ABSTRACT. Virtual reality (VR) provides unique visualization capabilities rendering it a potentially transformative digital technology. Rapid consumerization of VR has triggered an interest in organizations to explore diverse value creation opportunities. However, VR scholarship is currently dominated by technical and psychological perspectives. This paper therefore examines the current state of research on VR with a particular focus on organizational aspects to investigate its role in digital transformation (DT). The analysis reveals that it focuses on three key areas: user experience design, e-commerce and retail, and collaboration. Placing these areas in a context of DT, the paper articulates several opportunities for IS research.

ABSTRACT. The fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) is significantly changing industrial work by introducing interconnected machines and leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to collect and analyze vast amounts of data. This technological advancement has led to increased reliance on AI systems, with some decisions being made automatically. However, the opaque nature of AI presents significant risks, demanding the development of suitable risk management approaches tailored to industrial settings. Currently, there is a lack of comprehensive research in this area, highlighting the need to conduct a structured literature review (SLR) to bridge this gap. Through the SLR, we identified various risk management approaches, including algorithm regulation, governance, certification, and auditing. Building upon these findings, we propose a research agenda for the management of AI risks in industrial settings.

ABSTRACT. The maritime industry is made up of a complex ecosystem consisting of many actors. Digitalization has presented solutions to many earlier challenges faced by maritime professionals and has also led to new opportunities for improving maritime safety, vessel coordination, navigation, control and communication. However, with these technological advances, have come new known and unknowable cyber-threats and cyber-security challenges to an industry that is already renowned for being one of the sectors most targeted by pirates and criminals. This study aims to investigate whether (and how) maritime safety culture and cyber-security factors (hygiene) impact on-board ship safety measured through maritime professionals’ resilience capabilities, decision-making performance, and collaborative performance. The empirical findings of our quantitative study found that maritime professionals working onboard digitalised ships with improved awareness of cyber-security and the safety culture improved the overall resilience capabilities of ships and that onboard decision-making impacted collaboration with stakeholders.

ABSTRACT. The cultural event sector is an essential part of the global economy, and digital platforms have revo-lutionized how cultural events are promoted and commercialized. Cultural event platforms (CEPs) not only allow users to find events that might interest them, but also provide additional (data-driven) services. As these services offer new ways of creating, delivering, and capturing value, it is crucial for CEPs to develop an innovative business model to that end. However, this is currently challenging due to (1) a lack of empirical knowledge about possible business model elements and (2) significant differences among platform providers. To address these challenges, we propose a classification ap-proach in the form of a business model taxonomy for CEPs. Using well-established taxonomy devel-opment methods, we conduct a literature review and analyze business models of existing CEPs. By capturing the various characteristics of CEP business models, our taxonomy enhances both innova-tion on and the financial sustainability of these platforms. This research informs practitioners devel-oping and managing CEPs about the variety of business model characteristics they can choose from, thus providing the foundation for a cumulative stream of research on business models for CEPs. In future research, we will evaluate the robustness of the taxonomy.

ABSTRACT. Early works in the field of Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) saw the state as central in designing and implementing development policy. Over time, this assumption has been questioned by recognition of the role played by non-state actors, private and supranational, in building and enacting development schemes. In the sub-domain of digital humanitarianism, private entities – especially, technology vendors partnering with national and supranational bodies – shape the implementation of humanitarian programmes in substantial ways. To understand the objectives informing private vendors’ action in digital humanitarianism, this paper conducts Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) on a dataset of public sources (2019-2023) from vendors of biometric technologies that moved into humanitarianism. Identifying the discourses of mapping, providing and empowering as central to vendors’ narratives, the paper illuminates how private technology vendors participate in digital humanitarianism, and provides the basis for problematising the vendors’ discourse.

ABSTRACT. The digital age has led to the evolution of IS/IT and with it, new areas of study such as Digital Transformation (DT). DT is an organisation-wide strategic approach that brings together people, processes and technology. As such, it is a complex process that requires organisational commitment, the development of new skills, organisational restructuring and overcoming staff resistance and inertia. In recent decades, museums have been no strangers to DT, but the pace of change has been slower than in other sectors, leaving most museums far from digital maturity. Strategic planning for DT, along with strong leadership for its successful implementation, is critical to setting the strategic direction that will help museums fulfil their mission and maintain their relevance in 21st century society. However, there is little research on DT for museums and even less on its strategic planning. Using a Design Science Research (DSR) approach, the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona, together with the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, is collaborating in this applied research, co-funded by the Generalitat de Catalunya within the framework of the Industrial Doctorate Plan, which aims to propose a comprehensive methodology to support the strategic planning and deployment of DT in natural history museums (NHMs).

