bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Dynamics of IT-Enabled Change
Authors: McDonagh Joe
Published: May 2011

Since the 1950s the process of introducing information technology (IT) into work organizations has posed formidable challenges all too frequently resulting in reports of significant underperformance and failure. On closer inquiry it emerges that such poor outcomes are due, in no small way, to a distinct inability to effect an integrated approach to change, an approach that concurrently attends to economic, technical, human, and organizational facets of change. Considering that extant research fails to adequately address this enduring dilemma, this chapter acknowledges weaknesses in dominant positivist approaches to inquiry and establishes the case for a more collaborative approach to inquiry, an approach that is firmly embedded in the post positivist tradition. In particular, the case for one such collaborative approach, clinical inquiry, as a legitimate and profoundly important research approach to investigating the dynamics of IT-enabled change is presented.
Cognitive Research in Information Systems Using the Repertory Grid Technique
Authors: Tan Felix B. , Hunter M. Gordon
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses the design and application of a cognitive mapping methodology known as the repertory grid. Grounded in personal construct theory (Kelly, 1955), the repertory grid is an extremely flexible technique to conduct both qualitative and/or quantitative research and, in organizational research, is the preferred methodology for mapping the content and structure of cognition. The aim of this chapter is to expound upon the potential of this technique to information systems researchers by considering the variety of ways the repertory grid may be employed. This application is illustrated by examining published studies in both the information systems and the broader management fields.
Stories and Histories
Authors: Dalcher Darren
Published: May 2011

Information systems development failures are prevalent in many domains and countries. The aim of this chapter is to explore some of the issues related to the study of such phenomena. Failure situations are not set-up in advance as the subject of studies. Analysing causes and relationships retrospectively depends on the ability to obtain rich and subjective contextual information that can be utilised for shedding a light on the circumstances that precipitate failures. This chapter makes the case for the use of case history and ante-narrative methods for understanding such rich and complex scenarios.
The Effect of Trust on Personal Web Usage in the Workplace
Authors: Lippert Susan K.
Published: May 2011

This chapter addresses the concept and importance of interpersonal trust through the use of the Internet in an organizational setting. In particular, personal Web usage is explored by examining employee interpersonal trust. Personal Web use refers to an employee’s utilization of the Internet for non-job related activities within a work environment. Examples of personal Web use include online banking, participating in instant messaging or chat sessions, buying goods or services, and any other activity in which the Internet is accessed for non-work-related tasks. A discussion regarding the importance of trust, its nature, and strategies for building interpersonal trust in an organizational setting are offered. Generalized guidelines for organizational practice and recommendations to support a culture of trust within the work environment are presented. This chapter addresses the notion of trust through personal Web usage as a human resource management issue.
Unsolicited Web Intrusions
Authors: Alexander Paulette S.
Published: May 2011

Many employees have job responsibilities which require Web and other Internet applications. Because of the availability of intrusive software and the existence of various motivations, employees are subjected to unsolicited pop-up windows, browser hijacking, unintended release of confidential information, and unwanted e-mail. These intrusions are a significant problem for employees and employers because they waste resources and create liability situations. Solutions examined include education of employees, standards of practice in the conduct of job-related Internet use, policies regarding Internet use for non-work-related purposes, and deployment of protective technologies. Constant attention to evolving threats and updating of the solutions is also essential to successful use of the Internet in the workplace.
Internet Abuse and Addiction in the Workplace
Authors: Griffiths Mark
Published: May 2011

The Internet as a communication medium has become an increasing part of many people’s day-to-day working lives. As with the introduction of other mass communication technologies, issues surrounding use, abuse, and addiction have surfaced. For instance, according to a recent report carried out by the company SurfControl (Snoddy, 2000), office workers who while away one hour a day at work on various non-work activities (e.g., trading shares, booking holidays, shopping online, etc.) could be costing businesses as much as $35 million a year. The survey found that 59% of office Internet use was not work related and that those who traded in shares, played sports, shopped, and booked holidays cost companies the most. It is clear from research such as this that Internet abuse is a serious cause for concern — particularly to employers. This chapter has a number of objectives. It will first introduce readers to the concept of Internet addiction, before going on to look at the wider issue of Internet abuse in the workplace. Generic types of Internet abuse will be described, in addition to further examination of the reasons why Internet abuse occurs. The chapter ends with an overview of three very specific types of Internet abuse (i.e., online pornography, sexually related Internet crime, and online gambling), that will be of concern to employers, before concluding with some guidelines and recommendations for employers and human resources departments.
Impact of Personal Internet Usage on Employee's Well-Being
Authors: Mahatanankoon Pruthikra , Igbaria Magid
Published: May 2011

