Title: Application service provision: a technology and working tool for healthcare organisations in the knowledge age

Authors: Matthew W. Guah, Wendy L. Currie

Addresses: Members of the Centre of Strategic Information Systems (CSIS), Department of Information Systems & Computing, Brunel University, Uxbridge, West London, UK. ' Members of the Centre of Strategic Information Systems (CSIS), Department of Information Systems & Computing, Brunel University, Uxbridge, West London, UK

Abstract: This paper|s primary purpose is to address the business issues and management concerns that arise in healthcare organisations of the knowledge age, and to explore the impact of Application Services Provision (ASP) in this vertical industry sector. It will examine the strategies that will enable healthcare organisations to better manage ASP resources, in the knowledge age, for competitive advantage. While the phenomenon of ASP is still in an embryonic stage, we draw from seminal works of IS pioneers like Markus, Porter, Checkland, Maslow and others. Their intellectual contributions, plus findings from research work at Brunel University, provide a framework for discussion. ASP delivers personal productivity software and professional support systems, assisting healthcare organisations in processing information, solving business problems, developing new products, and creating new knowledge. The need to exploit ASP capabilities to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in e-business strategy is clearly defined in this paper.

Keywords: adoption and implementation theory; application service provision; business environment; healthcare organisations e-business strategy; IT infrastructure; social-technical issues.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHTM.2003.004168

International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, 2003 Vol.5 No.3/4/5, pp.250 - 267

Published online: 10 May 2004 *

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