bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is the Business Model Broken? A Model of the Difference Between Pay-Now and Pay-Later Contracts in IT Outsourcing
Authors: Walden Eric , Singh Param Vir
Published: May 2011

This chapter seeks to evaluate the dominant IT outsourcing contracts model (pay-later) as compared to an alternative model (pay-now) in light of changing economic conditions. We integrate practitioner observations in the spirit of mathematical transaction cost problems to develop a conceptual economic model to compare these two types of contracts. We uncover three very important facts which suggest that pay-now contracts are always at least as good as pay-later contracts, and pay-now contracts are better than pay-later contracts when economy is volatile. These findings provide a rich insight into the problem of failing IT outsourcing contracts since the prevailing poor state of economy. We further discuss the implications of our findings and suggest that simply shifting the contract from a pay-later to a pay-now will fix the IT outsourcing business model.
Instrumental and Social Influences on Adoption of Collaborative Technologies in Global Virtual Teams
Authors: Araujo Andre
Published: May 2011

Recent advances in Web-based technologies along with investments in international outsourcing and offshore locations have unquestionably increased the importance of global virtual teams. However, because global virtual teams have their members dispersed in different countries and rely extensively on electronic communication to exchange information, complete tasks, and coordinate activities, their implementation is accompanied by challenges beyond those found in traditional teams whose members often meet face-to-face in the same cultural context. One such challenge has to do with cross-cultural collaboration. Although there is a sense that collaborative technologies offer the essential tools for supporting collaboration, it is unknown whether virtual members will actually adopt collaborative technologies in a cross-cultural setting. To gain knowledge about this potential endemic aspect of cross-cultural teamwork, one needs to examine the factors that influence the adoption of collaborative technologies in global virtual teams. Drawing on the work of organizations, cognitive theory, and information systems researchers, this study offers a framework that describes the key components underlying collaborative technology adoption in global virtual teams by integrating both social and instrumental aspects of group work.
The Use of Outsourcing as a Business Strategy
Authors: Misra Ram
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we discuss how a leading telecommunications software development company went about outsourcing some phases of the system development life cycle (SDLC) of network management systems in order to achieve both the short-term tactical goals as well as the long-term strategic goals. We present a framework consisting of seven factors that should be used by companies using outsourcing as a business strategy. This framework was used to analyze the outsourcing practices used by this company. The framework includes the driving forces for offshore outsourcing, the selection process of outsourcing vendors and the infrastructure (communication links, hardware, software, and organizational structure) that was needed to insure that the outsourced work meets company’s internal quality requirements, which are derived from CMM5 and ISO9001 certifications. We also present the challenges of making these things happen, what worked well, and the lessons learned.
Exploring ASP Sourcing Decisions in Small Firms
Authors: Woerndl Maria , Powell Philip
Published: May 2011

This chapter explores application service provision (ASP) in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Five exploratory case studies among UK SMEs illustrate that SMEs are aware of the ASP concept and its potential. While the uptake of ASP is still low the idea of paying for information systems (IS) services on a monthly basis is gaining ground. A framework mapping the ASP sourcing decision process for SMEs is introduced, highlighting the issues and challenges that SMEs face when evaluating whether to source IS through the ASP renting model rather than building a solution in-house or buying it off the shelf.
European International Freight Forwarders
Authors: Lehmann Hans
Published: May 2011

This case study is about information systems in one of the largest freight forwarding companies in Europe, here named Spedition Chur AG (SCA)1. With a long tradition of computers, data processing, and information systems on a global level, SCA has used information technology extensively since the 1960s. Over the years, their systems have become a truly strategic resource; many of the services SCA offers today are based solely on information management — the physical side of the transport business has taken a back seat and is often outsourced. The problems and issues SCA is dealing with now are the dichotomy of its IT strategy: how to coordinate a stringently standardized core of systems with its critically important but highly individualized system-to-system interfaces with its key customers. Furthermore, the rapid change in technology and the very wide range and reach of its operations now means that the global implementation of new information systems often cannot be completed before the technologies underlying them have become obsolescent. The case describes the development of the systems that underlie the business success and sets out the governance and management structures that make this possible.
Outsourcing in the Healthcare Industry
Authors: Gupta Amar , Goya Raj , Joiner Keith , Saini Sanjay
Published: May 2011

