Nested Configurations of Interorganizational Information Systems: Observations in the German Furniture Industry (original) (raw)
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Inter-organizational information systems adoption – a configuration analysis approach
European Journal of Information Systems, 2011
In this article we propose a new complementary approach to investigate Inter-Organizational Information Systems (IOIS) adoption called configuration analysis. We motivate the need for a new approach by the common observation that the structure and the strategy of an IOIS are interdependent and that the IOIS adoptions consequently cluster orderly. For example, an IOIS setup with a powerful customer as a hub and many suppliers as spokes frequently surfaces across diffusion studies. Yet, this fact has not been integrated into existing analyses, and its implications have not been fully developed. We propose that IOIS scholars need to look beyond the single adopting organization in IOIS adoption studies and in contrast consider adoption units what we call an adoption configuration. Each such configuration can be further characterized along the following dimensions: (1) vision, (2) key functionality, (3) mode of interaction, (4) structure and (5) mode of appropriation. In addition, these dimensions do not co-vary independently. For example, a particular organizing vision assumes a specific inter-organizational structure. A typology of IOIS configurations for adoption analysis is laid out consisting of dyadic, hub and spoke, industry and community configurations. Specific forms or adoption analysis are suggested for each type of configuration. Overall, configuration analysis redirects IOIS adoption studies both at the theoretical and the methodological level, and a corresponding research agenda is sketched.
A Theory of Industry-Level Activity for Understanding the Adoption of Interorganizational Systems
European Journal of Information Systems, 2000
Increasingly we wish to ask and research questions about the adoption of interorganizational systems and electronic commerce at the industry level but are hampered by the lack of a theory of concerted purposeful action at this large level of analysis. In this paper we give the outlines of such a theory and indicate the uses to which it can be put. Particular attention is paid to how the routine day-to-day activities of the firms and support organizations that make up an industry group can be coordinated in such a way that we can speak of an industry as engaged in purposeful activity. We contend that only through a deep understanding of the possibilities and nature of routine coordinated activity at this level can issues concerning promotion, implementation and adoption of interorganizational systems by whole industries be properly framed.
Theory of Interorganizational Systems: Industry Structure and Processes of Change
2001
The paper concerns the development and adoption of interorganizational systems (IOS): information systems that span organizational boundaries. These business-to-business e-commerce systems have considerable economic importance. The paper outlines a multi-level theory of IOS that explicitly recognizes the importance of the industry as a macro-level unit of analysis in addition to the units (enterprises) at the micro-level. The roles of the external environment and the technology based IOS are also recognized. Theories of intentional agency drawn from the areas of robotics, intelligent software agents and human-computer interaction are used to explain how industry-level activity occurs. Concerted activity is attributed to the reciprocal causal effect of the group upon the individual units, rather than to any form of regular group deliberation about action. It is expected that change at the industry level will tend to be incremental, building on routine, situated actions of different players. Propositions concerning industry structure, processes of change and the development of IOS are illustrated with case studies.
Chapter 11 Interorganizational Information Systems and Interorganizational
2016
As the external environment and alliance partnerships become more complex, managers should consider appropriate partners to enhance the efficiency and performance of their chain, as well as to gain potential competitive advantages (Chang, et al., 2007). Additionally, due to increasing global competition many organizations are aware of the benefits of using electronic solutions to support their Business-to-Business (B2B) environment. Thus, they opt to establish an electronic infrastructure to carry out physical chain’s transactions and cover potential interorganizational relations. This would explain the prevalent use of interorganizational Information Systems (IOS) over previous years. Indeed, several well-known firms such as Wal-Mart, Dell Computer, and Carrefour have attained strategic advantages by setting IOS in their chains. In regard to their incontestable success within B2B networks, the chapter first focuses on the concept of information technology and particularly “interorg...
2004
The adoption of inter-organisational system (IOS) has become important for many organisations because of its many benefits, which can be categorised into operational, managerial and strategic benefits. While some organisations have gained many benefits, some have experienced very limited benefits from IOS adoption. Existing studies have identified a number of factors affecting the achievement of IOS benefits. This is a research-in-progress study that is aimed at assessing the relevance of factors identified from the literature in explaining the benefits obtained by Australian organizations from IOS adoption, using four case studies conducted with two pharmaceutical and two grocery manufacturing companies.
Antecedents of inter-organisational systems adoption in manufacturing
International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2006
Despite the remarkable development in the use of inter-organisational systems (IOS) in supply chain management, there is still limited knowledge regarding the factors that motivate their adoption in manufacturing. This study investigates the role of structural elements of supply chain management as antecedents of inter-organisational systems (IOSs) adoption. More specifically, it explores the extent to which variables including foreign supply, direct material cost, number of suppliers, and supplier collaboration practices explain variation in the adoption of dyadic IOSs including electronic data interchange (EDI) and extranets, and multilateral IOSs including internet auctions, liquid exchanges and private marketplaces. The study involves statistical analysis of data from 219 manufacturers of fabricated metal products, machinery, and equipment from 13 countries. The results indicate that dyadic IOSs relate to high-volume transactions with international suppliers, while multilateral IOSs relate to low-volume transactions with a limited number of suppliers.
World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, International Journal of Social, Behavioral, Educational, Economic, Business and Industrial Engineering, 2008
The importance of inter-organizational system (IOS) has been increasingly recognized by organizations. However, IOS adoption has proved to be difficult and, at this stage, why this is so is not fully uncovered. In practice, benefits have often remained concentrated, primarily accruing to the dominant party, resulting in low rates of adoption and usage, and often culminating in the failure of the IOS. The main research question is why organizations initiate or join IOS and what factors influence their adoption and use levels. This paper reviews the literature on IOS adoption and proposes a theoretical framework in order to identify the critical factors to capture a complete picture of IOS adoption. With our proposed critical factors, we are able to investigate their relative contributions to IOS adoption decisions. We obtain findings that suggested that there are five groups of factors that significantly affect the adoption and use decision of IOS in the Supply Chain Management (SCM)...
Interorganizational Information Systems: A Study of Practice
2021
Interorganizational relationships are initiatives between organizations that aim to facilitate resource sharing and information exchange. In this context, information systems are developed to support the involved organizations, often encompassing several smaller systems. However, little is known about interorganizational information systems (IOIS), especially regarding their state of practice. This paper investigates the use of IOISs in real scenarios. For this, we performed a non-systematic search of IOISs examples and identified repositories on GitHub about these systems. Hence, it was possible to map a set of sources and requirements that help understand how IOISs work and why they are adopted.