bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rough Sets and Boolean Reasoning
Authors: Nguyen Hung Son
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents the Boolean reasoning approach to problem solving and its applications in Rough sets. The Boolean reasoning approach has become a powerful tool for designing effective and accurate solutions for many problems in decision-making, approximate reasoning and optimization. In recent years, Boolean reasoning has become a recognized technique for developing many interesting concept approximation methods in rough set theory. This chapter presents a general framework for concept approximation by combining the classical Boolean reasoning method with many modern techniques in machine learning and data mining. This modified approach - called “the approximate Boolean reasoning” methodology - has been proposed as an even more powerful tool for problem solving in rough set theory and its applications in data mining. Through some most representative applications in many KDD problems including feature selection, feature extraction, data preprocessing, classification of decision rules and decision trees, association analysis, the author hopes to convince that the proposed approach not only maintains all the merits of its antecedent but also owns the possibility of balancing between quality of the designed solution and its computational time.
Rough Sets for Discovering Concurrent System Models from Data Tables
Authors: Pancerz Krzysztof , Suraj Zbigniew
Published: May 2011

This chapter constitutes the continuation of a new research trend binding rough set theory with concurrency theory. In general, this trend concerns the following problems: discovering concurrent system models from experimental data represented by information systems, dynamic information systems or specialized matrices, a use of rough set methods for extracting knowledge from data, a use of rules for describing system behaviors, and modeling and analyzing of concurrent systems by means of Petri nets on the basis of extracted rules. Some automatized methods of discovering concurrent system models from data tables are presented. Data tables are created on the basis of observations or specifications of process behaviors in the modeled systems. Proposed methods are based on rough set theory and colored Petri net theory.
Early Adopters and Early Majority
Authors: Higuchi Toru , Troutt Marvin
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, the characteristics and the role of the early adopters and early majority are reviewed from the life cycle perspective following the VCR case study. Both of these groups of consumers purchase a mature or more advanced product at a reasonable price. Their adoption demonstrates that the product performance has enough future possibilities. On the other hand, manufacturers should expand their manufacturing facilities quickly because the demand starts growing dramatically. The early adopters (13.6 percent) are almost six times as many as innovators (2.3 percent) and the early majority (34.1 percent) is about 2.5 times as many as early adopters. Once a diffusion process starts, the spread is very rapid in the first group.
From Mobility to True Nomadicity and Ubiquity
Authors: Patokorpi Erkki
Published: May 2011

It is becoming blatantly clear that some key concepts used in computer science and information systems literature – most notably those of nomadicity, mobility and interaction – cannot any more satisfactorily capture the present-day reality of advanced mobile technology environments. A paradigm shift from a strapped mobility to truly nomadic digital environments is underway. Peter Wegner, Carsten Sørensen and Leonard Kleinrock, among others, have aspired to describe and explain the workings of this emerging field of very advanced information and communication technology environments. Building on their ideas of digital nomadicity, fluidity and interactivity, we propose the concepts of metaspace, transient hierarchies and multiple-profiling to round up a vision of truly nomadic and ubiquitous computing environments. It will be argued that along with geographical and technological barriers or boundaries the barriers created by local and parochial techno-social systems have to be taken into consideration in order to make us truly nomadic. A key question in the near future is how the user of advanced mobile technology could be empowered to have more control over the multiple spaces he or she inhabits and the numerous boundary crossings that he or she is forced to perform.
Strategy Aligned Process Selection for Mobile Customer Services
Authors: Schierholz Ragnar
Published: May 2011

In this chapter we analyze how companies define their customer value proposition and how the selection of successful mobile customer services is done in alignment with this strategic positioning. We derive a set of five different strategic goals (price leadership, product quality leadership, customer intimacy leadership, accessibility leadership, innovation leadership) and apply this classification to case studies we analyzed. We show interdependencies between the strategic premises and the processes selected for being supported by mobile technology, resulting in typical properties which qualify processes for mobilization. These are used to derive guidelines for strategy aligned process selection when implementing mobile customer services.
Challenges for Formal Standardization
Authors: Blum Ulrich
Published: May 2011

