---------- Forwarded Message ---------- Subject: JGIM 9(4) Oct-Dec 2001 Date: Tue, 21 Aug 2001 09:33:38 +1200 From: Felix Tan f.tan@AUCKLAND.AC.NZ To: ISWORLD@LISTSERV.HEANET.IE

The contents of the latest issue of:

Journal of Global Information Management (JGIM) Official publication of the Information Resources Management Association Vol 9 #4, October-December 2001 Editor: Felix B. Tan, The University of Auckland, NZ

EDITORIAL PREFACE: Cross Cultural Research Issues Gordon Hunter, University of Lethbridge, Canada This editorial suggests that information systems researchers should consider innovative research methods that will appropriately address important research questions while considering the cultural influences of the societies studied.

RESEARCH PAPERS

ARTICLE ONE:

Transfer of Information Technology to the Arab World: A Test of Cultural Influence Modeling

DETMAR W.STRAUB, KAREN LOCH AND CAROLE E. HILL Georgia State University, USA

The complex societal beliefs and values of the Arab world provide a rich setting to examine the hypothesized influence of culture on information technology transfer (ITT). This study addresses two research questions: (1) Do cultural beliefs and values affect the transference of information technology in the Arab world? and (2) Does contact with technologically advanced societies impact ITT and systems outcomes? This study addresses these research questions by conceptualizing and testing a cultural influence model of ITT. In this model, cultural beliefs and values are one major construct while a counterbalancing variable is the external influence of technologically advanced societies. These constructs along with the variable “national IT development” form the conceptual basis for the model. Findings suggest that the model has explanatory power. Arab cultural beliefs were a very strong predictor of resistance to systems and thus ITT; technological culturation was also a factor. These results have implications for future theory-testing and for technology policy-setting by responsible Arab leaders. Additionally, there are implications for transnational firms and managers charged with introducing IT in foreign ports, subsidiaries, offices, and plants.

ARTICLE TWO:

Electronic Broker Impacts on the Value of Postponement in a Global Supply Chain

WILLIAM N. ROBINSON, Georgia State University, USA GREG ELOFSON, Fordham University, USA

In this article, the authors investigate whether adding a market-making electronic broker to a supply chain increases the value of postponement. The study hypothesizes that it may do so by providing greater accuracy in demand forecasting. The authors test this relationship by comparing the results of agent-based simulations that vary between early and late differentiation strategies and the use of an electronic broker. In each simulation, the effects of demand correlation, demand variability, and demand pooling are considered. The simulations show that an electronic broker increases inventory cost savings (compared to a non-broker) and increases the value of postponement in the face of increasing demand variability, increasing demand pooling, and decreasing demand correlation. Moreover, an electronic broker may, through its own actions, increase demand variability and demand pooling, while decreasing demand correlation, thereby creating the environment in which is best operates.

ARTICLE THREE:

Geographic Information Systems in Developing Countries: Issues in Data Collection, Implementation and Management

BRIAN E. MENNECKE, Iowa State University, USA LAWRENCE A WEST, JR. University of Central Florida, USA

Decision making at the national level in both developing and developed countries requires the integrated use of information from a multitude of sources. Both local and national governments in many developed countries have found geographic information systems (GIS) to be a critical tool in resource management, regional planning, and economic development. Unfortunately, the practical use of GIS in many developing countries is hampered by the lack of accurate and detailed spatial and demographic data, political considerations, and management issues. To highlight importance of these issues, the authors present a framework for GIS adoption in less developed countries and discuss these and other constraints in the context of this framework. The paper also offers ideas for technical, managerial, and policy initiatives that should be helpful in addressing impediments to GIS adoption. These ideas are summarized in a set of propositions and a related framework that shows our expectations about the impact of these initiatives on implementation success.

THE EXPERT'S OPINION (This is the last of the interviews with experts)

An Interview with Wilson Ruggiero, Scopus Tecnologia Interview by Nicolau Reinhard, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil

This interview was conducted by Prof. Nicolau Reinhard with Prof. Wilson Ruggiero, CEO of Scopus Tecnologia, a subsidiary of Banco Bradesco, the largest Bank in Latin America, with over 10 million accounts, of which 1,1 million use the Internet or home banking services, 66 thousand employees, 44 billion dollars assets and 610 million dollars net profit in 1999. Bradesco has been the Latin American leader in automation, being first in many innovations and is considered a world benchmark for Internet Banking. Brazilian Banks have nationwide operations, with large numbers of branches, requiring them to develop extensive communication networks. Because of the past high inflation rates, banking transactions had to be performed very quickly (real-time and nation-wide deposits and withdrawals), for which Brazilian Banks became leaders of automation and electronic banking. The recent privatization of the telecommunications infrastructure led to a rapid expansion and growth of services, benefiting advanced applications, like Internet banking. Brazilians have a tradition of rapidly adopting technical innovations. ATMs and credit or bank cards are now part of the culture of all social classes.

**************************************************************************** **************** For full copies of the above articles, check this issue of the Journal of Global Information Management in your institution's library. **************************************************************************** ****************

GENERAL CALL FOR PAPERS

MISSION

Prospective authors are invited to submit manuscripts for possible publication in the Journal of Global Information Management (JGIM). The Journal publishes original material concerned with all aspects of global information management in three broad areas:

*Global Information Systems in Business Functions *Information Technology in Specific Regions of the World *Management of Global Information Resources/Applications

The Journal invites contributions from both scholars and practitioners involved in research, management, and the utilization of information resources in an international setting.

COVERAGE

The Journal's coverage is international and cross functional. Topics are far ranging and can be specific to the sections within each of the three mentioned categories. Manuscripts describing the use of innovative methodologies in international research are sought. Articles that include a comparison of data gathered from multiple countries and cultures are especially encouraged. Results should attempt to draw conclusions of a cross-cultural nature. Authors of single country studies are requested to extend their findings, where possible, to include implications to global information management practice and research. Topics should be drawn from the following categories:

*IT in the Asia Pacific *IT in Europe *IT in the Middle East and Africa *IT in Latin and North Americas *Global Marketing & Human Resources Information Systems *Global Manufacturing and R&D Information Systems *Global Electronic Commerce and Enterprise Systems *Global IT and Government *Global IT in Library and Information Management *Global Telecommunications, E-Commerce and Data Security *Global IT Diffusion and Infrastructure *Global Qualitative IS Research and IT in Education

Interested authors should consult the Journal's manuscript submission guidelines available at http://www.idea-group.com/journals

CASE STUDIES: JGIM also encourages submission of case studies based on actual cases related to different issues and aspects of information resources management. Case studies must provide adequate information regarding the organization upon which the case is based, discussion of the issues involved, coverage of any experiments or trials of techniques or managerial approaches, and finally, discussion of any lessons learned or conclusions drawn from this study.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES AND INFORMATION

Please visit JGIM's website for further details regarding submission guidelines, the Journal's sections and its coverage. The website also lists the Journal's editorial review board and has an index to previous issues of the journal. JGIM is located at http://www.idea-group.com/journals

All submissions and inquiries should be sent directly to:

Felix B Tan, Editor-in-Chief Journal of Global Information Management MSIS Department, The University of Auckland, New Zealand Tel: + 64 9 3737599 ext. 5256 * Fax: + 64 9 3737566 Email: mailto:f.tan@auckland.ac.nz

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