Dissertations

Members of the Information Use Research Group have supervised a number of higher research degree students to completion of their degrees. This page provides information about these students and their theses.

• Chan, Roy (2004) Structuring and Modeling Knowledge in the Context of Enterprise Systems
• Cuffe, Natalie (2002) Legal Information Literacy: Student Experiences and the Implications for Legal Eucation Curriculum Development
• Edwards, Sylvia (2005) Panning for Gold: Influencing the Experience of Web-Based Information Searching
• Kelegai, Limbie (2005) Elements Influencing IS Success in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Organisations in Papua New Guinea
• Klaus, Helmut (2004) Elements of a Hermeneutics of Knowledge in Government: The Coalition of Public Sector Reform and Enterprise Resource
• Lupton, Mandy (2003) Researching and Essay: Undergraduates' Ways of Experiencing Information Literacy
• Middleton, Michael (2007) A conceptual framework for information management: formation of a discipline
• Nel, Johan (2004) Information Technology Investment Evaluation and Measurement (ITIEM) Methodology: A Case Study and Action Research of the Dimensions and Measures of IT - Business -Value in Financial Institutions
• Nelson, Karen (2004) A Multi-Methodological Examination of Information and Knowledge Management (IKM) in Business Contexts
• Snoke, Bob (2004) Generic Attributes of Australian Information Systems Graduates: An Empirical Study
• Stewart, Glenn (2001) Emancipating IT Leadership: An Action Research Program
• Tilley, Christine (2006) “A Sense of Control”: A Model Of A Virtual Community For People With Mobility Impairments

Chan, Roy (2004) Structuring and Modeling Knowledge in the Context of Enterprise Systems [PhD] Supervisors: Prof Michael Rosemann (P), AsPro Christine Bruce (A)

Abstract: In recent years, the Information Technology (IT) industry has been overwhelmed by a new class of packaged application software collectively known as Enterprise Systems (ES). Enterprise Systems are comprehensive business operating systems that weave together all the data within an organisation's business processes and associated functional areas. In particular, ES provide organisations with the ability to manage data and information in a real time environment and to integrate operations between various departments; capacities that had been previously unrealized in traditional information systems. ES have since been established as an integral development in the lnformation Systems (IS) field and extensively studied by academics.

The implementation and operation of ES are known to be complex and costly installations that require knowledge and expertise from various areas and sources. The knowledge necessary for managing ES is diverse and varied; it extends from the application of knowledge in different phases of the ES life cycle to the exchange of knowledge between ES vendors, clients and consultants. The communication of knowledge between the various agents adds another dimension to the complex nature of ES. Thus, ES clients have been motivated to reduce costs and retain ES knowledge within the organisation.

Research has been conducted on the critical success factors and issues involved in implementing ES. These studies often address the lack of appropriate in-house ES knowledge and the need to actively manage ES-related knowledge. With motivation from another area of research known as Knowledge Management. academia and industry have strived to provide solutions and strategies for managing ES-related knowledge. However, it is often not clear what this ‘knowledge' is, what type(s) of knowledge is relevant, who possesses the type(s) of knowledge and how knowledge can be instituted to facilitate the execution of processes.

This research aims to identify the relevant knowledge in the context of Enterprise Systems. The types of knowledge required for ES are derived by studying the knowledge (techne) for different ES roles, managers and implementation consultants. This provides a perspective for understanding how ES knowledge can be structured. By applying a process modeling approach, the understanding of the relation of ES knowledge to roles and business processes thus gained will demonstrate how knowledge can be modeled.

