bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emotional Agen Modelig (EMAM)
Authors: Abu Maria Khulood , Abu Zitar Raed
Published: May 2011

Artificial emotions play an important role at the control level of agent architectures: emotion may lead to reactive or deliberative behaviors, it may intensify an agent’s motivations, it can create new goals (and then sub-goals) and it can set new criteria for the selection of the methods and the plans the agent uses to satisfy its motives. Since artificial emotion is a process that operates at the control level of agent architecture, the behavior of the agent will improve if agent’s emotion process improves (El-Nasr, Ioerger, & Yen, 1998; El-Nasr & Yen, 1998). In this introductory chapter, our aim is to build agents with the mission "to bring life" several applications, such as: information, transaction, education, tutoring, business, entertainment and e-commerce. Therefore we want to develop artificial mechanisms that can play the role emotion plays in natural life. We call these mechanisms “artificial emotions” (Scheutz, 2004). As Damasio (1994) argues, emotions are necessary for problem solving because when we plan our lives, rather than examining every opinion, some possibilities are emotionally blocked off. We will try to investigate if artificial emotional control can improve performance of the agent in some circumstances. We would like to introduce the readers to our model, which is based on both symbolic and computational relations. Simulations are left for another publication. The space available is barely enough to give an overall picture about our model. The main contributions of this proposal model is to argue that emotion learning is a valid approach to improve the behavior of artificial agents, and to present a systematic view of the kinds of emotion learning that can take place, assuming emotion is a process involving assessment, emotion-signal generation, emotion-response and then emotion learning (LeDoux, 1996). To come across as emotional, an agent needs to incorporate a deeper model of personality, sensitivity, mood, feeling and emotions, and, in particular, directly connect these affective concepts. For agents to be believable, the minds of agents should not be restricted to model reasoning, intelligence and knowledge but also emotions, sensitivity, feeling, mood and personality (Nemani & Allan, 2001). We will propose EMAM (Emotional Agent Model) for this purpose. EMAM generates artificial emotion signals, evaluates and assesses events, takes into account the integration of personality, sensitivity, mood, feeling and motivational states then takes proper action or plans for actions (sequence of actions) (LeDoux, 1996; Gratch, 2000).
Conceptions of Trust
Authors: Grandison Tyrone
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces the fundamental concepts of trust, with emphasis on their applicability to the e-services platform. This sets the tone for this book and creates a platform from which the topics can be explored more deeply in the other chapters. This chapter presents a description of e-services and trust environments, provides the prevailing perspectives on trust, and introduces a unifying definition that can be used for e-services. Furthermore, the indicators that influence a trust decision when e-service invocation is desired, is specified, and the current trust models are highlighted. These models may be leveraged when designing the architecture for an e-service solution. In addition to being a resource during e-service system design, this chapter focuses on making the reader cognizant of the broader technical and management-related issues surrounding trust in e-services, and providing a common platform for discussion.
Software Development and Coordination Tools in Open Source Communities
Authors: van Wendel de Joode Ruben , de Bruijn Hans , van Eeten Michel
Published: May 2011

Open source communities bring together a dispersed collection of people, sometimes a large number of them, around the development of open source software. In the absence of enforceable formal structures, like those found in corporate settings, how are the activities of all these participants coordinated? From the outside looking in, it may seem that chaos and disorder rule. It is true that most decisions are made on an individual basis by the participants themselves. Nevertheless, work is coordinated successfully. We first discuss mechanisms that reduce the need for coordination— most notably by striving for modularity and elegance. We then turn to a number of mechanisms that provide coordination even under the difficult conditions that are present in open source communities. We conclude by outlining a number of potential steps for future research.
Intercultural Computer-Mediated Communication Between Chinese and U.S. College Students
Authors: Xia Y.
Published: May 2011

This study incorporates the effects of culture and computer-mediated communication (CMC) in the investigation of Chinese college students’ use of English in communication with U. S. college students. Ethnography of communication was used as the method to uncover four language patterns in Chinese college students’ use of English: others-oriented talk, mentor-mentee talk with limited relationship development, adoption of others’ talk, and icebreaker talk. Chinese cultural values showed a strong effect on Chinese college students’ use of English in CMC. Chinese cultural values included Chinese significance of personal relationships, Chinese collectivism, Chinese understanding of authority, and Chinese use of CMC. The characteristics of CMC showed minimal effect as either a constraint or a way of encouragement in the four language patterns.
The Language of Leaders
Authors: Simoff S. , Sudweeks F.
Published: May 2011