This study considers the developments in international standardization over the last 20 years, particularly the status of formal standardization as compared with consortium-based industrial standardization. The report shows that the radical reform of the global formal standardization system that started in 2008, prompted by the loss of interest in formal standardization on the part of large corporations and the sometimes less than satisfactory outcomes from consortium-based industrial standardization in terms of competition and antitrust considerations, has helped to compensate for the declining significance of national formal standardization. This specifically relates to national governments and is to be regarded as a clearly positive development from both the economic and the institutional and political points of view. Global public interests are now catered for by Internet-supported information markets. In particular, online documentation has also enhanced the transparency of the formal standardization process and provided freedom of access for small and medium-sized companies in particular, irrespective of geographical region. Finally, the study shows that the debate that took place in and around the year 2004 between Europe and the USA regarding the path toward the internationalization of formal standardization processes was superfluous, incomplete, and even counterproductive, owing to the hardening of the political divisions between the two sides.
Best Practice in Company Standardization
Authors: de Vries Henk J.
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes a best-practice model for standardization within companies based on a process approach to the development of company standards. Per process, a best practice is developed based on an investigation within six multinational companies and a review of literature, if any. The findings are benchmarked against experiences in three comparable fields: IT management, quality management, and knowledge management. Though the number of company standards exceeds the number of external standards by far, they have been neglected in standardization research. The authors hope that standards practitioners will benefit from their study and that it will stimulate researchers to pay more attention to this topic.
Comparing the Standards Lens with Other Perspectives on IS Innovations
Authors: Markus M. Lynne , Gelinas Jr. Ulric J.
Published: May 2011

Conceptual labels influence researchers’ observations and analytic insights. This article aims to clarify the contributions of standards label by contrasting it with other ways of viewing the same entity and applying it to the IT-enabled supply chain innovation of collaborative planning, forecasting, and replenishment (CPFR). Proponents have labeled CPFR not only as a standard but also, at different decreasing levels of abstraction, as a business philosophy, methodology, and set of technologies. By comparing the analytic leverage offered by the different labels, we conclude that there is value in combining the standards perspective with other conceptual lenses. The specific case of CPFR also raises an interesting question for future research: Can information systems innovations justifiably be considered standardized in practice, if they are not standardized at all relevant levels of abstraction?
Outsourcing in High-Tech Corporations
Authors: Piñeiro Erik , Case Peter
Published: May 2011

Management has historically sought to restrict the options for manual workers to rebel by simplifying and limiting their jobs according to Tayloristic principles. The need for their experience and knowledge has been consciously minimized, having been relocated instead to supervisors and middle managers, working routines and machines. In high-tech industries, by contrast, the workers’ fundamental contribution to the enterprise is their very knowledge, offering other possibilities for rebellious activities or, at least, for rebellious plans. This chapter focuses on one of the common denominators in the exchanges among programmers, namely the concept of knowledge: how to get it, who has got it (and who hasn’t), what kinds are important and its role in their conflict with management.
Experiences with Modelling Early Requirements
Authors: Loucopoulos Pericles
Published: May 2011

A key challenge in the development of systems is the engagement of domain experts in their articulation, agreement, and validation of requirements. This challenge is particularly pronounced at the early requirements phase when multiple stakeholders from different divisions and often different organisations need to reach agreement about the intended systems. Decisions taken at this stage have a profound effect on the technical and economic feasibility of the project. The S3 approach advocates the use of a modelling process expressed in terms of strategy-service-support dimensions, augmented by appropriate simulation techniques that enable experimentation with different scenarios. The S3 approach has been presented elsewhere. The aim of this paper is to provide insights from a large project in which the author played an active and interventionist part, on the utility of the S3 approach in facilitating stakeholder engagement in early requirements specification. The action research for this project involved the design of venue operations for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Many tens of stakeholders from a wide spectrum of professional expertise participated in the definition of business support systems for 21 competition venues over a period of 3 years. An interesting feature of this project was the use of three different approaches, starting with traditional peerto- peer knowledge transfer, followed by a typical business process modelling method and finally adopting the S3 approach and the way of working for the entire design of venue operations. The paper offers insights on all three approaches, insights that reflect on the problem of early requirements in general and on the validation of the effectiveness of the S3 approach in particular.
Refining the Concept Syndicate Data
Authors: Strand Mattias
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces the concepts of external data and syndicate data. It contributes with a conceptual discussion regarding different categories of syndicate data, as well as definitions and applications thereof. In addition, the chapter also gives a view ahead for syndicate data, with respect to organizational, as well as technological challenges and trends. Thereby, it increases the understanding for syndicate data as a vital component in business intelligence initiatives and explains why external data in general and syndicate data in particular has become prerequisites in modern information systems. Furthermore, the author hopes that the categorization and view ahead will not only contribute to researchers through the conceptual discussion and the definitions of concepts, but also to practitioners spending resources on data originating from outside the own organization, by increasing the understanding of the concepts and the actors within the industry.
Relevance and Usefulness of Corporate Web Site Disclosure Practices
Authors: Sriram Ram S. , Laksmana Indrarini
Published: May 2011

