Big Data Analytics in Building the Competitive Intelligence of Organizations

2021 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 6

Authors: Ranjan, Jayanthi; Foropon, Cyril

Abstract: Over recent years, organizations have started to capitalize on the significant u ... Expand

Abstract: Over recent years, organizations have started to capitalize on the significant use of Big Data and emerging technologies to analyze, and gain valuable insights linked to, decision-making processes. The process of Competitive Intelligence (CI) includes monitoring competitors with a view to delivering both actionable and meaningful intelligence to organizations. In this regard, the capacity to leverage and unleash the potential of big data tools and techniques is one of various significant components of successfully steering CI and ultimately infusing such valuable knowledge into CI strategies. In this paper, the authors aim to examine Big Data appli­ cations in CI processes within organizations by exploring how organizations deal with Big Data analytics, and this study provides a context for developing Big Data frameworks and process models for CI in organizations. Overall, research findings have indicated a preference for a rather centralized informal process as opposed to a clear formal structure for CI; the use of basic tools for queries, as opposed to reliance on dedicated methods such as advanced machine learning; and the existence of multiple challenges that companies currently face regarding the use of big data analytics in building organizational CI. Collapse

Topics: big data competitive intelligence decision making social media database system

Methods: qualitative interview business process modeling natural language processing grounded theory machine learning

A generic framework for sentiment analysis: Leveraging opinion-bearing data to inform decision making

2020 | Decision Support Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Kazmaier, Jacqueline; van Vuuren, Jan H.

Abstract: The increased exposure of the average citizen and customer to polarised content ... Expand

Abstract: The increased exposure of the average citizen and customer to polarised content from various sources has been of significant consequence for companies and governmental organisations. Such content has, for example, served as a catalyst for violent uprisings and shifts in stock market prices. The collection and study of opinion have therefore become a necessity in many industries. Due to the vast nature of such data, manual approaches to this problem are no longer feasible. Several computational approaches have been proposed within the field of sentiment analysis, which successfully address many aspects of this problem, such as the classification of data into one of several sentiment categories. The research in the field is lacking, however, with respect to the integration and application of these techniques in practice, as well as their incorporation into the decision-making process of affected entities. In this paper, a generic framework for sentiment analysis is proposed, with a focus on facilitating the model development process for a user in a manner such that good performance may be achieved irrespective of the problem domain, as well as facilitating a flexible, exploratory analysis of model results in combination with existing structured attributes in order to gain actionable insights. The objective of the framework is to aid organisations in successfully leveraging unstructured, opinion-bearing data in combination with structured data sources to inform decision making. Collapse

Topics: Twitter cloud computing Python usability user interface

Methods: computational algorithm machine learning case study sentiment analysis experiment

Designing for Context Versus the Lock-in Effect of ‘Free’ Global Digital Platforms: A Case of SMEs from Nigeria

2020 | DESRIST | Citations: 0

Authors: Tolani, Adedamola; Owoseni, Adebowale; Twinomurinzi, Hossana

Abstract: This paper reports on the design and evaluation of an app that was designed usin ... Expand

Abstract: This paper reports on the design and evaluation of an app that was designed using the newly created elaborated action design research method and critical realism to overcome the social and economic structural challenges that SMEs in Nigeria face. The results show that even though the app took into account the full range of SME dynamic capabilities and proved valuable, SMEs remained dependent on the affordances of the existing global digital platforms. The findings point to the lock-in effect of ‘freely’ available digital platforms and that SMEs tend to default to their path dependency (and therefore the existing global digital platforms) rather than explore local digital innovations. The paper suggests that intentional efforts from powerful actors such as government might be necessary to overcome the path dependency and lock-in effect of ‘freely’ available global digital platforms. The paper identifies the extra efforts required to sustain local digital innovation in the face of well-resourced global digital platforms. The paper further reveals the utility of the new elaborated action design research method for designing for context. Six (6) design principles for designing for SMEs in resource-constrained contexts were also elicited. Collapse

Topics: mobile application digital platform marketing management strategic management digital innovation

Methods: action design research design science design principle design artifact data-flow diagram

Theories: dynamic capabilities theory theory of affordance

How do Individuals Interpret Multiple Conceptual Models? A Theory of Combined Ontological Completeness and Overlap

2019 | Journal of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 23

Authors: Recker, Jan; Green, Peter

Abstract: When analyzing or designing information systems, users often work with multiple ... Expand

