bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Knowledge Medium - A Conceptual Framework for the Design and Implementation of a Platform Supporting the Community of AIDS Researchers and Practitioners
Authors: Grutter Rolf , Stanoevska-Slabeva Katarina , Fierz Walter
Published: May 2011

The health care industry is essentially knowledge-based. The quality and efficiency of work performed depends on the ability to both manage internally created knowledge, e. g., about healing practices and available expertise as well as to enrich and integrate it with relevant external knowledge created world-wide by pharmacy research teams, international health organizations, etc. Efficient management of knowledge in health care requires, therefore, concepts and solutions for cooperation and sharing of knowledge within and between communities (Greiner & Rose, 1997).
Physician Use of Web-Based Technology
Authors: Roberge Linda
Published: May 2011

The Internet, particularly the World Wide Web, is redefining “how we do business” for the service and manufacturing sectors of our economy. In health care as in other industries, there is a growing pressure for physicians to create a “web presence” that will provide entrance into the realm of e-health service delivery. This research has surveyed 511 physician practice web sites to assess how the promise of the technology compares to the reality. We found that 94-95% of sites were using one or more site design elements, and providing educational content that would be attractive to potential patients. However, only 73% of the sites provided the professional credentials of the health care providers. Functionality that would yield cost reductions was much less common with only 39% of the sites using online forms to collect information. Automation for either scheduling or patient accounts was rare. Additionally, few sites had the infrastructure that would allow them to monitor site activity or provide secure transactions for their patients. Only 23% of the sites protected themselves against charges of providing medical consultations without seeing the patients by using a legal disclaimer. Clearly, this sample of web sites suggests that web technology is not yet being fully utilized by physician practices.
Scanning and Image Processing System (SIPS) for Medication Ordering
Authors: Chan Stephen L.
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents a physician order entry system in the ward (for medication prescriptions) by using scanning and image processing. Important design and operational requirements are presented. Then the scanning and imaging processing system (SIPS) is described. SIPS integrates different information technologies including scanning, bar code and other marks recognition, intelligent image capturing, server database access and retrieval, and network communication and printing. SIPS uses specially designed order forms for doctors to write orders that are then scanned into the computer that performs recognition and image processing. The resulting orders, including doctor’s handwritten images and other order information, are transmitted to the destinations electronically. SIPS reduces human effort (and errors). We observe that SIPS is an innovative use of information technology to meet the needs of a hospital that requires paper-and-pen operations. SIPS can be extended to meet other operational needs as an alternate input method.
Some Issues in Design of Data Warehousing Systems
Authors: Bellatreche Ladjel , Karlapalem Kamalakar , Mohania Mukesh
Published: May 2011

Information is one of the most valuable assets of an organization, and when used properly can assist intelligent decision-making that can significantly improve the functioning of an organization. Data warehousing is a recent technology that allows information to be easily and efficiently accessed for decision-making activities. On-line analytical processing (OLAP) tools are well studied for complex data analysis. A data warehouse is a set of subject-oriented, integrated, time varying and non-volatile databases used to support the decision-making activities (Inmon, 1992).
Data Mining
Authors: Nazem Sufi M. , Shin Bongsik
Published: May 2011

During the early years of database management the contemporary wisdom was to store only ‘useful data.’ In large part, this philosophy was encouraged because of the then-limited storage capacity offered by the prevailing technology. Then along came the microprocessor revolution, enormously expanding the scope of data storage. Subsequent advancement in information technology and recognition of potential business opportunities thereof, resulted in enormous expansion of data storage. Although the future is unknown and unpredictable, it often provides new business opportunities. Thus, new management strategies emerged which encouraged the massive accumulation of data and thus the advent of data warehousing. These massive data depositories are now providing both challenges and opportunities for strategic decision-making concerned with improving existing businesses and exploring new business opportunities. Data mining is an essential part of the process involved in locating relevant information from data warehouses for use in making such strategic decisions. Naturally, business leaders everywhere are willing to make investments in corporate data warehouses to enhance their access to information. The return on such investment is by no means guaranteed but all business activities include a certain amount of risk.
A Methodology for Datawarehouse Design
Authors: Cavero Jose Maria , Marcos Esperanza , Piattini Mario , Sanchez Adolfo
Published: May 2011

