Digital “x”—Charting a Path for Digital-Themed Research

2023 | Information Systems Research | Citations: 0

Authors: Baiyere, Abayomi; Grover, Varun; Lyytinen, Kalle J.; Woerner, Stephanie; Gupta, Alok

Abstract: As of late, the use of “digital” as a qualifier to established research concepts ... Expand

Abstract: As of late, the use of “digital” as a qualifier to established research concepts is increasing. However, we have yet to clearly establish what makes a “digital x” concept distinct from an “IT x” concept when “x” stands for well-established concepts such as strategy, infrastructure, innovation, or transformation, among others. In this paper, we review the need for, and merit of, labeling focal concepts in our field as “digital x” in contrast to using the dominant, incumbent label of “IT x.” We position the shift as a call to attend to new salient features that characterize contemporary settings of information technology use and its effects. Recognizing this need, we develop guidelines for future research by arguing what novel phenomena the label of “digital x” foregrounds and how insights gained through such foregrounding contribute to scholarship in ways that the term “IT x” does not. By doing so, this paper promotes clarity for the use of the digital x concepts and introduces explicit guidelines to delineate between the nascent stream of digital x research and established modes of IT x research. We hope that the essay helps information systems scholars and scholars in neighboring disciplines attending to digital phenomena identify novel research opportunities grounded on sound conceptual foundations that will foster cumulative generation of knowledge around digital x.History: Paul Pavlou served as the Senior Editor and the Associate Editor for this article.Supplemental Material: The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.2022.1186. Collapse

Topics: knowledge representation information system use digital transformation marketing management organizational transformation

Methods: ontological modelling ethnography design artifact theory development survey

Theories: semiotic theory

Exploring the value of IoT data as an enabler of the transformation towards servitization: an action design research approach

2023 | European Journal of Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Chen, Kuan-Lin; Lassen, Astrid; Li, Chen; Møller, Charles

Abstract: Servitization is a well-recognised phenomenon in the manufacturing industry. Bus ... Expand

Abstract: Servitization is a well-recognised phenomenon in the manufacturing industry. Business potentials are demonstrated mainly from the marketing perspective on servitization. However, increased digitalisation makes servitization interesting to other research areas. This paper applies the resource-based view (RBV) to argue how to value the data and explore its potential and impact on servitization. We examine the evolving role of information technology (IT), particularly of the Internet of Things (IoT), and the role of data in the servitization journey. This research is based on a longitudinal study of a product-oriented manufacturing company’s transformation towards servitization. The engagement with the company also includes the development of an IT platform that consolidates IoT and enterprise data, which enables managers to explore new data-based insights. Our goal is to investigate the organisation and in particular cross-functional effects of data-based insights and their impact on supporting strategic decision-making. The action design research (ADR) approach is applied to unfold the servitizing activities inside the organisation and extract the lesson learned into the joint domains of servitization and information systems research. First, we argued that exploring the value of data is becoming a more complex process. Rather than having one design perspective, technical concerns, business considerations, and operational purpose must be aligned to frame the value of data to support decision-making. Second, we discuss the emerging managerial implications, especially the role of IT in the transformation. A cross-functional team is a prerequisite to exploring complex transformation projects. Thus, managers must recognise the problematic situation and bootstrap the available organisational resources. Finally, we provide empirical evidence on how scholars and practitioners can address mutual interests by applying the ADR approach to a transformation project. In summary, servitizing a product-centric manufacturing firm to have a digital services business model is a transformation involving complex social and organisational relations. This study advocates resource-based analysis as a lens and demonstrates how IT and data as heterogeneous and imperfectly mobile resources create value for a product-oriented manufacturing company. However, a critical question remains on how to manage the expanding operational condition of a servitizing organisation and its business system to sustain its competitive advantage and win the digital market. Collapse

Topics: mobile system internet of things enterprise information system enterprise resource planning smart device

Methods: action design research experiment qualitative interview longitudinal research design artifact

Theories: resource based view of the firm

Introduction to the Minitrack on IT Governance and its Mechanisms

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: De Haes, Steven; Van Grembergen, Wim; Huygh, Tim; Joshi, Anant

Abstract: ... Expand

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Topics: organizational productivity IT investment organizational transformation supply chain management information technology infrastructure

