Business Commons^™

E-Government Challenge In Disaster Evacuation Response: The Role Of Rfid Technology In Building Safe And Secure Local Communities, A. Chatfield, S. F. Wamba, T. Hirokazu

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

While geographic information systems (GIS) can provide information on the static locations of critical infrastructure and evacuation routes, they do not provide the dynamically changing locations of things and people on the move. In contrast, radio frequency identification (RFID) wireless network technology can automatically identify and track the movement of assets (i.e., fire engines, ambulances, and rescue workers) and vulnerable citizens on the move (i.e., the elderly and the disabled), and hence providing local governments and communities with real-time information and enhanced decision-making capabilities, during chaotic disaster response operations (i.e., evacuation). Although the potential high impact and strategic value of …

Rfid-Enabled Warehouse Process Optimization In The Tpl Industry, S. F. Wamba, A. T. Chatfield

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

Using the value chain model and a longitudinal real-world case study of a third-party logistics (TPL) supply chain, this study provides support for the enabling role of RFID technology in effecting warehouse process optimization. Furthermore, the findings of our study reveal the RFID technology implementation costs as the key inhibitors factor of RFID widespread adoption and usage among suppliers.

Rfid-Enabled Inventory Control Optimization: A Proof Of Concept In A Small-To-Medium Retailer, H. Dane, Katina Michael, S. F. Wamba

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

This study examines the impact of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology on the inventory control practices of a small-to-medium retailer using a proof of concept (PoC) approach. The exploratory study was conducted using a single case study of a hardware retailer stocking 5000 product lines provided by 110 active suppliers. To analyze the present mode of operation, procedural documents, semi-structured interviews and a participant observation was conducted. The basis for the proof of concept was a future mode of operation using a quasi-experimental design. Results indicate that in a small-to-medium retail environment, RFID technology could act as a loss prevention mechanism, …

Complex Adaptive Systems As A Model For Evaluating Organisational Change Caused By The Introduction Of Health Information Systems, Kieren Diment Mr, Ping Yu, K. Garrety

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

This paper documents the preliminary development of a framework for evaluating organisational change processes during the implementation of an electronic nursing documentation system in residential aged care facilities. It starts with a brief outline of organisational change processes. This is followed by a more detailed exposition of the principles underlying complex adaptive systems (CAS) theory, where we explain how mathematical concepts can be used to illuminate qualitative research approaches. Finally we present some preliminary findings on the facilitators and barriers for the introduction of the electronic documentation system, explained with reference to the CAS theory, based on analysis of interviews …

Color As A Source Of Brand Differentiation: Can It Be Defended?, Byron W. Keating, T. R. Coltman

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

Savvy marketers have long sought to exploit the psychological effects of color to differentiate their brands and create competitive advantage: IBM Blue, Coca- Cola Red, and BP Green. These are not new colors but well-known brand colors. While changes in international trademark law over the past decade paved the way for marketers to seek protection for a color associated with a brand, this case demonstrates some important challenges in defending such trademarks.

Supply Chain Contract Evolution, T. Coltman, K. Bru, N. Perm-Ajchariyawong, T. M. Devinney, G. R. Benito

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

This paper draws together theories from organisational and neo-institutional literatures to address the evolution of supply chain contracts. Using a longitudinal case study of the Norwegian State Railways, we examine how firms move through the stages in an inter-organisational process of supply chain contract evolution and how they can cooperate to ensure efficiency and equity in their contractual relationship. The findings suggest that inefficient and inequitable initial contracts can occur in part, because of the cognitive shortcomings in human decision-making processes that reveal themselves early in the arrangement before learning and trust building can accumulate. We then reveal how parties …

Rfid-Enabled Warehouse Optimization: Lessons From Early Adopters In The 3pl Industry, S. F. Wamba, T. R. Coltman, Katina Michael

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

This paper presents the impact of RFID technology on the picking and shipping processes of one RFID-enabled warehouse in the 3PL industry. The findings from our study confirm initial results from many studies where RFID implementation has been shown to enable business process redesign, improve data quality, real-time data collection and synchronization and enhance system integration. In this study we show that the full potential of RFID technology is dependent upon the involvement of all supply chain members involved in implementation. Moreover, firms considering implementing RFID technology need to take into account their investment in complementary assets such as employee …

An Information System Design Theory For And Rfid University-Based Laboratory, S. F. Wamba, Katina Michael

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

RFID technology is defined as a wireless automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) technology and is considered as “the next big thing” in the management and “the next revolution in supply chain”. Recently, the topic has attracted the interest of the industrial community as well as the scientific community. Following this tendency, this paper applies an Information Systems Design Theory (ISDT) for an RFID-based University Laboratory. For practitioners, the paper provides some insights into the set-up and use of RFID laboratory in university settings, and at the same time, it offers a set of hypotheses that can be empirically tested.