The Internet has become one of most technological necessity tools in today’s workplace. With the broad scope of its usefulness and its ease of use, employees find the technology most beneficial to their daily work activities as well as their personal activities. Using the established behavioral theory with data collected from Internet users in the workplace, the chapter investigates the impact of personal Internet usage on employees’ job satisfaction and performance. This chapter also recommends several strategies that management can implement to increase employees’ well-being — such as Workplace Internet Usage Decision Grid, and Adaptive Internet Monitoring and Filtering Policy — while enhancing their work performance through personal Internet usage in the workplace.
User-Centered Internet Research
Authors: Bakardjieva Maria , Feenber Andrew , Goldie Janis
Published: May 2011

The current model of research ethics assumes an investigator, who holds expert status and superior knowledge, and a subject in a passive role. This model is meeting increasing resistance from subjects on the Internet. A collaborative model that recognizes the contribution of both researcher and subject is necessary for both practical and ethical reasons. We argue in this chapter that the history of the ethics and politics of research offers insight into our present situation and its dilemmas.
Science Net
Authors: Hin Leo Tan Wee , Subramaniam R.
Published: May 2011

A university-science center partnership called Science Net has been functioning as a virtual school for the extension (science) education of the global public in general and the Singapore public in particular. This chapter describes the design, implementation mechanics and learning potential of this online school for non-formal science education, and suggests that it is an innovative experiment to expand the communicative space of learning in society.
Networked Business Organizations
Authors: Nikas Athanasios , Poulymenakou Angeliki
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines issues of management in network organizational arrangements. The fast changing, complex and heterogeneous field of dynamic organizations prevents us from establishing one all encompassing definition of networks. To this end, we are focusing on specific organizational arrangements under the research agenda of the DOMINO project (IST-2000-29545). Thus, we provide a network’s taxonomy to provide academics and practitioners with deeper understanding in what we call a network. The taxonomy has been developed to classify networks and related organizational arrangements. Therefore, we focus on the management of dynamic inter-organizational network formations to reveal the basic issues that need to be addressed and to provide specific outcomes in the form of actionable results to be used by industrial organizations. The final outcome of this chapter is a management framework that examines networked business organizations from four different research angles and serves practitioners as a roadmap for capturing manifold managerial issues in networked environments.
A Comparative Analysis of eBay and Amazon
Authors: Krishnamurthy Sandeep
Published: May 2011

Even though Amazon.com has received most of the initial hype and publicity surrounding e-commerce, eBay has quietly built an innovative business truly suited to the Internet. Initially, Amazon sought to merely replicate a catalog business model online. Its technology may have been innovative- but its business model was not. On the other hand, eBay recognized the unique nature of the Internet and enabled both buying and selling online with spectacular results. Its auction format was a winner. eBay also clearly demonstrated that profits do not have to come in the way of growth—an argument that Bezos never tired of making. Amazon was initially focused on BN.com as a competitor. Over time, Amazon came to recognize eBay as the competitor. Its initial foray into auctions was a spectacular failure. Now, Amazon is trying to compete with eBay by facilitating selling and strengthening its affiliates program.
Linking E-Commerce Strategies with Organizational and IS/IT Strategies
Authors: Kanungo Shivraj
Published: May 2011

E-commerce strategies are not easy to create or deploy. The environmental uncertainties and the dynamics associated with the strategic context make it all the more important for organizations to carve out a clear e-commerce strategy. Such clarity is desirable to ensure that organizations not only not lose out on new opportunities, but also that they take the requisite steps that are necessary to remain viable players in their existing value chains—that are slowly morphing into value webs or constellations. There are multiple typologies of e-commerce strategies. In the e-commerce context, strategies are closely related to the notion of “business models” (to the extent that they are used interchangeably also). In this chapter, we will seek to understand the essence of e-commerce in a strategic context. We will also develop a framework to understand e-commerce and relate that to theories and case studies. We discuss the state of knowledge in e-commerce strategies and understand how developing and deploying an e-commerce strategy is like chasing a moving and changing target.
Intelligent Enterprise Integration
Authors: Ghenniwa Hamada H. , Huhns Michael N.
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes an architecture for the eMarketplace that integrates the interests of autonomous enterprises in a single open-market environment. The environment encompasses several systems and business issues, such as the many-to-many relationships between customers and suppliers, systems, and business-related services. The architecture for this integrated environment is business-centric and knowledge-oriented. In this architecture, the eMarketplace exists as a collection of economically motivated software agents. The architecture enables and supports common economic services, such as brokering, pricing, and negotiation, as well as cross-enterprise integration and cooperation in an electronic supply-chain. We demonstrate the eMarketplace with two prototype systems.
Management of Knowledge in New Product Development in Portuguese Higher Education
Authors: Mendes Maria Manuel , Gomes Jorge F.S. , Batiz-Lazo Bernardo
Published: May 2011

