bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Étude géomorphologique du delta du Rhône : l'évolution des milieux de sédimentation fluviatiles au cours de l'Holocène récent
Authors: Arnaud-Fassetta Gilles , Provansal Mireille
Published: May 2011

Le fonctionnement hydrosédimentaire du Rhône et son rôle dans l'évolution du delta depuis le premier millénaire ap. J.C. sont appréhendés par l'analyse des dépôts alluviaux de deux paléochenaux : le Rhône d'Ulmet (fin de l'Antiquité) et le Rhône du Bras de Fer (XVIIIe siècle). Les dynamiques fluviatiles de ces deux périodes sont comparées à celles du Rhône actuel. L'Antiquité tardive apparaît caractérisée par une recrudescence de l'activité hydrologique, qui n'accélère cependant pas la progradation du front deltaïque. Les modifications hydrosédimentaires du Rhône dans sa plaine deltaïque à la fin du XVIIe siècle, puis au XXe siècle interviennent de façon décisive sur le comportement du delta. On propose une interprétation paléoclimatique et anthropique à ces «métamorphoses». Intégré dans un «vaste géosystème ouvert à processus-réponse», le delta du Rhône est considéré comme un enregistreur potentiel des dynamiques hydrosédimentaires passées et actuelles.
L'arc méditerranéen : un espace en devenir
Authors: Juan Jean-Claude
Published: May 2011

The «Mediterranean Arc» is in the process of organising a territory in which institutions, enterprises and men are establishing stronger relations. Dynamically, the Towns and the Region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur are not yet sufficiently present in that movement. They share, however, with their neighbours, the same long-term perspectives and the challenges towards Europe and the Mediterranean Basin. The desired scenario, of a strong and integrated Mediterranean Arc, can be realised with or without a French Mediterranean front being well-organized. From which the question is raised : «Shall we have the ambition to be one of the promoters of the construction of this new European zone ?».
Intégration spatiale et arc latin
Authors: Blanc Frédéric , Centi César , Urdy Lionel
Published: May 2011

From the «Blue Banana» to peripheric axes, nothing but the same question : how to build up a space ? Obviously, an economic construction is here in question, but based on which relations ans especially with the national level ? We assume, in this paper, that the economic construction has to be based on the «flux» dimension and not only on stock dimension. In consequence, an essential variable is the international trade considerated at a regional level. A typology of regions illustrates how different economic development strategies can be around the western Mediterranean. But the question, after all, is how «Coherent Great Regions» can be built, especially in France, to consolidate a transversal southern axis.
Besoins et disponibilités en eau en Algérie orientale. Éléments pour un budget de l'eau
Authors: Bensaâd Ali
Published: May 2011

L'eau est assez rare en Algérie et impose la nécessité d'un bilan de l'eau qui quantifie précisément les besoins et les disponibilités et qui les confronte dans leurs différentes expressions. Nous proposons de dresser un tel bilan à partir des données de 30 stations pour 180 mois (1969-70/1983-84).
La population de la Turquie en 1994 : dynamiques, perspectives et tensions
Authors: Perouse Jean-François
Published: May 2011

There were over 60 millions inhabitants in Turkey in 1994, which should consequently be viewed as one of the major population clusters in the Mediterranean area. The average population growth is still quite high — 2,08 % for 1994 — but it is unevenly distributed : on the one hand, the population is increasing mostly in the larger Istanbul area, in all the other coastal urban areas and in the south eastern parts of Turkey, when, on the other one, it is stagnant in many a area and decreasing in Central Anatolia and the Black Sea coastal regions. Most inhabitants in Turkey are now living in urban districts and various migratory flows are changing the population distribution pattern : interurban movements are more important nowadays than rural exodus, and large numbers of migrants are moving out of the unsafe eastern areas. Moreover any observer should take into account the fact that, as far as education, public health, common welfare and social services are concerned, many backward features still command the future of Turkey and maintain a great propensity for emigration.
Dynamiques spatiales de la population égyptienne : les tendances nouvelles
Authors: Denis Eric , Moriconi-Ebrard François
Published: May 2011

Today's Egypt is affected by deep spatial, demographical and economical changes. If the old Nil Valley and Delta still concentrate most of the population and traditional activities of the country, the attempt to escape this multi-secular constraint seems to redraw the map of a new Egypt. This model raises the question of the capacity of the «open market policy» to drag the whole country towward a balanced development.
La topographie de Marseille antique de sa fondation (600 av. J.-C.) à l'époque romaine
Authors: Trezigny Henri
Published: May 2011

