bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Webspace Method
Authors: van Zwol Roelof , Apers Peter M.G.
Published: May 2011

The main objective of this chapter is to present the Webspace Method for modeling and querying Web-based document collections. When focusing on limited domains of the Internet, like intranets, digital libraries, and large Web sites, document collections can be found that have a high multimedia and semistructured character. Furthermore, the content of such document collections can be assumed to contain related information. Based on conceptual modelling, the Webspace Method introduces a new schema-based approach to enhance the precision, when searching such document collections. The Webspace Method allows queries to be composed that combine information stored in several documents to satisfy the user’s information need, whereas traditional search engines are only capable of querying a single document at a time. Furthermore, a query over a Webspace allows a user to formulate his information need as the result of a query over a Webspace directly, rather than a collection of URLs pointing to the possible relevant documents.
Specification of Web Applications with ADM-2
Authors: Atzeni Paolo , Parente Alessio
Published: May 2011

A model and a language for the description of data-intensive Web applications and a methodology for their development are proposed. The model and the language are extensions of ADM and Penelope, respectively, the model and language defined in the Araneus project. ADM and Penelope were originally developed for “read-only” sites, whereas here, behavioral aspects are introduced. All operations are associated with links or buttons in pages, as users request actions by selecting them, and actions can be basic updates on a database (or combinations thereof) or calls to external modules, defined only by means of interfaces. The management of user privileges is also taken into account.
Cooperative Learning and Virtual Reality-Based Visualization for Data Mining
Authors: Viktor Herna , Paquet Eric , le Roux Gys
Published: May 2011

Data mining concerns the discovery and extraction of knowledge chunks from large data repositories. In a cooperative datamining environment, more than one data mining tool collaborates during the knowledge discovery process. This chapter describes a data mining approach used to visualize the cooperative data mining process. According to this approach, visual data mining consists of both data and knowledge visualization. First, the data are visualized during both data preprocessing and data mining. In this way, the quality of the data is assessed and improved throughout the knowledge discovery process. Second, the knowledge, as discovered by the individual learners, is assessed and modified through the interactive visualization of the cooperative data mining process and its results. The knowledge obtained from the human domain expert also forms part of the process. Finally, the use of virtual reality-based visualization is proposed as a new method to model both the data and its descriptors.
Mining Text Documents for Thematic Hierarchies Using Self-Organizing Maps
Authors: Yang Hsin-Chang , Lee Chung-Hong
Published: May 2011

Recently, many approaches have been devised for mining various kinds of knowledge from texts. One important application of text mining is to identify themes and the semantic relations among these themes for text categorization. Traditionally, these themes were arranged in a hierarchical manner to achieve effective searching and indexing as well as easy comprehension for human beings. The determination of category themes and their hierarchical structures was mostly done by human experts. In this work, we developed an approach to automatically generate category themes and reveal the hierarchical structure among them. We also used the generated structure to categorize text documents. The document collection was trained by a self-organizing map to form two feature maps. We then analyzed these maps and obtained the category themes and their structure. Although the test corpus contains documents written in Chinese, the proposed approach can be applied to documents written in any language, and such documents can be transformed into a list of separated terms.
Bayesian Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery
Authors: Lauria Eitel J.M. , Tayi Giri Kumar
Published: May 2011

One of the major problems faced by data-mining technologies is how to deal with uncertainty. The prime characteristic of Bayesian methods is their explicit use of probability for quantifying uncertainty. Bayesian methods provide a practical method to make inferences from data using probability models for values we observe and about which we want to draw some hypotheses. Bayes’ Theorem provides the means of calculating the probability of a hypothesis (posterior probability) based on its prior probability, the probability of the observations, and the likelihood that the observational data fits the hypothesis. The purpose of this chapter is twofold: to provide an overview of the theoretical framework of Bayesian methods and its application to data mining, with special emphasis on statistical modeling and machine-learning techniques; and to illustrate each theoretical concept covered with practical examples. We will cover basic probability concepts, Bayes’ Theorem and its implications, Bayesian classification, Bayesian belief networks, and an introduction to simulation techniques.
Social, Ethical and Legal Issues of Data Mining
Authors: Cook Jack S. , Cook Laura L.
Published: May 2011

