Kimia Ghaffari, Mohammad Lagzian, Mostafa Kazemi and Gholamreza Malekzadeh
Prior research on the area of internet of things (IoT) development has primarily emphasized the overview descriptions and rarely investigated this area from a socio-technical…
Abstract
Purpose
Prior research on the area of internet of things (IoT) development has primarily emphasized the overview descriptions and rarely investigated this area from a socio-technical standpoint. However, IoT development is a socio-technical ensemble, which requires analysis with a simultaneous focus on both technical and non-technical issues. Hence, this paper aims to analyze the development of IoT through the lens of the socio-technical system (STS) theory.
Design/methodology/approach
Having reviewed the STS theory, the key components of the IoT development are identified using prior literature review and semi-structured interviews with experts involved in the Iranian IoT development effort.
Findings
As a result, this paper provides insight into the key socio-technical issues in the IoT development classified under technology, tasks, structure and actors as four components of STS. Moreover, the close connections between the components are clarified.
Originality/value
This research is among the earliest studies, which use the STS theory to investigate the IoT development. The conducted socio-technical analysis of this study may assist the governments, industries and entrepreneurs as the chief stakeholders of IoT development to better align their actions with each other and achieve a balance between both technical and social sides.
Details
Keywords
Kimia Ghaffari, Mohammad Lagzian, Mostafa Kazemi and Gholamreza Malekzadeh
Despite the availability of prior studies on the Internet of Things (IoT) development, they have largely focused on challenges associated with evolving IoT. Hence, identifying…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the availability of prior studies on the Internet of Things (IoT) development, they have largely focused on challenges associated with evolving IoT. Hence, identifying requirements for IoT development, as a multifaceted phenomenon, whereby the challenges would be tackled remains a less-explored valuable line of inquiry. The purpose of this paper is to present a holistic view of crucial building blocks of IoT development, in order to fill this gap.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper conducts empirical research using a grounded theory (GT), centering on semi-structured interviews with 25 experts involved in the Iranian IoT development effort. Data were analyzed by using MAXQDA software.
Findings
This study presents a conceptual framework of requirements for IoT development, consisting of 14 concepts and 5 categories. The findings reveal that strategic, interactive, institutional, market-oriented and information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure requirements play a salient role in facilitating IoT development.
Practical implications
The findings of this study shed some light on the momentous aspects of IoT development. Practitioners including governmental policymakers, industry and private sectors could benefit from the policy recommendations offered in this study in terms of strategic viewpoint, legal issues, business perspective and technological readiness.
Originality/value
From the methodological aspect, the present research is among the first studies on utilizing GT for exploration of requirements for IoT development. From the theoretical perspective, a remarkable achievement of this study is to profoundly discover some less-explored concepts of IoT development such as commercialization, feasibility study, futurology and institutional aspects. Furthermore, findings of this study highlight the contribution of innovation systems theory for the IoT development area in terms of alignment of the emerged requirements for IoT development with the functions of this theory.
Details
Keywords
Gholamreza Malekzadeh, Mostaffa Kazemi, Mohammad Lagzian and Saeed Mortazavi
This paper aims to investigate a novel model for organizational intelligence (OI) in Iranian public universities. OI is an effective concept in organizational behavior for…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate a novel model for organizational intelligence (OI) in Iranian public universities. OI is an effective concept in organizational behavior for reshaping the organizational rules. Multidimensional nature of OI makes it a very useful management tool.
Design/methodology/approach
This model is investigated by using an expert panel opinion and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory technique based on Iranian university professors’ opinions.
Findings
The proposed model consists of eight dimensions: structural, cultural, strategic, communicational, informational, functional, behavioral and environmental dimensions. Each one of these dimensions consists of some components. The results showed that the “Structural”, “Cultural”, “Strategic”, “Informational” and “Environmental” dimensions are the cause dimensions, while the “Behavioral” and “Communicational” dimensions are the effect dimensions. Hierarchical levels of these dimensions are also determined.
Practical implications
Comprehending this model offers a handful of beneficial insights for university managers. These points are synoptically stated in the form of managerial implications.
Originality/value
The paper by using a real case study provides a cause and effect model for OI management in Iranian public universities and can be enhanced for other organizations.