School of Business and Information Technology
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Herein you will find indexed the writings and other academic work of the Business and Information Technology faculty of Purdue University Global.
If you want to see a full list if faculty publications, visit the PG SBIT Faculty Publications site.
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Browsing School of Business and Information Technology by Author "Appunn, Frank"
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Item Applying Constant Comparative Method with Multiple Investigators and Inter-Coder Reliability(NSUWorks, 2016) Olson, Joel; McAllister, Chad; Grinnell, Lynn D.; Gehrke Walters, Kimberly; Appunn, FrankBuilding on practice, action research, and theory, the purpose of this paper is to present a 10-step method for applying the Constant Comparative Method (CCM) of grounded theory when multiple researchers perform data analysis and meaning making. CCM is a core qualitative analysis approach for grounded theory research. Literature suggests approaches for increasing the credibility of CCM using multiple researchers and inter-coder reliability (ICR), but documentation of methods for collaboration on CCM data analysis is sparse. The context for developing the10-step CCM approach was a qualitative study conducted to understand the impact of webcams on a virtual team. To develop a methodology for the study, the researchers reviewed grounded theory literature to synthesize an approach for conducting CCM with multiple researchers. Applying action research, an integration of literature and practical experience conducting the qualitative study resulted in a model for using CCM with multiple researchers performing data analysis. The method presented in this paper provides practical guidance for applying CCM collaboratively and shares the researchers’ perspectives on the value of ICR.Item Towards a Theoretical Model of the Impacts of Incorporating Webcams in Virtual Teams(Clute Institute, 2012) Olson, Joel; Grinnell, Lynn; McAllister, Chad; Appunn, Frank; Walters, KimberlyVirtual teams have proliferated over the last ten years as businesses realized benefits in coordinating across geographic and departmental boundaries. Studies of virtual teams, however, have revealed uneven success in team effectiveness. With the increase in quality and availability of video over the Internet, there are opportunities to improve effectiveness of virtual teams by integrating videoconferencing into synchronous meetings. The purpose of this qualitative study is to evaluate the impact of video on team interactions and effectiveness. Results showed a relationship between the added richness and authenticity brought about by video and increased effectiveness, while also showing a relationship between the increased stress of learning new technology and decreased effectiveness.Item The Value of Webcams for Virtual Teams(Clute Institute, 2012) Olson, Joel; Walters, Kimberly; Appunn, Frank; Grinnell, Lynn; McAllister, ChadThe latest low-cost technology solutions provide practical and reliable video options form standard personal computers using the Internet. By adding video to an established and geographically dispersed team process, this exploratory research tries to establish the experience of participants and perceived effectiveness of the team. Building on the literature, this qualitative research performs a content analysis design on a text transcription of weekly audio logs from participants. This approach analyzes the rich content of team members to discover the relevance of differing elements within trust, technology, and effectiveness find support. By understanding the influences of adding video to teams, leaders, and managers should be able to make informed decisions regarding the adoption of video for each participant. The attitude evolution regarding the use of technology over a period of six weeks provides further considerations for deployment.Item Webcams and Virtual Teams: An Impact Model(Emerald Publishing, 2014) Olson, Joel; Appunn, Frank; McAllister, Chad; Walters, Kimberly; Grinnell, LynnPurpose - The paper aims to address the question, "What is the impact of web-based video via webcams on virtual team trust and effectiveness?" Change and evolution in team perceptions over time are described. The result is the creation of a theoretical model describing the effect of webcams on virtual team development. Design/methodology/approach - A qualitative phenomenological heuristic case study was used to explore the individual expectations and experiences of the team members over a six-week period. To strengthen reliability and validity, two qualitative methods, content analysis and constant comparative analysis -- a means of grounded theory, were used to both test the historic basis of the existing literature on trust and effectiveness in virtual teams and to explore how the use of webcams influenced the work, interactions and effectiveness of a virtual team. Both qualitative methods involved different pairs of researchers using inter-rater coefficients to address coding reliability and validity. Results from the two methods were then compared and contrasted. Findings - The resulting model highlights the importance of ongoing, formal differentiated training on new technology. This research also suggests careful management of technology change and its deployment to enhance outcomes of various organization forms. Research limitations/implications - Given the nature of the qualitative study, the findings are not generalizable, but may illumine the understanding of webcams and technology adaptation in similar virtual teams. Practical implications - The resulting model highlights the importance of ongoing, formal differentiated training on new technology. This research also suggests careful management of technology change and its deployment to enhance outcomes of various organization forms. The study incorporates Technology Acceptance Theory and applications of the Kirton Adaptation-Innovation Inventory. Originality/value - With the increase in bandwidth on the Internet, technologies such as webcams have become more viable for use in virtual teams.