This chapter highlights both the positive and negative aspects of Data Mining (DM). Specifically, the social, ethical, and legal implications of DM are examined through recent case law, current public opinion, and small industry-specific examples. There are many issues concerning this topic. Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is to expose the reader to some of the more interesting ones and provide insight into how information systems (IS) professionals and businesses may protect themselves from the negative ramifications associated with improper use of data. The more experience with and exposure to social, ethical, and legal concerns with respect to DM, the better prepared you will be to prevent trouble down the road.
Introduction
Authors: Asprey Len , Middleton Michael
Published: May 2011

This chapter provides a brief historical perspective on the evolution of document types and introduces a new document paradigm that has emerged with digitization. It reviews the role of documents in the overall context of today’s business world. The review then covers the contributions made by various disciplines to our understanding of the evolution of DMS and the emergence of solutions for managing content of documents, particularly for Web presentation. This chapter also introduces the benefits of an integrative approach to document and Web content management solutions. Our objectives are to: • Provide some historical background and show its influence on contemporary approaches to document management. • Examine the way a “document” is presently understood and how this may vary according to disciplinary background. • Review technological developments that have impacted on the evolution of document formats and methods of registering documents. • Review the development of DMS and show how the consideration of systems for managing documents and their content has been heavily influenced by the emergence of digital documents. • Consider the emergence of Content Management Systems (CMS) within the overall evolutionary development of document technologies. • Introduce an integrative approach to planning and implementing solutions for document and Web content management, depicted in an IDCM planning model. • Cover the high-level features of the IDCM model, which comprises a management framework and conceptual systems architecture.
Characteristics of Enterprise Document Environments
Authors: Asprey Len , Middleton Michael
Published: May 2011

We now review how business and government enterprises that have yet to embark upon IDCM may be managing processing of different document types. We provide a generic description of each type on the assumption that most organizations can apply relevant elements to their specific environments. Because of the complexities in describing the typical document environments, we structure the review into the following sections: • Digital office documents for such documents in general; • Electronic mail (email); • Technical and engineering drawings; • Document imaging; • Web content; and • Physical documents. Our objectives are to provide a description of the functionality that applies in each of these environments and to provide an indication of the limitations that apply for each of the document types. Therefore, at the end of each section, we have included a brief generic checklist. The checklists avoid expressing limitations with respect to specified types of business. We do not endeavor to be exhaustive or prescriptive. The checklists are provided to provoke readers to undertake further research and identify limitations with their own enterprise document environments and to build their own lists of limitations. We begin by describing typical methods used for managing electronic or digital office documents in general.1
Feasibility Study
Authors: Asprey Len , Middleton Michael
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we examine the relevance of using a feasibility study as a key component of life cycle management that may be used when embarking on an IDCM project. The feasibility study may be used to conduct a preliminary investigation of requirements and to determine the operational, technical, and financial feasibility of an IDCM project. As noted in the preface, we observed that many DMS projects, promoted and initiated by proponents of document management, are not developed to reach desired outcomes. Instead, there are results, such as the cancellation of a project midway through its life cycle, or project delays and misadventure due to nonalignment with business objectives, lack of project ownership and executive management resolve, or inability to implement effective change management. Therefore, enterprises should consider the feasibility study as an essential component of the IS life cycle for an IDCM project. If an enterprise adopts the “rule of thumb” philosophy that a project is 80% planning and 20% implementation, then the feasibility study is a core component of that planning. If an enterprise does not get the preliminary planning and definition correct during the feasibility study, then it is unlikely to get it right at all.
Building the Business Case
Authors: Asprey Len , Middleton Michael
Published: May 2011

This chapter covers the development of a business case for the acquisition and implementation of an IDCM strategy. It provides insights to assist managers faced with the perplexity of acquiring executive management commitment and resources (budget funding, people, and services) for an IDCM solution. The objectives are to: • Discuss the role of the business case. • Position the business case within the context of the IDCM project life-cycle. • Consider the type of methodology that support business case analysis and preparation of the Business Case Report. • Review the challenges faced by practitioners in championing IDCM projects. • Discuss real-world strategies for aligning IDCM strategies with business planning imperatives. • Discuss the role of pathfinder systems. • Review typical considerations for cost–benefit analysis of IDCM solution options. • Provide a structure for the Business Case Report.
Functional Requirements - Email Management
Authors: Asprey Len , Middleton Michael
Published: May 2011