The healthcare industry is being impacted by advances in information technology in four major ways: first, a broad spectrum of tasks that were previously done manually can now be performed by computers; second, some tasks can be outsourced to other countries using inexpensive communications technology; third, longitudinal and societal healthcare data can now be analyzed in acceptable periods of time; and fourth, the best medical expertise can sometimes be made available without the need to transport the patient to the doctor or vice versa. The healthcare industry will increasingly use a portfolio approach comprised of three closely-coordinated components seamlessly interwoven together: healthcare tasks performed by humans on-site; healthcare tasks performed by humans off-site, including tasks performed in other countries; and healthcare tasks performed by computers without direct human involvement. Finally, this paper deals with intellectual property and legal aspects related to the three-pronged healthcare services paradigm.
Outsourcing Information Technology
Authors: Hoffman James , Walden Eric , Hoelscher Mark
Published: May 2011

The current chapter explores the role that one factor, social capital, may have on the success of IT outsourcing. It extends current understanding of outsourcing success and failure by examining the effect of social capital on outsourcing success. The chapter proposes that social capital has potential impact on information technology (IT) outsourcing success. Specifically, it is theorized that social capital has an inverted “U” shape relationship with outsourcing success.
Security Issues in Outsourced XML Databases
Authors: Dang Tran Khanh
Published: May 2011

In an outsourced XML database service model, organizations rely upon the premises of external service providers for the storage and retrieval management of their XML data. Since, typically, service providers are not fully trusted; this model introduces numerous interesting research challenges. Among them, the most crucial security research questions relate to data confidentiality, user and data privacy, queryassurance, secure auditing, and secure and efficient storage model. Although there exists a large number of related research works on these topics, the authors are still at the initial stage and the research results are still far from practical maturity. In this chapter, they extensively discuss all potential security issues mentioned above and the existing solutions, and present open research issues relevant to security requirements in outsourced XML databases.
Appendices
Authors: Wu Dezhi
Published: May 2011

This chapter contains appendices necessary for the utilization and interpretation of research presented in this premier reference source.
Economic Issues in Media Regulation
Authors: Shinnick Edward , Ryan Geraldine
Published: May 2011

Changes in technology bring new challenges and opportunities for every industry, and the media industry is no different. Today people use mass media, and in particular the Internet, to participate in discussions and debate, to advertise and sell their products, to collect and store knowledge and to interact with the global community on the information super-highway. Given both the fast pace of innovation in the media industry and consumer demands for ever greater media content regulatory authorities are faced with challenging times. In this chapter, the authors examine how vertical mergers, vertical restraints, regulations, and competition policy are impacting on the European and American media industries. The authors examine how the internationalisation of the industry, increased merger activity, and the move towards cross media ownership are impacting on market concentration and diversity. The authors conclude that a balance must be struck between encouraging greater capital flows into the industry to help develop innovation, and the need to protect the public’s long term interest through ensuring competitive markets.
Consumer Generated Advertising in Blogs
Authors: Mutum Dilip , Wang Qing
Published: May 2011

Blogs are the newest and potentially most attractive online media available to marketers. This chapter discusses the unique nature of blogs and the growing power of consumer generated content. This raises a number of questions as well as new opportunities. As the authors point out that existing literature on blog marketing only discusses the possible advantages of using blogs as a marketing tool and the addition of blogs into the marketing mix. However, the problem is that these studies totally ignored consumers’ perception towards blogs that carry advertisements. The rise of advertising companies that have stepped in to fill the gap between companies and bloggers, are discussed. Some examples of successful blog advertising campaigns are also provided. This chapter also presents a conceptual model that examines the salient factors that are likely to influence consumer attitude towards blogs and towards advertising in blogs, and more specifically on sponsored posts on blogs. It is hoped that this chapter would encourage other researchers to take a look at this unique media which in turn will help shed new light on how blogs are enabling a new model of consumer collaboration and consumer generated advertising.
From Consumers to Producers
Authors: Burns Kelli S.
Published: May 2011

If reality television is any indication, people have an interest in being known. For some, creating and possibly starring in some form of user-generated content can be a route to being a reality star. The Internet provides a way for consumers to share their documentaries, antics, music videos, and even commercials with other users. Several marketers have capitalized on this trend by combining the desire of users to create their own content with the time-honored concept of a sweepstakes. The purpose of this chapter is to present a model of consumer engagement that encompasses user-generated advertising content. The model will then be placed into context by discussing specific examples from 15 user-generated advertising contests and making theoretical connections for each of the key contest elements.
Implementation of an Online Distance Mentoring System
Authors: Syrris Vassilis , Tsobanopoulou Fenia
Published: May 2011