Les premiers colons phocéens qui s'installent à Marseille vers 600 av. J.-C. semblent n'avoir occupé qu'un secteur limité de la ville antique (Fort Saint-Jean et butte Saint-Laurent) ; mais très vite la ville s' étend à la butte voisine des Moulins, et dès la fin du VIe s. av. J.-C, à la butte des Carmes et au secteur de La Bourse, où l'on a retrouvé récemment la fortification archaïque. La ville s'étend à nouveau en direction du nord vers 300 av. J.-C, et atteint alors son extension définitive (une cinquantaine d'hectares), qui perdurera pendant la fin de l'Antiquité et une bonne partie du Moyen Age. A l'exception de la fortification, Marseille antique a laissé peu de vestiges : des monuments liés à l'eau (thermes hellénistiques, fontaines et citernes, aqueducs et égouts), un théâtre d'époque romaine, des installations portuaires d'époque grecque archaïque et hellénistique, surtout bien conservées pour l'époque romaine, des nécropoles de toutes époques. Mais les dernières fouilles permettent aujourd'hui de reconstituer le tissu urbain de la ville grecque et romaine, en grande partie fossilisé par la ville médiévale jusqu'aux destructions modernes.
Quelques exemples de mouvements de terrain dans le Prérif oriental (Maroc)
Authors: Tribak Abdellatif
Published: May 2011

Les mouvements de terrain présentent une grande variété dans le Prérif oriental et jouent, par conséquent, un rôle important dans l'évolution des versants. Leur ampleur varie d'un secteur à l'autre en fonction de la structure, de la lithologie, de l'héritage morphologique et de l'abondance des eaux d'imprégnation. Les zones les plus perturbées correspondent aux versants marneux ou lithologiquement hétérogènes, où le matériel rocheux se prête facilement au développement de mouvements de grande envergure.
Participatory methods of data collection for soil and water conservation planning through reforestation in Guadalajara (Spain) / Méthodes participatives de collecte des données pour la planification de la conservation du sol et de l'eau par la reforestation à Guadalajara
Authors: García Pérez J.D. , Charlton C.
Published: May 2011

This paper considers that the field methods of data gathering it uses constitute a reliable form of explanation of the socio-economic processes of land degradation in Guadalajara Province and a possible form of eliminating long standing barriers of distrust between Government forestry planners and land users in Spain. The paper shows that the involvement of respondents in the construction of the list of questions used in field work reduced distrust, helped to explain the socio-economic processes of land degradation (as seen by land users) and raised their interest in participation and organisation. The paper argues that these participatory methods of data gathering, if adopted by Government officials in their stages of planning, can result in a more effective form of reforestation and soil and water conservation.
Les espaces technopolitains en Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Authors: Vaudour Nicole
Published: May 2011

Les activités de haute technologie constituent le fleuron de la politique de restructuration industrielle conduite en région PACA par l'État et les collectivités territoriales. Leur part dans l'emploi industriel global, estimé à 23 %, concerne environ 45.000 personnes. L'auteur se propose d'analyser l'impact spatial et économique de ces créations au travers d'un échantillon représentatif d'exemples.
Pôles de développement et nouveau district industriel dans la région de Tarente et Matera (Italie du Sud)
Authors: Bergeron Robert
Published: May 2011

En Italie, dans les deux dernières décennies, l 'emploi industriel a fortement diminué dans les grandes usines alors qu 'il a fortement progressé dans les PMI. Cette évolution a été très pénalisante pour les zones du Mezzogiorno où avaient été installées, grâce à la politique de la Cassa per il Mezzogiorno, de grandes industries de base, comme à Tarente, le plus important complexe sidérurgique européen, ou en Val Basento, un pôle chimique et de production défibres de synthèse.

A quelques dizaines de km, depuis le milieu des années 1980, mais particulièrement dans l'actuelle décennie, s'affirme la nouvelle industrie des salons. De «spontané» au départ, ce développement devient plus «organisé», avec l'appui grandissant de l 'État, de l'UE et de divers organismes. Il a été engendré par des entreprises locales aujourd'hui leaders à l'échelle mondiale (notamment Natuzzi). Cela fait désormais de l'aire de la Murgia apulo-lucanienne, même si c'est avec une certaine originalité, un de ces districts industriels, nombreux surtout dans le Centre-Nord, qui sont pour beaucoup dans la bonne tenue de l'économie italienne actuelle.
Précipitations et rendements du blé dur et de l'orge en culture «bour» dans le Maroc du Centre-ouest
Authors: Douguedroit Annick , Durbiano Claudine , Messaoudi Abdelrhafour , Aït Hamza Mohamed
Published: May 2011

The cereals production of the Western Centre of Morocco can double during certain years, mainly depending on the interannual variations of the yields that has been analysed here with regard to the impact of the rainfall variability. After regrouping precipitation totals into periods of two and three months, we have calculated the correlations between the annual yield of each province and the rainfall recorded at some meteorological stations for the same period. Among all the Western Centre provinces the variability of the annual rainfall totals turned out to have an influence on more than 50% in all the total yields variation. The January- February period always plays a major role.
Estimation des risques climatiques en fonction de la date de semis de l'orge au Maroc
Authors: Hanchane Mohamed
Published: May 2011