The understanding of ES knowledge and how it can be managed is first formalised by the development of a conceptual framework based on the existing literature. An exploratory study found that the identification of ES knowledge was necessary before the other activities in the knowledge management dimension could be effected. As an appropriate concept of knowledge could not be derived from the IS literature, the concept of techne emerged from a more comprehensive literature review. Techne (‘art' or ‘applied science' or ‘skill') is defined as the trained ability of rationally producing, i.e. the ability to produce something reliably, under a variety of conditions, on the basis of reasoning. This involves having knowledge, or having what seems to be knowledge (awareness) of whatever principles and patterns one relies on. With this foundation, the main focus of the research is on the content analysis of the most popular implementation tool for Enterprise Systems management, VaIueSAP. This tool is studied with respect to the types of knowledge (techne), roles and activities in ES implementation. The analysis of VaIueSAP thus contributes to the understanding of the structure and distribution of knowledge in ES projects. Consequently, case studies were conducted to understand how the derived ES knowledge can be instituted in business processes using process modeling techniques. This part of the study demonstrates the modeling perspective of the research.

Fulltext:

Where is Roy now? Roy currently works for PricewaterhouseCoopers, Singapore.

Cuffe, Natalie (2002) Legal Information Literacy: Student Experiences and the Implications for Legal Eucation Curriculum Development [Masters] Supervisors: AsPro Christine Bruce (P)

Abstract: Information literacy is increasingly being well established as an important educational outcome for university graduates of all disciplines, both by universities and employers. The 1997 Goldsworthy report The Global lnformation Economy: The Way Ahead, recommended in the area of enhancing skills formation, education and training that “alI tertiary graduates should be information and communication technology literate in their chosen fields of study and expertise by the year 2000” (Goldsworthy, 1997:79). I n 2000 the “encouragement of universities to ensure that their graduates enter the work force with the competencies needed, including information literacy skills and lifelong learning skills” was outlined as a strategic priority by the Australian Vice Chancellor's Committee in its paper The Way Forward: Higher Education Plan for the Information Economy (AVCC,2000).This is being adopted by universities in their statements shout graduate attributes which invariably refer to lifelong learning capabilities, information literacy or both of these. The significance of incorporating legal research skills training in law curricula has been acknowledged since the 1987 Pearce Report. Despite the growing emphasis on information skills training, research into this area of legal education in Australia has been scant.

The aim of this research was to contribute to our understanding in this area; in particular to examine the extent of law students' use of information and information technology, their success rates with using information and information technology, and their views on the place of legal research and information literacy education A written survey was administered to final year law students at three Brisbane university law schools. The survey included a research problem that focused on common legal research tasks involving Australian law that was designed to test the students' perceptions of their success rates in a range of information and information technology activities, and to provide common information about student legal research ability that could not be provided by individual university assessment results.

The primary outcome of this survey is a picture of law students' present experiences with information and information technology previously unavailable to legal educators. In particular the results of the survey show that, despite the rich information and information technology environment surrounding law students and existing skills training, present legal curricula does not seem to have succeeded in the task of educating students in effective information problem solving that is critical in legal practice.

The results of the research reveal a picture of law students' present experiences with information, information technology and legal research of interest In legal educators in reviewing legal curricula to foster information literacy and lifelong learning. This has prompted the development of a curriculum model that inculcates these educational imperatives and shifts the paradigm from legal research training to legal information literacy education.

Where is Natalie now? Natalie is currently a lecturer in the QUT Faculty of Law.

Edwards, Sylvia (2005) Panning for Gold: Influencing the Experience of Web-Based Information Searching [PhD] Supervisors: AsPro Christine Bruce (P), Prof Guy Gable (A)

Abstract: Using a phenomenographic approach, Edwards' set out to uncover variation in students' experiences of web-based information searching. Incorporating first year, third year, and postgraduate student perspectives, the participants, who were from the Queensland University of Technology, came from six of the eight university faculties. Different cultures, ages and genders were represented.

Analysis involved an iterative process of seeking meaning and structure. Amongst the group of students interviewed, four categories of explicit variation were discovered and these have been described drawing largely from the words of the participants. Two categories of implicit variation are also proposed. Each explicit category is presented in terms of referential and structural components constituted in terms of the critical dimensions of variation including focal elements, approaches to learning, and reflective practice. The possibility of implicit categories is proposed based on the findings and on the levels of IT skill amongst participants.

