bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mission-Critical Group Decision-Making
Authors: Shen Huizhang , Zhao Jidi , Huang Wayne W.
Published: May 2011

Review on group decision support systems (GDSS) indicates that traditional GDSS are not specifically designed to support mission-critical group decision-making tasks that require group decision- making to be made effectively within short time. In addition, prior studies in the research literature have not considered group decision preference adjustment as a continuous process and neglected its impact on group decision-making. In reality, group members may dynamically change their decision preferences during group decision-making process. This dynamic adjustment of decision preferences may continue until a group reaches consensus on final decision. This article intends to address this neglected group decision-making research issue in the literature by proposing a new approach based on the Markov chain model. Furthermore, a new group decision weight allocation approach is also suggested. A real case example of New Orleans Hurricane Katrina is used to illustrate the usefulness and effectiveness of the proposed approaches. Finally, the article concludes with the discussion on the proposed approaches and presents directions for future research.
A New Model for OnLine Doctoral Course Development with Faculty Quality Assessment
Authors: Schmidt Thomas M. , Shaw Michael
Published: May 2011

Differing methods of course development can lead to widely varying results. The University of Phoenix develops courses for both on-campus and online (e-learning) delivery, using electronic collaboration as well as in-person teamings. Course developers at the university rigorously measure feedback about course materials, and revise courses based on learners’ input. This article describes a model for developing and delivering e-learning doctoral-level curricula based on current research and a learner needs analysis. Suggestions for further improvements and surprising results about the most effective method for deriving e-learning materials are explored.
Enhancing Authentic Assessment Through Information Technology
Authors: Rubin Beth
Published: May 2011

Constructivist education usually involves authentic assessment, which is affected by the media used to teach. Information technology can enhance or hinder the authenticity of assessment in key ways. This chapter provides a framework to analyze the opportunities to enhance authenticity when assessment is mediated by information technology, as well as the limitations of IT mediation on authenticity. The degree of authenticity possible is determined by several aspects of the competence being assessed: the chronicity of access to and use of information, the durability of the display, the use of written, oral and non-verbal communication, and computer use. This framework is used to identify IT tools that enable more authentic assessment, as well as sample approaches. It identifies aspects of competences that may not be authentically assessed via information technologies, limitations on the use of technology, and future trends.
Virtual Constructivism
Authors: Nicosia Laura M.
Published: May 2011

Contemporary educators have been reassessing pedagogical frameworks and reevaluating accepted epistemologies and ontologies of learning. The age-old debate whether knowledge is gained or constructed seems drawn to a consensus in the 21st Century: those who seek knowledge are active participants in the learning process and they have uniquely 21st Century attributes. Web 2.0+ technologies, various social media (Facebook, MySpace, Blogger, YouTube) and online virtual reality environments (Second Life, World of Warcraft, Sims) have influenced today’s students in ways that constructivists should explore, embrace and exploit. This essay explores how Second Life (SL) effectively employs and distills the principles of educational constructivism. SL offers endless opportunities for immersion within user-constructed environments and activities. Educational use of SL may facilitate learner-led activities and yield learning that is prompted by desire and curiosity rather than learning for learning’s sake. By exploiting these qualities with constructivist pedagogies, educators create environments that challenge and enable students to engage in the deepest kinds of learning.
Creativity Assessment in Higher Education
Authors: Charyton Christine , Ivcevic Zorana , Plucker Jonathan A. , Kaufman James C.
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses creativity assessment as a means for evaluating skills required in higher education. Creativity is assessed in the context of the creative person, process, product and press or environment. Creativity is also measured differently in various domains, which we illustrate using divergent thinking tests. A historical view of creativity assessment is addressed with a substantive approach to understanding the construct of creativity, its measurement and evaluation, and the broader implications for use in higher education settings. The authors provide a comprehensive overview of the different ways creativity is assessed and hope to inform researchers concerned about finding ways to better individualize instruction and to evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs.
Qualitative and Quantitative Methods as Complementary Assessment Tools
Authors: Thompson Sheila S. , Vaccaro Annemarie
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this chapter is to address epistemological and methodological approaches to assessing assessment. The authors’ intent is to show how moving beyond paradigm wars and using multiple methods makes for good assessment. The authors explore ways qualitative and quantitative methods are complementary, as opposed to competing concepts, arguing that these methodologies in collaboration provide a much richer form of higher education assessment. The chapter begins with a review of the literature on qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method designs, which includes an overview of the history and contemporary landscape of the qualitative-quantitative debate. The chapter also highlights successful examples of mixed-method assessment at a mid-sized, private university, presented in general frameworks which can be used on any campus. The chapter concludes with recommendations for practitioners and future trends.
Effects of Assessment Results on a Writing and Thinking Rubric
Authors: Flateby Teresa
Published: May 2011

