Based on a critical analysis of the literature on the development and adoption of interorganisational information systems (IOIS) we propose a new unit of analysis for IOIS studies, define levels of analysis based on this unit in order to organize a large set of variables pertinent to the study of IOIS, and show how this design will be implemented within an international collaborative research project. The main goal of our research is to shed light on the interaction between characteristics of IOIS and their development trajectories on the one hand and characteristics of industries and countries on the other hand. We expect that both, industry characteristics and characteristics of national environments have a significant influence on the type and development of IOIS but submit that understanding of these relationships is in its infancy and that significant new insights can be gained by carefully specifying the network level of analysis. Better understanding of the way IOIS are shaped can greatly assist in evaluating the extent to which adoption experiences in one industry or country can be validly used to inform policy choices in another industry or country.

the ability of firms to reduce costs and increase the responsiveness of their supply chain. This paper develops an empirically supported model of the organizational capabilities enabled by SCM IS. The model integrates and enriches theoretical and empirical studies of competitive strategy, supply chain management, and interorganizational information systems. Evidence from an exploratory case study of three large firms in the electronics manufacturing industry is examined to build a better-supported theory of SCM IS capabilities. The findings suggest the organizational capabilities enabled by SCM IS can be conceptualized as the level of support provided for: operational efficiency; operational flexibility; internal analysis; and external analysis. The theoretical model furthers an understanding of SCM IS capabilities and is sufficiently developed to permit operationalization for future studies evaluating the effectiveness of SCM IS.

This study expands upon current conceptualizations of fit between a firm’s competitive strategies and information systems capabilities. Limitations of existing theories have hindered the development of operationalized models for measuring the strategic fit of a firm’s information system. Using configurational theory and the concept of emergent strategies and capabilities, this paper develops a model for measuring the strategic fit of a specific type of information system: supply chain management information systems (SCM IS). Findings from a multiple-case study of five manufacturers indicate the developed model can give an accurate, reliable, and useful analysis of the strategic fit of a firm’s SCM IS. The operationalized model is sufficiently grounded theoretically and empirically to enable further study of the strategic fit of IS and its relationship with firm performance.

This paper examines the effects of information technology (IT) on the governance of vertically related firms. We propose that a highly relation-specific IT system in inter-firm transactions plays a key role in the resulting inter-firm governance as a mutual sunk-cost commitment, in terms of leading to both less vertical integration (i.e., a change in governance mode as a first-order effect) and a smaller number of suppliers (i.e., a change within a governance mode as a secondorder effect). As a result, this highly relation-specific IT system (bilateral investment) can be an alternative governance mode of electronic integration that acts as a substitute for managerial hierarchy and vertical financial ownership. From a strategic management perspective, this paper provides transaction costs and resource-based explanations on IT systems ’ impact on the organizational boundary decision and its impact on the likelihood of the firm achieving sustainable competitive advantage. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. ‘Flawed ’ modes of economic organization for which no superior feasible mode can be described are, until something better comes along, winners nonetheless. (Williamson, 1985: 408) Even though technology advances breathlessly, the economic principles we rely on are durable. The examples may change, but the ideas will not go out of date. (Shapiro and Varian, 1999: x)

This paper reviews the literature on interorganizational information systems. It has long been argued that information technology can have profound effects on the structure and process of inter-firm relationships. This proposition has gained additional importance with the advent of internet, and resultant forms of business to business transactions over the web. Despite the interest and volume of research on this topic few theoretical generalizations have emerged. The lack of theorization has been compounded by the fact that the literature has grown in many directions to address various technological and practitioner concerns. To date, there have not been many reviews that put this body of work in perspective. To address this gap we propose a framework to review this field of research, and provide a means to reconcile the differences and appreciate the complementarities that run through this research stream. Our framework is based on two important themes, Interorganizational information systems, and interorganizational relationships. We argue that the research in this area can be effectively analyzed by understanding the persuasion of the researchers regarding these two central themes. The review is followed by a discussion of future research directions in this area.

tionships. Building on studies that emphasize the role of intangible assets in interorganizational relationships, this study argues that buyers are less likely to use reverse auctions for supplier relationships involving a high degree of non-contractibility. The argument complements traditional transaction cost economics arguments that focus on the impact of asset specificity and product specialization. We identify six dimensions of non-contractibility—quality, supplier technological investments, information exchange, responsiveness, trust, and flexibility—which encompass taskbased and interaction-based non-contractibility. The study finds that, together with product specialization, these noncontractible elements of interorganizational relationships have greater explanatory power for reverse auction use than asset specificity. This result highlights the importance of supplier investments in non-contractible elements of exchange relationships in an increasingly dynamic service- and knowledge-based economy.

The adoption of information and communications technology (ICT) is spreading rapidly in supply chain management. As companies seek to improve supply chain efficiency through increased integration, ICT can be considered as a key enabler for supply chain management by supporting information-sharing. A literature review within supply chain integration and the impact of ICT indicates that there are various integration dimensions and levels, and different effects and influencing factors. Even though there is a considerable amount of research within the field, the complexity of ICT impact on integration implies that previous studies cover only a limited number of dimensions and variables at a time. In this paper, we propose a research model that can support empirical in-depth studies seeking to explore how ICT influences integration in supply chain control. The model is developed from literature and incorporates areas of control, ICT, integration dimensions, ICT effects, influencing factors and supply chain integration.

(ICTs) to supply chains of technology suppliers. Empirical research indicates that the utilization of ICTs by firms has

This paper provides an organizational economics foundation to guide managers in matching the comparatively more efficient organizational mode with transactional characteristics such as: (1) the degree of (human capital) asset specificity involved in the transaction, (2) the degree of uncertainty surrounding the transaction, and (3) the number of trading partners (suppliers and buyers) in the vertical supply chain. The key role of technology, and more specifically the e-business infrastructure and its effects on organizational mode choice, is highlighted. The main results from this analysis suggest that changes in information technology are changing the nature of transaction costs leading to more efficient management through an electronic integration solution thus favoring contracting and outsourcing than would have been technologically possible when Williamson’s Markets and Hierarchies (Markets and Hierarchies: Analysis and Antitrust Implications. Free Press: New York, 1975) was published. It is emphasized that the transaction cost economics principles are durable but that the breathless advances in information technology, especially in the past decade, have comparatively favored lower transaction costs of markets over hierarchies. Copyright # 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The primary objective of an MBA programme is to obtain top quality management training in the field of business, in a conductive environment with all the necessary resources available, and easy access to faculty. It has the most up-to-date teaching methods and the knowledge transmitted is state of the art. This paper presents the interim results of a survey which was carried out to analyse the various efforts being undertaken by MBA programmes around the globe to adapt their curricula with the advent of the e-business age. It will particularly highlight the situation in Australia and New Zealand.