The individualized mentoring is a process unexploited and problematic in Greece because of its high operational cost and the lack of specialized scientists. In general practice though, it is considered as the most effective means in order to support a person and guide him/her at the crucial and important decisions of his/her life. More than ever, through the immense technological advancements, online distance mentoring has evolved as a clearly anthropocentric method, having that is, as center of its interest, the person and his/her personal needs as opposed to the mere execution of a predetermined training program. The present study explores and analyses the issues related to electronic distance mentoring of young persons in the framework of professional orientation, business spirit development, personal training and psychological support. The particularity of this project stems from the application of advanced videoconference systems that eliminated the need for people transfer, bridged geographical distances, improved interaction considerably and reduced the response time of intervention.
Technical Evaluation of Wireless Communications in a Mobile Learning Architecture
Authors: Carmona-Murillo Javier , Galán-Jiménez Jaime , González-Sánchez José-Luis
Published: May 2011

Due to the high growth of mobile networks and portable devices, learning process is evolving from desktop computer to mobile devices. In this sense, technologies and services that support this change are also evolving. The appearance of portable devices has made users to take part in this process from anywhere. On the other hand, architectures used in a mobile learning environment are designed to offer users the ability of participate in learning activities from its embedded devices. Campus Ubicuo is a mobile architecture over which learning services can be developed. The successful of any mobile learning platform fundamentally depends on the quality in learning services and also in the good operation of wireless technologies. In this chapter, we focus on this second aspect. We have evaluated the behaviour of wireless technologies in a mobile learning architecture when different services are offered through diverse networks.
Contrasting Approaches to Preparedness
Authors: Warren Lorraine , Fuller Ted
Published: May 2011

This chapter reflects on ongoing research in SMEs in the manufacturing and service sectors. It contrasts different approaches to the issue of preparedness from an organisational and social perspective, in two cases where new enterprise-wide business processes were implemented and integrated in different settings. In both cases, the emergence of new systems presented a huge challenge to companies hard-pressed to marshal the resources to mount effective change and implementation projects on this scale. The cases presented enable a comparison of different strategies used, one firm responding to organic growth, and the other to rapid industry-driven change. The chapter focuses not on the implementations per se, but instead on the issue of preparedness for change. The chapter concludes by drawing out general lessons concerning how to support and maintain organisational preparedness for enterprise wide change in different industry settings.
Service Integration through Structure-Preserving Semantic Matching
Authors: McNeill Fiona , Besana Paolo , Pane Juan , Giunchiglia Fausto
Published: May 2011

The problem of integrating services is becoming increasingly pressing. In large, open environments such as the Semantic Web, huge numbers of services are developed by vast numbers of different users. Imposing strict semantics standards in such an environment is useless; fully predicting in advance which services one will interact with is not always possible as services may be temporarily or permanently unreachable, may be updated or may be superseded by better services. In some situations, characterised by unpredictability, such as the emergency response scenario described in this case, the best solution is to enable decisions about which services to interact with to be made on-the-fly. We propose a method of doing this using matching techniques to map the anticipated call to the input that the service is actually expecting. To be practical, this must be done during run-time. In this case, we present our structure-preserving semantic matching algorithm (SPSM), which performs this matching task both for perfect and approximate matches between calls. In addition, we introduce the OpenKnowledge system for service interaction which, using the SPSM algorithm, along with many other features, facilitates on-the-fly interaction between services in an arbitrarily large network without any global agreements or pre-run-time knowledge of who to interact with or how interactions will proceed. We provide a preliminary evaluation of the SPSM algorithm within the OpenKnowledge framework.
Data Integration in the Geospatial Semantic Web
Authors: Maué Patrick , Schade Sven
Published: May 2011

Geospatial decision makers have to be aware of the varying interests of all stakeholders. One crucial task in the process is to identify relevant information available from the Web. In this chapter the authors introduce an application in the quarrying domain which integrates Semantic Web technologies to provide new ways to discover and reason about relevant information. The authors discuss the daily struggle of the domain experts to create decision-support maps helping to find suitable locations for opening up new quarries. After explaining how semantics can help these experts, they introduce the various components and the architecture of the software which has been developed in the European funded SWING project. In the last section, the different use cases illustrate how the implemented tools have been applied to real world scenarios.
A Computational Cognitive Model of the Brain
Authors: Shi Zhiwei , Hu Hong , Shi Zhongzhi
Published: May 2011

