bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient Health Information Search
Authors: Lueg Jason E. , Moore Robert S. , Warkentin Merrill
Published: February 2011

The Internet is drawing consumers in search of information about a broad range of topics. In order to understand how end users search for and benefit from Internet health information search, this paper presents a set of propositions and an explanatory model concerning Web-based patient health information search behavior. The analysis suggests that there is a link between an individual’s health and his or her use of online health information, and also that the search intensity that individuals undertake results in an increased propensity to talk with health care providers about the information.1
Organizational Knowledge Sharing in ERP Implementation
Authors: Jones Mary C. , Price R. Leon
Published: February 2011

This study examines organizational knowledge sharing in enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation. Knowledge sharing in ERP implementation is somewhat unique because ERP requires end users to have more divergent knowledge than is required in the use of traditional systems. Because of the length of time and commitment that ERP implementation requires, end users are also often more involved in ERP implementations than they are in more traditional ERP implementations. They must understand how their tasks fit into the overall process, and they must understand how their process fits with other organizational processes. Knowledge sharing among organizational members is one critical piece of ERP implementation, yet it is challenging to achieve. There is often a large gap in knowledge among ERP implementation personnel, and people do not easily share what they know. This study presents findings about organizational knowledge sharing during ERP implementation in three firms. Data were collected through interviews using a multi-site case study methodology. Findings are analyzed in an effort to provide a basis on which practitioners can more effectively facilitate knowledge sharing during ERP implementation.
The Technology Acceptance Model
Authors: Ma Qingxiong , Liu Liping
Published: February 2011

The technology acceptance model proposes that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness predict the acceptance of information technology. Since its inception, the model has been tested with various applications in tens of studies and has become the most widely applied model of user acceptance and usage. Nevertheless, the reported findings on the model are mixed in terms of statistical significance, direction, and magnitude. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis based on 26 selected empirical studies in order to synthesize the empirical evidence. The results suggest that both the correlation between usefulness and acceptance, and that between usefulness and ease of use are somewhat strong. However, the relationship between ease of use and acceptance is weak, and its significance does not pass the fail-safe test.
Supporting the JAD Facilitator with the Nominal Group Technique
Authors: Duggan Evan W. , Thachenkary Cherian S.
Published: February 2011

Joint application development (JAD) was introduced in the late 1970s to solve many of the problems system users experienced with the conventional methods used in systems requirements determination (SRD) and has produced noteworthy improvements over these methods. However, a JAD session is conducted with freely interacting groups, which makes it susceptible to the problems that have curtailed the effectiveness of groups. JAD outcomes are also critically dependent on excellent facilitation for minimizing dysfunctional group behaviors. Many JAD efforts are not contemplated (and some fail) because such a person is often unavailable. The nominal group technique (NGT) was designed to reduce the impact of negative group dynamics. An integration of JAD and NGT is proposed here as a crutch to reduce the burden of the JAD facilitator in controlling group sessions during SRD. This approach, which was tested empirically in a laboratory experiment, appeared to outperform JAD alone in the areas tested and seemed to contribute to excellent group outcomes even without excellent facilitation.
Predicting Computer Task Performance
Authors: Yi Mun Y. , Im Kun S.
Published: February 2011

Computer task performance is an essential driver of end user productivity. Recent research indicates that computer self-efficacy (CSE) is an important determinant of computer task performance. Contrary to the significant interest in understanding the role of CSE in predicting computer task performance, little attention has been given to understanding the role of personal goal (PG), which can be as powerful as or more powerful than CSE in predicting and determining computer task performance. Employing CSE and PG, the present research develops and validates a theoretical model that predicts individual computer task performance. The model was tested using PLS on data from an intensive software (Microsoft Excel) training program, in which 41 MBA students participated. Results largely support the theorized relationships of the proposed model and provide important insights on how individual motivational beliefs influence computer skill acquisition and task performance. Implications are drawn for future research and practice.
Asynchronous Learning Using a Hybrid Learning Package
Authors: Chatterjea Kalyani
Published: February 2011

