Design Theory for Societal Digital Transformation: The Case of Digital Global Health

2023 | Journal of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Braa, Jørn; Sahay, Sundeep; Monteiro, Eric

Abstract: With societal challenges, including but not limited to human development, equit ... Expand

Abstract: With societal challenges, including but not limited to human development, equity, social justice, and climate change, societal-level digital transformation (SDT) is of imminent relevance and theoretical interest. While building on local-level efforts, societal-level transformation is a nonlinear extension of the local level. Unfortunately, academic discourse on digital transformation has largely left SDT unaccounted for. Drawing on more than 25 years of intensive, interventionist research engagement with the digital transformation of public healthcare information management and delivery in more than 80 countries in the Global South, we contribute to theorizing SDT in the form of a design theory consisting of six interconnected design principles. These design principles articulate the interplay and tensions of accommodating over time increased diversity and flexibility in digital solutions, while simultaneously connecting local, national, and regional/ global efforts. inception in three townships in post-apartheid South Africa, different versions and configurations of the DHIS have been adopted by more than 80 countriesincluding all but two African countries south of the Sahara, Norway, and other "developed" countriesthrough the efforts of universities, ministries of health, international organizations, funding, and various other agencies. Its ambition highlights the concerns of equity, inclusiveness, and ideology-that is, making design "that matters" (Bødker & Kyng, 2018) for society.According to Markus and Rowe (2021), the study of SDT to date remains underresearched (cf. also Vial, 2019), despite its tremendous significance in the different facets of social life globally. This mirrors the general critique that Jørn Braa is a professor at the University of Oslo, Norway, where he has spent much of his professional career initiating, cultivating, and promoting interventionist research on and around the DHIS2/ HISP efforts. He is the "father" of the project. His work has been published in outlets including the MIS Quarterly, The Information Society, Information Technology for Development, and in books.Sundeep Sahay is a professor at the University of Oslo, Norway and for the last couple of decades has been engaged in the DHIS2/ HISP project, with a main focus on Asia in general and India in particular. His work has been published in outlets including MIS Quarterly, Information and Organization, Information Systems Research, and in books.Eric Monteiro is a professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and an adjunct professor at the University of Oslo. He has a long-term, low-intensity engagement with DHIS2/ HISP spanning more than two decades. His work has been published in outlets including MIS Quarterly, European Journal of Information Systems, Journal of the Association for Information Systems, and a recent book. Collapse

Topics: public good digital transformation digital innovation information management health information system

Methods: design theory synthesis theory development theoretical contribution longitudinal research

Measuring the Big Data Readiness of Developing Countries – Index Development and its Application to Africa

2023 | Information Systems Frontiers | Citations: 0

Authors: Joubert, Anke; Murawski, Matthias; Bick, Markus

Abstract: The use of big data promises to drive economic growth and development and can th ... Expand

Abstract: The use of big data promises to drive economic growth and development and can therefore be a value-adding factor, but compared to private or public organisations, the country level is rarely investigated, and that is even more evident for developing countries. Another topic hardly ever considered in the big data research field is ‘big data readiness’, which means the level of preparation and willingness to exploit big data. We address these shortcomings in the literature and focus on the big data readiness of developing countries. Thus, the first research question is: what components are required for an index measuring big data readiness, and how can such an index be designed? We use a design science approach to develop the “Big Data Readiness Index” (BDRI), which is then applied to all African countries to answer our second research question: how do African countries perform in terms of the BDRI? Our analysis yields country rankings that show relatively high BDRI scores for coastal countries, such as South Africa, Kenya and Namibia, and for islands, such as Mauritius. Related implications for both research and policy are discussed. Collapse

Topics: big data missing data open data research and development telephone

Methods: design science cluster analysis hierarchical clustering literature study design process

Bounce Forward Resilience Attributes: Information System Strengthening in Response to Crisis

2023 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Russpatrick, Scott; Amarakoon, Pamod; Hedberg, Calle

Abstract: Previous information system resilience studies have predominantly focused on an ... Expand

Abstract: Previous information system resilience studies have predominantly focused on analyzing bounce back, return to pre-shock state, resilience. This paper explores the phenomena of bounce forward information system resilience through longitudinal analysis of the COVID-19 responses in Sri Lanka and Sierra Leone. Both of these countries were able to significantly expand their information systems in terms of functionality, scale, and coordination in response to the pandemic. The goal of this paper is to derive new bounce forward attributes that were present in the information system landscapes of these countries prior to the pandemic. Through the analysis of these cases against the previously identified resilience attributes found in the literature, we defined capacity for coordinated agility, configurable and extensible innovation platform infrastructure, and human resource action potential as unique information system attributes that can constitute bounce forward outcomes when systems face shocks or are under stress.2013; Russpatrick et al., 2021). In response to this gap, we propose the following research question: Are there unique attributes of an information system that can bounce forward when responding to and adapting from a crisis such as COVID-19? We identify specific system properties, referred to as attributes, that enable a bounce forward of the IS. We derive these attributes through a critical realist, empirical investigation of longitudinal case-studies of the COVID-19 surveillance systems in Sri Lanka and Sierra Leone. Driven by fresh case data and new research, we build on, refine, and fill the gaps of previously identified bounce back and bounce forward resilience attributes (Russpatrick et al. 2021; Amarakoon et al., 2022, Park et al., 2021 Kinkade et al. 2022. We examine in both countries the use of the free and open-source District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2) platform for COVID-19 surveillance.The paper is organized as follows. First, we define our conceptualization of resilience attributes through the analysis of the existing resilience attributes from prior research. Next, we present a detailed description of each case-study. From there, we present a cross-case analysis through the lens of established bounce back attributes to explicate the bounce forward outcomes. In the discussion we present new bounce forward resilience attributes through corroboration with the case data and triangulation against existent literature on bounce forward resilience. Finally we briefly recapitulate our findings in the conclusion. Collapse

