Network Centralization and Collective Adaptability to a Shifting Environment

2023 | Organization Science | Citations: 1

Authors: Bernstein, Ethan S.; Shore, Jesse C.; Jang, Alice J.

Abstract: We study the connection between communication network structure and an organizat ... Expand

Abstract: We study the connection between communication network structure and an organization’s collective adaptability to a shifting environment. Research has shown that network centralization—the degree to which communication flows disproportionately through one or more members of the organization rather than being more equally distributed—interferes with collective problem-solving by obstructing the integration of existing ideas, information, and solutions in the network. We hypothesize that the mechanisms responsible for that poor integration of ideas, information, and solutions would nevertheless prove beneficial for problems requiring adaptation to a shifting environment. We conducted a 1,620-subject randomized online laboratory experiment, testing the effect of seven network structures on problem-solving success. To simulate a shifting environment, we designed a murder mystery task and manipulated when each piece of information could be found: early information encouraged an inferior consensus, requiring a collective shift of solution after more information emerged. We find that when the communication network within an organization is more centralized, it achieves the benefits of connectivity (spread of novel better solutions) without the costs (getting stuck on an existing inferior solution). We also find, however, that these benefits of centralization only materialize in networks with two-way flow of information and not when information only flows from the center of the network outward (as can occur in hierarchical structures or digitally mediated communication). We draw on these findings to reconceptualize theory on the impact of centralization—and how it affects conformity pressure (lock-in) and awareness of diverse ideas (learning)—on collective problem-solving that demands adaptation.History: This paper has been accepted for the Organization Science Special Issue on Experiments in Organizational Theory.Funding: The authors acknowledge financial support from the Division of Research at the Harvard Business School for making this research possible. Collapse

Topics: social influence problem solving internet technology social network debugging

Methods: experiment machine learning simulation Poisson regression logistic regression

Theories: organizational theory

Rethinking the “Cloud Course”: A Cloud-Native Approach

2023 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Schuff, David; Doyle, Mart

Abstract: As organizations move to the cloud, they realize that simply migrating existing ... Expand

Abstract: As organizations move to the cloud, they realize that simply migrating existing legacy applications has not achieved the anticipated efficiencies and cost savings. The result is an increased focus on the design and deployment of truly cloud-native applications. This shift must take place within information systems curricula to remain relevant in this space, but this requires rethinking the structure, focus, and approach of these courses. This paper describes the redesign of an undergraduate cloud infrastructure course where students create and deploy APIs using cloud-native technologies. Collapse

Topics: cloud computing application programming interface systems design web page database system

Methods: design principle

Towards an Interdisciplinary Development of IoT-Enhanced Business Processes

2023 | Business & Information Systems Engineering | Citations: 0

Authors: Valderas, Pedro; Torres, Victoria; Serral, Estefanía

Abstract: IoT-enhanced Business Processes make use of sensors and actuators to carry out t ... Expand

Abstract: IoT-enhanced Business Processes make use of sensors and actuators to carry out the process tasks and achieve a specific goal. One of the most important difficulties in the development of IoT-enhanced BPs is the interdisciplinarity that is demanded by this type of project. Defining an interdisciplinary tool-supported development approach that facilitates the collaboration of different professionals, with a special focus on three main facets: business process requirements, interoperability between IoT devices and BPs, and low-level data processing. The study followed a Design Science Research methodology for information systems that consists of a 6-step process: (1) problem identification and motivation; (2) define the objectives for a solution; (3) design and development; (4) demonstration; (5) evaluation; and (6) communication. The paper presents an interdisciplinary development process to support the creation of IoT-enhanced BPs by applying the Separation of Concerns principle. A collaborative development environment is built to provide each professional with the tools required to accomplish her/his development responsibilities. The approach is successfully validated through a case-study evaluation. The evaluation allows to conclude that the proposed development process and the supporting development environment are effective to face the interdisciplinary nature of IoT-enhanced BPs. Collapse

Topics: internet of things mobile system microservice architecture Java knowledge representation

Methods: experiment survey modeling language business process model and notation ontological modelling

How Designers Use Design Principles: Design Behaviors and Application Modes

2022 | Journal of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Chandra Kruse, Leona; Purao, Sandeep; Seidel, Stefan

Abstract: This paper investigates how information systems design professionals use design ... Expand

Abstract: This paper investigates how information systems design professionals use design principles (extracted from a prior design science research project) in a new design situation. We do this by capturing think-aloud protocols from experienced design professionals who are given access to potentially useful design principles. Our analysis identifies two dimensions of use: design behaviors (what designers do) and application modes (how designers apply the principles). Mapping across the dimensions suggests two use pathways: forward chaining and backward chaining. Our study shows how empirically studying expert designers can shed light on the microprocesses of design principles in use, and how an empirical turn in the investigation can contribute to clarifying the fundamental nature of design principles. We conclude by highlighting the implications of these insights for crafting more useful design principles. Collapse