ABSTRACT. This paper explores the use of machine learning algorithms for predicting the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. It highlights the need for effective diabetes management and prevention strategies, given the high global prevalence of this disease. This work cites several studies that have examined the use of machine learning algorithms to predict diabetes, with varying levels of accuracy. The reviewed studies used different algorithms, populations, and feature selection methods. Our research in progress proposes using machine learning to predict the likelihood of having diabetes among social media users in Saudi Arabia by analyzing several risk factors pertaining to dietary habits and physical activity levels. The study can contribute to theory and practice by enriching the existing literature on diabetes and machine learning, providing further evidence of the impact of artificial intelligence on healthcare services, and developing personalized diabetes prevention treatment tips.

ABSTRACT. In recent years, a considerable amount of research has explored the negative effects associated with the use of ICTs and linked it to several health issues that can pose consequences at the social level as well as on an individual level. Despite the negative effects, the use of ICTs also provides a range of benefits and researchers are in particular interested in how we can help young people with obtaining a beneficial digital engagement with ICTs. Motivated by the advantages ICTs bring, a new concept named Digital Maturity has been proposed. Digital maturity is a multidimensional concept that consists of three capabilities. The first capability focuses on young people’s ability to make autonomous choices about using mobile devices and exercising autonomy within digital contexts. The second capability involves digital literacy, individual growth in digital contexts, digital risk awareness, and support-seeking regarding digital problems. Finally, the third capability consists of the regulation of negative emotions and aggressive impulses in digital contexts, respect towards others in digital contexts, and digital citizenship for adequate interaction with others and contribution to society. To measure digital maturity based on these ten dimensions, a composite index named digital maturity inventory (DIMI) has been constructed. As a composite index, DIMI can be used to gain an overview of the aggregated level of digital maturity in young people in a country or region by applying experts’ opinions on how much weight each dimension should be given. The challenge that remains in the construction of composite indexes is that expert’s proposed weights not always are in line with the relative importance of the synthesized dimensions. In this paper, we examine the optimal interplay between the ten dimensions from a data-driven perspective with an interest in obtaining an optimal fit for predicting young peoples’ digital maturity. Our result demonstrates a misfit between experts’ opinions and the importance of competencies. Thus, we propose an adjustment of the DIMI based on our empirical evidence and real-world data.

ABSTRACT. The study presents an innovative approach to incorporating AI-driven conversational agents (CAs) or social robots technologies into healthcare information systems (HISs) and revolutionizing healthcare delivery systems. The study aims to improve accessibility and personalization, and minimize adverse risks, especially in the emergency departments (EDs). The study investigates patient-related experiences, long waiting times, and overcrowding issues during peak hours in EDs. Design science research methodology (DSRM) principles were tailored with modelling workshop method to capture domain contextual knowledge and include practitioners' cognitive-tacit knowledge-ability into HIS to address the above-mentioned issues. The developed social robot artifact incorporates an artificial intelligence markup language (AIML) technique as a model to restore domain knowledge of EDs, which serves as a foundation for developing goal-oriented interactive conversational system artifact between humans and machines. As a result, the study contributes that CAs, considered value-added AI-driven applications such as CAs or social robots, serve as a coworker to facilitate healthcare practitioners and patients, catering to patients' needs and communication to enhance care delivery experience and improve information flow processes using interactive services within EDs. The research presents a promising solution to improve patient outcomes, reduce waiting times, and enhance communication between patients and practitioners in EDs.

ABSTRACT. As part of a research and development program aimed at providing a decision support system for cyber risk management, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the research, innovation and collaboration environment for decision support technologies and mathematical decision support systems for cybersecurity. We analysed 5,841 documents from three different databases and derived 79 significant decision support systems. We conducted a bibliometric and semantic analysis of all documents to identify the dynamics of collaboration, research trends, and other structural elements, and we analysed these 79 models under 16 risk management evaluation criteria to assess their relevance. This work now allows for a better understanding of the dynamics underlying cyber risk modelling research, an analysis of the models used by academic and private research, a classification of these models regarding these same evaluation criteria, and a taxonomy of decision support systems for cybersecurity.