We investigate whether corporations are following the “best disclosure practices” when presenting business reports on their Web sites. As a benchmark, we use the recommendations made by the Jenkins Committee (1994) to evaluate disclosures on corporate Web sites for value, relevance, and quality of information. We compute a disclosure score using 26 items recommended by the Jenkins Committee and Meek, Roberts, and Gray (1995) as indicators of best reporting practices. Our findings reveal that most corporations do not follow “best disclosure practices” when reporting information on their Web sites. Only about half of the 26 disclosure items recommended by the Jenkins Committee are reported, and less than 50% of the sample firms in our study make such disclosure. Some of the items that the Jenkins Committee recommends as essential for improving quality and relevance of reporting, such as forward-looking information (e.g., plans, opportunities and risks, forecasts, critical success factors), nonfinancial items (e.g., changes in operating performance, research and development activities), or offbalance-sheet financing, are least often reported. The findings suggest that corporations must improve their Web site disclosures for investors to find them valuable, relevant, and useful.
Home-Based Telecommuting
Authors: Baker Ellen , Avery Gayle C. , Crawford John
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines the role of technology in home-based telecommuting (HBT), and the implications of this role for organizational IT departments and for managers of telecommuting employees. Specifically, it addresses the question: Does technology both facilitate and hinder home-based telecommuting? Although technology enables HBT, it has also been blamed for HBT’s slow growth. To clarify the role that technology currently plays when employees telecommute, we describe a recent study that investigated the relationship between different forms of organizational support (classified as technology-related, somewhat technology-related and non-technological) and employees’ reactions to HBT. Two technology- related support variables and manager’s trust (a non-technological support) were found to have broad impact on employees’ reactions to HBT; so, while technology plays a crucial role and thus could be a major factor in HBT’s slow growth, we argue that HBT is better understood within a multi-factor rather than a single-factor framework. Other implications are that organizations should emphasize providing IT support and appropriate technology for telecommuters, as well as HBT-related training for non-telecommuting co-workers and managers of the telecommuters.
Logical Inference Based on Incomplete and/or Fuzzy Ontologies
Authors: Kulikowski Juliusz L.
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, a concept of using incomplete or fuzzy ontologies in decision making is presented. A definition of ontology and of ontological models is given, as well as their formal representation by taxonomic trees, bi-partite graphs, multigraphs, relations, super-relations and hyper-relations. The definitions of the corresponding mathematical notions are also given. Then, the concept of ontologies representing incomplete or uncertain domain knowledge is presented. This concept is illustrated by an example of decision making in medicine. The aim of this chapter is to give an outlook on the possibility of ontological models extension in order to use them as an effective and universal form of domain knowledge representation in computer systems supporting decision making in various application areas.
Macroeconomic Announcements, Asymmetric Volatility, and IT
Authors: Minaki Takeo , Uchida Ichihiro , Kamae Hiroshi
Published: May 2011

This study analyzes the impact of macroeconomic announcements on the conditional volatility of Japanese government bond (JGB) futures returns. As information technology continues to develop, the arrival and the processing of new market-related information becomes more rapid. Using high-frequency data of JGB futures, we find that announcement shocks influence the dynamics of bond market volatility. Our results provide empirical evidence that the JGB futures market does not immediately incorporate implications of macroeconomic announcement news. Volatility of JGB futures returns persists for a while. Moreover, after distinguishing among types of shocks, volatility is asymmetric. Negative shocks have a stronger impact on subsequent volatility than do positive shocks.
Heuristics and Metaheuristics for Solving Scheduling Problems
Authors: Laha Dipak
Published: May 2011

Manufacturing scheduling plays a very important function in successful operation of the production planning and control department of an organization. It also offers a great theoretical challenge to the researchers because of its combinatorial nature. Earlier, researchers emphasized classical optimization methods such as linear programming and branch-and-bound method to solve scheduling problems. However, these methods have the limitation of tackling only small-sized scheduling problems because of the consumption of high computational (CPU) time. As a result, heuristics as well as various efficient optimization methods based on the evolutionary computing paradigm such as genetic algorithms, simulated annealing, and artificial immune system have been applied to scheduling problems for obtaining near optimal solutions. These computational tools are currently being utilized successfully in various engineering and management fields. We briefly discuss the overview of these emerging heuristics and metaheuristics and their applications to the scheduling problems. Given the rise in attention by the researchers, more emphasis has been given to explore artificial immune system in details
Computational Intelligence in the Financial Functions of Industrial Firms
Authors: Theodorou Petros , Karyampas Dimitrios
Published: May 2011