Recent fruitful progresses on brain science have largely broadened our understanding of the cerebrum. These great works led us to propose a computational cognitive model based on a graphical model that we carried out before. The model possesses many attractive properties, including distinctive knowledge representation, the capability of knowledge accumulation, active (top-down) attention, subjective similarity measurement, and attention-guided disambiguation. It also has “consciousness” and can even “think” and “make inference.” To some extent, it works just like the human brain does. The experimental evidence demonstrates that it can give reasonable computational explanation on the human phenomenon of forgetting. Although there are still some undetermined details and neurobiological mechanisms deserving consideration, our work presents a meaningful attempt to give further insights into the brain’s functions.
E-Business Decision Making by Agreement
Authors: Tastle William J. , Wierman Mark J.
Published: May 2011

Gathering customer data over the Internet is largely limited to collecting the responses to a set of easily answerable questions, such as Yes/No questions and Likert scale questions. These data are then analyzed to identify customer trends or other items of interest to management. The data can be useful, but key to their usage is the application of suitable mathematical tools. Traditionally little more than standard statistics has been used in the analysis of ordinal, or category, data. This can be inaccurate and in some cases, misleading. This paper introduces measures of agreement and dissent to the field of eBusiness analysis and shows how ordinal data can be analyzed in more meaningful ways.
Unclassified Information Sharing and Coordination in Security, Stabilization, Transition and Reconstruction Efforts
Authors: Mittu Ranjeev , Guleyupoglu Suleyman , Johnson Al , Barlow William
Published: May 2011

The emergence of new doctrine is enabling security, stabilization, transition and reconstruction (SSTR) operations to become a core U.S. military mission. These operations are now given equal priority to combat operations. The immediate goal in SSTR is to provide the local populace with security, restore essential services, and meet humanitarian needs. The long-term goal is to help develop indigenous capacity for securing and providing essential services, therefore, many SSTR operations are best performed by indigenous groups with support from foreign agencies and professionals. Large scale disasters, however, are an example where military support can enhance the value of SSTR operations. Without the means to effectively coordinate groups across the civil-military boundary, basic assistance and relief operations may be severely impeded. This paper will describe a conceptual portal, ShareInfoForPeople, which incorporates advanced Information and Communication Technology to enable collaboration, coordination and information sharing across the civil-military boundary in support of SSTR.
Assessing Local Readiness for City E-Governance in Europe
Authors: Paskaleva Krassimira
Published: May 2011

This article shares experience on aspects related to the methodology and modeling of a framework of City E-Governance Readiness. We discuss Europe’s progress in this domain using an “e-readiness” assessment methodology: the Integrated City E-Governance Policy Model of the IntelCities Research Project (2004-2007). Practices and trends in 12 European cities are analyzed, drawing on the results of a comprehensive digital city governance survey. A set of propositions are explored about the future of city e-governance. This article suggests that urban governments need to refine their most relevant definition of “e-governance readiness” and the underlying goals and assumptions which shape e-governance outcomes. Cities also need to adapt their approaches strategically and in the light of the increasing demand for “good governance” in an increasingly complex and networked urban knowledge society.
Linking Local E-Government Development Stages to Collaboration Strategy
Authors: Kim Hyun Joon , Lee Jooho , Kim Soonhee
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this study is to explore the connection between the stages of e-government development and collaboration demands in local government. Specifically, this study analyzes the demand for intergovernmental, interagency, and intersectoral collaborations during the three stages of local e-government development, including e-government initiation, application development, and integration. Based on an in-depth case study, this paper identifies specific collaboration types demanded during local e-government development in the Gangnam district government in Seoul, Korea. In each stage of e-government development, the local government encountered varying degrees and types of resource dependence upon internal and external organizational units. A particular type of collaboration became dominant in each stage as the relative importance of each collaboration type changed.
E-Democracy from the Perspective of Local Elected Members
Authors: Parvez Zahid
Published: May 2011

Although efforts for developing e-democracy have been underway for over a decade, recent literature indicates that its uptake by citizens and Elected Members (EMs) is still very low. This paper explores the underlying reasons for why this is so from the perspective of local EMs in the context of UK local authorities. It draws on findings reported in earlier works supplemented with primary case study data. Findings are interpreted through the lens of Giddens structuration theory, which assists in drawing out issues related to three dimensions of human agency: communication of meaning, exercising power and sanctioning behaviour. The paper abstracts categories of agency from the findings and uses these to formulate eight propositions for creating an e-friendly democratic culture and enhancing EMs uptake of e-democracy. These propositions provide an indication for future e-democracy research direction.
Reflections and Proposals on Public Officials Training and Promotion of E-Government
Authors: Falivene Graciela M. , Silva Graciela M.
Published: May 2011