ABSTRACT. The purpose of this study is to conceptualize cybersecurity culture and discuss lessons that organizations can learn from the research findings to foster an appropriate cybersecurity culture. The PRISMA method and scoping literature review were used in the study. An intensive literature search was conducted in well-known publishers and online databases. Literature was selected that dealt exclusively with cybersecurity culture. Cybersecurity culture was conceptualized based on Schein's organizational culture model and Van Niekerk & Von Solm's information security culture model. The results show that cybersecurity culture could be defined and conceptualized based on four important elements, namely competencies, behaviors, policy compliance, and practices of employees at all levels of an organization toward the cybersecurity goal of protecting digital assets from intentional cyberattacks or unintentional employee mistakes. In addition to the lessons learned from the literature, organizations could also consider the four important elements proposed in this study to foster their cybersecurity culture and improve their security posture. The main contribution of this study is to provide researchers with an understanding of the current concepts and scope of cybersecurity culture and to simplify the approaches for organizations to foster an appropriate cybersecurity culture.

ABSTRACT. Interest in residential energy-consumption trends and potential energy-saving opportunities continues to grow significantly among researchers and policymakers. The electricity consumption for the residential sector in the United States (US) reached 39% of the country's total in 2020. Furthermore, feedback applications for household energy consumption as a trend will grow with the development of the smart grid. In this research-in-progress, we specifically aim to examine the impact of privacy concerns and environmental concerns on the attitudes of users toward electricity consumption feedback applications and the use of these applications. Specifically, based on the theory of reasoned action, we develop a theoretical model that includes hypotheses on the relationships related to privacy concerns and environmental concerns. To validate our model and hypotheses, we conducted a survey and measured participants’ beliefs, attitudes, and reported use of feedback applications. We present our data analysis and preliminary results and discuss our future steps.

ABSTRACT. The current study responds to the call by extant literature, on the need for universities to establish improved practises that can enhance graduate transition to the labour market. So far, most employability studies in the global south are descriptive and have focused mainly on the curriculum taught in various universities, its inadequacies, and the need for policy transformation towards higher education. Few other studies have called for set up of development centres, guidance and counselling offices or even career offices to better build students employability capacity. And where career offices are set up, there are still arguments concerning low quality and unavailability in universities. Considering the case of nascent and yet-to-be developed career offices, the question of service design that fits into actor career needs is of concern. This study sought to address this problem using concepts of student career management, customer (student) relationship management and employability capacity building. Qualitative approach involving focus group discussion was used in data collection. Out of four practises established, self-career management and basic communication resonate with existing student career management practises for employability capacity building. The study recommends ways in which student relationship management can be embedded in student career management by universities

ABSTRACT. Learning management systems (LMS) research has been actively conducted over the past four decades. Since the late 1990s, a significant research stream has included reviewing and analyz-ing existing online readiness surveys. A substantial portion of the current research examined (1) the number of factors in e-learning readiness, (2) the number of items/indicators in each factor, and (3) empirically tested the relationships among predefined factors and indicators. This paper attempts to answer two following research questions. How has the online learning readiness (OLR) research stream changed over the past decades? Does our contemporary OLR research address relevant topics that can affect the current online learner's success? The current OLR empirical research studies have ignored the recent developments in empirical e-learning critical success factors research. Consequently, they failed to include crucial factors in e-learning systems research: self-regulated learning (SRL) and dialogues (student-student and student-instructor dialogues). OLR research has continuously used outdated self-directed learn-ing (SDL) as a critical construct. Theoretically, SRL is a better construct. The concept of OLR and the e-learning critical success factors model are two different re-search streams developed in the distance learning community. This paper expanded the do-main of e-learning readiness research to replace SDL with SRL and to add dialogues (stu-dent-student and student-instructor) variables into a new research domain. We present a dy-namic interaction model of e-learning readiness, SRL, and student-student dialogue to assess e-learning effectiveness. By integrating SRL and student-student dialogue, this study empiri-cally tested a model of the effectiveness of LMS. The research model is tested using Warp-PLS (version 8), which is the structural equation modeling (SEM)-based Partial Least Squares (PLS) methodology. It provided statistically significant evidence to suggest that students' readiness for e-learning significantly affected three areas: self-regulated learning (H1), learn-ing effectiveness (H2), and student-student dialogue (H3).