Virtual teams and their leaders are key players in global organizations. Using teams of workers dispersed temporally and geographically has changed the way people work in groups and redefined the nature of teamwork. Emergent leadership issues in computer-mediated communication are vital today because of the increasing prevalence of the virtual organization, the flattening of organizational structures, and the corresponding interest in managing virtual groups and teams. This chapter examines the communication behaviors of participants in two different case studies to determine if number, length, and content of messages are sufficient criteria to identify emergent leaders in asynchronous and synchronous environments. The methodology used can be embedded in collaborative virtual environments as a technology for identifying potential leaders in organizational and educational environments.
KM and Strategy
Authors: Wickramasinghe Nilmini , Von Lubitz Dag
Published: May 2011

This book provides comprehensive coverage of all areas (people, process, and technology) necessary to become a knowledge-based enterprise. It presents several frameworks facilitating the implementation of a KM initiative and its ongoing management so that pertinent knowledge and information are always available to the decision maker, and so the organization may always enjoy a sustainable competitive advantage
Walkthroughs in Web Usability
Authors: Ryu Hokyoung
Published: May 2011

The evaluators of a website have a need for robust and easy-to-use usability inspection methods to help them to systematically identify the possible usability problems of the website being analysed. Three usability inspection methods – heuristic walkthrough (HW), cognitive walkthrough (CW), and activity walkthrough (AW) – are reviewed in this chapter. Reviewing that work, this chapter discusses the relative advantages and weaknesses of all of the techniques, and suggestions for web evaluation are offered, with a short website example. Based on these analyses, we suggest some changes to website evaluation to improve accuracy and reliability of the current walkthrough methods; however, this chapter is not a comparison between the walkthrough techniques in order to determine which technique is best at detecting usability problems of a website.
Remote Usability Evaluation of Web Interfaces
Authors: Moha Naouel , Gaffar Ashraf , Michel Gabriel
Published: May 2011

Usability testing is a process that employs a sample of future users to evaluate software according to specific usability criteria. With the unprecedented growth and reach of the Internet, it is hard to reach representative users of Websites across the world. The new branch of remote usability testing has emerged as an alternative. While it is prohibitively expensive to conduct usability testing on a global range of users, it is technically possible and is more feasible to remotely collect the necessary information about usability problems and to analyze them the same way we do local tests. In this chapter, we present systematic methods and tools to support remote usability testing and evaluation of Web interfaces.
Information Networks as Complex Systems
Authors: Ishida Yoshiteru
Published: May 2011

Complex network such as scale-free networks and small-world networks have been studied with the dynamics when the information percolates through the networks. This chapter reports the problem of spreading the normal state (rather than spreading of the abnormal state) that is formalized as cleaning a contaminated network by mutual copying. Repairing by copying is the “double edged sword” that could spread contamination when properly used. A framework for controlling copying involving a spatial Prisoner’s Dilemma is introduced. Adaptive character to the network environment has been observed.
Approaches and Tools to Optimize and Manage Clinical Processes
Authors: Herrler Rainer , HeIne Christian
Published: May 2011

There are several continuing challenges within the health-care domain. On the one hand, there is a greater need for individualized, patient-oriented processes in diagnostics, therapy, nursing, and administration; and on the other hand, hospitals have extremely distributed decision processes and strong local (individual) autonomy with a high degree of situational dynamics. This research focuses on how to optimize processes in hospitals by using agent-based simulation and agent-based information systems that can substantially increase the efficiency of hospital process management. In particular, we describe a methodology for optimization; the ingredients of the simulation and the architecture of a management system; and the integration of existing FIPA, DICOM, and HL7 standards. We discuss example scenarios to show how simulation can improve distributed scheduling and how agent-based systems can be used to manage “clinical trials.” This research is part of the German Priority Research Program (SPP) 1083 “Intelligent Agents and their application in business scenarios.”
The Relationship of Strategic Intent to the Enablers and Inhibitors of E-Business Adoption in SMEs
Authors: Levy Margi , Powell Philip , Worrall Les
Published: May 2011

Small firms’ use of e-business is limited and little is known about what drives them to embrace e-business. Using survey data from 354 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK West Midlands, this chapter investigates e-business use and drivers. It first discusses different growth strategies adopted by SMEs and reviews Internet adoption in SMEs. Drivers and inhibitors of e-business are identified. Three research questions are derived—does strategic intent drive e-business adoption and is it a factor of market position or product innovation? Is this consistent across sectors? And how is strategic intent and industry adoption influenced by the enablers and inhibitors of e-business adoption? This research demonstrates that strategic intent influences decisions to invest in e-business. Those SMEs remaining in their existing markets are the least likely to invest, primarily due to the Internet not being seen as necessary for growth. Product innovation rather than market penetration drives e-business and e-business drivers and inhibitors provide insights into this.
Do the Philosophical Foundations of Online Learning Disadvantage Non-Western Students?
Authors: Catterick David
Published: May 2011