Methods: case study action research

The art of digital transformation as crafted by a chief digital officer

2023 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 1

Authors: Davison, Robert M.; Wong, Louie HM; Peng, John

Abstract: Chief Digital Officers (CDOs) play a multitude of roles as they facilitate digit ... Expand

Abstract: Chief Digital Officers (CDOs) play a multitude of roles as they facilitate digital transformation. In this opinion paper, we draw on an interview that we undertook with the CDO at a major Chinese software and technology services firm to highlight the intricacies and idiosyncrasies of digital transformation work both within the or­ ganization and externally to clients. We characterise the nature of the CDO’s role as ‘the art of digital trans­ formation’, recognising the blend of business and technology knowledge with superior communication and persuasion skills. Collapse

Topics: digital transformation marketing management business process management organizational transformation digital platform

Methods: qualitative interview grounded theory literature study personal interview theory development

A Maturity Model for Assessing the Digitalization of Public Health Agencies

2023 | Business & Information Systems Engineering | Citations: 0

Authors: Doctor, Eileen; Eymann, Torsten; Fürstenau, Daniel; Gersch, Martin; Hall, Kristina; Kauffmann, Anna Lina; Schulte-Althoff, Matthias; Schlieter, Hannes; Stark, Jeannette; Wyrtki, Katrin

Abstract: Requests for a coordinated response during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed the li ... Expand

Abstract: Requests for a coordinated response during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed the limitations of locally-operating public health agencies (PHAs) and have resulted in a growing interest in their digitalization. However, digitalizing PHAs – i.e., transforming them technically and organizationally – toward the needs of both employees and citizens is challenging, especially in federally-managed local government settings. This paper reports on a project that develops and evaluates a continuous (vs. a staged) maturity model, the PHAMM, for digitalizing PHAs as a cornerstone of a digitally resilient public health system in the future. The model supports a coordinated approach to formulating a vision and structuring the steps toward it, engaging employees along the transformation journey necessary for a federally-managed field. Further, it is now being used to allocate substantial national funds to foster digitalization. By developing the model in a coordinated approach and using it for distributing federal resources, this work expands the potential usage cases for maturity models. The authors conclude with lessons learned and discuss how the model can incentivize local digitalization in federal fields. Collapse

Topics: government system IS maturity resource allocation health information system usability

Methods: qualitative interview survey design science literature study maturity model

“Who Am I When Everything has Changed?” The Impact of Scaled-agile Organizations on Professional Role Identity

2023 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Finze, Nikola; Frey, Julian; Hund, Axel; Beimborn, Daniel; Wagner, Heinz-Theo

Abstract: As digital technology continues to advance, organizations require more flexibil ... Expand

Abstract: As digital technology continues to advance, organizations require more flexibility to meet the needs of their customers and remain competitive. To do so, many incumbent organizations fundamentally change their established structures and processes to implement scaled-agile organizations (SAO), emulating digital organizations and leveraging development speed and customer focus. However, when everything changes, there are significant effects on the employees' identities. Thus, we explore how implementing an SAO affects employees' professional role identities (PRI). The paper follows a case study approach analyzing two cases with 21 interviews, observational, and secondary data collected over a period of 18 months. We contribute to the literature by identifying three effects of an SAO implementation on PRI (threat, empowerment, and extension) and describing how individuals react based on the effect on their PRI. We inform practitioners on the overall SAO implementation process and consequences for professionals, offering a new perspective on organizational transformation challenges. Collapse

Topics: organizational change productivity digital transformation project management new product development

Methods: qualitative interview theoretical contribution personal interview company material case study

Theories: organizational theory information systems theory

Embarking on the Digital Transformation Journey Toward a Data-Driven Organization: Empirical Insights Into Transformation Starting Points

2023 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Fischer, Hannes; Wiener, Martin; Strahringer, Susanne

Abstract: Organizations are increasingly initiating and expanding their digital transform ... Expand