Topics: innovation management pandemic human resource management application programming interface health information system

Methods: case study triangulation qualitative interview longitudinal case study field study

Understanding AI ecosystems in the Global South: The cases of Senegal and Cambodia

2022 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Heng, Samedi; Tsilionis, Konstantinos; Scharff, Christelle; Wautelet, Yves

Abstract: The Global South (GS) refers to a block of countries in the process of rapidly c ... Expand

Abstract: The Global South (GS) refers to a block of countries in the process of rapidly catching up with the industriali­ zation of their economies. GS countries are trying to leverage their growing demand for innovative products and services to negotiate the uptake of novel technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). The latter can help such countries further stimulate their economic growth and become influential in dictating policies that could advance global development. However, a misaligned AI-adoption strategy entails the risk of alienating the social, economic, and even cultural requirements of such countries, ultimately leading to the incorporation of tech­ nologies not serving the needs of their users. Subsequently, we conduct a study whose goal is to provide guidelines on how to perform a comprehensive analysis of the AI ecosystems in GS countries, to determine their readiness to adopt and utilize beneficially these technologies. For this, we performed a qualitative case study of two GS countries, namely Senegal and Cambodia. The depiction of their AI ecosystems unveiled the need to stimulate their societies (i.e., by media exposure, education, etc.) in discerning the practical effects of AI. However, an impactful AI implementation requires a reciprocated satisfaction of the needs of multiple contributing actors. Finally, particular recommendations are offered at the level of these countries’ academic, industrial, and governmental constitutions, suggesting to focalize their resources in order to better energize (and optimally disperse) their research and entrepreneurial capabilities that could help identify the ways in which AI solutions can be of added-value within the premises of these two countries. Collapse

Topics: artificial intelligence digital transformation innovation management IS economics privacy

Methods: qualitative interview computational algorithm survey case study theoretical contribution

Theories: socio technical theory theory of economic growth

In-betweenness in ICT4D research: critically examining the role of the researcher

2022 | European Journal of Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Jimenez, Andrea; Abbott, Pamela; Dasuki, Salihu

Abstract: The ICT4D discipline has faced criticisms of an uneven production of knowledge t ... Expand

Abstract: The ICT4D discipline has faced criticisms of an uneven production of knowledge that reinforces a dichotomy between Global North-Western knowledge systems on the one side, and Global South-indigenous-Southern knowledge systems on the other. As a result, some ICT4D literature has examined the role of the researcher in reinforcing these biases and further exacerbating inequalities, thus highlighting the complex relationship between ICT4D researchers and the research process. Yet, most of this literature has focused on an insider/outsider researcher positionality. This paper explores the role of the researcher from the alternative position of in-betweenness, where researchers adopt more fluid and dynamic positions as reflexive spaces. To do this, we engage in a dialogical process of retrospective reflections based on ICT4D projects in Nigeria, Peru and West Africa. Through these cases, we identify how we experience in-betweenness in distinct ways: as liminal spaces, as performative spaces, and as spaces of disjuncture. We also examine how these forms of in-betweenness informed our research. We demonstrate that a researcher positionality of in-betweenness in ICT4D research can increase awareness of nuanced researcher roles and potentially avoid ethical dilemmas and reproducing biases. Collapse

Topics: information and communication technology for development innovation management open access accounting sensemaking

Methods: literature study qualitative interview theory development action research field study

Engaging with uncertainty: Information practices in the context of disease surveillance in Burkina Faso

2021 | Information and Organization | Citations: 0

Authors: Rasmussen, Stine Loft; Sahay, Sundeep

Abstract: Uncertainty is inherent to outbreaks of infectious diseases; a topic of global c ... Expand

Abstract: Uncertainty is inherent to outbreaks of infectious diseases; a topic of global concern. Addressing global outbreaks requires – among other things – well-functioning systems to produce informa­ tion. The aim of the paper is to understand uncertainty in the context of information systems (IS) and to analyze the role of formal and informal information practices in identifying and responding to communicable diseases in the context of developing countries. Our empirical focus is on a dengue outbreak in 2016 in Burkina Faso- Dengue was then unknown in the context and formal “techne” based information systems were inadequate in dealing with it. Drawing on work defining uncertainty as a resource, we extend our practice-based theoretical lens with the con­ cepts of “general and specific metis” to describe practices neither established formally or infor­ mally, but which evolve as the disease unfolds. While general metis represents practices based on the broader understanding of the context which the health staff have, specific metis relates to the particular practices they construct to acquire, share, and react on information as the disease unfolds. Our paper contributes primarily in foregrounding the role of uncertainty in information systems research and how this relates to formal, informal and emerging information practices. Collapse

