Information Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation

529 Pages·2008·5.43 MB·English

by  Fang Zhao, Fang Zhao

Information Technology
Entrepreneurship and
Innovation
Fang Zhao
RMIT University, Australia
InformatIon scIence reference
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Information technology entrepreneurship and innovation / Fang Zhao, editor.
p. cm.
Summary: "This book presents current studies on the nature, process and practice of entrepreneurship and innovation in the development,
implementation, and application of information technology worldwide, as well as providing academics, entrepreneurs, managers, and
practitioners with up-to-date, comprehensive, and rigorous research-based articles on the formation and implementation of effective
strategies and business plans"--Provided by publisher.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-1-59904-901-4 (hbk.) -- ISBN 978-1-59904-902-1 (e-book)
1. Information technology. 2. Electronic commerce. 3. Technological innovations. 4. Entrepreneurship. I. Zhao, Fang
T58.5.I5377 2008
004.068--dc22
2007037398
British Cataloguing in Publication Data
A Cataloguing in Publication record for this book is available from the British Library.
All work contributed to this book set is original material. The views expressed in this book are those of the authors, but not necessarily of
the publisher.
If a library purchased a print copy of this publication, please go to http://www.igi-global.com/agreement for information on activating the
library's complimentary electronic access to this publication.
Table of Contents
Preface ................................................................................................................................................xvi
Acknowledgement ...........................................................................................................................xxiii
Section I
Information Technology Innovations
Chapter I
Ambient Intelligence (AmI) Systems Development ..............................................................................1
Simrn Kaur Gill, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland
Kathryn Cormican, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland
Chapter II
Interoperability Concept Supporting Network Innovation ..................................................................23
Jari Tammela, Spiral Business Services Oy, Finland
Vesa Salminen, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Finland
Chapter III
Heritage Tourism Portal Web Page Design with Factor and Correlation Analysis ..............................38
Shamsuddin Ahmed, Bang College of Business, KIMEP, Almaty, Kazakhtan
Francis Amagoh, Department of Public Administration, KIMEP, Almaty, Kazakhtan
Section II
IT Management and Corporate Governance
Chapter IV
Effectiveness of Information Technology Governance:
Perceptions of Board Directors and Senior Managers .........................................................................60
Fang Zhao, RMIT University, Australia
Adela J. McMurray, RMIT University, Australia
Mark Toomey, Infonomics Pty Ltd., Australia
Chapter V
Performance Measurement in the SMEs in the Information Industry .................................................79
Donglin Wu, RMIT University, Australia
Fang Zhao, RMIT University, Australia
Section III
IT Entrepreneurship and E-Business
Chapter VI
The Role of Web Sites and E-Commerce in the Development of Global Start-Ups .........................101
Brychan Thomas, University of Glamorgan Business School, UK
Christopher Miller, University of Glamorgan Business School, UK
Gary Packham, University of Glamorgan Business School, UK
Geoff Simmons, University of Ulster, UK
Chapter VII
E-Commerce Innovation in SMEs: A Motivation-Ability Perspective ..............................................122
Alemayehu Molla, RMIT University, Australia
Richard Duncombe, The University of Manchester, UK
Chapter VIII
E-Entrepreneurship: The Principles of Founding Electronic Ventures ..............................................141
Tobias Kollmann, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
Chapter IX
The Relationship Between Internet Entrepreneurs, Idea Generation,
and Porter’s Generic Strategies ..........................................................................................................156
John Snaders, Heriot-Watt University, Scotland
Laura Galloway, Heriot-Watt University, Scotland
William Keogh, Heriot-Watt University, Scotland
Section IV
Networks and Partnerships
Chapter X
Integrating E-Supply Networks:
The Need to Manage Information Flows and Develop E-Platforms .................................................177
Rana Tassabehji, University of Bradford, UK
James Wallace, University of Bradford, UK
Anastasios Tsoularis, Massey University, New Zealand
Chapter XI
Virtual Teams in Health Care: Maximising Team Effectiveness .......................................................189
Mary DeGori, Broadmeadows Health Service, Australia
Fang Zhao, RMIT University, Australia
Chapter XII
Rhizomic Network Analysis: Toward a Better Understanding of Knowledge
Dynamics of Innovation in Business Networks .................................................................................224
Alexandra Steinburg, Ecole de Management—Lyon, France
Chapter XIII
Toward the Conceptual Model of Continous Improvement Teamworking:
A Participant Observation Study ........................................................................................................250
Suryadeo Vinay KISSOON, RMIT University, Australia
Chapter XIV
Cooperation Between Universities and ICT Enterprises ...................................................................277
Juha Kettunen, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Finland
Lauri Luoto, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Finland
Chapter XV
Trust in Organizations: An Islamic Perspective .................................................................................293
Muhammad Mohtsham Saeed, University of Innsbruck, Austria
Section V
Innovation and Knowledge Management
Chapter XVI
Supporting Innovation Through Knowledge Management in the Extended Enterprise ....................310
Mikel Sorli, Fundación LABEIN, Derio, Spain