This article analyses the rationale for the development of a Web-based teacher-upgrading programme and discusses the main issues of in-service professional upgrading of working adults using the WWW. In-service upgrading has been an accepted avenue for retraining practising teachers in Singapore to keep abreast of changing curriculum requirements as well as infusion of information technology in teaching and learning. To cope with the teachers’ busy work schedule and many school commitments upgrading courses were offered to the teachers primarily asynchronously, using the Internet platform with some integrated synchronous sessions. Issues of adult learning in a learner-controlled adaptive learning environment, and life-long learning were addressed through an IT-infused asynchronous mode, providing the much-needed freedom in time management for the course participants. The development also includes delivery of high definition graphics through a customized hybrid system of CD-ROM and Web that addresses image-downloading bottleneck and thereby overcomes a basic problem of distance learning in geo-spatial education. Finally reflections on the attending adult learners’ responses to such an upgrading programme are discussed.
Applying Strategies to Overcome User Resistance in a Group of Clinical Managers to a Business Software Application
Authors: Adams Barbara , Berner Eta S. , Wyatt Joni Rousse
Published: February 2011

User resistance is a common occurrence when new information systems are implemented within health care organizations. Individuals responsible for overseeing implementation of these systems in the health care environment may encounter more resistance than trainers in other environments. It is important to be aware of methods to reduce resistance in end users. Proper training of end users is an important strategy for minimizing resistance. This article reviews the literature on the reasons for user resistance to health care information systems and the implications of this literature for designing training programs. The other principles for reducing resistance (communication, user involvement, strategic use of consultants) are illustrated with a case study involving training clinical managers on business applications. Individuals responsible for health care information system implementations should recognize that end user resistance can lead to system failure and should employ these best practices when embarking on new implementations.
Learning from Patterns During Information Technology Configuration
Authors: Horton Keith S. , Dewar Rick G.
Published: February 2011

This paper asks how people can be assisted in learning from practice, as a basis for informing future action, when configuring information technology (IT) in organizations. It discusses the use of Alexanderian Patterns as a means of aiding such learning. Three patterns are presented that have been derived from a longitudinal empirical study that has focused on practices surrounding IT configuration. The paper goes on to argue that Alexanderian Patterns offer a valuable means of learning from past experience. It is argued that learning from experience is an important dimension of deciding “what needs to be done” in configuring IT with organizational context. The three patterns outlined are described in some detail, and the implications of each discussed. Although it is argued that patterns, per se, provide a valuable tool for learning from experience, some potential dangers in seeking to codify experience with a patterns approach are also discussed.
A Comparison of Audio-Conferencing and Computer Conferencing in a Dispersed Negotiation Setting
Authors: Foroughi Abbas , Perkins William C. , Jessup Leonard M.
Published: February 2011

The growing globalization of business is making face-to-face communications, decision-making, and negotiations more the exception than the rule. Internet communication in text-only, audio, and video form are all becoming feasible methods of communication between distantly located parties. However, in order for these new technologies to be used most effectively, more investigation is needed into the impact of various media on decision-making, such as that in negotiation. In particular, negotiators need to have a means of choosing the most appropriate communication medium, based on the amount of richness inherent in the medium, for the particular task at hand. This paper presents the results of an empirical study to examine the effectiveness of a computerized negotiation support system (NSS) in supporting bargaining carried out in a dispersed, but synchronous setting. In the study, pairs of college students, using the NSS, participated in a simulated industrial bargaining scenario that tested the impact of communication media employed and level of conflict on contract outcomes and negotiator attitudes. The subjects, located in separate rooms, played the roles of buyer and seller engaged in negotiations either by telephone (audio-conferencing) or Lotus Notes (computer conferencing). In both low and high conflict, the efficiency aspects of audio-conferencing — a richer medium in which more communication can take place more quickly — overshadowed any negative social cues transmitted.
Assessing Web-Enabled Interactivity
Authors: Marcolin Barbara , Coviello Nicole , Milley Roger
Published: February 2011

As business models evolve to integrate technology with organizational strategy and marketing, the application of Web technology to facilitate end-user interactions, or what we call Web-enabled interactivity, has become increasingly important to customer relationships. This article develops and introduces the Web-Enabled Interactivity Self-Evaluation tool (referred to as WISE). Two case studies are used to illustrate how managers can use WISE to develop a thorough, easily communicated profile of their Web-enabled interactivity capabilities upon which competitive positioning assessments can also be made. The information generated by the audit process is intended to help firms enhance their interactive communication with Web site users in a market-oriented manner.
The Changing Demographics
Authors: Knight Michael B. , Pearson J. Michael
Published: February 2011