A product of its historical origins, online learning is firmly rooted in the educational values that dominate post-secondary education in Britain, Australasia, and North America. With the increasing numbers of international students studying degree programs online, this chapter asks whether students from diverse educational cultures are disadvantaged in their learning by the teaching approaches implemented within online teaching environments. Active learning, reflective practice, and collaborative learning are all based on a cognitive, constructivist tradition (Fox, 2001), one which is evidently not shared by much of the rest of the world (Kim & Bonk, 2002; Wright & Lander, 2003). Employing evidence from the field of cross-cultural psychology (Allik & McCrae, 2004) and taking Chinese students as an example (Cheung, Leung, Zhang, Sun, Gan, Song, & Xie, 2001; Lin, 2004; Matthews, 2001), the author suggests that there may be some cause for concern within online instructional practices. The chapter concludes with three possible responses to the issue, two of which might go some way towards ensuring that international students find themselves on a more even playing field in their online degree program of study.
Multi-Cultural E-Learning Teamwork
Authors: Khalsa Datta Kaur
Published: May 2011

Virtual teamwork in the e-learning classroom has provided opportunities for merging social theory and learning theory, mixing technology, culture, identity, and community. Online learning teams have generated attention to the social and cultural characteristics that influence these global interactions. This chapter discusses the prevalence of eight traditional dimensions of culture occurring during online learning team interaction. A study with graduate students, who were experienced in virtual teamwork, provides quotes and examples of experiences, challenges, and suggestions for improvement to the multi-cultural, virtual team experience. The students’ suggestions inform guidelines for e-learning faculty and students, while additional study results present understanding of the acculturation process, a process that occurs when diversified social and cultural characteristics come together and form a cultural hybrid to accomplish e-learning team goals.
Can You Hear Us Now? Stances Towards Interaction and Rapport
Authors: Wegmann Susan J. , McCauley Joyce K.
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines two key factors that influence the efficacy of online learning: student and teacher interaction and rapport. These two factors are heavily influenced by the stance that the learner takes. Online learning is opening up more possibilities for lifelong learning. This chapter will provide a critical discussion of online education, the theories that ground this delivery system, and the challenges that one university faculty had in creating a community of learners in a technology-mediated learning environment. “Let’s put our Reading Masters courses online,” the Dean suggested. “We need to move our graduate course offerings into the twenty-first century. Can’t be left behind.” She left the six of us in the conference room to talk over her proposal. But what was there to discuss? The answer was “No.” It just wasn’t possible. We’d lose that personal connection with our students that our university is known for. We’d lose those rousing discussions and meaningful interactions. Why, the students wouldn’t even see each other, let alone see us. How could we encourage lifelong learning when we weren’t even sold on the idea? The whole idea was impractical, unworkable, and inconceivable. Putting our courses online? Out of the question!
Lifelong Learning and Online Education
Authors: Karatza Marianthi , Tzikopoulos Argiris , Phillips Niki
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, the effects of lifelong learning and online education in the role of an educator are examined. Lifelong learning and lifelong education, as well as online learning and online education are terms that are located in a new context where flexibility has become a central demand. In such a framework, we identify the new capabilities and challenges that organizations, learners, and educators face. Moreover, we attempt to describe the role that an educator should adopt in order to be effective and able to support learning in this new environment. This review concludes with a framework of competencies necessary for the educators who practice their profession within new learning environments that already exist or that are going to appear in organizations, as needs for learning and knowledge management are continuously increasing. For this purpose, a specific case study is presented regarding the way an online training system can be implemented in order to support learning within a banking organization..
A Great Wall of Difference
Authors: Crichton Susan
Published: May 2011

Instructional design is typically viewed as a process for identifying and solving instructional problems. However, for designers who work on international development projects, the “western” assumptions of instructional design may pose particular challenges as project participants work together to find solutions to teaching and learning problems. The challenge is to find culturally sensitive ways to create resources and provide training for individuals who have different cultural backgrounds. After almost three years of work on the project shared in this article, there are still a number of questions. For example, why has there not been the development of a community of practice around instructional design with the project members? In addition, why has the Canadian project team been unable to encourage our Chinese colleagues to value the instructional design process? This paper offers a number of musings and insights about the field of instructional design within the Chinese context.
Shape-Based Image Retrieval By Alignment
Authors: Sangineto Enver
Published: May 2011