This thesis describes how the identified four conceptions, and their structures of awareness, might influence future information literacy curriculum design and web based resources for academics, librarians, and students. Alongside the reported study in this thesis, the first electronic outcome space is also outlined and presented. This electronic outcome space is an enhancement to ways of presenting phenomenographic study findings.

Keywords: phenomenography, information literacy, information searching, information seeking and use, variation theory, learning and awareness, Internet, web-based information searching, phenomenographic method

Fulltext: available via ADT (Australian Digital Theses) database

Where is Sylvia now? Sylvia is currently a Senior Lecturer in the QUT Faculty of IT, and is an ongoing member of the Information Use Research Group. Sylvia's book of her thesis is now available for purchase through Auslib Publishing.

Kelegai, Limbie (2005) Elements Influencing IS Success in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Organisations in Papua New Guinea [PhD] Supervisors: Mr Michael Middleton (P), Prof Alan Underwood (A)

Abstract: Since the introduction of computers in to organisations in the 1950s, computer information systems have become powerful organisational instruments. The uptake of information technology including information systems (IS) and the impact of these technologies have been phenomenal, particularly in the least developed countries (LDCs). Organisations in these countries have continued to utilise IS as a development tool with the belief that it will enhance business processes, in many instances accelerated by foreign assistance. IS can have a positive effect on users, organisations and national development, measured economically or otherwise at the individual, organisational, and national levels. Yet IS implementation and the measure of its success is characterised by a high rate of failure and disagreement among scholars and practitioners.

The success of organisational IS is influenced by a fabric of many variables, including contextual elements. In this regard IS can be influenced by both the organisational context in terms of strategies, structures, politics and culture, and by the wider political socio-economic, cultural, and technological climate within which organisations exist. Understanding the contributing variables and the barriers that impede IS success, would better prepare organisations to overcome the inherent difficulties.

There is a large body of work documenting the usefulness and consequences of IS. However, these studies have been concentrated in the developed countries (DCs), hence, little is known about IS implementation in LDCs. DCs and LDCs differ in their contextual and social settings, and a uniform analysis may not be applicable in their disparate settings. Indeed the paucity of research and data in the IS domain indicates that the study would benefit an LDC such as Papua New Guinea (PNG) and contribute to knowledge in understanding IS implementation in an LDC environment.

This thesis reports on a study that examined IS implementation success in PNG organisations in the context of an LDC. Computers were introduced to PNG in the 1960s, however, no studies have been undertaken to date in this domain that the author is aware of. Hence, the objective of this study was to provide detailed analysis of IS, the context in which it was implemented, its interaction with organisational and external settings, and elicit the underlying elements associated with its success. It also explores the emphasis placed on each of the elements and the extent to which organisations effectively addressed these elements to ensure IS success.

The exploratory study employs a multi method design – beginning in Stage 1 with case studies, followed by a survey in Stage 2. Stage 1 adopted a multiple case study approach. Eight case studies were undertaken, however, results of only four case studies are reported in this thesis. Data obtained in the case studies provide a useful basis for the survey. The study in Stage 2 consolidated and expanded on the case study findings from the perspective of a wider population. All the organisations contacted but not involved in the Stage 1 study contributed by participating in the survey.

The study identified more than fifty elements that contributed to the success of IS in PNG organisations. There were significant similarities to the findings of studies in other DCs and LDCs despite the disparate contextual conditions. Several elements, not identified in prior studies, were also revealed. Based on this study, a set of principles pertaining to IS implementation and management in PNG were postulated. Similarly a set of recommendations were also outlined.

Fulltext: available via ADT (Australian Digital Theses) database

Where is Limbie now? Limbie is currently Assistant Manager of IT Services at Papua New Guinea University of Technology, Lae.

