Managing In-Company IT Standardization: A Design Theory

2023 | Information Systems Frontiers | Citations: 0

Authors: Ahlemann, Frederik; Dittes, Sven; Fillbrunn, Tim; Rehring, Kevin; Reining, Stefan; Urbach, Nils

Abstract: Today’s companies rely heavily on in-company information technology standards (I ... Expand

Abstract: Today’s companies rely heavily on in-company information technology standards (ICITS) to reduce costs, ensure flexibility, and facilitate the planning, implementation, and operation of IT systems. Steering and managing ICITS has proven to be challenging, revealing the need for efficient governance mechanisms. But even though prior research demonstrates the challenges of ICITS, viable advice on how to implement ICITS is scarce. In this paper, we develop an organizational design theory for the management of ICITS based on the framework of organizational control theory. We conducted a critical case study to identify basic goals, constitutive elements, and fundamental mechanisms of a working ICITS management. The resulting design goals and principles were then evaluated and further refined in the light of additional expert interviews. With our work, we wish to extend the body of theoretical knowledge on the management of ICITS and help practitioners master the various challenges occurring in this domain. Collapse

Topics: information systems standardization enterprise architecture IS maturity organizational control decision making

Methods: design theory qualitative interview design principle descriptive statistic case study

Theories: organizational control theory

Lessons from enterprise systems competency centers in adopting digital transformation initiatives: An assemblage approach

2023 | Information and Organization | Citations: 0

Authors: Aryal, Arun; Truex, Duane; El Amrani, Redouane

Abstract: Firms are increasingly adopting digital transformation as a strategic priority. ... Expand

Abstract: Firms are increasingly adopting digital transformation as a strategic priority. However, the path to successful transformation remains uncertain for many organizations. This paper examines the establishment and evolution of competency centers in two case study organizations, historically used in enterprise systems, in addressing the complexity and challenges of digital transformation. The interactions within these competency centers are analyzed through assemblage theory to understand the emergent relations between heterogeneous parts (technology, people, and orga­ nization) and the dynamic processes of new configurations. The insights from this research show the critical role of the competency center in any enterprise system’s success and how it could continue playing a central role in future digital transformation initiatives. By providing a new lens to examine these issues, the assemblage theory provided a new theoretical perspective to the IS field and a new alternative empirical setting to the organizational literature. Collapse

Topics: enterprise information system digital transformation enterprise resource planning IT skill business process management

Methods: qualitative interview case study personal interview design artifact literature study

Low-Coders, No-Coders, and Citizen Developers in Demand: Examining Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Through a Job Market Analysis

2023 | International Conference on Business Informatics | Citations: 0

Authors: Binzer, Björn; Winkler, Till J.

Abstract: The emergence of low-code/no-code (LCNC) platform technologies and the resultin ... Expand

Abstract: The emergence of low-code/no-code (LCNC) platform technologies and the resulting increase in citizen development programs are facilitating the democratization of the design, development, and deployment of digital solutions. Citizen developers, non-technical employees who leverage LCNC platforms, are at the heart of this trend. While many firms perceive LCNC and citizen development as a crucial component of their digital transformation strategy, little is known about the evolving roles in this field or the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA). To address this knowledge gap, we processed 113,106 job postings published on Indeed.com. Our topic modeling methodology identified 34 KSA topics and classified them into the three domains platform, business, and technology. We contribute to research by empirically demonstrating which competencies are required to successfully work in the LCNC field. Our findings can guide individual professionals and organizations alike. Collapse

Topics: online labor market Indeed.com low code development platform Python project management

Methods: topic model natural language processing computational algorithm latent dirichlet allocation NLTK

From transformation to normalisation: An exploratory study of a large-scale agile transformation

2023 | Journal of Information Technology | Citations: 0

Authors: Carroll, Noel; Conboy, Kieran; Wang, Xiaofeng

Abstract: Following the highly pervasive and effective use of agile methods at the team le ... Expand