Data warehousing and online analytical processing (OLAP) technologies have become growing interest areas in latest years. Specific issues, such as conceptual modeling, schemes translation from operational systems, physical design, etc... have been widely treated, but there is not a general accepted complete methodology for datawarehouse design. In this work, we present a multidimensional datawarehouse development methodology based on and integrated with a Public software development methodology.
Specification of Components Based on the WebComposition Component Model
Authors: Gaedke Martin , Turowski Klaus
Published: May 2011

Developing application systems that use the World Wide Web (WWW, Web) as an application platform suffers from the absence of disciplined approaches to develop such Web-applications. Besides, the Web’s implementation model makes it difficult to apply well-known process models to the development and evolution of Web-applications. On the other hand, component-based software development appears as a promising approach that meets essential requirements of developing and evolving highly dynamic Web-applications. With respect to Web-applications, its main objective is to build Web-applications from (standardized) components. Founded on these insights and based on a dedicated component model, we propose an approach to a disciplined specification of components.
Information Technology for Relational Business Ecosystems
Authors: Joia Luiz Antonio
Published: May 2011

This article presents a framework to integrate effectively different information technologies in order to coordinate a relational business ecosystem, an innovative business model. The information technologies needed to create this new business environment are presented, as well as an integrated model based on a technology-service-process-production taxonomy. A case study addressing a major engineering company in Brazil, now playing the role of an integrator within a relational business ecosystem is presented in order to validate the proposed model. Some conclusions in this realm are presented addressing the main obstacles and hurdles to accomplish a relational business ecosystem as well as the solutions to overcome them, so as to make the findings and concerns applicable to other countries.
Transfer of Information Technology to the Arab World
Authors: Straub Detmar W. , Loch Karen D. , Hill Carole E.
Published: May 2011

The complex societal beliefs and values of the Arab world provide a rich setting to examine the hypothesized influence of culture on information technology transfer (ITT). Two research questions arise in this context: (1) Do cultural beliefs and values affect the transference of information technology in the Arab world? and (2) Does contact with technologically advanced societies impact ITT and systems outcomes? The present study addresses these research questions by conceptualizing and testing a cultural influence model of ITT. In this model, cultural beliefs and values are one major construct while a counterbalancing variable is the external influence of technologically advanced societies. These constructs along with the variable “national IT development” form the conceptual basis for the model. This study is the second part of a program of research investigating ITT. The setting of the study was Arab society, which allowed us to test our “cultural influence” model in, perhaps, one of the more complex cultural and social systems in the world. The program of research took place in several phases. In the early phases, Arab-American businessmen and women as well as Arabs studying in American universities were studied. In the latter phases, the cross-disciplinary research team gathered primary data in the Arab cultures of Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and the Sudan. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were used to explore the phenomenon of ITT. This paper reports quantitative findings from the latter phase. Findings suggest that the model has explanatory power. Arab cultural beliefs were a very strong predictor of resistance to systems and thus ITT; technological culturation was also a factor. These results have implications for future theory-testing and for technology policy-setting by responsible Arab leaders. Additionally, there are implications for transnational firms and managers charged with introducing IT in foreign ports, subsidiaries, offices, and plants.
Software Development in Developing Countries
Authors: Hassan Syed Zahoor
Published: May 2011

A number of software quality enhancement approaches have been suggested and implemented. Over the last decade, software (SW) companies in developed countries have reported significant enhancements in productivity and quality by using various quality approaches. Software companies operating in developing countries have also undertaken quality initiatives in the recent years. This chapter presents a framework for analysis of quality initiatives. The need for considering customer and market aspects in assessing an organization’s quality initiatives has been established. The notion of a market quality indicator (MQI) has been introduced for this purpose. Information on the quality and process improvement initiatives at some of the leading software companies of Pakistan has been collected. The proposed framework is applied to analyze the quality initiatives of these companies. Based on the insights obtained from this analysis, some recommendations for companies interested in launching quality and process improvement initiatives are also presented.
IS Education in the New Millennium
Authors: Phukan Sanjeev , Ranchhod Ashok , Vasudavan T.
Published: May 2011

The last quarter of this century has seen a sea change in Information Systems (IS) and Information Technology (IT), including computers, communications, and office automation. The effects of these changes have been widespread and as a result, have caused major transformations n the way we live and work. One major effect has been the creation of a global marketplace on an unprecedented scale. This marketplace, in turn, has shrunk the world in such a way as to create tremendous opportunities as well as threats for even relatively small organizations. As a consequence, many organizations today have discovered that their profitability and perhaps even their survival, now depend on their ability to successfully play the game in a new, complex, and often unfamiliar, global arena.
Measurement of a College Computer Literacy Course
Authors: Tsai Nancy , Hebert Thomas E.
Published: May 2011