Klaus, Helmut (2004) Elements of a Hermeneutics of Knowledge in Government: The Coalition of Public Sector Reform and Enterprise Resource Planning[PhD] Supervisors: AsPro Christine Bruce (A)

Abstract: In techno-organisational innovation, knowledge is reconstituted. Understanding this process in its complexity and its outcomes asks for an inquiry and interpretation that heed to the conditions at the end of modernity, and must therefore take recourse to practical philosophy. This understanding has been formulated with reference to a field study that inquired into the conduct of reform and effectuation of new information technology by the central department of a regional government over a period of approximately eight years. In considering this ambience, the study has been informed by (i) a synopsis of hermeneutic thinking on knowledge; (ii) an outline of governmentality and (information) technology; (iii) a reflection on the conditions of the social sciences and their relation to information technology; (iv) an exploration of the possibilities of social inquiry at the end of modernity.

Deliberating the stipulations of social inquiry, the destructive narrative is proposed that allows for a rational and argumentative appropriation of the past, beyond scientific method and mere perceptivity. Events, ideas, and experiences indicate the reciprocal relation of political and organisational rationalities, on the one hand, and managerial and informational technologies on the other. Within these dimensions, the knowledge of governmentality is being re-defined, shifting expertise into the harness of business discipline.

The rationalities of information, process, integration, prediction and performance, and ultimately efficiency, make bureaucracy itself an object of increased scrutiny. These rationalities also remind that the challenge of Ge-stell and the rule of politics-as-fabrication do neither come to pass primarily in implementations of managerial technologies, nor in instantiations of information systems, but within the articulations of the technological worldview. Due to the fragmented and contentious nature of knowledge, innovation as routine nevertheless appears disjointed and asynchronous, yet upholding the representational and disciplinary constellations.

Fulltext: available via ADT (Australian Digital Theses) database.

Lupton, Mandy (2003) Researching and Essay: Undergraduates' Ways of Experiencing Information Literacy [Masters] Supervisors: AsPro Christine Bruce (External) - Thesis conducted at University of Canberra

Abstract: This thesis presents a study of students' ways of experiencing information literacy when researching an essay in a first year university course. The aims of the study were to contribute to an understanding and awareness of information literacy from the students' experience, and to inform curriculum design for information literacy education.

The study involved semi-structured interviews with 20 undergraduate students enrolled in a first year environmental studies course at the Australian National University in 2002. A phenomenographic approach was used as the methodological and theoretical basis for the study.

This research was modelled on Limberg's (1998) study of Year 12 students researching an assignment. It is positioned between Limberg's study and Bruce's (1997) study of higher educators' conceptions of information literacy. The experience of information literacy included the interrelationship between the essay, information and learning. The way in which students experienced a focus on learning, focus on the essay task, use of information in the course, use of information in the essay, use of contrasting perspectives and development of argument formed the qualitative differences in experience. Students experienced information literacy when researching an essay as: looking for evidence to backup an existing argument; using background information to develop an argument; and applying learning to help solve environmental problems.

A further outcome of the study is that information literacy is framed as a learning approach. These outcomes may have significance for students, teachers, librarians, academic skills advisors, academic developers, policy makers and administrators in higher education.

Where is Mandy now? Mandy is currently pursuing her PhD at QUT. She is a lecturer at Griffith University, Brisbane.

Middleton, Michael (2006) A conceptual framework for information management: formation of a discipline [PhD by Publication] Supervisors: Professor Guy Gable (P); AsPro Christine Bruce (A)

Abstract: The aim of the research was to investigate the formation of the information management discipline, propose a framework by which it is presently understood, and test that framework within a particular area of application, namely the provision of scientific and technological information (STI) services.

The work is presented as a PhD by Publication which comprises a narrative that encompasses the series of published papers, and includes excerpts from the book written to illustrate the province of the discipline.

In the book the disciplinary context is detailed and exemplified based upon information management domains. The book consolidates information management principles within a framework defined by these operational, analytical and administrative domains. It was created by a redaction of prior epistemological proposals; an analysis of the understanding of practice that has been shaped by professional, institutional and information science influences; and demonstration of practice within the domain framework.

