IS

Alavi, Maryam

Research Interests (34)

List of Topics (34)

Topic Weight Topic Terms
0.759 research researchers framework future information systems important present agenda identify areas provide understanding contributions using
0.677 students education student course teaching schools curriculum faculty future experience educational university undergraduate mba business
0.432 collaborative groups feedback group work collective individuals higher effects efficacy perceived tasks members environment writing
0.364 group support groups meeting gdss decision systems meetings technology study electronic ems task process communication
0.352 knowledge transfer management technology creation organizational process tacit research study organization processes work organizations implications
0.337 knowledge application management domain processes kms systems study different use domains role comprehension effective types
0.278 support decision dss systems guidance process making environments decisional users features capabilities provide decision-making user
0.277 training learning outcomes effectiveness cognitive technology-mediated end-user methods environments longitudinal skills performance using effective method
0.268 media social content user-generated ugc blogs study online traditional popularity suggest different discourse news making
0.267 network networks social analysis ties structure p2p exchange externalities individual impact peer-to-peer structural growth centrality
0.264 learning mental conceptual new learn situated development working assumptions improve ess existing investigates capture advanced
0.209 memory support organizations information organizational requirements different complex require development provides resources organization paper transactive
0.204 management practices technology information organizations organizational steering role fashion effective survey companies firms set planning
0.200 research study influence effects literature theoretical use understanding theory using impact behavior insights examine influences
0.182 distributed agents agent intelligent environments environment smart computational environmental scheduling human rule using does embodied
0.166 design systems support development information proposed approach tools using engineering current described developing prototype flexible
0.148 evaluation effectiveness assessment evaluating paper objectives terms process assessing criteria evaluations methodology provides impact literature
0.147 learning model optimal rate hand domain effort increasing curve result experts explicit strategies estimate acquire
0.145 secondary use primary data outcomes objective ways analysis range addresses development purpose budget past outcome
0.145 research studies issues researchers scientific methodological article conducting conduct advanced rigor researcher methodology practitioner issue
0.132 multiple elements process environments complex integrated interdependencies design different developing integration order approach dialogue framework
0.130 research information systems science field discipline researchers principles practice core methods area reference relevance conclude
0.129 performance results study impact research influence effects data higher efficiency effect significantly findings impacts empirical
0.128 executive information article systems presents eis executives overview computer-based scanning discusses investigation support empirical robert
0.121 case study studies paper use research analysis interpretive identify qualitative approach understanding critical development managerial
0.121 factors success information critical management implementation study factor successful systems support quality variables related results
0.117 social networks influence presence interactions network media networking diffusion implications individuals people results exchange paper
0.115 systems information management development presented function article discussed model personnel general organization described presents finally
0.113 methods information systems approach using method requirements used use developed effective develop determining research determine
0.111 group gss support groups systems brainstorming research process electronic members results paper effects individual ebs
0.109 results study research experiment experiments influence implications conducted laboratory field different indicate impact effectiveness future
0.108 relationships relationship relational information interfirm level exchange relations perspective model paper interpersonal expertise theory study
0.106 research study different context findings types prior results focused studies empirical examine work previous little
0.101 cultural culture differences cross-cultural states united status national cultures japanese studies japan influence comparison versus

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List of Coauthors (8)

Leidner, Dorothy E. 3 Kane, Gerald C. 2 Joachimathaler, Erich A. 1 KAYWORTH, TIMOTHY R. 1
Marakas, George M. 1 Valacich, Joseph S. 1 Wheeler, Bradley C. 1 Yoo, Youngjin 1

Article Keywords (46)

Knowledge management 3 decision support systems 2 Technology-Supported Learning 2 blog 1
centrality 1 Computer-mediated learning 1 computer-supported team learning 1 cooperative learning 1
Collaborative telelearning 1 collaborative work systems 1 Distributed Learning 1 desktop videoconferencing 1
Education Research 1 executives’ requirements for decision support 1 educational technology 1 framework 1
group level 1 Information Technology in Higher Education. 1 indirect use 1 information use 1
IS use 1 implementation 1 IT in business education. 1 impact of culture on knowledge management 1
knowledge management systems 1 knowledge management review 1 knowledge management tools 1 Learning Assessment 1
Learning Models 1 multimodal networks 1 networks 1 Online Education 1
Online Learning and Instruction 1 organizational knowledge management 1 organizational culture 1 performance 1
research issues in knowledge management 1 research agenda 1 social networks 1 Social media 1
social network analysis 1 Technology-Mediated Learning 1 technology mediated learning 1 theory 1
values in organizations 1 wiki 1

Articles (10)