Abstract: Organizations are increasingly initiating and expanding their digital transformation initiatives to become more data-driven. Given that such digital transformations are highly complex and idiosyncratic endeavors, organizations striving to become a data-driven organization (DDO) have many options on where to start. To better understand such transformation starting points, we analyzed 13 companies of various industries and sizes currently undertaking DDO transformations. On this empirical basis, we find that top managers embark on transformation journeys by either focusing on the transformation foundations (asset-driven, workforce-driven), or on the outcome (exploitative use case-driven, explorative use case-driven), with each starting point showing different DDO dimensions being addressed first. Our data suggest that the selection of a specific starting point is mainly based on managers' understandings of a DDO and the motivation to become such an organization. Finally, our work points to advantages and disadvantages of the respective starting points. Contributions and practical implications are discussed. Collapse

Topics: digital transformation organizational transformation decision making database system data management

Methods: field study case study qualitative interview maturity model triangulation

Becoming a Data-Driven Organization: A Comparative Case Study on Digital Transformation Strategies

2023 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Fischer, Hannes

Abstract: In today's data-centric era, organizations increasingly aim to operate more dat ... Expand

Abstract: In today's data-centric era, organizations increasingly aim to operate more data-driven and therefore engage in digital transformations toward becoming a data-driven organization (DDO). To govern such transformations, top managers develop digital transformation strategies (DTS) characterized by different organizational ambidexterity approaches. This study analyzes how such DTS influence the process and (intermediate) outcomes of organizations' digital transformations toward becoming a DDO by studying two organizations undertaking such DDO transformations using the concept of organizational ambidexterity as a theoretical lens. On this empirical basis, we find that DTS characterized by different organizational ambidexterity approaches lead to different transformation processes and (intermediate) outcomes. Thereby, this study contributes to existing academic literature in the field of DDOs and DTS, as such transformation journeys toward becoming a DDO have not been studied in its entirety yet. Furthermore, our paper offers practical guidance for top managers to develop and implement a DTS suitable for their organization. Collapse

Topics: digital transformation value creation decision making sensemaking database system

Methods: case study qualitative interview field study theoretical contribution theory development

Theories: ambidexterity theory

DRIVING TWIN TRANSFORMATION - THE INTERPLAY OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND SUSTAINABILITY TRANSFORMATION

2023 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Graf-Drasch, Valerie; Kauffeld, Leonie; Kempf, Laura; Oberländer, Anna Maria; Teuchert, Antonie

Abstract: Information systems research and practice have certainly realised the relevance ... Expand

Abstract: Information systems research and practice have certainly realised the relevance of digital transformation. At the same time, societal challenges are pushing sustainability transformation to the top of agendas. Today, both transformations are crucial to organisations' development. However, research and practice typically focus on one of the transformations in isolation or prioritise one over the other. An integrated perspective of the potential at both transformations' interface is missing, which accounts for their interplay on an equal level. We call this interplay twin transformation and present a twin transformation model building on a structured literature review. The twin transformation model reflects the mutually reinforcing relationships of digital transformation and sustainability transformation on eight organisational layers. Therewith, we uncover how digital transformation enables sustainability transformation and how sustainability transformation redesigns digital transformation. Our research contributes to descriptive knowledge and forms the basis for further theorising while offering practitioners inspiration to pursue twin transformation. Collapse

Topics: database system societal challenge digital transformation manufacturing information system information exchange

Methods: structured literature research theory development literature sample qualitative coding theoretical contribution

Theories: work systems theory

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Business Innovation in Insurance: A Comparison of Incumbent Firms versus New Entrants

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Holland, Christopher; Kavuri, Anil

Abstract: Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems evolve in response to new data by using ada ... Expand

Abstract: Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems evolve in response to new data by using adaptive algorithms. The insurance industry is data intensive, and dynamic. It is therefore particularly suitable for AI implementation. An innovation triangle framework is proposed that consists of product, process and value chain innovation. A comparison of leading incumbent insurance firms with new entrants illustrates significant competitive differences. The incumbents apply AI to defend their market positions by enhancing existing strengths and capabilities across the three innovation types. The new entrants exploit AI technology to build new products with innovative features that emphasise customer value and user experience. The innovation triangle is a useful managerial tool to analyse the nature and extent of innovation in insurance and can be used to evaluate and plan AI strategies by mapping existing AI initiatives to specific types of innovation and identifying innovation objectives and opportunities. Future trends and research opportunities are outlined. Collapse

Topics: artificial intelligence innovation management user experience website marketing management

Methods: case study theoretical contribution