Among the existing Content Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) techniques for still images based on different perceptual features (e. g., colour, texture, etc.), shape-based methods are particularly challenging due to the intrinsic difficulties in dealing with shape localization and recognition problems. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that shape is one of the most important perceptual feature and successful shape-based techniques would significantly improve the spreading of general-purpose image retrieval systems. In this chapter we present a shape-based image retrieval approach able to efficiently deal with domain independent images with possible cluttered backgrounds and partially occluded objects. It is based on an alignment approach proved to be robust in rigid object recognition which we have modified in order to deal with inexact matching between the stylized shape input by the user as query and the real shapes represented in the system’s database. Results with a database composed of difficult real-life images are shown.
A Machine Learning-Based Model for Content-Based Image Retrieval
Authors: Hacid Hakim , Zighed Abdelkader Djamel
Published: May 2011

A multimedia index makes it possible to group data according to similarity criteria. Traditional index structures are based on trees and use the k-Nearest Neighbors (k-NN) approach to retrieve databases. Due to some disadvantages of a such approach, the use of neighborhood graphs was proposed. This approach is interesting but it has some disadvantages consisting, mainly, in its complexity. This chapter presents a step in a long process of analyzing, structuring, and retrieving multimedia databases. Indeed, we propose an effective method for locally updating neighborhood graphs which constitute our multimedia index. Then, we exploit this structure in order to make easy and effective the retrieval process using queries in an image form in one hand. In another hand, we use the indexing structure to annotate images in order to describe their semantics. The proposed approach is based on an intelligent manner for locating points in a multidimensional space. Promising results are obtained after experimentations on various databases. Future issues of the proposed approach are very relevant in this domain.
Open Multi-Agent Systems for Collaborative Web-Based Learning
Authors: Lu Hongen
Published: May 2011

Web-based learning plays an important role in modern teaching environment. Many Web based tools are becoming available on this huge marketplace. Agent technology contributes substantially to this achievement. One of the fundamental problems facing both students and education services providers is how to locate and integrate these valuable services in such a dynamic environment. In this chapter, I present mediator-based architecture to build open multi-agent applications for e-learning. An agent services description language is presented to enable services advertising and collaboration. The language exploits ontology of service domain, and provides the flexibility for developers to plug in any suitable constraint languages. Multiple matchmaking strategies based on agent service ontology are given to help agents finding appropriate service providers. The series of strategies consider various features of service providers, the nature of requirements, and more importantly the relationships among services.
Security Threats and Vulnerabilities
Authors: Kizza Joseph , Migga Kizza Florence
Published: May 2011

Perhaps some of the biggest security problems facing all of us using computers and other information systems are the security threats and vulnerabilities that an average computer user has little to no idea about. Even those who have some knowledge of these threats are still in the dark as to how prepare for and avoid them. The focus of this chapter is to explain what these are and how to deal with them in our everyday activities. A security threat to a computing system is a set of events that do not actually exist yet, but are likely to happen, with the potential to cause harm or loss. For example, heavy sustained rain in areas prone to flooding creates a threat of flooding. A vulnerability, on the other hand, is a flaw or weakness currently existing in the system, the security procedures, design, or implementation that could be exploited intentionally or accidentally, resulting in a loss or harm. For example, a broken lock on a door is a vulnerability, because, if known by a thief, it can be exploited to enter the house and cause a loss to property. Finally, a control is a mechanism used to prevent a threat by controlling the vulnerabilities. For example, buying a new lock and replacing the broken lock on the door with it is a control.
Patterns in Electronic Brainstorming
Authors: Dennis Alan R. , Pinsonneault Alain , McNamara Hilmer Kelly , Barki Henri , Gallupe Brent , Huber Mark , Bellavance François
Published: May 2011

Previous research has shown that some groups using electronic brainstorming generate more unique ideas than groups using nominal group brainstorming, while others do not. This study examined two factors through which group size may affect brainstorming performance: synergy and social loafing. Groups brainstormed using three techniques to manipulate synergy and two group sizes to manipulate social loafing. We found no social loafing effects. There were significant differences in synergy, but not the ones we had theorized. Instead, we found a time effect: nominal brainstorming groups that received no synergy from the ideas of others produced more ideas than electronic groups in the first time period and fewer ideas in the last time period. We conclude that synergy from the ideas of others is only important when groups brainstorm for longer time periods and may have a harder time generating ideas. We also conclude that electronic brainstorming groups, whether in the field or in the research laboratory, should be given at least 30 minutes to work on tasks or else they will be unlikely to develop synergy.
mVine Ltd
Authors: Berry Joanna
Published: May 2011