Understanding The Impact Of Emerging Technologies On Process Optimization: The Case Of Rfid Technology, S. F. Wamba, Y. Bendavid

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

This paper examines the case of one supply chain in the electricity sector where RFID technology integrated with firm’s information systems acts as an enabler of process optimization. Using a business process approach and laboratory simulation, we explain how the implementation of RFID technology can increase the visibility of information at various layers of the supply chain, allowing members to gather precise information on real demand and improve replenishment processes. On the other hand, while RFID technology has the potential to automate some processes, human intervention is still required. Therefore, use case scenarios and sensitivity analysis should be carefully considered …

Outbound Tourism From China: Literature Review And Research Agenda, Byron W. Keating, A. Kriz

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

The rapid growth of China's outbound tourism market has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years. However, the academic literature is still sparse in this area. Using a theoretical framework that synthesises the key processes related to destination choice, the authors undertake a systematic review of the academic literature on outbound tourism from China. Stemming from this review, the article provides some direction for future empirical research on this important topic. The authors also suggest that a new model for travel planning could be developed, suggesting that traditional destination choice models may inadequately capture the nuances of destination …

The Value Of Managerial Beliefs In Turbulent Environments: Managerial Orientation And E-Business Advantage, T. Coltman, T. M. Devinney, D. F. Midgley

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

There is a great divide between the degree to which academic research accounts for the role of managerial discretion in firm performance and the weight given by the popular press and financial community to the importance of the management of an organization. The purpose of this paper is to bridge this gap by quantifying the way managerial beliefs influence the quality of firm performance in a turbulent environment based on e-business.
An e-business research setting is used that is associated with a situation of environmental turbulence to allow for sufficient variance in managerial beliefs to measure their effect on firm …

From Automatic Identification And Data Capture (Aidc) To “Smart Business Process”: Preparing For A Pilot Integrating Rfid, S. F. Wamba, E. Lefebvre, Y. Bendavid, L.. A. Lefebvre

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

This paper examines the underlying logic behind the rules configured in a RFID middleware to support “smart business processes” in one retail supply chain. Through a detailed investigation of the underlying business processes, we will demonstrate how businesses rules can be defined, configured and refined in a RFID middleware. The results confirm that RFID technology is not a “Plug and Play” solution. RFID middleware configuration will require a high level of customization. Finally, this study allows the improvement of our understanding of the real potential of RFID technology in the supply chain context.

Formative Versus Reflective Measurement Models: Two Applications Of Formative Measurement, T. Coltman, T. M. Devinney, D. F. Midgley, S. Venaik

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

This paper presents a framework that helps researchers to design and validate both formative and reflective measurement models. The framework draws from the existing literature and includes both theoretical and empirical considerations. Two important examples, one from international business and one from marketing, illustrate the use of the framework. Both examples concern constructs that are fundamental to theory-building in these disciplines, and constructs that most scholars measure reflectively. In contrast, applying the framework suggests that a formative measurement model may be more appropriate. These results reinforce the need for all researchers to justify, both theoretically and empirically, their choice of …

In Pursuit Of A Sustainable Supply Chain: Insights From Westpac Banking Corporation, Byron Keating, Ali Quazi, Anton Kriz, Tim Coltman

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to provide clues to industry and academia on how best to approach the challenge of developing a sustainable supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach – A case study was undertaken of the Westpac Banking Corporation – one of the world's most socially responsible banks – to examine how they approached the challenge of managing corporate social responsibility (CSR) in their supply chain.

Findings – This paper highlights some of the challenges and opportunities associated with extending corporate governance beyond the firm boundary. Specific attention is given to a discussion of assessment and governance tools.

Research …

Determinants Of The Adoption Of Customer-Oriented Mobile Commerce Initiatives, Léger Pierre-Majorique, Luc Cassivi, S. F. Wamba

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

This paper investigates organizations implementing mobile commerce initiatives. Mobile commerce (m-commerce) is defined as the wireless B2B and B2C exchange of operational and financial data within a supply chain. Based on a survey conducted with 159 Canadian and Scandinavian executive managers, this paper tests several theoretical determinants of customer-oriented m-commerce initiatives. Results indicate that i) the adoption of electronic commerce is a strong determinant for the adoption of m-commerce initiatives, ii) software firms are more inclined to adopt m-commerce initiatives, iii) firm size does not influence the adoption of mobile commerce, and iv) contrary to expectations, firms focusing on B2C …

E-Business: Revolution, Evolution, Or Hype?, T. Coltman, T. M. Devinney, A. Latukefu, D. F. Midgley

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

As the Internet continues to grow in size and capability, many firms are implementing Web-based applications and Internet-derived economic change continues to occur. If this change is revolutionary, now or in the near future, then many managers will be required to rethink their firm strategies and managerial responses in a profound way. On the other hand, if the change is simply evolutionary, it will apply more to some firms than to others, and pre-Internet strategies and managerial responses will still be appropriate in many circumstances. While it is premature to categorize e-business as revolutionary, e-business is not a silver bullet, …