Information technology has been proved to be a strategic weapon in the business armory for the creation and sustention of competitive advantage, especially, when it is aligned with the needs of the internal and external environment. Solutions are provided from the operational level up to strategic planning and are capable to support every choice in the strategy portfolio, from cost to quality and flexibility. IT systems in the manufacturing and operational level were analyzed extensively in literature: ERP systems, computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), and so forth. According to Wong, Bo, Bodnovich, and Selvi (1997), 53.5% of the reviewed literature in artificial intelligence refers to applications in production and operations management. Nevertheless, the second most important area for advanced IT applications is that of finance (25.4%). This research will be focused on the common set of the two previously mentioned areas: production management and the necessary financial tools. Production and operation management requires specific financial tools in order to accomplish the functions of production planning, costing, investment appraisal, and so forth. Computational intelligence in those financial functions is mostly needed for the production operation department and for the production operation strategy. Specifically, the weight will be put on information technology automation of financial functions adopted by production departments: forecasting production needs, production planning and control, profit volume analysis, cost analysis, investment appraisal analysis, and so forth. An attempt will be made to classify the various quantitative and qualitative techniques in relation to various financial aspects. Specifically, advances of neural networks, expert systems, advanced statistical analysis and operational research methods, and various hybrid techniques will be presented in relation to financial models applied in production. Financial applications will be analyzed according to their modules and their outputs in a strategic alignment concept. Finally, a strategic alignment model will be derived for the adoption of financial applications in businesses.
Condition Monitoring Using Computational Intelligence
Authors: Marwala Tshilidzi , Busisiwe Vilakazi Christina
Published: May 2011

Condition monitoring techniques are described in this chapter. Two aspects of condition monitoring process are considered: (1) feature extraction; and (2) condition classification. Feature extraction methods described and implemented are fractals, kurtosis, and Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients. Classification methods described and implemented are support vector machines (SVM), hidden Markov models (HMM), Gaussian mixture models (GMM), and extension neural networks (ENN). The effectiveness of these features was tested using SVM, HMM, GMM, and ENN on condition monitoring of bearings and are found to give good results.
Demand Forecasting of Short Life Span Products
Authors: Chaudhari Narendra S. , Yuan Xue-Ming
Published: May 2011

This chapter briefly reviews forecasting features of typical data mining software, and then presents the salient features of SIMForecaster, a forecasting system developed at the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology. SIMForecaster has successfully been used for many important forecasting problems in industry. Demand forecasting of short life span products involves unique issues and challenges that cannot be fully tackled in existing software systems like SIMForecaster. To introduce these problems, we give three case studies for short life span products, and identify the issues and problems for demand forecasting of short life span products. We identify specific soft computing techniques, namely small world theory, memes theory, and neural networks with special structures, such as binary neural networks (BNNs), bidirectional segmented memory (BSM) recurrent neural networks, and longshort- term-memory (LSTM) networks for solving these problems. We suggest that, in addition to these neural network techniques, integrated demand forecasting systems for handling optimization problems involved in short life span products would also need some techniques in evolutionary computing as well as genetic algorithms.
Mastermind
Authors: Brantingham P.L. , Glasser U. , Jackson P. , Kinney B. , Vajihollahi M.
Published: May 2011

Pattern and routine activities theories suggest that through a combination of decisions and innate understandings of environmental cues, likely offenders are able to separate good criminal opportunities from bad risks. The nature of this process is highly structured and allows researchers to anticipate likely concentrations for a variety of regular, daily activities, including criminal offences. This chapter sets out to model and test these theoretical principles. Mastermind represents an interdisciplinary research project in computational criminology jointly managed by ICURS and the Software Technology Lab at Simon Fraser University. Using the abstract state machine (ASM) formalism in combination with a multiagent based modeling paradigm, we devise a formal framework for semantic modeling and systematic integration of the theories for crime analysis and understanding crime patterns. We focus on crime in urban areas and model spatial and temporal aspects of crime potentially involving multiple offenders and multiple targets. Mastermind is used in a hypothetical analysis of motor vehicle theft.
Watching What We Read
Authors: Goodrum Abby A.
Published: May 2011

