@misc{KratzerStrahringerWestner, author = {Kratzer, Simon and Strahringer, Susanne and Westner, Markus}, title = {Fractional CIOs in SMEs}, series = {2024 2nd International Conference on Management Information Systems (ICMIS 2024), September 28-30, 2024, Tokyo, Japan}, volume = {2}, journal = {2024 2nd International Conference on Management Information Systems (ICMIS 2024), September 28-30, 2024, Tokyo, Japan}, abstract = {To remain competitive, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to man-age information technology (IT) effectively. Unlike larger organisations, SMEs often face limited resources and challenges in attracting talent, and typically lack the need for a full-time Chief Information Officer (CIO). In response, a growing number of professionals around the world are offering CIO services on a part-time, shared basis to multiple clients. This model provides SMEs with affordable and flexible access to experienced IT leadership. Known as 'fractional CIOs', these professionals deliver significant value, yet there has been little academic re-search into this phenomenon. Our study, conducted between 2020 and 2023 with 62 Fractional CIOs in 10 countries, aims to fill this gap. It provides a clear defini-tion of fractional CIOs, outlines their engagement models and identifies the key factors that contribute to their success. The findings are intended to enlighten both academics and industry professionals.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HantschWestner, author = {Hantsch, Carolin and Westner, Markus}, title = {Governance of IT/OT Convergence: A Review of Academic and Practitioner Literature}, series = {16th Mediterranean Conference on Information Systems (MCIS) 2024, Proceedings, October 3rd to 5th, 2024, Porto, Portugal}, booktitle = {16th Mediterranean Conference on Information Systems (MCIS) 2024, Proceedings, October 3rd to 5th, 2024, Porto, Portugal}, publisher = {AIS eLibrary}, isbn = {978-989-33-6886-2}, doi = {10.35096/othr/pub-7833}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-78335}, pages = {16}, abstract = {The convergence, i.e., integration, of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) is a critical aspect of digital transformation in industries, driving efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage. However, this integration also introduces significant challenges, particularly in governance. This paper presents a comprehensive literature review of IT/OT convergence, focusing on the governance challenges and strategies drawn from both academic and practitioner literature. The findings reveal that effective governance is crucial for successful IT/OT convergence, requiring clear definitions of roles and responsibilities, cross-functional collaboration, and a unified approach to mitigate risks and align organizational goals. Key IT/OT convergence governance strategies include establishing a Center of Excellence, adopting a risk-based approach, and fostering a culture of change. The paper highlights the need for further research to develop comprehensive governance frameworks and empirically examine the impact of governance on IT/OT convergence success. This paper provides valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners navigating the complexities of IT/OT convergence and governance in the era of Industry 4.0.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SpaethWestner, author = {Sp{\"a}th, Carina and Westner, Markus}, title = {Challenges in Agile Transformations: A Comprehensive Review}, series = {16th Mediterranean Conference on Information Systems (MCIS) 2024, Proceedings, October 3rd to 5th, 2024, Porto, Portugal}, booktitle = {16th Mediterranean Conference on Information Systems (MCIS) 2024, Proceedings, October 3rd to 5th, 2024, Porto, Portugal}, publisher = {AIS eLibrary}, doi = {10.35096/othr/pub-7832}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-78320}, pages = {18}, abstract = {This paper investigates the challenges organizations face during agile transformations, a critical adaptation in today's fast-paced business environment. Despite the potential benefits, many companies struggle with the implementation of agile methodologies. Through a systematic literature review of recent publications, we identify and categorize 19 challenges into three main areas: people, leadership, and organisation/processes. Our findings highlight that the most significant issues arise within the 'people' category, including plan-driven thinking, lack of knowledge, and inefficient collaboration. Leadership challenges involve insufficient management support and cultural mismatches, while organisation/process-related issues encompass inadequate planning and coordination. By synthesizing these challenges, this study provides a comprehensive overview aimed at helping practitioners anticipate and mitigate potential obstacles, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful agile transformations. These insights extend existing knowledge and emphasize the need for a holistic approach to manage the people, the leadership, and the organisation/process challenges of agile transformation.