The PC (polluting computer): Forever a tragedy of the commons?

2011 | Journal of Strategic Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: DesAutels, Philip; Berthon, Pierre

Abstract: The portable computer or notebook has become an integral and even essential aspe ... Expand

Abstract: The portable computer or notebook has become an integral and even essential aspect of modern life. Year-in-year its price to the consumer falls while its performance grows, yet recent analysis suggests that pound-for-pound its environmental costs are amongst the highest of any product on the planet. In this paper we explore the market price of “sustainable” notebooks. Drawing on the framework of the ‘tragedy of the commons’ we postulate that as manufacturers shift costs away from the commons to comply with sustainability standards, the cost to the consumer will inevitably rise. We test our hypothesis by comparing the prices of EPEAT Gold certified notebooks with uncertified portable computers. The results are discussed, alternative hypotheses explored and further research outlined. Collapse

Topics: laptop computer price management hard disk drive marketing management product differentiation

Methods: statistical hypothesis test parametric test ANOVA regression analysis method Levene's test

Theories: theory of the commons signaling theory

Sustainable Notebooks: Who Carries the Cost?

2009 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 2

Authors: DesAutels, Philip; Berthon, Pierre

Abstract: The portable computer or notebook has become an integral and even essential aspe ... Expand

Abstract: The portable computer or notebook has become an integral and even essential aspect of modern life. Year-in-year its price to the consumer falls while its performance grows, yet recent analysis suggest that pound-for-pound its environmental costs are amongst the highest of any product on the planet. In this paper we explore the market price of “sustainable” notebooks. Drawing on the framework of the ‘tragedy of the commons’ we postulate that as manufacturers shift costs away from the commons to comply with sustainability standards, the cost to the consumer will inevitably rise. We test our hypothesis by comparing the prices of EPEAT Gold certified notebooks with uncertified portable computers. The results are discussed, alternative hypotheses explored and further research outlined. Collapse

Topics: laptop computer portable computer price management marketing management hard disk drive

Methods: statistical hypothesis test ANOVA parametric test regression analysis method Levene's test

Theories: theory of the commons

Interactive computer support in decision conferencing: Two cases on off-site nuclear emergency management

2007 | Decision Support Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Mustajoki, Jyri; Hämäläinen, Raimo P.; Sinkko, Kari

Abstract: In this paper, we study the new opportunities offered by the interactive use of ... Expand

Abstract: In this paper, we study the new opportunities offered by the interactive use of advanced multicriteria software in decision conferencing. We analyze and make observations on this approach in two one-day decision conferences on the planning of later phase countermeasures in off-site nuclear emergency management. The participants' individual use of the software in the preference elicitation phase was an essential new characteristic of these conferences. It turned out to be a feasible and well accepted process. We shall discuss the requirements for the facilitation and computer support in this kind of an approach. Collapse

Topics: group decision support system emergency management internet technology decision support legal context

Methods: case study survey sensitivity analysis

Information Systems and Health Care - V: A MultiModal Approach to Health Care Decision Support Systems

2005 | Communications of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 1

Authors: Kuziemsky, Craig E.; Jahnke, Jens H.

Abstract: Decision Support Systems (DSS) in health care must be designed in consideration ... Expand

Abstract: Decision Support Systems (DSS) in health care must be designed in consideration of the empirical context and problem space where they are being applied. However differences such as workflow, clinical expertise and organizational norms make it hard to define the context where a DSS will be used. What is needed is a DSS that is able to enhance health care delivery in different contexts. In this paper we present a multi-modal DSS that supports decision making in different contexts. The paper describes the theoretical basis for the DSS, explores a problem space in palliative care and describes a prototype implementation of the DSS to address the issues from the problem space. Collapse

Topics: decision support system decision making knowledge representation decision support strategic management

Methods: design artifact ontological modelling triangulation theory development

Tel Aviv City hall — The computerization revolution

1997 | Journal of Strategic Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Neumann, Seev; Zviran, Moshe

Abstract: This case study reports on the computerization revolution that took effect in 19 ... Expand

Abstract: This case study reports on the computerization revolution that took effect in 1989 on the Information System Division at the municipality of Tel Aviv. The restructuring of the division began with hiring a new CIO and the preparation of an information systems master-plan and encompassed major changes in hardware, software, infrastructure, personnel, organizational structure and IS-user relationships. The case focuses on the situation before 1989, when IS was perceived as a support function, and the turnaround between 1989 and 1991 that elevated IS to a strategic role. The success of the revolution is attributed to the strong support of the city's general manager (CEO) and mayor and the close relationships between the CEO and the CIO. Collapse

Topics: geographic information system Unix portable computer workstation

Methods: case study