Digital transformation and European small and medium enterprises (SMEs): A comparative study using digital economy and society index data

2023 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 1

Authors: Skare, Marinko; de las Mercedes de Obesso, María; Ribeiro-Navarrete, Samuel

Abstract: Digital transformation is profoundly transforming SMEs’ business activities, bri ... Expand

Abstract: Digital transformation is profoundly transforming SMEs’ business activities, bringing about comparative ad­ vantages and associated risks. Previous studies on digital transformation and SMEs focus on technology adoption, innovation, new value creation, and dynamic capabilities. However, it is unclear how digital technology affects SMEs’ specific business activities. We study SMEs’ customer access, increasing competition, external funding or access to finance, rising input costs, skilled labor shortages, exogenous shocks, global crises, and regulatory is­ sues. This study aims to fill the literature gap by exploring the impact of digital technology, using digital economy and society index (DESI) as proxies for the SME issues. We use DESI and SME data from a survey on European enterprises’ access to finance. We find that digital transformation strengthens SMEs’ ability and flexibility to address main business issues. Furthermore, findings reveal that digitally transformed SMEs have fewer concerns about access to new and traditional customers, competition changes, access to finance, increasing input costs, external shocks, and regulatory changes. However, digital transformation also brings risks, such as the shortage of skilled labor and experienced managers and loss of inherent competitiveness. The novelty of our work lies in supplying quantitative knowledge on the link between digital transformation and European SMEs’ critical business concerns. These findings substantially increase our understanding of the impact of digital change on European SMEs’ business activities. Collapse

Topics: digital transformation database system pandemic business model supply chain management

Methods: cross sectional research survey Wald test data modeling design science

Game Development Based Approach for Learning to Program: A Systematic Literature Review

2022 | International Conference on Business Informatics | Citations: 0

Authors: Bewer, Nikolaj; Gladkaya, Margarita

Abstract: Digitalization is advancing rapidly around the globe. Sufficient training in pro ... Expand

Abstract: Digitalization is advancing rapidly around the globe. Sufficient training in programming, computer science, and IT should be provided to ensure that upcoming generations do not just experience digitalization but rather actively participate in the process. One emergent educational approach aimed to lower educational barriers and increase the engagement of children and teenagers in programming is game development based learning (GDBL). In this study, we conduct a systematic literature review of empirical papers applying GDBL within programming and computer science courses. The attributes and learning outcomes of GDBL courses for various educational settings are reported and discussed. The results suggest that GDBL in computer science and programming education is an effective approach. We conclude with implications for future research and practice. Collapse

Topics: programming language database system Java IS education video game

Methods: structured literature research literature sample synthesis literature study survey

Smart city research advances in Southeast Europe

2021 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 1

Authors: Ninčević Pašalić, Ivana; Ćukušić, Maja; Jadrić, Mario

Abstract: Smart city (SC) research is an engaging research area as evidenced by a rising n ... Expand

Abstract: Smart city (SC) research is an engaging research area as evidenced by a rising number of publications indexed in the most relevant global citation databases. However, research advances are not equally discussed and distrib­ uted within Europe. This study puts a focus on the specific geographic location of Southeast Europe (SEE), intending to fill the gap in understanding the research advances in this part of Europe. The aim of this descriptive review was to systematically investigate peer-reviewed publications focused on SC research in SEE in order to present the findings and the state-of-art in this research domain. Seventy-four papers were thoroughly studied, analysed and classified based on their focus on SC themes and common sub-themes. While smart governance had been studied extensively in the SEE region, topics related to the smart economy and smart people received low attention from researchers. Mapping the selected papers to the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle showed that SC research in SEE is still in the conceptualising and planning stages, with very little evidence from the real implementation and follow-up activities. From the stakeholders’ perspective, the focus is on the institutional point of view as most of the papers present their findings in relation to (national or local) government bodies or policies, without balancing with corresponding businesses’ or individuals’ (users’) point of view. In general, user involvement was found to be very low in regards to current SC research in the SEE region. Collapse

Topics: smart city electronic surveillance energy information system data quality user satisfaction

Methods: simulation statistical hypothesis test experiment qualitative content analysis literature sample