This chapter analyzes a new digital music label—mVine.com—from conception in December 2003 to launch in March 2005. It discusses the turbulent context within which the company was launched and the particular individual strengths of the founding directors. The business model and specific revenue streams are described, and financial and marketing data are given to support the company’s launch development. A full description of how mVine operated initially as a virtual organization provides a full understanding of the benefits and challenges that such a company faces and the opportunity to discuss the strategies that mVine employed to overcome this. Technical information is given that explains how open source software was used to address issues of security and cost while reinforcing the company’s open and democratic ethic. An outline is given of the planned development of mVine from virtual startup to fully financed “clicks-and-mortar” corporation.
Information System for a Volunteer Center
Authors: Chalasani Suresh , Baldwin Dirk , Souderpandian Jayavel
Published: May 2011

This case focuses on the development of information systems for not-for-profit volunteer-based organizations. Specifically, we discuss an information system project for the Volunteer Center of Racine (VCR). This case targets the analysis and design phase of the project using the Unified Modeling Language (UML) methodology, database modeling, and aspects of project management including scope and risk management. Students must decide how to proceed, including recommending an IT solution, managing risk, managing scope, projecting a schedule, and managing personnel. The rewards and special issues involved with systems for not-for-profit organizations will be revealed. This case can be used in a variety of courses, including systems analysis and design, database management systems, and project management.
Experiences from Using the CORAS Methodology to Analyze a Web Application
Authors: den Braber Folker , Mildal Arne Bjørn , Nes Jone , Stølen Ketil , Vraalsen Fredrik
Published: May 2011

During a field trial performed at the Norwegian telecom company NetCom from May 2003 to July 2003, a methodology for model-based risk analysis was assessed. The chosen methodology was the CORAS methodology (CORAS, 2000), which has been developed in a European research project carried out by 11 European companies and research institutes partly funded by the European Union. The risk analysis and assessment were carried out by the Norwegian research institute SINTEF in cooperation with NetCom. NetCom (www.netcom.no) is one of the main mobile phone network providers in Norway. Their ‘MinSide’ application offers their customers access to their personal account information via the Internet, enabling them to view and change the properties of their mobile phone subscription. ‘MinSide’ deals with a lot of sensitive customer information that needs to be secure, while at the same time being easily available to the customer in order for the service to remain usable and competitive. The goal of the analysis was to identify risks in relation to the use of the ‘MinSide’ application and, where possible, suggest treatments for these risks. This was achieved through two model-driven brainstorming sessions based on system documentation in the form of UML sequence diagrams and data flow diagrams.
Mobile Technology
Authors: Cragg Paul , Chapman Prue
Published: May 2011

Mobile Technology (MT) is a small/medium-sized electronics manufacturer that has been very successful and grown rapidly in recent years. Its innovative products are exported to many parts of the world. The firm relies heavily on information technology and has many staff with very sophisticated computer expertise, yet it has no IS department and has only just appointed an IS manager. The firm’s IS staff are part of an EDP team that provides IS services to all parts of MT. However, the firm is soon to be restructured into nine separate business units. This case focuses on where the firm should place its IS staff following this restructuring. The main alternatives facing management are for either a centralized or decentralised IS department.
IT in Improvement of Public Administration
Authors: Kisielnicki Jerzy
Published: May 2011

Bialystok City Hall is an organ of public administration. The city of Bialystok has 280,000 inhabitants. In result of the political transformation in Poland, the new authorities have inherited a bureaucratic and inefficient management system as well as an outdated IT. In the electoral programme for 2000-2004, the following objectives have been set for the City Hall: to significantly improve the quality of operations and, in particular, to reduce time of handling affairs; to provide complex and professional customer service; to improve the management of assets. In order to improve the City Hall management system, re-engineering and TQM rules have been applied.
The T-1 Auto Inc. Production Part Testing (PPT) Process
Authors: Caine C. T.
Published: May 2011

