Electronic Computers – The Challenge to Management

The potentialities of computers have not been fully exploited in the U.S. because management has underestimated the task of putting them to proper use. Management has believed that computers themselves are automation. But automation places a premium on good management. Without careful management planning, business resources are wasted in terms of managerial and technical time and abilities. Since computers are capable of handling many tasks simultaneously, it is only by casting aside the departmental concept and substituting the integrated systems approach that the true value of these machines begins to be appreciated. Automatic data processing provides for the tighter control that is important in competitive markets. The key to the whole problem of putting automation to work is education of personnel. Knowledge of equipment and techniques is not enough. Automation, by permitting handling of many jobs simultaneously, is in direct conflict with the concept of division of labor. The businessman, faced with wholesale reorganization of work, must train more basically and broadly. Current training for this field is largely dependent upon specialized courses offered by the manufactures of computers. The responsibility for training these people is largely that of private business, and it is a larger task than most managers realize. If a businessman is to feel confident that his company’s data processing is not just a gamble, he must accept this new challenge to management. Reprint of a paper from elektronische datenverarbeitung 1(1)1959:20–23. This article is also available in German in print and via http://www.wirtschaftsinformatik.de: Diebold J (2008) Elektronische Computer – Eine Herausforderung für die Unternehmensleitung. WIRTSCHAFTSINFORMATIK. doi: .

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Environmental Conservation NGOs and the Concept of Sustainable Development

On the background of the widely known and controversially discussed concept of sustainable development and the ever increasing influence of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on social, environmental and economic issues, this article focuses on how NGOs, specialised in environmental protection and conservation issues, reacted to the holistic societal concept of sustainable development which aims at finding solutions not only to environmental, but also to social and economic issues. For this purpose, the article investigates whether and to what extent the sustainability concept has been adopted by three worldwide leading environmental conservation NGOs: Greenpeace International, WWF International and IUCN International. The research, conducted in early 2006, reveals that the three organisations integrated the sustainability concept to different degrees depending on the organisations’ dominant value set. The more an organisation is bound to the idea of environmental protection, the less it is inclined to adopt strategies stemming from the sustainability concept whose implicit value system contradicts a strong bio- or eco-centric position. This finding adds evidence to the assumption that the holistic sustainability concept is most likely to be reduced and adapted when addressed by a specialised societal actor such as an NGO. Such insight into the influence of value systems on the actual actions of pressure groups might also be valuable in the light of the ever increasing number of strategic partnerships between NGOs and the private sector. To be familiar with each others’ action-leading key assumptions can significantly contribute to establishing a sound basis for a fruitful and rewarding collaboration.     

Value network dynamics in 3G–4G wireless communications: A systems thinking approach to strategic value assessment

This article develops a map to analyze the dynamic forces that influence the structure and development of 3G (third generation) wireless communications value networks. The analysis builds on the Strategic Value Assessment Model (Fine, et al. [Fine, Charles H., Vardan, Roger, Pethick, Robert, El Hout, Jamal. Rapid-Response Capability in value chain Design. MIT Sloan Manage Rev 2002, 43(Winter): 69–75.]) and utilizes a qualitative System Dynamics mapping approach. The map focuses on the driving forces affecting user adoption of 3G services, focusing on customer dynamics, competitive dynamics, and technology dynamics. To analyze adoption of 3G services by customers, the articles maps the dynamics of (1) network investment and user population, (2) entry of service innovators as well as price competitors, (3) the effects of positive network externalities arising from a larger user population, (4) price compression as lower willingness-to-pay users adopt 3G services, (5) scale economies in terminal costs and prices, and (6) new content development as a draw to new users. Applying inductive systems diagrams hypotheses are integrated into a causal loop map and tested with data collected at 15 communications-industry workshops attended by 190 participants in Europe. The map aims to deepen the understanding of the possible evolutionary paths of the 3G wireless value network. The article seeks also to assess which future scenarios are plausible and what dynamic triggers might make them likely.     

