“A Project Study in ERP Implementation:  An Investigation of Critical Success Factors”
Gordon Hunter – University of Lethbridge
Susan Lippert – Drexel University

Abstract:  This investigation will identify and examine critical success factors (CSF) that affect each stage of the implementation process related to the deployment of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in three diverse North American settings. Using business organizations in Canada, the United States and Mexico, the critical success factors associated with ERP implementation will be: (1) identified; (2) ranked for relative importance; (3) designated as relevant within a specific implementation stage; (4) examined for differences in setting; and, (5) classified as best practices in implementation by stage.
    
“Offshore Software Project Success:  An Investigation of Control, Communication, and Coordination Factors”
Sanjay Gosain, Anandasivam Gopal, and David Darcy – University of Maryland at College Park

Abstract:  The purpose of this research study is to examine the influence of project factors (modes of organizational control, coordination mechanisms, and communication patterns) on offshore software project outcomes such as software quality, project schedule, project costs, and client satisfaction. Further, we consider contingency factors salient to the outsourcing context that may moderate the impact of these antecedents.

“Exploring the Practice of IT Offshore Outsourcing in China”

 Michael Gallivan – Georgia State University

The purpose of this study is:  (1) to compile basic descriptive information about Chinese software firms; (2) to identify demographic and other descriptive factors that distinguish between those Chinese firms currently performing work for overseas, western client firms and those not present conducting such work; (3) to identify demographic and other descriptive factors that distinguish between those Chinese firms with an interest in performing such work in the future versus those less interested in doing so; and (4) to identify possible research sites in China for future, case study research.  We seek to collect information at both the company level and individual level of analysis.  We believe that both key company-level and individual-level factors will serve to distinguish those firms currently performing work for overseas, western client firms – as well as those who are interested in doing so in the future.

   

November 10, 2006 - Graduate Center in Timonium
“Creating Competitive Synergy: The Role of IS-Business Coordination”
Rajiv Kohli – College of William and Mary
Sarv Devaraj - University of Notre Dame

Abstract:  Information Systems (IS)-Business coordination implies that IS managers are instrumental in shaping business operations and strategy, while at the same time business executives play a role in IS strategy formulation and deployment.  It is vital for business and IS managers to coordinate their activities and enable alignment for organizational success. 

The fundamental premise of our research is that coordination is a result of how IT and business executives assume responsibilities for critical business activities i.e. the locus of responsibility.  We propose a framework that articulates the important role of the locus of responsibilities of IS and business executives, in terms of its impact on IS-business coordination.  We also postulate that organizational structure, communication, and IS-business relationship are key drivers of the locus of responsibility of business activities.
    
“Generating and Calculating Profit from your Web Site (ROI and Web marketing)”
Cathy Qori, System Source Internet strategist and president-elect of the Baltimore Chapter of the American Marketing Association

Abstract:  Determining the profitability of a web site has been difficult but Cathy has studied this issue and can explain how t
• Determine the value of Internet clients through analyzing web site traffic
• Attract profitable clients using search engines
• Increase profits by converting web visitors to prospects
• Determine frequency of content update. Demo of content management tool
• Generate eCommerce revenue through registration and secure shopping