A college graduate has to be computer literate in order to gain competitive edge in today’s business world since information technology, ranging from the basic word processing software to the complex data base management systems, is used constantly to prepare, present, and exchange information for management decision making. Consequently, it is the responsibility of the education institution to offer a computer literacy class or series of classes for preparing its students with proper computer knowledge in a suitable learning environment before they enter the business world. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to discuss and present some issues of the college computer literacy classes offered by the Management Information Science Department (MIS) of College of Business Administration (CBA) at the California State University, Sacramento. These issues include the objectives of the classes, the contents of the classes, the classroom environment, and the measurement of class objectives.
The Gender Issue in Information Technology
Authors: Caputo Donald J. , Kohun Frederick J.
Published: May 2011

A paradox is occurring today in the Information Technology (IT) field. At the very moment that a large unmet demand for IT workers exists, approximately one-half of our work force is largely declining the offer. The Information Technology Association of America estimates the number of IT jobs languishing at a staggering 840,000 (eWeek, 2000). Though women in IT earn 60 percent more than women in other occupations, their numbers have dropped from 40 percent in 1986 to 29 percent today (CIO, 2000). The White House Council of Economic Advisors (CIO, 2000) estimates that women are leaving the IT job market at twice the rate of men. This report focuses on the ongoing strategies employed for the integration and retention of women in the collegiate and the corporate sphere (Frenkel, 1991).
Teaching or Technology
Authors: Mitchell Geoffrey C. , Hope Beverly G.
Published: May 2011

Fuelled by the increasing connectivity afforded by the Internet and the flexibility offered by Web technologies, the use of technology in education has become increasingly common. However, despite claims that the Web will revolutionise education, many attempts at Web-based education simply reinforce current ‘poor’ teaching practices or present more of the same disguised in updated packaging. We argue that this occurs because of differing pedagogical assumptions and a limited understanding of how flexible learning differs from traditional approaches. In particular, we argue that flexible learning demands an increased focus on constructivism and the sociological aspects of teaching and learning. This chapter presents two frameworks that situate our approach to flexible learning with respect to more traditional offerings and discusses the implications for educational technology design.
Identifying Motivations for the Use of Commercial Web Sites
Authors: Stafford Thomas F. , Stafford Marla Royne
Published: May 2011

The uses and gratifications theoretical framework has continued to prove useful in the study of new and emerging media. In previous research on television as a medium, motivations for media use have been grouped into either process gratifications (motivations associated with using the medium, like channel surfing) or content gratifications (motivations related to information or entertainment delivered by the medium, like watching the evening news for information). This study applies the uses and gratifications perspective to better understand the factors motivating commercial Web site use, and identifies a new media use gratification unique to the Internet: socialization (using the medium to communicate with people). Through the cooperation of two major on-line companies, this research reports the results of a two-part study that begins with the identification of 179 motivations for Web use and subsequently reduces those to five primary underlying factors. These factors are discussed and related to three key indicators: frequency of Web use, frequency of computer use, and affinity with the computer. Implications for new social gratifications for Internet use are discussed, and directions for future research are proposed.
Impacts of Software Agents in eCommerce Systems on Customer's Loyalty and on Behavior of Potential Customers
Authors: Seitz Juergen , Stickel Eberhard , Woda Krzysztof
Published: May 2011

Most of the software agents only perform simple product price comparisons; some support the purchase of products or the negotiation over multiple terms of a transaction, such as, e. g., warranties, return policies, delivery times and loan options. Auctions help to find an effective pricing mechanism in electronic commerce. The active technologies enabling customers to purchase efficiently force the merchants to offer high personalized, value-added and complementary services. The techniques such as rule-based matching or collaborative filtering provide contents that are appropriate to the customer’s preferences or analyze past purchases of other clients. The one-to-one marketing may be especially useful for sophisticated products demanding explanation or to enable cross-selling of other products. The merchants might achieve additional reduction of transaction costs (especially transport, storage and safety measures) using electronic money systems.
Internet Payment Mechanisms
Authors: Gelinas Jr. Ulric J. , Gogan Janis L.
Published: May 2011