The development of the Cognitive Level and Quality of Writing Assessment online system is described in this chapter. Beginning with needs identified in a learning community program, the system evolved from a classroom analytic writing and thinking assessment rubric to an online system for classroom assessment and instructional purposes. Reflecting the assessment cycle, the system is equally appropriate for program or institutional assessment of student learning. Over a period of twelve years, assessment, survey, and research data guided changes and additions to the rubric and system. Preliminary data suggest using the system for peer review improves students’ writing and thinking.
Assessing Outcomes in a Technical Communication Capstone
Authors: D’Angelo Barbara , Maid Barry
Published: May 2011

Outcomes-based assessment provides data for programs to demonstrate student learning as a result of their enrollment in the program and to assess courses and curriculum. This chapter reports on the process used to develop an outcomes assessment initiative for the Multimedia Writing and Technical Communication Program at Arizona State University. The authors discuss details on the development of outcomes, the mapping of outcomes to the curriculum, the use of electronic portfolios to assess student writing using Phase 2 scoring procedures, and how results from the first three semesters of implementation are being used to evaluate and improve the program’s curriculum.
A Case Study of Instructional Delivery Formats
Authors: Aitken Joan
Published: May 2011

This chapter uses a case study to exemplify one approach to assessment of three instructional delivery formats: (a) online, (b) distance, satellite campuses, and (c) traditional onground format. Student competencies on learning outcomes in a basic interpersonal communication college course were analyzed on a core assessment project—a course assignment portfolio—using a department-approved assessment rubric. Scoring of 95 assessments suggested that significantly more students reached competency levels in the traditional format than in the distance and online formats. A high percentage of students in all three formats failed synthesis, conceptual, values, and critical literacy competencies. This assessment effort provides an example of how faculty can employ assessment as part of a continuous improvement cycle.
New Collaborations for Writing Program Assessment
Authors: Wittman John
Published: May 2011

This chapter argues that as primary stakeholders in writing program assessment, students and instructors need to be included proactively in assessment research. However, little research has been done to determine how to accomplish this methodologically even though assessment affects pedagogical practices, student populations, and public opinion about what constitutes good writing. Instead of traditional quantitative, psychometric research, the author argues assessment practitioners need to utilize local opportunities to discover native needs. He presents a program assessment project as an example of assessment research that focuses on local, contingent populations. Focus groups of students and teachers were used to create a dialogic conversation between stakeholders, and the results were used to design a new course in an existing developmental program—one that consciously and methodologically responded to both students’ and instructors’ needs.
A Technology-Focused Framework for Integrating Knowledge Management into Strategic Innovation Management
Authors: Henselewski Marc , Smolnik Stefan , Riempp Gerold
Published: May 2011

Today’s business environment is characterized by highly transparent markets and global competition. Technology life cycles are decreasing due to the fast pace at which development of new technologies is progressing. To compete in this environment, it is necessary to identify upcoming innovations and trends as early as possible to decrease uncertainty, implement technology leadership, and create competitive advantage. In a parallel development, the amount of information available is already vast and increasing daily. As a result of these developments, strategic innovation management has become increasingly challenging. The goal of our chapter is to investigate to what extent knowledge management technologies support and improve strategic innovation management to face the aforementioned problems successfully. Consequently, we will develop a characterization scheme which works as a framework for the subsequent evaluation of knowledge management technologies and apply this to a real-world case.
Challenges in Developing Knowledge Management Strategy
Authors: Bartczak Summer E. , Turner Jason M. , England Ellen C.
Published: May 2011

It is widely acknowledged that knowledge management (KM) strategy is a desired precursor to developing specific KM initiatives. Strategy development is often difficult due a variety of influences and constraints. Using KM influences as a foundation, this case study describes issues involved in developing a KM strategy for the Air Force Material Command, including issues to be considered for future strategy development such as leadership support and understanding, conflicts with IT organizations, funding, technology usage and configuration, and outsourcing.
Agents and Multi-Agent Systems in Supply Chain Management
Authors: Mitkas Pericles , Nikolaidou Paraskevi
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses the current state-of-the-art of agents and multi-agent systems (MAS) in supply chain management (SCM). Following a general description of SCM and the challenges it is currently ed with we present MAS as a possible solution to these challenge. We argue that an application involving multiple autonomous actors, such as SCM, can best be served by a software paradigm that relies on multiple independent software entities, like agents. The most significant current trends in this area and focusing on potential areas of further research. Furthermore, the authors believe that a clearer view on the current state-of-the-art and future extension will help researchers improve existing standards and solve remaining issues, eventually helping MAS-based SCM systems to replace legacy ERP software, but also give a boost on both areas of research separately.
Information Technology Adoption and the Role of Organizational Readiness
Authors: Tarafdar Monideepa , Vaidya Sanjiv D.
Published: May 2011