Cette étude fondée sur le modèle CERES-orge (Ritchie et al, 1989) et sur les données pluviométriques journalières a pour objectif de quantifier les risques climatiques en fonction de la date de semis dans deux régions agroclimatiques marocaines et pour deux variétés d'orge à différents stades de leur développement. En région sub-humide, l'avantage de semer précocement en associant la précocité variétale permet de neutraliser le stress hydrique en période de croissance de l'épi et de le minimiser en période de remplissage des grains. En région semi-aride, le semis précoce permet surtout de neutraliser le stress hydrique en phase de croissance de l'épi alors qu'il est systématique en phase de croissance des grains. Dans les deux régions étudiées, le semis précoce qui peut exposer les semences à des risques de séquences sèches hostiles durant la phase semis-levée permet de faire coïncider les 30 jours qui suivent la date de floraison avec le mois pluvieux de février durant lequel les séquences sèches comprises entre 5 et 25 jours sont minimisées.
Tourisme alternatif et durabililé dans l'île de Lesvos (Grèce)
Authors: Sourbès Laurent
Published: May 2011

La forme classique de tourisme récemment développée dans l'île de Lesvos (Grèce) se situe dans une période de recomposition générale de l'offre et de la demande touristique. L'analyse de deux activités touristiques alternatives (coopérative d'agritourisme et tourisme ornithologique), qui tentent de renforcer leur implantation dans l'île, montre les difficultés rencontrées sur le plan organisationnel et socio-économique, ce qui pose la question de leur variabilité à long terme. La valorisation d'un potentiel culturel et environnemental particulièrement riche semble, par conséquent, devoir passer par une stratégie d'aménagement et de gestion de l'espace intégrant tant les acteurs locaux que les différents intervenants impliqués dans l'activité touristique.
Les essais de maîtrise dans les géosystèmes montagneux du nord ouest algérien
Authors: Taabni Mohamed
Published: May 2011

This paper analyses the effects of the projects which intented to control soil erosion and to protect the environment in the western mountains of Algeria. The most of the projects don't reach their objectives, the failures are due to the misappreciation of the natural degradation processes, the used means and the lack of dialogue with rural populations living in the watersheds. These local communities don't have been associated to the conception and the realization of the development programs. The deficiencies of the fundamental studies about the erosion processes and their spatialization have caused empiricaland wrong selected areas of intervention. The content of the programs are dominated by the forestry and technician orientations. The lack of integration of planning local development actions, the mismanagement of the new creations and the abandonment of farming methods vulgarization -in an agricultural crisis context- are the other causes of the failure of these projects described as «agro-sylvo- pastoral» by their sponsors.
Industrie, service et compétition mondiale : les dynamiques d'Ile de France et de France et le cas de la téléphonie
Authors: Cohen Jeanine
Published: May 2011

From the job loss in the secondary sector in France since 1970, there is evidence that this sector still plays a discriminant part in the national economy, on the one hand, and that de-industrialisation results in a two-sided interplay, on the other hand : the spreading out of industrial phenomenon, notably originating from Paris and the Ile-de-France Region, still causes many rural «communes» to industrialise in turn ; tertiarization is greatly an outcome of this industrial diffusion : enhancing of the social services, development of business services, detached from their secondary clients, that concentrate on their own competitive advantage in a globalizing market. This advantage may frequently be gained from R&D, leading to new products and processes. Related to the presently deregulating sector of telecommunications, the French telephone industry is an example of these dynamics of a multinational firm facing opportunities and constraints, and of territorial actors acting for industrial development.
Étude et suivi d'un milieu aquatique temporaire endoréique méditerranéen : les Cerisières (tour du Valat, Camargue)
Authors: Buckwell Philippe , Sandoz Alain , Chauvelon Philippe , Prosper-Laget Valérie
Published: May 2011

Wetlands are often extremely dynamic areas, as well at hydrological level as for the sedimentary transport. Trough the study of a pond system in the Camargue, we propose to set up a follow-up methodology of these «unforeseable» environments. The methodology relies on ground based measurements and on satellite imagery. All collected data are integrated in georeferenced database nianagedby a Geografical Information System (GIS). It offers important possibilities and an essential pre-requisite to the modelling of hydrological functioning of ponds.
Évolution des cultures légumières dans le département de la Manche
Authors: Brunet Pierre , Roupsard Marcel
Published: May 2011

Dans une région littorale d'anciennes cultures légumières (carottes, choux-fleurs) une double organisation des producteurs coopérateurs et indépendants a été réalisée. Une coopérative unifiée a élargi son approvisionnement au Midi de la France pour une vente continue et le transforme en partie en légumes sous vide dans trois usines. Sous l'influence d'un militant et avec l'appui d'un centre d'expérimentation et de conseils, tous les agriculteurs du Val de Saire ont adopté des mesures agri-environnementales (réductions des engrais chimiques, assolement avec céréales) et ouvrent leurs récoltes aux poireaux et salades.
La révision du Plan régulateur, acte fondateur du nouvel urbanisme napolitain
Authors: Graff Philippe
Published: May 2011