ABSTRACT. The decreasing cost of 3D printers has made them more accessible to schools. Digital learning with the use of 3D printing can provide engaging and interactive experiences for students, pro-mote creativity and innovation, and help students develop problem-solving skills. However, despite the benefits, the use of 3D printing in schools is still limited. This paper explores the experiences and perspectives of teachers who have used 3D printers in their teaching to understand how the technology can become part of everyday practices and strengthen digital literacy. The article uses as an analytical framework the normalization process model (NPM) which focuses on factors that promote or inhibit routine embedding of technological interventions in existing work settings. The analysis reveals that the obstacles reported by teachers relate mostly to exogenous (organizing) factors. The findings contribute insights on how 3D printing can become part of everyday practices and of the overall school information infrastructure to facilitate learning and strengthen digital literacy from early student ages.

ABSTRACT. Firms are also facing challenges such as shortened product life cycle, high level of innovation, and swift responses to customer requirements. There is a lack of research about how firms exploit the potential contribution of Industry 4.0 especially in developing countries like Pakistan. Based on resource-based view and dynamic capability theory, this study aims to examine the indirect effect of organizational networking on business performance through technological capability. Sketching on effectuation theory, the present study also intends to examine the moderating impact of entrepreneurial bricolage on the organizational networking-technological capability relationship. Adopting purposive sampling approach, data will be collected from manufacturing firms’ employees in Pakistan. We will employ structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis using SmartPLS 3.0 software. To the best of our knowledge, no prior study has investigated the integrated relationship of organizational networking, technological capability, business performance and bricolage from the fourth industrial revolution perspective. At the end of manuscript, implications and limitations will be explained.

ABSTRACT. The Information systems (IS) literature has discussed time in some detail, including how IT enables the bridging of problems associated with temporal distance in IT-mediated teams, facilitating teams’ decision-making process, speeding up business processes as well as stretching time through enabling actors to multitask by utilizing IT artefacts. However, there has been a tendency to focus only on time as a linear objective construct, thus neglecting its subjective and socially constructed ontology of time. In this paper, we argue that this temporal ontology deserves more attention in IS literature. To examine the interplay of objective and subjective views of time whilst undergoing digital transformation and its effects and outcomes, a qualitative, comparative case study approach is embraced here to understand how Saudi governmental organizations are implementing a new government initiative to digitally transforming with time. In this context, we explore how key actors act upon objective and subjective temporalities during the Saudi country-wide transformation of the digital economy, their conflicts, their mechanisms to go about the conflicts, and the role their different logics and underneath temporalities play in orchestrating the transformation. We take advantage of a countrywide imposed transformation of Saudi Vision2030 which is an underexplored context.

ABSTRACT. Digital transformation is driving structural change in all sectors of the global economy, espe-cially in the banking industry. The digital transformation of the banking industry is an ongoing process that impacts the working environment through the redesign of processes and methods. Therefore, this study aims to provide a framework for digital transformation in Iran’s banking industry using an enterprise architecture framework. For this purpose, qualitative and quantita-tive approaches were used. In the qualitative part, systematic review was done to identify key factors. The extracted factors were then coded and classified with the approval of the experts. For the quantitative part, Friedman’s test was used to prioritize the categories and components. Ultimately, 10 categories and 28 components were identified. Among them, security and cus-tomer management were the highest priority categories.

ABSTRACT. In our rapidly evolving digital world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool with the potential to revolutionize education. As educational communities strive to adapt to the demands of the 21st century, it becomes crucial to explore the potential benefits and risks associated with integrating AI into modern education. This panel proposal aims to bring together experts from diverse fields to discuss and analyze the ways in which AI can bridge education communities, facilitating enhanced learning experiences and expanding access to education. By examining the promises and pitfalls of AI in education, we seek to foster a deeper understanding of its implications and shape responsible AI adoption strategies.

