Business-IT alignment as a coevolution process: An empirical study

2023 | Journal of Strategic Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Amarilli, Fabrizio; Van Den Hooff, Bart; Van Vliet, Mario

Abstract: In this paper, we provide a detailed insight into the complex coevolution dynami ... Expand

Abstract: In this paper, we provide a detailed insight into the complex coevolution dynamics that shape the alignment process by analyzing how different mechanisms and factors are mutually related in complex networks of feedback loops. We combine insights from the literature on alignment as a (coevolution) process with literature on alignment as a state to identify the different components of the organization’s socio-technical system that influence alignment, the relationships between these components, and the role that different factors play. In our empirical analysis (based multiple case studies) we then focus on the actual interplay between relevant factors. Using a causal loop diagramming approach - based on system dynamics – we analyze how these factors mutually influence each other through various feedback loops and thus shape the alignment process. We extend previous literature on the alignment process by identifying the way that the complex interplay between different factors shapes this process. By identifying the feedback loops between relevant factors, we also provide more insight into the complex bottom-up and top-down dynamics that shape the process, and that provide explanations for why this process is charac­ terized by transitions between alignment and misalignment. For practice, our paper provides a deeper understanding of the alignment process, which is a precondition for improving alignment practices in organisations. Collapse

Topics: Chief Information Officer IT alignment strategic management IT project enterprise information system

Methods: qualitative interview case study multiple case study theoretical contribution system dynamics

Theories: co-evolution theory socio technical theory complex adaptive system

Scaled Agile Framework Meets Traditional Management – A Case of a Financial Services Provider

2023 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Bitzer, Michael; Brax, Franziska; Teuchert, Antonie

Abstract: Inspired by the success of agile practices in small teams, organizations seek t ... Expand

Abstract: Inspired by the success of agile practices in small teams, organizations seek to achieve agility at scale, leading to large-scale agile transformations. Several frameworks have been developed to guide organizations through this process. While multiple challenges for adopting scaled agile frameworks have already been identified, research on the interplay between traditional management approaches and scaled agile frameworks is scarce. We conduct an in-depth exploratory case study with a German financial services provider to identify tensions that arise when applying a scaled agile framework in a non-agile environment. As a result, we derive 13 tensions along with three areas: goal-setting, planning, and reporting. Thereby, we advance the understanding of tensions within large-scale agile transformations and provide a foundation for future research on scaled agile practices in traditional organizations. Further, we provide insights for managers to ensure the successful application of scaled agile frameworks. Collapse

Topics: scaled agile framework agile software development Scrum marketing management customer relationship management

Methods: qualitative interview design methodology case study triangulation personal interview

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

How Top-Down AI Introduction Leads to Incremental Business Improvement

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Brunnbauer, Matthias

Abstract: Artificial intelligence offers the opportunity for radical improvements such as ... Expand

Abstract: Artificial intelligence offers the opportunity for radical improvements such as completely new business solutions. It also enables the improvement of existing business. This paper reports on a case study that tests two strategies to identify AI use cases: top-down and bottom-up. The use cases are differentiated according to whether they promise incremental or radical business improvements and whether they are realizable in the short or long term. The top-down strategy identifies use cases that promise short-term but incremental improvements. They relate to existing business, but no disruptive ideas emerge. The bottom-up strategy allows for a broader understanding of AI’s potentials to improve business. Completely new and disruptive ideas emerge, but require huge upfront effort. Organizations best start with AI pilot projects that are feasible in the short term: Either by first applying a bottom-up strategy that is supplemented and evaluated with the top-down strategy, or top-down only. Collapse

Topics: artificial intelligence project management organizational value

Methods: case study

Unexpected Events in IT Projects: A Conceptual Review and Research Agenda

2023 | Communications of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Coulon, Thibaut; Paré, Guy; Barki, Henri

Abstract: When unexpected events occur, IT project teams need to react appropriately in o ... Expand

Abstract: When unexpected events occur, IT project teams need to react appropriately in order to limit the potentially negative, and sometimes disastrous consequences of such events. Yet, while past research has identified unexpected events as being an important aspect to consider when managing projects, the existing literature does not provide a clear conceptualization of this concept which limits the development of new theories and thus the ability to guide practitioners. Based on a literature review and to advance our understanding of unexpected events in IT projects and their effective management, and facilitate future theoretical developments on IT project management, the present paper develops a conceptualization that clearly distinguishes this concept from other closely related ones, as well as proposing a research framework that links it to IT project team responses and their consequences. A detailed research agenda, integrating current advances in different fields, is developed to highlight future research avenues. Collapse

Topics: IT project project management IT project team database system sensemaking

Methods: literature sample literature study synthesis literature filtering

Supporting Subject Matter Experts as Developers: Towards a Framework for Decentralized Robotic Process Automation Development

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 1

Authors: Eggers, Julia; Wewerka, Judith; Viljoen, Altus; Krcmar, Helmut

Abstract: Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has emerged as promising automation technology ... Expand