The disciplinary framework was then used in a series of STI case studies where it was found to provide an effective description of information management. Together, the book and subsequent case studies provided illustration of the principles utilised in information management and the way that they are practiced within different domains, along with an explanation of the manner in which the information management discipline has been formed. These should assist with direction of future research and scholarship particularly with respect to factors relevant to information services and indicators for their successful application in future.

It is anticipated that this generalised description of the practices across the range of interpretations of information management should enable practicing information professionals to appreciate the relationship of their own work to disciplines that are converging towards similar purpose, such as through a clearer indication of the extent to which technical and management standards may be applied, and performance analysis undertaken.

Complementary outcomes that were achieved during the course of the work were: a comparative analysis of thesauri in the information field which shows that in this field, the ways that information professionals represent themselves remains unreconciled; an historical examination of Australian STI services that provides pointers to their effective continuation; and a reconsideration of the relationship between librarianship and information management.

The work is presented as a compilation of papers that comprise firstly extracts from the book to exemplify its consolidation of information management principles, then a number of published and submitted papers that examine how principles have been applied in practice. This is in the context of six case studies of Australian STI services including interviews with creators and developers, and analysis of historical information.

Fulltext: TBA

Where is Michael now? Michael is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Information Systems, QUT.

Nel, Johan (2004) Information Technology Investment Evaluation and Measurement (ITIEM) Methodology: A Case Study and Action Research of the Dimensions and Measures of IT - Business -Value in Financial Institutions [PhD] Supervisors: Prof Guy Gable (P), AsPro Christine Bruce (A)

Abstract: This study was motivated by the researcher's, as well as his superior's, concern that a fundamental area of business, information technology investment and evaluation, continues to be problematic for many organisations. The lack of an integrated and methodical approach to the problem, as well as the fragmented research done to date on the effective measurement of IT-business-value, amplified the need for this study.

The main objective of this study was to propose a new, more comprehensive model of the dimensions constituting IT-business-value, as well as related measures. The resultant ITIEM model dimensions were designed into a practical and holistic ITIEM methodology, intended to aid practice with:

• Demonstrating how IT investments can enable measurable IT business-value
• Determining which IT investments will yield the most IT-business-value for the organisation; and
• Ensuring that IT investments and business initiatives support each

The study has also endeavoured to contribute to the growth of knowledge by raising new problems, mapping out a program for future research on ITIEM, and putting forward a benefits framework that is verifiable by empirical observation, with the use of both case studies as well as action research.

The study design includes:

1. A literature survey to identify the dimensions ("groupings" of IT-business-value measures) of IT-business-value, to identify the measures of IT-business-value, and to identify a candidate starting ITIEM methodology that is most comprehensive, addressing the most relevant measures of IT-business-value. This information is used to produce a draft case study protocol.
2. A single, exploratory pilot case study of a South African bank and a resultant revised case study protocol.
3. A cross-case analysis of a multiple case study of five South African banks (including the pilot) yielding a draft ITIEM model.
4. A cross-case analysis of three Australian banks, further enhancing the draft ITIEM model; and a cross-country comparison of the South African and Australian banks. The multiple case studies within South Africa and within Australia represent literal replications, while the cross-country comparison represents theoretical replication.
5. The existing ITIEM methodology selected in (1) is revised to reflect the draft ITIEM model and a new hybrid ITIEM methodology is proposed.
6. This hybrid ITIEM methodology is implemented and revised with action research resulting in the final ITIEM methodology and final ITIEM model.

Fulltext: available via ADT (Australian Digital Theses) database

Where is Johan now? Johan now works at Energex as a Governance and Risk Manager.

