bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RAWS & UWAS
Authors: Parra-Fuente Javier , Sánchez-Alonso Salvador , Fernández-Alarcón Marta
Published: May 2011

Reflection is a powerful technology that allows us to produce auto-adaptable software. RAWS is a reflective, multilevel Web service architecture aimed at allowing a Web service to transform its structure and behaviour without the need of human intervention to change the source code, compile it or deploy it again on the application server. Using RAWS, the Web service can change itself automatically. Current application servers have a very important limitation: The deployment platform (J2EE, .NET, etc.). Using current servers, a Web service or application can only be deployed on a server which runs with the same technology. To solve this drawback, we have developed universal Web application server (UWAS), platform capable of deploying Web services or applications written in any object-oriented language or for any platform. This is possible thanks to the fact that UWAS internally uses a language-independent object-oriented Web server markup language (OOWSML) representation based on XML. Altogether, RAWS & UWAS make it possible to deploy a Web service on the server regardless of its implementation technology, providing the flexibility to automatically adapt or transform the Web service structure and/or behaviour.
Salary Differences Between Male and Female Software Developers
Authors: Dattero Ronald , Galup Stuart D. , Quan Jing “Jim”
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we quantify the differences in the hourly salaries of female software developers with their male counterparts using the human capital model based on economic theory. In addition to the gender factor, the human capital model includes other control variables that may account for the salary differences such as education, experience, and specific skills, such as object-oriented programming and SQL. Our models indicate that gender is a statistically and practically significant factor in assessing a software developer’s salary.
Progress in Internet Privacy Policies
Authors: Peslak Alan R.
Published: May 2011

Privacy on the Internet has been of increasing concern with the explosive growth of electronic commerce. A series of past surveys by the Federal Trade Commission and other organizations measured the implementation of fair information practices and industry self-regulation of privacy. This report includes two important additional factors in the review—enforcement and simplicity. Using historical studies and this more comprehensive analysis, this article reviews the current Internet privacy polices of the 50 largest U.S. companies in 2003 and updates this review for 2006.
Understanding Web Site Usability
Authors: Tarafdar Monideepa , Zhang Jie (Jennifer)
Published: May 2011

Web site usability is concerned with how easy and intuitive it is for individuals to presence, as perceived by users. The usability of Web sites is important because high usability is associated with a positive attitude and greater trust towards the Web site. Poorly designed Web sites with low usability lead to negative financial impacts. Existing approaches to Web site usability include measurement and tracking of parameters such as response time and task completion time, and software engineering approaches that specify general usability guidelines and common practices during software development. This chapter analyzes usability from the point of view of Web site design parameters. An analysis of usability and other design characteristics of 200 Web sites of different kinds revealed that design aspects such as information content, ease of navigation, download delay, and Web site availability positively influence usability. Web site security and customization were not found to influence usability. The chapter explains these results and suggests design strategies for increasing Web site usability.
Breaking Out of Lock-In
Authors: Nirjar Abhishek , Tylecote Andrew
Published: May 2011

Small and medium enterprises in the Indian software development industry, like their larger counterparts, are mostly low on the value ladder. This chapter examines the difficulties confronting them in moving up the ladder, and the strategies and circumstances conducive to success, drawing on three case studies. Human resource development emerges as central. Though SMEs have meager resources for moving up, compared to large firms, they have a greater incentive to do so—and this organizational interest accords with the interests and motivations of their employees for career development. It is found that the keys to success are to treat employees as co-investors in their own human capital, to form an effective “community of practice” across the firm, and to find market opportunities which “stretch” the firm in the right direction and to the right extent. For the last of these the main contribution is made by existing clients, but an important role may be played by venture capitalists, particularly those which are U.S.-based.
Efficient Placement and Processing in Shared-Nothing Data Warehouses
Authors: San-Bento Furtado Pedro Nuno
Published: May 2011

Some businesses generate giga or even terabytes of historical data that can be organized and analyzed for better decision making. This poses issues concerning systems and software for efficient processing over such data. While the traditional solution to this problem involves costly hardware and software, we focus on strategies for running large data warehouses over low-cost, non-dedicated nodes in a local-area network (LAN) and non-proprietary software. Once such a technology is in place, every data warehouse will be able to run in a small cost environment, but the system must be able to choose its placement and processing for maximum efficiency. We discuss the basic system architecture and the design of the data placement and processing strategy. We compare the shortcomings of a basic horizontal partitioning for the environment, with a simple design that produces efficient placements. Our discussion and results provide important insight into how low-cost efficient data warehouse systems can be obtained.
Is There a Difference Between the Theoretical and Practical Complexity of UML?
Authors: Siau Keng , Erickson John , Lee Lih Yunn
Published: May 2011