As the changing demographics of the workplace influence how organizations operate, the need to reexamine relationships between these demographic variables and their effect on the organization continues. This study provides an empirical examination of the effect of two demographic variables, age and gender, and any moderating impact anxiety, enjoyment, and/or peer pressure may have on computer usage. Based on our analysis of 292 knowledge workers, we identified no significant difference between men and women and/or young and old regarding their computer usage in the workplace. Therefore, the findings from this study do not seem to support earlier research regarding age and gender, which indicated that these variables did impact computer usage. However, the moderating construct (anxiety) did appear to be significant in the employees’ computer usage.
Examining User Perceptions of Third-Party Organizations Credibility and Trust in an E-Retailer
Authors: Wakefield Robin L. , Whitten Dwayne
Published: February 2011

Despite the fact that over half of U.S. residents are now online, Internet users hesitate to enter into transactions with e-retailers in the absence of certain assurances. Recent IS research shows that institution-based assurance structures, such as Web seals, are drivers of online trust. We extend the research in online trust to include the effect of third-party organization (TPO) credibility on both Internet users’ perceptions of assurance structures and purchase risk. Findings indicate that TPO credibility is positively related to the value that Internet users assign to assurance structures and negatively related to perceptions of purchase risk. Furthermore, perceptions of TPO credibility are strongly associated with users’ trusting attitudes toward the e-retailer. For some online consumers, trust may have less to do with privacy and security and more to do with the reputation of the TPO. These findings have important implications for the design of Web sites, the selection of assurance providers and services, and the reputation of both e-retailers and providers.
Determining the Intention to Use Biometric Devices
Authors: James Tabitha , Pirim Taner , Boswell Katherine , Reithel Brian , Barkhi Reza
Published: February 2011

Protection of physical assets and digital information is of growing importance to society. The need for development and use of security technologies is ever increasing. As with any new technology, user acceptance of new software and hardware devices is often hard to gauge and policies to introduce and ensure adequate and correct usage of such technologies are often lacking. Security technologies have widespread applicability to different organizational contexts that may present unusual and varied adoption considerations. This study adapts the technology acceptance model and extends it to study the intention to use security devices, more specifically biometrics, across a wide variety of organizational contexts. Due to the use of physiological characteristics, biometrics present unique adoption concerns. The extension of the technology acceptance model for biometrics is useful, as biometrics encompass many of the same adoption concerns as traditional security devices, but include a level of invasiveness that is obvious to the user. Through the use of vignettes, this study encompasses a systematically varied set of usage contexts for biometric devices to provide a generalizable view of the factors impacting intention to use over all categories of situational contexts of the device’s use. The technology acceptance model is extended in this study to include constructs for perceived need for privacy, perceived need for security and perceived physical invasiveness of biometric devices as factors that influence intention to use. The model is shown to be a good predictor of intention to use biometric devices and implications of the results for biometric and security technology acceptance is discussed.
Intentions to Use Information Technologies
Authors: Thompson Ron , Compeau Deborah , Higgins Chris
Published: February 2011

An integrative model explaining intentions to use an information technology is proposed. The primary objective is to obtain a clearer picture of how intentions are formed, and draws on previous research such as the Technology Acceptance Model (Davis, Bagozzi and Warshaw, 1989) and the Decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior (Taylor and Todd, 1995a). The conceptual model was tested using questionnaire responses from 189 subjects, measured at two time periods approximately two months apart. The results generally supported the hypothesized relationships, and revealed strong influences of both personal innovativeness and computer self-efficacy.
Supporting Work Practice Through End-User Development Environments
Authors: Costabile M. F. , Fogli D. , Lanzilotti R.
Published: February 2011

End-user development means the active participation of end users in the software development process. In this perspective, tasks that are traditionally performed by professional software developers are transferred to end users, who need to be specifically supported in performing these tasks. We have developed a methodology that supports user work practice and metadesign, allowing experts in a domain to personalize and evolve their own software environments. In this article we illustrate how this methodology is applied to a project for the development of an interactive system in the medical domain. Physicians and their activities have been carefully analyzed through a field study that is reported in the article, in order to provide them with computer systems that may improve their work practice and determine an increase in their productivity and performance, that is, a better quality of diagnosis and medical cure, with the achievement of competitive advantage for the organization they work in.
Semantic Composition of Web Portal Components
Authors: Jahnke Jens , Bychkov Yury , Dahlem D. , Kawasme L.
Published: February 2011

Many recently emerging component-based Web portal application platforms allow end users to compose dynamic Web dialogues on the fly. Experts predict that this paradigm will enable a class of new applications for Web-based content delivery in information-rich, agile business domains, such as health care. We present a conceptual analysis of the user-based composition paradigm currently used and argue that its usability is limited with respect to complex dynamic applications. To overcome these limitations, we present an alternative composition paradigm, which is based on a semantic model of a portal’s application domain. We evaluate this approach with an application scenario in the health care domain.
Two Experiments in Reducing Overconfidence in Spreadsheet Development
Authors: Panko Raymond R.
Published: February 2011