La municipalité élue à Naples en 1993 a établi un nouveau plan régulateur général qui redéfinit les objectifs du développement urbain. La restauration du rôle symbolique et culturel du centre ancien, la reconversion des friches industrielles, la réhabilitation des paysages et du couvert végétal, l'amélioration du réseau de transports figurent parmi les grands thèmes d'intervention spatiale destinés à accompagner la mutation économique et sociale liée à l'entrée de la ville- port dans l'ère postindustrielle. La stabilité démographique justifie le choix de ne pas étendre les surfaces bâties. L'ambition urbanistique est contrariée par la complexité du processus d'approbation du plan et la limitation de sa compétence à l'intérieur des limites communales.
Géographie de la décolonisation, décolonisation de la géographie, à travers 40 années de Méditerranée
Authors: Côte Marc
Published: May 2011

Following the scholarly work of Hildebert Isnard, the numerous studies in the journal «Méditerranée» on the southern countries can be classified into one of two broad approaches. One has clarified the contours of a geography of decolonization in each of the countries of the Maghreb. The other approach has opened a «decolonization» of geography by questioning the perspectives of a previous period and, at the same time, publishing the work of young geographers from the Maghreb.
La mobilité et la ville : l'exemple de l'agglomération marseillaise
Authors: Vaudour-Jouve Nicole
Published: May 2011

The relationship between mobility and the city has become a topic of current relevance. Daily life of cities is organized according to the notion of mobility of which the modal infrastructures constitute the main elements. Changes in urban landscapes, consequences of the evolution of mobility systems, pose in the metropolitanized spaces of developed countries the question of how urban dwellers relate to their city in terms of ordinary routines and lived experience. The primacy of the automobile in the mobility of Marseille, closely linked with the infatuation of residents for activities on the urban periphery, has led municipal authorities in Marseille to put in place in July 2000 for the whole urbanized area, an urban transport plan («PDU»). This plan, drawn up on the basis of the 1982 law on domestic transportation («LOTI») and of the 1996 Lepage law on the air, anticipates a recasting of accessibility to the city center. Limitations on automobile use and giving priority to public transportation is seen as a way of reviving the attractiveness of Marseille.
Des oasis aux zones de mise en valeur : l'étonnant renouveau de l'agriculture saharienne
Authors: Côte Marc
Published: May 2011

Les échanges transsahariens s'étaient développés appuyés sur une agriculture d'oasis. Or, après une phase de crise, celle-ci est en train de trouver un second souffle étonnant, puisque en rupture avec ce rôle d'appui. Le présent papier voudrait faire le point de cette dynamique qui met en mouvement les paysanneries depuis l'Atlantique jusqu'au Nil, en analysant les systèmes de culture pratiqués, les structures agraires en place, et les acteurs de ces transformations. Il termine en en présentant les atouts et les éléments de faiblesse, par rapport notamment au concept de durabilité.
La révolution hydraulique dans les oasis impose une nouvelle gestion de l'eau dans les zones urbaines
Authors: Dubost Daniel , Moguedet Gérard
Published: May 2011

Le cas des eaux usées urbaines est intéressant, car il montre les liens existant -ou pouvant exister-entre villes et agriculture à travers le traitement et l 'utilisation agricole de ces eaux usées. À partir d' expérimentations menées dans le Sud tunisien, le présent papier voudrait montrer l'intérêt de cette méthode, et les principes qui devraient la conduire.
Les nouveaux «jardins potagers» de l'Europe : le Sud-est andalou
Authors: Bazard Indiana
Published: May 2011

The Province of Almeria has for some 20 years been undergoing a spatial reorganization of its intensive agricultural production. New irrigated zones near the coast have appeared as a result of land pressures emanating from the poles at Dallas and Nijar. The lower valleys of the Almanzora and the Andarax are the happy beneficiaries of this migration of economic activity.
Tourisme et développement local en terre mapuche (Chili) : pour une approche culturelle des territoires
Authors: Volle Aurélie
Published: May 2011

In south central Chile, families and Mapuche Indian communities have turned to tourism to diversify their subsistence agriculture. A cultural approach to their territories invigorates the analyses of tourism and of local development by placing it in the context of the needs of the indigenous population. It opens a perspective on tourist impacts from the point of view of Mapuche actors and logic. The study of local development contributes to similar processes elsewhere in Latin America and also in the northern countries.
La dernière phase glaciaire de la moyenne Durance (région de Gap à Sisteron): bilan des recherches, dernières conclusions chronologiques
Authors: Rosique Thierry
Published: May 2011

Cette synthèse confronte les données géomorphologiques et chronostratigraphiques des trois sous-systèmes glaciaires de la région de Gap à Sisteron (sillon de Gap, vallée de la Durance et bassin du Buëch). Les interprétations sont fondées sur les résultats des travaux menés depuis la fin des années soixante et les datations ¹⁴C obtenues récemment dans les dépôts morainiques du ravin de la Peyrerie. En accord avec les conclusions de M. Jorda, nous proposons un scénario des modalités de la dernière période glaciaire du bassin moyen de la Durance, corrélé aux enregistrements isotopiques de l'inlandsis groenlandais. La dernière phase d'englacement, comme l'enchaînement des différentes étapes qui conduisent à la déglaciation définitive de la moyenne Durance, est rapportée au Pléniglaciaire supérieur (stade isotopique océanique 2). Nous distinguons : un LGM compris dans l'intervalle 30-27000 cal. BP ; un épisode interstadiaire pluri- millénaire vers 27-24000 cal. BP (interstades isotopiques 3 et 4) ; une récurrence glaciaire tardive datée 22-21000 cal. BP (événement de Heinrich 2) ; un abandon du secteur de la moyenne vallée postérieur à 20000 cal. BP.
Perception d'un paysage marginal en Basse Provence : la montagne Sainte-Victoire et ses piémonts méridionaux, de la Protohistoire à la fin de l'Antiquité
Authors: Mocci Florence , Walsh Kevin , Dumas Vincent
Published: May 2011

