still in an embryonic stage, we draw from seminal works of IS pioneers like Markus, Porter, Checkland, Maslow, and others. Their intellectual contributions, plus findings from research work at Brunel University, provide a framework for discussion. By shedding light on patterns of ASP’s trajectory, drivers, benefits, and risks, the chapter will help managers and academics to reflect on determining where ASP—and associated technologies—might be deployed and define a broad implementation program to exploit the potential of the ASP business model. The chapter seeks to find if Web services architectures are distinctively able to enhance the flexible coordination of business processes, which span various enterprises and rely on inter-organization information systems in the Internet Age.

Classifying B2B Inter-Organizational Information Systems

This paper aims at developing a framework for business-to-business (B2B) inter-organizational systems (IOSs), based on real-world IOS examples. Based upon two dimensions, role linkage and system support level, we propose a new framework that classifies IOSs into four basic types: (1) resource pooling, (2) operational cooperation, (3) operational coordination, and (4) complementary cooperation. We review select cases that fit into each category and consider the common characteristics of systems in each category. Then we draw implications for IOS planning and suggest a five-step process for creating an IOS plan. It is argued that each category of IOS needs to be linked with a specific business strategy, although each employs a common technical infrastructure.

Evaluating Inter-Organizational Information Systems

This chapter describes different means of evaluating the usability and suitability of computer-based inter-organizational information systems (IOISs). It begins with describing why doing so is important yet difficult, and provides an assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of the major types of evaluation. It continues with a case study focusing on determining whether an application provides the necessary insight into other collaborators’ identities, presence, and activities while keeping sensitive information private from a subset of the collaborators. The goal of this chapter is to provide practical guidance to organizations seeking IOISs to help them choose (or develop) an IOIS that best meets their needs.

An Examination of Inter-Organizational Decision Support Systems

A broad range of Inter-Organizational Decision Support Systems (IODSSs) can be built to support external stakeholders of an organization. This article examines recent developments associated with building and deploying such systems. The IODSS concept is defined, and an information technology architecture for such a system is explored. Examples of current implementations are categorized as communication, data, document, knowledge, and model-driven IODSSs. Further, implementations of IODSSs are categorized as customer- and supplier-focused. Advantages, disadvantages, and current issues associated with IODSSs conclude the discussion.

IOIS and Interfirm Networks - Interdependents and Managerial Challenges

Inter-organizational information systems (IOIS) are information systems (ISs) embedded or deployed in inter-organizational relations. Predominantly, these inter-organizational relations can be qualified as interfirm networks. In order to understand the specific challenges of designing and running ISs in an inter-organizational setting, we will use and expand the notion of information management, which focuses on the information and systems dimensions of IOIS, and we will use a framework which structures and classifies network management issues. While network information management (NIM) primarily addresses managerial issues of IOISs, it does so in the broader context of network management.

Business Associations as Hubs of Inter-Organizational Information Systems for SMEs - The 2Cities Portal

This chapter is a first contribution to the study of the role of a business association (BA) in managing inter-organizational (IO) relationships among its members. The authors describe a model (the Virtual Association Platform, VAP) of an ICT-based platform supporting BA activities and interactions with members. The design of a VAP requires performing a detailed analysis of information flows between the BA and the agents related to its activities. The authors propose a general framework (the IOR4VAP framework) for the design of a VAP, where they identify seven categories of agents, describe the potential information flows exchanged among the parties, and indicate opportunities for the BA to provide innovative services. Finally, the IOR4VAP framework is applied to the case of a VAP established in Western Australia: 2Cities.com.

An Introduction to Inter-Organizational Information Systems with Selected Bibliography

One of the important roles of information technology is to permit firms to manage organizational interdependence. Over the past two decades, the concept of inter-organizational information systems (IOISs) has emerged as a strategic tool for achieving competitive advantages and IOISs have been a major research theme. Many well-known examples of information systems that provide competitive advantages discussed in the literature are those of IOISs. This chapter provides the readers with a brief overview of foundational concepts, definitions, and the information technology infrastructure of IOIS. Finally, the chapter systematically classifies the IOIS literature of 192 bibliographic items into 10 subspecialties. Therefore, along with this survey of 192 bibliographic items, readers are referred to Ngai and Wat’s recent survey (Ngai & Wat, 2002) to comprehend the big picture of IOISs.

Evolution of DSS from Single User DSS to Inter-Organizational DSS

Extranets are triggering a revolution in the structure and operations of many organizations in the new Internet-driven global economy. Extranets along with other technologies and business drivers are changing the way we view the firm from discrete firm-based to industry-based perspectives of cooperation. This paper discusses the evolution of decision support systems (DSSs) from single-user decision support systems to inter-organizational decision support systems (IODSSs). To better understand the IODSS, we briefly discuss two predecessors, organizational DSS and global DSS, followed by presenting the IODSS definition, architecture, and applications.

Inter-Organizational Information System Adoption and Diffusion

New technology, fueled by the Internet’s commercialization, has led to new types of business partner connectivity. However, statistics show business-to-business (B2B) electronic commerce (EC) and electronic market growth are slower than anticipated (Bartlett, 2001). Realizing the full potential of this emerging inter-organizational connectivity requires understanding what facilitates its adoption and diffusion. Given the need for research in this area, this chapter reviews the existing inter-organizational information systems (IOISs) adoption and diffusion research. The chapter analyzes twenty-five empirical inter-organizational information system adoption and diffusion studies. This study identifies several IOIS types and lists and categorizes variables found to significantly influence adoption and diffusion of each IOIS type. This study has two main contributions. The study finds that variables found to significantly influence IOIS adoption and diffusion fall into three categories: inter-organizational, organizational and technical. The study also brings the IOIS adoption and diffusion literature together. As such, this study provides a starting point for conducting research on emerging IOISs.