Copyright (c) 2010 University of Bolton All rights reserved. http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk Recent documents in UBIR: University of Bolton Institutional Repository en-us Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:39:59 PDT 3600 http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/gcct_journalspr/11 http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/gcct_journalspr/11 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:37:45 PST The task of planning and implementing systems change is complex. This complexity increases when the system is to be fitted into an existing infrastructure. The interconnections between many of the existing system and business processes can act as a constraint on the range of solutions available to an organisation. The RAMESES method assists small organisations (SMEs) in evaluating the effectiveness of their proposed changes before they are committed to undertaking them. The RAMESES method is discussed in terms of its structural framework. The focus then moves to consider why such a method must be embedded in a software tool to enable accessibility for managers and employees within SMEs. Finally the software prototype is evaluated to assess how well it complies with the requirements of the method and the environment of use H. M. Edwards http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/gcct_journalspr/10 http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/gcct_journalspr/10 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:18:49 PST This study attempts to advance current thinking around Knowledge Management Systems (KMS) and Management Information Systems (MIS) by proposing integration into a holistic information system - Knowledge-based Management Information System (KBMIS). The aim of launching this KBMIS is to build an effective, time-saving and change adapting management information system for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This KBMIS is relevant in the current business environment as knowledge and information management has become a key issue in the business practice of SMEs. It is argued that information and knowledge flows must be effectively managed in all their business activities. In particular, this research focuses on organisational management and customer knowledge management for SMEs. This is because many SMEs lack resources and knowledge of strategic thinking, prerequisites for information and knowledge management. Therefore, this study proposes a dynamic model to evaluate the degree to which SMEs current MIS and KMS correspond with their organisational management and customer management needs. To develop this model, the critical characteristics of MIS, KMS, and SMEs are integrated. This model shows how information and knowledge may flow; and how these may be stored and managed in the SMEs' business process. A pilot study of two case studies is done to test this new model and the test result shows that this model gives systemical solutions for SMEs to redesign their information and knowledge management system. Gill Green http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/gcct_journalspr/9 http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/gcct_journalspr/9 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:57:34 PST P. Bednar http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/gcct_journalspr/8 http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/gcct_journalspr/8 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:37:42 PST Purpose - This paper aims to provide a review and critique of the benchmarking literature with respect to information and communication technology (ICT) adoption and usage within small firms. This is used as the basis for developing a competence based model contingency framework to be used for comparing practice and performance with respect to ICT within small firms. Design/methodology/approach - A theoretical approach is proposed whereby the key metrics and questions related to the development of an ICT benchmarking framework are derived from recent empirical research reported in the literature. Findings - The main findings indicate a paucity of empirical research with respect to benchmarking ICT and also underdeveloped theory in terms of IT adoption in small firms. The ICT competence and capability approach is proposed as a viable research avenue for investigating IT performance within small firms. Research limitations/implications - Limitations of this research are related to its current phase as work in progress. Testing of the theoretical framework and its development within the context of comparing ICT performance across small firms has yet to be carried out. Practical implications - Practical implications of the research are very high as there could be a direct link between adoption and use of the benchmarking tool and improved ICT performance. Originality/value - The development of an ICT benchmarking framework and tool that is directly focused on improving small firm performance - linked to a human and organisational competence approach as opposed to only measuring technological capability. David Wainwright http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/psych_journalspr/18 http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/psych_journalspr/18 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:55:06 PST This study examined the applicability of Huber's (1997) model of risk management to a real world consumer insurance decision, namely whether to insure a recently purchased item against possible mechanical breakdown in the future. Huber argued that decision makers manage the risks of negative outcomes by applying one or more defusing operators. Respondents in this study asked for whatever information they felt necessary to decide whether to take out an extended warranty on two consumer products of differing values. We found support for most aspects of the model, particularly in relation to risk defusing operators, but also identified some respondents who could not easily be accommodated within it, i.e. those who perceived risk, but did not seem prepared to take any action. We also found evidence for recognition primed insurance decisions. The results are interpreted from a bounded rationality perspective. Janis Williamson http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/emcs_chapters/6 http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/emcs_chapters/6 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:21:03 PST David Rudd http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/emcs_chapters/5 http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/emcs_chapters/5 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:49:33 PST David Rudd http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/emcs_journals/4 http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/emcs_journals/4 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:48:05 PST In an era when the institutional agenda of contemporary Hollywood cinema is increasingly dependent on policies of textual recycling (sequels, remakes, adaptations), it is nonetheless noticeable that one means of injecting big-budget productions with a sense of novelty or 'cult' cachet is the assignment of an auteur director from a non-studio background. The 'values' circulating around concepts both of the auteur and of the blockbuster event movie are challenged in this encounter, especially as notions of mass taste vs. independent or art house sensibilities come into play. This paper will use a case study of Ang Lee's comic-book adaptation The Hulk (2003) to explore how such productions expose the category of the auteur to the commercial logic of the blockbuster. By juxtaposing 'official' (promotional, critical) and 'unofficial' discourses (such as fan writing), recent modifications to the notion of authorship in popular cinema will be assessed. Martin J. Flanagan http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/emcs_chapters/4 http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/emcs_chapters/4 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:29:23 PST Martin J. Flanagan http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/emcs_chapters/3 http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/emcs_chapters/3 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:59:24 PST Martin J. Flanagan http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/emcs_chapters/2 http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/emcs_chapters/2 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:32:34 PST Martin J. Flanagan