This panel addresses several key panel pillars including: (1) How can AI technologies be effectively integrated into modern education to enhance learning outcomes and support personalized learning experiences for students? (2) What are the potential risks and ethical considerations associated with the use of AI in education, such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the devaluation of human interaction? (3) How can AI-powered tools and platforms be leveraged to bridge educational communities and foster collaboration among students, educators, and institutions across geographical and socioeconomic boundaries? (4) What are the key challenges and barriers that need to be addressed to ensure equitable access to AI-powered educational resources and opportunities for all learners, regardless of their socioeconomic background or geographic location? (5) How can educators and policymakers prepare for the future of AI in education, including upskilling teachers, developing robust AI literacy programs, and establishing regulatory frameworks that protect students’ rights and interests? (6) What are the successful examples and best practices of AI integration in education that have demonstrated positive outcomes, and how can they be scaled up to benefit a wider range of educational communities?

By exploring these research questions, our panel aims to provide insights into the potential and risks of AI in modern education, fostering a nuanced understanding that can inform policy decisions, pedagogical approaches, and technological advancements to create an inclusive and equitable digital learning environment.

The outcomes of the panel have implications for both academia and practice. We would like to uncover pathways for researching the beneficial use of AI solutions that could help and empower educators, students, and researchers using the bright side of AI in integrating modern education technologies into communities. The expected outcomes from the panel discussion will be directed toward different stakeholders including: • Researchers, supervisors, and academic institutions • Practitioners, industry partners, and technology-related stakeholders • Inter-governmental bodies, governments, and decision-makers

We are confident that this panel will draw a wide audience because its topic is timely, relevant, and novel in the information systems context. Researchers in the IS field are still hungry to uncover the social side of the IS and ICT and how to use their tools to improve people’s lives.

ABSTRACT. The purpose of this panel is to discuss about experiences and challenges when doing research about the use of digital technologies by children and adolescents, based on the lessons drawn from the EU Digymatex project1. The main objective of the Digymatex project is to provide evidence-based tools to assist in understanding children’s digital maturity, as well as how children’s digital maturity and its dimensions maximize benefits and minimize risks associated with children’s technology-related behavior. These tools, based upon thorough research, are intended to be applied by various stakeholders, such as children, families, school administrators and teachers, scientists, companies, and policy makers. The concept of digital maturity in children is a multi-dimensional one comprising three main capacities that directly address the digital challenges of young people: the capacity to use digital technologies in an autonomous and self-determined way; the capacity to master increasing digital challenges and solve problems; and the capacity to interact adequately with others and contribute to society (Laaber et al., 2023).

The panel will focus on four aspects that we consider critical in doing research about digital technologies for children: - Development of focus groups with children and adolescents. - Development and validation of digital maturity inventory - Managing repositories with data about children. - Use of Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence to do research with children and adolescents.

Panel participants are actively involved in the Digymatex project. Each panelist will describe first-hand experiences related to doing research about children and will provide overview of the challenges they faced.

ABSTRACT. Employees have a crucial role towards the successful functioning and growth of organizations. Several studies highlighted on the importance of psychological wellbeing in influencing both personal and professional performance. Such studies were further developed with the breakthrough of COVID19 pandemic that completely transformed working environments and had a panoply of positive and negative effects on employees’ general wellbeing, especially in countries suffering from economic burdens. Using the Lebanese economic crisis as a case study, this research explores how crises may have an impact on the relationship between psychological wellbeing and employee performance. This study employs a quantitative approach. It relies on data collected from a sample of 286 employees working in local and multinational organizations and is analyzed using SPSS. Results show that self-acceptance and personal growth has a positive impact on employee performance; also positive relations at work has positive relation on contextual performance.

ABSTRACT. Hybrid work configurations challenge what we know about the role of team leader. This research-in-progress paper explores the role of cultural intelligence (CI) in virtual teams (VTs) in the hybrid context. We use the concept of CI, which has been seen as a skill that enables adaptability with a positive influence on performance in earlier types of VTs. Given that new VTs are more hybrid and characterised by high levels of complexity, our study uses cultural dimensions at the team and in-dividual levels to explore how CI influences VTs in this new context and how leaders can leverage it to manage them. We present our two-phase research involving an exploratory survey (Phase 1) to identify popular types of hybrid work environments, and a case-study (Phase 2) involving one or two types of hybrid environments (opposite or significantly different), depending on what we will find in Phase 1. The study is expected to contribute to the fields of information systems (IS) and cross-cultural management and to offer practical recommendations for human resources (HR) managers by supporting HR initiatives and training programs and offering suggestions to e-leaders for improving team performance through the development of CI.

