Description:
The Internet and portability of technologies are changing the way we are doing business. Electronic business and commerce (e-commerce) platforms purportedly provide companies of all sizes with opportunities for economies of scale, process efficiencies and mechanisms for electronic advertising, retailing, trading and transaction. Australian small and medium size enterprises (SME) have, however, been reluctant to embrace information and communication technologies (ICT) and e-commerce because they fail to see the value of such tools. While SME are still coming to terms with core ICT adoption and strategic e-commerce directions, individual SME connectivity and e-commerce adoption inertia has been upstaged by collaborative network trends. Competitive advantage is becoming embedded in collaboration, networking and (virtual) clustering. This paper discusses the pathways towards online collaboration that address both industry or network needs and the capabilities, needs and attitudes of individual SME.
Description:
The Internet and portability of technologies are changing the way we are doing business. Electronic business and commerce (e-commerce) platforms purportedly provide companies of all sizes with opportunities for economies of scale, process efficiencies and mechanisms for electronic advertising, retailing, trading and transaction. Australian small and medium size enterprises (SME) have, however, been reluctant to embrace information and communication technologies (ICT) and e-commerce because they fail to see the value of such tools. While SME are still coming to terms with core ICT adoption and strategic e-commerce directions, individual SME connectivity and e-commerce adoption inertia has been upstaged by collaborative network trends. Competitive advantage is becoming embedded in collaboration, networking and (virtual) clustering. This paper discusses the pathways towards online collaboration that address both industry or network needs and the capabilities, needs and attitudes of individual SME.
Description:
This paper discusses the important support role that universities can play in the establishment and ongoing sustainability of regional information and communication technology (ICT) initiatives. Three case studies are presented to explore the uptake of ICT in a regional and rural context. A common element in each of these initiatives is the active participation of the University of Ballarat throughout all project phases. The resultant combination of on-the-ground leadership, infrastructure, collaboration and multi-disciplinary research has not only created benefits for the individual communities but also through the generation of consultancy income, publications and community engagement of a type which is highly consistent with the University’s vision and mission.
Description:
Since the mid 1990s access to advanced communication and information systems has increasingly been seen as critical for economic and social well-being. Information communications technology (ICT) has been identified as having a virtually unlimited potential to enhance business competitiveness. For regional communities ICT has been identified as providing opportunities to ‘level the playing field’ with benefits espoused in terms of ‘location independence’ and for the end of the ‘tyranny of distance’. In terms of community well-being it has been argued that online capabilities can help to stimulate and reinvigorate both geographic communities and communities of interest. However in spite of the context where online capabilities are promoted as critical elements of regional and rural success, few attempts have been made to draw together various intellectual streams of research with examples of community practice, to gain a clear understanding of how regional Australia can grab its share of this wealth and use it to strengthen local communities. This paper reports on collaborative research which is directed towards these very issues. It responds to a call for research to be instigated to collect case studies of rural communities that have successfully developed community-based Internet services for socially and economically beneficial purposes. There are four industry partners supporting this research. They are Ararat Rural City, the Wimmera Development Association, AME Systems and the Shire of Hepburn. The broad research objective is to consider factors that underpin the sustainability of regional and rural communities with a particular focus on investing factors that affect the success of community informatics (CI) initiatives. CI is an overarching term and an emerging field of study that focuses on the use of ICT by communities for their betterment. It links the concepts of social, economic, political and cultural development with emerging opportunities from ICTs. A mixed methodology, combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies has been used to achieve the study objectives. Findings indicate that where commitment, compatibility and a shared strategic intent are at the heart of collaborative relationships, success and learning is much more likely to occur. The research demonstrates the benefits and challenges of operationalising online initiatives in a regional and rural context. It also contributes to forming an evidence-based approach to public and private action required to underpin the sustainability of regional and rural communities in Australia.
Description:
The paper starts with an evaluation of a group of ICT organizations in a regional Victorian town and using a range of qualitative and quantitative data evaluates whether there is a cluster emerging and if so what are the processes of clustering that underpin this. Using archival and interview data the paper then examines key events and turning points in the development of what might be identified as a nascent cluster (Rosenfeld, 1997). In the context of current public policy that directly or indirectly supports ‘clustering’, the paper then assesses the effectiveness of public policy versus private action in the development of regional agglomerations of organisations and institutions that may be called clusters.
Description:
The paper starts with an evaluation of a group of ICT organizations in a regional Victorian town and using a range of qualitative and quantitative data evaluates whether there is a cluster emerging and if so what are the processes of clustering that underpin this. Using archival and interview data the paper then examines key events and turning points in the development of what might be identified as a nascent cluster (Rosenfeld, 1997). In the context of current public policy that directly or indirectly supports ‘clustering’, the paper then assesses the effectiveness of public policy versus private action in the development of regional agglomerations of organisations and institutions that may be called clusters.