An on-going and major problem faced by information systems developers and business users alike is reaching a clear and consensual understanding of the system by both groups. This can be difficult because the businesses are (typically) process driven, while the systems are (increasingly) object-oriented. Enter modeling. Modeling is one way of presenting complex information in a way that enhances or eases understanding. But, even models can be extremely complex, and the underlying tools and modeling languages are not any less complex. This chapter investigates the possibility that modeling languages can be simplified by considering that not all of the “words” in the language are used all of the time. If theoretical (maximum) represents all the words in a modeling language, then this chapter suggests that there might exist a more use-based (we name it practical complexity) subset that represents an easier to learn and use subcomponent of the language.
Data Quality
Authors: Nord Jeretta Horn , Nord G. Daryl , Xu Hongjiang , Myrin Elizabeth S.
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents results from a large-scale survey of Australian CPA members regarding data quality. The research investigates and reports major stakeholders’ opinions on the importance of critical success factors affecting data quality and the actual performance on each of those factors. The results reveal whether dissimilarly sized organizations differ in the way they measure the importance and performance of critical success factors for data quality in accounting information systems.
Creating and Developing a Program of Global Research
Authors: Straub Detmar W. , Loch Karen D.
Published: May 2011

This is the first part of a two-part chapter that describes and analyzes a program of research (PR) in international IT studies begun in the fall of 1992 and continuing through 2004. The chapter presents the first two stages which span the years of 1992 through 2000, focusing on the creation and development process for a PR, examining the concept of a PR, the inception of our PR and its maturation both in terms of theory and methodology, research team dynamics, and program implementation. We offer guidelines for initiating and maintaining programs of research, highlighting the inevitable trade-offs that occur when high administrative work loads and intensive data gathering in the global setting, often involving long periods of time abroad, have to be balanced against the ability to carry out the research at all and the rarity of the data.
IT Software Development Offshoring
Authors: Niederman Fred , Kundu Sumit , Salas Silvia
Published: May 2011

The offshoring of IT development is a significant global economic phenomenon. It influences the lives and fortunes of individuals, organizations, and nations/regions. However, because offshoring so broadly affects different stakeholders, a multi-level theory is required so that influences that may positively affect one set of stakeholders while negatively affecting another are not misinterpreted by an overly narrow analysis. This chapter discusses how IT development is differentiated from other global labor sourcing and argues that it is worthy of investigation as an offshoring domain. The chapter proposes that the study of IT development offshoring needs to recognize precursors and results as they affect individuals, organizations, and nation/regions, and presents examples and discussion in each of these areas. The chapter further argues that the domain of IT development offshoring is incomplete without consideration of interactions between the individual and nation/region as well as between the organization and nation/region. The chapter concludes by considering the complexity of presenting a complete picture in this domain and suggesting some areas for future research.
Experiences Conducting Cross-Cultural Research
Authors: Hunter M. Gordon
Published: May 2011

When conducting cross-cultural investigations, it is incumbent upon the information systems researcher to be prepared to reflect upon the differences between the frameworks of the researcher and the research participants. Three cross-cultural projects are discussed in this article. The first project, investigating systems analysts, employs the Repertory Grid from personal construct theory (Kelly, 1955, 1963). The second and third projects both employ narrative inquiry (Bruner, 1990). The second project investigates the use of information systems by small business and relies upon multiple regional researchers. The third project, which is currently on-going, investigates the emerging role of chief information officers and is a single researcher venture. These projects have contributed to the information systems field of study and are presented here to provide researchers with ideas for further qualitative cross-cultural investigations.
End User Perceptions of the Benefits and Risks of End User Web Development
Authors: McGill Tanya , Klisc Chris
Published: May 2011

The development of applications by end users has become an integral part of organizational information provision. It has been established that there are both benefits and risks associated with end-user development, particularly in the areas of spreadsheets and databases. Web development tools are enabling a new kind of end user development. The fact that Web page creation may impact not only locally but also globally significantly raises the importance of this type of end user application development. This chapter reports on the extent of Web page development amongst end users and investigates their perceptions of the benefits and risks of end-user Web development relative to those associated with spreadsheet development and explores approaches to reducing the risks.
Semantic Composition of Web Portal Components
Authors: Weber-Jahnke Jens H. , Bychkov Yury , Dahlem David , Kawasme Luay
Published: May 2011