Abstract: When analyzing or designing information systems, users often work with multiple conceptual models because each model articulates a different, partial aspect of a real-world domain. However, the available research in this area has largely studied the use of single modeling artifacts only. We develop a new theory about interpreting multiple conceptual models that details propositions for evaluating how individuals select, understand, and perceive the usefulness of multiple conceptual models. We detail implications of our theory development for empirical research on conceptual modeling. We also outline practical contributions for the design of conceptual models and for choosing models for systems analysis and design tasks. Finally, to stimulate research that builds on our theory, we illustrate procedures for enacting our theory and discuss a range of empirically relevant boundary conditions. Jan Recker is an AIS fellow, Alexander-von-Humboldt fellow, chaired professor of information systems and systems development at the University of Cologne, and adjunct professor at Queensland University of Technology. He is presently editor in chief of the Communications of the Association for Information Systems. His research focuses on systems analysis and design, digital innovation and entrepreneurship, and digital solutions for sustainability challenges. Collapse

Topics: systems development perceived usefulness use case modeling environmental uncertainty requirements analysis

Methods: conceptual modelling theory development design science use case diagram entity relationship modeling

Theories: theory of combined ontological completeness and overlap representation theory information systems theory

A case analysis of E-government service delivery through a service chain dimension

2019 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Weerakkody, Vishanth; El-Haddadeh, Ramzi; Sivarajah, Uthayasankar; Omar, Amizan; Molnar, Andreea

Abstract: Unlike e-business few studies have examined how information is generated and exc ... Expand

Abstract: Unlike e-business few studies have examined how information is generated and exchanged between stakeholders in an e-government service chain to generate value for citizens. This case study applies the concept of service chains to empirically explore: a) how internal and external business activities in local government authorities (LGAs) contribute to electronic service delivery, and b) the impact that internal and external stakeholders have on these activities. The case study found that the diversity of stakeholders involved and lack of appropriate mechanisms for information exchange and collaboration are posing the biggest challenges for efficient local egovernment service delivery. Collapse

Topics: government system information exchange information management electronic mail telephone

Methods: case study qualitative interview personal interview triangulation design science

Modeling Privacy Preservation in Smart Connected Toys by Petri-Nets

2019 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Yankson, Benjamin; Iqbal, Farkhund; Lu, Zhihui; Wang, Xiaoling; Hung, Patrick C K

Abstract: Children data privacy must be considered as integral and factored into the syste ... Expand

Abstract: Children data privacy must be considered as integral and factored into the system design of Smart Connected Toy (SCT). The challenge is that SCTs are capable to gather significant amount volunteered and nonvolunteered data, which lacks privacy considerations. It is imperative to adopt a modeling technique that autonomously preserves privacy and secure children’s data in SCT transactions. This paper surveys the current data flow modeling techniques, which most of them do not have elements to address the privacy of Personal Identifiable Information (PII). This paper shows a PetriNet simulation which provides privacy assurance in order to minimize the risk of privacy violation of a child’s PII and related data. Collapse

Topics: privacy data security systems design

Methods: Petri net experiment simulation modeling language survey

BUILDING ON DISAGREEMENT VISUALLY: THE SYSTEM AND THE METHOD

2018 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Alexander, Elitsa; Eppler, Martin J; Comi, Alice

Abstract: In this paper we introduce an information system and a research method that use ... Expand

Abstract: In this paper we introduce an information system and a research method that use disagreement in order to provide value adding insights relevant for research and work practice. The system includes an innovative electronic survey platform which reports and visualizes disagreement in survey results. Based on an index of disagreement algorithm, survey results are automatically aggregated into visualizations. Survey questions are displayed in descending order, with the questions that have received the most discrepant answers being placed on top. The researcher shows the visualizations to the survey participants in follow-up group conversations (dissent conversations) and uses the visualizations as focal points to guide the conversations. The visual display of disagreement spurs an exchange of interpretations and insights. Based on a study with 57 managers, we show that applying our system and method enables researchers and research participants to jointly produce interpretations that enrich survey results and revise correlational models. The system and the method introduced in this paper contribute toward improving collaborative thinking in groups by unpacking the reasons for disagreement, revealing unpopular truths and individual motivations and perceptions, and leveraging on cognitive diversity in knowledge creation. Collapse