Description:
This article examines information and communication technologies (ICTs) practices in the home and school settings of four disadvantaged families. It reports the findings of a year-long study that investigated the nexus between computer-mediated literacy practices at home and at school and whether this inter-connectivity could make a difference in school success. The findings indicate that there was disjunction between home and school use. The ``digital divide'' exists for the families of this study, not in terms of access but in the gap between ICT practices at home and school. Schools in this study did not integrate ICT skills learned and demonstrated in the home environment into ICT practices at school. The study concludes that constructing pedagogical connections between home and school ICT practices may begin to bridge the ``digital divide''.
Description:
This article examines information and communication technologies (ICTs) practices in the home and school settings of four disadvantaged families. It reports the findings of a year-long study that investigated the nexus between computer-mediated literacy practices at home and at school and whether this inter-connectivity could make a difference in school success. The findings indicate that there was disjunction between home and school use. The ``digital divide'' exists for the families of this study, not in terms of access but in the gap between ICT practices at home and school. Schools in this study did not integrate ICT skills learned and demonstrated in the home environment into ICT practices at school. The study concludes that constructing pedagogical connections between home and school ICT practices may begin to bridge the ``digital divide''.
Description:
Extracts of three case studies, from a larger qualitative study, are used to illustrate an emerging theme about the issue of the risks versus the benefits of providing detailed information about adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to consumers. The case studies include the consumer, medical and expert views of a single event, a suspected adverse drug reaction. The consumers would like more information. The doctors expressed that providing information about all possible ADRs can result in some consumers choosing not to take medications due to the perceived risk of the medication. The ADR experts stated that providing ADR information to the consumers within the presented case studies, might have assisted in earlier detection of the ADR, resulting in a less severe reaction. This paper aims to illustrate this emerging theme of the risks versus the benefits of providing consumers with information about potential ADRs and suggest some ways of increasing the benefits and minimizing the risk. We then indicate how these finding may inform future development of ADR decision support systems.
Description:
Delivering technology projects on time with a specified budget and resources has emerged as a strategic imperative in the highly competitive business world. One of the project challenges is increasingly tied to diffigion (spread) of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) innovation. This paper presents an empirical study that examines how ICT innovation is diffused within technology projects. Based on the case study methodology within 12 organisations in Australia and Germany, it emerged that ICT innovation is diffused formally alongside standard project management phases and informally within informal networks. The findings are synthesised in a new framework that seeks to inform theory and practice about formal and informal processes of ICT diffusion in technology projects.
Description:
Delivering technology projects on time with a specified budget and resources has emerged as a strategic imperative in the highly competitive business world. One of the project challenges is increasingly tied to diffigion (spread) of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) innovation. This paper presents an empirical study that examines how ICT innovation is diffused within technology projects. Based on the case study methodology within 12 organisations in Australia and Germany, it emerged that ICT innovation is diffused formally alongside standard project management phases and informally within informal networks. The findings are synthesised in a new framework that seeks to inform theory and practice about formal and informal processes of ICT diffusion in technology projects.
Description:
This paper discusses the important support role that universities can play in the establishment and ongoing sustainability of regional information and communication technology (ICT) initiatives. Three case studies are presented to explore the uptake of ICT in a regional and rural context. A common element in each of these initiatives is the active participation of the University of Ballarat throughout all project phases. The resultant combination of on-the-ground leadership, infrastructure, collaboration and multi-disciplinary research has not only created benefits for the individual communities but also through the generation of consultancy income, publications and community engagement of a type which is highly consistent with the University’s vision and mission.
Description:
With the rise of globalisation, technological innovation, diffusion of information via the Internet, and related changes in business values and beliefs, countries, regions, governments and institutions everywhere are facing changing conditions for competitive advantage (Pfeffer & Sutton, 2000). Globalisation allows companies of all sizes, even micro and small and medium size enterprises (SME) which were once unable to compete with larger firms, to participate in new markets and reduce costs. Deregulated markets allow for more competition as well as better product offering and prices for small businesses.
Description:
With the rise of globalisation, technological innovation, diffusion of information via the Internet, and related changes in business values and beliefs, countries, regions, governments and institutions everywhere are facing changing conditions for competitive advantage (Pfeffer & Sutton, 2000). Globalisation allows companies of all sizes, even micro and small and medium size enterprises (SME) which were once unable to compete with larger firms, to participate in new markets and reduce costs. Deregulated markets allow for more competition as well as better product offering and prices for small businesses.
Description:
This paper seeks to investigate the factors that influence computer adoption in East Jave On-Farm Agribusiness and the implications for sustainable agricultural development. A mixed method of semi-structured interviews and mail surveys was employed to maximise response rate. The conceptual framework and theoretical insights presented are based on the review of literature, with primary data collected from a broad range of agribusinesses in East Java.