This case describes the evolution of the use of information technology (IT) at National Banking Services, one of the oldest banks in India. It describes the bank’s response to economic liberalization and the resulting initiatives for IT adoption. It highlights the influence of organizational readiness on IT adoption. In particular, it describes the negative influence on IT adoption of conditions such as the lack of top management support, skeptical end-user attitudes about the benefits of IT, and resistance from employee unions. The case ends with a description of the changing role of IT in the banking industry in India and the challenges confronting the bank.
Performance Evaluation of Consumer Decision Support Systems
Authors: Zhang Jiyong , Pu Pearl
Published: May 2011

Consumer decision support systems (CDSSs) help online users make purchasing decisions in e-commerce Web sites. To more effectively compare the usefulness of the various functionalities and interface features of such systems, we have developed a simulation environment for decision tasks of any scale and structure. Furthermore, we have identified three criteria in an evaluation framework for assessing the quality of such CDSSs: users’ cognitive effort, preference expression effort, and decision accuracy. A set of experiments carried out in such simulation environments showed that most CDSSs employed in current e-commerce Web sites are suboptimal. On the other hand, a hybrid decision strategy based on four existing ones was found to be more effective. The interface improvements based on the new strategy correspond to some of the advanced tools already developed in the research field. This result is therefore consistent with our earlier work on evaluating CDSSs with real users. That is, some advanced tools do produce more accurate decisions while requiring a comparable amount of user effort. However, the simulation environment will enable us to efficiently compare more advanced tools among themselves, and indicate further opportunities for functionality and interface improvements.
Decision Making by Emergency Room Physicians and Residents
Authors: Hine Michael J. , Farion Ken J. , Michalowski Wojtek , Wilk Szymon
Published: May 2011

Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) are typically constructed from expert knowledge and are often reliant on inputs that are difficult to obtain and on tacit knowledge that only experienced clinicians possess. Research described in this article uses empirical results from a clinical trial of a CDSS with a decision model based on expert knowledge to show that there are differences in how clinician groups of the same specialty, but different level of expertise, elicit necessary CDSS input variables and use said variables in their clinical decisions. This article reports that novice clinicians have difficulty eliciting CDSS input variables that require physical examination, yet they still use these incorrectly elicited variables in making their clinical decisions. Implications for the design of CDSS are discussed. [Article copies are available for purchase from InfoScion- Demand.com]
Open Content Distribution Management in Virtual Organizations
Authors: Hassan Amir , Hietanen Herkko
Published: May 2011

Future scenarios of organizations envision companies that are organized around a central knowledge base in the form of a network. It is assumed that each company contributes its own expertise and intellectual capital to the network’s knowledge base. This article discusses the use of open content distribution management systems (OCDMSs) in knowledge-intensive fields, such as content production and software development, in order to ensure seamless and open collaboration between the firms in the organization. OCDMSs offer participants several advantages. For instance, such systems can be seen as a way of enhancing the competitiveness of small and micro-sized knowledge-based firms by ensuring that each firm receives fair compensation for the content it develops. OCDMSs are revolutionary in the sense that they allow participants to contribute content to a common resource pool and add all the required metadata to the content. A common information pool where information is shared with well-defined rules lowers transaction costs between participating organizations. This article looks at one open content distribution management system that was developed in a university-industry research project and is being further developed by a company that is a spin-off company from the project.
Supply Network Planning Models Using Enterprise Resource Planning Systems
Authors: Srinivasan Sundar , Grasman Scott E.
Published: May 2011