This paper describes two experiments that examined overconfidence in spreadsheet development. Overconfidence has been seen widely in spreadsheet development and could account for the rarity of testing by end-user spreadsheet developers. The first experiment studied a new way of measuring overconfidence. It demonstrated that overconfidence really is strong among spreadsheet developers. The second experiment attempted to reduce overconfidence by telling subjects in the treatment group the percentage of students who made errors on the task in the past. This warning did reduce overconfidence, and it reduced errors somewhat, although not enough to make spreadsheet development safe.
A Theoretical Model and Framework for Understanding Knowledge Management System Implementation
Authors: Butler Tom , Heavin Ciara , O’Donovan Finbarr
Published: February 2011

The study’s objective is to arrive at a theoretical model and framework to guide research into the implementation of KMS, while also seeking to inform practice. In order to achieve this, the paper applies the critical success factors (CSF) method in a field study of successful KMS implementations across 12 large multinational organisations operating in a range of sectors. The paper first generates a ‘collective set’ of CSFs from extant research to construct an a priori model and framework: this is then empirically validated and extended using the field study findings to arrive at a ‘collective set’ of CSFs for all 12 organisations. These are then employed to refine and extend the theoretical model using insights from the literature on capability theory. It is hoped that the model and framework will aid theory building and future empirical research on this highly important and relevant topic.
The Role of Fit in Knowledge Management Systems
Authors: Baloh Peter
Published: February 2011

While most organizations have deployed knowledge management systems (KMS), only a handful have been able to leverage these investments. Existing knowledge management (KM) research offered valuable insights on how to introduce KMS in a sense of innovation-diffusion, yet little guidance has been offered to KMS developers who need to decide on functionalities of a tool they are to introduce in a particular organizational setting. The goal of this paper is to propose theoretical background for design of IS that successfully support and enable decision making, which is seen as the ultimate form of knowledge creation and utilization. By using principles of the design science, design profiles proposed build upon works from organization and IS sciences, primarily the evolutionary information-processing theory of knowledge creation (Li & Kettinger, 2006) and the task technology fit theory (Zigurs & Buckland, 1998), the latter being amended for particularities of the KM environment. Proposed fit profiles suggest that one-size-fits-all approaches do not work and that organizations must take, in contrast with suggestions of extant literature, a segmented approach to KM activities and fitting IT support.
Knowledge Appraisal and Knowledge Management Systems
Authors: Rasmussen Hannah Standing , Haggerty Nicole
Published: February 2011

Knowledge management (KM) is a critical practice by which a firm’s intellectual capital is created, stored and shared. This has lead to a rich research agenda within which knowledge management systems (KMS) have been a key focus. Our research reveals that an important element of KM practice—knowledge appraisal— is considered in only a fragmentary and incomplete way in research. Knowledge appraisal reflects the multi-level process by which a firm’s knowledge is evaluated by the organization or individual for its value. The processes are highly intertwined with the use of the KMS. It therefore requires consideration of KA across multiple levels and types of knowledge across the entire KM cycle. To achieve this goal, we develop and present a taxonomy of knowledge appraisal practices and discuss their role in the KM lifecycle emphasizing implications for research and practice.
A Call for Change in the Call Center
Authors: Richards Debbie
Published: February 2011

Knowledge management is concerned with assisting the decision and problem solving process. In domains such as the call center, effective trouble shooting requires the (re)use of knowledge about problem classes, the range of solutions and the link between certain problems and solutions. Despite the existence of many knowledge management tools, knowledge is scattered across disparate sources and often requires implicit "know-how" to be utilized effectively. Acquiring, accessing, maintaining, sharing, reconciling, and reusing knowledge in its various forms are particular challenges in the call center domain where the knowledge needed is complex and constantly changing, which is made worse by short-term knowledge workers. The approach suggested allows knowledge, in the form of rules, to be incrementally acquired as the problem arises, in the form of cases, as part of the daily routine. Using the approach, knowledge workers are able to collaboratively and incrementally capture and maintain the heuristics they use daily for troubleshooting.
Looking at Behavioral Innovativeness
Authors: Soutar Geoffrey N. , Ward Steven
Published: February 2011