Argentina is a country characterized by successive discontinuities and heavily conditioned by a troubled political-institutional history. This article will argue that only the interaction and coherence between training and management systems created simultaneously as the dynamic expression of change can result in public organizations in tune with the characteristics of the knowledge society. Only those projects that have incorporated from their inception self-regulation, interaction, and readjustment mechanisms may provide answers in times that are difficult to compare with other periods in public administrations. The nation’s problems have never been as complex as they are today, nor did we have tools as powerful as the ICTs to solve them. From a complexity approach, it explores the synergic bonds between the promotion of e-government (EG) and the training and learning processes of public officials.
Toward Development of Distance Learning Environment in the Grid
Authors: Kuan-Ching Li , Yin-Te Tsai , Chuan-Ko Tsai
Published: May 2011

In recent years, with the rapid development of communication and network technologies, distance learning has been popularized and it became one of the most well-known teaching methods, due to its practicability. Over the Internet, learners are free to access new knowledge without restrictions on time or location. However, current distance learning systems still present restrictions, such as support to interconnection of learning systems available in scalable, open, dynamic, and heterogeneous environments. In this chapter, we introduce a distance learning platform based on grid technology to support learning in distributed environments, where open source and freely available learning systems can share and exchange their learning and training contents. We have envisioned such distance learning platform in heterogeneous environment using grid technology. A prototype is designed and implemented, to demonstrate its effectiveness and friendly interaction between learner and learner resources used.
Quasi-Facial Communication for Online Learning Using 3D Modeling Techniques
Authors: Yushun Wang , Yueting Zhuang
Published: May 2011

Online interaction with 3D facial animation is an alternative way of face-to-face communication for distance education. 3D facial modeling is essential for virtual educational environments establishment. This article presents a novel 3D facial modeling solution that facilitates quasi-facial communication for online learning. Our algorithm builds 3D facial models from a single image, with support of a 3D face database. First from the image, we extract a set of feature points, which are then used to automatically estimate the head pose parameters using the 3D mean face in our database as a reference model. After the pose recovery, a similarity measurement function is proposed to locate the neighborhood for the given image in the 3D face database. The scope of neighborhood can be determined adaptively using our cross-validation algorithm. Furthermore, the individual 3D shape is synthesized by neighborhood interpolation. Texture mapping is achieved based on feature points. The experimental results show that our algorithm can robustly produce 3D facial models from images captured in various scenarios to enhance the lifelikeness in distant learning.
The Holistic Model for Blended Learning
Authors: Stone Alex
Published: May 2011

Pennsylvania is at the forefront of the public cyber charter schooling movement in America. As more and more students elect to transfer from traditional public schools into cyber charter schools–and their districts of origin are forced to forfeit their tuition allocations–a need for a public school alternative to cyber charter schools has emerged. Using current practices in Pennsylvania’s public schools as a backdrop, this article presents a new model for district-level cyber schooling, called the holistic model for blended learning, that public schools in Pennsylvania (and elsewhere) can use to compete with cyber charter schools and meet the growing demand for K-12 online learning.
Some Key Success Factors in Web-Based Corporate Training in Brazil
Authors: Luiz Antonio Joia , Mário Figueiredo Costa
Published: May 2011

Brazilian companies are increasingly turning to Web-based corporate training by virtue of the fact that they need to train their employees within tight budget constraints in a country of continental dimensions. However, most of these companies do not know what the critical success factors in these endeavors are. Therefore, this article seeks to investigate some key success factors associated with such digital enterprises. In order to achieve this, the multiple case study method is used, whereby two cases, both conducted within the same Brazilian company, leading to opposite outcomes—a success and a failure—are analyzed in depth. The conclusions reached in this article were that goal orientation, source of motivation, and metacognitive support were the three critical dimensions in these two Web-based corporate training programs under analysis. Lastly, some managerial implications of these results are outlined.
Implementation of Efficient Proactive Computing Using Lazy Evaluation in a Learning Management System
Authors: Denis Zampunieris
Published: May 2011

In Zampunieris (2006) we proposed a new kind of learning management system, proactive LMS, designed to help users to better interact online by providing programmable, automatic, and continuous analyses of the users’ actions, augmented with appropriate actions initiated by the LMS itself. The proactive part of our LMS is based on a dynamic rules-based system. However, the main algorithm we proposed in order to implement the rules-running system suffers some efficiency problems. In this article, we propose a new version of the main rules-running algorithm that is based on lazy evaluation in order to avoid unnecessary and time-costly requests to the LMS database when a rule is not activated, that is, when its actions part will not be performed because preliminary check(s) failed.
Work Unit's Knowledge Processing Style
Authors: Song Seokwoo
Published: May 2011