Abstract: Following the highly pervasive and effective use of agile methods at the team level, many software organisations now wish to replicate this success at the organisational level, adopting large-scale agile methods. However, an analysis of extant literature reveals (i) a lack of theoretically grounded studies of large-scale agile transformations; (ii) weak assumptions underpinning those that do exist; and (iii) an overly simplistic and often problematic over-reliance on simple adherence to agile methods. In addition, there is a lack of insights on why large-scale agile transformations fail. To explore this, we apply normalisation process theory (NPT) to examine key challenges in normalising (i.e. the process of embedding and sustaining) large-scale agile methods. We present an in-depth case study of large-scale agile transformation and demonstrate how failing to normalise a large-scale agile method can unravel an organisation’s transformation efforts. There are four key contributions from this research. First, this study shows that the standard focus on initial adoption is one of the main reasons for the widespread failure of digital transformations and in this case a large-scale agile transformation. Second, this is the first study to introduce and empirically apply NPT to information system development (ISD) as an illustrative guide for those across information systems field to follow. Third, we present key recommendations based on NPT to guide researchers and practitioners on the normalisation of large-scale transformations. Fourth, we present an agenda for future research on large-scale agile transformations. Collapse

Topics: Spotify digital service agile software development sensemaking digital transformation

Methods: case study design methodology qualitative interview qualitative coding literature study

Theories: information systems theory sociological theory dynamic capabilities theory

PRACTICAL SUPPORT FOR UNLEARNING – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW TO ORGANIZE THE FIELD

2023 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Di Maria, Marco; Walter, David; Schoormann, Thorsten; Knackstedt, Ralf

Abstract: Organizations are increasingly concerned with the continuous reassessment and r ... Expand

Abstract: Organizations are increasingly concerned with the continuous reassessment and redesign of their products, processes, and business models to remain competitive in uncertain environments. Thereby, mental models, routines, and behaviors of individuals and entire organizations need to be updated to fit changing demands and environmental factors. 'Unlearning' is a promising approach to achieve this because it allows knowledge to be refined and adapted to novel situations. Unlearning established ways of thinking and doing effectively poses, however, several challenges that could be mitigated by an appropriate tool support. By following a qualitative systematic review of literature from Information Systems and adjacent disciplines, we identified and synthesized existing tools and guidance to assist individuals, teams, and organizations in unlearning. With our study, we contribute to an integrated overview of practical support for unlearning based on a sample of 41 papers as well as useful guidance for practitioners, designers, and researchers. Collapse

Topics: knowledge type change management agile software development organizational context IS discipline

Methods: literature sample design artifact literature study structured literature research synthesis

“NO ONE CAN DO IT ALL”: THE (CHANGING) ROLE OF EXTERNAL MANAGERS FOR TEAM EMPOWERMENT IN AGILE TEAMS

2023 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Fischer, Mareike; Rosenkranz, Christoph

Abstract: Agile software development teams need a high degree of team empowerment. Yet, a ... Expand

Abstract: Agile software development teams need a high degree of team empowerment. Yet, autonomous decisionmaking and self-organization are at odds with traditional command-and-control management. As more and more organizations adopt agile methods at a large scale, managers can be either a burden or a facilitator in the endeavor to achieve agility. Prior research has studied the internal processes of agile teams, but our understanding of the role of team-external managers is limited. In this research, we conducted a case study in five teams in a large organization currently undergoing an agile transformation. We developed a theoretical model of team-external management and its effects on team empowerment. We provide recommendations for practitioners and a set of hypotheses for empirical testing in future studies. Collapse

Topics: customer service self efficacy organization structure change management user satisfaction

Methods: qualitative interview theory development qualitative coding case study company material

Theories: leadership theory

Responsible cognitive digital clones as decision-makers: a design science research study

2023 | European Journal of Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Golovianko, Mariia; Gryshko, Svitlana; Terziyan, Vagan; Tuunanen, Tuure

Abstract: This study uses a design science research methodology to develop and evaluate th ... Expand

Abstract: This study uses a design science research methodology to develop and evaluate the Pi-Mind agent, an information technology artefact that acts as a responsible, resilient, ubiquitous cognitive clone – or a digital copy – and an autonomous representative of a human decision-maker. Pi-Mind agents can learn the decision-making capabilities of their “donors” in a specific training environment based on generative adversarial networks. A trained clone can be used by a decision-maker as an additional resource for one’s own cognitive enhancement, as an autonomous representative, or even as a replacement when appropriate. The assumption regarding this approach is as follows: when someone was forced to leave a critical process because of, for example, sickness, or wanted to take care of several simultaneously running processes, then they would be more confident knowing that their autonomous digital representatives were as capable and predictable as their exact personal “copy”. The Pi-Mind agent was evaluated in a Ukrainian higher education environment and a military logistics laboratory. In this paper, in addition to describing the artefact, its expected utility, and its design process within different contexts, we include the corresponding proof of concept, proof of value, and proof of use. Collapse

