Integration Technology, Implications & Justifications

SE20.1 From an Organization with Networks to a Networked Organization Efrem Mallach, Dorothy J. Eastman --- Univ. of MA, Coll. of Mgmt., 1 University Ave., Lowell, MA 01824 , (mallache@woods.uml.edu)

In a fully networked organization, the nature of information sharing¨ changes. Information flow becomes unpredictable and information¨ loses traceability to its originator. We study the barriers to¨ networked organizations, the implications for organizational¨ behavior patterns, for information quality and for the required¨ supporting technology.

SE20.2 Mapping Business Processes into SAP for Organizational Integration Kimberly Queenan, Reza Barkhi --- Stream Intl., , , (kqueenan@stream.com)

Implementation of SAP requires business processes to be defined¨ precisely and compiled tightly. We propose a framework that may help¨ establish and structure business processes so that they facilitate¨ implementation in SAP. We explore the mapping of business process¨ definitions in to SAP modules using data flow diagrams via¨ decomposition and leveling. In this framework, convergence and¨ harmonization are discussed.

SE20.3 Managing Investments in Robotics or Other Technology Thomas Klammer --- Univ. of North TX, Dept. of Acct., Denton, TX 76205 , (klammer@cobaf.unt.edu)

Problems frequently arise in managing investments in robotics or¨ other technology. Project sponsors (the technical staff) often do¨ not communicate with the evaluators (the financial staff).¨ Disconnects between top management and the technical and financial¨ staffs can create adversarial relationships. We summarize ways to¨ reduce these types of problems.

SE20.4 Information-Based Technology Investment Decisions Norma C. Powell, Reza Barkhi --- Univ. of MA, Lowell, MA 01844 , (powelln@woods.uml.edu)

Companies make investment decisions in order to increase the value¨ of the firm. The investment decision impacts the value of the firm¨ in 1 of 2 basic ways: an increase in the revenue stream or a¨ decrease in costs. Traditional investment justification models may¨ not apply to information-based technologies. The reason may be due¨ to an inadequate understanding and measurement of cost-benefit for¨ information-based technologies....