Internet online sales totaled $7.8 billion for 1998, with the average online shopper spending $629 (Fasig, 1999). During the 1999 holiday season, online sales were reportedly double that of 1998 at many “e-tailers” (although final statistics had not been published as this chapter went to press). As Web-based consumer sales grow, so does interest in new online payment mechanisms. This paper reviews several mechanisms that were in use in fall 1999. We assess control issues associated with each and use Diffusion of Innovations theory to assess perceived payment mechanism benefits and risks. We do not pretend to offer the “latest word” on any particular forms of payment, since by the time of publication, new or improved mechanisms will have emerged.1
Relationships Between Relationships
Authors: Calero C. , Piattini M. , Marcos E.
Published: May 2011

Since Chen published the E/R model in 1976, some proposals extending its expressive power have appeared, some of them are based in the preceding semantic models. Thus, currently, some conceptual models allow relationships between relationships and even generalizations of relationships. These proposals could be better understood if relationships are considered as object types allowing other possibilities as, for example, aggregation of relationships. In this chapter, using a modeling example, we will discuss about the benefits of this approach, mainly about the possibility to model simpler conceptual schemata. We also present an empirical study for proving if modeling with relationships between relationships is more difficult than not use them for novice designers. As a result of this study, it seems that complexity is not affected by the kind of modeling selected.
Toward a Theory-Based Measurement of Culture
Authors: Straub Detmar , Loch Karen , Evaristo Roberto , Karahanna Elena , Srite Mark
Published: May 2011

In reviewing the history of the conceptualization and measurement of “culture,” one quickly realizes that there is wide-ranging and contradictory scholarly opinion about which values, norms, and beliefs should be measured to represent the concept of “culture.” We explore an alternate theory-based view of culture via social identity theory (SIT), which suggests that each individual is influenced by plethora of cultures and sub-cultures–some ethnic, some national, and some organizational. In IS research, the culture of subjects and respondents is problematic because it is typically an overly simplistic categorization. IS research nearly always assumes that an individual living in a particular place and time belongs to a single “culture,” e.g., someone living in Egypt is automatically classified as being a member of the Egyptian culture, or, more broadly, the Arab culture. This dearth of clear concepts and measures for “culture” may explain why cross-cultural research has been so exceedingly difficult to conduct. It may also explain why it has been hard to develop and refine theories. Moreover, it may give insight into why reasonable explained variance in predictive models has not been higher. Finally, it is very possible that much cross-cultural business research could be rightly accused of advancing an “ecological fallacy” by not recognizing the individual makeup of persons with respect to culture. Using SIT (or other theory bases) as grounding for cultural research programs implies the use of certain methodological approaches. Each study would have to establish the salient “cultures” in each individual’s background and include these different “cultures” as independent variables in positivist research. In qualitative research, there would need to be an equally rigorous assessment of the cultural identifiers of each individual.
The Influence of Experience, Culture and Spatial Visualization Ability on Users' Attitudes and Anxiety Towards Computer Use
Authors: Blignaut Pieter , McDonald Theo , Tolmie Janse
Published: May 2011

The attitude towards computer-related tasks, computer anxiety, and spatial visualization ability (SVA) of a group of first-year computer science students were measured just before their study commenced. The results were analyzed empirically based on two independent variables, i.e., culture and computer experience. It was found that African and European users generally have the same attitude towards computer use. Users’ attitudes improved after experience with computer-related tasks. African students experienced significantly higher levels of computer anxiety than their European counterparts with the same amount of experience. It was also found that African users generally have a lower SVA than European users. Users with higher SVA generally have a better attitude towards working with computers and experience a lower level of computer anxiety.
Deception and Reality
Authors: Hutchinson William , Warren Matthew
Published: May 2011

Decisions are based on information. The decision maker naturally assumes that it reflects reality. Yet data, which is used to create information, is easily manipulated, and the context can be changed to influence knowledge derived from the situation. The use of deception is not new, but the advent of electronic information systems has made its potential more pervasive. This paper investigates the dilemma the information management function faces in ensuring the integrity of the data supplied, the information derived, and the knowledge created from their systems.
The Relationship Between User Participation and the Management of Change Surrounding the Development of Information Systems
Authors: Butler Tom , Fitzgerald Brian
Published: May 2011