In Chapter 4, we indicated that there were various technology options available to organizations for capturing email as a record of a business transaction. We briefly examined the characteristics of two options for capturing email: • Direct capture of email using an email management system; and • End-user-invoked capture of email by saving an email to a DMS. In this chapter, we examine the functional requirements that may be appropriate when compiling a specification for managing email using either the direct capture method or save to DMS. The objectives are as follows: • Consider requirements for managing email that evidences a business transaction or activity. • Consider some technology solution options. • Review the functionality that might apply when defining requirements for capturing email as a record of a business transaction or activity.
Functional Requirements - Physical Office Documents
Authors: Asprey Len , Middleton Michael
Published: May 2011

This chapter addresses the functionality for managing physical office documents using IDCM technology, so that the organization has a solution that enables them to manage digital and physical documents. Our objectives are as follows: • Consider the context of the requirement to manage specific types of physical documents as a business record. • Analyze some key aspects of the functional requirements that are relevant when registering and managing physical documents. • Provide a checklist to guide enterprises that might act as a primer for defining their requirements for managing physical files and documents.
Functional Requirements - Web Content Management
Authors: Asprey Len , Middleton Michael
Published: May 2011

When we looked at the characteristics of document and Web content management in Chapter 3, we noted that there could be many limitations with how enterprises manage content published to Web sites. In Chapter 4, we demonstrated that subsystems exist within the IDCM framework to address these types of limitations. The importance of relevant and timely content cannot be understated. Its presence has a significant impact on the quality, effectiveness, and popularity of a Web site, with some observers (Chatelain & Yen, 2000) jesting that “content is the next frontier” on the Internet. If visitors to a site are not satisfied with its content, the “one click” factor applies — these visitors are one click away from moving from one Web site to another site. Depending on the nature of the Web site, the effectiveness of content might be measurable using a range of performance criteria. For example, transactional logs stored on Web servers may provide an indication of how much navigation is carried out within a site. There has also been a great deal of analysis of how the content may best be structured in an information architecture (Rosenfeld & Morville, 1998), and development of evaluation schemes that establish qualitative criteria for evaluation of various factors, such as how the functionality, design, authority, and validity of a site influence the substance of the content (Auer, 2002). In this chapter, we extend our discussion on the capabilities of IDCM systems to manage Web content, irrespective of whether the content is targeted for Internet or intranet sites. We review the functional requirements for a managed IDCM environment that provides cohesive end-to-end management of processes associated with the development and management of Web content. Our objectives are as follows: • Review the types of functionality offered by IDCM solutions for implementing management services over the Web content life-cycle. • Provide a checklist of functionality that provides a primer for organizations when considering their specific requirements for managing Web content.
The Myth of Enterprise Database Redesign
Authors: Paper David , Tingey Kenneth B. , Mok Wai Yin
Published: May 2011

This chapter illustrates how IT-enabled business process reengineering can fail if top management fails to understand the underlying process problems and limitations of data-centric enterprise software. Vicro Communications (we use a pseudonym to mask the organization’s name) attempted to reengineer its basic business processes with the aid of data-centric enterprise software. Vicro management however made the mistake of relying completely on enterprise software to improve the performance of its business processes. It was hoped that the software would increase information sharing, process efficiency, standardization of IT platforms, and data mining/warehousing capabilities. Management however made no attempt to rethink existing processes before embarking on a very expensive implementation of the software. Unfortunately for Vicro, the reengineering effort failed miserably even after investing hundreds of millions of dollars in software implementation. As a result, performance was not improved and the software is being phased out. By using a phenomenological approach, we were able to socially construct the events surrounding the case to gain a rich understanding of what really happened. From deep analysis, we were able to develop emergent theory about a set of factors influencing enterprise database integration success.
A Multidimensional Data Warehouse Development Methodology
Authors: Cavero Jose Maria , Costilla Carmen , Marcos Esperanza , Piattini Mario G. , Sanchez Adolfo
Published: May 2011

Data warehousing and online analytical processing (OLAP) technologies have become growing interest areas in recent years. Specific issues such as conceptual modeling, schemes translation from operational systems, physical design, etc. have been widely treated. A few methodologies covering the entire development cycle have also been proposed, but there is still not a general, accepted, complete methodology for data warehouse design. In this work we present a multidimensional data warehouse development methodology integrated within a traditional software development methodology.
Mediating the Tension between Information Privacy and Information Access
Authors: Duncan George T. , Roehrig Stephen F.
Published: May 2011