ABSTRACT. The professional and scholarly interest in the social impacts of information systems has been rapidly growing over the past decade. This article presents research-in-progress using bibliometric analysis to better understand how information systems scholars are contributing to the UN Sustainable Develop-ment Goals (SDG). The analysis covers 6741 published journal papers identified using the Scopus da-tabase. A descriptive analysis of the corpus allowed us to identify the most influential works and au-thors in the field. Four thematic clusters were identified using co-word analysis, demonstrating that decision science, information systems, and computer science and engineering all contributed to the development of the area. Further analysis in the completed paper of the extant IS literature by individual SDGs should allow for the identification of opportunities for research.

ABSTRACT. As the global financial landscape continues to evolve, the emergence of digital currencies such as Bitcoin and the underlying blockchain technology has sparked immense interest and debate. This paper examines the impact of Bitcoin on the development of international financial systems, particularly exploring the transformative potential of blockchain technology.

The emerging technology of blockchain has the potential to disrupt various industries, affecting businesses in significant ways. In particular, the financial services sector has witnessed the initial applications of blockchain through Bitcoin, leading to advancements in the payments sector. Our study focuses on describing the transformative changes brought about by blockchain technology, which can be categorised into four main ideas.

These changes include the introduction of new services that enable peer-to-peer transactions, facilitate cross-border and cross-currency transactions, establish connections between contracts and transactions, and render existing services outdated. By examining these modifications, our research provides valuable insights into how blockchain technology is reshaping the payment landscape and offers guidance for businesses aiming to grow and adapt in this evolving environment.

Additionally, our study contributes to the analysis of the effects of this new technology and highlights promising directions for future research in the field of blockchain. Through our investigation, we gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of Bitcoin and blockchain, their impacts on the global economy, and the potential implications for emerging economies once regulations allow for their adoption. Notably, renowned economists have forecasted the continued rise in Bitcoin's value, making it an attractive investment option for potential returns.

ABSTRACT. The concept of the sustainable digital entrepreneurial ecosystem (SDEE) has emerged from the intersection of two previously recognised concepts: the digital entrepreneurial ecosystem and digital economic sustainability. The SDEE is the integration of social, political, economic and cultural factors within a region, aiming to foster economic growth by minimising the negative impact and maximising the positive impact of digital firms. While the SDEE has gained attention in business and technology research, existing studies have primarily focussed on understanding its organisation at the regional level. Limited research has explored digital economic sustainability within the SDEE, considering both firm and regional levels. This paper investigates the SDEE from a multilevel perspective by employing an embedded single-case study design. The main unit is Saudi Arabia as a whole, and the subunits are entrepreneurs at the firm level and entrepreneurship experts who represent policymakers’ perspectives at the regional level. This paper intends to show how the subunits’ (entrepreneurs and experts) perspectives on the main unit (Saudi Arabia) can improve our understanding of the key characteristics of SDEEs. The preliminary analysis reveals five key characteristics that highlight a paradox between the firm and regional levels.

The preliminary findings underscore the importance of addressing the challenges faced by regional policymakers and involving entrepreneurs at the firm level in resource allocation within an SDEE. SDEEs encourage entrepreneurs to adapt their strategies and business models to effectively create and capture value within their ecosystem. This paper contributes to theory by advocating for the inclusion of multilevel perspectives in studying the digital sustainability of entrepreneurial ecosystems. Moreover, it expands the limited empirical research on SDEEs in Golf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT. The outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic in late 2019 has significantly transformed various aspects of life, leading to a lasting impact on post-pandemic society. This TREO Talk Paper proposal acknowledges the paradigm shift brought about by the pandemic and focuses on the future role of online learning in educational institutions. In particular, the proposal explores the implementation of blended or hybrid learning models, which combine online and on-campus learning activities (Hrastinski 2019). The understanding and application of blended learning vary across higher education institutions, creating ambiguity regarding the most suitable approach for different scenarios. To address this challenge, the proposal suggests analyzing a pilot case that follows a blended format in two universities—one in Europe and one in the Middle East—using a complete module (course) delivered by the same instructor.