While much is known about the general process of user participation in information systems development, its impact on matters of organisational change has not been the subject of systematic, in-depth investigation. In addition, researchers have typically adopted variance, rather than process-based approaches to the study of these related phenomena. This paper addresses these deficiencies and makes several important contributions to the literature. First, it presents the results of a comprehensive, process-based study of the relationship between user participation and organisational change in the development and implementation of information systems in a large organisation. Second, it presents a theoretical model which captures the institutional and development-related contexts that shape and influence the processes of user participation and management of change. Third, using the model as a framework to guide the research effort, this study illustrates that an organisation’s institutional context plays a dominant role in shaping and influencing the content and process of user participation and management of change in systems development. This particular finding has important implications for both research and practice. Finally, the model and its associated framework has been validated by the findings of this stud; it may, therefore, be used in future explorations of these important phenomena.
Global Information Systems and Human Resource Management
Authors: Niederman Fred
Published: May 2011

A socio-technical approach to information systems requires recognition of the inextricable link between information technologies and humans as designers and users. This essay explores five areas in which information technology and human computer designers/users interact within the context of global organizations. These five areas are: using information technology to support the human resource strategy of global organizations, using information technology to support the generation and distribution of organizational learning, using human resource management techniques and programs to support the work of information systems professionals, using human resource management techniques and programs to support the work of global “end-users” or knowledge workers, and, finally, national and regional policies to support technical and human resource infrastructures.
Designing End-User Geographic Information Systems
Authors: West Jr. Lawrence
Published: May 2011

Geographic information systems are becoming more popular for end-user and decision support system construction, but they incorporate software and concepts with some inherent problems for users not trained in concepts of geography and cartography. This paper identifies those concepts most needed for end-user GIS use, and suggests remedial efforts to reduce the burden of system operation and improve data integrity. The approaches make extensive use of metadata storage and may be implemented as tools in GIS software provided to end-users.
Hypermedia Document Management
Authors: Suh Woojong , Lee Heeseok
Published: May 2011

Recently, many organizations have attempted to build hypermedia systems to expand their working areas into Internet-based virtual workplaces. Thus, it is important to manage corporate hypermedia documents effectively. Metadata plays a critical role for managing these documents. This paper identifies metadata roles and components to build a metadata schema. Furthermore, a meta-information system, HyDoMiS (Hyperdocument Meta-information System) is proposed by the use of this metadata schema. HyDoMiS performs three functions: metadata management, search, and reporting. The metadata management function is concerned with workflow, documents, and databases. The system is more likely to help implement and maintain hypermedia information systems effectively.
Methodology of Schema Integration for New Database Applications
Authors: Fong Joseph , Karlapalem Kamalakar , Li Qing , Kwan Irene
Published: May 2011

A practitioner’s approach to integrate databases and evolve them so as to support new database applications is presented. The approach consists of a joint bottom-up and top-down methodology; the bottom-up approach is taken to integrate existing database using standard schema integration techniques (B-Schema), the top-down approach is used to develop a database schema for the new applications (T-Schema). The T-Schema uses a joint functional-data analysis. The B-schema is evolved by comparing it with the generated T-schema. This facilitates an evolutionary approach to integrate existing databases to support new applications as and when needed. The mutual completeness check of the T-Schema against B-Schema derive the schema modification steps to be performed on B-Schema to meet the requirements of the new database applications. A case study is presented to illustrate the methodology.
CMU-WEB
Authors: Bajaj Akhilesh , Krishnan Ramayya
Published: May 2011

With the ubiquitous availability of browsers and internet access, the last few years have seen a tremendous growth in the number of applications being developed on the world wide web (WWW). Models for analyzing and designing these applications are only just beginning to emerge. In this work, we propose a 3-dimensional classification space for WWW applications, consisting of a degree of structure of pages dimension, a degree of support for interrelated events dimension and a location of processing dimension. Next, we propose usability design metrics for WWW applications along the structure of pages dimension. To measure these ,we propose CMU-WEB: a conceptual model that can be used to design WWW applications, such that its schemas provide values for the design metrics. This work represents the first effort, to the best of our knowledge, to provide a conceptual model that measures quantifiable metrics that can be used for the design of more usable web applications, and that can also be used to compare the usability of existing web applications, without empirical testing.
Adaptive Web Representation
Authors: Scharl Arno
Published: May 2011