Government agencies collect and disseminate data that bear on the most important issues of public interest. Advances in information technology, particularly the Internet, have multiplied the tension between demands for evermore comprehensive databases and demands for the shelter of privacy. In mediating between these two conflicting demands, agencies must address a host of difficult problems. These include providing access to information while protecting confidentiality, coping with health information databases, and ensuring consistency with international standards. The policies of agencies are determined by what is right for them to do, what works for them, and what they are required to do by law. They must interpret and respect the ethical imperatives of democratic accountability, constitutional empowerment, and individual autonomy. They must keep pace with technological developments by developing effective measures for making information available to a broad range of users. They must both abide by the mandates of legislation and participate in the process of developing new legislation that is responsive to changes that affect their domain. In managing confidentiality and data access functions, agencies have two basic tools: techniques for disclosure limitation through restricted data and administrative procedures through restricted access. The technical procedures for disclosure limitation involve a range of mathematical and statistical tools. The administrative procedures can be implemented through a variety of institutional mechanisms, ranging from privacy advocates, through internal privacy review boards, to a data and access protection commission.
Peer-to-Peer Networks as Extensions of Web-Based Education - Handhelds in Support of Coordination and Autonomy
Authors: Roldan Malu
Published: May 2011

In recent years, we have witnessed the rapid evolution of handheld computing devices from leading manufacturers, somewhat fueled by a battle being waged between Palm Computing and Microsoft Corporation. Handheld devices are attractive for educational settings, because they are inexpensive, portable, and customizable. Furthermore, most handheld devices come “out of the box” with infrared ports, enabling them to automatically form a peer-to-peer network with other handhelds. In this chapter, how such peer-to-peer networks could support the interplay of autonomy and coordination underlying current and emerging learning models will be discussed. Findings from a pilot study suggest that the information management and connectivity features of the machines make them ideal devices for such learning environments. The entertainment capabilities of the devices motivate students to learn how to use them. However, students found the machines and add-ons expensive, limited in capability, and difficult to use.
Communication Needs of Online Students
Authors: Beuschel Werner , Gaiser Birigt , Draheim Susanne
Published: May 2011

All learning requires a mix of formal and informal communication. As learning shifts from face-to-face to computer-supported environments, explicit support of informal communication is crucial. An assessment of the formal and informal aspects of communication in Web-based learning environments is provided. The current focus on supporting the formal aspects of communication is questioned. The authors hope that this information will further the recognition of organizational and technical support of informal communication in Web-based education as an issue of prime importance.
Using Information Technology to Meet Electronic Commerce and MIS Education Demands
Authors: Speaker Paul J. , Kleist Virginia F.
Published: May 2011

Localized applications of institutional learning obtained from four years of successful use of educational information technology in a distance-learning program suggest that the current electronic commerce educational gap may be mitigated by innovative uses of technology in the management information systems curriculum. Presented in this chapter is a case where an educational information technology intensive approach was found to be useful for improving the management information systems education delivery process, when faced with personnel and curriculum space considerations. Just as encountered in the distance learning data, preliminary results indicate enhanced student learning from the interactive and personalized aspects of the information technology, despite the twin constraints of limited management information systems faculty resources and limited Master of Business Administration curriculum flexibility. Face-to-face applications of the interactive and personalized aspects of information technology that were learned in the distance learning experience suggest that technologically based solutions to management information systems education resource pressures may help to effectively meet new requirements for teaching electronic commerce, without sacrificing the traditional management information systems curriculum.
An Evaluation of Web-Based Education at a Finnish University
Authors: Lammintakanen Johanna , Rissanen Sari
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, an evaluation of two student cohorts’ and their teachers’ experiences of Web-based education at a university in Finland is presented. Discussion of Finnish national education policy and some crucial issues concerning Web-based education provide the framework for the evaluation. The results indicated that the students’ and teachers’ experiences were largely positive, and correlated with other international research results in this field. The authors are convinced that sharing these experiences will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of such online learning, as well as the skill requirements and needs for cultural reshaping in Web-based education. Such an exchange of experience should facilitate online education collaboration nationally and internationally. However, the overall consequences of Web-based education still remain unclear and must be carefully considered.
Faculty and Teaching Issues
Authors: Berg Gary A.
Published: May 2011