This case describes the development, design, and implementation of a workflow automation system at a tier one automotive supplier, T1-Auto. T1 is a developer and manufacturer of anti-lock brake systems. In 1991, T1-Auto had outsourced its IT department. They retained a management core consisting of the CIO and five managers, but transitioned approximately 80 other members of the department to the outsourcing firm. In 1994, Lotus Notesä was installed as the corporate standard e-mail and workflow platform. A team of four Notesädevelopers wrote workflow-based and knowledge management-based applications. Another team of three administrators managed the Notesä infrastructure. The first workflow application written at T1-Auto was developed for the Finance department. The finance team quickly realized the workflow benefit of streamlining and tracking the capital expense request process. The Notesä development team and the project sponsor, the Controller, worked closely to develop the application. Following this initial success, the power and value of workflow technology caught on quickly at T1-Auto. One of the most successful projects was the Electronic Lab Testing Process described in this paper. The Electronics Lab and Testing System (ELTS) was identified as a Transaction Workflow problem by the IT Lotus Notesä team. Because the ELTS involved policies and procedures that crossed many groups and divisions within T1-Auto, and since the process was consistent across the organization, the solution lent itself very well to Lotus Notes. However, while T1-Auto was experiencing rapid growth and the number of tests was increasing, the testing process was prone to communication and coordination errors. As part of their production and product development processes, their electronics laboratory was required to test electronic components that were part of the brake systems. Clearly the testing process was critical to T-1 since delays or errors could adversely affect both product development and production. The case goes on to describe the design and development of the Lotus Notes™ workflow management system. The design description includes process maps for the as-is and the new system. In addition, descriptions of the testing phase, the pilot, and the roll out are included. The case concludes with a discussion of project success factors and planned future enhancements.
IS Strategy at NZMilk
Authors: Cragg P. , McQueen B.
Published: May 2011

This case study examines Nzmilk, a small, successful, fresh milk supplier. The company has lost some of their market to competitors, but also gained a significant contract. Its general manager was convinced that a new IS strategy was needed, but did not know how to proceed.
GlobeRanger Corporation
Authors: Hanebeck Hanns-Christian L. , Kroder Stan , Nugent John , Raisinghani Mahesh S.
Published: May 2011

This case traces the dynamic evolution/revolution of an e-commerce entity from concept through first-round venture financing. It details the critical thought processes and decisions that made this enterprise a key player in the explosive field of supply chain logistics. It also provides a highly valuable view of lessons learned and closes with key discussion points that may be used in the classroom in order to provoke thoughtful and meaningful discussion of important business issues.
Analyzing Information Quality in Virtual Networks of the Services Sector with Qualitative Interview Data
Authors: Melkas Helinä
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, a novel framework is introduced for analyzing information quality within information processes of complex organizational networks on the basis of qualitative data. Networking and virtualization call for new ways of looking into information quality. Public organizations, cooperatives and non-governmental organizations are forming networks, or entering into networks of companies. Tools for analyzing information quality in such environments have been lacking. The newly developed framework is operationalized within multi-actor, multi-professional networks offering safety telephone services for ageing people. These services utilize well-being technology. The analysis is based on data from interviews with professionals working in several service networks of different types and sizes in Finland. The information quality analysis framework helps in identifying information quality dimensions that are weak in a network. This analysis is usefully combined with an investigation of network collaboration that identifies weaknesses and strengths in network collaboration affecting management of information quality.
Qualtiy Measures and the Information Consumer
Authors: Burgess Mikhaila S.E. , Alex Gray W. , Fiddium Nick J.
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses the proposal for using quality criteria to facilitate information searching. It suggests that the information consumer can be assisted in searching for information by using a consumer-oriented model of quality. This is achieved by presenting the consumer with a set of relevant quality criteria from which they can select those of most importance to them at that present time, and allowing them to state preference values and importance weightings for each criterion. The consumer’s quality profile can then be used to focus an information search onto relevant search domains, and produce a more focused output. The chapter presents our model of quality and shows that quality measures can be used to focus information searches by achieving statistically significant changes in the ordering of the obtained search results.
Family History Information Exchange Services Using HL7 Clinical Genomics Standard Specifications
Authors: Shabo Amnon (Shvo) , Hughes Kevin S.
Published: May 2011

A number of family history applications are in use by health care professionals (e.g., CAGENE, Progeny, Partners Health care Family History Program) as well as by patients (e.g., the U.S. Surgeon General’s Family History Program). Each has its own proprietary data format for pedigree drawing and for the maintenance of family history health information. Interoperability between applications is essentially non-existent. To date, disparate family history applications cannot easily exchange patient information. The receiving application should be able to understand the semantics of the incoming family history and enable the user to view and/or to edit it using the receiving applications interface. We envision that any family history application will be able to send and receive an individual’s family history information using the newly created HL7 Clinical Genomics Specifications through the Semantic Web, using services that will transform one format to the other through the HL7 canonical representation.
Motivation to E-Learn
Authors: Rentroia-Bonito M. A. , Jorge J. A. , Ghaoui C.
Published: May 2011