Users tend to have varying preferences regarding multimodal access representations. The number of alternatives provided by paper-based media is inherently limited. Adaptive hypertext applications do not share this limitation. This paper classifies them into three categories of information, and their corresponding interface representation: Content of documents, primary navigational system comprising links between and within these documents, and supplemental navigational systems such as index pages, trails, or guided tours.
Computer-Mediated Inter-Organizational Knowledge-Sharing
Authors: Majchrzak Ann , Rice Ronald E. , King Nelson , Malhotra Arvind , Ba Sulin
Published: May 2011

How does a team use a computer-mediated technology to share and reuse knowledge when the team is inter-organizational and virtual, when the team must compete for the attention of team members with collocated teams, and when the task is the creation of a completely new innovation? From a review of the literature on knowledge sharing and reuse using collaborative tools, three propositions are generated about the likely behavior of the team in using the collaborative tool and reusing the knowledge put in the knowledge repository. A multi-method longitudinal research study of this design team was conducted over their ten-month design effort. Both qualitative and quantitative data were obtained. Results indicated that the propositions from the literature were insufficient to explain the behavior of the team. We found that ambiguity of the task does not determine use of a collaborative tool; that tool use does not increase with experience; and that knowledge that is perceived as transient (whether it really is transient or not) is unlikely to be referenced properly for later search and retrieval. Implications for practice and theory are discussed.
The Wicked Relationship Between Organisations and Information Technology
Authors: Mallalieu Gill , Harvey Clare , Hardy Colin
Published: May 2011

The concept of the “wicked problem” is useful in coming to terms with any studies, which involve people, organisations and information technology. It helps to define the shortcomings of traditional positivist approaches in areas which display social complexity. This paper describes how the relationship between an organisation’s business processes and its legacy IT systems is considered under the RAMESES project as a wicked problem. The way in which this conceptualisation has led the authors to adopt the grounded theory methodology is discussed. The particular, detailed method undertaken within this framework is outlined; some results presented and conclusions about the success of the approach are drawn.
Application of Information Management with Meeting Automation Tool
Authors: Naumenko Andrey , Wegmann Alain
Published: May 2011

Presented work describes technologically supported solution that helps people in a workgroup to deal with information related to their common projects. The solution supports different scenarios of group organizations including the case of geographically distributed workgroups. It positions workgroup meetings as a key concept within a project framework. The paper will explain its foundations and show the positive value that it brings to everyday group work. Diagrams 2-7 use UML (Object Management Group, 1997).
Software Piracy
Authors: Harrington Susan J.
Published: May 2011

Despite the existence of laws and much publicity surrounding software piracy, it is widely believed that software piracy is commonplace (Eining & Christensen, 1991; Simpson, Banerjee, & Simpson, 1994). A recent study (i.e., Business Software Alliance, 1999) confirms that software piracy is increasing, with a 2.5 percent increase in piracy in 1998 over 1997, resulting in $3.2 billion in losses to organizations in the United States and $11 billion worldwide. Yet reasons why such illegal behavior continues to occur are lacking. While some attempts have been made at AACSB-accredited schools of business to incorporate ethics education into business programs, there is no knowledge of such education’s relationship to actual behavior, nor is there knowledge on what exactly should be taught. Because previous educational, software-based safeguards, and attempts at raising awareness have failed to stop software piracy, some researchers (e.g., Simpson et al., 1994) believe that only when contributory factors are isolated can appropriate measures be taken to reduce software piracy. In addition, Watson and Pitt (1993) suggest that software piracy research lacks attention to individual factors, important for further understanding of the phenomenon.
The Genetic Revolution
Authors: McCampbell Atefeh Sadri , Clare Linda Moorhead
Published: May 2011

The following chapter defines the practice of DNA analysis and identifies the ethical considerations of human genetic testing in the workplace and technological issues. The topics presented include: the history of DNA testing, future genetic test development inclusive of, large scale, three-dimensional computational technology for analyzing, storing and presenting complex relationships between gene products and clinical outcomes, and currently enacted legislation pertaining to genetic information. Also examined are the ethical concerns pursuant to human genetic testing and information technology security. A survey was conducted to determine the view and level of knowledge among business professionals in the workplace on the ethical considerations of genetic testing. Questions included business ethics, confidentiality issues and the enactment of state and federal legislation for genetic testing. The results of the survey indicate concern within the business community for ethical issues concerning confidentiality of genetic test results and a strong desire for passage of state and federal legislation to avoid the misuse of genetic information. Finally, conclusions are determined based upon the data and the direction for future study is defined.
Knowledge Management Strategies for Virtual Organizations
Authors: Burn Janice M. , Ash Colin
Published: May 2011