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

The leadership role facilitates group process by structuring group interaction. How leadership affects group performance in GSS settings remains one of the least investigated areas of GSS research. In this study, the presence of a group leader is found to make a significant difference in objective decision quality and satisfaction with the decision process. At the same time, perceived decision quality and consensus are not significantly different in groups with a leader and those without one. A content analysis of comments by group leaders shows that group leaders are effective when making comments on clear group objectives and interaction structure in the early stages of group interaction. In the later stages, however, it becomes more important for group leaders to offer comments encouraging interaction and maintaining group cohesion.
Toi Whatoranga
Authors: Neal Terry T. , Barr Andrea , Barrett Te Arani , Irwin Kathie
Published: May 2011

In early 2004, the Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics of New Zealand (ITPNZ) received funding from the New Zealand government for a project “Critical success factors for effective use of e-learning with Maori learners.” A group of individuals passionate about the potential for e-learning to transform learning experiences for everyone, including Maori, developed the project’s approach.
Student Technology Projects in a Remote First Nations Village
Authors: Scott Tish
Published: May 2011

This qualitative case study focuses on community members’ observations and perceptions of student multimedia technology projects produced in a grade 6/7 class, particularly in relation to what they affirm is important for their children’s education. The projects are community-based and rooted in the First Nations culture of a remote village in northern British Columbia (Canada).
Draw-Talk-Write
Authors: Gluck Russell , Fulcher John
Published: May 2011

A draw-talk-write (DTW) process evolved as one of the authors (Gluck) worked with indigenous Australians who had stories to tell, and encountered extreme difficulty in putting them into text that met the requirements of their audience, their discipline and, most of all, themselves. DTW enables literacy inefficient, visually strong and orally proficient people to journey to mastery of the language and discourse of any discipline. The process is rooted in Gardner’s (1983) multiple intelligence theory and Vygotsky’s (1978) zone of proximal development and (1962) ideas of thought and language.
A Talking Dictionary of Paakantyi
Authors: Nathan David
Published: May 2011

This case study outlines the development of one component of the interactive multimedia CD-ROM Paakantyi (Hercus & Nathan, 2002), emphasising the value of community consultation throughout the project lifespan.1 In our initial consultations with members of the Paakantyi community of NSW, Australia, about producing a CD-ROM to support their new language revival efforts, community members put forward the idea of a “talking dictionary.” The value that many aboriginal people place on dictionaries as symbols of a language’s significance is well-known, and, particularly following the publication of the (text-only) Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay Web Dictionary (Austin & Nathan, 1996), we had heard many people in many places express a preference to simply hear the words.
Theorizing and Realizing the Globalized Classroom
Authors: McCarty Steve
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines what criteria, conditions, or characteristics actually constitute a globalized classroom. A graduate course on online education taught in Japan is presented as a case in point. Online mentoring and educational technologies spanning six countries are described. Explanatory frameworks include globalization, constructivism as a cross-cultural pedagogy, cultural attitudes toward the adoption of online technologies, transformative learning, and empowerment. Voluntary feedback from the graduate students, mostly translated from Japanese, provides evidence such as: (a) that mainstream Western constructivism has some universality to be readily accepted by Japanese students, (b) that unfamiliar online information and communication technologies (ICT) are also welcomed, (c) that a positive form of globalization can occur in such a class, and d) that their learning was transformative and empowering. The theoretical framework accounts for the changes which students reported in their attitudes and practices. Thus the class provides a model for realizing the globalized classroom.
Learning Sociology in a Massively Multistudent Online Learning Environment
Authors: Borkman Thomasina , Foreman Joel
Published: May 2011

Is it possible to enhance student learning in Sociology 101 by staging simulated field studies in a MMOLE (massively mufti-student online learning environment) modeled after successful massively multiplayer online games (MMOG) such as Eve and Lineage? Lacking such a test option, the authors adapted an existing (MMOG) -"The Sims Online" - and conducted student exercises in that virtual environment during two successive semesters. Guided by questions keyed to course objectives, the sociology students spent ten hours observing online interactions in TSO and produced essays revealing different levels of analytical and interpretive ability. The students in an advanced course on deviance performed better, with the most detailed reports focusing on scamming, trashing, and tagging. Although there are no technical obstacles to the formation and deployment of a sociology MMOLE able to serve hundreds of thousands of students, such a venture would have to solve major financial and political problems
Rethinking Cognition, Representations, and Processes in 3D Online Social Learning Environments
Authors: Jones James G. , Bronack Stephen C.
Published: May 2011

