bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rethinking the Project Management Process by Using Unified Modeling Language
Authors: Chang Liang-Cheng
Published: June 2016

Project management skills such as WBS, Gantt Chart and PERT have been applied in many fields, but system analysts preferred UML to project tools. This chapter recommend transformation rules from project items into objects and project charts into UML diagrams, to model all project items and processes by using UML. Therefore, UML can be applied not only to system analysis and design, but also to entire project processes. Stakeholders in a project can rethink the project in terms of object orientation and communicate with system developers using the same tool as UML.
Rhythm and Cues
Authors: McDaniel Rudy , Fanfarelli Joseph R.
Published: June 2016

This essay situates game design and development within the domain of sociotechnical research and reviews the results of a case focusing on the design and development of an original video game level with platformer mechanics. Using a case history methodology with autoethnographic methods, the work studies the context in which small game components are authored and methods by which knowledge is exchanged and applied within rapidly developed software systems. It argues that the designer experience is a critical phenomenon to understand within the study of user experience in video games given the iterative nature of development and the necessity of frequent, in-house playtesting. The video game was designed by the authors and developed using preexisting assets from prior projects. Results suggest ideas for incorporating UX strategies into micro-project management techniques that are useful for small and large projects alike. The work closes by calling for future areas of research in related areas.
IT Alignment
Authors: Alghaith Taghred
Published: June 2016

This chapter seeks a deeper understanding of stakeholder dynamics as a critical social component influencing IT strategy alignment. Perez-Batres et al. (2012) recognized the paucity of research on alignment dynamics, mainly stakeholder dynamics. Stakeholder theory, primarily Mitchell et al. (1997) identification model, is used to determine stakeholders' saliency throughout an ICT strategic project in a Saudi public hospital. However, stakeholder theory is static and does not help in tracing how saliency is gained and lost through time, and hence interpreting the influence on the alignment process. Therefore, this research utilizes the appreciative systems concepts of Geoffrey Vickers as dynamizing instrument to understand saliency dynamics and their influence. Results show that stakeholder dynamics resides in the nature of the relationship they pursue with each other.
A Bayesian Approach to Project Control
Authors: Caron Franco
Published: June 2016

The capability to elaborate a reliable estimate at completion for a project since the early stage of project execution is the prerequisite in order to provide an effective control of the project. The non-repetitive and uncertain nature of projects and the involvement of multiple stakeholders raise the need to exploit all the available knowledge sources in order to provide a reliable forecast. Therefore, drawing on a set of case studies, this paper proposes a Bayesian approach to support the elaboration of the estimate at completion in those industrial fields where projects are denoted by uncertainty and complexity. The Bayesian approach allows to integrate experts' opinions, data records from past projects and data related to the current performance of the ongoing project. Data from past projects are selected through a similarity analysis. The proposed approach shows a higher accuracy in comparison with the basic formulas typical of the Earned Value Management (EVM) methodology.
Evidence Based Strategic Human Capital Management
Authors: Bhattacharyya Dipak Kumar
Published: June 2016

The concept of human capital considers people as the most important asset for the growth and sustainability of the organization. Investment in people in the form of training and development, improvement of the quality of work life, support of work life balance, general health improvement, among others, improve the asset value of people. The renewed focus on human resources, naming it as human capital, is a major transition from control to commitment approach, as asset percepts legitimize investment on people for incremental benefits in terms of performance and productivity, which can strengthen the organizations. This study explores the legitimacy of strategic human capital management (HCM), first in the context of theoretical support, through relevant literature review, and then examines it in the context of organizational practices. A large steel manufacturing unit of one public sector enterprise in India (i.e., Durgapur Steel Plant [DSP]) with more than a half-century of existence and a track record of growth has been selected for this purpose. The study tries to understand the degree of fit of strategic HCM practices of the sample organization, and assesses whether such practices really contribute to their sustenance and growth over the last 50 years.
Strategic Software Project Governance and Learning through Project Portfolio Management
Authors: Parvahan Pouyan , Drechsler Andreas
Published: June 2016