In the context of this study, we selected two comparable modules running at a German university and at a Palestinian university. Both selected modules were taught by the same instructor to avoid any bias in the results. Also, both modules were offered in the same language, namely, English. Each module consists of two parts: lecture and lab. Both modules were offered in the Fall of 2022 with relatively small student groups.

The research aims to answer the following research questions: 1. What are the key factors that determine the optimal balance between online learning and on-campus learning within a blended learning model? 2. To what extent do cultural differences influence the success of blended learning implementations?

To gather data and insights to answer these research questions, an online survey will be conducted among students participating in the pilot model. The survey will encompass various dimensions, such as perceived usefulness, behavioral intention, support, and satisfaction.

By investigating these research questions, this study intends to shed light on the factors influencing the effectiveness of blended learning and the impact of cultural differences in educational settings. The findings will contribute to enhancing the understanding of blended learning models and inform educators and institutions in making informed decisions regarding the integration of online and on-campus learning approaches.

ABSTRACT. In a world characterized by social chaos, discrimination, and injustice, it is crucial to take proactive measures to ensure the social inclusion of individuals and societies during times of disruption. This research focuses on a specific form of social disruption, namely the refugee crisis, and investigates how ICT-enabled social inclusion can foster social justice for refugees in hosting societies. The aim of this article is to contribute to the Information Systems (IS) community's discourse on leveraging ICT solutions to facilitate the social inclusion of refugees in their new communities, ultimately leading to a more inclusive society. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of ICTs on refugees' social inclusion, emphasizing their role in promoting social justice.

This research has both theoretical and practical implications at institutional and individual levels. It proposes an ICT-enabled social inclusion theory within the context of the information systems field, offering valuable insights and recommendations for stakeholders, governments, and policymakers to foster inclusivity in society. Furthermore, it enhances the understanding of the social inclusion process from a social justice perspective for both refugees and local communities, encouraging collaboration towards the social inclusion of all individuals.

The field of ICT-enabled social inclusion lacks sufficient qualitative research data to develop and expand theories. This research adopts a Grounded Theory Methodology, focusing on refugees as a specific group, to initiate qualitative research in the context of social inclusion within the Information Systems field.

The motivation behind submitting this TREO Talk Paper is to present the research findings and gather feedback through fruitful discussions, which will contribute to the development of a journal article for publication in prestigious outlets.

ABSTRACT. Considering the vital importance of value-driven fifth industrial revolution and severity of cli-mate change, this study aims to investigate the direct and indirect effect of entrepreneurial leadership on sustainable performance through strategic agility based on the resource-based view and dynamic capability theory. Using purposive sampling approach, authors collected from 236 manufacturing firms’ employees in Saudi Arabia. The model was assessed by employing partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The current empirical findings confirm the significant effect of entrepreneurial leadership on strategic agility and that of strategic agility on firm sustainable performance. This study also confirms the significant and positive direct and indirect impact of entrepreneurial leadership on sustainable performance through strategic agility. The current study enriched the theoretical literature related to resource-based view and dynamic capability theory by offering empirical evidence about integrated relationship of entrepreneurial leadership, strategic agility and sustainable performance. This study offers numerous implications to practitioners and policy makers to promote sustainability among manufacturing firms in Saudi Arab.