Libraries in the U.S. have long been places of interest to government law enforcement agencies, and academic and public librarians have long sought to balance their commitment to the protection of privacy and intellectual freedom, with their desire to support legitimate requests for assistance from the government (Foerstel, 1991; Starr, 2004). In some instances, librarians have even gone to jail to protect the privacy of their patron’s records (Horn, 1994). To better understand the nature of this contact and its impact on the public’s privacy and access to information, the American Library Association’s Office of Information Technology Policy (ALA OITP) funded a study which included a nationwide survey of public and academic libraries and structured interviews with librarians and library leaders. The study confirms that federal, state, and local law enforcement have been visiting libraries as part of their investigations and that law enforcement activity has precipitated change in the policies and practices of public and academic libraries. Finally, the data from this study suggest that overall, the Patriot Act and similar legislation passed as a result of the September 11 terrorists attacks have had limited or very limited direct impact on academic and public library activities. Most libraries have not changed policies related to the retention of patron information, use of library materials including government information, or removed material from the library, nor has there been any significant change in library material usage. In those instances when changes did occur, reasons appear to be due to budget and financial matters rather than concern over requirements of the Patriot Act or other similar legislation. Another issue central to this discussion has been the degree to which the ALA should engage in significant lobbying efforts to change or modify the Patriot Act and related terrorist laws. The general sense that one receives is that the Patriot Act is “awful” from an abstract perspective, but “it doesn’t really affect my library or patrons as directly as budget cuts and other day to day concerns.” Librarians can’t afford to lose local support, so they do not become politicized over legal issues that may be quite abstract in the minds of their patrons or staff.
Resisting Government Internet Surveillance by Participating in Politics Online and Offline
Authors: Krueger Brian S.
Published: May 2011

While more is probably known about the causes of political participation than any other political behavior, the research program suffers in that it generally assumes citizens operate within an unproblematic surveillance context. This chapter argues that the growing use of the Internet for political participation and the government’s expanded electronic surveillance capacities make this assumption increasingly dubious. Drawing on Michel Foucault’s insights concerning surveillance and resistance, I develop empirical hypotheses related to surveillance and Internet political participation. Testing these hypotheses using data derived from a unique probability sample survey of U.S. Internet users, surveillance is shown to influence online political activity. Those who oppose the current administration, and who perceive the government monitors their Internet behavior, participate in politics online at the highest rates. Next, I test whether perceptions of online surveillance lead to a similar higher probability of conventional offline political activity. The results suggest that for those opposed to the regime’s policies, online surveillance increases the likelihood of engagement in offline political participation.
Constructing Online Conversation to Support Learning
Authors: Jin Li , Ingram Albert
Published: May 2011

This chapter reviews the literature of conversation in online environment; introduces the technologies that facilitate online conversation, such as email, discussion board, instant messaging, chat rooms, and computer conferencing; discusses issues related to making good use of available technology to effectively construct online conversation; and gives practical suggestions and strategies for planning online course, enhancing participation, fostering learning community, encouraging knowledge construction, and controlling online conversation. Learner characteristics and needs are major factors considered through the whole process. Future trends of individualization of online conversation as the way to individualizing online learning experience are pursued. Further readings on research trends are provided as well.
Mobile Technology and its Applications in Instructional Conversation
Authors: Caudill Jason
Published: May 2011

Mobile learning (mLearning) is the most recently developed category of electronic learning (eLearning), both of which are valuable tools in instructional conversation. What makes mLearning unique, and thus deserving of its study as an independent concept, is mobility; learners have the opportunity to go not just beyond the classroom, but beyond the limits of desktop and even laptop computers to engage in instructional environments. As an independent concept, mLearning has its own hardware and network technology, as well as a relationship with and difference from eLearning. As a component of instructional conversation, mLearning provides learners with opportunities to engage in discussion from almost any location at any time, making the conversations much more natural and beneficial to the group. mLearning technology is, to support the uniqueness of the discipline, mobile. Devices that people carry on a regular basis and can access at almost any location are what drive mLearning practice. Working in concert with these devices is mobile networking technology, which provides the mobile learner with access to instructional material from a wide variety of locations and frees them from being tied to a cabled network connection at a static location.
A Research-Led Approach to Technology Enhanced Learning
Authors: Dempster Jacqueline A.
Published: May 2011