Nelson, Karen (2004) A Multi-Methodological Examination of Information and Knowledge Management (IKM) in Business Contexts [PhD] Supervisors: Mr Michael Middleton (P)

Abstract: Many different approaches have been proposed with the aim of facilitating sound and successful information management (IM) and knowledge management (KM) practices within business contexts. These approaches seek to identify organizational factors (e.g. culture or information technology practices) or to suggest management processes (e.g. human resources management) required to establish environments conducive to IM and KM. Most of these approaches, often presented as frameworks (as they are referred to in this study) for organizational IM or KM, are exemplified by the following features.

Firstly, they have emerged as unrelated notions, with little reference to each other or to foundational studies in the area. Secondly these frameworks are not based on any theoretical foundation. Thirdly, these frameworks have tended to focus on either information or knowledge management activities but not both, even though organizational IM and KM exist in a complementary and co-dependent relationship.

The usefulness of these frameworks is made problematic by muddled use of the terms ‘information', ‘knowledge', ‘IM' and 'KM', which are often transposed or used synonymously. The situation is further complicated by the inherent complexity of the organizational environments into which practitioners attempt to introduce information and knowledge management (IKM) initiatives.

Early outputs of this research are explanations of how the terminology above is used in this study and a literature review that describes current IM and KM frameworks by analyzing their components. The literature review identifies current challenges in the research domain, including the need for sound foundation (referent model) on which future IKM frameworks can be based. A suitable referent model is proposed by integrating single and double feedback loops (from systems theory) with two concepts from the IM literature: IM processes and the domains of IM activity. Then, an interpretive multi-methodological research (MMR) approach is pursued consisting of three sequential phases: action research, transition and case study. The first phase, a 3-cycle action research project accompanied by a longitudinal descriptive case study and an embedded literature analysis, was conducted over a 31 month period.

The key research outcome of the action research phase was a set of candidate enablers Information and Knowledge Management (IKM) in Business Contexts for organizational IKM, while the organizational deliverables included policies, strategies, process improvement and new information systems. The information gathered in phase one was rich and deep. However, in keeping with the goal of the research to produce a practical, useful IKM framework, the researcher sought a broader view from the IKM community. To achieve this practitioner view, a second research phase was designed to bridge the gap between the detailed examinations of IKM initiatives within one organizational environment, to the examination of IKM initiatives within other organizations. Therefore phase two – a transition phase - consisted of a series of surveys and interviews with IKM practitioners that explored their perceptions of organizational IKM activities and environments.

The data collected in phase two supported the findings from phase one and informed the development of the case protocols for the third - case study - phase. In the third phase, six IKM projects in three organizations were studied. Documentary and interview data were examined to understand the relationships between IKM projects, the candidate enablers identified earlier in phases one and two, and other organizational factors implicated in IKM initiatives. When analyzed, the findings from the third phase converged with the data collected in the previous two phases, and provided a rich, deep and broad collection of material.

The study culminates by synthesizing the data collected in the three research phases to (1) confirm a suitable referent model on which IKM frameworks can be based and (2) develop an integrated, multidimensional IKM framework that assimilates the referent model. The referent model, which is based on previous calls for IKM frameworks to have a sound theoretical foundation, incorporates two established concepts from the IKM literature: (a) the operational, analytical and strategic domains of IKM activity and (b) double and single loop feedback loops of systems thinking applied to IKM processes. The practical and flexible IKM framework, which assimilates these concepts, has three dimensions. These dimensions are (i) domains of IKM activity and feedback loops (ii) organizational enablers (iii) project context.

Fulltext: available via ADT (Australian Digital Theses) database

Where is Karen now? Karen is currently a Senior Lecturer in the QUT Faculty of IT, and is an ongoing member of the Information Use Research Group.

Snoke, Bob (2004) Generic Attributes of Australian Information Systems Graduates: An Empirical Study [PhD] Supervisors: Prof Alan Underwood (P), AsPro Christine Bruce (A)

Abstract: The need to provide currency in education in terms of the qualities and skills of graduates is a continuous requirement of higher education institutions. Industry expects that graduates from courses of study at universities have the necessary skills and attributes to be able to work in the modern work environment. The generic attribute agenda permeates all areas and sectors of education. Some of the areas of the generic attribute agenda include teaching, learning, assessment and the development of the generic attributes in students.