Much has been written about the virtual organisation and the impact this will have on organisational forms, processes and tasks for the 21st Century. There has been little written about the practicalities of managing this virtual organisation and managing virtual change. The ability of the organisation to change or to extend itself as a virtual entity will reflect the extent to which an understanding of virtual concepts has been embedded into the knowledge management of the virtual organisation as a Virtual Organisational Change Model (VOCM). Managing these change factors is essential to gain and maintain strategic advantage and to derive virtual value. The authors expand these concepts by using the example of organisations using Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and illustrate the three levels of development mode – virtual work, virtual sourcing, and virtual encounters and their relationship to knowledge management, individually, organisationally and community wide through the exploitation of ICT.
Exploring the Common Ground of Virtual Communities
Authors: Dirksen Vanessa , Smit Bas
Published: May 2011

A great deal of the literature on virtual communities evolves around classifying the phenomenon1 while much empirically constructive work on the topic has not been conducted yet. Therefore, the research discussed in this paper proposes to explore the actual field of the virtual community (VC). By means of a comparative ethnographic research, virtual communities are to be defined in terms of their inherent social activity, the interaction between the groups of people and the information and communication technology (ICT), and the meanings attached to it by its members. This chapter will report on the initial propositions, research questions and approach of the explorative research of working towards a “workable definition” of virtual communities. It will also present its “work to be done” which will ultimately form the basis of moving beyond defining virtual communities, i.e., actually designing and deploying one.
Virtual Organization as a Chance for Enterprise Development
Authors: Kisielnicki Jerzy
Published: May 2011

The theory that enterprise has been developing along with the development of Information Technology and, especially thanks to the possibilities offered by Virtual Organisations (VO) has been presented and proven. This enterprise has both local and global effect. The enterprise development provides for an increase of both small and big organisation competitiveness and also for an opportunity for new organisational entities to enter the market. My own research on enterprise conducted in the group of economy and marketing department students have fully confirmed the conclusions resulting from D.Blanchflower’s and A.Oswald’s research on enterprise. A significant percentage of the population aim at becoming entrepreneurs (about 75% of the people with university education). The theory that VO is an effective way to become an entrepreneur and to overcome the obstacles listed in the research has been presented. The main obstacles are lack of financial resources and lack of business experience. VO not only helps in becoming an entrepreneur but also, through specially built enterprise labs, provides training opportunities and skill development for those who want to follow this particular career path.
Information Security for Libraries
Authors: Newby Gregory B.
Published: May 2011

Libraries have made significant investments in computer-based resources, training and services. However, such investments need to be protected from misuse or mistake by taking an active role in information security.
Is Knowledge Management Really an Oxymoron? Unraveling the Role of Organizational Controls in Knowledge Management
Authors: Malhotra Yogesh
Published: May 2011

Many current implementations of organizational knowledge management, although based on the most advanced information technologies, are hobbled by the pervading organizational controls. Such information systems related organizational controls could spell the success or failure of organizational management initiatives despite application of latest groupware and collaboration software. Often, such failures of knowledge management systems implementations arise from incorrect understanding and misapplication of the notion of “controls.” Hence, it is critical to develop a better understanding of information systems related organizational controls so that they can facilitate the success of knowledge management systems implementations. This chapter fills the critical void of incomplete and often incorrect interpretations of organizational controls by developing a better theoretical and conceptual understanding of organizational controls and their pragmatic implications. The chapter also proposes an organic model of organizational controls for design of knowledge management systems that can effectively enable creation of new knowledge, renewal of existing knowledge and knowledge sharing.
Web-Based Knowledge Management
Authors: Zhang Ruidong
Published: May 2011

The importance of knowledge management has been recognized both in academia and in practice. Meanwhile, the web technology is being used as a new and common medium to support the collective nature of knowledge management. In this chapter, 4 types of web-based knowledge management models are identified and discussed. It is believed that more models exist and could be identified. Nonetheless, these 4 models are believed to be able to reflect the current level of web-based knowledge management, which can be basically described as content-based information retrieval and topic-oriented information association and organization. This chapter concludes that the current web-based knowledge management is at a lower level, and, the potential of the web technology based knowledge management has just started to be realized. The study of the models identified in this paper would provide insights on leveled knowledge management, what should be contained in a higher level of knowledge management system, and how knowledge management support systems can be technically implemented.
Supporting Knowledge Creation
Authors: Hawryszkiewycz I. T.
Published: May 2011