This chapter uses key concepts in the knowledge management literature to analyse the procedures and practices used by a team during a new product development project. More precisely, the knowledge process or knowledge cycle is used as a means to examine issues relating to knowledge identification, creation, storage, dissemination, and application in new product development. Results from the case study also suggest that the knowledge process may be valuable in assessing the structural elements of knowledge management, but fails to provide a more comprehensive explanation of the dynamics and complexities involved. This suggests that more elaborate models are needed to explain how knowledge is created, shared and used in knowledge-intensive processes.
Digital Divides
Authors: Rooksby Emma , Weckert John
Published: May 2011

This chapter considers the social and ethical significance of digital divides, where a digital divide is taken to be an intra- or international inequality in levels of access to information and communication technologies. The authors argue that digital divides are not necessarily morally objectionable in themselves. Digital divides are instead morally objectionable to the extent that they create, perpetuate or exacerbate morally objectionable conditions of other sorts, such as material deprivation, or abridgement of liberty. The authors also propose a method for assessing the moral significance of digital divides. They hope that the chapter will help analysts of inequalities in access to information and communication technologies to provide more specific accounts of the moral harms caused by instances of such inequalities.
What, Me, Worry? The Empowerment of Employees
Authors: Woodbury Marsha Cook
Published: May 2011

This chapter deals with the training and education of business personnel about the ethics, manners and responsibilities of e-mail, voicemail, cell phones, and instant messaging, including international etiquette. The author argues for empowering employees by helping them learn to handle these electronic tools in a manner that causes the least harm to others and promotes the best records management and communication. The author outlines suggested topics and practices, and argues that companies should direct their energy into training and setting solid, understandable policy rather than relying on invasive oversight. Illegal activities, such as destroying company records, are also covered.
A Contrarian's View
Authors: Jennings Marianne M.
Published: May 2011

While the view that new technology, new ways of doing business and new avenues of communication require new ethical standards is a commonly accepted one, a closer look at the nature of these new developments in juxtaposition with history demonstrates that the notion of new ethics for new eras has been tried in other social and cultural revolutions. History teaches that old standards are easily applied to new technologies. While the expediency of evolving ethics is tempting, adherence to such a fluid standard limits progress because the activity of change is not grounded in values. We have been here before and can simply put this new technology into an old framework of values and still enjoy progress, but with the peace of virtue.
Why Responsibility and Information Systems?
Authors: Stahl Bernd Carsten
Published: May 2011

In this chapter we want to show why it makes sense to use the concept of responsibility with respect to the business use of information technology. There are three parts to the argument. At first, we will demonstrate that the development of the moral idea of responsibility is closely linked to modern developments in our societies. Many of these developments have to do with technology and information technology being the latest step in this direction. We will then continue to show that there are several structural similarities between responsibility and business on the one hand and information technology on the other hand. In a last step we will show that this theoretical setting is fruitful because it can rely on a rich background of ethical theories from different fields and perspectives. Before we can do so, however, the next step will have to be a first analysis of the term “responsibility.”
Moderating Learner-Centered E-Learning
Authors: Bonk Curtis J. , Wisher Robert A. , Lee Ji-Yeon
Published: May 2011

In response to the changes taking place in collaborative online learning environments, this chapter discusses how the simultaneous emergence of collaborative technologies and the learner-centered movement impacts the role of the online instructor. As part of this review, research related to online moderation and facilitation of learning is summarized.  It is suggested that online instructors need to facilitate student generation and sharing of information, while assuming the role of learning coach or mentor to provide needed leadership and guidance.  Finally, ten key benefits and implications of e-learning, as well as ten potential problems and solutions, are summarized to assist e-learning decision makers and instructors.  Among the benefits include the permanence of the online text, the availability of online mentors, and the fostering of student idea generation.  Some consistent online learning problems include learner confusion, lack of justification of student reasoning, and difficulties in grading online content.  Instructors are provided with guidelines on how to take advantage of the benefits while limiting or overcoming the problems.
Business Forecasting with Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Zhang G. Peter
Published: May 2011

