by Philip Hills
philiphills@compuserve.com
page 1-2
by Robert Hudson, Kevin Keasey and Kevin Littler
rsh@lubs.leeds.ac.uk
page 3-16
Given the rapid increase, over the past couple of years, of share dealing services available on the web, this paper describes the findings of research study into design specification of web-based (net) share trading sites. The purpose of the research is to highlight the key features of net trading sites across the globe and to identify 'best of breed' examples of the features. The research is based on the latest available literature and a review of the majority of the sites across the globe. With this background in mind, the paper offers the first comprehensive review of the types of features that are available on net trading sites across the globe.
by Angela Edmunds and Anne Morris
a.morris@lboro.ac.uk
page 17-28
This paper reviews the literature on the problem of information overload, with particular reference to business organisations. The literature reveals that although the problem of information overload has existed for many years, in recent years the problem has become more widely recognised and experienced. Both perceptions and the actual effects of information overload have been exacerbated by the rapid advances made in information and communication technology, although it is not clear cut as to whether the Internet has worsened or improved the situation. A theme stressed in the literature is the paradoxical situation that, although there is an abundance of information available, it is often difficult to obtain useful, relevant information when it is needed. Some solutions put forward to reduce information overload are: a reduction in the duplication of information found in the professional literature; the adoption of personal information management strategies, together with the integration of software solutions such as push technology and intelligent agents; and the provision of value-added information (filtered by software or information specialists). An emphasis is placed on technology as a tool and not the driver, while increased information literacy may provide the key to reducing information overload.
by K. B. C. Saxena and B. S. Sahay
bsaxena@mdi.ac.in
page 29-57
The success of Indian manufacturing in meeting global competition will depend on its speed to move itself from a protected domestic to a world-class global manufacturing status. This paper analyses a survey conducted for the purpose of determining world-class status of Indian manufacturing companies and identifies important issues that need to be addressed in order to be a world-class manufacturer. The analysis compares the manufacturing intent to be an agile manufacturer and their information technology (IT) infrastructure in terms of scope of use, extent of use and integration of IT-based systems. The findings of the analysis are somewhat alarming as they show that most of the companies have fragmented (rather than integrated) information management systems which may not enable them to deliver superior value to their customers and lead them to world-class status. They must, therefore, align their IT initiatives towards facilitating agile manufacturing rather than introducing IT to merely automate their conventional operations.
by Tanai Khiaonarong
t.khiaonarong@lse.ac.uk
page 59-72
This paper examines the creation of modern electronic payment systems in Thailand. Thailand, like other major developed and emerging economies, experienced payment systems reforms in the 1990s. The country's economic expansion, which started in the late-1980s but unexpectedly ended in the late-1990s, led to the development of three major payment systems. The central bank played a leading role, in the absence of private sector initiative, in investing, developing, enhancing and managing these systems. This included the introduction of a real-time gross settlement system, which became one of the most advanced large-value funds transfer systems in the world during its launch date. The case illustrates the experiences undertaken, in the reform of rudimentary payment systems in an emerging economy context, and the lessons may be relevant for countries facing similar stages of development. Such experiences has also raised relevant issues, including the development of laws supporting electronic payments, the providing of liquidity for payment settlements, the inclusion of risk reduction measures, the reduction of cheque float through electronic data interchange, and the management of change in payment systems.
by Gerry Leonidas
g.leonidas@reading.ac.uk
page 73-76
Fundamental to the management of an organisation is the effective utilisation of the information both in terms of data and of knowledge resident in internal processes. Information design is the activity of developing representations of complex data and knowledge in ways that facilitate the analysis of information and maximise its potential value to users within the organisation. Information design products can be used as strategic and tactical tools, disseminating policy or aiding decision making.
by Lyn Robinson, Ia McIlwaine, Philip Copestake and Christina Anderson
lynrobinson@cs.com
page 79-88
An evaluation of toxicology information resources is reported, comparing commercial online databases and a specialised in-house database. A mixed qualitative/quantitative approach, using 10 test queries and detailed failure analysis was used. The main conclusions are: the in-house database is superior to any 'general' database in recall and precision; commercial databases are a useful complement, usually providing unique material; a range of databases should be used for good recall; for the commercial databases, complex search strategies are necessary, using the specific access points of each database; retrieval failures are due primarily to coverage, secondly to poor indexing of specific toxic effect.
Transcribed by Lesa Ng
3 April 2000