Application service provision: a technology and working tool for healthcare organisations in the knowledge age. (11th May 2004)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Guah, Matthew W.; Currie, Wendy L.
• Is Part Of: International journal of healthcare technology and management. Volume 5:Number 3-5(2003)
• Page Start: 250
• Page End: 267
• Publication Date: 2004-05-11
• Subjects: adoption and implementation theory -- application service provision -- business environment -- healthcare organisations e-business strategy -- IT infrastructure -- social-technical issues; Medical technology -- Periodicals; Medical technology -- Management -- Periodicals; 610.28
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-2156

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.