The management of multi-project situations is a challenge for many software companies. Often, techniques are missing to prioritize, classify, or categorize software projects. Sometimes, no standardized project feasibility evaluations are performed before their start. As a consequence, organizations may have to allocate more resources than available to their projects. In turn, projects are accepted despite existing resource shortages. In such cases, actual dependencies between projects are not visible and handled properly. When conflicts between projects are not transparent, redundancies cannot be avoided and strategic synergies cannot be generated. Due to the special nature of software projects, these issues become exacerbated within complex software project landscapes. In addition, it is important to enhance the quality of future strategic decisions by learning from consequences of earlier ones. In order to address these challenges, this chapter presents a comprehensive approach for Strategic Software Project Portfolio Management (SSPPM), enhanced by institutionalized organizational learning.
Using Data Labels to Discover Moderating Effects in PLS-Based Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Kock Ned
Published: June 2016

PLS-based structural equation modeling is extensively used in e-collaboration research, as well as in many other fields of research. Two main types of exploratory analyses are frequently employed in the context of PLS-based structural equation modeling: covariance (or correlation) analyses, where the covariances (or correlations) among all variables are inspected; and model-driven exploratory analyses, where one or more variations of theory-supported models are built and adjusted associations among variables are inspected. These analyses, while useful, provide limited insights about the possible presence of moderating effects. We discuss a general approach through which researchers can employ data labels, implemented as symbols that are displayed together with legends on graphs, to uncover moderating relationships among variables. The discussion is illustrated with the software WarpPLS version 4.0. While the approach is illustrated in the context of e-collaboration research, it arguably applies to any field where PLS-based structural equation modeling can be used.
An Investigation of E-HRM Practices in Indian Tourism and Hospitality Industry
Authors: Chand Dhiman Mohinder
Published: June 2016

Since the 1980s, there has been a rapid shift towards the application of information technology (IT) for business processes. Information technology is recognised as a critical driver of transition of human resource management role from an administrative to a strategic business partner. This strategic role not only adds a valuable dimension to the HRM function but also changes the competencies demanded for the success of HR professionals. The purpose of this chapter is to identify most significant E-HRM practices adopted by the Indian hospitality industry. Data were collected from the HR managers of hospitality enterprises in India. A survey methodology was chosen because it was deemed to be the most efficient way of reaching a large number of respondents, whereas the data required facilitated the use of a mail-administered questionnaire with close-ended questions. A set of 33 E-HRM practices items was initially generated from a review of management research.
Analysis of the Success Factors and Failure Causes in Projects
Authors: Montequín Vicente Rodríguez , Fernández Sonia Cousillas , Fernández Francisco Ortega , Balsera Joaquín Villanueva
Published: June 2016

Projects are complex works subjected to significant time, budget and quality constraints. One or the greatest challenges in project management still remaining unsolved is determining what is necessary to do in order to achieve success or failure. According to the specialized literature, both concepts of success factors and failure causes in projects are largely subjective and therefore difficult to quantify, depending on the point of view of the stakeholders involved. This paper compares which are the most frequent failure causes and the most important success factors among three different scenarios: for any type of project, for ICT projects and for ICT projects carried out in Spain only, by means of a worldwide empirical survey carried out among project managers intended to gather their personal perceptions on the matter. The survey is based on a questionnaire anonymously distributed through a professional internet network.
An Exploratory Study of the Current State of Career Development for Project Managers in the IT and Other Industries
Authors: Fan Yang , Thomas Michael , Wang Yishi
Published: June 2016

Critical to project success and job satisfaction of project managers is effective Human Resource Management (HRM). The temporary nature of projects has changed the traditional career paths for project managers and the way project-oriented companies prioritize their motivation tactics. By conducting a survey to explore a general pattern of employers' HRM practices in different industries regarding the project management career, this paper presents the fact that most employers prefer on-job training to organizational career path in motivating and retaining project manager and that there is no difference between IT industry and other industries in terms of the extent of use of on-job training and the organizational career path. These findings contribute to an in-depth understanding of the project management career path and suggest that project managers be proactive in adjusting to change in the workplace by being more autonomous in their career development decisions based on the larger work environment.
Barriers to Social Media Adoption on Projects
Authors: Harrin Elizabeth
Published: June 2016