This thesis specifically deals with a singular discipline, Information Systems, and the identification of the generic attributes applicable to this discipline. It does not attempt to enter the debate on the broader issues of how generic attributes are taught, assessed and developed in the educational sphere. The areas of teaching, learning, assessment and development of generic attributes in higher education are outside the scope of this thesis.

This thesis presents an investigation of the extent of coverage of the identified generic attributes within the unit objectives. The generic attributes required from the Information Systems (IS) industry for graduates from IS courses of study were identified and validated using an extensive three round Delphi questionnaire of academics and industry representatives. Academic participants were from several Australian universities that offer IS undergraduate courses of study. Industry representatives were from the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) and local Australian IS industry employers that employ the graduates from the participating universities also took part in the survey. The validation process involved two surveys, one in Queensland and a second involving the other Australian states.

The significant finding from this survey was that the attribute of working as part of a team in a productive and cooperative manner was rated as the most important. Other significant findings included the high correlation between the Queensland study and the national study in terms of the relative importance of the attributes. Another important finding is that the attribute relating to discipline knowledge was rated as relatively unimportant being ranked 13th out of 29 attributes.

The extent of treatment of the attributes within a course of study was identified by means of mapping each of the unit objectives within a course of study against the generic attributes and then plotting this data on a Kiviat chart. A similar mapping was performed for the major curriculum documents IS'97 Model Curriculum and Guidelines for Undergraduate Degree Courses in Information Systems (IS'97), Information Systems-Centric Curriculum (ISCC'99) and the Australian Computer Society Core Body of Knowledge. Comparisons were then made between the curriculum documents and the courses of study in terms of the extent of treatment of the generic attributes.

Statistical analysis of the combined data from both the Queensland and Australian studies identified eight underlying factors. These included Team Communications, Information Use, Individual Competencies, IS Knowledge, Professionalism, Project Management, Professional Development and Diversity. An important finding from the mapping processes was that all the documents displayed a similar coverage of the generic attributes.

One of the most important outputs from this research has been the development of a replicable methodology for determining the extent of coverage of the generic attributes within units and courses in other disciplines.

Fulltext: available via ADT (Australian Digital Theses) database

Where is Bob now? Bob is currently Head of School - Computer Science at Central Queensland University in Bundaberg.

Stewart, Glenn (2001) Emancipating IT Leadership: An Action Research Program [PhD] Supervisors: Prof Guy Gable (P), AsPro Christine Bruce (A)

Abstract: Leadership of the IT unit has been shown to be a critical success factor in aligning business and information technology activities, and thereby achieving significant benefit through the strategic deployment of information technology. Yet, there exist few formal, empirical studies examining the leadership practices of IT managers. We embarked on a three-year action research project seeking to improve the leadership practices of if managers. Along the way, we stimulated a desire to foster a Leadership culture among the IT managers and executives. This thesis presents research results of that project.

The research program consists of several inter-related sub-studies initially framed as a revelatory single-case study. This study was funded by the Australian Research Council, as a collaborative research program conducted with the active participation of an industry partner. The partner was a large public sector agency, seeking to exploit information technology and improve leadership practices of all managers. The program is exploratory, seeking to identifv barriers to the exploitation of information technology, including IT leadership. The research program moved from being a researcher-led case study to participant-led emancipatory action research. This thesis shows how the research activities and outputs garnered emotional commitment from the directors and managers to this program of change.

The research project commenced with a detailed study of the adoption of information technology and the evolution of the IT unit within the sponsor organisation. This was followed by a study of the expectations of leadership held by senior management, and an examination of the relationship between the IT and business management communities. This preliminary work assisted the directors of the IT unit to appreciate the context in which they were operating and to support the benchmarking of actual leadership practices within the IT unit. This contextual work led to reported improvements in the relationship between the IT and business units (for 1997 and 1998). Having measured individual leadership practices, individuals were debriefed on their performance with respect to leadership benchmark data.