Dragan Stokic, ATB, Bremen, Germany
Chapter XVII
E-Learning and Knowledge Management in the Global Context ......................................................329
Andrew Creed, Deakin University, Australia
Ambika Zutshi, Deakin University, Australia
Jane Ross, University of Maryland—University College, USA
Chapter XVIII
E-Learning: The Cornerstone to Transferring Entrepreneurship Knowledge ....................................344
Cecilia Hegarty, University of Ulster, UK
Section VI
Innovation Process
Chapter XIX
Innovations from Business Process Models ......................................................................................359
James Perotti, Rochester Institute of Technology, USA
Chapter XX
Performance Measurement in Innovation Processes .........................................................................376
Jan Strickmann, University of Oldenburg, Germany
Axel Hakn, University of Oldenburg, Germany
Stefan Haüsler, OFFIS—Institute of Computer Science, Germany
Kevin Hausmann, OFFIS—Institute of Computer Science, Germany
Chapter XXI
Finding and Growing Innovators: Keeping Ahead of the Competition .............................................396
Debbie Richards, Macquarie University, Australia
Peter Busch, Macquarie University, Australia
Chapter XXII
International Dimensions of Innovation Technology .........................................................................415
Valerie S. Perotti, Rochester Institute of Technology, USA
Chapter XXIII
Disruptions in Global Industries Caused by Controversial Technologies:
The Case of Lead-Free Soldering in Electronics ...............................................................................430
Roman Boutellier, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Andreas Biedermann, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Compilation of References ..............................................................................................................451
About the Contributors ...................................................................................................................495
Index ................................................................................................................................................503
Detailed Table of Contents
Preface ................................................................................................................................................xvi
Acknowledgement ...........................................................................................................................xxiii
Section I
Information Technology Innovations
Chapter I
Ambient Intelligence (AmI) Systems Development ...............................................................................1
Simrn.Kaur.Gill,.National.University.of.Ireland.Galway,.Ireland
. Kathryn.Cormican,.National.University.of.Ireland.Galway,.Ireland
This chapter introduces the concept of ambient intelligence (AmI), a new concept in the area of informa-
tion and communication technology (ICT), from a systems development perspective in the manufacturing
environment. To create an AmI environment requires the use of a combination of technologies. The AmI
environment can be enabled through the use of computers that are embedded into everyday objects and
through the use of wireless communication. The interaction between these embedded devices and the
human user is improving through advancements in the area of natural interaction.
Chapter II
Interoperability Concept Supporting Network Innovation ...................................................................23
Jari.Tammela,.Spiral.Business.Services.Oy,.Finland
. Vesa.Salminen,.Lappeenranta.University.of.Technology,.Finland
This chapter is focusing on interoperability and providing a concept in order to speed up common in-
novation of the products and services in open semantic infrastructure. This includes identification of
solution boundaries and innovation partners. Operative challenge is how to decompose the requirements
across the boundaries of different companies in different branches and in different role in the value and
innovation network. There is also challenge on how to manage evolving technologies to satisfy custom-
ers’ existing and future expectations.
Chapter III
Heritage Tourism Portal Web Page Design with Factor and Correlation Analysis ..............................38
Shamsuddin Ahmed, Bang College of Business, KIMEP, Almaty, Kazakhtan
Francis Amagoh, Department of Public Administration, KIMEP, Almaty, Kazakhtan
This chapter presents the design of a heritage tourism Web portal. Factor analysis is used to identify
how the navigation tools are to be grouped. Correlation analysis additionally identifies methods of
grouping the navigation functionalities to substantiate the decision. Statistical analysis lends support to
the reliability of the data used in the study. Examples are given about how heritage portal navigation
functionality can be developed as hierarchical layered portal pages. Additionally, the perceptual map
shows the layout and proximity of the portal functionalities.
Section II
IT Management and Corporate Governance
Chapter IV
Effectiveness of Information Technology Governance:
Perceptions of Board Directors and Senior Managers .........................................................................60
Fang Zhao, RMIT University, Australia
Adela J. McMurray, RMIT University, Australia
Mark Toomey, Infonomics Pty Ltd., Australia
In today’s business world, most organisations depend on information technology (IT) for their day-to-
day activities and the achievement of their future strategies. However, the track record of IT initiatives
in many organizations is not strong, and many fail—particularly when measured against the outcomes
they were intended to produce. This chapter examines practices and frameworks for effective IT gov-
ernance in industry and business. Utilizing a mixed research methodology of survey and interview, 20
board directors’ and senior mangers’ perceptions of IT governance and management were sought and
analysed. The findings show there is a need and opportunity for improvement in IT governance and
that in most organizations, Australian Standard AS8015-2005—provides a sound foundation for such
improvement.