This chapter focuses on national and institutional initiatives in UK higher education (HE) to support and embed technology enhanced learning, and in particular with regard to the development in undergraduate students of research-oriented capabilities. The term “research-led” is widely used in the HE sector to describe universities that demonstrate a high capacity for good quality research whilst claiming that their research informs and enhances their teaching. The approaches described are based on the premise that developments should be led by clear pedagogical objectives coupled with the opportunities afforded to the curriculum by the technologies.
The Current Bottleneck of Knowledge Management and How Information Technology can be Successfully Used to Reduce it
Authors: Salim Ricardo , Ferran Carlos
Published: May 2011

Knowledge is generated and propogated by cultural selection, a process that—like it genetic counterpart, natural selection—consumes much time and resources in contrasting every new (or mutated) information with reality. However, if we hasten to minimize the field tests or marketing tests—forms of cultural selection—we run into the risk of not testing the knowledge sufficiently and make a deficient contrast with reality. In this chapter we present the concept of pragmatic minimization as the compromise of minimizing the amount of resources invested in contrasting the newly acquired knowledge with reality, while not falling into a lack of realism—blind idealism—or a cominatorial explosion of mental possibilities. Then, we advocate “simulated praxis” and a “more pragmatic artificial intelligence” as new avenues to optimally solve the problem of pragmatic minimization.
Enhancing the Process of Knowledge Discovery in Geographic Databases Using Geo-Ontologies
Authors: Bogorny Vania , Engel Paulo Martins , Alavares Luis Otavio
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces the problem of mining frequent geographic patterns and spatial association rules from geographic databases. In the geographic domain most discovered patterns are trivial, non-novel, and non-interesting, which simply represent natural geographic associations intrinsic to geographic data. A large amount of natural geographic associations are explicitly represented in geographic database schemas and geo-ontologies, which have not been used so far in frequent geographic pattern mining. Therefore, this chapter presents a novel approach to extract patterns from geographic databases using geo-ontologies as prior knowledge. The main goal of this chapter is to show how the large amount of knowledge represented in geo-ontologies can be used to avoid the extraction of patterns that are previously known as non-interesting.
Global Navigation Satellite Systems And Services
Authors: Díaz Justo Alcázar , Velasco Tirso
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces the concept of Satellite Navigation in the context of space infrastructures and technologies that can contribute for improvement of life on Earth. It includes a review of the motivations for developing a satellite navigation system, and the applications and services these systems have in daily life. Furthermore, currently existing Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GPS and GLONASS) and other GNSS systems under development (GALILEO) are described from different perspectives: from the technical and architectural aspects to the ways chosen to finance their development and operations. To round up this chapter, an analysis of the expected trends in GNSS systems is presented and potential scenarios for future evolution of global satellite navigation are discussed
The Future Quantum Computer
Authors: Sabelli Hector , Thomas Gerald H.
Published: May 2011

Quantum computing forces a reexamination of logic. We examine its historical roots in logos, the logic of nature, and it is manifested by the laws of physics. A new logic comes out of this inquiry and it is applied to quantum computing. The logical design of computers according to the logic of quantum physics will allow the full use of quantum processes for computation and also adapt our humanly conceived computer logic to the actual logic of nature. The basic principles of quantum physics are homologically repeated in fundamental processes at all levels of organization. Thus, the principles of action, opposition such as charge and spin, chromatic structure, and the creation of novelty, diversity, and complexity can guide logic. Explicit realizations of these ideas are provided.
Theory and Practice of Ant-Based Routing in Dynamic Telecommunication Networks
Authors: Di Caro Gianni A. , Ducatelle Frederick , Gambardella Luca M.
Published: May 2011

Modern telecommunication networks are becoming increasingly complex and dynamic. This is due to their size and heterogeneity, and to the complex interactions among their elements. Classical techniques for network control were not conceived to face such challenges. Therefore, new algorithms are needed that are adaptive and robust, work in a self-organized and decentralized way, and are able to cope with heterogeneous large-scale systems. In this chapter, we argue that the reverse engineering of natural processes can provide a fruitful source of inspiration for the design of such algorithms. In particular, we advocate the use of ant colony optimization (ACO), an optimization metaheuristic inspired by the foraging behavior of ant colonies. We discuss the characteristics of ACO and derive from it ant colony routing (ACR), a novel framework for the development of adaptive algorithms for network routing. We show through the concrete application of ACR’s ideas to the design of an algorithm for mobile ad hoc networks that the ACR framework allows the relatively straightforward construction of new routing algorithms that can deal with all of the challenges mentioned above.
Knowledge Management in Research Joint Ventures
Authors: Revilla Elena
Published: May 2011