This encouraged each to seek improvements and to recognise leadership as an important variable in their professional life. Two stimulus workshops were conducted, addressing the role of leadership within the organisation, and the strategic value of information technology. An individual leadership development program was crafted. This leadership data and workshop knowledge ene rgised the IT directors to sponsor a retreat, and a series of team-building activities in which they sought to define the role and structures necessary to becoming a strategic partner of the business. These activities were embraced by the individual managers as they appreciated the need to improve internal practices and develop a leadership culture. The action research program had become an emancipatory activity, in which the IT management community sought to become masters of their own destiny and strategic partners of the business community.

Where is Glenn now? Glenn is now Associate Professor in the QUT School of Information Systems and Director of the Faculty of IT Learning Innovation Program

Tilley, Christine (2006) “A Sense of Control”: A Model Of A Virtual Community For People With Mobility Impairments [PhD] Supervisors: AsPro Christine Bruce (P), Professor Andrew P Hill (A); Dr Gillian Hallam (A)

Abstract: This qualitative study develops a model of a virtual community for people with long-term, severe physical or mobility disabilities. The model also has implications for the wider community of people with disabilities. The study uses the Strauss and Corbin grounded theory methodology to inform the investigation from which a systematic theory has been developed. On the basis of this theory, the study proposes strategies for implementing the virtual community model.

In-depth interviews were conducted with twelve Queenslanders with paraplegia, quadriplegia or other severe, long-term physical or mobility disabilities and with six health care professionals, service providers, information personnel and policy advisers involved in their well-being. The methodology used one interview question to determine their experiences and perceptions regarding virtual communities and the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Each interview explored in detail the elements, enablers and barriers behind the usage of ICT and/or assistive technology.

The personal responses and narratives of the people with disabilities who use the technology and their allied health care professionals were analysed and interpreted for meaning before the transcripts were returned to these participants for validation. Rich explanations were derived. Details of the various response categories of these interviews were analysed as part of the grounded theory, constant comparison methodology, and the relationship to the literature was considered. These de-constructed meanings were compared and contrasted with those in the current literature.

The central theme to emerge from these narratives is that people with long-term disabilities regain a sense of control and independence in their lives through the use of ICT, as they move towards an on-line community. Other major themes that emerged from being on-line indicated that being on-line tended to break down people’s isolation, while potentially changing the work paradigm (both vexed issues for people with disabilities). Information and communications technology and on-line communities offer ways to enhance every person’s inclusion, participation and empowerment in our society.

The primary outcome of the study is a theory regarding the character of virtual communities for people with long-term, severe mobility impairments that stakeholders may consider whenever such a virtual community is proposed. The theory is represented as a virtual community model.

The model identifies the need for “a sense of control” as the foundational element of virtual communities for the disabled, and distinguishes the key domains in which disabled people participate in virtual communities. The barriers and enablers to their participation are specified within it. The model also provides a framework within which virtual communities can be facilitated. It melds six types of e-communities or sets of well-developed discrete categories (for example, themes, concepts) that the data from this study revealed: education-oriented, fantasy-oriented, information-oriented, interest-oriented, relationship-oriented and transaction-oriented, depending on the type(s) of consumer need(s) to be met.

The study concludes that although the technology itself provides strategies for independence and thus facilitates self-empowerment, it is also capable of being dis-empowering. Many interviewees referred to this aspect as a “double-edged sword”. Empowerment and dis-empowerment are intersecting processes because of digital divide and information literacy issues and this “double-edged sword”, which virtual reality presents for people with physical disabilities. Based on the new knowledge and the model as the outcomes of this study, a range of recommendations are discussed that have application in the community for persons with mobility impairments.

Fulltext: TBA

Where is Christine now? TBA