Abstract: Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has emerged as promising automation technology in recent years. Firms seize RPA for fast and cost-efficient low-code process automation implemented and maintained decentrally in the business units by subject matter experts (SMEs) without IT development experience. However, decentralized RPA projects are reported to frequently fail and be prone to challenges as SMEs struggle to meet their new roles and responsibilities, such as developers or testers. Yet, research lacks an understanding of how challenges related to SMEs' roles and responsibilities unfold and how to address these challenges when executing decentralized RPA projects. To this end, our study employs a Design Science Research approach, drawing on literature and 14 expert interviews, to (1) systematically synthesize the challenges related to SMEs' roles and responsibilities and (2) derive a software development framework for supporting SMEs in their new roles and responsibilities in decentralized RPA projects. Thus, our study contributes to RPA and low-code development research and provides SMEs with guidelines to navigate decentralized RPA projects in practice. Collapse

Topics: systems development low code development platform business process automation innovation management IT project

Methods: qualitative interview design science focus group design artifact

Toward the Sustainable Development of Machine Learning Applications in Industry 4.0

2023 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Ellenrieder, Sara; Jourdan, Nicolas; Biegel, Tobias; Cassoli, Beatriz; Metternich, Joachim; Buxmann, Peter

Abstract: As the level of digitization in industrial environments increases, companies ar ... Expand

Abstract: As the level of digitization in industrial environments increases, companies are striving to improve efficiency and resilience to unplanned disruptions through the development of Machine Learning (ML)based applications. Still, sustainable deployment and operation beyond proofs-of-concept is a challenging and resource-intensive task in dynamic enviroments such as industry 4.0, often impeding practical adoption in the long-term and thus sustainable ML product development. In this work, we systematically identify these challenges based on the CRISP-ML process model phases by applying a design science research approach. To this end, we conducted 15 interviews with data science practitioners in industry 4.0. Following a qualitative content analysis, design requirements and design principles for the development and sustainable long-term deployment of ML systems are derived to address identified challenges such as robustness to, and management of data drift caused by timedependencies and machine/product differences, missing metadata, interfaces to other IT systems, expectation management, and MLOps guidelines. Collapse

Topics: production management industry 4.0 systems design systems development new product development

Methods: qualitative interview business process modeling design requirement design principle Cross-Industry Standard Process for Data Mining

Mining Health Informatics Job Advertisements: Insights for Higher Education Programs and Job Seekers

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Elnoshokaty, A.; Al-Ramahi, M.; El-Gayar, O.; Wahbeh, A.; Nasralah, T.

Abstract: This paper used web scraping and data mining to analyze 831 health informatics ... Expand

Abstract: This paper used web scraping and data mining to analyze 831 health informatics job advertisements on indeed.com. Results showed that 87% of jobs explicitly required a college degree in a related field, 41% of jobs preferred a graduate degree, while 29% preferred or required professional certification. The analysis showed that preferred skills were analytics problem solving, communication skills, oral communication, interpersonal skills, project management, statistics, and critical thinking. The analysis also showed that college degrees, certifications, and the above-mentioned skill set are in high demand for working in the field of health informatics, especially in states with large populations and strong economies. Our results inform curriculum development of health informatics programs in higher education, which helps map knowledge units across the curricula to bridge the skills gap and meet employers' expectations. At the same time, the results help job seekers familiarize themselves with what employers seek in a successful candidate. Collapse

Topics: health information system Indeed.com online labor market problem solving structured query language

Methods: qualitative interview natural language processing machine learning literature study survey

A Competency Framework for Participatory Modeling

2023 | Group Decision and Negotiation | Citations: 0

Authors: Elsawah, Sondoss; Bakhanova, Elena; Hämäläinen, Raimo P.; Voinov, Alexey

Abstract: Participatory modeling (PM) is a craft that is often learned by training ‘on the ... Expand

Abstract: Participatory modeling (PM) is a craft that is often learned by training ‘on the job’ and mastered through years of practice. There is little explicit knowledge available on identifying and documenting the skills needed to perform PM. In the modeling literature, existing attempts to identify relevant competencies have focused on the specific technical skills required for specific technical model development. The other skills required to organize and conduct the stakeholder process seem to be more vaguely and poorly defined in this context. The situation is complicated by PM being an essentially transdisciplinary craft, with no single discipline or skill set to borrow ideas and recommendations from. In this paper, we aim to set the foundation for both the practice and capacity-building efforts for PM by identifying the relevant core competencies. Our inquiry into this topic starts with reviewing and compiling literature on competencies in problem-solving research areas related to PM (e.g., systems thinking, facilitated model building, operations research, and so forth). We augment our inquiry with results from a PM practitioners’ survey to learn how they perceive the importance of different competencies and how the scope of these competencies may vary across the various roles that participatory modellers play. As a result, we identified five core competency areas essential for PM: systems thinking, modeling, group facilitation, project management and leadership, and, more recently, designing and running virtual workshops and events. Collapse

Topics: project management problem solving internet technology decision making

Methods: survey operations research literature study conceptual modelling survey design

Theories: core competency theory

“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