Browsing Ph.D. theses (INF) by Title
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A multi-method inquiry on online communitiesKorfiatis, Nikolaos Theodoros (, 2009)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: This dissertation studies the behavioral characteristics of participants engaged in information exchange in the context of online communities. Online communities are defined as collectives of individuals that use computer mediated communication to facilitate interaction over a shared purpose and/or objective. It is argued that this interaction creates externalities, for example, in the form of codified information that others can use through web search tools. These externalities assemble a virtual form of social capital, a commonly shared resource. The research objective of this thesis is to examine how the behavioral tendencies of the participants in online communities are affected by the way this common resource is formatted, administered and shared. The dissertation consists of two parts: a theoretical part where the empirical background and the object of research inquiry is highlighted, and an empirical part which consists of four empirical studies carried out in the context of three online communities, namely, Google Answers, Yahoo!Answers and Amazon Online Reviews. The empirical part of this dissertation starts with a controlled experiment emulating a well known social dilemma: the public goods game. It provides substance as to whether and when participants in online communities behave (un) cooperatively. The next two studies focus on a special case of online communities where participants ask questions and other participants post answers conditionally on social and monetary incentives. The results of these two studies confirm that community participants do care about the contributions of others and engage in incentive compatible behavior. Yahoo!Answers participants exercise effort in the community by posting answers to questions conditionally on benefits provided by other participants. The empirical findings show that contributing participants in an online community receive answers faster, while those that do not contribute much effort are sanctioned in the form of longer response-time to their questions. In Google Answers this thesis, interactions can be observed that are based on monetary rewards (rather than social rewards in the form of a reputation index as in Yahoo Answers). Participants make use of voluntarily awarded payoffs (tips) along with stated rewards, in order to motivate those that provide answers (answerers) to provide better quality in their responses. The findings of this study confirm the symmetric effect between monetary rewards and quality. However, this study also identifies cases where social norms have a significant effect on response behavior. When participants seek to get better service with less effort (in terms of total cost), a reputation index which is constructed by the history of their previous interactions supports such an attempt. In other words, reputation history influences information sharing behavior in online communities. The last chapter of the empirical part focuses on another crucial aspect of information as a shared resource: Clarity and understandability. The study examines online product reviews on Amazon.com. The results suggest that participants do care about the clarity of this codified form of experience which increases a helpfulness index accordingly. The thesis overall finds symmetric effects between participation in online communities and output of interaction, but also identifies the ability of the participants to interact strategically as they seek to minimize the effort they provide in order to find the information they seek. The results underline the importance of signaling and quality evaluation mechanisms as counter-balancing control that can enhance activity on online communities. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7797 Files in this item: 1
Nikolaos_Theodoros_Korfiatis.pdf (3.777Mb) -
Yonatany, Moshe (Frederiksberg, 2011)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: The aim of this study is elaborating the current understanding of a relatively new phenomenon: the internationalization process of digital service providers. It deploys a multiple case study methodology. Based on the case analyses and the discovery of new insights this study proposes a conceptual framework attempting at elaborating existing International Business theory. The analytical process of this study begins with explaining its context and developing definitions that are necessary for the purpose of data collection and case construction. Next, selected International Business theories and concepts are reviewed and contextualized propositions are developed. Following a detailed presentation of the case studies, the propositions are analyzed through per-case analyses. This analysis is coupled with a theory development exercise (which is presented in subsequent distinct sections). Here, unique findings of each case are analyzed in sequential per-case analyses in order to identify emerging patterns. Rudimentary concepts, which are grounded in the case findings, are proposed through the cross case analysis. In addition, the analysis of the propositions is summarized at this stage. Subsequently, a conceptual framework is proposed. To provide foundations for the framework, the proposed constructs are defined and explored more deeply, also through collecting additional data and integrating additional external literature. The conceptual framework is presented in the form of testable hypotheses. Finally, implications for International Business theory are drawn from the analyses and the conceptual framework. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/8309 Files in this item: 1
Moshe_Yonatany_Abstrakt.pdf (871.1Kb) -
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Abstract: The research motivation for this study is to improve the understanding, scholarly and my own, of wireless service adoption as services enters and leaves users’ hands and minds. Wireless devices and services are enabling an unprecedented intertwinement of human actions and information systems in everyday life. Current IS research has so far paid scant attention to studying technologies which transcends the organizational domain. Little emphasis has also been provided beyond the absolute point of acceptance and adoption of artifacts. Nevertheless, many new wireless services transcend traditional use spheres. With this emerges the strong need to follow the shaping of user engagements with new mobile data services. This is the key phenomenon of interest in this dissertation. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7804 Files in this item: 1
lars_andreas_knutsen.pdf (4.838Mb) -
Ørngreen, Rikke N. (København, 2002)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: SUMMARY The summary presents an overview of the dissertation and major findings of my research: · Research Area, Questions and Design · Frame of Reference - Domain Knowledge · Major Findings Research Area, Questions and Design This dissertation investigates development and use of multimedia teaching cases, as applied in business education. Teaching cases present companies, and the current problems or opportunities they are facing. (Barnes, Christensen and Hansen 1994, Maufette- Leenders, Erskine and Leenders 1997, Heath 1998, Manninen 1997.) The primary characteristic is that the case is based on real events. Very often the case description follows a decision-making situation. (Mauffette-Leenders, Erskine, and Leenders 1997, Hazard 2000.) The case is prepared by students and then discussed in class. The objective of the class discussion is to analyse the company's situation and come up with viable strategies for the future (Leenders and Erskine 1989, Heath 1998, Orngreen and Bielli 2001). Cases were introduced to business education already in 1910 at the Harvard Business School, and have since then gained widespread use throughout the world (Leenders and Erskine 1989). Traditionally teaching cases have been written descriptions, but the teaching cases in this dissertation are multimedia cases. The use of multimedia teaching cases is a relatively new phenomenon. Because of the novelty of the approach, research on how to apply these or developing them is extremely limited. Though I investigate both a use and a development perspective, the use dimension is investigated with the purpose to inform development. In particular the dissertation results in a set of roles and tools influencing the development process, which is also seen in my three research questions: 1. Which roles and tools characterise the development and use of multimedia teaching cases for business education? 2. How are these roles and tools applied to the multimedia development process, and how do they support or restrain the development. 3. How are the development roles and tools, and the use roles and tools interrelated, and how do they relate to a development model for multimedia teaching cases? URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7746 Files in this item: 1
rikke_n_orngreen.pdf (10.97Mb) -
Busquets, Javier (Frederiksberg, 2010)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: This thesis is about innovation and power. Human nature has always been expressed by our capacity to innovate and adapt to almost any environment (Bowlby, 1962; Giddens, 1991). In the 20th century, the primary function of business organisations was to invent, produce and commercialise their products and services in different markets. As a matter of fact, business organisations in the last century proved to be the best way of disseminating innovation (Schön, 1971). Currently in the 21st century, there is a call to better understand how new ideas, technology and sources of knowledge are managed, based on the premise that novelty can unfold anywhere and that innovation cannot be considered a linear process consisting of a chain of activities. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/8164 Files in this item: 1
Javier_Busquets.pdf (3.025Mb)
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