As innovation and technology management grow in complexity the need for inter-organizational cooperation increases. Part of this cooperation requires the understanding of how knowledge management and learning processes may function to support a successful research and development collaboration in MNEs. To further this understanding we introduce a typology to help categorize various collaborative efforts within a research joint venture environment. The typology is based on two dimensions the locus of the research joint venture knowledge and the knowledge management approach. This matrix leads us to deduce that different RJVs strategies can emerge as a result of these two dimensions. Finally, an evaluation of this relationship is completed using information and practices from data acquired from a broad-based study of European-based RJVs. Implications for research and management of these types of projects are also introduced throughout the chapter.
Knowledge Management Success
Authors: Anantatmula Vittal S.
Published: May 2011

Globalization and free market philosophy characterize the current economic environment of increased competition and it has posed far greater challenges than ever for organizations to meet customer needs and demands. The global competition is compelling organizations to develop products and services faster, cheaper, and better in order to sustain competitive advantage in the market place. 21st century economy is setting new trends and unique styles of business operations because of continuous advancement of information technology (IT) and communication technologies. These technologies have offered more avenues to conduct business effectively and efficiently. Many organizations participating in the global economy have two distinct features associated with their operations; outsourcing and virtual teams, which have become feasible because of these technological advances. These two features have an impact on how organizations manage knowledge and deserve further discussion.
An Integrated Architecture for Supporting Vocational Training
Authors: Bouras C. , Giannaka E. , Tsiatos Th.
Published: May 2011

E-learning and web-based training have been evolved over time from a newborn trend for complementing the learning process to a major form of education and training for supporting mainly geographically scattered users. Basic aim of this chapter is the description of a platform for open and distance training, which is mainly focused at supporting the needs of Vocational Training Centers as well as of institutions providing life-long adult training and learning. In particular, the issues that this chapter focuses on vocational education and training characteristics and requirements, the current situation and technological trends in ICT-supported VET, the development framework and processes while it also proposes basic vocational training services and the system architecture of the integrated platform. The presented platform aims to provide services of both synchronous and asynchronous and collaborative distance learning.
Design and Evaluation of Web-based Learning Environments using Information Foraging Models
Authors: Tselios Nikolaos , Katsanos Christos , Kahrimanis Georgios , Avouris Nikolaos
Published: May 2011

In this chapter methods and tools for effective design and evaluation of web-based learning environments are presented. The main aspect addressed by this proposal is that of increasing findability of information in large web sites of learning information content by applying methods and tools based on the information foraging model. It is argued that through this approach, issues of learning content structure and usability may be also addressed. In particular, we propose four different ways to have information foraging theory informing the design. Directives, to ensure proper learning content structuring and cues with strong scent, tools based on LSA to automate the design and evaluation process, methods to construct archetypal learner’s profiles from user data and added functions to realise collaborative information filtering and personal information patch creation, thus allowing learners to organize their reference materials in a meaningful and constructive way.
Implications For Reverse Auctions From A Supply Chain Management Perspective
Authors: Jackson Eric C.
Published: May 2011

This chapter considers reverse auctions in the context of the supply chain and the type of end user product being produced. It contends that in order to successfully utilize a reverse without alienating their suppliers’ buyers need to classify their product as innovative or standardized. An innovative product is one that is undergoing rapid changes in functionality or specifications. A standardized or functional product is one that has stabilized its specifications and functionality. It also argues that the buyer must consider if their supply chain is responsive or efficient. A responsive supply chain is one that rapidly adapts to changes in product characteristics without placing undue financial burdens on any members of the supply chain. An efficient supply chain being one that has reduced costs to their minimum but has a reduced flexibility when compared with a responsive supply chain. It is hoped that an understanding of this relationship will allow purchasers to better evaluate their use of reverse auctions as a purchasing tool in the context of buyer supplier relations.
Combining Web Services and Grid Services
Authors: Stergioulas Lampros K. , Naseer Aisha
Published: May 2011