What's Different about Social Media Networks? A Framework and Research Agenda (MIS Quarterly, 2014)
Authors: Abstract:
    In recent years, we have witnessed the rapid proliferation and widespread adoption of a new class of information technologies, commonly known as social media. Researchers often rely on social network analysis (SNA) when attempting to understand these technologies, often without considering how the novel capabilities of social media platforms might affect the underlying theories of SNA, which were developed primarily through studies of offline social networks. This article outlines several key differences between traditional offline social networks and online social media networks by juxtaposing an established typology of social network research with a well-regarded definition of social media platforms that articulates four key features. The results show that at four major points of intersection, social media has considerable theoretical implications for SNA. In exploring these points of intersection, this study outlines a series of theoretically distinct research questions for SNA in social media contexts. These points of intersection offer considerable opportunities for researchers to investigate the theoretical implications introduced by social media and lay the groundwork for a robust social media agenda potentially spanning multiple disciplines.
Casting the Net: A Multimodal Network Perspective on User-System Interactions. (Information Systems Research, 2008)
Authors: Abstract:
    Information systems (IS) researchers have typically examined the user-system relationship as an isolated dyad between a single, independent user and an individual, freestanding information system. We argue that this conceptualization does not adequately represent most organizations today, in which multiple users interact with multiple information systems within a group. Relying heavily on the theory and methods behind social network analysis, we introduce the concept of multimodal networks to assess both users and information systems as equivalent nodes in a single social network. This perspective allows us to examine the influence of information systems on organizational outcomes as a function of all of the user-system and interpersonal interactions in a group. We explore two different possible mechanisms for this influence: (1) direct user-system interactions by aggregating the strength of all the dyadic user-system interactions in a group, and (2) indirect user-system interactions by assessing the centrality of the information systems within the social network. We survey approximately 600 individuals in 40 healthcare groups to test whether either or both of these mechanisms are associated with two types of organizational performance outcomes-efficiency and quality of care. We find that the centrality of the information systems within the network is significantly and positively associated with both efficiency and quality outcomes, but that the average strength of the user-system interactions is not. Implications are that managers and researchers should examine the wider multimodal network of multiple users and multiple systems when assessing the role of IS in organizations in relation to organizational performance outcomes.
An Empirical Examination of the Influence of Organizational Culture on Knowledge Management Practices. (Journal of Management Information Systems, 2005)
Authors: Abstract:
    Knowledge management to facilitate the creation, storage, transfer, and application of knowledge in organizations has received wide attention in practice and research in the past several years. Often cited as a significant challenge in knowledge management practices is the issue of organizational culture. Although many studies raise the issue of organizational culture's influence on knowledge management success, few investigate the way in which this influence manifests itself. This paper aims to explore how organizational culture influences knowledge management practices. Using a case study method, we examine the cultural values and knowledge management approaches within a large global information services company and one of its knowledge communities. The findings highlight the influence of culture on the use of knowledge management technologies and the outcomes of such use.
A Comparative Study of Distributed Learning Environments on Learning Outcomes. (Information Systems Research, 2002)
Authors: Abstract:
    Advances in information and communication technologies have fueled rapid growth in the popularity of technology-supported distributed learning (DL). Many educational institutions, both academic and corporate, have undertaken initiatives that leverage the myriad of available DL technologies. Despite their rapid growth in popularity, however, alternative technologies for DL are seldom systematically evaluated for learning efficacy. Considering the increasing range of information and communication technologies available for the development of DL environments, we believe it is paramount for studies to compare the relative learning outcomes of various technologies. In this research, we employed a quasi-experimental field study approach to investigate the relative learning effectiveness of two collaborative DL environments in the context of an executive development program. We also adopted a framework of hierarchical characteristics of group support system (GSS) technologies, outlined by DeSanctis and Gallupe (1987), as the basis for characterizing the two DL environments. One DL environment employed a simple e-mail and listserv capability while the other used a sophisticated GSS (herein referred to as Beta system).Interestingly, the learning outcome of the e-mail environment was higher than the learning outcome of the more sophisticated GSS environment. The post-hoc analysis of the electronic messages indicated that the students in groups using the e-mail system exchanged a higher percentage of messages related to the learning task. The Beta system users exchanged a higher level of technology sense-making messages. No significant difference was observed in the students' satisfaction with the learning process under the two DL environments.
Research Commentary: Technology-Mediated Learning--A Call for Greater Depth and Breadth of Research. (Information Systems Research, 2001)
Authors: Abstract:
    The past decade has witnessed a dramatic increase in the development of technology-based teaching and learning. For example, in the university landscape a prominent change has been the increase in virtual course offerings, otherwise referred to as distance learning. Since 1998, the number of universities offering some form of distance learning has increased by 33%. The objective of this essay is to motivate future research and dialogue on technology-mediated learning (TML) by suggesting some potentially productive research venues in this area TML is defined as an environment in which the learner's interactions with learning materials, peers, and instructors are mediated through advanced information technologies. The term "Information technology" broadly refers to computing, communication, and data management technologies, and their convergence. The focus of the essay is on learning from instruction in the context of post secondary educational environments, although the issues are also relevant to corporate training.