Big data: Dimensions,evolution, impacts,and challenges

Big data represents a new technology paradigm for data that are generated at high velocity and high volume, and with high variety. Big data is envisioned as a game changer capable of revolutionizing the way businesses operate in many industries. This article introduces an integrated view of big data, traces the evolution of big data over the past 20 years, and discusses data analytics essential for processing various structured and unstructured data. This article illustrates the application of data analytics using merchant review data. The impacts of big data on key business performances are then evaluated. Finally, six technical and managerial challenges are discussed.     

Shipbuilding administration under the Spanish Habsburg and Bourbon regimes (1590‒1834): A comparative perspective

Abstract

This article aims at understanding the evolution of the administrative methods devised by the Spanish monarchy to interact with regional private initiative for the production of warships. It also aims at understanding the practice of financing naval shipbuilding in the royal shipyards of Spain and Spanish America by public contribution, in the form of both credit and voluntary donations. These processes were largely influenced by the need of both political systems to perform efficiently in war. This article addresses the relationship between the state and local entrepreneurs and examines the reach and objectives of the Habsburg and Bourbon naval administrations, seen as variants of the ‘contractor state’.     

Effects of Multichannel Coordination and E-Commerce Outsourcing on Online Retail Performance

This article assesses the role of multichannel coordination strategy in impacting online performance, and the need for E-commerce functions outsourcing at the initial stages of multichannel integration. Our findings indicate that a higher degree of interchannel coordination increases retailers' online sales. The article also concludes that integrated retailers that outsource more E-commerce functions, such as Web site hosting, site design, content development, order processing, E-mail marketing, Web performance monitoring, and E-logistics, do not show higher online sales performance than those who develop them in-house. Managerial implications of these findings are proposed, and directions for future research are outlined. Based on prior conceptual research, the article develops and empirically tests the construct of multichannel coordination.     

Internal Performance Measurement Systems: Problems and Solutions

This article pursues two aims: to identify problems and dangers related to the operational use of internal performance measurement systems of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) type and to provide some guidance on how performance measurement systems may be designed to overcome these problems. The analysis uses and extends Nørreklit's (2000) critique of the BSC by applying the concepts developed therein to contemporary research on the BSC and to the development of practice in performance measurement. The analysis is of relevance for many companies in the Asia-Pacific area as an increasing numbers of them are implementing the BSC.     

Empowering health care consumers in the era of Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is emerging as a significant development in information technology that aims to link the digital world with the real world to improve human life. IoT refers to digital tools collecting data and providing hyper-personalized information to its users. With the rapid integration of the IoT in the healthcare sector (HIoT), it has been presumed that HIoT devices have an empowering effect on patients; however, this has yet to be investigated. Furthermore, the literature reveals a lack of consistency regarding the definition of patient empowerment. This study aims to fill these gaps and investigates whether HIoT systems increase user empowerment for individuals suffering from chronic illnesses. It also examines how empowerment is defined for HIoT users. To answer these two research questions, we conducted a qualitative research study consisting of 20 semi-structured, in-depth interviews carried out with individuals suffering from Type 1 diabetes (T1D). The interviews were transcribed and content analysis was conducted on the data. The study enabled us to examine whether and how the HIoT triggered empowerment for patients suffering from T1D. Findings reveal four main dimensions of empowerment for HIoT users: (1) self-efficacy, (2) patient control, (3) knowledge development and (4) participation in the decision-making process along with the doctor. Results also highlight that participants feel empowered by personal acceptance of living with their health condition and social support. In addition, the analysis led to the identification of the barriers which need to be overcome to ensure that HloT systems improve patient empowerment.     

Factors Affecting the Offshore Deployment of Interorganizational Systems in China: A Case Study Analysis

ABSTRACT

Because of the significant market potential in China, many international enterprises are moving their production line to China. Accompanying production offshoring is the shifting of information systems to ensure that the production processes remain efficient and effective both at home and abroad. However, many enterprises encounter problems while deploying offshore information systems in China, especially when the systems are interorganizational systems (IOS) that span organizational boundaries and involve the management of relationships among participants. Therefore, this paper aims to identify critical success factors of offshore interorganizational systems in China through a case study of a supply chain relationship based on an e-procurement system between a Taiwanese personal computer manufacturer and its Chinese partners. Although this system had been well used by Taiwanese users, the performance of this system in China was relatively unsatisfactory in terms of grant complaints from Chinese users. Based on the relational view of the firm, four IOS-specific relational factors are proposed and examined: (1) IOS-specific assets, (2) IOS knowledge-sharing routines, (3) system complementarity, and (4) IOS governance. The case analysis reveals that effective IOS governance most strongly affects the results of offshoring in China, whereas system complementarity has the least influence.     