Topics: decision making debugging knowledge sharing IS discipline systems design

Methods: design principle cognitive walkthrough qualitative coding experiment field study

A Tutorial on Prototyping Internet of Things Devices and Systems: A Gentle Introduction to Technology that Shapes Our Lives

2022 | Communications of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Chua, Cecil; Storey, Veda

Abstract: The Internet of Things, which has been quietly building and evolving over the p ... Expand

Abstract: The Internet of Things, which has been quietly building and evolving over the past decade, now impacts many aspects of society, including homes, battlefields, and medical communities. Research in information systems, traditionally, has been concentrated on exploring the impacts of such technology, rather than how to actually create systems using it. Although research in design science could especially contribute to the Internet of Things, this type of research from the Information Systems community has been sparse. The most likely cause is the knowledge barriers to learning and understanding this kind of technology development. Recognizing the importance of the continued evolution of the Internet of Things, this paper provides a basic tutorial on how to construct Internet of Things prototypes. The paper is intended to educate Information Systems scholars on how to build their own Internet of Things so they can conduct technical research in this area and instruct their students on how to do the same. Collapse

Topics: internet of things mobile system internet technology systems design Ethernet

Methods: design artifact wearables based research

UJA Human Activity Recognition multi-occupancy dataset

2021 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: De-La-Hoz-Franco, Emiro; Bernal Monroy, Edna; Ariza-Colpas, Paola; Mendoza-Palechor, Fabio; Espinilla, Macarena

Abstract: Activity Recognition Systems - ARS are proposed to improve the quality of human ... Expand

Abstract: Activity Recognition Systems - ARS are proposed to improve the quality of human life. An ARS uses predictive models to identify the activities that individuals are performing in different environments. Under data-driven approaches, these models are trained and tested in experimental environments from datasets that contain data collected from heterogeneous information sources. When several people interact (multi-occupation) in the environment from which data are collected, identifying the activities performed by each individual in a time window is not a trivial task. In addition, there is a lack of datasets generated from different data sources, which allow systems to be evaluated both from an individual and collective perspective. This paper presents the SaMO – UJA dataset, which contains Single and Multi-Occupancy activities collected in the UJAmI (University of Jaén Ambient Intelligence, Spain) Smart Lab. The main contribution of this work is the presentation of a dataset that includes a new generation of sensors as a source of information (acceleration of the inhabitant, intelligent floor for location, proximity and binary-sensors) to provide an excellent tool for addressing multioccupancy in smart environments. Collapse

Topics: smart wearable device debugging geographic information system smart device mobile system

Methods: descriptive statistic support vector machine random forest classification design artifact cross sectional research

The Power of Renegotiation and Monitoring in Software Outsourcing: Substitutes or Complements?

2021 | Information Systems Research | Citations: 0

Authors: Huang, He; Hu, Minhui; Kauffman, Robert J.; Xu, Hongyan

Abstract: Monitoring and contract renegotiation are two common solutions for addressing in ... Expand

Abstract: Monitoring and contract renegotiation are two common solutions for addressing information asymmetry and uncertainty between a client and a vendor of software outsourcing services. Monitoring is mostly applied in time-and-materials contracts, as a basis for inspecting and reimbursing the vendor’s efforts in system development. Renegotiation, by contrast, is deployed in fixed-price and time-and-materials contracts to mitigate the loss of surplus from uncertainty after system development. We investigate the interaction between monitoring and renegotiation and examine the corresponding contract choice problem. We find that the client benefits from renegotiation based on two effects: an uncertainty-resolution effect and a post-development incentive effect, which incentivizes the vendor to exert additional effort in system development. Monitoring does not resolve uncertainty, although it does encourage the vendor to exert additional effort, a pre-development incentive effect. Our analysis shows that the choice of renegotiation or monitoring depends on the interactions of the above effects, which are moderated by the renegotiation cost, monitoring cost, and bargaining power in renegotiation. When renegotiation cost is low: if the client has high bargaining power and low monitoring cost, monitoring and renegotiation are complements and both are selected; otherwise, the two instruments are substitutes and contract renegotiation is preferred. When renegotiation cost is high: monitoring substitutes for renegotiation and the client only chooses monitoring if the cost to do it is low; or else neither is used. Overall, this research shows that four appropriate contract strategies should be used under somewhat different circumstances. We further analyze the impacts of some other key aspects of software outsourcing and extend the base model to address two alternative situations to show the robustness of our findings. The results apply to a range of software reliability growth models, including when machine learning or cloud computing are used. Collapse

Topics: outsourcing systems development cloud computing system reliability IS impact

Methods: machine learning decision tree classification optimization model

Theories: lemon market theory

Open or just Fragmented? Mobilization through Open Source Action Repertoires in the Blockchain Social Movement