Artificial neural networks have emerged as an important quantitative modeling tool for business forecasting. This chapter provides an overview of forecasting with neural networks. We provide a brief description of neural networks, their advantages over traditional forecasting models, and their applications for business forecasting. In addition, we address several important modeling issues for forecasting applications.
A Combined ARIMA and Neural Network Approach for Time Series Forecasting
Authors: Zhang G. Peter
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents a combined ARIMA and neural network approach for time series forecasting. The model contains three steps: (1) fitting a linear ARIMA model to the time series under study, (2) building a neural network model based on the residuals from the ARIMA model, and (3) combine the ARIMA prediction and the neural network result to form the final forecast. By combining different models, we aim to take advantage of the unique modeling capability of each individual model and improve forecasting performance dramatically. The effectiveness of the combining approach is demonstrated and discussed with three applications.
OntoQuery-An Evolutionary Approach for Query Formation and Information Retrieval
Authors: Guan Sheng-Uei , Chng Chang Ching , Zhu Fangming
Published: May 2011

This chapter proposes the establishment of OntoQuery in an m-commerce agent framework. OntoQuery represents a new query formation approach that combines the usage of ontology and keywords. This approach takes advantage of the tree pathway structure in ontology to form queries visually and efficiently. Also, it uses keywords to complete the query formation process more efficiently. Present query optimization techniques like relevance feedback use expensive iterations. The proposed information retrieval scheme focuses on using genetic algorithms to improve computational effectiveness. Mutations are done on queries formed in the earlier part by replacing terms with synonyms. Query optimization techniques used include query restructuring by logical terms and numerical constraints replacement. Also, the fitness function of the genetic algorithm is defined by three elements, number of documents retrieved, quality of documents, and correlation of queries. The number and quality of documents retrieved give the basic strength of a mutated query.
Multimedia Messaging Peer
Authors: Yow Kin Choong , Mittal Nitin
Published: May 2011

The evolution in mobile messaging and mobile devices has made it possible to provide multimedia rich messaging capabilities to personal digital assistants (PDAs). The need for this arises simply because mobile service providers want to provide an enhanced messaging experience to the user. It also opens up new avenues for business, such as a shopping mall scenario. This chapter discusses the development of a multimedia messaging client for a PDA and a kiosk providing multimedia messages composition, search, share, and sending capabilities. This chapter also discusses the various messaging technologies, enabling wireless technologies, and the peer-to-peer model. The peer-to-peer technology used was Jxta, an XML-based and language agnostic peer-to-peer platform specification from Sun Microsystems. The peers (PDA client and the kiosk) were implemented using the application programming interfaces provided by the Personal Java reference implementation and the Jxta platform’s Personal Java port.
Usability Issues and Limitations of Mobile Devices
Authors: Al-Hawamdeh Suliman
Published: May 2011

Due to the fast development of mobile technologies and wireless communications, more people are using mobile devices. Mobile devices like cellular phones are initially used for data communications, as in speech. Now, mobile devices are not only portable but also can be used to communicate and exchange information as well as gain access to remote services anywhere, anytime. But while mobile devices offer many opportunities for e-commerce applications, conducting e-commerce transactions over mobile devices has its limitations. Limitations include limited memory, limited processing power, different technologies and standards, small keyboards, and small screens. A usability study was carried out to determine the extent to which mobile devices can be used in mobile commerce. Most of the studies showed that while mobile devices are becoming increasingly popular with the younger generation, users still prefer to use desktops for e-commerce transactions. This is mainly due to the limitations of mobile devices and the stability and security of the wireless networks.
ERP Software Selection-Widening the Current Debate
Authors: Sammon David , Adam Frédéric
Published: May 2011

This chapter reflects on the nature of managerial decision making in the case of ERP projects. It draws on the increasing volume of organisational ERP literature now being published, but also attempts to draw lessons from the traditional research on decision making processes carried out over the last thirty years. This chapter documents the early stages of a larger research study, which is reported in various chapters in the book. Its main objective is to present a literature-based model, which integrally covers the phases which organisations go through (or should go through) when purchasing ERP packages, from the identification of the problems facing them to the review of the outcomes of the ERP projects. This represents a departure from current ERP literature, which has often focused on the software selection phase as if it were the key to organisational success and neglects the issue of organisational fit – i.e., the extent to which the business model underlying the ERP package selected fits the way an organisation conducts its business. We conclude from our observations that organisations are not well prepared when kicking off their ERP projects and that this may explain why many instances of relative ERP failure have been reported.
Web-STAR
Authors: Lazar Jonathan , Jones Adam , Greenidge Kisha-Dawn
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces the research and application of the Web-STAR project, which began at Towson University in 2002. The main goal and purpose of the Web-STAR (Web-Survey Tool for Analyzing Requirements) project is to provide a standardized survey tool that developers can use to determine the user requirements for existing or new Web sites. The Web-STAR will allow this most vital stage in the development process to take place within a convenient, tested, and cost-effective method. Based on existing work in user evaluation design, Web-STAR will take sound development practices and apply them to user requirements in the design of informational websites. This chapter presents the research-in-progress development, testing and current status of Web-STAR.
Issues in End-User Behavior
Authors: Jennex Murray E.
Published: May 2011