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{WestnerCuestaGorostidiGutierrezRodriguezetal., author = {Westner, Markus and Cuesta Gorostidi, Irene and Gutierrez Rodriguez, Uxue and Oyarbide-Zubillaga, Aitor and Fern{\´a}ndez Rodr{\´i}guez, Isabel}, title = {Enhancing work-based learning through the i-wobal project and its digital school of work-based learning (WBL) facilitators}, series = {17th annual International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI2024), Seville, Spain. 11-13 November, 2024}, booktitle = {17th annual International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI2024), Seville, Spain. 11-13 November, 2024}, publisher = {IATED}, address = {Sevilla}, isbn = {978-84-09-63010-3}, issn = {2340-1095}, doi = {10.21125/iceri.2024}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-78459}, pages = {10}, abstract = {The i-WOBAL project, supported by Erasmus+, strategically enhances work-based learning (WBL) in higher education and vocational training across Europe, with a particular focus on supporting the professional development of company and academic facilitators of students engaged in WBL environments. This initiative launches the i-WOBAL didactical guide, together with the establishment of the digital school of WBL facilitators, a digital learning space designed to translate the theoretical framework of the guide into practical, actionable strategies for facilitators. The project is the result of the coordinated work of a consortium of 7 higher education and vocational training institutions from 5 different European countries. The digital school of WBL facilitators serves as a training hub where facilitators from both academic institutions and the business sector receive specialised training to effectively guide and support students. The digital school offers a structured curriculum, including modules on relevant soft skills, to ensure that facilitators are well equipped to manage and enhance the WBL experience for students. This paper describes the curriculum and pedagogical approaches of the digital school of WBL facilitators, its role in facilitating the practical application of WBL strategies and the collaboration of the partners to bring in their unique expertise. The collaborative nature of the i-WOBAL project, involving a consortium of European educational and corporate institutions, promotes a shared culture of best practice and continuous innovation in WBL. The potential scalability of this model offers significant implications for future educational policies aimed at standardising and improving the facilitation of WBL across different educational systems and market environments.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SpaethWestner, author = {Sp{\"a}th, Carina and Westner, Markus}, title = {Navigating Agile Transformations}, series = {SaudiCIS 2024 Proceedings:1st Saudi Conference on Information Systems, November 19 to 21, 2024, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia}, booktitle = {SaudiCIS 2024 Proceedings:1st Saudi Conference on Information Systems, November 19 to 21, 2024, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia}, publisher = {Association for Information Systems Electronic Library}, address = {Dhahran}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-78700}, pages = {1-9}, abstract = {This study investigates how companies overcome challenges in agile transformations. Through interviews with ten experts from German companies across different industries, we identify key drivers, challenges, and success factors. Our findings reveal inefficiency, mimetic isomorphism, and competitive pressure as primary transformation drivers. We categorize challenges and solutions into people, organizational, and process-related factors, emphasizing the central role of human elements. The study presents 14 key success factors, with management involvement, commitment to agility, and strategic staffing emerging as crucial. These insights provide a framework for understanding and implementing agile transformations, offering guidance for organizations. Our results contribute to both theoretical understanding and practical application of agile methodologies in corporate settings.