The advent of the Web as a major means of conducting business transactions and business-tobusiness communications, coupled with evolving Web-based supply chain management (SCM) technology, has resulted in a transition period from “linear” supply chain models to “networked” supply chain models. Various software industry studies indicate that over the next five to seven years, interenterprise business relationships, information structures, and processes will evolve dramatically. Enterprises will blend internal production and supply chain processes with those of their external trading partners. Currently, organizations are finding creative ways to mitigate supply chain costs while maintaining operational efficiency. New approaches, technologies, and methodologies are aiding with these cost-cutting measures to drastically reduce supply chain costs and increase customer satisfaction. This chapter discusses the background of supply chain planning and execution systems, their role in an organization, and how they are aiding in collaboration. The chapter concludes with a case study on how a supply chain management system could help an organization be more effective.
Inter-Organizational Information Systems and Strategic Alliances
Authors: Bruque-Cámara Sebastián , Moyano-Fuentes José
Published: May 2011

In this chapter we analyze the relationships between the structures of inter-organizational information systems (IOS) and strategic alliances. The relationships between both structures tends to be framed within a collaborative dynamic in which the IOS serves the objectives of the alliance, thereby reinforcing the links that bind the alliance members together. However, in this chapter we also suggest that there may be a noncollaborative— that is, competitive—relationship between the IOS and the strategic alliance, especially when both structures compete for firms from the same sector and geographical area. To test our hypotheses we have analyzed a sample of 162 firms belonging to the agro-food sector in Spain.
The Impact of E-Commerce Customer Relationship Management in Business-to-Consumer E-Commerce
Authors: Ratnasingam Pauline
Published: May 2011

The growth of business-to-consumer (B2C) ecommerce has gained a lot of attention among SMEs. Most B2C firms are turning their attention on how to retain new customers and are left in a situation to compete with larger firms. This paper aims to examine the impact of E-Commerce Customer Relationship Management (ECCRM) in a small business firm that engages in B2C ecommerce. Drawing upon the theories of customer relationship management, e-commerce, trust and loyalty, we develop an integrated framework of ECCRM model to illustrate the impact of the hard and soft factors that reflect the level of transactional and relational components of communication thereby impacting the customers shopping time lifecycle experiences. We develop a number of hypotheses to facilitate testing of the framework via an exploratory case study. We then discuss the findings of the integrated framework leading to theoretical and practical implications of this study and directions for future research.
Enhancing Decision Support Systems with Spatial Capabilities
Authors: Sampaio Marcus Costa , de Souza Baptista Cláudio , de Sousa André Gomes , do Nascimento Fabiana Ferreira
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces spatial dimensions and measures as a means of enhancing decision support systems with spatial capabilities. By some way or other, spatial related data has been used for a long time; however, spatial dimensions have not been fully exploited. It is presented a data model that tightly integrates data warehouse and geographical information systems — so characterizing a spatial data warehouse (SDW) — ; more precisely, the focus is on a formalization of SDW concepts, on a spatial-aware data cube using object-relational technology, and on issues underlying a SDW — specially regarding spatial data aggregation operations. Finally, the MapWarehouse prototype is presented aiming to validate the ideas proposed. The authors believe that SDW allows for the efficient processing of queries that use, jointly, spatial and numerical temporal data (e.g., temporal series from summarized spatial and numerical measures).
A Mediator for Biospatial Information Systems
Authors: Barrera Renato , Alcántara Abraham , Alegría Carlos , Ávila Ana L. , Esparza David
Published: May 2011

This article presents a system to enable access to those Information Systems at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) that are related to Biodiversity and the Environment. The system in question associates existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS’s) as well as standard relational databases in a federation, allows the contents of the individual GIS (or relational databases) to be consulted in a manner transparent to the user, and permits the exports of the underlying systems’ data under the corresponding set of permissions. Our approach is based upon three principles: compliance with international standards, reliance upon Open Source Software in implementation, and usage of servers of proven reliability and robustness. [Article copies are available for purchase from InfoSci-on-Demand.com]
Design of the PromoPad
Authors: Zhu Wei , Owen Charles B. , Li Hairong , Lee Joo-Hyun
Published: May 2011

Augmented-reality technologies as a new way of human-computer interaction make possible real-time modification of our perception of reality without active user interference. This article introduces the prototype of an augmented-reality shopping-assistant device, the PromoPad, based on a handheld tablet PC allowing see-through vision with augmentations. While this new interaction utilizing augmented reality that places products into contextual settings can enhance shopping experience and suggest complementary products, it also has challenges and issues when used in a public environment such as a store setting. This article discusses the design and implementation of the PromoPad, and addresses the issues and possible solutions. The concept of dynamic contextualization is further investigated in this setting with a list of possible context modifications and their relation to advertising and the psychology of consumer purchasing.
P2P over MANETs
Authors: Oliveira Leonardo B. , Siqueira Isabela G. , Macedo Daniel F. , Nogueira José M. , Loureiro Antonio A.F.
Published: May 2011