I come to the subject of this book from a very different path than most of those thinking about the use of computers in educational environments. My formal education focused originally on literature and film studies, and film production at the University of California at Berkeley, San Francisco State University, and the University of California at Los Angeles. I became professionally involved in educational administration through the backdoor of continuing education focused first on the entertainment industry, and then more broadly. It was after this combined experience of studying film and television and working in adult education that I began research in education and earned a doctorate in the field of higher education from Claremont Graduate University, with a special emphasis on distance learning. I hope that the different point of view I have developed from my eclectic background gives me the ability to make something of a unique contribution to this evolving new field. What follows is an attempt to spark a discussion that will lead to answers to the question of what are the most effective techniques for the design of computer learning environments. This is not a how-to book—we are too early in the evolutionary process of the medium to give such specific guidance. Rather, my intention is to offer some theories to elevate the thinking bout computers in education. Because the subject is interdisciplinary, combining science with the humanities, the theoretical discussion draws from abroad range of disciplines: psychology, educational theory, film criticism, and computer science. The book looks at the notion of computer as medium and what such an idea might mean for education. I suggest that the understanding of computers as a medium may be a key to re-envisioning educational technology. Oren (1995) argues that understanding computers as a medium means enlarging human-computer interaction (HCI) research to include issues such as the psychology of media, evolution of genre and form, and the societal implications of media, all of which are discussed here. Computers began to be used in educational environments much later than film, and I would have to agree with others who claim that the use of computers instructionally is still quite unsophisticated.
Systems Design Meets Habermas, Foucault and Latour
Authors: Arnold Michael
Published: May 2011

This chapter begins with a review of the theoretical foundations that are common in the systems design literature, before moving to draw upon the work of three prominent social theorists to analyse and critique a particular case of information systems design. It is argued that in different, but complimentary ways, each theorist offers systems designers compelling insights to guide their work. In particular, it is argued that Habermas’ understanding of “Ideal speech”; Foucault’s understanding of “power/knowledge” and “discipline”; and Latour’s understanding of systems as “networks”; confirms that social theory is able to offer systems designers concrete recommendations to guide their work.
ETHWorld - Implementation of a Virtual Campus Infrastructure and E-Learning at ETH Zurich
Authors: Hagstrom Anders , Schaufelberger Walter
Published: May 2011

ETH World is a strategic initiative for establishing a new virtual campus at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich. ETH World will provide services in the areas of research, teaching, learning and infrastructure for the established disciplines in technology and natural science at ETH. The initiative aims to develop the excellence of ETH Zurich, making use of the new facilities and infrastructure instruments and methods that technological development offers. It is an integral part of the university, supporting its academic planning, infrastructure and financing processes. In its first part this paper describes the background of ETH World and an international conceptual competition organized in 2000 to seek ideas for the “infostructure” of this new academic environment. Some results of the competition are presented along with other projects that have been launched as building blocks of ETH World. The second part looks in some detail at e-learning as one of the focal points of ETH World, presenting two cases studies in architecture and control engineering education.
Developing and Supporting Research-Based Learning and Teaching through Technology
Authors: Dempster Jacqueline
Published: May 2011

The chapter draws on the work of two national projects concerned with developing research-based approaches to learning and teaching and supporting these through technology. A pedagogic framework underpinning the design and delivery of such courses is outlined. In exploring the usability of online environments (programs) for research-based learning and teaching, the chapter discusses issues and needs in the context of operational usability. Factors relating to educational and technological usability are presented in the light of development of pedagogic principles for research-based learning, analysis of existing online systems and tools to support such courses, and evaluative case studies considering approaches in specific subject areas. The solutions to technological support implemented and evaluated through the pilot courses are discussed and generic educational good practice is highlighted throughout.
Geographic Information Systems Research and Data Centers
Authors: Abresch John
Published: May 2011

The use of geographic information in a variety of research and educational endeavors has created a number of challenges involving data management and dissemination in support of educational processes. Academic libraries, using computing services and virtual libraries, have provided a framework for supporting the use of geographic information within academic communities. This chapter examines the development and implementation of a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Research and Data Center within the digital environment of a “virtual library” in a large urban university. The chapter will also highlight specific organizational, design, and technical aspects of three exemplary digital geospatial centers, which served as the basis for creating a model GIS Center. In addition, federal data standards and issues for cataloguing geospatial data will be examined. The chapter concludes with a discussion of future issues and technological challenges for GIS Research and Data Centers.
Distance Learning
Authors: Burke Merilyn , Levin Bruce Lubotsky , Hanson Ardis
Published: May 2011

