Currently working as an Associate Professor in the University of Sydney Business School, Ravi teaches and researches in the areas of accounting systems and IT innovation adoption. He has 25 years of teaching and research experience in four major Australian Universities. His research, funded by national and university grants, explores the evolving relationships between IT innovations and organizations. His current collaborative research projects investigate the impact of blockchain technology on accounting profession, influence of Artificial Intelligence on auditing, health analytics adoption in hospitals and information systems for sustainability reporting. Prior to joining academe, Ravi has 10 years of industry experience and maintains relationship with industry through research, consulting and service. He led several teaching and learning innovations including work integrated learning, simulation gaming and technology integration into business curriculum. He served as a chair-person for the business school ethics research committee and the Supply Chain Council ANZ and currently serving as a member of Education committee of the association for Information Systems and in the boards of a private higher education providers. Phone: +61293513267 Address: University of Sydney
Business School
Sydney
Australia
This paper explores the alignment of enterprise systems and organisations on the post-adoptive ph... more This paper explores the alignment of enterprise systems and organisations on the post-adoptive phase. A research model is presented focusing on the alignment decisions in the managerial search process for solutions to business problems related to enterprise systems. Based on the research model we propose research questions for future research, particularly to analyse how managerial identity would affect the alignment decisions.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted by the massive processing power and big data is poised to s... more Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted by the massive processing power and big data is poised to significantly influence the auditing profession. Though selective initiatives deploying AI technology for specific auditing tasks are in place in the big four firms, empirical evidence is sketchy. This exploratory qualitative study, using the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework as its broad theoretical lens, and semi-structured interviews as the data collection strategy, investigates the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in auditing in Australia and identifies the factors influencing the adoption. Adoption of AI by auditing firms, our study found, would not only result in improvement in audit quality and decision making but also helps them build capabilities to deliver value-adding AI consultancy services that are more profitable than traditional auditing. External entities such as auditing standard-setting bodies and regulatory bodies in Australia are lagging behind due to their conservative approach and constraining the adoption. Some of the challenges include use of poor quality data in the development of AI solutions, inability to document the use of technology for verification by regulators, potential human bias that could be built in the AI programs, \u27black-box\u27 nature of AI solutions that do not inspire trust, perceived legal and reputational risk of financial auditing work that limits the potential use of AI. The study found a significant influence of AI on various stages of the audit process and observes the potential disappearnce of some of the traditionally known audit stages or their merger with others with the adoption of AI
Business schools are exploring new pedagogical approaches to learning in order to deal with chall... more Business schools are exploring new pedagogical approaches to learning in order to deal with challenges such as increased class sizes, limited funding support, and difficulties in facilitating and encouraging active participation and learning among a diverse cohort of students. This paper reports on a study of the effectiveness of a pedagogical approach that blends online discussion board and case study. Analysing quantity and quality of online postings and comparing accounting students’ performance with previous cohort, this study observes a significant improvement in student learning. Appropriate design and delivery strategies and clear assessment criteria for assessment and use have provided an effective learning vehicle for students, helped them overcome their own language related barriers, and encouraged them to participate in a nonthreatening environment. This approach further complemented the benefits of peer-to-peer learning and case study pedagogy. Reported increase in workl...
Implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, the most significant IT development in r... more Implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, the most significant IT development in recent times, affects all aspects of organizational life. While the positive impact of ERP systems on operational efficiencies is well established in the literature, the relationship between ERP systems, decision support capability and decision-making processes has been inadequately investigated in the past. This paper hypothesizes a research model for further investigation. Using standardization and integration, the two key characteristics of ERP systems, the influence of ERP-enabled information environment is explained in terms of its impact on the accessibility/availability, quality and quantity of information. The extent of integration and standardization achieved while implementing the ERP system and organizational culture and size are moderating variables that are expected to moderate the influence of ERP-enabled environment on managerial decision making. Extending recent studies, t...
Features of ERP systems such as standardized business processes, data integrity, real-time availa... more Features of ERP systems such as standardized business processes, data integrity, real-time availability, visibility and processing capability of information are expected to create an excellent backdrop for embarking on integration with external partners in the supply chain. This paper reports on the enabling role of ERP systems in achieving supply chain integration from an interpretive case study analysis. Study observed that the organization is slow in embarking on changes to the inter-enterprise processes and not taking full advantage of the high potential. Reasons noted for constraining role of ERP systems in achieving an effective supply chain integration are changes in power and organizational structures, inadequate integration of internal processes, limited flexibility of processes, lack of decision support capability of the ERP system, and general inertia for further changes consequent to ERP implementation. In addition other factors such as supply chain partners inability to...