This article presents a synthesis of evidence from fieldwork that has taken place on the Sainte Victoire Mountain since 1989. In particular, we assess the management and perception of this relatively marginal landscape, where cultural processes would have influenced the relationships that people had with natural processes. As with many Mediterranean landscapes, geomorphological processes are of fundamental importance : we consider the phases of erosion, and whether people or climatic processes caused these. We assess the extent to which such processes had an effect on human activity. The final theme is that of the organisation of the landscape in terms of its structure and evolution.
La part respective des facteurs hydroclimatiques et anthropiques dans l'évolution récente (1956-2000) de la bande active du Haut Guil, Queyras, Alpes françaises du Sud
Authors: Arnaud-Fassetta Gilles , Fort Monique
Published: May 2011

L'objectif de l'étude est de quantifier la variabilité spatiale 2D de la bande active du Haut Guil (23,3 km) et de considérer les fluctuations hydroclimatiques et l'artificialisation du fond de vallée comme les deux principaux facteurs potentiellement responsables des changements. L'analyse s'appuie sur quatre-vingt sites sélectionnés tous les 250-300 m sur quatre séries de photographies aériennes (1956, 1957, 1999 et 2000). Les variables prises en compte sont la surface et la largeur de la bande active, l'indice de tressage et les infrastructures présentes dans le fond de vallée. Les résultats montrent que la variabilité spatiale de la bande active du Haut Guil est très forte depuis la seconde partie du XXe siècle. La bande active s'élargit et le tressage se renforce après le passage des événements hydroclimatiques haute magnitude-basse fréquence de juin 1957 (> Q100) et juin 2000 (Q30). La bande active se contracte et le tressage diminue entre 1957 et 1999 en raison de l'absence d' événements hydroclimatiques véritablement morphogènes et de la mise en place, dans le fond de vallée, des remblais supportant la route principale Château-Queyras/La Roche Ecroulée. Ce modèle d'évolution est original par rapport à certains modèles décrits dans la littérature. Le modèle d'évolution des bassins de moyenne altitude ne paraît pas être transposable à celui des hauts bassins montagnards, dans lesquels le calibrage des bandes actives reste beaucoup plus dépendant de la variabilité hydroclimatique, en raison de la vigueur des aléas et des difficultés à pouvoir véritablement maîtriser leurs effets hydrogéomorphologiques sur tous les segments des cours d'eau.
La Grèce ouverte aux immigrants : les leçons du recensement de 2001
Authors: Darques Régis
Published: May 2011

Avec 700 000 nouveaux résidents en 2001, selon le dernier recensement de la population, la Grèce fait preuve d'un dynamisme démographique certain, qui accompagne les progrès économiques enregistrés par le pays depuis dix ans. Dans le contexte d'un déficit naturel grandissant, cette croissance résulte de l'implantation récente de plusieurs centaines de milliers d'immigrés, majoritairement albanais, dans les villes et les campagnes helléniques. Après avoir alimenté des mouvements migratoires importants vers l'Europe occidentale, les États-Unis et l'Australie, l'Hellade est devenue à son tour terre d'accueil. Les redéploiements démographiques de la dernière décennie résultent ainsi de nouvelles dynamiques migratoires internes et externes. De nouvelles formes de centralité urbaine apparaissent dans les banlieues des principales agglomérations, tandis que la mobilité de la population s'accroît grâce à la construction de nouvelles infrastructures routières et autoroutières.
Sources of Knowledge Acquisition by U. S. Managers
Authors: Motwani Jaideep , Gopalakrishna Pradeep , Subramanian Ram
Published: May 2011

Questionnaire surveys of 156 U.S. managers are used to study knowledge acquisition behaviors. The study specifically examined the relationship among perceived accessibility, perceived task complexity, and the information-gathering behavior of U.S. managers. One of the major conclusions resulting from this study is that the accessibility of an information source, and not the perceived complexity of the task at hand, influences the choice of source used. Other study results are discussed and implications are offered for practicing managers. In addition, a knowledge management framework based on perspectives of the various management disciplines is also presented.
Information Systems and Business Strategy
Authors: Torres-Perez Antonio , March-Chorda Isidre
Published: May 2011