What happens when end users do not respect the IS organization and have high computer self-efficacy? Will the end users develop usable systems and will they ignore IS? This chapter reports on a study of end-user computing within the engineering organizations of an electric utility undergoing deregulation. The study was initiated when management perceived that too much engineering time was spent doing IS functions. The study found that there was significant effort being expended on system development, support, and ad hoc use. Several issues were identified affecting system development, use of programming standards, documentation, infrastructure integration, and system support.
Potential Cases, Database Types, and Selection Methodologies for Searching Distributed Text Databases
Authors: Yang Hui , Zhang Minjie
Published: May 2011

The rapid proliferation of online textual databases on the Internet has made it difficult to effectively and efficiently search desired information for the users. Often, the task of locating the most relevant databases with respect to a given user query is hindered by the heterogeneities among the underlying local textual databases. In this chapter, we first identify various potential selection cases in distributed textual databases (DTDs) and classify the types of DTDs. Based on these results, the relationships between selection cases and types of DTDs are recognized and necessary constraints of database selection methods in different cases are given which can be used to develop a more effective and suitable selection algorithm.
Taxonomy Based Fuzzy Filtering of Search Results
Authors: Vrettos S. , Stafylopatis A.
Published: May 2011

Our work proposes the use of topic taxonomies as part of a filtering language. Given a taxonomy, we train classifiers for every topic of it. The user is able to formulate logical rules combining the available topics, e.g., (Topic1 AND Topic2) OR Topic3, in order to filter related documents in a stream of documents. Using the classifiers, every document in the stream is assigned a belief value of belonging to the topics of the filter. These belief values are then aggregated using logical operators to yield the belief to the filter. In that framework, we are concerned with the operators that provide the best filtering performance for the user. In our study, Support Vector Machines (SVMs) and Naïve Bayes (NB) classifiers were used to provide topic probabilities. Fuzzy aggregation operators were tested on the Reuters text corpus and showed better results than their Boolean counterparts. Moreover, the application of Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) operators considerably improved the performance of fuzzy aggregation, especially in the case of NB classifiers. Finally, we describe a filtering system to exemplify the use of fuzzy filtering.
An Algorithm of Pattern Match Being Fit for Mining Association Rules
Authors: Shi Hong , Zhang Ji-Fu
Published: May 2011

There are frequent occurrences of pattern match involved in the process of counting the support count of candidates, which is one of the main factors influencing the efficiency of mining for association rules. In this chapter, an efficient algorithm for pattern match being fit for mining association rules is presented by analyzing its characters, and it has been proved correctly and efficiently.
Analysis of Musical Content in Digital Audio
Authors: Dixon Simon
Published: May 2011

Automatic analysis of digital audio with musical content is a difficult — but important — task for various applications in computer music, audio compression, and music information retrieval. This chapter contains a brief review of audio analysis as it relates to music, followed by three case studies of recently developed systems which analyse specific aspects of music. The first system is BeatRoot, a beat tracking system that finds the temporal location of musical beats in an audio recording, analogous to the way that people tap their feet in time to music. The second system is JTranscriber, an interactive automatic transcription system, which recognises musical notes and converts them into MIDI format allowing interactive monitoring and correction of the extracted MIDI data via a multimedia interface. The third system is the Performance Worm, a real time system for visualisation of musical expression, which presents in real time a two-dimensional animation of variations in tempo and loudness.
Certain Aspects of Machine Vision in the Arts
Authors: Bohlen Marc
Published: May 2011

This chapter attempts to consider the consequences of machine vision technologies for the role of the image in the visual arts. After a short introduction, the text gives a practical overview of image processing techniques that are relevant in surveillance, installation, and information art practice. Example work by practitioners in the field contextualizes these more technical descriptions and shows how computational approaches to digital imagery can radically expand the use of the image in the arts. A final note on possible future areas of investigation is included.
Enneagram Personalities
Authors: Kaluzniacky Eugene
Published: May 2011