One of e-learning challenges is to promote effectiveness in order to fully get expected benefits. Achieving effectiveness will contribute to its establishment as a credible way to support educational endeavours. To address this complex and multidisciplinary challenge, development teams need proper design techniques to build effective learning experiences. The literature does not show solid quantitative approaches to support learning-centered design, where student needs and their immediate and broader contexts are taken into account. This work explores a variable called “motivation-to-e-learn,” a key component to design technology-supported learning experiences. Our goal is to identify what motivation-related variables are critical for student engagement in learning online. This will be the basis for a specific, bottom-up and quantitative design technique. To this end, we further explored the importance of a set of motivation- to-e-learn variables building on previous results in real instructional settings. From this activity, an exploratory two-factor structure emerged which explains 96% of motivation to e-learn construct. We discuss our results, together with their implications for learning-support design and future work. Our contribution is a step towards quantitatively understanding and cost-effectively improving the link among learning-design process, supporting systems and students into an effective and harmonious whole.
Using Emotional Intelligence in Personalized Adaptation
Authors: Damjanovic Violeta , Kravcik Milos
Published: May 2011

The process of training and learning in Web-based and ubiquitous environments brings a new sense of adaptation. With the development of more sophisticated environments, the need for them to take into account the user’s traits, as well as the user’s devices on which the training is executed, has become an important issue in the domain of building novel training and learning environments. This chapter introduces an approach to the realization of personalized adaptation. According to the fact that we are dealing with the stereotypes of e-learners, having in mind emotional intelligence concepts to help in adaptation to the e-learners real needs and known preferences, we have called this system eQ. It stands for the using of the emotional intelligence concepts on the Web.
Applying Agility to Database Design
Authors: Guoqing Wei Guoqing , Sherrell Linda
Published: May 2011

Agile methods are flexible, allowing software developers to embrace changes during the software development life cycle. But the introduction of agile practices into software organizations may cause unhealthy tensions between the developers and data professionals. The underlying reason is that when agile methodologies are employed, the two communities use incompatible approaches, namely simple design and iterative development, which are practices associated with all agile methodologies, and big design up front (BDUF), a popular database technique. BDUF is inflexible, as once the database foundation is set, it is difficult to make changes throughout the software development life cycle. This chapter describes a database development method for a Web environment. Using this method, a data professional divides the database into loosely coupled partitions and resolves the above conflicts by applying certain agile practices. The result is that the database development becomes more iterative and incremental . This has the added benefit of supporting rapid application development in a dynamic environment, a fundamental characteristic of most Web applications.
Trust Types and Information Technology in the Process of Business Cooperation
Authors: Márquez-García Alfonso Miguel
Published: May 2011

This chapter deals with how IT influences the different levels and types of trust that arise in business cooperation relationships. Trust is specially important for cooperation and communication is essential along its different stages. So, the role of IT is key for trust development, because IT offers greater possibilities of access to more and better information, and increases the chances of interaction between the agents who use these technologies. We analyze how IT can affect trust from different perspectives and typologies along the process of business cooperation which begins with the initial decision to cooperate, and follows with the selection of potential partners, the negotiation and structure definition, management, evaluation and relationship evolution. At each stage we comment some possibilities of promoting different trust types through IT to improve cooperation performance.
Trust Building in E-Negotiation
Authors: Ebner Noam
Published: May 2011

As the global market expands and business and personal relationships are increasingly taking place online, it is common to conduct negotiation processes in the online venue. This chapter focuses on the challenges to inter-party trust in e-negotiation, and on means for overcoming these challenges. It explains the critical role trust plays in negotiation, and portrays the ways in which the communication medium through which a negotiation is conducted affects the dynamics of trust-building and trust-breaking. The author lists eight major obstacles to trust formation in e-negotiation and suggests methods not only for avoiding or defusing trust-breaking situations, but for engaging in proactive trust-building.
Discussion
Authors: Busch Peter
Published: May 2011