Both Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs) and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks are decentralized self-organizing networks with a dynamic topology, used to route queries in a distributed environment. However, whilst MANETs are composed of resource-constrained devices susceptible to faults, P2P networks are popular for their resilience and fault-tolerance. This makes P2P networks the ideal data sharing system for MANETs. This chapter focuses on the integration of these networks. More specifically, the authors evaluate routing strategies of both the network layer and the application layer. Their results indicate that the performance of the protocols depends greatly on the environment and point out the need for new approaches.
Wireless Peer-to-Peer Media Streaming
Authors: Yeung Mark Kai-Ho , Kwok Yu-Kwong
Published: May 2011

The widespread deployment of competing wireless technologies has created new research opportunities. In particular, the authors consider media streaming in hybrid wireless networks where each mobile device is equipped with two wireless network interfaces: server interface and peer interface. The server interface connects wireless clients to the server while the peer interface allows neighboring clients to communicate with one another. The two interfaces have different energy characteristics. In this chapter, the authors first give a brief account of P2P media streaming in wireless operating environments. They then survey and analyze the current state-of-the-art in tackling the security and performance issues in P2P media streaming systems. In view of the deficiencies of the existing approaches, they introduce new approaches based on game theoretic concepts. Specifically, the authors propose two collaborating relationships in which neighboring clients utilize both interfaces to share the energy cost of retrieving media content from the server. Their results show that the proposed relationships improve the streaming performance of peers without violating their energy consumption constraints. Moreover, both relationships are stable when clients neither unilaterally deviate nor voluntarily leave as a group.
Mobile P2P in Cellular Mobile Networks
Authors: Tutschku Kurt , Berl Andreas , Hossfeld Tobias , de Meer Hermann
Published: May 2011

The telecommunication industry has recently seen two areas with very high growth rates: cellular networks, for example, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) or UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), and P2P (Peer-to-Peer) file-sharing applications. A combination of both might be highly attractive: a) for attracting new users; and b) for exploiting the potential of cellular broadband technologies. From a system’s perspective, architectures and performance figures of cellular mobile network applications and services that have edge-based intelligence (e.g,. P2P applications) are, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, less researched and many questions remain open. This chapter presents the design of MP2P (Mobile P2P) applications for cellular mobile networks by using the example of a MP2P content-distribution application. First, the incompatibilities between the P2P paradigm and properties of cellular mobile networks are identified. Then, a design methodology for MP2P applications for cellular mobile networks is proposed. The proposed method is based on a functional analysis of the two basic P2P functions, resource mediation and resource access control. The result is a hybrid P2P content-distribution architecture, which is enhanced by different operator-controlled infrastructure elements. The suggested architecture does not only overcome incompatibilities between P2P and cellular mobile communication systems, it also meets the functional needs and performance requirements of future P2P applications in cellular environments, while still largely preserves the user characteristics and efficiency of P2P systems. Finally, the performance enhancements by the architecture for the two basic P2P functions are investigated by comprehensive simulative and analytical performance evaluations.
Evaluation Platform for Large Scale P2P Mobile Ad-hoc Networks
Authors: Kummer Raphaël , Kropf Peter , Wagen Jean-Frédéric , Maret Timothée
Published: May 2011

Many innovative P2P algorithms designed for mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs) have been designed to scale smoothly when handling a very large number of nodes and transmissions. To cope with the complexity of software development for large-scale MANETs, simulations are widely used instead because hardware implementations are too costly. Simulations are very well suited to testing and evaluating concepts, but when implementing algorithms for testing on target systems, unexpected problems can often surface. Thus, once simulations have provided satisfactory results, emulation is a more desirable approach for detecting and handling unexpected behavior before committing to large-scale deployment. In particular, given that large P2P testbeds require a large number of devices spread over a prohibitive space and are limited by complex programming models, the authors are featuring a Java-based emulator called Freemote. To demonstrate some of the practical advantages of combining simulation and emulation, Freemote makes it possible to integrate real and emulated nodes, and the real nodes (JMotes) run exactly the same Java programs as emulated nodes. Since the JMotes are still not very widely used, the Freemote emulator and JMotes have been designed to be compatible with the more popular Berkeley’s motes. Furthermore, remarkable visualization and development tools have been implemented to undertake large-scale emulation of ad-hoc algorithms, featuring a high level of realism. Freemote has been tested in emulations for up to 10,000 nodes, distributed over ten computers (refer to a preceding chapter of this book “P2P Information Lookup, Collection and Distribution in Mobile Ad-Hoc Network” for a test application running DHT algorithms). In this chapter, the authors present the Freemote platform along with the results of a brief comparison of emulation and simulation experiments.
Experiences with Software Architecture Analysis of Usability
Authors: Folmer Eelke , Bosch Jan
Published: May 2011