Gapen (1993) states that the concept of remote access to the contents and services of libraries and other information resources provides the user technology that brings access to the resources of multiple libraries and information services. With the evolution of a variety of methods involved in distance education, the role of academic libraries has broadened to provide resources and services to these invisible but very tangible students. This chapter begins with a brief review of the history of distance education and the impact of this technology on higher education. The chapter also explores the role of libraries and librarians in providing the variety of services, resources, and technology necessary to support this steadily growing facet of academic institutions. Finally, the chapter will present a case illustration of how one university has incorporated its virtual library as a critical element in its distance learning educational initiatives.
Staffing the Transition to the Virtual Academic Library
Authors: Chavez Todd
Published: May 2011

Change brought about by innovations in computing technologies has fundamentally altered the nature of work in academic libraries. In his description of the term informatica electronica, Gilbert (1998) suggests that despite the way technology is changing how library staff do their work, it should not change the emphases on traditional services to patrons, such as accessing and retrieving information. This chapter also focuses on human changes that accompany the migration from print to electronic collections, from traditional to online services, and from the academic research library of a decade ago to the virtual library of today and tomorrow.
Web-Based Teaching and Learning for Blind and Visually Impaired Faculty
Authors: Lynch Maggie , DeWitz Patti
Published: May 2011

Currently, 24% of the population has experienced significant vision loss. Though there has been some progress on developing accessible Web pages, there has been little work on providing Web page development accessibility to visually-impaired faculty. This chapter presents a study designed to assist educational organizations with blind or visually-impaired (BVI) faculty in the development of online courses and in the teaching of those same courses. The study used the tools of interview, usability analysis, and experimentation. Issues discussed include software accessibility, college or university support requirements, motivational factors, instructor skill levels, and strategies for working with BVI faculty. The findings and recommendations are specific to the WebCT environment, but some of the strategies may be generalized to other similar environments. The article ends with a discussion of major technology initiatives currently underway.
Portals
Authors: Graves William H. , Hale Kirsten
Published: May 2011

Whether 18 years old and raised on the Internet or an adult seeking the convenience of online service, today’s student expects personalizable, online self-service, along with high-touch access to help when self-service falters. Personalizable, online self-service is the promise of the campus portal, a promise that can be achieved and afforded if colleges and universities take seriously the challenge to transform and redesign the form and substance of their high-touch interactions with students and other stakeholders.
Campus Portal Strategies
Authors: Eisler David L.
Published: May 2011

This chapter is designed to assist campuses and their leaders in determining whether to pursue a portal project. For those universities that choose to create portals, a series of strategies and approaches are presented to guide and assist in the success of the effort. This material is provided from the perspective that campus portals can provide a new way to connect with students, faculty, alumni and the community. Strategies are presented to determine whether to undertake a portal project, and the campus readiness for this effort. Nine different approaches to campus portals are presented, together with suggestions on project organization. Project success factors are developed together with potential planning pitfalls for campus portal projects. Finally future approaches for portals are discussed with thoughts for portal acceptance on campus.
Technology in the Science Classroom
Authors: Manner Barbara M.
Published: May 2011

Technology, when properly used as an integral part of the curriculum and the instructional approach, can be a very effective tool for improving and enhancing instruction and learning experiences in the content area involving all students in complex, authentic tasks. (Kimmel, Deek, & Frazer, 2001)
Technology in the Language Arts Classroom
Authors: Whordley Derek
Published: May 2011

Technology is transforming how the language arts are taught. The language arts curriculum, designed and developed over the years, includes the content areas of reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and visual expression. The transformation currently underway has been fueled by the enormous growth of the World Wide Web and educational software. Learning is no longer constrained by printed materials, as the language arts become more accessible across cyberspace. Electronic books from classical and contemporary authors are readily available. The application of theories and practices throughout the English-speaking world are dispensed for real-time consideration. Students entering online writing communities examine the virtual works of peers in other states and other languages. Numerous sources of information support the development of a more literate population.
Participation in Practice
Authors: Mumford Enid
Published: May 2011