Intraorganizational units play a critical role in KM processes of acquiring, creating, exchanging, and utilizing knowledge assets. While much attention has been directed to effective knowledge strategies for supporting organizational KM processes, there is a lack of insightful research on knowledge strategy and its implementation at the work-unit level. This study examines two types of work unit knowledge processing styles (i.e., codification and personalization) and explores the relationship between critical determinants (i.e., task, organizational culture, and technology) and knowledge processing styles. The results showed that task variety and task analyzability were strongly associated with both knowledge processing styles. Interestingly, task interdependence and autonomy were significantly related only to personalization, whereas IT support was strongly associated with codification. The findings from this study suggest that the unit’s organizational variables should harmonize appropriately with its knowledge processing styles.
Building Trust in Networked Environments
Authors: Julsrud Tom E. , Bakke John W.
Published: May 2011

As organizations grow and become multi-national, distributed work, that is, work where members are located in different sites, cities, or countries usually follows (Meyerson, Weick, & Kramer, 1996; Jarvenpaa & Leidner 1999; Zolin & Hinds 2002; Hossain & Wigand 2004; Panteli 2005). Yet such teams and groups have fewer opportunities to build social networks as is common in traditional groups, such as time spent together and frequent informal interaction. The “paradox of trust” in distributed work then, is that while trust is a need-to-have asset for distributed work groups, in particular for knowledge work, it is also difficult to foster due to the lack of physical co-location (Handy, 1995). This chapter argues that one way to deal with the paradox is to recognize the importance of trust as generated through individuals that have trustful ties that cross central boundaries, that is, trust brokers. Based on a relational approach to trust in groups as well as empirical studies of distributed work groups, we argue that trust brokers can help to establish trust quickly and make the group operate in more robust and sustainable ways.
Introduction to Ubiquitous Computing
Authors: Mühlhäuser Max , Gurevych Iryna
Published: May 2011

The term ubiquitous computing was coined and introduced by the late Mark Weiser (1952-1999). He worked at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC, now an independent organization). PARC was more or less the birthplace of many developments that marked the PC era, such as the mouse, windows-based user interfaces, and the desktop metaphor (note that Xerox STAR preceded the Apple Lisa, which again preceded Microsoft Windows), laser printers, many concepts of computer supported cooperative work (CSCW) and media spaces, and much more. This success is contributed (among other reasons) to the fact that PARC managed to integrate technology research and humanities research (computer science and “human factors” in particular) in a truly interdisciplinary way. This is important to bear in mind since a considerable number of publications argue that the difference between UC and Ambient Intelligence was the more technology/networks-centered focus of the former and the more interdisciplinary nature of the latter that considered human and societal factors. We do not agree with this argument, in particular due to the nature of the original UC research at PARC—and the fact that quite a number of UC research labs worldwide try to follow the PARC mindset. Indeed, Mark Weiser concentrated so much on user aspects that quite a number of his first prototypes were mere mockups: during corresponding user studies, users had to imagine the technology side of the devices investigated and focus on use cases, ideal form factors and desired features, integration into a pretend intelligent environment, and so forth.
Ubiquitous and Pervasive Application Design
Authors: Bakhouya M. , Gaber J.
Published: May 2011

The recent evolution of network connectivity from wired connection to wireless to mobile access together with their crossing has engendered their widespread use with new network-computing challenges. More precisely, network infrastructures are not only continuously growing, but their usage is also changing and they are now considered to be the foundation of other new technologies. A related research area concerns ubiquitous and pervasive computing systems and their applications. The design and development of ubiquitous and pervasive applications require new operational models that will permit an efficient use of resources and services, and a reduction of the need for the administration effort typical in client-server networks (Gaber, 2000, 2006). More precisely, in ubiquitous and pervasive computing, to be able to develop and implement applications, new ways and techniques for resource and service discovery and composition need to be developed.
Web & RFID Technology
Authors: Memmola Massimo , Palumbo Giovanna , Rossini Mauro
Published: May 2011

