Effects of IS characteristics on e-business success factors of small- and medium-sized enterprises

The current research presents a theoretically sound model of the effects of the characteristics of information systems (IS) on the perception of end-users regarding computer self-efficacy and outcome expectations. The relationships among factors of small- and medium-sized enterprises in Taiwan are examined based on the IS success model and social cognitive theory. A mail survey was conducted, generating 284 usable responses with a total response rate of 51.64%. Structural equation modeling was employed to assess the relationships among related constructs. Data analysis shows that (1) no direct links exist between computer self-efficacy and either information quality or service quality, although certain effects are observable on system quality; (2) the relationships between outcome expectations and both system quality and service quality are significant; however, the relationship with information quality is insignificant; and (3) outcome expectations mediate the effects of computer self-efficacy on end-user satisfaction. The implications of the results are provided, and directions for future research are discussed in the study.     

An integrated DEMATEL and Fuzzy ANP techniques for evaluation and selection of outsourcing provider for a telecommunication company

In recent years, strategy aspects related to core competency, risk analysis and organizational flexibility especially have been growing. This trend has led researchers and industries to become more interested in the multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) models for selecting outsourcing providers. The efficiency of decision-making mostly depends on the ability of decision-makers analyzing the complex cause and effect relationship between criteria and taking effective actions based on the analysis. Using an analytical method to select the most eligible outsourcing provider is significant for a company which desires to improve its competitiveness. In this study, a fuzzy integrated multi-criteria decision making method for evaluation and determination of an outsourcing provider for a telecommunication company is analyzed by using DEMATEL and Fuzzy ANP multi-criteria decision making techniques. First, DEMATEL method is used in order to put forward the interrelationship among the main criteria which are determined in the study for outsourcing selection process. Then, local weights of the sub-criteria and sub-subcriteria are calculated by Fuzzy ANP approach on the basis of cause-effect relationships that are exposed through DEMATEL method. The local weights are put into ANP supermatrix, and calculations are implemented to select out the most eligible outsourcing provider.     

运用AHP方法实现空调冷热源方案的优选

应用AHP方法建立了空调冷热源方案的评价模型,并结合工程实例对4种空调冷热源方案进行分析,选出最佳方案。从而证明该方法可辅助设计人员对备选方案进行比较、分析,并且做出决策,提高了决策的科学性。     

运用AHP方法实现空调冷热源方案的优选

应用AHP方法建立了空调冷热源方案的评价模型,并结合工程实例对4种空调冷热源方案进行分析,选出最佳方案.从而证明该方法可辅助设计人员对备选方案进行比较、分析,并且做出决策,提高了决策的科学性.     

Developing technological capabilities for Industry 4.0 adoption: An analysis of the role of inbound open innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises

To keep up with rapid technological change, firms are pushed to acquire new competencies and resources, often leveraging the external networks in which they are involved. The paper examines how firms' engagement in inbound open innovation (OI) enables the adoption of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the deployment of technological capabilities. We combine the OI and dynamic capabilities frameworks to assess how the absorption of knowledge from different actors impacts the necessary technological capabilities for adopting I4.0 technologies. The capabilities are categorized in technological sensing, seizing and reconfiguring. The study is based on in-depth case studies of two selected SMEs from the footwear industry. The cases show that engaging in external collaborations, particularly with universities, pushes SMEs to renew the bundle of competencies underlying their technological capabilities. However, this effect is influenced by the OI modalities adopted by both companies. While in Company A OI takes place through a broader array of formal and informal linkages that contribute to the exploration of distant knowledge bases and the experimentation of more diverse technologies, such as the Internet of Things, Company B relies on informal networking concentrated in its own field of specialization for the adoption of manufacturing-specific I4.0 solutions, such as automated robots and 3D printing.     