Three-dimensional (3D) online social environments have emerged as viable alternatives to traditional methods of creating spaces for teachers and learners to teach to and to learn from one another. Robust environments with a bias toward peer-based, network-driven learning allow learners in formal environments to make meaning in ways more similar to those used in informal and in-person settings. These new created environments do so by accounting for presence, immediacy, movement, artifacts, and multi-modal communications in ways that help learners create their own paths of knowing using peer-supported methods. In this chapter, we will review the basics of the technologies and the theoretical underpinnings that support the development of such environments, provide a framework for creating, sustaining, and considering the effectiveness of such environments, and will conclude by describing two examples of 3D virtual worlds used to support course instruction at the university level.
Shaping the Research Agenda with Cyber Research Assistants
Authors: Henderson Lyn
Published: May 2011

Games and simulations in online learning are energizing development in learning and teaching and therefore of great interest to the research community. This chapter reflects on a few of the innovative methods currently in use to capture and report user data for education assessment and sets out new ideas for shaping the research agenda as applications become more capable of effective high level analysis of qualitative simulation and game data. Three areas are briefly explored. Cyber research assistants are defined and their achievements explored. Issues such as longitudinal studies and transference and international collaboration are discussed. Finally, ethical considerations are raised. A case is outlined for students and teachers in various contexts to have access to the returned data in order to take ownership of subsequent learning and teaching actions. The chapter includes with a call for the integration of teachers, students, researchers, governments, granting bodies, and computer scientists as important players in the research conversation. The chapter aims to describe the shape of an education research agenda targeting students playing online games and simulations in classrooms from kindergarten through higher education levels.
Police Work in Value Shops
Authors: Gottschalk Petter
Published: May 2011

To comprehend the value that information technology provides to organizations, we must first understand the way a particular organization conducts business, and how information systems affect the performance of various component activities within the organization. Understanding how firms differ is a central challenge for both theory and practice of management. For a long time, Porter’s (1985) value chain was the only value configuration known to managers. Stabell and Fjeldstad (1998) have identified two alternative value configurations. A value shop schedules activities and applies resources in a fashion that is dimensioned and appropriate to the needs of the client’s problem, while a value chain performs a fixed set of activities that enables it to produce a standard product in large numbers. Examples of value shops are professional service firms, as found in medicine, law, architecture, and engineering. A value network links clients or customers who are, or wish to be interdependent. Examples of value networks are telephone companies, retail banks, and insurance companies.
Culture and Technology
Authors: Herdin T.
Published: May 2011

The aim of this chapter is to discuss the mutual influence between culture and technology on a broad inter- and transcultural level. Especially, how does information culture shape the meaning of information, communication, and knowledge, and consequently, the design, spread, and usage of ICTs in certain societies? Vice versa, we are interested in the ways in which the spread and usage of ICTs affect the predominating culture. We aim for a model that incorporates cultural as well as technological factors in order to provide a basis for future ICT research that goes beyond both technological determinism and social constructivism. We believe that new technologies indeed can contribute to more justice in the world in terms of access to knowledge and wealth, if sociocultural factors are taken into account more seriously. Current developments in the context of the UN World Summit on the Information Society raise awareness in this direction. At the same time, we are well aware that the loose notion and imprecise definition of the concept of culture allows for the exploitation of the term in empty political and technoeconomical policies. Culture degenerates to an indispensable buzzword in the current ICT debate. This chapter is an attempt to introduce the concept of culture into the socioresponsible ICT research on equal terms with technology, economy, and society.
The Construction of Shared World
Authors: Iandoli Luca , Zollo Giuseppe
Published: May 2011

In the previous chapters we have introduced and analyzed the concept of organizational memory and examined how artifacts and culture influence organizational learning. In this chapter and the following three chapters we show that organizational memory is the product of an ongoing process of construction developed by organizational members in the course of action. This process starts from individual sense-making and develops until the organization is able to construct and maintain a shared world of meanings and a stable identity.
Modeling Verbal Judgements
Authors: Iandoli Luca , Zollo Giuseppe
Published: May 2011

