Abstract: Scrum, a form of agile project management methodology, comes with many benefits derived from the iterative form of software development. Various organisations within South Africa have implemented Scrum within their development teams and are fast receiving positive benefits from it. While Scrum, in many aspects of the methodology, is highly effective and successful within different organisations, there are always going to be pitfalls and negative attributes associated with the adoption and use of a new methodology. The purpose of this research is to determine the factors leading to interruptions in the middle of a sprint while using Scrum. Case studies were conducted which included 3 companies in Johannesburg and Cape Town that have implemented S crum. In particular, data was collected through the following methods: 12 face‑to‑face, one‑on‑one interviews with participating Scrum team members; and 1 group discussion with 8 participating Scrum team members. After analysis, five theoretical statemen ts were formulated pertaining to: poorly understood and defined objectives from clients, managements lack of understanding of Scrum processes, high workload, ad‑hoc requests mid‑sprint, and low interdepartmental communication. Results from this study rev eal the need to conduct possible future research on: ways to prevent these forms of sprint interruption from having negative effects on the Scrum team and the project; and the effect that these interruptions have on the relevant stakeholders involved. The results of the study thus provide managers with the opportunity to take a deeper look into the sources of their Scrum problems and provide them with an understanding as to how they may prevent these interruptions from causing long term, negative effects on the project and the team.  

Abstract: The ERP system has been the subject of much academic discussion in recent times. The impact that a successful implementation can have on an organization cannot be overstated. The factors which are crucial to the successful implementation of an E RP system are commonly known as Critical Success Factors (hereinafter CSFs). This study investigated the CSFs that play a crucial role during the implementation process in Omani organizations. Moreover, it identified the CSFs that are most important in ensuring a successful ERP system implementation. The survey was distributed to 35 enterprises using an ERP system. The managers of those enterprises identified 10 CSFs as the most important.  

Abstract: Studies on the evaluation of information visualization techniques are flourishing, and related methodologies have been discussed in a growing number of recent studies. Yet, these evaluations concentrate mostly on usability measures and cognitive evaluations. In contrast, this contribution focuses on the various factors that drive the adoption of information visualization techniques. The Technology Acceptance Model and the Diffusion of Innovations theory are deployed to develop a framework for ev aluating information visualization adoption. These seminal theories are extended and adapted to Information Visualization, resulting into a framework with three main dimensions: perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and perceived authority. The app lication of this theoretically‑based evaluation framework is illustrated through positive and negative examples. As many visualization solutions have not achieved a wide use, the question of which factors foster their adoption seems to be a particularly r elevant yet under‑researched topic.  

Abstract: For successful implementation of Activity Based Costing (ABC) information systems, like any other Accounting Information System (AIS), there are several key points to be considered. Several researchers have studied factors influencing succes s in various stages of Activity Based Costing Information Systems (ABCIS) development. However, a gap in the literature concerns a lack of research for the development of a taxonomy of heuristic principles for better implementation and successful utiliz ation of ABCISs. This paper offers a detailed analysis of ABCISs by: (i) reviewing literature studies in order to build a more exhaustive list of success factors of ABCIS. Twenty primary and twenty‑two secondary success factors are identified; and (ii ) running four rounds of grounded action research through interviews in a case study of a bank. Twenty‑seven heuristics for the successful implementation of ABCIS are derived. Finally, the paper demonstrates the extent to which each heuristic may address each main success factor. Implications of the results for researchers and practitioners are subsequently proposed. 

Abstract: The developments in ICT since the first computers were implemented have facilitated changes to society in a number of important ways. These changes have occurred steadily and have been accepted largely without discussion as to how they have impa cted the way our society functions. These developments in ICT and their resulting applications have been perceived as progress, but there has been little if any discussion as to what actually constitutes progress. Although ICT has delivered great benefits there is clearly some downside to the technology, which has not been adequately addressed and which deserves careful attention. In fact a review of papers in the Electronic Journal of IS Evaluation reveals no comment on this important subject and this st udy serves to fill a gap in the literature. This paper reports on the findings of an exploratory study which includes the results of a qualitative survey. The main objective of the paper is to review the impact of ICT on society by examining the benefits which have been facilitated by its implementation, while at the same time considering the challenges the technology offers. The paper concludes with a call for more awareness of how ICT is changing our society and for a more in depth discussion and deba te on what the implications are for society of the increasing and ubiquitous application of the technology.