The systems approach and good management: An argument for the “whole” approach

The systems approach means different things to different people. Generally there is agreement that it implies an acknowledgement of the interconnectedness of things, using an integrated or “whole” approach rather than a partial view. Dearden has argued that any good manager adopts this method. In this article, however, the author takes the position that most managers find it difficult if not impossible to adopt a true systems approach. Two reasons for this are given: first, true system obiectives are not always apparent to managers at given levels; second, managers are rewarded for managing their own organizations and not for optimizing total enterprise performance. Several possibilities for altering the traditional reward patterns are suggested.     

发展加工贸易与产业技术升级探析

本文分析了国际生产体系对发展中国家工业化路径与方式的影响,通过对比分析我国高成长出口商品及其产业内贸易指数与国际生产体系生产、贸易的发展趋势,揭示了我国最具活力的工业品生产、贸易与国际生产体系的发展趋势存在紧密联系,提出我国应借助国际生产体系,提升本国技术发展能力,实现融入国际生产体系与加速推进工业化进程的统一。     

The Role of Russia in the Lithuanian Oil Business

SUMMARY

This research aims at elaborating performance of an oil refinery owned by a Russian corporation in Lithuania. The article strives to trace how important Russian capital is for the Lithuanian oil business. The study examines the development of the oil refinery: (1) from its initial state-ownership to (2) privatization conducted by an American private company and, finally (3) to its acquisition with the Russian capital. This case study illustrates the importance of foreign direct investment, namely Russian FDI.     

Service Science Management Engineering and Design (SSMED): a semiautomatic literature review

ABSTRACT

SSMED (Service Science, Management Engineering and Design) is multidisciplinary by nature. However, some authors stated that SSMED publications remain focused on single scientific domains. This paper proposes a Semiautomatic Literature Review (SALR) using integrated techniques for knowledge extraction –‘Time Aware Knowledge Extraction’ (TAKE) – to analyse the interdisciplinarity of SSMED publications and the potential for transdisciplinarity based on the actual adoption of Service-Dominant Logic as the foundation of SSMED research. Findings reveal that: 1) most SSMED publications are not interdisciplinary and are mainly related to Management; 2) Service-Dominant Logic has been adopted very often in SSMED publications, paving the way for SSMED transdisciplinarity.

This paper offers theoretical and practical insights by enhancing the knowledge about SSMED literature and enriching the state of the art related to techniques to perform literature reviews. Furthermore, it stimulates the expansion of scholars’ and managers’ views of holistic approaches to service systems while fostering SSMED viability.     

加工贸易与一般贸易对江西经济增长作用的比较研究

随着江西外向型经济的发展,一般贸易和加工贸易额都得到了快速扩大。利用出口弹性指标、贡献率指标以及增值率指标对比,分析加工贸易和一般贸易对江西经济增长的贡献,提出一般贸易的贡献高于加工贸易,加工贸易对经济增长的贡献还较小,但2006年后加工贸易对经济增长的作用加强。     

Customer-Perceived Value in Long-Term Buyer–Supplier Relationships: The General B2B Insurance Sector

This article explores the role of customer-perceived value in long-term buyer–supplier relationships. This article aims to identify what creates value for organizational customers, particularly in the field of professional business-to-business (B2B) general insurance services. On the integrated grounds of customer relationship theory in marketing and the resource-based view in strategic management, qualitative research, coupled with interviews, was conducted to explore insights from various representatives of different Vietnamese general insurance firms. The findings suggest that reliability, risk coverage, reputation, technology, interpersonal skills, and technical skills are the six most important types of resources that insurance companies should possess to enhance customer-perceived value.     