Radio frequency identification (RFId) has recently begun to receive increased interest from practitioners and academics. This type of technology has been widely used in healthcare organizations for different purposes, like to localize patients, devices, and medical instruments. This chapter presents the results of a study in which we used RFId technology and modern systems of cost management methodologies (e.g., activity-based costing, activity-based management, and process management) in a “proof of application” aimed at defining some specific data on care needs of a person with a disability, costs of the main activities performed during the person’s rehabilitation process, and level of performance which could be reached in order to improve the “disability management” process, from a clinical as well as a managerial perspective.
Interactive Tables
Authors: Haller Michael , Billinghurst Mark
Published: May 2011

Interactive tables are becoming increasingly popular. In this chapter, we describe a collaborative tabletop environment that is designed for brainstorming meetings. After describing the user requirements, we demonstrate different possible solutions for both the display and the tracking implementation, and summarize related work. Finally, we conclude with a more detailed description of the Shared Design Space. Using a digital pen, participants can annotate not only virtual paper, but also real printouts. By integrating both forms of physical and digital paper, we combine virtual and real drawings, three-dimensional models, and digital data in a single information space. We discuss the unique way that we have integrated these devices and how they can be used efficiently during a design process.
RFID as the Critical Factor for Superior Healthcare Delivery
Authors: Dwivedi A. , Butcher T.
Published: May 2011

Innovations in information and communication technologies (ICTs) have transformed the manner in which healthcare organizations function. Applications of concepts such as data warehousing and data mining have exponentially increased the amount of information that a healthcare organization has access to. Work flow and associated Internet technologies are being seen as instruments to cut administrative expenses. Specifically designed ICT implementations, such as work flow tools, are being used to automate the electronic paper flow in a managed care operation, thereby cutting administrative expenses (Dwivedi, Bali, & Naguib, 2005, p. 44; Latamore, 1999). These recent innovations in the use of ICT applications in a healthcare context have altered the manner in which healthcare institutions exploit clinical and nonclinical data. The pendulum has shifted from the early 1980s, wherein the emphasis of ICT solutions for healthcare was on storage of data in an electronic medium, the prime objective of which was to allow exploitation of this data at a later point in time. As such, most of the early 1980s ICT applications in healthcare were built to provide support for retrospective information retrieval needs and, in some cases, to analyze the decisions undertaken. Clinical data that was traditionally used in a supportive capacity for historical purposes has today become an opportunity that allows healthcare stakeholders to tackle problems before they arise (Dwivedi et al., 2005).
Tapping into Digital Literacy
Authors: van ‘t Hooft Mark
Published: May 2011

With its potential and unique uses, healthcare is one of the major sectors where radio frequency identification (RFID) is being considered and adopted. Improving the healthcare supply chain, patient safety, and monitoring of critical processes are some of the key drivers that motivate healthcare industry participants to invest in this technology. Many forward-looking healthcare organizations have put the potential of RFID into practice and are realizing the benefits of it. This study examines these empirical applications and provides a framework of current RFID deployment in the healthcare industry and opportunities for continued deployment. This framework also presents a categorical analysis of the benefits that have been observed by the healthcare industry. In addition, major implementation challenges are discussed. The framework suggests asset management, inventory management, authenticity management, identity management, and process management are the broad areas in which RFID adoptions can be categorized.
Consumer Attitudes toward RFID Usage
Authors: Boslau Madlen , Lietke Britta
Published: May 2011

Ubiquitous computing environments grant organizations a multitude of dynamic context data emanating from embedded and mobile components. Such data may enhance organizations’ understanding of the different contexts in which they act. However, extant IS literature indicates that the utility of context data is frequently hampered by a priori interpretations of context embodied within the acquiring technologies themselves. Building on a 5-year canonical action research study within the Swedish transport industry, this paper reports an attempt to shift the locus of interpretation of context data by rearranging an assemblage of embedded, mobile, and stationary technologies. This was done by developing a vertical standard as a means to inscribe interpretive flexibility of context data. With the objective to extend the current understanding of how to enable crossorganizational access to reinterpretable context data, the paper contributes with an analysis of existing design requirements for context-aware ecosystems. This analysis reveals the complexity of accomplishing collaborative linkages between socio-technical elements in ubiquitous computing environments, and highlights important implications for research and practice.
Security and Reliability of RFID Technology in Supply Chain Management
Authors: Modrák Vladimír , Knuth Peter
Published: May 2011