Best practice of digital government in emerging democracies: Illustrations, challenges and reflections of state building processes

2021 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Wihlborg, Elin; Sommar, Carl-Johan; Kulanovic, Aneta; Kaharevic, Ahmed; Iacobaeus, Helena

Abstract: Digital government applications and models often add layers to existing structur ... Expand

Abstract: Digital government applications and models often add layers to existing structures, organizations, and routines to facilitate public services. In most states digital government is thus added to established structures and organizations, but what happens when egovernment develop at as an integrated part of new state building? This is the overall question in this paper presenting an analysis of best practices of e-government in six countries in the Western Balkans – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. The cases of best practice have been identified through an interactive research process, and analyzed through a combined lens of eGovernment stage-models and core public values. The analysis shows how new digital government applications and innovations are designed and used in new democracies as part of new state building structures. The findings indicate a lack of new institutional arrangements for digital government. Taken together it shows that the development of eGovernment in the Western Balkans follows a path-dependence of other states, in spite of the opportunities for more innovative and sustainable eGovernment by continuing the institutional reformation. Collapse

Topics: government system innovation management technology adoption

Methods: group interview qualitative interview cross sectional research

Machine learning based system for managing energy efficiency of public sector as an approach towards smart cities

2021 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Zekić-Sušac, Marijana; Mitrović, Saša; Has, Adela

Abstract: Energy efficiency of public sector is an important issue in the context of smart ... Expand

Abstract: Energy efficiency of public sector is an important issue in the context of smart cities due to the fact that buildings are the largest energy consumers, especially public buildings such as educational, health, government and other public institutions that have a large usage frequency. However, recent developments of machine learning within Big Data environment have not been exploited enough in this domain. This paper aims to answer the question of how to incorporate Big Data platform and machine learning into an intelligent system for managing energy efficiency of public sector as a substantial part of the smart city concept. Deep neural networks, Rpart regression tree and Random forest with variable reduction procedures were used to create prediction models of specific energy consumption of Croatian public sector buildings. The most accurate model was produced by Random forest method, and a comparison of important predictors extracted by all three methods has been conducted. The models could be implemented in the suggested intelligent system named MERIDA which integrates Big Data collection and predictive models of energy consumption for each energy source in public buildings, and enables their synergy into a managing platform for improving energy efficiency of the public sector within Big Data environment. The paper also discusses technological requirements for developing such a platform that could be used by public administration to plan reconstruction measures of public buildings, to reduce energy consumption and cost, as well as to connect such smart public buildings as part of smart cities. Such digital transformation of energy management can increase energy efficiency of public administration, its higher quality of service and healthier environment. Collapse

Topics: internet of things smart city mobile system decision making big data

Methods: machine learning machine learning method random forest classification decision tree classification computational algorithm

The Relative Role of Digital Complementary Assets and Regulation in Discontinuous Telemedicine Innovation in European Hospitals

2020 | Journal of Management Information Systems | Citations: 11

Authors: Steinhauser, Stefanie; Doblinger, Claudia; Hüsig, Stefan

Abstract: Telemedicine innovation is important for accelerating the digital transformation ... Expand

Abstract: Telemedicine innovation is important for accelerating the digital transformation of the health care sector. However, telemedicine is a discontinuous digital innovation, and incumbent health care organizations are lagging in its adoption. We combine research on IT innovation adoption and discontinuous innovation to study the relative role of two drivers of discontinuous innovation adoption: digital complementary assets and the regulatory environment. Our findings from 1,753 acute care hospitals across 30 European countries suggest that digital complementary assets have a stronger effect on telemedicine innovation adoption than the regulatory framework. In addition, we observe application- and business model-specific differences. Overall, our findings add the role of organizational versus regulatory drivers of discontinuous innovation adoption to information systems research, emphasize the importance of digital complementary assets for the adoption of discontinuous innovation by incumbent organizations, and provide new insights into how the diffusion of telemedicine innovation can be accelerated. Collapse

Topics: electronic health innovation management digital innovation digital transformation business-to-business

Methods: regression analysis method descriptive statistic cross sectional research statistical hypothesis test survey