In the previous chapter we have outlined the basic structure of a verbal model and its main components: Judgments, rules and qualifiers. This chapter proposes a model, called the dual truth model, to represent verbal judgments through fuzzy logic. Furthermore, the dual truth model permits us to examine more in depth and quantitatively assess the vagueness and ambiguity contained in a verbal judgment. An application of the model to the definition of assessment scale for personnel appraisal is also provided.
The Construction of Verbal Models
Authors: Iandoli Luca , Zollo Giuseppe
Published: May 2011

This appendix will present a concrete and detailed example of the construction of verbal models through the application of the methodology presented in Chapter X. In particular, we illustrate a case study from our own research carried out in a large Italian automotive company and related to the analysis of the voice of customer (VOC) in the development of new products. In current approaches to new product development, the VOC analysis is a fundamental step in the early design phases and the main critical aspects concern the translation of customers’ wishes and requests into functional and technical specifications for concept development. Traditional models for VOC analysis usually neglect the importance of collecting qualitative information provided by customers and do not consider the way such information is processed by customers. Our hypothesis is that customers satisfaction has to be analyzed with a cognitive approach, according to the steps of the methodological approach presented in Chapter X: Eliciting/mapping individual customer’s explanation linking the satisfaction level to product’s characteristics and constructing verbal models in order to identify product’s attributes that are more influential on customer’s satisfaction.
A Collaborative Learning Environment to Support Distance Learning Students in Developing Nations
Authors: Dottore Michelle , Spencer Steve
Published: May 2011

In developing nations, information and communications technologies (ICT) offer dramatic opportunities for economic and social transformation. Such nations hope to jump-start economies and actualize human potential by providing ICT-based education and training to individuals in remote areas. Educational institutions seeking to outsource programs internationally face complex cultural, political and technological considerations not found within traditional student populations. Virtual learning environments (VLEs) are tools that provide electronic access to campus services. However, distance educators are challenged to develop VLEs that also support critical social elements of student life. The San Diego State University Interwork Institute is partnering with community colleges in the Western Pacific to offer degrees using a unique educational model. Through partnership and technology, this model blends virtual technologies with site-based facilitators and services, enabling Pacific Islanders to access advanced degrees without having to travel abroad.
Using Video to Productively Engage Learners
Authors: Schmitz Nancy
Published: May 2011

This chapter focuses on the different uses of video technology for instruction and assessment. The use of video technology allows performance-based skills, knowledge and disposition for learning to be demonstrated and recorded for a number of uses. The uses of video technology provide ways for students with different backgrounds and experiences as well as language differences to effectively engage with their performance and develop their skills, knowledge and dispositions. Through engagement in performance recorded via video technology, students become more motivated to prepare effectively. Action-oriented videotaping allows those students with less language skills to make use of alternative ways to demonstrate their skill, knowledge and disposition to learn in an effective and supportive environment. Each of the uses for video technology utilizes different strategies and techniques. Successful examples of each use of video technology are provided within this chapter for using video effectively in undergraduate as well as K-12 settings.
Humanizing Learning-at-Distance
Authors: Barclay Kathleen
Published: May 2011

Online learning is taking part in one of the greatest instructional transformations since mass public education was introduced in America in the 1880s. Traditional classroom settings now contend with the implementation of asynchronous (online, self-directed) and, even more recently, synchronous (online, real-time) environments. These uses of technology challenge our historical instructional models, raising many questions about how to appropriately integrate such processes into business and educational instruction.
Strategies for Sharing the TeMoTe
Authors: Caladine Richard , Yecies Brian
Published: May 2011