Chapter V
Performance Measurement in the SMEs in the Information Industry .................................................79
Donglin Wu, RMIT University, Australia
Fang Zhao, RMIT University, Australia
This chapter identifies the challenges, features, and drivers of performance measurement (PM) in the
SMEs in the IT industry and introduces a PM framework based on the system theory and business excel-
lence model for SMEs. This study finds that a dynamic and flexible PM framework is more suitable to
SMEs than a mechanized PM model. By examining the PM features and key success factors in SMEs
in the IT industry, this study concludes that traditional PM theories and tools are not suitable for SMEs,
which is supported by many recent studies on PM in SMEs.
Section III
IT Entrepreneurship and E-Business
Chapter VI
The Role of Web Sites and E-Commerce in the Development of Global Start-Ups .........................101
Brychan Thomas, University of Glamorgan Business School, UK
Christopher Miller, University of Glamorgan Business School, UK
Gary Packham, University of Glamorgan Business School, UK
Geoff Simmons, University of Ulster, UK
This chapter introduces the role of Web sites and e-commerce in the development and growth of global
higher education start-ups. The extant concepts, research, and experiences the chapter builds on is
the literature concerning e-commerce and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) together with
published research on global start-ups. It argues that the key results, evidence and experience, from the
empirical case study research, highlight clear and precise reasons for the development of Web sites and
e-commerce by the global start-ups. There are important implications of the study for entrepreneurs,
policy makers, practitioners, researchers, and educators for the specific field of e-commerce develop-
ments for global start-ups.
Chapter VII
E-Commerce Innovation in SMEs: A Motivation-Ability Perspective ..............................................122
Alemayehu Molla, RMIT University, Australia
Richard Duncombe, The University of Manchester, UK
Small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) innovativeness to use e-commerce has received significant
research attention. This chapter continues with this tradition and offers a theoretically grounded and
deeper insight into the e-commerce innovation process in SMEs. This is achieved by proposing a motiva-
tion-ability based four-state developmental framework. Each of the four states is then described in terms
of organisational readiness, organisational capability, e-commerce capability, e-commerce motivational
factors, and commodity chain position. SME mangers can use the framework as a decision making tool
to critically stock-take their innate state and to set realistic goals and expectations with regards to future
e-commerce investments. The utility of the framework is demonstrated through case studies of 14 small-
scale enterprises located in the Indian state of Karnataka.
Chapter VIII
E-Entrepreneurship: The Principles of Founding Electronic Ventures ..............................................141
Tobias Kollmann, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
The constant and rapid development of Internet-related technologies in the accompanying Net Economy
has inevitably had a significant influence on various possibilities for developing innovative online busi-
ness concepts and realizing these by establishing entrepreneurial ventures. The term “e-entrepreneurship”
respectively describes the act of founding new companies that generate revenue and profits independent
from a physical value chain. With this in mind, this article focuses on the process of creating electronic
customer value within the net economy as well as the success factors and development phases of elec-
tronic ventures.
Chapter IX
The Relationship Between Internet Entrepreneurs, Idea Generation,
and Porter’s Generic Strategies ..........................................................................................................156
John Snaders, Heriot-Watt University, Scotland
Laura Galloway, Heriot-Watt University, Scotland
William Keogh, Heriot-Watt University, Scotland
The chapter discusses the use of business strategies for pure Internet firms. It separates the strategic
choices and directions used for idea generation, during start-up, and beyond business or brand estab-
lishment. Corroborating much of the literature, it argues that traditional notions of strategy might be
inappropriate for some dotcom firms due to the high level of complexity, speed of change and competi-
tiveness characteristic of the Internet environment. As has been observed by research, idea generation
on the Internet can involve prospecting and reacting quickly to markets to a greater extent than amongst
traditional businesses. Likewise, start-up strategies often appear to involve flexibility and an openness
to strategic change in response to the fast dynamic nature of the online market. The chapter suggests
alternative strategy models that might be useful in our understanding of Internet business creation and
development.
Section IV
Networks and Partnerships
Chapter X
Integrating E-Supply Networks:
The Need to Manage Information Flows and Develop E-Platforms .................................................177
Rana Tassabehji, University of Bradford, UK
James Wallace, University of Bradford, UK
Anastasios Tsoularis, Massey University, New Zealand
The Internet has reached a stage of maturity where its innovative adoption and implementation can be a
source of competitive advantage. Supply chains are one of the areas that has reportedly benefited greatly,
achieving optimisation through low cost, high efficiency use of the Internet, almost seamlessly linking
global supply chains into e-supply networks. This field is still in its academic and practical infancy, and
there is a need for more empirical research to build a robust theoretical foundation, which advances
our knowledge and understanding. Here, the main aims and objectives are to highlight the importance
of information flows in e-supply chains/networks, and the need for their standardisation to facilitate
integration, legality, security, and efficiency of operations. This chapter contributes to the field by rec-
ommending a three-stage framework: the development of standardised Internet technology platforms
(e-platforms), integration requirements, and classification of information flows.