The main purpose of this chapter is to deep into the importance attached to the Information Systems for the proper formulation of the corporate strategy. After introducing the basis of the strategic planning tradition model, which suggests the subordination of the Information Systems (IS) to the Business Strategy, we propose a new model that views the IS as an strategic instrument suited for the strategy formulation stage, rather than operational tools for the strategy control phase. Success in the application of this model we call “Concurrent Business/IS Strategic Planning Model” will closely depend on the consistency, coherence and soundness of the IS, both internal and external. In order to contrast the level of application of this model, an empirical case-study fieldwork was undertaken to rise up some empirical evidence on the degree of alignment between the entrepreneurial practice and the theoretical model proposed. This last section contains the main results arising from the empirical analysis.
Human and Social Perspectives in Information Technology
Authors: Baker C. Richard
Published: May 2011

This chapter adds to the discussion of human and social perspectives in information technology by examining the existence and extent of fraudulent activities conducted through the Internet. The principal question addressed by this chapter is whether fraudulent activities perpetuated using the Internet constitute a new type of fraud, or whether they are classic forms of fraud appearing in a new medium. Three areas of fraud are investigated, namely: securities fraud, fraud in electronic commerce, and fraud arising from the rapid growth of Internet companies. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has cited more than 100 companies for committing securities fraud using the Internet. Actions prohibited under U.S. securities laws are now being conducted through the Internet, and the SEC has taken steps to suppress these frauds (SEC, 2001). The rapid growth of electronic commerce, and the natural desire on the part of consumers to feel secure while engaging in electronic commerce, has prompted the creation of mechanisms, such as web site seals and logos, to reduce concerns about fraudulent use of information. It is, however, questionable whether these mechanisms are effective in reducing fraud conducted through the Internet. A third potential area for fraud on the Internet involves the rapid growth of Internet companies, often with little economic substance and lacking in traditional managerial controls. This chapter seeks to examine areas with significant potential for fraud on the Internet and to assess implications of such activities for the management of information technology.
Inexperienced Software Team and Global Software Team
Authors: Lui Kim Man , Chan Keith C.C.
Published: May 2011

Software project management in the 21st century requires that a manager deal either with Inexperienced Software Team or Global Software Team or both. This is because well-developed and less well-developed countries have exploited information technology to various extents. The former requires managing a software team consisting of talents remotely located whereas the latter a team of local inexperienced developers. This chapter assimilates the management challenges involved and explicates how these two types of supposedly different software development are managed by one framework: Plagiarism-based Programming.
The Knowledge Management and Social Learning in Military Settings
Authors: Warne Leoni , Agostino Katerina , Ali Irena , Pascoe Celina , Bopping Derek
Published: May 2011

This chapter reports on the methodologies used and the findings of the research done by the Enterprise Social Learning Architectures (ESLA) Task into learning processes occurring in two diverse environments, tactical and strategic at the Australian Defence Organization (ADO). The research focused on identifying factors that enable and act as motivators for social learning. More specifically the chapter describes a number of environmental, cultural factors, processes and strategies that when positively applied, facilitate social learning and knowledge management within organizations. These factors fall into two categories: Motivators–characteristics in the organisational environment and culture that provide a context and motivation for the individuals to learn. The second category comprises Enablers–processes and strategies that if present in an enterprise, can facilitate social learning. The chapter concludes with a set of recommendations that could be implemented by managers who seek to enhance social learning, knowledge management and knowledge sharing in their organisations.
Information Systems Requirements in Support of the Firm's Portfolio of Knowledge-Driven Capabilities
Authors: Birchall David W. , Tovstiga George
Published: May 2011

Organisations, whether within knowledge-intensive high technology sectors or in more traditional manufacturing and utility industries, are recognizing the significance of knowledge as a competitive weapon. All firms possess a wealth of knowledge assets which enable them to function and develop. Whilst some of this knowledge is made explicit in the form of best practice procedure manuals, meeting minutes, working papers, patents and other means, much of the knowledge within the organisation remains tacit. This tacit knowledge is held by individuals and may well be embedded in their working practices, but it includes knowledge both about the internal functioning of the operation and knowledge about the environment in which the organisation exists and which could contribute to its development. Even though this tacit knowledge is often largely unrecognized it does lie at the roots of the firm’s competitive base.
A Case Study of How Technology and Trust Enable the Projectized Team-Based Organization
Authors: Jerrard Marjorie A. , Chang Ting Yee
Published: May 2011

The phenomenon of projectized teams operating via teleworking and moving towards the virtual mode of operation is explored. The major developments in the relevant HRM and trust literature are covered prior to the consideration of how IT can enable the development of unconditional trust as part of the formation of projectized teams. The case study company is a small but rapidly growing enterprise in the technology and software industry. A model of its new organizational structure is developed and recommended steps for moving from a flexible work-based organization to a virtual organization are provided based on the case study and the literature. Finally, future challenges and recommendations for organizations using IT-enabled projectized teams are considered.
What Can We Do for Corporate Nomads? IT and Facilities Management
Authors: McCalman James
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines the impact of technology on facilities management. By focusing attention on the needs of the “corporate nomad,” individuals who take advantage of technology and new forms of work organization to break out of the 9-5 mentality of corporate life, it suggests that even the virtual office requires a degree of facilities management. It argues that organizations will become increasingly aware of the need to better utilise expensive real estate in real time to ensure a synergy between organizational and individual needs.
IT-Enabled Strategic Marketing Management
Authors: Xu Xianzhong Mark , Duan Yanqing , Li Yu
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines the applications of information systems in supporting marketing operational and strategic functions. It reviews the important role of marketing strategic function and reveals the current practice of database marketing, decision support systems, expert systems and Internet marketing through a number of studies conducted in the UK. It suggests that marketing executives tend to perceive the importance of the strategic role of marketing in shaping corporate strategy, but information technologies have not yet been fully applied to support the strategic function. It is proposed that a hybrid system that is capable of incorporating with executives vision and knowledge needs to be developed in order to systematically scan marketing environment, refine data into meaningful intelligence, and provide marketing executives with personalized strategic information. The problems for implementing the system are discussed.
Diffusion of Information Technology Innovations within Retail Banking
Authors: Batiz-Lazo Bernardo , Wood Douglas
Published: May 2011