Recalling the definition of personality as “a complex set of relatively stable behavioral and emotional characteristics,” we can appreciate the insights provided by the Myers-Briggs system. However, we are equally aware that no one system can hope to address all aspects of personality. A noteworthy personality analysis tool that has achieved a significant presence in both personal growth and management applications is the Enneagram system of personalities. The essence is said to have descended from the ancient Sufis, and modern adaptations have been made by a variety of authors, including Riso (1990), Condon (1997), Palmer (1998), Rohr and Ebert (1990), and Goldberg (1996). Whereas MBTI attempts to explain how we function, the Enneagram focuses more on why we function in a particular way—what is our underlying emotion that guides the way we act? In this way, MBTI and the Enneagram can be viewed as complementary.
Creating a Multi-Company Community of Practice for Chief Information Officers
Authors: Moran John , Weimer Lee
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents a case study of the creation and evolution of a fee-based, multi-company Community of Practice (CoP) for Chief Information Officers (CIOs) in the San Francisco Bay Area over a six-year period. It describes the principles, processes and practices required to form and maintain a trust-based, face-to-face learning organization where members share accumulated knowledge. Additionally, it states some of the individual, collective and Information Technology industry benefits and results that have accrued from member participation in the CIO Community of Practice. The authors hope that the description of this CoP will foster the same sense of excitement for would-be practitioners that they feel.
How Information Technologies Can Help Build and Sustain an Organization's CoP
Authors: Lee Laurence Lock , Neff Mark
Published: May 2011

Communities of Practice (CoPs) are seen as a primary vehicle for knowledge sharing across large and disparate organizations. It is therefore expected that technology will play a critical role in enabling global CoPs. The usefulness of Information Technologies (IT) to support CoP activity in two large, but quite different, global organizations is analysed and common themes developed. BHP Billiton is one of the world’s largest diversified resource companies, with a strong industrial heritage and a mix of blue and white collar workers and levels of IT literacy. CSC is one the world’s leading IT service providers, with a highly IT literate staff and a relatively sophisticated IT support environment. Both organizations could be considered early adopters of the CoP concept. This chapter tracks their evolution and the lessons learned along the way. The common themes arising from comparing and contrasting these two experiences mostly reflect the socio-technical challenges faced when enabling CoPs by the use of IT. In both organizations, the adoption of the newer collaborative tools is slower than anticipated, with the tried and tested face-to-face, teleconferencing and e-mail alive and well. The rule of people first, technology second is reinforced in both organizations. Technology adoption was far more successful as a response to CoP demand than a technology push. Where technologies are deployed, the level and degree of support was critical. The commitment of CoPs to a particular tool is fragile and easily lost through inconsistent performance of the technology. As well as facilitating CoPs, IT also plays an important role in developing measures and metrics for supporting CoPs as a value adding business resource. The ability to digitally track CoP activity provides an additional value-adding role for IT. While the usefulness of IT to support CoPs has largely been oversold in the past, BHP Billiton and CSC are two organizations that have persevered and learned from their respective experiences, to the extent that IT is now playing a key role in sustaining healthy and valuable CoP programmes.
Leading from Afar
Authors: Connaughton Stacey L. , Daly John A.
Published: May 2011

Leadership is central to effective virtual teams. Yet leading people from afar constitutes a challenge to practitioners and an underinvestigated research area to scholars. Based on a series of in-depth interviews with project leaders, senior managers, and executives of global organizations, this chapter advances 13 propositions about effective virtual team leadership. These propositions aid leaders of dispersed teams in overcoming leadership challenges they face.
Transforming Textual Patterns into Knowledge
Authors: do Prado Hércules Antonio , Moreira de Oliveira José Palazzo , Ferneda Edilson , Wives Leandro Krug , Magalhaes Edilberto , Loh Stanley
Published: May 2011

Business Intelligence (BI) can benefit greatly from the bulk of knowledge that stays hidden in the large amount of textual information existing in the organizational environment. Text Mining (TM) is a technology that provides the support to extract patterns from texts. After interpreting these patterns, a business analyst can reach useful insights to improve the organizational knowledge. Although text represents the largest part of the available information in a company, just a small part of all Knowledge Discovery (KD) applications are in TM. By means of a case study, this chapter shows an alternative to how TM can contribute to BI. Also, a discussion on future trends and some conclusions are presented that support the effectiveness of TM as source of relevant knowledge.
A Practical Approach to the Derivation of a Materialized Ontology View
Authors: Wouters Carlo , Dillon Tharam , Rahayu Johanna Wenny , Chang Elizabeth , Meersman Robert
Published: May 2011

