Frederick Riggins

Research Overview

Information technology (IT) has become pervasive throughout modern society. Organizations are dependent upon their existing systems and continue to adopt new technologies in an attempt to gain competitive advantage. Many organizations are undergoing digital transformation as they adopt social networks, mobility, business analytics, and embedded smart devices to create new ways to engage with customers and improve internal operations. Understanding how organizations use information systems is critical for today’s business professional. Riggins’s research has been considered foundational in several areas including trading partner incentives for developing interorganizational systems, use of information and communications technology in microfinance, management reactions to the digital divide, and business issues related to the use of RFID and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Current Research

Riggins is currently conducting research on how information and communication technologies (ICTs) are being used by microfinance organizations to expand their financial outreach in developing regions of the world. He is also developing a framework to guide managers on the application of blockchain technology for their business and is heading up the Blockchain Commerce Initiative in the Center for Enterprise Business Analytics (CEBA). Finally, he is examining how organizations can develop a plan for smart device management as the Internet of Things (IoT) becomes more commonplace.

Impact

• In a 2009 study of researcher productivity Riggins was ranked #9 on the list of top IS researchers in the world for the five-year period 2003-2007 based on number of publications and quality of journal outlets.
• He has over fifty journal and conference papers and more than 4,000 citations for his publications.
• As Director of CEBA he is heading up (1) College of Business’s initiatives to develop new academic programs in business analytics, (2) the Blockchain Commerce Initiative, and (3) the Smart Device Management Project.
• Dr. Riggins regularly co-chairs conference mini-tracks related to the Internet of Things (IoT), RFID, and microfinance.

DEGREES

• Ph.D. Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business
• MS Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business (Information Systems)
• MBA University of Iowa, Tippie College of Business
• BS University of Iowa (Physics)

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

• Management Information Systems
• Data & Telecommunication Administration