Online learning or e-learning has had an impact on the way many institutions around the world provide opportunities for learning. For the past five years, the University of Wollongong, like many others, has taken a blended approach to online learning. Blended learning combines face-to-face and online learning. In the online component, learners interact with Web pages and online resources under the umbrella of a course management system (CMS). While the CMS has been highly successful, there are some online teaching and learning functions that could not be easily undertaken. These involve group work, and it was believed that an online system that fostered cooperation, collaboration, social and active learning would provide opportunities for deep learning (Ramsden, 1992). For some time many researchers have sought a solution for online collaboration or group work that moved beyond text-based discussions. The work by others in the area of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) has provided insightful theoretical contributions (Crawley, 2003; Jefferies, 2002; Paavola, Lipponen, & Hakkarainen, 2002). To explore CSCL, the University of Wollongong funded an initiative that proved the concept of online collaboration through the use of database-driven Web pages. The initiative was called CUPID.
Integrating Human Computer Interaction in Veterinary Medicine Curricula
Authors: Parchoma G. , Taylor S. M. , Naylor J. M.
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses contemporary global challenges facing veterinary educators and summarizes some of the economic, social, political, and technological pressures underlying curricular and pedagogical change initiatives. Integrating human computer interaction (HCI) into veterinary medicine curricula, as a strategy for implementing pedagogical transformation, is reviewed. Computer-assisted learning (CAL) projects recently developed at a veterinary college are described. Results of studies evaluating the effectiveness of CAL approaches to HCI integration within the veterinary medicine curricula are reported. Future research directions are proposed.
Taking Videoconferencing To The Next Level
Authors: Leach Denice Blair
Published: May 2011

The Virtual Outreach Program at the Michigan State University Museum progressed through three stages of videoconference program development while taking museum resources on the virtual “road.” This chapter documents the shift from an experts-based model to one focused on learning content through object-based learning and dynamic inquiry in a collaborative community. Revisions in pedagogy, philosophy, and content are explored at each level and supported by the literature and best practice standards that shaped these changes. Throughout, the museum virtual field trip is presented as a partnership between the classroom, museum experts, and distance-learning providers, working together to create meaningful virtual learning experiences for K-12 students.
Infrastructure For Videoconferncing
Authors: Bose Mohua , DeAngelo Sal
Published: May 2011

Due to the increases in connectivity capacities prevalent in our nation’s schools, educational administrators are utilizing a variety of resources in their classrooms including the interactive videoconferencing. For videoconferencing to be successful, however, planning for technological infrastructure must occur prior to program implementation. It is important for both schools and providers to be aware of the infrastructure requirements needed in order to provide students with knowledge and learning via videoconference experiences. The purpose of this chapter is to identify the key components of the technological infrastructure needed to support videoconferencing within K-12 the schools such as connectivity needs and essential hardware requirements including computers, cameras, audio essentials, and operating controls, in addition, the chapter provides in easy to read language, an overview of many of the key technical terms used in the videoconferencing literature and provides teachers with a graphical display of use.
Transforming Instructional Design Ideas into SCORM-Conformant Learning Products
Authors: Dennen Vanessa P. , King Kira S.
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses the lessons learned while designing a SCORM-conformant Web-based courseware product using an iterative instructional design process. In particular, it describes some of the design trade-offs between instruction that is highly modular vs. situational and instruction that is highly interactive vs. highly contextualized. Organizational issues, such as metatagging and asset naming procedures, and the challenge of designing realistic and motivating e-learning assessments are presented as well.
Bridging the Academic Divide
Authors: Cavanagh Tom
Published: May 2011

There is a commonly held perception in industry that the academic community is out of touch and irrelevant. Surely, there must be a way to bridge this perception gap and leverage academe’s disciplinary and instructional expertise to benefit the commercial workforce. This chapter presents a collaborative development model that accomplishes this goal, specifically relating to the production of self-paced, Web-based learning objects, catalogued within workforce development curricula. The model provides a roadmap that maximizes the expertise of college faculty, industry managers, and multimedia production specialists to meet the needs of government sponsors, commercial corporations, nonprofit postsecondary institutions, and individual learners.
Using Learning Objects in K-12 Education
Authors: Rasmussen Karen L.
Published: May 2011

Reusable Learning Object technology offers K-12 teachers and students the opportunity to access resources that can be used and reused in classroom teaching and learning environments. A support tool for teachers, QuickScience™, was developed to help teachers and students improve performance in science standards; resources in QuickScience™ are built upon RLO technologies. Six types of RLOs, including five types of instructional resources aligned to Bloom’s taxonomy, are used by teachers to help students improve their performance in science. QuickScience™ offers teachers a model for improving performance, including steps of diagnose, plan, teach, and assess.
VIPER
Authors: Beaumont-Kerridge John
Published: May 2011