Software engineers and human computer interaction engineers have come to the understanding that usability is not something that can be “added” to a software product during late stage, since to a certain extent it is determined and restricted by architecture design. Cost effectively developing a usable system must include developing an architecture, which supports usability. Because software engineers in industry lacked support for the early evaluation of usability, we defined a generalized four-step method for software architecture level usability analysis called SALUTA. In this article, we report on a number of experiences and problems we observed when performing architecture analysis of usability at three industrial case studies performed in the domain of Web-based enterprise systems. Suggestions or solutions are provided for solving or avoiding these problems so organizations facing similar problems may learn from our experiences.
Web-Based Video for e-Learning
Authors: Snelson Chareen
Published: May 2011

The recent explosive growth of Web-based video has expanded the repository of free content that can be tapped into for e-learning. Millions of video clips are now available online and more are uploaded each day. Since the creation of YouTubeTM in 2005, a video clip phenomenon has swept the Internet. Never before has it been so easy to locate, record, and distribute video online. This opens intriguing possibilities for teaching, learning, and course design for e-learning. This chapter introduces Web-based video as a new form of educational motion picture, delves into technical aspects of Web 2.0 video tools, describes instructional strategies that integrate Web-based video clips in e-learning, and examines barriers that could potentially inhibit its use. Future directions are also discussed.
Using Technology to Reintegrate Learning and Doing
Authors: Thomas Chris Allen
Published: May 2011

“Learning” has classically been subdivided into education and training. Whereas education occurs in classroom-type settings and takes one away from work, the vocational nature of training means that much of the learning goes on in the process of work or preparing for work. In addition, pressures arising from globalism and the transition from a manufacturing-based to an information-based economy have led to an increased need to train our workforce. In order to survive and remain competitive in this changing landscape, companies such as IBM have over the past two decades taken a renewed look at learning and embraced technological innovations that allow training to dovetail seamlessly into work. This chapter looks at some of the learning solutions IBM has developed to meet these challenges. The solutions have implications for how we as a society view the construct of education.
Trainees' Views Regarding Emphasis and Adequacy for Work of Institution-Based Automotive Training in Kenya and State of Victoria, Australia
Authors: Kitainge Kisilu M.
Published: May 2011

The foundation for a productive, efficient and effective workforce is high quality and relevant training and ideally, educators, policy makers and the industry practitioners should agree on what should be included in training programs. This chapter discusses views of automotive trainees about whether or not they believed their training was directed appropriately towards work within the automotive industry of the future. Data was collected from automotive trainees located in Kenya and Australia. Data was obtained by use of questionnaires and analyzed with both quantitative and qualitative foci. The questions asked regarded the emphasis of training, the content of training, the facilities in training and coping with technological change in the workplace. Data were discussed according to three themes on generic skills, adequacy of training to work requirements and training facilities. In both countries, it was found that there is a need for more realignment of training offering to the future industry requirements. It is recommended that a consultative approach should be used in the training programs design with a view to reducing the gap between industry requirements and training offerings.
The Impact of E-Learning on CTE from an Adult Education Perspective
Authors: Gordon Ian , Quick Don , Lyons Linda
Published: May 2011

This chapter provides an alternative approach to career and technical education (CTE) and the use of e-learning technologies. The authors suggested that, by shifting our emphasis in education from the development of people to meet occupational and economic needs to the development of people as individuals, they might become more successful in meeting occupational and economic goals. Based on lifelong learning, we concentrated on experiential learning, critical reflection, transformative learning, and learning communities as best educational practices. Having established the pedagogical basis for lifelong learning, they will then focus on the impact of e-learning and how it can be used to foster and develop these practices. The authors then discuss how these technologies can be used to help create lifelong learners and a learning society. The authors conclude with a discussion of two groups of CTE learners and how the use of e-learning technologies may help meet their learning, career and life goals.
Supervising Projects and Dissertations
Authors: Saltiel Iris M. , Witte Maria Martinez , Witte James E.
Published: May 2011