Theories: resource based view of the firm

Analyzing Persistent Impact of Cybercrime on the Societal Level: Evidence for Individual Security Behavior

2017 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 1

Authors: Riek, Markus; Abramova, Svetlana; Böhme, Rainer

Abstract: Cybercrime has evolved into a serious global problem with considerable social an ... Expand

Abstract: Cybercrime has evolved into a serious global problem with considerable social and economic impact. Avoidance, one form of individual security behavior, can lead to longlasting negative outcomes on the societal level, but is rarely studied. While avoidance effects are difficult to study for recent innovations, theoretical models and data exist for established online services. Building on a parsimonious research model, we study the persistence of aggregate avoidance effects towards the use of online services along with protection behavior using a longitudinal approach. We use structural equation modelling in a secondary analysis of three representative pan-European surveys, conducted in 2012-2014. We find that cybercrime experience increases perceived risk and ultimately leads to avoidance of online banking, online shopping, and unknown websites. It also has a direct impact on two forms of protection behavior, namely: changing security settings and using different passwords. Trend analyses show that these effects are persistent over time. Collapse

Topics: computer crime online banking electronic commerce website social network

Methods: longitudinal research structural equation modeling survey archival research factor analysis

Theories: technology acceptance model theory of planned behavior

A new perspective on neutralization and deterrence: Predicting shadow IT usage

2017 | Information & Management | Citations: 61

Authors: Silic, Mario; Barlow, Jordan B.; Back, Andrea

Abstract: This study examines the role of neutralization and deterrence in discouraging em ... Expand

Abstract: This study examines the role of neutralization and deterrence in discouraging employees from using Shadow IT: tools, services and systems used in an organization but not authorized by the IT department. Our study provides a unique contribution to the IT security literature by studying effects of neutralization on both intentions (self-reported) and actual behavior, as well as examining the role of shame as a mediator. We surveyed employees from four organizations and found that the “metaphor of the ledger” neutralization technique predicts Shadow IT intention and actual Shadow IT usage. We also find that neutralization and deterrence effects influence shame. Collapse

Topics: security policy information system use usage intention data security IT security

Methods: survey descriptive statistic factor analysis structural equation modeling theory development

Theories: deterrence theory neutralization theory rational choice theory

Impact of Gamification on User’s Knowledge-Sharing Practices: Relationships between Work Motivation, Performance Expectancy and Work Engagement

2017 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Silic, Mario; Back, Andrea

Abstract: How to engage and motivate employees to share their knowledge has become one of ... Expand

Abstract: How to engage and motivate employees to share their knowledge has become one of the main organizational strategic goals. This study, supported by the Flow theory and Kahn’s theory of engagement, investigated how the impact of gamification on user’s knowledge-sharing practices. We ran an online survey of 147 participants from a large organization that implemented social engagement and motivational systems to leverage internal knowledgesharing practices. Our study revealed important drivers of job motivation (enjoyment, reciprocal benefit and recognition), which led to higher degree of job engagement and performance expectancy. From this study we derive important insights for practice and theory. Collapse

Topics: gamification knowledge sharing organizational context job satisfaction IT work

Methods: experimental group partial least squares regression survey structural equation modeling longitudinal research

Theories: flow theory

Business Process Management Practices in a Small Transition Economy: Current Status and Research Opportunities

2016 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Pilav-Velic, Amila; Marjanovic, Olivera

Abstract: The main objective of this research is to contribute to an improved understandin ... Expand

Abstract: The main objective of this research is to contribute to an improved understanding of BPM practices in transition economies. The paper offers an overview of the key motives for BPM implementation within different business processes and across industry sectors, as currently practiced by 240 (large and small) companies in a small transition economy of Bosnia & Herzegovina. Being the first of its kind for this particular country, this research also contributes to an important body of knowledge on BPM in transition economies of a particular type. Our research also identifies an important limitation of prior research in this area, where BPM studies are often de-contextualized from their very unique context of transition economies. Consequently, we propose to expand the current research on BPM in transition economies to include further research on BPM for transition economies. Collapse

Topics: business process management innovation management database system customer relationship management customer service

Methods: survey personal interview literature study case study exploratory data analysis

Theories: theory of task technology fit dynamic capabilities theory