Topics: crowdsourcing crowdfunding decision making Java intellectual property

Methods: survey focus group computational algorithm mixed method regression analysis method

Theories: theory of affordance

Understanding the Role of IS and Application Domain Knowledge on Conceptual Schema Problem Solving: A Verbal Protocol Study

2016 | Journal of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 26

Authors: Khatri, Vijay; Vessey, Iris

Abstract: One of the most neglected areas of information systems research is the role of t ... Expand

Abstract: One of the most neglected areas of information systems research is the role of the domain to which researchers apply IS methods, tools, and techniques; that is, the application domain. For example, little prior information systems (IS) or related research has examined how IS and application domain knowledge (ISDK and ADK, respectively) influence how individuals solve conceptual schema problem-solving tasks. In this research, we investigate the effects of both ISDK and ADK on two types of conceptual schema problem-solving tasks: schema based and inferential. We used verbal protocol analysis to explore the roles that ISDK and ADK play in the problem-solving processes participants use when addressing these tasks. We found that, for the two types of conceptual schema problem-solving tasks, ADK and ISDK have similar effects on problem-solving processes. That is, we found that, for schema-based problem-solving tasks, participants used focused (depth-first) processes when the application domain was familiar as did participants with greater IS domain knowledge. We also found that, for inferential problem-solving tasks, participants used exploratory (breadth-first) processes when the application domain was familiar as did participants with greater IS domain knowledge. We then show how cognitive psychology literature on problem solving can help explain the effects of ISDK and ADK and, thus, provide the theoretical foundation for analyzing the roles of each type of knowledge in the process of IS problem solving. Collapse

Topics: problem solving IT workforce information storage and retrieval system IS problem task structure

Methods: conceptual modelling protocol analysis entity relationship modeling experiment design science

Software security requirements management as an emerging cloud computing service

2016 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 3

Authors: Ramachandran, Muthu

Abstract: Software security requirements engineering Secured software development SQUARE ... Expand

Abstract: Software security requirements engineering Secured software development SQUARE method BSI Touchpoint SDL Requirements engineering and management as an emerging service (SSREMaaES) a b s t r a c tEmerging cloud applications are growing rapidly and the need for identifying and managing service requirements is also highly important and critical at present. Software Engineering and Information Systems has established techniques, methods and technology over two decades to help achieve cloud service requirements, design, development, and testing. However, due to the lack of understanding of software security vulnerabilities that should have been identified and managed during the requirements engineering phase, we have not been so successful in applying software engineering, information management, and requirements management principles that have been established for the past at least 25 years, when developing secure software systems. Therefore, software security cannot just be added after a system has been built and delivered to customers as seen in today's software applications. This paper provides concise methods, techniques, and best practice requirements engineering and management as an emerging cloud service (SSREMaaES) and also provides guidelines on software security as a service. This paper also discusses an Integrated-Secure SDLC model (IS-SDLC), which will benefit practitioners, researchers, learners, and educators. This paper illustrates our approach for a large cloud system Amazon EC2 service. Collapse

Topics: IT security cloud computing denial of service attack requirements analysis systems development

Methods: business process model and notation design science simulation design principle modeling language

Considerations for Effective Requirements Analysis in Offshore Software Development Projects: Lessons from Multi-Method Research

2016 | Communications of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Yadav, Vanita; Adya, Monica; Nath, Dhruv; Sridhar, Varadharajan

Abstract: Offshore software development using geographically distributed teams is an accep ... Expand

Abstract: Offshore software development using geographically distributed teams is an accepted practice in software development today. However, software development companies have largely only offshored the software development lifecycle’s coding and testing phases. However, lately, offshoring the requirements analysis (RA) phase has become increasingly viable for several reasons including the software industry’s maturation and improved communication technologies. However, successfully evaluating this highly interactive phase between geographically dispersed client and provider teams requires special considerations. In this paper, we present practical insights garnered from conducting experiments and surveys of IS professionals from the Indian software industry and from extensively examining the literature. Our findings confirm that, subject to certain best practices, one can effectively conduct RA in software projects offshore. We present these practices as lessons learned and provide related recommendations for industry and academia. Collapse

Topics: offshoring communication service infrastructure IT project requirements analysis systems development

Methods: survey experiment mixed method qualitative interview quasi experiment

Theories: control theory boundary objects theory