RFID (radio frequency identification) technology can be expressed in the most universal manner as wireless identification technology, which does not need the line-of-sight to be read or written. It offers enhancement of identification technologies like barcode technology. Optical barcode technology was developed in 1948 by Silver and Woodland at Drexel Institute of Technology and first commercially used in 1966 (Adams, 2002). Barcode technology stores data in the widths and spacings of printed parallel lines, or in patterns of dots, concentric circles, and hidden within images. The most extended is UPC code which was invented in 1973 and since then became everyday part of our life. Other commonly used types of barcodes are Code 128, Code 93 (Groover, 1980) and DataMatrix 2D barcode. At this time, mostly the barcodes are keeping inventory and shipments moving. RFID technology has several advantages for managing and collecting object’s data or tracking it as it moves through the supply chain (SC). Two of them are related to the increased abilities of security and reliability of the identification systems. These two properties of identification technologies are equally important for their use in supply chain management (SCM). The purpose of this chapter is to highlight selected areas of this technology that may be critical specific aspects of further RFID development and applications. We have also discussed about differences between RFID and barcode technologies especially in terms of their use in SCM and concluded this article with expectations of further development of this still progressive technology.
Ubiquitous Connectivity & Work-Related Stress
Authors: Ramsay J. , Hair M. , Renaud K. V.
Published: May 2011

The way humans interact with one another in the 21st Century has been markedly influenced by the integration of a number of different communication technologies into everyday life, and the pace of communication has increased hugely over the past twenty-five years. This chapter introduces work by the authors that considers the ways one communication-based technology, namely e-mail, has impacted workers’ “thinking time”, and become both a “workplace stressor” and an indispensable communications tool. Our research involved both a longitudinal exploration (three months) of the daily e-mail interactions of a number of workers, and a survey of individuals’ perceptions of how e-mail influences their communication behavior in general, and their work-related communication in particular. Initial findings, in the form of individual differences, are reported here. The findings are presented in relation to the way workplace stressors have changed over the past quarter century.
Privacy Control Requirements for Context-Aware Mobile Services
Authors: Eldin Amr Ali , Stojanovic Zoran
Published: May 2011

With the rapid developments of mobile telecommunications technology over the last two decades, a new computing paradigm known as ‘anywhere and anytime’ or ‘ubiquitous’ computing has evolved. Consequently, attention has been given not only to extending current Web services and mobile service models and architectures, but increasingly also to make these services context-aware. Privacy represents one of the hot topics that has questioned the success of these services. In this chapter, we discuss the different requirements of privacy control in context-aware services architectures. Further, we present the different functionalities needed to facilitate this control. The main objective of this control is to help end users make consent decisions regarding their private information collection under conditions of uncertainty. The proposed functionalities have been prototyped and integrated in a UMTS location-based mobile services test bed platform on a university campus. Users have experienced the services in real time. A survey of users’ responses on the privacy functionality has been carried out and analyzed as well. Users’ collected response on the privacy functionality was positive in most cases. Additionally, results obtained reflected the feasibility and usability of this approach.
Plastic Interfaces for Ubiquitous Learning
Authors: Rouillard José
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents research around pervasive and ubiquitous computing, particularly oriented in the field of human learning. We are studying several solutions to deliver content over a heterogeneous networks and devices. Converting and transmitting documents across electronic networks is not sufficient. We have to deal with contents and containers simultaneously. Related work in interface adaptation and plasticity (the capacity of a user interface to withstand variations of both the system physical characteristics and the environment while preserving usability) is presented and some examples of context-aware adaptation are exposed. We present an adaptive pervasive learning environment, based on contextual QR Codes, where information is presented to learner at the appropriate time and place, and according to a particular task. This learning environment is called PerZoovasive, where learning activities take place in a zoo and are meant to enhance classroom activities.
Leveraging Semantic Technologies towards Social Ambient Intelligence
Authors: Joly Adrien , Maret Pierre , Bataille Fabien
Published: May 2011

These times, when the amount of information exponentially grows on the Internet, when most people can be connected at all times with powerful personal devices, we need to enhance, adapt, and simplify access to information and communication with other people. The vision of ambient intelligence which is a relevant response to this need brings many challenges in different areas such as context-awareness, adaptive human-system interaction, privacy enforcement, and social communications. The authors believe that ontologies and other semantic technologies can help meeting most of these challenges in a unified manner, as they are a bridge between meaningful (but fuzzy by nature) human knowledge and digital information systems. In this chapter, the authors will depict their vision of “Social Ambient Intelligence” based on the review of several uses of semantic technologies for context management, adaptive human-system interaction, privacy enforcement and social communications. Based on identified benefits and lacks, and on their experience, they will propose several research leads towards the realization of this vision.