}, language = {en} } @article{Westner, author = {Westner, Markus}, title = {Low-Code/No-Code: Citizen Developers and the Surprising Future of Business Applications}, series = {HMD Praxis der Wirtschaftsinformatik}, journal = {HMD Praxis der Wirtschaftsinformatik}, publisher = {Springer Fachmedien}, address = {Wiesbaden}, issn = {1436-3011}, doi = {10.1365/s40702-024-01106-y}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-74906}, pages = {1067 -- 1069}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HassmannWestner, author = {Hassmann, Tobias and Westner, Markus}, title = {Enhancing Expert Interviews: Insights from Information Systems and Digital Transformation Research}, series = {32nd International conference on information systems development (ISD 2024), August 26-28, 2024, Gdańsk, Poland}, booktitle = {32nd International conference on information systems development (ISD 2024), August 26-28, 2024, Gdańsk, Poland}, editor = {Marcinkowski, Bartosz and Przybyłek, Adam and Jarzębowicz, Aleksander and Iivari, Netta and Insfran, Emilio and Lang, Michael and Linger, Henry and Schneider, Christoph}, publisher = {AIS eLibrary}, isbn = {978-83-972632-0-8}, doi = {10.62036/ISD.2024.48}, abstract = {Expert interviews, a commonly employed qualitative data collection procedure in information systems (IS) research, lack consistent conceptualization. This paper aims to address this gap by providing a conceptual framework and comprehensive guidelines for a rigorous implementation of expert interviews, supported by real-world examples. After a systematic selection of method-relevant literature, a thematic analysis of twenty-eight articles, books, and book chapters is conducted to elicit the distinctive characteristics and rigorous conduct of expert interviews. Validation is provided by analyzing nineteen studies published in important IS outlets that use expert interviews. A particular focus is on a subset of five studies that cover digital transformation topics. The analysis reveals expert interviews' flexibility as data collection procedure and shows the wide range of application opportunities for IS researchers. Lastly, we discuss theoretical and practical implications of our findings to enhance the rigor, systematic use, and relevance of expert interviews in IS research.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HassmannWestner, author = {Hassmann, Tobias and Westner, Markus}, title = {IS executives and sustainability}, series = {26th International Conference on Business Informatics (CBI), 09-13 September 2024, Vienna, Austria}, booktitle = {26th International Conference on Business Informatics (CBI), 09-13 September 2024, Vienna, Austria}, publisher = {IEEE}, isbn = {979-8-3315-2909-3}, issn = {2378-1971}, doi = {10.1109/CBI62504.2024.00017}, pages = {1-10}, abstract = {The pressing global sustainability challenges, encapsulated in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), require profound transformations across multiple levels. It is imperative for the Information Systems (IS) discipline to engage in addressing these challenges. This paper aims to contribute to this imperative through a scoping literature review, examining factors that enable IS executives to drive sustainability outcomes within organizations, utilizing the Input-Mediator-Outcome (IMO) framework. By analyzing 31 articles from important IS journals and conferences between 2008 and 2024, this review identifies key input factors for sustainability outcomes, such as individual IS executive inputs, the role of the Top Management Team (TMT) setting and organizational contexts, as well as external influences. In addition, it explores how team-specific processes can augment sustainability efforts. The paper concludes by proposing future research questions to address underrepresented SDGs, investigate external impact factors more thoroughly, and emphasize the role of individual IS executive inputs. These insights aspire to advance the understanding of IS executives' potential to influence sustainability in organizational settings.}, language = {en} } @article{KratzerWestnerStrahringer, author = {Kratzer, Simon and Westner, Markus and Strahringer, Susanne}, title = {Traction with fraction: Strategic IS management in SMEs through Fractional CIOs}, series = {International Journal of Information Systems and Project Management}, volume = {12}, journal = {International Journal of Information Systems and Project Management}, number = {1}, issn = {2182-7788}, doi = {10.12821/ijispm120101}, pages = {5 -- 16}, abstract = {Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) increasingly need to manage nformation technology (IT) effectively in order to remain competitive. However, compared to larger organizations, SMEs often face challenges in terms of resources and employer attractiveness, and regularly do not have the need to employ a Chief Information Officer (CIO) on a full-time basis. To address this issue, a growing number of global experts have