As the case studies in the chapters that follow are all examples of participative organizational and systems design, I will now describe the processes of participation and how these can differ according to the group and company using them and the situation in which they are used.
Education Mirrors Industry
Authors: Hantula Donald A. , Pawlowicz Darleen M.
Published: May 2011

Internet distance education is analyzed as a natural consequence of fin de siècle industrial transformations. From this perspective, previous distance- and technologically-based educational innovations are discussed, not as having failed, but as not matching prevailing economic and social conditions. It is argued that in the evolution from a manufacturing economy, in which standard educational practices are based, to an information economy, in which greater autonomy, collaboration, flexibility, and a project orientation to work are the norm, educational practices will either follow the lead of industrial organizations or risk irrelevance. Implications for adapting educational practices to new economic realities and developing new research streams are presented, especially in terms of matching instructional technology to educational outcomes, virtual collaboration, and media naturalness effects.
Media Entrepreneurship as an Online Course
Authors: Leebron Elizabeth J.
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes the conversion of a traditional classroom course to one taught online. Creating a Media Business has been part of the Business curriculum within a broad, traditional Mass Communications major, and its objective has been to introduce students to the theory and practice of starting an independent media enterprise. The attempt to transform any traditional academic course into a virtual one will invariably entail redefining pedagogical issues such as requirements, assignments, participation, and evaluation. Certain course content and objectives are more amenable to both the opportunities and constraints posed by the Internet. Our course was enhanced by the conversion because of its suitability for transfer from the tangible to the virtual environment. More specifically, for Creating a Media Business, the Internet is not merely a channel of information transmission, but very often an important, if not essential, part of the very business about which the students are learning.
The Emergence of Digital Government
Authors: Forlano Laura
Published: May 2011

This chapter gives an overview of the extent to which e-government has been adopted internationally by reviewing major comparative studies and case studies by international organizations. The characteristics of the five stages of e-government — emerging, enhanced, interactive, transactional, and seamless are outlined and international examples of the innovative practices and potential obstacles faced. Of particular interest are studies on countries that have implemented transactional e-government strategies with service-delivery to citizens as the main priority. Currently adoption of e-government strategies worldwide is varied; however, many countries are making rapid progress in implementing their strategies.
E-Procurement
Authors: Krysiak Mark K. , Tucker Carla , Spitzer David , Holland Kevin
Published: May 2011

This essay is a careful examination of the effect of leveraging and integrating the power of the Internet as a tool in the total procurement process and its relationship to the supply and demand for goods and services. This work will be of interest to both informed and uninformed readers who wish to broaden their understanding and the effect of e-Procurement within the process of government purchasing. The chapter begins with a discussion of legacy systems and past practice purchasing methods. This is followed by sections on public sector versus private sector business practices, business models for e-Procurement, culture changes, legislative changes allowing for adoption of e-Procurement and advisory committees. There are also sections addressing the benefits of e-Procurement versus paper-based procurement, vendor retention and training. A case study of eMaryland Marketplace, the State of Maryland’s e-Procurement Portal, is discussed with particular attention given to theoretical use versus “real life” experience associated with implementing an e-Procurement system. Statistics are cited comparing savings achieved in user efficiency and direct cost between e-Procurement versus “paper” purchasing methods. A discussion is presented outlining added modules to the initial eMaryland Marketplace program. This discussion will include the future implementation of regular and reverse-auctions conducted online through the eMaryland Marketplace portal. In addition, a discussion ensues on how the capital project solicitations were brought onto eMaryland Marketplace. These include all construction, architectural, and engineering contracts let through the eMaryland Marketplace. Finally, recommendations are made for other state or local jurisdictions that are considering implementation of e-Procurement.
The E-Government Challenge for Public Administration
Authors: Pavlichev Alexei
Published: May 2011

As public sector agencies use the e-government model to improve delivery of their services, it is important that this model become integrated into education of future leaders of the public service. A fully scaled implementation of e-government requires more than simple automation of the existing processes. It can affect significantly the overall organizational structure of public agencies, their missions and goals, and the way they interact with customers and with each other. Because of its profound impact on the functions and even structure of government, implementing e-government involves significant challenges, including resistance to change and the problem of lack of information technology skills among public managers. To address these challenges, public affairs programs must include into their curricula courses that would prepare cadre qualified for the era of e-government. Survey results are presented outlining efforts of graduate public affairs programs to meeting demands related to the e-government model. Major components of the model are outlined and the extent to which these components are covered in graduate courses in leading public affairs programs is assessed.
User-Centered Design (Part 1-Cultrual Diversity)
Authors: Campbell Katy
Published: May 2011