The success of the semantic web depends largely on how well ontologies can be utilized and formulated. Interoperability between systems using different versions of the same ontology is essential, and this implies the need for a regulated derivation of materialized ontology views (which can be considered a modified version of an ontology). This chapter applies the formalisms for such a derivation process to a practical example, emphasizing the possibility for automation, and also for optimization, to develop a high-quality derived ontology.
E-Commerce Security and the Law
Authors: Endeshaw Assafa
Published: May 2011

The nature of the Internet as an open network means that it is devoid of central control and regulation. That in turn has exposed the Internet to the caprices and untoward intentions of some of its participants. Online businesses particularly suffer from an explosion of fraudulent activities and breach of security (destruction or theft of data and identity). The law has attempted to catch up with the problems by providing sanctions against perpetrators. Alternative solutions such as technical means and ethical codes of conduct are also in place. However, the creation of a secure network demands more than law or better technology. There is widespread recognition among lawyers, management and information system specialists that the creation of a secure network is part of the broader task of creating a security culture, starting from top management and sustained by clear and easy-to-implement policies.
E-Commerce Security Planning
Authors: Ruggles Daniel L.
Published: May 2011

Multiple levels of potential security risk affect all the elements of an e-commerce site. Truly complete security protects three areas: (1) internal network and application services, (2) perimeter network access and application services, and (3) external network and services. To minimize security risks in these areas as well as to raise overall confidence in the e-commerce service, businesses must address problems with practical solutions involving privacy and security. Establishing an e-commerce trust infrastructure encompasses confidentiality, data integrity, non-repudiation and authentication. Striking the right balance between functionality and accessibility in e-commerce demands technical security measures. It also requires management vigilance with non-technical measures such as routine assessments of vulnerabilities, policies, education and a focus on making processes and policies easy to understand and simple to implement and monitor compliance.
Data Mining and the World of Commerce
Authors: Kudyba Stephan
Published: May 2011

Despite the research written, the software developed and the business applications that can be enhanced by it, the terms data mining and multivariate modeling continue to stoke uncertainty, complexity and sometimes fear in business managers and strategic decision-makers across industry sectors. Why is this? There are a number of reasons to cite, but probably the most common involves the complex nature of the methodologies incorporated in this analytic technique. The complexity we refer to involves the use of mathematical equations, sophisticated algorithms and advanced search and query techniques, not to mention statistical applications that are utilized in analyzing data. If that is not enough to throw management back on their heels, how about data acquisition, normalization, and model optimization, which are often involved in the process? Let’s add one more attribute to the list, and that is the ability to not only understand these complex methods, but more importantly, to understand when and where they can be used to enhance operational efficiency. Now is there any wonder why data mining continues to be this mysterious phenomenon in the world of commerce? No doubt; however, to dispel some of the uncertainties regarding this issue, the following book will provide the reader with expert input on how these quantitative methods are being used in prominent organizations in a variety of industry sectors to help enhance productivity, efficiency and to some extent, profitability. Before we get into the details of the applied material, the following chapter will provide some general information on what data mining and multivariate modeling is, where it came from, and how it can be used in a corporate setting to enhance operational efficiency.
Credit Scoring and Risk Management for Small Business Lending
Authors: Gerety Vernon
Published: May 2011

“The house always wins” is a common reprise for the empty pocket tourist leaving the gambling tables at Vegas. You do not need to be a professional gambler to understand that the house always wins because the odds are stacked in their favor. Unfortunately, the recent conditions in the financial services industry have been tighter than the quarter slot machines in the Vegas airport.
A Psychographic Approach to Segmenting the Electronic Shopper
Authors: Vijayasarathy Leo R.
Published: May 2011

Shopping Orientations are psychographic measures that have been used to discern consumers’ preferences for shopping media. In this study, shopping orientations and their relationship with consumers’ actual use and intention to use online shopping are examined. Data for the study were collected through a survey that was mailed to a stratified sample of 800 consumers. Usable responses were received from 281 survey participants, who were classified into three shopping segments—home, community, and apathetic—based on their shopping orientations. The three shopping segments were found to differ on online shopping measures. Specifically, the home shopping segment was found to be positively associated with online shopping in contrast to the community and apathetic shopping segments. Further analysis revealed that there were no significant associations between shopping segments and commonly used demographic variables including gender, age, income, and education. Implications of these findings are discussed, along with suggestions for future research.
Issues and Perceptions of Unsolicited Commercial Electronic Mail
Authors: Marchewka Jack T. , Liu Chang , Petersen Charles G.
Published: May 2011