Supervising projects and dissertations within Career Technical Education requires a complimentary medley of skills, strategies and technologies appropriate for the intended learning outcomes. As the communication mechanism has evolved – the task has changed. The interpersonal dynamics of supervision conducted through electronic means is more complex and intricate. Technology presents challenges on behalf of both faculty and students engaged in a project or dissertation. Difficulties for faculty include the time technology takes to use, and adapting class materials that do not count towards promotion or tenure. Student concerns include not having the right technological equipment and being isolated. Faculty supervising projects and dissertations are using more innovative strategies such as online resources and working with students in groups.
Fostering Online Communities of Practice in Career and Technical Education
Authors: Farmer Lesley
Published: May 2011

Career and vocational educators (CTE) need to find ways to foster online communities of practice (CoP) in order to optimize learning and application of knowledge to real workplaces. Not only do students engage more actively in their learning, but they gain from multiple perspectives, and can develop more complex projects with the help of others. Instruction needs to be designed to help students get to know each other, and collaborate. Technological tools can facilitate such interaction, overcoming time and space issues. Particularly as WebWeb 2.0 tools facilitate collaboration, online CoPs can thrive. Nevertheless, equity issues of physical and intellectual access need to be considered when creating such online learning environments.
Federal Funding for Career and Technical Education
Authors: Webb Marietta A.
Published: May 2011

Federal funding for Career Technical Education (CTE) programs is critical to the expansion and success of training a skilled workforce to meet the needs of labor markets. The Morrill Act of 1862 was the first federal law to provide support to build agricultural and mechanical colleges and universities. Federal support continued through the decades with Perkins IV being the current legislation with funding guidelines for CTE programs. Today’s educational systems are faced with the task of providing rigorous and relevant educational programs with the mission of developing productive citizens capable of competing in a global society. This mission cannot be accomplished without continued federal funding support.
Facilitating Scholarly Discussion Boards for Human Resource Education
Authors: Mupinga Davison M. , Bartlett II James E. , Bartlett Michelle E.
Published: May 2011

Distance education is continuing to grow in popularity in postsecondary education. Over 75 percent of community colleges are offering some form of distance career and technical education (Johnson, Benson, Duncan, Shinkareva, Taylor, & Treat, 2004). While there are a variety of ways to deliver distance education instruction, the Internet has become the most widely used communication channel. There is an array of educational technology tools that allow instructors and students to communicate synchronously and asynchronously. Discussion boards, an asynchronous tool, are being used widely in a variety of courses. This chapter addresses how to facilitate scholarly discussion boards for human resource education.
Using E-Learning to Increase Opportunities in CTE and Adult Education
Authors: Lyons Linda , Quick Don , Gordon Ian
Published: May 2011

Faced with the challenge of training Career & Technical Educators (CTE) in rural areas, the authors developed a hybrid delivery system that would minimize and condense face-to-face instruction, while integrating distance components through the use of two-way interactive technology and an online course management system. The program described in this chapter is for new teachers, designed to model classroom teaching techniques, methods of delivery, and best teaching practices. The online components combined with the two-way interactive system give new teachers the opportunity to shares ideas and issues with the whole class, either face-to-face or online. This model is based on the premise that the new teacher will also obtain many teaching skills by being actively engaged in the teaching process, guided by a capable mentor at her site. The purpose of this chapter is to unveil an e-learning model that accommodates distance students, especially those in the teaching profession.
Cultural Issues in Adult Education
Authors: Poirier Sandra , Wooldridge Deborah
Published: May 2011

Adult educators internationally are being asked to transform the pressures of cultural diversity in their classrooms into opportunities for all learners in the Information Age. Good teachers not only convey a body of knowledge to their students, but they are also aware of how to convey that knowledge by connecting their own experiences with their students’ experiences of the world. Only by the instructor understanding and respecting the students’ language, culture, and knowledge will students be able to achieve optimal academic success to build their future. The challenge today for all adult educators is to develop a personal action plan for cultural competence that helps to ensure their classrooms are grounded on respect for cultural diversity and academic achievement for all.
Glad to Have Taken the STEPS
Authors: Danaher Geoff , Todorovic Violeta
Published: May 2011

This chapter focuses on aspects that contribute to successful online learning in the Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) bridging program at CQUniversity in Australia. The program, which aims to instill the aptitudes, values and attitudes for effective university study in interrupted adult learners, has been running for 22 years and has had an online component for off campus students since 2006. Among the challenges involved in developing the online program have been promoting the value of critical reflection, recognizing the importance of learning as process to complement a focus on learning as product, and configuring an effective constructive alignment between factors shaping the learning and teaching process. The role of teachers’ reflective practices and students’ use of an online discussion forum in meeting these challenges is explored.
Understanding the Online Learner
Authors: Schmidt Steven W.
Published: May 2011