2021 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Ingram Bogusz, Claire; Andersen, Jonas

Abstract: The Blockchain social movement not only opposed the economic system in the post- ... Expand

Abstract: The Blockchain social movement not only opposed the economic system in the post-2009 financial crisis years, it provided a tangible technological alternative, built in computer code and using Open Source (OS) principles. Collapse

Topics: blockchain Bitcoin debugging organization structure entrepreneurship

Methods: triangulation digital trace data latent dirichlet allocation mixed method topic model

HoneyGadget: A Deception Based Approach for Detecting Code Reuse Attacks

2021 | Information Systems Frontiers | Citations: 1

Authors: Huang, Xin; Yan, Fei; Zhang, Liqiang; Wang, Kai

Abstract: Code reuse attacks such as Return-Oriented Programming (ROP) and Jump-Oriented P ... Expand

Abstract: Code reuse attacks such as Return-Oriented Programming (ROP) and Jump-Oriented Programming (JOP) are the prevalent attack techniques which reuse code snippets named gadget in vulnerable applications and hijack control flow to achieve malicious behaviors. Existing defense techniques for code reuse attacks attempt to prevent illegal control flow transition or make locating gadgets a hard work. However, decades of the arms race proved the ability to detect and prevent advanced attacks is still outdated. In this paper, we propose HoneyGadget, a deception based approach for detecting code reuse attacks. HoneyGadget works by inserting honey gadgets into the application as decoys and keep track of their addresses once the application is loaded. During the execution phase, HoneyGadget traces the execution records using Last Branch Record (LBR), compares the LBR records with the maintained address list, and alarms code reuse attacks if some records match. HoneyGadget not only prevents code reuse attacks, but also provides LBR records for researchers to analyze patterns of these attacks. We have developed a fully functioning prototype of HoneyGadget. Our evaluation results show that HoneyGadget can capture code reuse attacks effectively and only incurs a modest performance overhead. Collapse

Topics: source code Linux information system use operating system computer hardware

Methods: computational algorithm design artifact experiment literature study

Facilitating Online Learning via Zoom Breakout Room Technology : A Case of Pair Programming Involving Students with Learning Disabilities

2021 | Communications of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Li, Ling; Xu, Li Da; He, Yuming; He, Wu; Pribesh, Shana; Watson, Silvana; Major, Debra

Abstract: The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has required many educators ... Expand

Abstract: The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has required many educators to redesign how they deliver their courses. In this study, we develop innovative procedures and pedagogy to teach pair programming via Zoom breakout rooms in a cloud environment. We report six fundamental innovative teaching mechanisms and procedures: 1) strategically planning a course, 2) effectively managing teaching resources, 3) enhancing faculty responsiveness, 4) selecting reliable technology, 5) mandating online educator's training, and 6) accommodating students with learning disabilities. From teaching pair programming via Zoom breakout rooms, we have gained valuable experience in promoting collaborative, engaging, active, and problem-based learning activities in a cloud environment. Our results enrich our knowledge of delivering online education and contribute to pair programming literature in general.Ling Li is the Chair of the Department of Information Technology and Decision Sciences at Old Dominion University, USA. She is eminent scholar and university professor. She has published over 140 peerrefereed research papers in high-quality journals. Her research is motivated by theoretical and practical explanations of how organizations can best deploy their technology and supply chain strategies for competitive advantage. She serves as area editor, associate editor and editorial board member of several journals. systems. She examines systems of inequality for students at-risk; namely those who live in poverty, make residential moves, have disabilities, attend schools with fewer resources, take developmental education courses and live in less traditional family structures. Recently she has been engaged in research that spans multiple countries to determine if patterns stemming from systems of inequality are similar in varying contexts.Silvana M. R. Watson is a professor of special education at Old Dominion University. Her research interests focus on 1) promoting evidence-based practices for students with learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, and English learners with and without disabilities; 2) teacher preparation; and 3) examining the nature of students' learning difficulties. Her has disseminated her work through presentations at international, national, and state professional conferences, peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, other academic publications, and consultations with educational agencies. She is one of the co-PIs of the National Science Foundation's grant awarded to Old Dominion to support the investigation of pair programming as a teaching method to support undergraduate students with learning disabilities taking instructional technology courses. She has been awarded a large grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of English Language Acquisition, to assess and instruct English learners with and without disabilities. Debra A. Major is a professor and eminent scholar in the College of Sciences at Old Dominion University, USA. Her professional specialty is industrial/organizational psychology. Her research focuses on barriers encountered by women and ethnic minorities pursuing educational and career pathways in STEM. She is especially interested in improving persistence and recently developed and validated instruments for assessing students' embeddedness in STEM majors and the broader university. Collapse

Topics: pair programming video conference cloud computing online learning system Visual Basic

Methods: design methodology survey