ABSTRACT. The advent of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has brought about notable trans-formations in the field of education, revolutionizing the methods of content delivery and learning. Online learning (OL) aka ICT-enabled learning leverages the power of the internet to deliver educational content in a highly efficient and effective manner. OL is also referred to by several other terms, including e-learning, internet learning, distributed learning, networked learning, tele-learning, virtual learning, computer-assisted learning, web-based learning, and distance learning. OL systems have key shared features: learner and teacher being physically apart, utilization of ICT infrastructure for content delivery and interaction, and the requirement of cognitive abilities for internet platform usage. OL is widely acknowledged for effectively tackling challenges of learner accessibility and overcoming limitations of space and time for educators and learners. However, it is important to note that the challenges posed by OL systems are yet to be fully resolved. Notably, creating such systems needs to consider: (a) the pedagogical requirements, (b) concerns of infrastructural accessibility, (c) the need for global acceptance of such learning, and (d) institutional mechanisms to ensure sustainability, among others. While these could be some of the operational challenges concerning the delivery of quality education, the more significant challenges have to do with decisions concerning the right learning frameworks and how to effectively incorporate these into the systems of OL. The ongoing technology debate underscores its role as a delivery vehicle, not the sole determinant of student achievement, as instructional strategies embedded in materials play a more significant role in enhancing learning outcomes. These strategies facilitate linking information, acquiring meaningful knowledge, and utilizing metacognitive abilities. OL necessitates collaboration with diverse stakeholders, involving critical discourse and guidance from skilled teachers to facilitate students' externalization of thoughts and recognition of biases. Collaboration is essential due to factors like information overload, the importance of critical thinking abilities, and the impact of external circumstances such as pandemics and lockdowns.

The envisaged work aims to explore the potential implications for designing effective OL systems that promote critical thinking by integrating collaborative learning and traditional schools of learning. By examining the interplay between these elements, we seek to uncover new insights and possibilities in the realm of online education. While collaborative learning emphasizes active participation, knowledge co-creation, and critical discourse, enhancing engagement and deep understanding, the traditional learning focuses on foundational knowledge, cognitive processes, and reflection. By combining these approaches and embracing the "community of inquiry" principles, we can uncover innovative strategies to transform OL environments into dynamic spaces that foster critical thinking and meaningful interaction among learners. To achieve our research objectives, we aim to conduct an extensive literature survey across disciplines like Information Systems and Cognitive Psychology, etc., exploring OL evolution and collaborative practices. We aim to trace the trajectory of evolution in OL and collaborative learning, including the Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). Through critical analysis of existing works, we aim to identify trends, challenges, and future directions in the field. Such multidisciplinary approach could provide valuable insights for designing innovative educational platforms, bridging the much-needed gap between collaborative and traditional learning approaches in the evolving digital education landscape.

ABSTRACT. This paper investigates the evolution of Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HCAI) as an emergent perspective on the design, development, and deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It provides an overview of HCAI definitions, from the most established to the less common definitions found in the literature, highlighting the variety of emphases as well as the shared understandings among them. Based on the review, the paper proposes a new comprehensive HCAI definition. The research also delves into two concepts of great importance to HCAI, namely Augmentation, and Control. Augmentation refers to the idea of using AI to enhance human capabilities and performance, rather than replacing human beings with machines. This concept is essential to HCAI since it prioritizes the well-being and empowerment of humans in the development and deployment of AI systems. Control, on the other hand, deals with the governance and management of AI systems to ensure that they operate ethically and safely. The paper highlights the importance of collaboration between AI and IS researchers to advance the HCAI agenda and ensure that AI serves the interests of society as a whole.

ABSTRACT. The popularity of online financial videos created by finfluencers (finance influencers) has increased significantly in recent years, with a notable and enduring user preference for financial content encompassing general economic news, cryptocurrencies, stocks, and other investment instruments. This study investigated the antecedents of attitude towards watching online finfluencer videos and the factors influencing viewers' intention to continue watching them. In order to address this issue, in this research-in-progress study, we present the theoretical model developed that examines the antecedents, including perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEU), perceived content quality (PCE), perceived behavioral control (PBC), subjective norm (SN), perceived enjoyment (PE), and trust, as factors that impact users' attitude towards watching online finfluencer videos. We also explore financial literacy's role in moderating the relationship between the antecedents and attitude toward watching online financial videos created by finfluencers. This study is intended to provide insights into the antecedents of attitude towards watching online financial videos and continuance intention to use them. Once the theoretical model is tested in the future stages of the research, online content creators can use the findings of this study to develop strategies to increase the popularity of their online financial videos.

ABSTRACT. The community needs new knowledge for its development and to reach the millennial goals, but working alone they find it very difficult to reach them. Some government initiatives could help with this, but they are not enough. So, the participation of the university is decisive in this situa-tion. In this context, after a small review of cases in the literature, we present a framework to encourage university-community interaction. The proposal integrates Canvas model, knowledge management and open social innovation.