One must, after reading the above two quotes, make up one’s own mind as to the composition of tacit knowledge, for it seems Cavusgil et al., (2003) are certainly not discussing the same tacit knowledge as von Krogh et al. (2000). The tacit knowledge studied herein is more akin to that discussed by the latter set of authors, that is to say a form of knowledge that is passed through what Nonaka and colleagues have labelled socialisation in intimate person to person settings. In time the organisation builds up a stock of such soft knowledge, which is lost when staff leave and not replaced again either until further skilled staff arrive, or the ones remaining acquire it through experience over time. Whilst earlier work in this empirical study examined the phenomenon of tacit knowledge in depth (including a multitude of definitions as revealed in Appendix A), what was ultimately settled upon for the empirical research in this study was that of articulable implicit managerial IT knowledge.
Advanced Audio Watermarking Based on Echo Hiding
Authors: Nishimura Ryouichi , Suzuki Yôiti
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces time-spread echo hiding as an advanced audio watermarking method based on echo hiding. After reviewing some relevant researches, theoretical derivation of echo hiding and time-spread echo hiding is presented. As for embedding process, differences in the structure of echo kernels between the ordinary echo hiding and the time-spread echo hiding are schematically depicted to explain advantages of the new method. Several watermark-extracting methods are introduced for decoding process to raise the detection rate for various conditions. Performance of the method in robustness against several attacks is evaluated in terms of d’ because of its statistical preciseness. Results of computer simulations tell that the time-spread echo hiding show fairly better performance than the ordinary echo hiding.
Success Factors for the Global Implementation of ERP/HRMS Software
Authors: House Deanna , de Vreede Gert-Jan , Wolcott Peter , Dick Kenneth
Published: May 2011

This research observes a global implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP)/human resources management system (HRMS) software at an international company. The software was implemented in 16 countries. Variables such as cultural differences, communication-distance, management support, trust, and resistance to change were evaluated in the literature review. These variables have an impact on implementation success during global HRMS implementation. Further analyses on specific success factors faced with global implementations were evaluated using semi-structured interviews. The authors prepared a questionnaire to further explore the data. Respondents rated questions related to management support the highest overall. An interesting find was that the semi-structured interview results indicated that the software chosen was not a perfect fit for the global community. The mean for questions related to global HRMS success was higher for respondents located in the United States than those located in other locations.
A Visual Programming Tool for Designing Planning Problems for Semantic Web Service Composition
Authors: Vrakas Dimitris , Hatzi Ourania
Published: May 2011

This chapter is concerned with the issue of knowledge representation for AI Planning problems, especially those related to Semantic Web Service composition. It discusses current approaches in encoding planning problems using the PDDL formal language and it presents ViTAPlan, a user-friendly visual tool for planning. More than just being a user friendly environment for executing the underlying planner, the tool serves as a unified planning environment for encoding a new problem, solving it, visualizing the solution and monitoring its execution on a simulation of the problem’s world. The tool consists of various sub-systems, each one accompanied by a graphical interface, which collaborate with each other and assist the user, either a knowledge engineer, a domain expert, an academic or even an end-user in industry, to carry out complex planning tasks, such as composing complex Semantic Web Services from simple ones, in order to achieve complex tasks.
Knowledge Miner
Authors: Handzic Meliha
Published: May 2011

The book starts with an introduction to theoretical foundations of knowledge management concepts, proceeds with a series of empirical studies on the role of technology in knowledge management, followed by studies of socially orientated knowledge management solutions. The book ends with the discussion of major issues and challenges for knowledge management research and practice. With its integrated and systematic approach, the book makes a small but important step in helping individuals and organisations to get an objective and complete picture of the role of social and technical initiatives in knowledge management based on formal and sound empirical research. More importantly, the book shows that the impact of various initiatives is highly contingent upon the context in which the knowledge is generated, transferred, and used. This may help managers to choose more suitable solutions to turn their intangible assets into tangible outcomes.
Specialist Training
Authors: Handzic Meliha
Published: May 2011

The book starts with an introduction to theoretical foundations of knowledge management concepts, proceeds with a series of empirical studies on the role of technology in knowledge management, followed by studies of socially orientated knowledge management solutions. The book ends with the discussion of major issues and challenges for knowledge management research and practice. With its integrated and systematic approach, the book makes a small but important step in helping individuals and organisations to get an objective and complete picture of the role of social and technical initiatives in knowledge management based on formal and sound empirical research. More importantly, the book shows that the impact of various initiatives is highly contingent upon the context in which the knowledge is generated, transferred, and used. This may help managers to choose more suitable solutions to turn their intangible assets into tangible outcomes.
Emergence of Destructive New Technologies
Authors: Higuchi Toru , Troutt Marvin
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we discuss the emergence of alternative products. Under conditions of severe competition, companies launch alternative products to gain the initiative and to promote increased sales, although the R&D and manufacturing cause large cost increases. In the case of the VCR, many alternative products, such as EVR, TED, and the laser disk, have existed since the 1960s and were improved many times in attempts to beat VHS. However, VHS (a magnetic recording system) remained the de facto standard until the DVD and HDD recorders replaced the VHS around 2000. Here we explain the reasons why VHS products were able to become the de facto standard for a few decades and how the alternative products, DVD and HDD recorders, ultimately replaced the VHS.