Kazuo Nakatani and Ta‐Tao Chuang
The purpose of this paper is to develop an analytical hierarchy process (AHP)‐based selection model for choosing a web analytics product/service that meets organizational needs.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop an analytical hierarchy process (AHP)‐based selection model for choosing a web analytics product/service that meets organizational needs.
Design/methodology/approach
The research objective is achieved through modeling and empirical validation.
Findings
While more criteria could be added, the proposed selection model provides a feasible approach to choosing a web analytics product/service. Cost‐ and risk‐related criteria are weighed heavier than those of technical capabilities. Tools based on the page tagging method are more popular than those based on transaction log file analysis. The level of technology savvy might play a role in the application of the selection model.
Research limitations/implications
The development of web analytics products/service is still evolving. Thus, as the use of web analytics increases, more criteria might be identified and added to the model. The model is validated by groups for different sectors. In the future, it is suggested to conduct a similar study with one sector by different groups.
Practical implications
The selection model provides a process in which practitioners can systematically evaluate pros and cons of web analytics products/services. The selection model includes a comprehensive list of criteria that vendors of web analytics products/services can use to benchmark their products. Following this model, an organization contemplating the use of web analytics will more likely find one product/service that accommodates organizational and technological characteristics.
Originality/value
A sufficiently comprehensive list of qualitative and quantitative criteria for evaluating web analytics products/services was developed. Practitioners will be able to use the model to select a proper tool. In academia, the article fills a gap in literature that might bring academics' interests in this area.
Details
Keywords
Ta‐Tao Chuang, Kazuo Nakatani and Duanning Zhou
The paper aims to investigate the effect of compositions of managerial/demographic characteristics of the top management team (TMT) on the extent of information technology (IT…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to investigate the effect of compositions of managerial/demographic characteristics of the top management team (TMT) on the extent of information technology (IT) adoption in small businesses (SMEs), where such strategic decisions made by TMT have direct and significant influence on all aspects of business operations and its competitive position in a market.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the upper echelon theory, the study formulated four hypotheses relating the compositions of TMT characteristics to the extent of IT adoption in different functional areas. Multiple regression analysis was employed to analyze the data.
Findings
The age average and the education average of TMT in small businesses are significant predictors of the extent of IT adoption. However, the group heterogeneity (either gender or ethnicity), contrary to the prediction, has negative impact on the extent of IT adoption.
Practical implications
The research findings indicate that the age and education composition of managers as current/future top management is critical to facilitate the extent of IT adoption in SMEs.
Originality/value
The research contributes to the body of knowledge in IT adoption by complementing the results of prior research with the findings that the characteristic compositions of TMT affect the extent of IT adoption in SMEs, applying the upper echelon theory to examine issues surrounding IT adoption, and suggesting practical implications that SMEs could compose, educate, and rejuvenate their top management teams to achieve a high extent of IT adoption.