Healthcare organizations (HCO) are under pressure to adopt emerging solutions with a view to impr... more Healthcare organizations (HCO) are under pressure to adopt emerging solutions with a view to improving the quality and efficiency of their operations, patient care and clinical decisions. In the literature, while recommendations have been put forth to follow an organizational approach to the adoption and implementation of analytics, there is a paucity of research into what specifically constitutes healthcare-analytics (HA), as well the antecedents that can explain and predict its adoption-decisions. In this paper, we fill this gap, by first proposing a typology for HA and an adoption-decision model that integrates the TOE framework with DeLone and McLean IS Success Model. We use a case study for the initial validation of the typology and the model. Our study reveals that the HCO studied has the same types of the data proposed in our typology, although the usage of the data and current/future adoption of analytics depends on many factors beyond simply technology.
This paper describes the thematic development of integrated process understanding, using process ... more This paper describes the thematic development of integrated process understanding, using process modelling and Enterprise Systems, through three consecutive units of an undergraduate degree. It reviews the literature on process modelling and Enterprise Systems, and the pedagogy of their use as teaching tools. It then describes teaching materials and methods designed to ensure that the issues arising from that literature are communicated to students in ways which develop their critical evaluation skills, and their motivation for study. Methods used to ensure that students’ learning is progressively developed from one unit to the next are also described.
Process orientation and understanding of the value of functional integration are considered essen... more Process orientation and understanding of the value of functional integration are considered essential for business graduates today. Universities have employed several approaches for imparting this knowledge. This paper reports on a study that analyses and measures the process related knowledge and skills gained by the business students in one business information systems unit. A three factor structure model instrument with 25 items is designed and validated as a suitable instrument to measure the knowledge gained. Study notes significant improvement in the knowledge of business processes and integration concepts and validates the teaching and learning approach adopted in this unit.
Businesses are increasingly indicating a need for business graduates who have an integrated under... more Businesses are increasingly indicating a need for business graduates who have an integrated understanding of its operations, and an ability to address the multiple perspectives required in applying technology in a business setting. It is not always easy for undergraduates, with limited world experience, to gain such a holistic understanding. This paper discusses a ‘scaffolding’ approach to help them make the valuable links between one subject and another by deploying business, information/data and process modelling perspectives and their enabling technologies/tools. It proposes a detailed evaluation of this approach as the students progress from one subject to another.
The adoption of analytics solutions in hospitals is a recent trend aimed at fact-based decision m... more The adoption of analytics solutions in hospitals is a recent trend aimed at fact-based decision making and data-driven performance management. However, the adoption of analytics involves diverse stakeholder perspectives. Currently, there is a paucity of studies that focus on how the practitioners assess their organizational readiness for health analytics (HA) and make informed decisions on technology adoption given a set of alternatives. We fill this gap with our study by designing a strategic assessment framework guided by a DSRM approach that iteratively extends our past artifact. Our approach first entails the use of many in-depth case-studies, as well as embedded experts from the industry to inform the objective setting and design process. These inputs are then supported by two multi-criteria decision-making methods. We also evaluate our framework with healthcare practitioners for both design validity and future iterations of this project. Implications of our work for theory of ...
1. INTRODUCTION Understanding the concepts of cross-functional business processes and their manag... more 1. INTRODUCTION Understanding the concepts of cross-functional business processes and their management are key graduate requirements today in process-centric organizations. In general, it is difficult to teach these concepts to business students using traditional teaching and learning methods. In particular, it is challenging to teach post graduate students who have limited or no business experience. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and the industry-standard ERP software solutions are considered a powerful tool for teaching these concepts. With strong encouragement and support from leading ERP software vendors, such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft and others, several university business schools have incorporated ERP systems into their curricula. While these initiatives have helped immensely in teaching these concepts and imparting much needed SAP and other software skills to students, the pedagogical benefits are limited. Introducing innovative teaching and learning models is co...