While there has been research on the diffusion of a particular type of innovation, few if any studies have examined the acceptance of a set of innovations (behavioral innovativeness) over time. This study, using the Rasch methodology, found evidence that computer hardware innovations are adopted in a particular order. The same could not be said for computer software, whose acceptance may be application-based. This study applied a theoretical framework based on the diffusion of innovation literature (Rodgers, 1995). Data was collected via a telephone survey of 302 computer users. Scores obtained from the Rasch analysis were used as the dependent variable (that of behavioral innovativeness) in a regression analysis, against factors such as overall innovativeness, use innovativeness, opinion leadership/acceptance, product class knowledge, and use of sources of information.
Validating the End-User Computing Satisfaction Instrument for Online Shopping Systems
Authors: Liu Chung-Tzer , Guo Yi Maggie
Published: February 2011

End user satisfaction has always been an important component of Information Systems (IS) success. This is also true for online applications, including online shopping systems where in addition to being a customer, the shoppers play the role of end users. Shoppers may not come back to or make a purchase on a website if they have an unsatisfactory experience. In this research, we focus on this aspect of online shopping by examining shoppers’ experiences as end users.
An Exploratory Study Into Delivery and Payment Choice Restriction
Authors: Shanahan Kevin J. , Ross-Wooldridge Barbara , Hermans Charles M.
Published: February 2011

We first measure attitudes toward a product and attitudes toward product quality when an unknown brand is associated with a well-known and trusted co-brand in the form of payment and delivery options; employing a classic co-branding strategy. Theory suggests that association with a trusted brand should lead to improved positive assessment of an unknown brand. Results suggest that the popular belief that trusted brands improve respondents’ assessments of unknown brands through a co-branding strategy may not be supported when there is a restriction on choice of payment and delivery options. That is, when including only a limited number of co-brands, brand associations may give the perception of restricted choice, leading to a lessened level of trust in the co-brand. We then repeat the study using a known branded product and known branded delivery and payment methods. Results show no difference in consumer perceptions between no co-brand and a full complement of co-brands. However, a restricted set of payment and delivery options leads to a more negative attitude toward the product and product quality.
End User Authentication (EUA) Model and Password for Security
Authors: Oreku George S. , Li Jianzhong
Published: February 2011

Authentication is one among a set of services that constitute a security subsystem in a modern computing or communications infrastructure. End User Authentication flexibility model proposed in this article will allow the user to have multiple authentications with varying levels of guarantee, and for suppliers to request and rely on mechanisms appropriate to the service requested. We describe the ticket used by clients, servers, model and algorithm to achieve authentication toward prevention of unauthorized access to in sourced data on applications level. An authentication to end-user proposed in this article is a simple three level ticket request model solution in an open distributed environment. We also develop an analytical password for the proposed mechanism and validate this approach through experiment. Furthermore, we explore this approach to end user authentication and demonstrate the conception of a textual password which in many cases improves the security. We analyze Deffie-Hellman exchange weakness and present how it can be made robust against attacks. Our approach is based on the use of the Kerberos authentication technique and the Diffie-Hellman Key exchange.
An Investigation of Liking of Computers, Help Received, and Job Outcomes for Computer Workers
Authors: Harris Ranida B. , Marett Kent
Published: February 2011

The number of workers having to use computers in their jobs continues to increase. However, not all employees enjoy computer work at the same levels, and for those who do not enjoy computer work, negative outcomes are likely to result. Further, it is important to examine how work-related support from either supervisors or coworkers will minimize/buffer the relationships between not liking computer work and the consequences of job satisfaction and technology overload. We examine these hypotheses in a sample of 225 workers, from a wide range of jobs, all of whom work more than 20 hours per week on their computers. Our results show that liking computer work is positively related to job satisfaction, and supervisor computer help moderates the relationships between liking computer work and the outcomes of job satisfaction and technology work overload. Practical implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are offered.
Analysis of User Involvement and Participation on the Quality of IS Planning Projects
Authors: Sridhar Varadharajan , Nath Dhruv , Malik Amit
Published: February 2011

The process of information systems planning is critically dependent on the users of the system. The involvement and participation of these users and its impact on the effectiveness of IS planning has not been studied in the literature. In this article we address the effect of user involvement and participation on the quality of IS planning projects. This was done through an exploratory quasi-experiment study conducted in an academic setting. We studied the effects of user involvement using two sets of teams doing IS planning exercises, one in which the user was involved as part of the project team and the other where the user was outside the project team, but was involved in interviews and reviews of project artifacts. We also measured the extent of user participation through a survey of participants engaged in the IS planning projects. Results indicate that user involvement has significant positive effect on user participation, as well as on the quality of IS planning projects. However the effect of user participation on the quality of projects is mixed and needs further research.
Studying the Documentation of an API for Enterprise Service-Oriented Architecture
Authors: Myers Brad A. , Jeong Sae Young , Xie Yingyu , Beaton Jack , Stylos Jeff , Ehret Ralf , Karstens Jan , Efeoglu Arkin , Busse Daniela K.
Published: February 2011