In the Introduction you encountered the idea of learner profiles. You had the opportunity to assess the skills and background of your audience and to relate these ideas to planning learning outcomes. You looked at learning styles and diverse learning needs. In this chapter, you will explore more information about your target audience and ways to analyze their needs. Knowing your audience will give you confidence that your e-Texts and the design for your course will meet their learning needs. This process is called user-centered design.
From Text to e-Text - Message Design
Authors: Campbell Katy
Published: May 2011

In Chapter 4, you were introduced to the idea of learning (or educational) objects and repositories. Chapter 4 emphasized the identification, retrieval, and reuse of learning objects that reside in repositories around the world.
From Text to e-Text - Resisting Print
Authors: Campbell Katy
Published: May 2011

In Chapter 5, you were introduced to the idea of message design, a concept that integrates the research in text design and screen design. Many of the Web design guidelines developed through the last half of the 90s were heavily grounded in research done in print design and reflect this work.
e-Learning Trends - The Mobile Environment
Authors: Campbell Katy
Published: May 2011

In the introductory chapter, we identified trends and opportunities for e-Learning in higher education. One of these trends, m-Learning, is the focus of this chapter. Today, who doesn’t own a personal digital assistant (PDA)? A PDA is one example of a handheld device in which several technologies have converged – notebooks, e-Textbooks, online calendars and address books, email, music files…. m-Learning often takes place via a wireless device such as a PDA, but students in Japan use cell phones and any airline traveler knows how many laptops suddenly make an appearance when the seatbelt light goes out.
Trust Building as a Management Strategy
Authors: Iivonen Mirja
Published: May 2011

This chapter explores trust as a management strategy by applying Henry Mintzberg’s idea of strategy thinking as seeing. Trust building has been described by paying attention to trust building process, trust principles, and trust imperatives. Strategic thinking has been divided into elements and trust building has been included into these elements. The author discusses what it means to see trust ahead, behind, above, below, beside, beyond, and through in organizations. She states that trust is a strongly situational phenomenon and related to the organization’s past and present where also such issues as tacit organizational knowledge and organizational culture have impacts. On one hand the chapter contributes to the existing literature on strategy development. On the other hand it should be of interest for practitioners because trust building as a management strategy is also a very practical issue.
Exploring the Origins of New Transaction Costs in Connected Societies
Authors: Mandelli Andreina
Published: May 2011

There is a considerable amount of literature in management science, which claims that the digital economy is a frictionless economy, where hierarchies and institutions disappear replaced by dynamic and self-organized webs of companies and consumers. This vision may influence the way managers build market strategies and manage organizations, but also the way policy-makers address relevant issues concerned with the so-called digital divide in the knowledge society. In this chapter we have addressed the frictionless vision, challenging the communication symmetry fallacy, on which is based the idea that the network economy is automatically eliminating the information and institutional hierarchies (even though we still believe that the Internet introduces radical changes in the way economic institutions are built and the way businesses are conducted). We provide primary and secondary empirical evidence that does not support the frictionless hypothesis. The complexity of our interconnected world, the evolutionary nature of trust and learning dynamics, and the economics of mediation (the economics of relationships plus the economics of information infrastructure), play a major role in both the creation and reduction of these new hierarchies and transaction costs in digital society. The result is complex and not deterministically driven by network technology.
Strategies for Staffing the Information Systems Department
Authors: Igbaria Magid , Shayo Conrad
Published: May 2011

The chapter explores the main factors contributing to high IS staff skill shortages, high turnover rates, job stress, and burnout. We provide managerial implications and practical “best practice” recommendations for action. Some of the recommendations are that: Information System department managers must learn how to leverage the career orientations of all Information System department employees. They should realize that not all IS employees are driven by the same sets of values and goals. IS employees should discuss their needs, values, and career orientations with their managers, and jointly develop realistic and meaningful career goals. Managers should be rewarded for assuming this role. Since an employee’s career orientation influences his/her value system, it is imperative that organizations provide different types of incentives for different employees. Top management must make sure that the working environment is equitable, fair, and consistent for all its employees regardless of gender, age, or race.