The critical importance of knowledge as a resource and its consequent management issues are recog... more The critical importance of knowledge as a resource and its consequent management issues are recognised critical for business success and competitive advantage. This paper, based on the author's Ph D study and ongoing research on engineers, argues that the current systems of managing engineers are not sufficient to deal with the knowledge dimension effectively. To derive competitive advantage from knowledge and knowledge management, business organisations must develop appropriate systems and policies, which will cultivate and support such knowledge workers. This paper outlines the increasing importance of knowledge in business organisations, concepts, and issues in managing professional engineers. It highlights some of the problems in managing professional engineers and their knowledge, such as sharing and leveraging their knowledge capabilities across the entire organisation, supporting internal organisational systems, knowledge creation, acquisition, transfer, and renewal.
This paper explores the alignment of enterprise systems and organisations on the post-adoptive ph... more This paper explores the alignment of enterprise systems and organisations on the post-adoptive phase. A research model is presented focusing on the alignment decisions in the managerial search process for solutions to business problems related to enterprise systems. Based on the research model we propose research questions for future research, particularly to analyse how managerial identity would affect the alignment decisions.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted by the massive processing power and big data is poised to s... more Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted by the massive processing power and big data is poised to significantly influence the auditing profession. Though selective initiatives deploying AI technology for specific auditing tasks are in place in the big four firms, empirical evidence is sketchy. This exploratory qualitative study, using the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework as its broad theoretical lens, and semi-structured interviews as the data collection strategy, investigates the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in auditing in Australia and identifies the factors influencing the adoption. Adoption of AI by auditing firms, our study found, would not only result in improvement in audit quality and decision making but also helps them build capabilities to deliver value-adding AI consultancy services that are more profitable than traditional auditing. External entities such as auditing standard-setting bodies and regulatory bodies in Australia are lagging behind due to their conservative approach and constraining the adoption. Some of the challenges include use of poor quality data in the development of AI solutions, inability to document the use of technology for verification by regulators, potential human bias that could be built in the AI programs, \u27black-box\u27 nature of AI solutions that do not inspire trust, perceived legal and reputational risk of financial auditing work that limits the potential use of AI. The study found a significant influence of AI on various stages of the audit process and observes the potential disappearnce of some of the traditionally known audit stages or their merger with others with the adoption of AI
Business schools are exploring new pedagogical approaches to learning in order to deal with chall... more Business schools are exploring new pedagogical approaches to learning in order to deal with challenges such as increased class sizes, limited funding support, and difficulties in facilitating and encouraging active participation and learning among a diverse cohort of students. This paper reports on a study of the effectiveness of a pedagogical approach that blends online discussion board and case study. Analysing quantity and quality of online postings and comparing accounting students’ performance with previous cohort, this study observes a significant improvement in student learning. Appropriate design and delivery strategies and clear assessment criteria for assessment and use have provided an effective learning vehicle for students, helped them overcome their own language related barriers, and encouraged them to participate in a nonthreatening environment. This approach further complemented the benefits of peer-to-peer learning and case study pedagogy. Reported increase in workl...
Implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, the most significant IT development in r... more Implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, the most significant IT development in recent times, affects all aspects of organizational life. While the positive impact of ERP systems on operational efficiencies is well established in the literature, the relationship between ERP systems, decision support capability and decision-making processes has been inadequately investigated in the past. This paper hypothesizes a research model for further investigation. Using standardization and integration, the two key characteristics of ERP systems, the influence of ERP-enabled information environment is explained in terms of its impact on the accessibility/availability, quality and quantity of information. The extent of integration and standardization achieved while implementing the ERP system and organizational culture and size are moderating variables that are expected to moderate the influence of ERP-enabled environment on managerial decision making. Extending recent studies, t...
Features of ERP systems such as standardized business processes, data integrity, real-time availa... more Features of ERP systems such as standardized business processes, data integrity, real-time availability, visibility and processing capability of information are expected to create an excellent backdrop for embarking on integration with external partners in the supply chain. This paper reports on the enabling role of ERP systems in achieving supply chain integration from an interpretive case study analysis. Study observed that the organization is slow in embarking on changes to the inter-enterprise processes and not taking full advantage of the high potential. Reasons noted for constraining role of ERP systems in achieving an effective supply chain integration are changes in power and organizational structures, inadequate integration of internal processes, limited flexibility of processes, lack of decision support capability of the ERP system, and general inertia for further changes consequent to ERP implementation. In addition other factors such as supply chain partners inability to...