Role Negotiation and Interaction: An Exploratory Case Study of the Impact of Management Consultants on ERP System Implementation in SMEs in Taiwan

Abstract

With growing pressures for collaborative information systems (IS) partnerships, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation has been an important activity for improving supply chains efficiency in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Historically ERP consultants usually take a product-selling approach in SMEs, providing limited management consultancy services. However, a more constructive role for management consultants has become an emerging and challenging issue. This study explored the involvement of management consultants in ERP implementation, particularly with internal managers, ERP consultants and other project members. Extensive interviews were conducted with management consultants as well as 47 project members from four different SMEs in Taiwan employing ERP consultants. Using a grounded theory methodology, prior literature was used to sensitize the findings to key concepts of importance. The results were then analyzed and we described how owner-managers regard management consultants and how the consultants use role negotiation skills to work with both internal managers and ERP consultants. The study found resistance toward management consultants primarily from managers in SMEs, and not owner-managers. The relationships between management consultants and SME managers also differed from similar relationships in large organizations. Suggestions are also provided for academics and practitioners along with areas for future research to extend these exploratory findings.     

Role Negotiation and Interaction: An Exploratory Case Study of the Impact of Management Consultants on ERP System Implementation in SMEs in Taiwan

With growing pressures for collaborative information systems (IS) partnerships, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation has been an important activity for improving supply chains efficiency in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Historically ERP consultants usually take a product-selling approach in SMEs, providing limited management consultancy services. However, a more constructive role for management consultants has become an emerging and challenging issue. This study explored the involvement of management consultants in ERP implementation, particularly with internal managers, ERP consultants and other project members. Extensive interviews were conducted with management consultants as well as 47 project members from four different SMEs in Taiwan employing ERP consultants. Using a grounded theory methodology, prior literature was used to sensitize the findings to key concepts of importance. The results were then analyzed and we described how owner-managers regard management consultants and how the consultants use role negotiation skills to work with both internal managers and ERP consultants. The study found resistance toward management consultants primarily from managers in SMEs, and not owner-managers. The relationships between management consultants and SME managers also differed from similar relationships in large organizations. Suggestions are also provided for academics and practitioners along with areas for future research to extend these exploratory findings.     

An integrated framework for the development of radio frequency identification technology in the logistics and supply chain management

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) features high storage capacity, remote access, excellent data security, and multiple-tag reading. Hence, RFID technology attracts attention from various industries, especially the logistics and retail industries. Due to the swift development of technology and the trend of globalization, the logistics managers are assigned the task to integrate the supply chain via information technology such as RFID. The goal is to achieve information sharing and reduction of total cost, thus the operation efficiency can be improved and competitive advantage can be enhanced. Thus, this research would first identify the key factors of RFID technology development in the logistics and supply chain management. A complete set of five dimensions and 24 factors with a hierarchy structure is presented. The Fuzzy Delphi and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process methods are adopted for analysis. A structural procedure of RFID system establishment is also constructed based on the key dimensions and factors, with the expectation of establishing the RFID system in an effective and efficient manner. Then, based on the experience of Taiwanese government and industry, the sequence of companies for adopting the RFID technology is discussed. Thus, an integrated framework for the development of RFID technology, which includes the hierarchy of factors, structural procedure, and sequence of adoption, is presented in this research; and it can be applied in other scenarios after the users make some modifications according to their specific needs.     

A modified failure mode and effects analysis method for supplier selection problems in the supply chain risk environment: A case study

In the emerging supply chain environment, supply chain risk management plays a more important role than ever. Companies must focus not only on the efficiency of supply chain, but also on its risks. If an unanticipated event occurs, all of the supply chain members will be impacted, and the result will cause significant loss. Therefore, this research proposes a modified failure mode and effects analysis (MFMEA) method to select new suppliers from the supply chain risk’s perspective and applies the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method to determine the weight of each criterion and sub-criterion for supplier selection. An IC assembly company is then studied to validate this model. The result shows that the case company can categorize its suppliers more effectively and at the same time select a low-risk supply chain partner. Moreover, the case company can provide unsatisfactory suppliers with valuable feedback that will help them improve and become its partners in the future.