Mendo and Fitzgerald (2005) apply theoretical models to explain how businesses use technology in their operations and management processes. According to this theoretical research paper, several staged models explain how business move in stages of e-business from the use of the internet to the integration of business information systems and redesigning of business processes. The UK and the EU are commonly known to apply these theoretical approaches in their adoption of technology in business. However, the UK has still records a small number of businesses has adopted the e-business. Some critics argue that the theoretical models are too general and do not consider the specific needs of businesses.
The Stages of Growth Model as applied in Information Systems suggests that the planning, controlling and organizing of computerized systems change over time. Each stage of business growth is characterized by the use and management of a specific IT/IS to facilitate business operations and management. The stages start with the use of email for business communication, progressing to creation of websites, buying and selling of products online, and lastly integrating IT and IS across the organization. The weakness of this model is that it oversimplifies complex business activities, and contradicts empirical findings in the business world. In this regard, the authors suggest alternative models that replace the stage growth model, including learning model and contingent adoption model.
The quality of this theoretical research paper is high because it focuses on a specific research question and uses empirical and theoretical findings to address it. The research question or objective is clearly stated – to analyse the effectiveness of stages growth model in business information systems. This objective is interesting and important because it provides a unique view on a commonly used theoretical framework. It captures the interests of readers because people understand the growth model as a relevant theory in business; so they are willing to see how the model works in business information systems. The quality of this research paper is also enhanced by its originality. Although the researchers base their arguments on secondary data, their analysis arrives at a unique and original conclusion. The background research is clearly shown by the author’s reference to various theories and concepts related to the IS models. There is no ethical problem to be shown in this paper because the researchers have not engaged in any malpractice that can be seen.
This research uses a theoretical descriptive method by describing the weaknesses and strengths of the growth model. This method is good for analysis of a theory. This research method is clearly appropriate for the research question because it describes the weaknesses and strengths of the model to ascertain its effectiveness in business information systems. These methods are not clearly stated; it looks theoretical in nature. The paper goes straight into theory, describing, analysing, and providing alternative solutions. However, one can see the descriptive method used in the paper from the introduction to the conclusion. Data was obtained from secondary sources including studies of IS and IT adoption in the UK. The analysis was done correctly to address the research question, using a descriptive approach. The conclusions were supported by the data. For example, the researchers suggest that many businesses have failed in the UK despite using Information Systems. This information supports the conclusion that the growth model has not achieved much success in business information systems.
The quality of the presentation of this research paper is also high because it is well presented using appropriate theories, background research, evidence, and conclusions. It is well-structured using titles and sub-titles that convey specific messages that address the research question successfully. Key terms and concepts such as SMEs, e-business, e-commerce and stages of growth model are explained and used appropriately to address the objective of the research. Additional tables and figures would be used to promote visual representations of the stages of growth model and enhance better understanding of ideas related to e-business and e-commerce.
References:
Fernando Alonso Mendo and Guy Fitzgerald, Theoretical Approaches to StudySMEs eBusiness Progression, Journal of Computing and Information Technology - CIT 13, 2005, 2, 123–136. source: hrcak.srce.hr/file/69322. URL Source: hrcak.srce.hr/file/69322