The Development and Testing of a Child-inspired Advertising Disclosure to Alert Children to Digital and Embedded Advertising

Via three studies, this article aims to develop and test an advertising disclosure which is understandable for children (ages six to 12 years old) and which can alert them to different types of advertising in multiple media formats. First, cocreation workshops with 24 children (ages eight to 11 years old) were held to determine a selection of disclosure designs based on insights from the target group. Second, two eye-tracking studies among 32 children (ages six to 12 years old) were conducted to test which of these disclosure designs attracted the most attention when the disclosures were integrated into a media context. These studies led to the selection of the final advertising disclosure: a black rectangular graphic with the word Reclame! (i.e., Dutch for “Advertising!”) in yellow letters. Finally, a two-by-two, between-subjects experimental study (disclosure design: existing versus child-inspired advertising disclosure; advertising format: brand placement versus online banner advertising) with 157 children (ages 10 and 11 years old) was performed to test the effectiveness of the child-inspired disclosure by comparing it with existing ones. This study not only showed that children recognized, understood, and liked the child-inspired disclosure better than the existing ones, but they were also better able to recognize advertising after exposure to this child-inspired advertising disclosure.     

The fable of the birth of the Japanese automobile industry: A reconsideration of the Toyoda–Platt agreement of 1929

In discussing the birth of the Japanese automobile industry, most researchers and journalists put the Toyota Motor Corporation and the Toyoda–Platt Agreement at centre-stage. It has been widely asserted that the one million yen (¥100,000) that was received as a result of the Agreement provided Kiichiro Toyoda with the means to begin his research on the automobile. But the historical evidence does not support this legendary story, and in many ways contradicts it. This article aims to set the historical record straight.     

Developing Information Systems to Support Flexible Strategy

The literature on strategic applications of information technology(IT) and strategic information systems (SIS) contains a number of "classic" success cases. These systems are successful in terms of one particular strategy framework, but there is evidence that the demands placed upon SIS are changing. Changes in the business environment and in the rate of development of technology have created a requirement for more flexibility in the strategic process. This must be supported by a "new generation" of SIS that integrate with flexible infrastructures to provide long-term effective support for a flexible business strategy. This article looks at the changing nature of the strategic: process and examines a framework that has potential to assist in these aims. A number of techniques are analyzed to assess their capability for identifying strategic applications of IT. Finally, a way of providing a flexible IS/IT infrastructure relevant to the development of a flexible SIS is discussed.     

农业跨国公司对中国农业的投资:现状、问题与建议

加入世界贸易组织时中国在农业条款上的让步以及随后采取的一系列兑现承诺的措施,使得农业部门成为之后受冲击最大的部门。目前,全球500强企业中的农业食品类跨国公司基本上都在中国开办了合资或独资公司,投资领域涉及从农业投入到农产品加工、流通再到农产品销售的整条产业链,特别是伴随着过渡期的结束,跨国公司更是加快了并购中国农业食品企业的步伐,并逐步加强了对种子、生产加工、销售及研发等产业链条各环节的控制,这将严重破坏我国原有粮食生产流通的内在平衡体系,导致我国粮食生产、贸易主导权及市场定价权的丧失,并最终使我国的粮食安全受制于人。为此,政府应加强对农业跨国公司投资的规划和引导,并通过立法防范农业跨国公司的垄断行为;强化对农业跨国公司市场行为的监管,加快培育具有较强竞争力、可与之抗衡的国有大型农业企业。     

几种接收机在MIMO信道下的性能比较

多入多出（MIMO）无线信道具有空间复用增益和分集增益特性，因此MIMO系统和单入单出（SISO）无线系统相比能够获得更高的频谱效率。本文在不同天线组合下分析了几种MIMO空时信号处理算法的性能，仿真结果和理论分析表明：空间复用增益和分集增益不能同时获得最大，因此在设计MIMO通信系统时可根据实际情况选择天线数，即不仅考虑系统抵抗信道衰落的分集增益，还要考虑能够提供更高的数据传输速率，通过折衷考虑空间复杂增益和分集增益，从更全面的观点评估系统的性能。