The expansion of distance education programs has allowed institutions of higher education to be successful in their collective mission to make educational programs more accessible to adults who normally would not have that access. Indeed, online learning has brought education to the people. Access to school is now as simple as logging on to the Internet in the privacy of one’s own home. Who are these students taking courses online? Why are they in online courses versus traditional classrooms? What is different about them, about their situations, and their expectations? Why are some online learners successful and others not? Why do some online learners continue to work through programs while others drop out? For online learning programs to be successful in the long term, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the online learner. This chapter examines the adult online learner in higher education.
The Dynamic of a Living Lecture in Career and Technical Education
Authors: Henschke John A.
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces the lecture as a long standard learning technique. The background is provided with the extensive value and scope, including the elements of good lectures. Weakness of the lecture centers around its being overused and/or misused. Strengths of the lecture include its familiarity, well accepted, and provides much information in a short period of time. A theoretical context is provided for maximizing the benefit of a lecture, which includes: guiding questions for use; a foundational learning theory; stressing engagement and interaction as integral; and, a large group theory to heighten engagement and interaction. Actually coupling listening teams (clarification, rebuttal, elaboration, application) with the lecture will make the lecture dynamic and vibrant. Fifteen additional groupings with varying purposes may be used to enhance the lecture with further engagement and interaction. Future trends will see stronger emphasis on including other supportive learning techniques in conjunction with the lecture to enhance its value and benefit.
Three Theoretical Perspectives on Informal Learning at Work
Authors: Ziegler Mary F.
Published: May 2011

The workplace is a key arena for learning in today’s society. The spiraling demand for knowledge in the workplace has increased interest in informal learning. In the field of adult education, informal learning has been recognized as one of the primary ways that adults learn throughout their lives. Although there are numerous informal learning approaches, the goal of this chapter is to explore three theoretical perspectives of informal learning in the workplace: individual, social and integrated. These perspectives raise issues as well as highlight the limitations and benefits of informal workplace learning. The chapter concludes with solutions and recommendations for dealing with the issues and implications for the practice of adult education.
Cognitive Development
Authors: Xiao Jin
Published: May 2011

Adults continue to learn and revise their representation of knowledge scheme with a rational reflection on previous experience and interlink to action in the social setting. There is little knowledge about this cognitive process in China as collectivist conformity to a totalitarian state has been the mainstream culture. This chapter presents a case of cognitive development of a group of university graduates who started their first career in NGOs. The stretching-on four stages of cognitive development are represented as: a) Getting away from the authority reference; b) Landing on opened-up horizons of reflection; c) Building up interlinks across knowledge scheme and action; and d) Linking cycles of experience with appropriation.
Understanding Global Information Technology and Outsourcing Dynamics
Authors: Yoder Robert , Eccarius-Kelly Vera , Cherukuri Suvarna
Published: May 2011

This chapter provides information technology (IT) project leaders, call center management, researchers, and educators with an analytical tool to examine current concerns and anticipate future trends related to globalization and information technology. The authors propose to use a multi-lens analysis as a framework for evaluating outsourcing opportunities. This approach offers a valuable and effective full-circle methodology for assessing technological, political, organizational, economic, legal, educational, and cultural considerations that encourage a fuller understanding of the issues, problems, and opportunities that globalization and technological innovation creates. An understanding of these factors related to outsourcing and other technical collaborative projects can avoid costly miscalculations, reduce misunderstandings, and promote mutually beneficial results. Outsourcing is part of a larger socio-political and cultural process, and extends beyond the narrow parameters of economic and technological considerations. The discussion of the various lenses is supported by relevant material from case studies and qualitative interview data collected by the authors in Germany and India from IT experts, call center managers, and call center agents.
An Application of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model for Strategic Outsourcing for Effective Supply-Chain Linkages
Authors: Kwat N.K. , Lee Chang Won
Published: May 2011

An appropriate outsourcing and supply-chain planning strategy needs to be based on compromise and more objective decision-making procedures. Although factors affecting business performance in manufacturing firms have been explored in the past, focuses are on financial performance and measurement, neglecting intangible and nonfinancial factors in the decision-making planning process. This study presents development of an integrated multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model. This model aids in allocating outsourcing and supply-chain resources pertinent to strategic planning by providing a satisfying solution. The model was developed based on the data obtained from a business firm producing intelligent home system devices. This developed model will reinforce a firm’s ongoing outsourcing strategies to meet defined requirements while positioning the supply-chain system to respond to a new growth and innovation.