begun to provide CIO services on a part-time basis for multiple clients simultaneously. This approach allows SMEs to tap into the expertise of experienced IT leaders at a fraction of the cost and without committing to long-term arrangements. While these professionals, known as "Fractional CIOs", have proven their value in the field, there has been a lack of academic research on this emerging trend. Therefore, we carried out a comprehensive research project between 2020 and 2023, involving 62 Fractional CIOs from 10 countries. The research produced a definition, different types of engagements, and success factors for Fractional CIOs and their engagements. This paper summarizes these findings for a wider audience of academics and practitioners.}, language = {en} } @article{BrosigGraeubigStrahringeretal., author = {Brosig, Christoph and Gr{\"a}ubig, Dix M. and Strahringer, Susanne and Westner, Markus}, title = {Prerequisites and Causal Recipes for Manufacturers' IT-Enabled Service Innovation Success}, series = {Communications of the Association for Information Systems}, volume = {55}, journal = {Communications of the Association for Information Systems}, publisher = {Association for Information Systems, AIS}, issn = {1529-3181}, doi = {10.17705/1CAIS.05509}, pages = {205 -- 256}, abstract = {For manufacturing firms, success in innovating IT-enabled services is a critical antecedent to benefit from digital servitization of their business models. Digital servitization literature has explored mechanisms for success in innovating IT-enabled services, indicating that the phenomenon is multifaceted and needs to be explained from multiple theoretical perspectives. We derive a conceptual model for success in innovating IT-enabled services covering its multifaceted nature by referring to knowledge-based and organizational control theory. We test this model using qualitative cases of IT-enabled service innovation initiatives in manufacturing firms and use set-theoretic analyses to account for the multifaceted nature of the phenomenon. The necessary condition analysis yields that a certain degree of service innovation capabilities is a prerequisite for success. With the results of a qualitative comparative analysis, we obtain five solution terms as causal recipes for success in innovating IT-enabled services. Our results contribute to research by offering a theory-based approach that explains the multiplicity of success in IT-enabled service innovation. Practitioners benefit from our results by understanding prerequisites and causal recipes for success while learning from unsuccessful initiatives in innovating IT-enabled services of manufacturing firms. Our study is also an example of how to rigorously calibrate qualitative data using a structured approach.}, language = {en} } @article{KaessBrosigWestneretal., author = {K{\"a}ss, Sebastian and Brosig, Christoph and Westner, Markus and Strahringer, Susanne}, title = {Short and sweet: multiple mini case studies as a form of rigorous case study research}, series = {Information Systems and e-Business Management}, journal = {Information Systems and e-Business Management}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, doi = {10.1007/s10257-024-00674-2}, pages = {34}, abstract = {Case study research is one of the most widely used research methods in Information Systems (IS). In recent years, an increasing number of publications have used case studies with few sources of evidence, such as single interviews per case. While there is much methodological guidance on rigorously conducting multiple case studies, it remains unclear how researchers can achieve an acceptable level of rigour for this emerging type of multiple case study with few sources of evidence, i.e., multiple mini case studies. In this context, we synthesise methodological guidance for multiple case study research from a cross-disciplinary perspective to develop an analytical framework. Furthermore, we calibrate this analytical framework to multiple mini case studies by reviewing previous IS publications that use multiple mini case studies to provide guidelines to conduct multiple mini case studies rigorously. We also offer a conceptual definition of multiple mini case studies, distinguish them from other research approaches, and position multiple mini case studies as a pragmatic and rigorous approach to research emerging and innovative phenomena in IS.