The proliferation of unsolicited commercial electronic mail (UCE) or spam is becoming a global concern for many organizations. This chapter explores issues of unsolicited email, the cost and loss of productivity, the impact of UCE and computer viruses, privacy concerns, electronic mail filters, attempts to control spam, and legislative action. A strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis was also applied in this study. The results of a survey concerning the perceptions of UCE are presented. The results clearly show that while the respondents find spam annoying, they spend very little time in dealing with it. Although the respondents express the need to control spam, they do not believe that governmental control is the solution, but rather that Internet Service Providers and organizations should take the responsibility for controlling unsolicited email. Lastly, the respondents are very unlikely to open, let alone read and respond to unsolicited email. The results of this study will be useful for guiding organizational, university, and public policies.
Linking Technological Compatibility and Operational Capacity Constraints to Communication Technology Adoption
Authors: Bendoly Elliot , Kaefer Frederick
Published: May 2011

Two interacting issues have recently been shown to theoretically impact communication technology adoption: the willingness of business partners to use various communication technologies and a firm’s operational capacity to accommodate the product/service demands of these potential partners. This study examines the relationship between these two issues and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), a long standardized communication technology that has been underutilized by business organizations. Our findings suggest that the technological compatibility concerns of firms considering EDI adoption differ depending on if they are product or service oriented. Capacity limitations are found to significantly moderate these compatibility effects. The implications for managers of electronic commerce technologies are discussed.
A Comparison of the Perceived Importance of Information Systems Development Strategies by Developers from the United States and Korea
Authors: Kim Chung S. , Peterson Dane K.
Published: May 2011

This study examined the perceptions of Information Systems (IS) developers from the U.S. and Korea with regards to the strategies that are considered crucial for IS success. The results of a principal component analysis revealed that the IS development strategies could be classified into four categories: (1) Organizational Integration, (2) Team Member Characteristics, (3) Project Leader Traits, and (4) Project Development Management. ANOVA results indicated that developers from both countries viewed Organizational Integration as the most important component and Project Development Management as the least important component. However, while IS developers in the U.S. viewed Team Member Characteristics as the second most important component, Korean IS developers rated the Project Leader Traits as the second most important component. Moreover, the IS developers from the U.S. rated Organizational Integration and Team Member Characteristics as significantly more important than did the IS developers from Korea. The results were discussed in terms of Hofstede’s model of national culture.
Virtual Team Trust
Authors: Saonee Saonee , Valacich Joseph S. , Sarker Suprateek
Published: May 2011

Trust is a major factor influencing the cohesiveness among virtual team members. While recent research in the fields of information systems and management has examined this construct, there are no existing instruments that measure all the different bases of trust. Drawing on the literature, three different bases of trust applicable to virtual teams have been identified: personality-based, institutional-based, and cognitive trust, with cognitive trust further subdivided into three dimensions: stereotyping, unit grouping, and reputation categorization. This chapter reports on the development of an instrument to capture these three bases of trust. Using exploratory, and thereafter, confirmatory factor analysis, the instrument is validated, and the psychometric properties of the construct(s) are verified in the context of U.S.-Canadian student virtual teams engaged in systems development projects. In addition to confirming the conceptual bases of trust, the instrument validation process found that stereotyping in virtual teams can be of three distinct types: message-based, physical appearance/behavior-based, and technology-based. The development and validation of this instrument should enable future researchers to measure virtual team trust in a broad range of technology and team configurations.
Knowledge Capture Between Consultancies and Freelance Subcontractors
Authors: Taylor W.A. , Boraie N.A.
Published: May 2011

This chapter focuses on a perceived knowledge gap created whenever consultancy organizations sub-contract work to freelance consultants in the field. These field consultants often gain valuable knowledge from sub-contracted assignments, but this is not subsequently captured by their sponsors. From the perspective of any consultancy organization, the knowledge process to capture such local knowledge is vital.
Awareness Matters in Virtual Communities
Authors: Daneshgar Farhad
Published: May 2011

A methodology is introduced in this chapter for sharing the contextual knowledge in virtual communities. Context is represented by a set of semantic concepts and their relationships that form specific collaborative business processes within the virtual community. Two sets of objects/concepts are identified: (i) objects that make up a community member’s actual contextual knowledge, and (ii) objects that make up the contextual knowledge expected from a community member, by a specific task object that the member performs within the community, that are sufficient to enable the member to perform the task and/or to participate in relevant interactions. The excess of the objects in (ii) compared to the objects in (i) is identified. These objects need to be put within the focus of the community member in order to enable him/her to successfully get involved in various tasks within the community.