Recent developments producing new Internet Conferencing (IC) and Multipoint Desktop Conferencing (MDC) systems have emerged which may supersede text based and Audio/Video conferencing (AVC) software. The newer IC or MDC systems also integrate interactive tools and have the advantage of operating at a fraction of the cost when compared to AVC systems. Communication by face to face methods are important within the learning process, but can online methods that incorporate sound, video and integrated online tools be as effective? Audio and Video conferencing systems (AVC) within Higher Education (HE) have been available for some time although the quality of such approaches however has been open to question This chapter evaluates an exploratory study of one MDC application “Voice Café” in an Higher Education, Business School setting. For commercial distinctiveness, the academic application of this software was called “VIPER”, (Voice Internet Protocol Extended Reach). Consideration is given to the software itself in terms of its features, pedagogic aspects, how students and faculty viewed its use.
Investigating Patterns of Cognitive and Interactive Acts in an Online Student Cooperative Program
Authors: Teles Lucio , Johnston Nancy
Published: May 2011

Student co-op programs are being increasingly developed to enhance employability skills of college and university students. While most of these programs are taught face-to-face, some universities and colleges are now offering co-op programs online. This article investigates the implementation of a pilot online co-op program, the Bridging Online (BOL), at the Simon Fraser University, in Burnaby, B.C., Canada. A research methodology, based on transcript analysis of participants’ messages and interviews, was used to address the research questions. Participants in the pilot project found the online version to be a valuable tool to support co-op students in learning and developing employability skills, including problem defining and solving, planning and goal setting, improved interpersonal communication skills and self assessment, and peer feedback skills.
Using Senario-Based Learning for E-Learning in Vocational Education
Authors: Chu K.C.
Published: May 2011

A multimedia web-based scenario-learning package is prepared for the students of an engineering course. This learning package is to simulate a scenario, which is close to the students’ learning or future working environment. Using up-to-date information and multimedia technology, it can simulate issues and conditions similar to those encountered in the real world. Students can virtually experience how the actual working environment should be. They can also take this opportunity to study how different equipment are interconnected together and signals flowing between different units. Student can use this virtual environment to understand deeper about the operation and the theory behind. Further explanation will be displayed in hierarchical way to suit different background of students. This online scenario-based learning package is to let all students have chance to virtually immerse in a scenario to enhance their learning and knowledge. Preliminary study shows that this scenario-based learning is well accepted by students and is worth for further study.
EBS E-Learning and Social Integrity
Authors: Lim Byung-Ro.
Published: May 2011

In an effort to support public education, the Korean government utilized e-learning and established EBS e-learning system. Educational Broadcasting System (EBS) e-learning is developed especially for high school students who are preparing for the Korean college entrance examination (KSAT). This case study is to introduce EBS e-learning and analyze its merits and weaknesses in order to investigate some meaningful implications for future use of a similar learning system. First, this case study analyzes characteristics of EBS e-learning, secondly, this study identifies its outcomes and issues. Lastly, some implications are presented for further development and more effective use of e-learning system. The outcomes of the case study showed that EBS e-learning system has brought 1) cost reduction on private education on a short-term basis, 2) positive effect on social integrity, 3) a possibility of supporting public education. Some issues identified in this case study are in the following areas: 1) Contents, 2) School use, 3) Learning management and operation strategies, 4) Faculty members, 5) User interface. Lastly, some implications and suggestions are made to ensure the provision of quality programs in the future: 1) it is necessary to reinforce interactive ways of learning, 2) customized education and level-specific learning programs should be developed and provided, 3) it should utilize effective learning management systems, and 4) it needs to provide qualified, specialized learning contents to the learners.
Linking E-Government with Organizational Memory through Individual Competencies
Authors: Cegarra-Navarro Juan G.
Published: May 2011

Organizational memory or OM, is a concept that has been used to refer to stocks of data, information and knowledge to which every member of the organization has access. In the following chapter we distinguish between what we refer to as ‘Hard-OM’ and ‘Soft-OM’. The term ‘Hard-OM’ is used to refer to a variety of technologies which support the storage of, access to and modification of OM. Soft-OM refers to policies, rules, reporting structures and practices that encourage the active use and updating of OM in addressing current organizational concerns. This chapter considers the role of OM (hard and soft) in relation to the adoption and use of eGovernment systems. We argue that for eGovernment to be successfully adopted by companies, some ‘competences’ to manage and exploit knowledge at the organizational level need to be developed and assessed. In doing so, the research supports the view that the identification of problems, the changing of cognitive patterns and the integration of new measures in the organization, mediate the relationship between the OM and eGovernment.
Critical Success Factors for implementing ERP Systems as a Vehicle for Business Curriculum Integration at a Large State University
Authors: Murphy Kenneth E.
Published: May 2011