This chapter considers the reasons behind the lack of adoption of social media tools in a project environment. It discusses how project practitioners can overcome concerns about the lack of overall strategy, lack of senior management sponsorship, lack of a proven business case, security issues, information overload and the blurring of lines between professional and personal data online in order to realize the benefits of social and collaboration tools. It concludes that social tools are a fundamental part of the current and future project management landscape and that ‘social' should be intelligently incorporated into working practices in order to meet a need instead of being a response to outside trends.
Root Causes of New Hotel Opening Delays in China
Authors: Noordzy Gert , Whitfield Richard
Published: June 2016

In China, at least three new 150+ room hotels will be opened every day for the next 25 years according to available development pipeline data (Yang, 2011; Lodging Econometrics, 2013). This phenomenal rate of hotel construction has major implications for how new hotels are opened on such a large scale. China is a vital growth market for the global hotel industry, yet many of these hotel openings are being considerably delayed. This chapter reviews the future growth strategies and plans of the major international hotel companies in China, and examines the causes for these setbacks. The authors used a Causal Chain Analysis on data that were acquired from over 80 interviews with hotel management professionals in 2009. There was an overwhelming general lack of understanding of project management methodologies, concepts, and structures. These were found to be key problem areas (Thomas, Delisle, & Jugdev, 2001).
The Relationships between Project Management and Knowledge Management
Authors: Pessoa Cláudio Roberto Magalhães , Silva Fabiana Bigão , Nassif Mônica Erichsen
Published: June 2016

All companies work nowadays at pursuit of innovation, because that will bring better results. The high demand for innovative products and services has led companies to a permanent state of change, either launching a new product or improving the current, enhancing or changing production line, or making administrative change. According to Davenport and Prusak (1998), organizations recognize that knowledge is the only source capable of generating sustainable competitive advantages. Gattoni (2000) corroborates the authors defending that enterprise knowledge management becomes a new strategy to be matured in terms of competitive gains in projects. Models and theoretical approaches show that the relationship between project management, and information and knowledge management generates significant improvements to organizations. This chapter makes a link of both themes aimed at significant improvements in the organization.
Why Has Project Management (PMBOK) Hindered Instead of Advanced Transformational E-Government?
Authors: Furlong Shauneen
Published: June 2016

Transformational e-Government offered the hope and promise to revitalize and modernize public services; reinvigorate and improve services to citizens, business, and governments; and create an exciting environment for employees to work and contribute. Countries world-wide are inexorably engaged and urged forward by both push-and-pull motivational pressures to use technology to improve democratic participation, social harmony, and economic sustainability. While e-Government's first decade has been much more transactional than transformational, radical changes affecting e-Government are needed in this decade. But progress achieved thus far was not without struggle. The project failure rate is so high that transformational e-Government progress is stalling. This paper identifies a synergistic compendium of ten key challenges that prevent progress in transformational e-Government and assesses the effectiveness of the North American standard for project management, the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), in managing these challenges - and finds it wanting.
Constructive eHealth Evaluation
Authors: Høstgaard Anna Marie Balling
Published: June 2016

Despite the existence of an extensive body of knowledge about best practices and factors that contribute to the successful development and adoption of eHealth, many eHealth development-projects still face a number of problems - many of them of an organizational nature. This chapter presents a new method: “The Constructive eHealth evaluation method” aimed at supporting real end-user participation - a well-known success factor in eHealth development. It provides an analytical framework for achieving real end-user participation during the different phases in the eHealth lifecycle. The method was developed and used for the first time during the evaluation of an EHR planning process in a Danish region. It has proven effective for providing management at more levels on-going information and feedback from end-users, allowing management to change direction during eHealth development in order to achieve the most successful adoption and implementation of eHealth in healthcare environments.
CAMES
Authors: Smith Peter , Cames Olaf
Published: June 2016

The majority of IT Projects are not successful and fail for non-technical reasons, despite the fact that numerous project management methodologies exist in the marketplace and are now in common use in organisations. As the CHAOS report from Standish Group documents, this remains an important and current issue (Dominguez, 2009; The Standish Group International Inc., 2013). The fact is that for more than 20 years the majority of IT projects have failed; largely as a result of human factors and communication issues. This leads to enormous economic issues for organisations in the public and private sector. This chapter proposes a new approach to project management which addresses the human factor and issues of communication. The proposed approach is novel and applies principles drawn from philosophy and action research to produce an approach which has the potential to radically change the way in which projects are managed. The approach is discussed in terms of practice and the academic literature and is applied to two project simulations.
Extended Earned Value Management Based on Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision Making
Authors: Golpîra Hêriş
Published: June 2016