Description:
Multi-agent-based smart grid applications have gained much attention in recent times. At the same time, information and communication technology (ICT) has become a crucial part of the smart grid infrastructure. The key intention of this work is to present a comprehensive review of the literature and technological frameworks for the application of multi-agent system (MAS) and ICT infrastructure usages in smart grid implementations. In the smart grid, agents are defined as intelligent entities with the ability to take decisions and acting flexibly and autonomously according to their built-in intelligence utilizing previous experiences. Whereas, ICT enables conventional grid turned into the smart grid through data and information exchange. This paper summarizes the multi-agent concept of smart grid highlighting their applications through a detailed and extensive literature survey on the related topics. In addition to the above, a particular focus has been put on the ICT standards, including IEC 61850 incorporating ICT with MAS. Finally, a laboratory framework concepts have been added highlighting the implementation of IEC 61850.
Description:
Multi-agent-based smart grid applications have gained much attention in recent times. At the same time, information and communication technology (ICT) has become a crucial part of the smart grid infrastructure. The key intention of this work is to present a comprehensive review of the literature and technological frameworks for the application of multi-agent system (MAS) and ICT infrastructure usages in smart grid implementations. In the smart grid, agents are defined as intelligent entities with the ability to take decisions and acting flexibly and autonomously according to their built-in intelligence utilizing previous experiences. Whereas, ICT enables conventional grid turned into the smart grid through data and information exchange. This paper summarizes the multi-agent concept of smart grid highlighting their applications through a detailed and extensive literature survey on the related topics. In addition to the above, a particular focus has been put on the ICT standards, including IEC 61850 incorporating ICT with MAS. Finally, a laboratory framework concepts have been added highlighting the implementation of IEC 61850.
Description:
SME’s have become an integral part of the Australian economy and are an employer of a large number of Australians. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that a majority of SME’s have adopted ICT, however Australian SME’s are lagging behind when compared to organisations of a similar nature. Although Australian SME’s have adopted ICT, very few have adopted any security technologies to secure their infrastructures. This paper looks at the adoption rates of ICT and security technologies by Australian SME as well as some of the influential factors regarding their adoption. A framework has been developed (adapted from Earl, 2000) which identifies the four stage evolutionary process for ICT adoption, security technology adoption and trust.
Description:
This paper presents a anecdote of Realestateview, which is an internet portal used by real estate agents to process and advertise properties for sale and lease. The functionality of the site and the benefits offered to the stakeholders is the reason for its success at gaining support from agents, buyers and sellers. The benefits offered to agents has resulted in ‘buy-in’ which has increased participation of sellers resultant of the agents cross branding the site. An aim of the paper is to inform academics and practitioners as to some of the factors that contribute to develop clusters around an ICT solution. While the case presented is a positive example and specific to the real estate industry some similarities and differences maybe found in other contexts.
Description:
This paper presents a anecdote of Realestateview, which is an internet portal used by real estate agents to process and advertise properties for sale and lease. The functionality of the site and the benefits offered to the stakeholders is the reason for its success at gaining support from agents, buyers and sellers. The benefits offered to agents has resulted in ‘buy-in’ which has increased participation of sellers resultant of the agents cross branding the site. An aim of the paper is to inform academics and practitioners as to some of the factors that contribute to develop clusters around an ICT solution. While the case presented is a positive example and specific to the real estate industry some similarities and differences maybe found in other contexts.
Description:
Because access to new technologies is unequally distributed, there has been considerable debate about the growing gap between the so-called information-rich and information-poor. Such concerns have led to high-profile information technology policy initiatives in many countries. In Australia, in an attempt to 'redress the balance between the information rich and poor' by providing 'equal access to the World Wide Web' (Virtual Communities, 2002), the Australian Council of Trade Unions, Virtual Communities (a computer/software distributor) and Primus (an Internet provider) in late 1999 formed an alliance to offer relatively inexpensive computer and Internet access to union members in order to make 'technology affordable for all Australians' (Virtual Communities, 2002). In this paper, we examine four families, one of which had long-term Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) access, and three of which took advantage of the Virtual Communities offer to get home computer and Internet access for the first time. We examine their engagement with ICT and suggest that previously disadvantaged family members are not particularly advantaged by their access to ICT.
Description:
Because access to new technologies is unequally distributed, there has been considerable debate about the growing gap between the so-called information-rich and information-poor. Such concerns have led to high-profile information technology policy initiatives in many countries. In Australia, in an attempt to 'redress the balance between the information rich and poor' by providing 'equal access to the World Wide Web' (Virtual Communities, 2002), the Australian Council of Trade Unions, Virtual Communities (a computer/software distributor) and Primus (an Internet provider) in late 1999 formed an alliance to offer relatively inexpensive computer and Internet access to union members in order to make 'technology affordable for all Australians' (Virtual Communities, 2002). In this paper, we examine four families, one of which had long-term Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) access, and three of which took advantage of the Virtual Communities offer to get home computer and Internet access for the first time. We examine their engagement with ICT and suggest that previously disadvantaged family members are not particularly advantaged by their access to ICT.