}, language = {en} } @article{HantschWestnerMatschi, author = {Hantsch, Carolin and Westner, Markus and Matschi, Markus}, title = {IT/OT Convergence: Status Quo and Implementation Recommendations}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-77586}, pages = {17}, abstract = {This study examines IT/OT Convergence in 31 predominantly large German companies. It presents an "IT/OT Governance Framework" as a specific model for successful convergence implementation. The in-terviews revealed that companies are at very different stages of maturity in implementing IT/OT conver-gence. The analysis reveals a heterogeneous level of convergence maturity across the interviewed compa-nies, the majority of which are at the beginning or in the implementation phase. Close cooperation between IT and OT is favoured, but without IT completely taking over OT. An IT/OT tandem consisting of a CIO and a central OT responsible person is seen as the ideal way to take responsibility. Six specific recommen-dations were derived from the interviews and included in the IT/OT Governance Framework developed. These include ensuring top management support, using security as a driver, introducing a central OT re-sponsible person, bringing IT and OT teams closer together, continuously demonstrating the added value of convergence, and taking a step-by-step approach to implementation}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HoOoiWestner, author = {Ho, Joe Ee and Ooi, Boon Yaik and Westner, Markus}, title = {Application Integration Framework for Large Language Models}, series = {2024 5th International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Data Sciences (AiDAS), Bangkok, Thailand, 03-04 September 2024}, booktitle = {2024 5th International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Data Sciences (AiDAS), Bangkok, Thailand, 03-04 September 2024}, publisher = {IEEE}, isbn = {979-8-3315-2855-3}, doi = {10.1109/AiDAS63860.2024.10730541}, pages = {1 -- 6}, abstract = {Large Language Models (LLMs) have unlocked new opportunities in processing non-structured information. However, integrating LLM into conventional applications poses challenges due to their non-deterministic nature. This paper introduces a framework designed to effectively integrate LLM into intermediate modules by ensuring more consistent and reliable outputs. The framework includes three key components: the Sieve, which captures and retries processing of incorrect outputs; the Circuit Breaker, which stops processing persistently incorrect outputs; and the Optimizer, which enhances processing efficiency by combining inputs into single prompts. Experimental results employing structured methodology demonstrate the framework's effectiveness, achieving significant improvements a 71.05\% reduction in processing time and an 82.97\% reduction in token usage while maintaining high accuracy. The proposed framework, agnostic to specific LLM implementations, aids the integration of LLMs into diverse applications, enhancing automation and efficiency in fields such as finance, healthcare, and education.}, language = {en} } @misc{CapellmannWestner, author = {Capellmann, Dominik and Westner, Markus}, title = {ChatGPT in Software Engineering: Potentials, Challenges and Possible Applications for Unit Testing and Code Debugging}, series = {21st International Conference on Applied Computing 2024}, journal = {21st International Conference on Applied Computing 2024}, language = {en} } @article{HantschWestnerMatschi, author = {Hantsch, Carolin and Westner, Markus and Matschi, Markus}, title = {IT/OT-Konvergenz: Status-Quo und Umsetzungsempfehlungen}, series = {HMD Praxis der Wirtschaftsinformatik}, journal = {HMD Praxis der Wirtschaftsinformatik}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, doi = {10.1365/s40702-024-01111-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-77937}, pages = {16}, abstract = {Organisationen machen große Anstrengungen zur Verbesserung ihrer Ambidextrie, d. h. ihrer F{\"a}higkeit sowohl Exploitationsziele (z. B. Effizienz, Vorhersagbarkeit) als auch Explorationsziele (z. B. Anpassbarkeit, Innovation) zu erreichen. Obwohl gem{\"a}ß der Praxisliteratur Technologie in Software-Projekten dabei eine zentrale Rolle spielen kann, gibt es kaum Forschung dazu, wie technologische Faktoren Ambidexterie in Software-Projekten beeinflussen. In dieser Studie untersuchen wir die Rolle dreier technologischer Faktoren: kontinuierliche Integration, Standardisierung und Microservice-Architektur. Die Ergebnisse einer Mehrinformanten-Umfrage in 95 Projekten in der Schweiz und D{\"a}nemark zeigen, dass kontinuierliche Integration und Standardisierung mit h{\"o}herer Ambidexterie einhergehen, w{\"a}hrend der Zusammenhang zwischen Microservice-Architektur und Ambidextrie nicht signifikant ist. Unser Artikel geht {\"u}ber die existierende Forschung hinaus, indem er zeigt, dass kontinuierliche Integration und Standardisierung nicht nur Exploitation, sondern auch Exploration f{\"o}rdern k{\"o}nnen. Wir diskutieren auch Gr{\"u}nde f{\"u}r den insignifikanten Zusammenhang zwischen Microservice-Architektur und Ambidextrie.}, language = {de} }