Topics: health information system analytical information system

Methods: qualitative interview case study ethnography longitudinal research field study

Toward a Better Understanding of Crisis and Online Prosocial Lending

2021 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Wang, Zhiyi; Yang, Lusi; Hahn, Jungpil

Abstract: In this study, we examine crowd lenders' responses to crisis as well as the var ... Expand

Abstract: In this study, we examine crowd lenders' responses to crisis as well as the variations of their responses. Drawing on the literature on crisis response and online prosocial behavior, we propose that lenders respond positively to loans in crisis-affected areas, and that such responses are shaped by contextual factors including loan value orientation and lenders' cultural orientation. With field data from the largest prosocial lending platform and the 2014 Ebola outbreak as a natural experiment design, we find that lenders respond positively to loans in crisis-affected areas. The results further suggest that lenders' positive responses are stronger to loans with greater economic value orientation rather than social value orientation, and lenders in collectivistic cultures respond more positively than those from individualistic cultures to loans in crisis-affected areas. We provide important implications for the literature on crisis response and prosocial behaviors. Practical implications are also discussed. Collapse

Topics: peer-to-peer lending crowdsourcing decision making natural hazard emergency management

Methods: experimental group natural experiment regression analysis method survey generalized linear model

Privacy Awareness under Scrutiny: Field Experimental Evidence on Health Data Protection in Underserved Communities

2020 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Gabel, Marie; Foege, J Nils; Nã, Stephan

Abstract: Health information systems in developing countries support the political vision ... Expand

Abstract: Health information systems in developing countries support the political vision of promoting equity in access to health services. However, these data-driven advancements raise severe privacy issues in most developing countries due to the lack of awareness of privacy risks and of measures to counteract those risks. Drawing on social cognitive theory and the Antecedents-Privacy Concerns-Outcomes model, we combine two complementary theoretical lenses to argue that solution-focused and risk-focused privacy awareness-raising measures influence individuals’ data protection behavior through the two channels of privacy self-efficacy and privacy concerns. To test our theorizing, we conducted a randomized, controlled field experiment in collaboration with a nongovernmental organization working on health information systems in West Africa. Our results provide in-depth and context-sensitive insights into how privacy awareness influences privacy behavior. We show that even simple awareness-raising measures increase individuals’ privacy protection behavior when framed in a solution-focused instead of a risk-focused way. Collapse

Topics: privacy information privacy concern self efficacy privacy behavior data protection

Methods: survey experiment field experiment mediation analysis theory development

Theories: social cognitive theory protection motivation theory

Modeling online user behaviors with competitive interactions

2019 | Information & Management | Citations: 0

Authors: He, Saike; Zheng, Xiaolong; Zeng, Daniel Dajun

Abstract: Online user behaviors are increasingly modulated by social media. Extant literat ... Expand

Abstract: Online user behaviors are increasingly modulated by social media. Extant literature mainly focuses on investigating how network structures affect user behaviors. However, recent empirical results demonstrate that user behaviors and network structures usually coevolve dynamically, and topological patterns turn out to be inadequate for characterizing real-world user behaviors. In this paper, we present a dynamic model to deal with this challenge. This proposed model is mainly governed by two competing principles: homophily and homeostasis. Empirical evaluations of three online real-world datasets suggest that the proposed dynamic model can well predict long-range online user behaviors. Collapse

Topics: Twitter user behavior social capital social media social network

Methods: computational algorithm sentiment analysis Student's t-test parametric test qualitative coding

Information and communication technology use continuance behavioral intention: Differential effect based on socio-economic status

2018 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Kaba, Bangaly

Abstract: In the global information society, the importance of the Internet cannot be over ... Expand

Abstract: In the global information society, the importance of the Internet cannot be overemphasized. Unfortunately, a case in point is Africa, where, as per 2017 statistics, only 9.4 % of the population use the Internet [25]. While tremendous efforts have been made to address global Internet penetration, recent studies and statistics still indicate the digital inequality still exists today (Yu et al, 2016) and it prevents some individuals to benefit from the digital opportunities. The aim of this paper is to understand the difference in Internet use continuance by people of different economic status. The finding showed that satisfaction is the strongest precursor for Internet use continuance and it affects stronger the socio-economically advantaged groups than the socio-economically disadvantaged people. The results imply that different strategies should be adopted to bridge the digital inequality basis of socio-economic status more specifically income levels. Collapse

Topics: internet technology information system use usage intention perceived usefulness electronic mail

Methods: partial least squares regression survey theory development parametric test Student's t-test

Theories: technology acceptance model