Web technologies have played a significant role in supporting the global sharing of Internet resources and thereby improving communications. On another front, Grids hold the promise to provide global interoperability and interconnectivity at a level considered impossible a few decades ago. In practice, there is not much difference between the existing Grid and Web infrastructures; in fact, a Grid infrastructure could be built by making minor modifications to a Web infrastructure. The implementation of Web-based Grids or a partially-Gridified Web is one of the potential solutions to Grid infrastructure problems. This can be done by sharing Grid services across the Grid infrastructure, effectively using the underlying Web services as vehicles or transporters of these services. The chapter discusses Grid services as another type of Grid resources, examines possible ways to integrate Grid services and Web services, and explores how this will support Grid resource discovery. It is argued that Grids should be developed using the underlying Web infrastructure and Grid services could be integrated with Web services using inheritance techniques to produce Grid-supported Web services. Furthermore, this approach seems to deal effectively with the problems of resource discovery in such partially-Gridified Web environments. An earlier version of this work has been presented in (Naseer, & Stergioulas, 2006a)
Vendors
Authors: Rada Roy
Published: May 2011

A vendor is any person or company that sells goods or services to someone else in the economic production chain. Parts manufacturers are vendors of parts to other manufacturers that assemble the parts into something sold to wholesalers or retailers. Retailers are vendors of products to consumers. In information technology, the term is applied to suppliers of goods and services to other companies. This chapter reviews attributes of IT vendors in healthcare. IT consultants who provide services to the healthcare industry are described and then the vendors of software and services.
The Application of Data Mining for Drought Monitoring and Prediction
Authors: Tadesse Tsegaye , Wardlow Brian , Hayes Michael J.
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses the application of data mining to develop drought monitoring tools that enable monitoring and prediction of drought’s impact on vegetation conditions. These monitoring tools help decision makers to assess the current levels of drought-related vegetation stress and provide insight into the possible future trends in vegetation conditions at local and regional scales, which can be used to make knowledge-based decisions. The chapter summarizes current research using data mining approaches (e.g., association rules and decision-tree methods) to develop these types of drought monitoring tools and briefly explains how they are being integrated with decision support systems. Future direction in data mining techniques and drought research is also discussed. This chapter is intended to introduce how data mining is be used to enhance drought monitoring and prediction in the United States and assist others to understand how similar tools might be developed in other parts of the world.
Towards Organizational Self-Awareness
Authors: Zacarias Marielba , Magalhaes Rodrigo , Caetano Artur , Pinto H. Sofia , Tribolet Jose
Published: May 2011

Human beings are, by nature, self-aware beings. This capacity lets us know who we are, how we do things, and what we (and others) are doing at any particular moment. In organizations, self-awareness is an essential prerequisite for effective action, decision-making, and learning processes. However, it must be built and maintained by continuous interactions among their members. This chapter lays out the foundations of a comprehensive high-level modeling framework as a means for enhancing organizational self-awareness. The modeling framework encompasses an architecture and ontology, which puts together human, social, and organizational approaches with modeling frameworks coming from the computer sciences and IS/IT fields. The proposed approach is illustrated with two example applications which use the finer-grained concepts of the framework. An analysis of the implications of this approach and issues to be addressed is provided.
Modeling Semantic Business Process Models
Authors: Koschmider Agnes , Oberweis Andreas
Published: May 2011

Coupling of interorganizational business processes in electronic markets is a difficult and time-consuming task. In practice, business processes are geographically distributed, which makes it particularly difficult for business partners to coordinate their supply chains and customer relationship management with business units. By using formal description languages such as Petri Nets for modeling interorganizational business processes, purely syntactic composition problems of distributed business environments can be solved. However, the missing semantic representation of Petri Nets can hamper the interconnectivity of business processes. Usually, several business partners, even if they share similar demands, have their own specific vocabularies. By representing business processes with Petri Nets in combination with the Web ontology language (OWL), our approach provides flexibility, ease of integration, and a significant level of automation of loosely coupled business processes even if they do not share their respective vocabularies.
A P2P Based Secure Digital Music Distribution Channel
Authors: Fetscherin Marc
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents a model enabling content providers to successfully sell digital music. We show that content providers must overcome three main hurdles to successfully sell digital music. The first is to establish an efficient and economically viable distribution channel. Second, they need to develop a secure and interoperable framework for protecting copyrighted digital music from piracy by integrating Digital Rights Management Systems into the distribution channel. The third hurdle is to set-up a robust payment mechanism that meets the content providers’ needs for revenue capturing and the consumers’ needs for hassle-free and legal content acquisition and usage. This chapter finally presents a DRM supported peer-to-peer network which could address and overcome the three hurdles. We conclude that a DRM supported P2P network gives content providers as well as consumers the secure, legal and most cost-efficient and user friendly digital distribution channel they have been searching for.