Healthcare organizations (HCO) are under pressure to adopt emerging solutions with a view to impr... more Healthcare organizations (HCO) are under pressure to adopt emerging solutions with a view to improving the quality and efficiency of their operations, patient care and clinical decisions. In the literature, while recommendations have been put forth to follow an organizational approach to the adoption and implementation of analytics, there is a paucity of research into what specifically constitutes healthcare-analytics (HA), as well the antecedents that can explain and predict its adoption-decisions. In this paper, we fill this gap, by first proposing a typology for HA and an adoption-decision model that integrates the TOE framework with DeLone and McLean IS Success Model. We use a case study for the initial validation of the typology and the model. Our study reveals that the HCO studied has the same types of the data proposed in our typology, although the usage of the data and current/future adoption of analytics depends on many factors beyond simply technology.
This paper describes the thematic development of integrated process understanding, using process ... more This paper describes the thematic development of integrated process understanding, using process modelling and Enterprise Systems, through three consecutive units of an undergraduate degree. It reviews the literature on process modelling and Enterprise Systems, and the pedagogy of their use as teaching tools. It then describes teaching materials and methods designed to ensure that the issues arising from that literature are communicated to students in ways which develop their critical evaluation skills, and their motivation for study. Methods used to ensure that students’ learning is progressively developed from one unit to the next are also described.
Process orientation and understanding of the value of functional integration are considered essen... more Process orientation and understanding of the value of functional integration are considered essential for business graduates today. Universities have employed several approaches for imparting this knowledge. This paper reports on a study that analyses and measures the process related knowledge and skills gained by the business students in one business information systems unit. A three factor structure model instrument with 25 items is designed and validated as a suitable instrument to measure the knowledge gained. Study notes significant improvement in the knowledge of business processes and integration concepts and validates the teaching and learning approach adopted in this unit.
Businesses are increasingly indicating a need for business graduates who have an integrated under... more Businesses are increasingly indicating a need for business graduates who have an integrated understanding of its operations, and an ability to address the multiple perspectives required in applying technology in a business setting. It is not always easy for undergraduates, with limited world experience, to gain such a holistic understanding. This paper discusses a ‘scaffolding’ approach to help them make the valuable links between one subject and another by deploying business, information/data and process modelling perspectives and their enabling technologies/tools. It proposes a detailed evaluation of this approach as the students progress from one subject to another.
The adoption of analytics solutions in hospitals is a recent trend aimed at fact-based decision m... more The adoption of analytics solutions in hospitals is a recent trend aimed at fact-based decision making and data-driven performance management. However, the adoption of analytics involves diverse stakeholder perspectives. Currently, there is a paucity of studies that focus on how the practitioners assess their organizational readiness for health analytics (HA) and make informed decisions on technology adoption given a set of alternatives. We fill this gap with our study by designing a strategic assessment framework guided by a DSRM approach that iteratively extends our past artifact. Our approach first entails the use of many in-depth case-studies, as well as embedded experts from the industry to inform the objective setting and design process. These inputs are then supported by two multi-criteria decision-making methods. We also evaluate our framework with healthcare practitioners for both design validity and future iterations of this project. Implications of our work for theory of ...
1. INTRODUCTION Understanding the concepts of cross-functional business processes and their manag... more 1. INTRODUCTION Understanding the concepts of cross-functional business processes and their management are key graduate requirements today in process-centric organizations. In general, it is difficult to teach these concepts to business students using traditional teaching and learning methods. In particular, it is challenging to teach post graduate students who have limited or no business experience. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and the industry-standard ERP software solutions are considered a powerful tool for teaching these concepts. With strong encouragement and support from leading ERP software vendors, such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft and others, several university business schools have incorporated ERP systems into their curricula. While these initiatives have helped immensely in teaching these concepts and imparting much needed SAP and other software skills to students, the pedagogical benefits are limited. Introducing innovative teaching and learning models is co...
The critical importance of knowledge as a resource and its consequent management issues are recog... more The critical importance of knowledge as a resource and its consequent management issues are recognised critical for business success and competitive advantage. This paper, based on the author's Ph D study and ongoing research on engineers, argues that the current systems of managing engineers are not sufficient to deal with the knowledge dimension effectively. To derive competitive advantage from knowledge and knowledge management, business organisations must develop appropriate systems and policies, which will cultivate and support such knowledge workers. This paper outlines the increasing importance of knowledge in business organisations, concepts, and issues in managing professional engineers. It highlights some of the problems in managing professional engineers and their knowledge, such as sharing and leveraging their knowledge capabilities across the entire organisation, supporting internal organisational systems, knowledge creation, acquisition, transfer, and renewal.
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Papers by Ravi Seethamraju