Technological innovation in general and information technology (IT) applications in particular have had a major effect in banking and finance. Following Garbade and Silber (1978), this research reviews the effects on banking organisations with reference to front office or external changes as described by the nature of product and service offerings. Following Morris (1986), Quintás (1991) and Fincham et al. (1994), the research also considers innovations in the back office or internal (operational function) changes brought about to banking organisations. Outstanding IT-based innovations are considered and grouped into four distinct periods: early adoption (1864-1945), specific application (1945-1965), emergence (1965-1980) and diffusion (1980-1995). The research then discusses the potential impact of more recent innovations (i.e., electronic purses, digital cash and Internet banking). As a result, the research provides an historical perspective on the main drivers determining the adoption of technological innovation in retail banking.
Web-Powered Databases
Authors: Del Vigna Claude
Published: May 2011

Web-powered databases (WPDB) refer both to databases accessible through the Web and to their underlying architecture. This chapter concerns this architecture. It presents the low-level implementation of a WPDB mock-up. The claim which supports the chapter is that this low level analysis can facilitate the understanding of the fundamental mechanisms embedded in a WPDB. All the components of the mock-up, except the Web server itself, are coded in C++. This will illustrate how the techniques such as Internet connections, multitasking, multithreading, and named pipes can be used to develop a WPDB architecture. Moreover, beyond its explanatory aim, the present chapter offers a very practical issue as the C++ codes can be used as a guideline or even more reused as is for the development of more complex WPDBs.
Designing Organisational Memory in Knowledge-Intensive Companies
Authors: Alwis Dee , Hlupic Vlatka , Rzevski George
Published: May 2011

Organisational memory refers to the storage of a company’s collective expertise and experience that is cultivated through human and technological networks for improving organisational performance. A knowledge-sharing environment gives employees access to the most innovative and creative ideas that exist within the company and translates into significant business opportunities for the organisation. In this chapter, the issues related to designing organisational memory in knowledge-intensive companies are investigated using a case study example. Key findings of the case study are outlined, and a framework is proposed to assist knowledge-intensive organisations in implementing and managing a corporate knowledge base.
The Impact of the Knowledge Economy on Leadership in Organisations
Authors: Van Leeuwen Manon
Published: May 2011

The world economy is in transition. It is moving from the industrial age to a new set of rules — that of the “Information Society” or knowledge economy. This will change everybody’s work, affecting the flow of new ideas into enterprises, their management, organisation and procedures. These changes have major impacts on the roles leaders need to play, and on the skills they need. The focus of a leader has shifted towards more intangible issues, being a visionary, a storyteller and a change agent. Leaders need to change and to keep reinventing themselves, they have to be ready to adapt, to move, to forget yesterday, to forgive, and to structure new roles and new relationships for themselves, their teams and their ever-shifting portfolio of partners, and they need to have the capacity to employ more than one style of leadership. The chapter reviews the literature on the skills and abilities leaders need to be successful in the knowledge economy, and describes the way in which they need to manage their organisations by managing the organisation’s business model, creating a risk-encouraging culture and by playing different roles.
The Role of Teams in Business Process Change
Authors: Choudrie Jyoti
Published: May 2011

The concept of reengineering teams is not new to business process change practice and research. However, frameworks that describe the organisational changes that have to be undertaken in order to establish reengineering teams, in particular, are novel. By having such a framework, practitioners and academics alike can determine beforehand what to expect before the actual team is formed. This in turn allows organisations to prevent disastrous consequences, something that can occur if information is not available. Additionally, the chapter describes the characteristics that surround the planning and design of reengineering teams. This can be used as a suggestion for organisations in order to decide if they do have the appropriate numbers of individuals within a team. From these explanations it can then be stated that this chapter can serve as a directive that organisations undertaking business process change in the future can use as guiding information.
Integrating Genetic Algorithms and the Finite Element Analysis for Structural Inverse Problems
Authors: Panni D. C. , Nurse A. D.
Published: May 2011