All software today is written using application programming interfaces (APIs). We performed a user study of the online documentation of a large and complex API for Enterprise Service-Oriented Architecture (eSOA), which identified many issues and recommendations for making API documentation easier to use. eSOA is an appropriate testbed because the target users include high-level business experts who do not have significant programming expertise and thus can be classified as “end-user developers.” Our study showed that the participants’ background influenced how they navigated the documentation. Lack of familiarity with business terminology was a barrier for developers without business application experience. Both groups avoided areas of the documentation that had an inconsistent visual design. A new design for the documentation that supports flexible navigation strategies seems to be required to support the wide range of users for eSOA. This paper summarizes our study and provides recommendations for future documentation for APIs.
Evaluation of Information Strategy Implementation
Authors: Bentley Yongmei , Clarke Steve
Published: February 2011

Information strategy is often relegated to an information technology element of corporate strategy, or worse, ignored in favour of IT operational planning. This research, conducted over a five-year period, stresses the correct framing of an information strategy and its implementation. The authors propose a framework that assists in the evaluation of such strategies, primarily those at higher education institutions, but also in a wider range of organisations seeking to improve the understanding and implementation of their information strategy.
The Value of TAM Antecedents in Global IS Development and Research
Authors: Anderson Chad S. , Al-Gahtani Said , Hubona Geoffrey
Published: February 2011

Theoretical models are often conceived and tested in western countries. However, culture influences theoretical models, and the importance of evaluating models in non-western cultures has grown with the accelerating pace of globalization. The technology acceptance model (TAM) is no exception, and more TAM research is being conducted in non-western countries. TAM constructs of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are difficult to act on, which has led to several studies that identified valid antecedents to these constructs that make the model more practically actionable. These antecedents were conceived and tested in a western country but have yet to be evaluated in the context of a non-western country. In this paper, the authors evaluate these antecedents in Saudi Arabia and find that they function in the specific context of general computer use by Saudi knowledge workers.
Construct Validity Assessment in IS Research
Authors: Tojib Dewi Rooslani , Sugianto Ly-Fie
Published: February 2011

Valid and reliable measures are critical to theory development as they facilitate theory testing in empirical research. Efforts in scale development have been put on ensuring aspects of validity. In this paper, the authors address a specific topic of construct validity assessment in scale development. Using data from the five leading IS journals between 1989-2008, in this paper, the authors determine if and how the field has advanced in construct validity assessment. Findings suggest that the proportion of studies reporting construct validity had increased and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), and Multi-Trait Multi-Method (MTMM) were the three most common methods of construct validity assessment. The authors also apply a popular method from psychology and exemplify how the correlation analysis technique can be used to measure construct validity.
A Social Capital Perspective on IT Professionals’ Work Behavior and Attitude
Authors: Zhang Lixuan , Jones Mary C.
Published: February 2011

Attracting and retaining information technology (IT) professionals is a current concern for companies. Although research has been conducted about the job behavior and attitudes of IT professionals over the past three decades, little research has explored the effect of IT professionals’ social capital. The primary research question that this study addresses is how social capital affects IT professionals’ work attitude and behavior, including job satisfaction and job performance. Data were collected from 128 IT professionals from a range of jobs, organizations and industries. Results indicate that the strength of the ties an IT professional has in his or her organization is positively related to job satisfaction. The number of ties that an IT professional has outside the organization is also positively related to job performance. Several implications for research and practice are offered based on these findings.
Gender Differences in E-Learning
Authors: Johnson Richard D.
Published: February 2011

Although previous research has suggested that women may be at a learning disadvantage in e-learning environments, this study examines communication differences between women and men, arguing that women’s communication patterns may provide them with a learning advantage. Using data from 303 males and 252 females, this paper discusses gender differences in course communication processes and course outcomes in a web-based introductory information systems course. Results indicate that women communicated more, perceived the environment to have greater social presence, were more satisfied with the course, found the course to be of greater value, and had marginally better performance than men. Despite the challenges facing women in e-learning environments, the results of this study suggest that e-learning environments that allow for peer to peer communication and connectedness can help females overcome some of these disadvantages. Implications for research and practice are also discussed.
Solution of Correlated Multi-Response Optimization Problem
Authors: Datta Saurav , Nandi Goutam , Bandyopadhyay Asish , Pal Pradip Kumar
Published: February 2011