This chapter documents and analyzes an initiative in which the College of Business Administration implemented an ERP system in their coursework with the goal of integrating curriculum across disciplines. While the narrative will not attempt to provide the precise reason that the College did not achieve its goal, it will point to a number of challenges that arise in such initiatives. Analysis of these events is provided in order to assist other educational organizations in determining critical success factors for entering in technology alliances relationships with third party providers.
Teaching an Enterprise Project as a Capstone Courseof the CIS/BIT Program
Authors: Targowski Andrew
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces a concept of the capstone course of the CIS/BIT program at the Western Michigan University. The course is composed of lectures and ?ve projects, which are related to each other. The lectures provide knowledge that supports every project. The end-product of this course is prototyped software of an Enterprise Performance Manage-ment System, which is demonstrated by each team as an integrated software package. The course is divided in three following parts: Part I: Enterprise System De?nition (Classic Knowledge and Skills), Part II: Business Process Integration (Trend-oriented approach), Part III: Enterprise System Development (ERP Prototype-Demo Software). The author hopes that the presented capstone’s course concept facilitates the understanding of the business process-driven CIS/BIT program.
Teaching Integrated Business Processes via ERP Configuration
Authors: Wagner Bret , Rienzo Thomas
Published: May 2011

The business world has recognized the importance of managing business processes rather than functions. Business education has begun to embrace this transformation, although the organizational barriers between departments in most business schools have limited the suc-cess of teaching business from a process-oriented perspective. ERP technology provides an opportunity to illustrate the management of integrated business processes. One approach to using ERP software to teach business processes is through a dedicated con?guration class. In this class structure, students con?gure an ERP system to manage the basic business pro-cesses of a small company. Because of the integrated nature of ERP systems, students must con?gure the system in a number of functional areas — accounting, operations, sales, etc. — many of which are not in a student’s major. The necessity of con?guring an ERP system in a number of functional areas illustrates the importance of having a background in all basic business functions to successfully manage a business enterprise. This chapter will provide a review of an ERP con?guration course that is currently being taught at Western Michigan University using SAP R/3 business software. The context of the course, its mechanics, key learning points, and areas for future development will be presented.
E'Learing
Authors: Ertl Bernhard , Winkler Katrin , Mandle Heinz
Published: May 2011

During the last several years, high expectations have surrounded e-learning initiatives in companies, universities, and schools. Presently, however, this optimism has often given way to disillusionment. In this paper, we will postulate three central theses to help counteract both this process of disillusionment and the problems that were encountered during the initial euphoric phase of e-learning. The theses provide a framework for realizing the potential of e-learning in a beneficial and meaningful way. Firstly, this new technology should be applied to learning only when its use reflects a new culture of learning. Secondly, e-learning has to be integrated into the existing training culture of an organization. Thirdly, the imple-mentation of e-learning should focus on the learner rather than on technology. To substantiate these theses, we will provide examples that illustrate sustainable implementations of e-learning.
Communication, Coordination, and Cooperation in Computer-Supported Learning
Authors: Lucena Carlos J.P. , Fuks Hugo , Raposo Alberto , Gerosa Marco A. , Pimental Mariano
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces an approach based on the 3C (communication, coordination, and cooperation) collaboration model to the development and analysis of collaborative systems, by means of a case study of a learningware (AulaNet) and the methodology of a Web-based course, both designed based on the model. The 3C model is presented through the analysis of each of its three elements, followed by the case study of its application in the AulaNet environment and in the ITAE (Information Technology Applied to Education) course, an entirely online course that has been taught since 1998.
Tools and Methods for Supportiing Online Learning Communities and Their Evaluation
Authors: Rigou Maria , Sirmakessis Spiros , Stavrinoudis Dimitris , Xenos Michalis
Published: May 2011

Scientific observation during the last years has indicated that learning on the web in many cases is accompanied and promoted by the creation and maintenance of an online learning community. The goal of this chapter is to define and describe the notion of online communities, describe their types and core functionalities, and focus on the specific domain of online learning communities. More specifically, it presents an overall categorization of the technological tools used for supporting online learning communities and suggests a set of general-purpose evaluation methods suitable for assessing quality aspects of these tools, along with a method for the statistical analysis of the derived data. The chapter concludes with a discussion on foreseen future trends concerning ways to enhance the everyday life of OLC inhabitants and upgrade the effect of online teaching and learning.