The chapter identifies the three major components of knowledge sharing and creation within enterprises as a combination of place, community and process. The way these are combined will depend on the particular goal and enterprise structure. The chapter then claims that computer support systems must provide user driven methods to easily integrate these components to fit in with organizational culture and knowledge goal. It then describes a way to provide this kind of environment.
Expanding Our View of Information Systems Success
Authors: Sherman Barbara Ann , Sanders G. Lawrence , Garrity Edward J.
Published: May 2011

The deployment of technology has had a profound impact on the quality of work life of individuals in organizations. Consider, for example, that computer-based applications are expected to empower workers in both a functional and democratic sense. In other words, systems are intended to aid workers in the completion of tasks, as support devices to complete organizational transactions (functional empowerment) and as devices which both support and give rise to new forms of organizational communication, interaction and, subsequently, new forms of organizational structure (democratic empowerment). The specific technical and social contexts in which computer systems are deployed significantly influence the characteristics of the systems and their implications for the workers. In particular, the tradition of socio-technical research in information systems considers these issues important.
Spatial Online Analytical Processing (SOLAP)
Authors: Bedard Yvan , Rivest Sonia , Proulx Marie-Josée
Published: May 2011

It is recognized that 80% of data have a spatial component (ex. street address, place name, geographic coordinates, map coordinates). Having the possibilities to display data on maps, to compare maps of different phenomena or epochs, and to combine maps with tables and statistical charts allows one to get more insights into spatial datasets. Furthermore, performing fast spatio-temporal analysis, interactively exploring the data by drilling on maps similarly to drilling on tables and charts, and easily synchronizing such operations among these views is nowadays required by more and more users. This can be done by combining Geographical Information Systems (GIS) with On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP), paving the way to “SOLAP” (Spatial OLAP). The present chapter focuses on the spatial characteristics of SOLAP from a geomatics engineering point of view: concepts, architectures, tools and remaining challenges.
Technical Challenges and Success for Rigid Pipeline with PLET, Jumper and Flying Leads Installation in Conger 9 Field
Authors: Wang Jun , Hagen Rune Krister , Radan Ecaterina , Bullock Jackson D.
Published: May 2011

A 346 m long of 6 inch rigid pipeline with a Single Hub PLET (SHP) at one end and Double Hub PLET (DHP) at the other end was installed in Conger 9 Field for connecting existing Well No. 5 and future Well No. 9 in Garden Bank 215 N/2, Gulf of Mexico. The water depth at the location is approximately 457 m. Three jumpers with two M-shape (2D) and one Z-shape (3D) were installed for Conger 9 field expansion. Flying leads including two EFL and three HFL were also installed. The Well No. 9 was due online at the end of 2009.

This paper will present the highlights of the technical challenges for Acergy Falcon to install the rigid pipeline shorter than water depth with one PLET at each end from the analytical and operation aspects and how the main challenges (e.g. relationship of PLET COG and yoke hinge location, installation stages vs vessel capacity, etc) were overcame. Meanwhile, the difficulties for jumper design and flying leads installation will be also highlighted in this paper. Conclusion, recommendation and lessons learned will be made.

Introduction

The Conger Field is an existing subsea development comprising four wells (and one proposed) tied in to a central manifold located in approximately 1500ft/457m of water in Garden Banks 215 N/2. The manifold is then connected to the host platform by two piggable flowlines. Well No. 9 was connected to a four slot manifold which was already occupied by four wells. Therefore, Conger No. 9 well had to be combined with Well No. 5.

Well No. 8 is 65 ft north of manifold, Well No. 5 is 65 ft southwest of manifold, Well No. 6 is 12,000 feet of manifold, and well No. 4 is 4,900 feet south of manifold. Both Well No. 6 and No. 4 tie back to SHP via a rigid flowline. The proposed fifth well in the development Well GB 215-9 (No. 9) is located approximately a quarter mile west-southwest of the manifold and its production flowline will terminate into a DHP near the existing manifold. Well No. 9 was due online at the end of 2009.