A general method for integrating genetic algorithms within a commercially available finite element (FE) package to solve a range of structural inverse problems is presented. The described method exploits a user-programmable interface to control the genetic algorithm from within the FE package. This general approach is presented with specific reference to three illustrative system identification problems. In two of these the aim is to deduce the damaged state of composite structures from a known physical response to a given static loading. In the third the manufactured lay-up of a composite component is designed using the proposed methodology.
Flexible Job-Shop Scheduling Problems
Authors: Kacem Imed , Hammadi Slim , Borne Pierre
Published: May 2011

The Job-shop Scheduling Problem (JSP) is one of hardest problems; it is classified NP-complete (Carlier & Chretienne, 1988; Garey & Johnson, 1979). In the most part of cases, the combination of goals and resources can exponentially increase the problem complexity, because we have a very large search space and precedence constraints between tasks. Exact methods such as dynamic programming and branch and bound take considerable computing time (Carlier, 1989; Djerid & Portmann, 1996). Front to this difficulty, meta-heuristic techniques such as evolutionary algorithms can be used to find a good solution. The literature shows that they could be successfully used for combinatorial optimization such as wire routing, transportation problems, scheduling problems, etc. (Banzhaf, Nordin, Keller & Francone, 1998; Dasgupta & Michalewicz, 1997).
The Effect of Multi-Parent Recombination on Evolution Strategies for Noisy Objective Functions
Authors: Matsumura Yoshiyuki , Ohkura Kazuhiro , Ueda Kanji
Published: May 2011

In this chapter we apply (m / m, l)-ES to noisy test functions, in order to investigate the effect of multi-parent versions of both intermediate recombination and discrete recombination. Among the many formulations of ES, we test three in particular; Classical-ES (CES), i.e., Schwefel’s original ES (Schwefel, 1995, Bäck, 1996); Fast-ES (FES), i.e., Yao and Liu’s extended ES (Yao & Liu, 1997); and Robust-ES (RES), i.e., our extended ES (Ohkura, 2001). Computer simulations are used to compare the performance of multi-parent versions of intermediate recombination and discrete recombination in CES, FES and RES. We saw that the performance of the (m / m, l)-ES algorithms depended on the particular objective functions. However, the FES and RES algorithms were seen to be improved by multi-parent versions of discrete recombination applied to both object parameters and strategy parameters.
Inventory Productivity Impacts of IT-Enabled Supply Chain Coordination in Manufacturing Environments
Authors: Setzekorn Kristina , Rai Arun , Melcher Arlyn J.
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes an empirical analysis of the mediating effects of supply chain coordination strategy and manufacturing IT infrastructure on the relationship between business complexity and inventory turnover. Business complexity describes the diversity and volatility associated with a firm’s product markets. To cope with this complexity, firms deploy inventory buffers. This deployment should decrease inventory turnover.  An extensive manufacturing IT infrastructure can increase a firm’s “sense and respond” capability, reducing the need for buffers, and can thereby improve inventory turnover. As this technology enables enhanced coordination, and as firms’ efforts to reduce buffers within their own organizational boundaries earn diminishing marginal returns, firms attempt to optimize performance across organizational boundaries within the supply chain, i.e., adopt a cooperative supply chain coordination strategy. This supply chain coordination should improve inventory turnover.
An Empirical Analysis of Productivity Gains from Information Technology's Reduction of Coordination Costs
Authors: Shin Namchul
Published: May 2011

Most information systems (IS) research has examined the impact of information technology (IT) on the organization of economic activities by starting from the theoretical speculation that IT reduces coordination costs and improves coordination of economic activities. This theoretical speculation, however, has not been empirically analyzed in the IS field. The value of IT for reducing coordination costs has also not been considered in the studies on IT productivity gains. This study empirically examines the relationship between IT and coordination costs, and the relationship between IT and firm productivity by considering coordination as a factor of production. The results indicate that IT is strongly associated with a decline in coordination costs and that IT and coordination make a substantial and statistically significant contribution to firm output. The results show that IT contributes to firm output by reducing coordination costs and improving coordination; that is, by making a higher level of coordination more efficient.
A Framework for Building Learning Organizations
Authors: Sharma Sushil K. , Gupta Jatinder N.D.
Published: May 2011

The concept of the learning organization that strives continually to develop its people and processes will be an accepted philosophy of all competitive organizations in the future. Organizations are increasingly being challenged to leverage learning, as it has been widely articulated that knowledge creation and continuous learning at the individual, team, and organizational levels may be the only source of sustainable competitive advantage. Continuous learning is essential for surviving, let alone prospering, in dynamic and competitive environments. Because of this increased emphasis on learning, there has been a tremendous interest in the concept of learning organizations and the capabilities required to build learning organizations. Organizations of the future will not be able to expand into new markets and win market share unless they have a framework (technologies, people, processes, and methodologies) to use their past knowledge to gain a competitive advantage. Organizations of the 21st century have to use the latest information technology and methodologies that can enable them to be cost effective, faster, flexible, and more competitive. Despite the growing interest in learning organizations, there are knowledge gaps in understanding about how to exploit technologies to create a suitable framework for learning organization. Our chapter attempts to suggest a framework for building learning organizations and shows the use of systemic approach to implement our proposed framework to create learning organizations.