Journal of International Technology and Information Management

Abstract

Volume 13, Number 4, 2004

 

219. Development of an IT Balanced Scorecard

Theophilus B. A. Addo, Chee W. Chow, Kamal M. Haddad, San Diego State University

 

There is a generally acknowledged dearth of metrics for effectively measuring organizational performance.  This is particularly true of the IT function, whose contribution to a firm’s “bottom line” has been frequently called to question.  This paper describes the development of a performance measurement tool called the Balanced Scorecard, which can be used to assess IT performance within the context of overall corporate strategy and financial performance.  Data for the scorecard was obtained via a survey of senior IT executives in various organizations.   The paper concludes with a set of guidelines for successfully implementing an IT Balanced Scorecard, as well as potential pitfalls to avoid in the process.

 

239. An Investigation of Internet Auction Markets:  Evidence from eBay

Kevin Bracker, Ken Smith, Pittsburg State University  

 

The purpose of this paper is to examine a market with different characteristics than a typical “financial” market using high frequency continuous transactions data.  The market selected for this purpose is an Internet auction market for collectibles, specifically Ty Glory Bears™ sold on the eBay, Inc. web site.  This market is chosen for its relatively high activity and homogeneity.  The results indicate evidence of signaling related to seller’s reputation and product information, seasonality based on day-of-the-week, and limited market depth.

 

253. The Demand For Information Technology Knowledge And Skills: An Exploratory Investigation

Stuart D. Galup, Florida Atlantic University

Ronald Dattero, Southwest Missouri State University
Jim J. Quan, Salisbury University

Organizations are always in search of appropriate information technology knowledge and skills to carry out normal business operations.  Such demand is directly impacted by the overall economic conditions.  During stressful economic times, managers, facing tough budgetary pressure, are forced to examine more thoroughly what knowledge and skills are needed to survive. This paper investigates the desired information technology knowledge and skills that employers are searching for in these turbulent times.  We examine the content of job advertisements for information technology professionals placed in an online job placement website over a 2 year period, 2001-2002.

 

263. Examining the Benefits of Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification for IS Project Managers and Organizations

Robert C. Mahaney, Bertie M. Greer, Northern Kentucky University

 

The project management professional (PMP) certification has gained a positive reputation among project managers as well as with HR managers and recruiters. However, the organizational benefits are untested. This paper examines the business value of PMP certification. The three questions this study investigates are, “What value does certification give project managers?” “What value does certification give organizations?” and “How can organizations encourage project managers to pursue certification?” Content analysis of transcripts from twenty-five structured interviews identified several reasons businesses should encourage their project managers to pursue PMP certification, but many of the benefits are not easily quantified.

 

275. Online Reverse Auctions: An Overview

Ching-Chung Kuo, Pamela Rogers, Richard E. White, University of North Texas

 

Electronic commerce (e-commerce) is the fastest growing area in the U.S. economy with electronic procurement (e-procurement) being a major component, and online reverse auctions (ORAs) have emerged as a key e-procurement tool. Since the mid-1990s, ORAs have been gaining in popularity because of their potentially significant positive impact on the profitability of both the buyers and the sellers. Much has been written about the new purchasing paradigm and numerous stories have been reported recently. This paper is aimed at providing a critical review of ORAs by examining their historical developments, different forms, advantages, and disadvantages. In addition, 10 important factors to consider for successful implementation of ORAs are identified and discussed.

 

291. Two Developing Countries With Two Different Economic Results:  A Comparative Study of Thailand & Morocco

Debora J. Gilliard, Metropolitan State College of Denver

 

After visiting Thailand in 1996 and Morocco in 2001, it was very evident that these two countries had many similarities.  Both countries are ruled by monarchs, both are developing countries, and both have overcome many adversities.  However, today we find these two countries are very different in their involvement in the global community and in their local economic development.  This paper is a study of similarities and differences in the development of Thailand and Morocco which has resulted in the current economic status.

 

303. Review of the OPNET IT GURU Software

Jeng-Chung Victor Chen, National Cheng-Kung University, Taiwan

 

The OPNET IT GURU has been existing for years and designed to be used for the industry and the academics. The simulation software is now in version 10.0 and equipped with abundant features such as: modeling network topology and traffic, application impact assessment, and server capacity planning.