This paper highlights an integrated approach to solve the correlated multi-response optimization problem through a case study in submerged arc welding (SAW). The proposed approach has been presented to overcome different limitations and drawbacks of existing optimization techniques available in literature. Traditional Taguchi optimization technique is based under the assumption that quality responses are independent to each other; however, this assumption may not always be valid. A common trend in the solution of a multi-objective optimization problem is to convert these multi-objectives into an equivalent single objective function. While deriving this equivalent objective function, different weightage are assigned to different responses according to their relative priority. In this regard, it seems that no specific guideline is available for assigning individual response weighs. To avoid this, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) has been adopted to eliminate correlation among individual desirability values and to calculate uncorrelated quality indices that have been aggregated to calculate overall grey relational grade. This study combines PCA, Desirability Function (DF) approach, and grey relation theory to the entropy measurement technique. Finally, the Taguchi method has been used to derive optimal process environment capable of producing desired weld quality related to bead geometry.
Global Bacteria Optimization Meta-Heuristic Algorithm for Jobshop Scheduling
Authors: Montoya-Torres Jairo R. , Gómez-Vizcaíno Libardo S. , Solano-Charris Elyn L. , Paternina-Arboleda Carlos D.
Published: February 2011

This paper examines the problem of jobshop scheduling with either makespan minimization or total tardiness minimization, which are both known to be NP-hard. The authors propose the use of a meta-heuristic procedure inspired from bacterial phototaxis. This procedure, called Global Bacteria Optimization (GBO), emulates the reaction of some organisms (bacteria) to light stimulation. Computational experiments are performed using well-known instances from literature. Results show that the algorithm equals and even outperforms previous state-of-the-art procedures in terms of quality of solution and requires very short computational time.
Local Perturbation Analysis of Linear Programming with Functional Relation Among Parameters
Authors: Hanafizadeh Payam , Ghaemi Abolfazl , Tavana Madjid
Published: February 2011

In this paper, the authors study the sensitivity analysis for a class of linear programming (LP) problems with a functional relation among the objective function parameters or those of the right-hand side (RHS). The classical methods and standard sensitivity analysis software packages fail to function when a functional relation among the LP parameters prevail. In order to overcome this deficiency, the authors derive a series of sensitivity analysis formulae and devise corresponding algorithms for different groups of homogenous LP parameters. The validity of the derived formulae and devised algorithms is corroborated by open literature examples having linear as well as nonlinear functional relations between their vector b or vector c components.
Taylor Kriging Metamodeling for Stochastic Simulation Interpolation
Authors: Liu Heping , Chen Yanli
Published: February 2011

This paper applies a novel Kriging model to the interpolation of stochastic simulation with high computational expense. The novel Kriging model is developed by using Taylor expansion to construct a drift function for Kriging, thus named Taylor Kriging. The interpolation capability of Taylor Kriging for stochastic simulation is empirically compared with those of Simple Kriging and Ordinary Kriging according to two stochastic simulation cases. Results show that the interpolation of Taylor Kriging is more accurate than Simple Kriging and Ordinary Kriging. The authors analyze two key factors in stochastic simulation, simulation replications and variance, which influence the accuracy of Kriging interpolation, and obtain some important empirical results.
Tools for the Study of the Usual Data Sources found in Libre Software Projects
Authors: Robles Gregorio , González-Barahona Jesús M. , Izquierdo-Cortazar Daniel , Herraiz Israel
Published: February 2011

Due to the open nature of Free/Libre/Open Source software projects, researchers have gained access to a rich set of development-related information. Although this information is publicly available on the Internet, obtaining and analyzing it in a convenient way is not an easy task and many considerations have to be taken into account. In this paper we present the most important data sources that can be found in libre software projects and that are studied by the research community: source code, source code management systems, mailing lists and bug tracking systems. We will give advice for the problems that can be found when retrieving and preparing the data sources for a posterior analysis, as well as provide information about the tools that support these tasks.
Bridging the Gap between Agile and Free Software Approaches
Authors: Adams Paul J. , Capiluppi Andrea
Published: February 2011