Topics: artificial intelligence decision making digital transformation legal context information system use

Methods: design artifact machine learning binary classification design science design principle

Decoding Data Products – Through the Lens of Work System Theory

2023 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Hasan, M Redwan; Legner, Christine

Abstract: Data products are seen as important levers in repurposing the large volumes of ... Expand

Abstract: Data products are seen as important levers in repurposing the large volumes of data that are captured in organizations and in satisfying the increasing demand for analytics. Despite the increasing popularity of the data product concept, it remains unclear how data can be productized. This article proposes work system theory to study the implications data products have for how organizations manage their data. Adopting a multimethod approach involving case studies and focus groups, we identify three types of data products and analyze how organizations coordinate their resources to build work systems around each data product type. Our findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on scaling data and analytics capabilities to repurpose and consume data effectively.(Meierhofer et al. 2019), recent studies have shifted toward a more customer-centric view that drives data product requirements, enables re-use of data for unknown-unknown use cases (Dehghani 2021) and further packages the products with governance elements (Joshi et al. 2021). This indicates a growing interest in how data is actually "productized", which if done well, can lead to the creation of valuable data products.As mentioned, the newness of the debate on data products means we still know little about what "productizing data" means. Considering the literature, we distinguish four themes (Table 1): (i) production process focusing on the interaction between various resources while creating data products, (ii) the tools and platforms that support the storage and delivery of data products, (iii) data packaging that underscores key social and organizational elements, and (iv) value generation that focuses on customer satisfaction. Collapse

Topics: value creation change management digital dashboard predictive maintenance organizational productivity

Methods: qualitative interview case study focus group mixed method triangulation

Theories: work systems theory

The emergence of smart service ecosystems—The role of socio-technical antecedents and affordances

2023 | Information Systems Journal | Citations: 0

Authors: Herterich, Matthias M.; Dremel, Christian; Wulf, Jochen; vom Brocke, Jan

Abstract: As physical products are increasingly augmented with digital technology, manufac ... Expand

Abstract: As physical products are increasingly augmented with digital technology, manufacturing firms have become part of the development of so-called smart products and smart services. As such, manufacturing firms are challenged by new market participants and ecosystem partners, particularly from the software development industry, and by the dynamic nature of business relationships. While the academic literature on the distinctive characteristics of ecosystems, particularly digital ecosystems, is rich, the effect of smart service ecosystems' emergence on the foundation of smart products remains uncertain. This study reports on case study research based on 47 semi-structured interviews with four companies that participate in an industrial smart service ecosystem. Taking an affordance-theoretic perspective, we uncover the antecedents of and the process of emergent smart service ecosystems. We find that smart service ecosystems have three socio-technical antecedents: a shared worldview, structural flexibility and integrity, and architecture of participation. We explain the emergence of smart service ecosystems as the result of specialisation in shared affordances and integration of idiosyncratic affordances into collective affordances. We derive seven propositions regarding the emergence of smart services, outline opportunities for further research, and present practical guidelines for manufacturing firms. Collapse

Topics: affordance smart device value creation user experience innovation management

Methods: qualitative interview qualitative coding case study focus group personal interview

Theories: theory of affordance stakeholder theory service-dominant logic

Pathways for Digital Transformation: An Organizational Identity Perspective

2023 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Keilbach, Anna; Hein, Andreas; Krcmar, Helmut

Abstract: In the rapidly evolving digital transformation (DT) landscape, understanding or ... Expand

Abstract: In the rapidly evolving digital transformation (DT) landscape, understanding organizational identity (OI) complexities becomes imperative. Leveraging a comparative analysis of AutoCorp and its spinoff, SoftCorp, this paper unfolds OI tensions in the context of DT. Despite advances in the literature on OI and DT, a gap exists in understanding how conflicting identities within a parent company and its spinoff can impact the organizations and the products they develop. We unearth that the dominant identity in AutoCorp, rooted in traditional manufacturing, creates tensions with the digital service-provider identity in SoftCorp. Additionally, we find that such separation may temporarily relieve internal tensions but introduce new challenges at the organizations' boundaries, affecting the digitized product. Our findings contribute to the theoretical discourse in OI and provide insights for companies undergoing DT. In our ongoing research project, we plan to develop an integrative framework reconciling these diverging identities for optimal digitized product development. Collapse

Topics: business process management change management systems development vehicular automation digital service

Methods: qualitative interview case study qualitative coding cross sectional research personal interview