The role of GPS-enabled information in transforming operational decision making: an exploratory study

Abstract

Although the impact of ICT-enabled information on firm performance has been well documented in the business value of IT literature, our understanding of how GPS adoption can transform operational decision-making and foster differential firm performance is limited.In response, we conduct an exploratory comparative case study of three transport firms that have implemented the same GPS during the same year in their operations. Our results highlight that increased use of GPS-enabled information can enhance information quality and make operational decision-making more fact-based and collaborative. We also find that such transformations in operational decision-making, driven by increased use of GPS-enabled information, can foster differential performance impacts. However, we warn scholars and practitioners that a firm's information management capability (in terms of availability of quality information in decision-making, software tools for connectivity and access to information, IT systems integration post-GPS adoption and adaptability of the infrastructure to emerging business needs) and organizational factors (such as such as top management support, project management of GPS implementation, financial support, end-user involvement, rewarding, training and employee resistance) can facilitate (or inhibit) effective use of GPS-enabled information in operational decision-making and, thus, moderate differential performance benefits of GPS adoption.

Unpacking the organizational impacts of enterprise mobility using the repertory grid technique

“…QR codes and near field communication), sensor technologies on mobile devices (e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers), GPS-enabled location-based services, and others, offer a wide range of opportunities for individuals and businesses to create value in various areas (Habjan et al, 2014;Saeedi et al, 2014;Mallat et al, 2009;Luo et al, 2016). According to the results of the 2015 Gartner CIO Agenda Survey, mobile technologies ranked fifth in terms of IT investment priority, and 36 percent of respondents listed mobile technologies as a top priority in IT investment, compared with 24 percent in 2014 (Gartner, 2015).…”

The effect of ICT and higher-order capabilities on the performance of Ibero-American SMEs

“…Currently, however, firms have unlimited access to various types of information and knowledge (Gaviria-Marin and Cruz-Cázares 2020 ), which could imply a risk, as they do not have the capacity to discriminate based on the quality of the different information sources that are integrated into the firm. This could negatively affect decision making in SMEs (Habjan et al 2014 ). From this point of view and given the potential that has been demonstrated in this study, smaller firms should centralize the ICT integration responsibility in a department or individual and integrate it into the design/implementation of strategies and decision-making.…”

Geographic Data Informs Funding and Management of Metro Bike Share System

“…In farming, GPS is well applied to monitor and promote precision agriculture [16] [17]. In biology, GPS tracking services provide data for inferring animal behavior and understanding animal habitat [18] [19]. In environmental studies, GPS services can be used to monitor ocean shore/forest/glacier changes [20] [21] [22] [23].…”

“…In environmental studies, GPS services can be used to monitor ocean shore/forest/glacier changes [20] [21] [22] [23]. In social studies, GPS technology aids in understanding behavior and environmental exposure [18] [19]. The usage and impact of GPS-enabled information has increased and it can be argued that the GPS adoption could enhance the information quality and the decision-making process.…”