REVIEW: KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS: CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATIONS AND RESEARCH ISSUES. (MIS Quarterly, 2001)
Authors: Abstract:
    Knowledge is a broad and abstract notion that has defined epistemological debate in western philosophy since the classical Greek era. In the past few years, however, there has been a growing interest in treating knowledge as a significant organizational resource. Consistent with the interest in organizational knowledge and knowledge management (KM), IS researchers have begun promoting a class of information systems, referred to as knowledge management systems (KMS). The objective of KMS is to support creation, transfer, and application of knowledge in organizations. Knowledge and knowledge management are complex and multi-faceted concepts. Thus, effective development and implementation of KMS requires a foundation in several rich literatures. To be credible, KMS research and development should preserve and build upon the significant literature that exists in different but related fields. This paper provides a review and interpretation of knowledge management literatures in different fields with an eye toward identifying the important areas for research. We present a detailed process view of organizational knowledge management with a focus on the potential role of information technology in this process. Drawing upon the literature review and analysis of knowledge management processes, we discuss several important research issues surrounding the knowledge management processes and the role of IT in support of these processes.
Using IT to Reengineer Business Education: An Exploratory Investigation of Collaborative Telelearning. (MIS Quarterly, 1995)
Authors: Abstract:
    This longitudinal field study (three work sessions plus an initial training session) investigates the efficacy of a new technology-desktop video- conferencing (DVC)-in support of collaborative telelearning (i.e., collaborative learning among non-proximate team members). Two types of collaborative telelearning environments are considered: One involves local groups (i.e., students on the same campus), and the other involves non-proximate distant groups (La. students on two separate campuses). The collaborative telelearning environments are compared to each other and to a traditional face-to-face collaborative learning environment. The study found that the three environments are equally effective in terms of student knowledge acquisition; however, higher critical-thinking skills were found in the distant DVC environment. The subjects in the three learning environments were equally satisfied with their learning process and outcomes. At the conclusion of the longitudinal assessment, the distant students using DVC were more committed and attracted to their groups compared to local students who worked face-to-face or through DVC.
Computer-Mediated Collaborative Learning: An Empirical Evaluation. (MIS Quarterly, 1994)
Authors: Abstract:
    National commissions and scholarly reports on the status of contemporary higher education have frequently been critical of the college experience; the emphasis on transmitting fixed bodies of information and a failure to develop problem solving and critical thinking skills have been cited as serious weaknesses in higher education systems. Colleges and universities have additional reasons to redevelop central pedagogies for students. Individuals need to learn at higher rates of effectiveness and efficiency than ever before because of rapidly growing bodies of relevant information and the escalation of knowledge and skill requirements for most jobs. Recent developments in computer hardware, software, and communication technologies create exciting new opportunities for the educational use of these technologies. The objective of this study is to go beyond the traditional classroom instructional modes (e.g., lectures and class discussions) to develop and evaluate computer-supported pedagogical approaches. More specifically, this study investigates whether the use of a group decision support system (GDSS) in a collaborative learning process enhances student learning and evaluation of classroom experiences. The findings of a study involving 127 MBA students indicate that GDSS-supported collaborative learning leads to higher levels of perceived skill development, self-reported learning, and evaluation of classroom experience in comparison with non-GDSS supported collaborative learning. Furthermore, the final test grades of the group of students who were exposed to GDSS-supported collaborative learning were significantly higher than those of the other group of students who participated in the experiment.
Revisiting DSS Implementation Research: A Meta- Analysis of the Literature and Suggestions for Researchers. (MIS Quarterly, 1992)
Authors: Abstract:
    Information systems are becoming increasingly critical to the daily operations and success of many firms. This, combined with the rising investments in design and development of these systems, make implementation a high priority research topic. Although information systems implementation has been a topic of interest to researchers over the past two decades, the extent to which the existing body of research reflects substantial and cumulative development is not entirely clear. The objective of this study is to conduct a rigorous and quantitative review of the empirical DSS implementation literature as a basis for providing guidelines for implementation management and conduct of future research. Metaanalysis of 144 findings from 33 studies indicates that user-situational variables (involvement, training and experience) are more important than psychological factors to DSS implementation success and that user-situational variables can improve the implementation success by as much as 30 percent. Furthermore, the meta-analytic findings regarding the methodological characteristics of studies provide useful insights for the design of future research studies of implementation. The findings also allow us to put into perspective the incremental contribution of additional substantive and empirical studies in this area. Additionally, several specific domains (e.g., construct validation research on user involvement and casual modeling) might profit most from future research efforts.
An Assessment of the Concept of Decision Support Systems as Viewed by Senior-Level Executives. (MIS Quarterly, 1982)
Authors: Abstract:
    This article describes a study performed to (1) investigate senior executives' perceptions of decision support systems concepts, and (2) identify executives' needs and desired benefits related to decision support systems. A series of indepth interviews was conducted with senior-level industrial executives. The findings suggest three guidelines for the design of effective decision support systems: (1) executive users should be directly involved in the development and evaluation of the initial design concept, (2) if possible, a prototype should be built before developing the full-scale system, and (3) the decision support system should provide capabilities for complexity coping, conflict resolution, and uncertainty reduction.