Agile sprints are short events where a small team collocates in order to work on particular aspects of the overall project for a short period of time. Sprinting is a process that has been observed also in Free Software projects: these two paradigms, sharing common principles and values have shown several commonalities of practice. This article evaluates the impact of sprinting on a Free Software project through the analysis of code repository logs: sprints from two Free Software projects (Plone and KDE PIM) are assessed and two hypotheses are formulated: do sprints increase productivity? Are Free Software projects more productive after sprints compared with before? The primary contribution of this article is to show how sprinting creates a large increase in productivity both during the event, and immediately after the event itself: this argues for more in-depth studies focussing on the nature of sprinting.
Teaching Software Engineering with Free/Libre Open Source Projects
Authors: Stamelos Ioannis
Published: February 2011

One of the major problems in software engineering education is the involvement of students in real world software projects. Industry projects are a solution, but in many cases they are hard to find and student participation can be problematic due to cultural, familiarization and other practical reasons. The abundance of Free / Libre Open Source Software (FLOSS) projects is a neat solution, offering multi-lingual, multicultural environments in virtually every application domain, at different levels of project size, maturity, organization etc. The paper analyzes how acquisition of practical experience on several basic and advanced software engineering topics can be achieved by working in a FLOSS project. The kind of skills that can be acquired are those requested by the Overview Report for Computing Curricula by ACM and topics examined are those of the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge, by IEEE. Also software engineering areas that require special care or that may not prove suitable for such treatment are identified. Various isolated teaching cases pertaining to this approach are presented and discussed.
Open Source Software Governance Serving Technological Agility
Authors: Le Texier Thomas , Versailles David W.
Published: February 2011

The development of open source software is currently arousing increasing interest in the IT world. This research inquires some specific paths enlarging the traditional view over open source software in inquiring the US Department of Defense (DoD) and the dynamics associated its front- and back-office activities. We explain how distinguishing basic administration from operational constraints and weapon R&D dynamics introduces specific governance concerns among public and private stakeholders. By no longer defining open source solutions as mere goods, but as services characterized by a flow of knowledge, we particularly highlight new emerging strategies of technological acquisition. Our analysis leads to revise the traditional role focusing mainly on cost issues and introduces open source software with distinctive properties serving the management of innovation and technological agility at the level of complex systems, exemplified here with the constraints associated to weapon systems and the Network centric warfare doctrine
Discourses on User Participation
Authors: Iivari Netta
Published: February 2011

Users should participate in information technology (IT) artifact development, but it has proven to be challenging. This applies also in the open source software (OSS) development. This chapter critically examines discursive construction of user participation in academic literatures and in practice, in IT artifact development. First three academic discourses constructing user participation are discussed. Then the discursive construction of user participation is explored in OSS development literature. Afterwards, results from several empirical, interpretive case studies are outlined. Some of them have been carried out in the IT artifact product development organizations, others in the OSS development context. Clear similarities can be identified in the discourses constructing user participation in these divergent IT artifact development contexts. The academic discourses on user participation clearly also legitimate certain ways of constructing user participation in practice. The OSS development literature bears resemblance mainly with the Human Computer Interaction (HCI) discourse on user participation. Therefore, it is argued that especially the HCI community should carefully reflect on what kinds of discourses on user participation it advocates and deems as legitimate.
An Analysis of the Adoption of Open Source Software by Local Public Administrations
Authors: Rentocchini Francesco , Tartari Dimitri
Published: February 2011

The wide diffusion of open source software (OSS) is driving discussion among scholars on a set of issues, including its adoption by public administrations (PA). Previous works discussed a few factors that drive the decision to adopt OSS and did not address the potential benefits in terms of e-government that OSS may bring to PA. This paper fills these gaps. The analysis is based on the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and studies the adoption of software (both proprietary and open source) by local PA. The results show there is increased adoption of OSS in several different domains of application, both servers and desktop clients. Among the motivations to adopt OSS, dependence on software suppliers is important. Its adoption also positively affects the variety and extent of interactivity of local public e-services.
Using Open Source Software Components to Implement a Modular Web 2.0 Design for Map-Based Discussions
Authors: Leahy Michael G. , Hall G. Brent
Published: February 2011

This paper discusses the research-based origins and modular architecture of an open source geospatial tool that facilitates synchronous individual and group discussions using the medium of a Web map service. The software draws on existing open source geospatial projects and associated libraries and techniques that have evolved as part of the new generation of Web applications. The purpose of the software is discussed, highlighting the fusion of existing open source projects to produce new tools. Two case studies are briefly discussed to illustrate the value an open source approach brings to communities who would remain otherwise outside the reach of proprietary software tools. The paper concludes with comments on the project’s future evolution as an open source participatory mapping platform.