This paper proposes an extended earned value management (EEVM) as an integrated comprehensive project progress measurement technique. The method considers all of project key success factors, simultaneously. That is the method guaranties the realistic weights achievement to implement project control and scheduling. The weights are employed to publish a correct and comprehensive progress reports which can guarantee the future decisions for the project. It is noteworthy that the weighting approach is not just an earned value management (EVM), but it covers its concept. Since, the method is comprehensive and according to its ability to take any key success factors in to account, it can be used as a good alternative for the EVM approach, and can be called as an EEVM. The method combines the fuzzy group analytic hierarchy process (FGAHP) and fuzzy technique of order performance by similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS) to define activity weights according to some projects uncertain data. Taking to account the advantages of FGAHP for criteria weighting besides FTOPSIS for activity weighting provides a flexible method works with human habits and projects vagueness and uncertainty. Efficiency of the proposed method has been practically verified on a stadium in Kurdistan. The results illustrate superiority of the method in case of comprehensiveness and flexibility in comparison with the other methods.
Replacing Project Managers in Information Technology Projects
Authors: Liikamaa Kirsi , Vartiainen Tero , Pirhonen Maritta , Aramo-Immonen Heli
Published: June 2016

According to anecdotal evidence, project managers working on information technology (IT) projects are occasionally replaced, although the literature on information systems (IS) and project management (PM) makes little mention of it. With a view to narrowing this knowledge gap the authors examined the reasons behind the practice. The authors took an interpretive approach to the data gathering and analysis, and collected descriptions about replacing project managers (RPM) from interviews and questionnaires (n=43). The concept of contradiction served as a lens through which to identify the underlying reasons. Contradiction refers to statements asserting or expressing the opposite of another statement. The authors identified four contradictions explaining why RPM occurs in IT projects. These contradictions show that RPM appears to be a simplistic solution when there are more fundamental issues to consider. The implications extend to education, practice, and research in the context of IT project management.
Transferring Data to Wisdom in Project Management
Authors: Milin Dragana
Published: June 2016

More and more companies organize their business through projects, and project management becomes a necessity rather than a luxury and permeates all aspects of business. Therefore, managing knowledge in project environments becomes a key component in project success. In this chapter, basic elements of projects, project management, and knowledge management are introduced, while the main focus of the chapter is put on knowledge transfer between projects and the parent organization. Software tools for project management are also introduced, and some of the most prominent project management software tools are presented. Project Management Office (PMO) as a key player in inter-project knowledge transfer is described, and certain points for future research are given.
School Violence among Children and Adolescents in Rural Communities
Authors: Wright Michelle F.
Published: June 2016

School violence gained increased attention after highly publicized school shootings occurred in a variety of different school districts across the United States. Some of these school shootings occurred in nonurban communities, suggesting that such violence can occur in all areas, even those originally thought to be immune to such violence. As a result of these incidences, more research was conducted on school violence in nonurban communities and it quickly became clear that children and adolescents from rural school districts were often exposed to school violence at similar levels as those children and adolescents from urban areas. The aim of this chapter was to review research concerning school violence among children and adolescents in rural school districts, and to make recommendations for policy and school violence reduction programs as well as future research.
Assessment of Childhood Trauma in Rural Settings
Authors: Alexander Apryl A. , Harrelson Megan E.
Published: June 2016

Childhood exposure to trauma is prevalent and has been shown to contribute to both immediate and long-term psychological distress and functional impairment. Most mental health professionals will encounter trauma-related issues in their work, regardless of their specialty or the context in which they work, however, in rural communities it may be difficult for mental health practitioners to seek specialty training in working with survivors of trauma. The aim of this chapter is to provide practitioners with basic knowledge about the effects of trauma on children and adolescents, clinical skills and available measures designed to appropriately assess exposure to trauma and subsequent trauma-related symptoms, and ethical and cultural considerations required when assessing trauma in children and adolescents in rural communities.
What If a Whole Community Came Together?
Authors: Frances Rebecca Hoffmann
Published: June 2016

Isolation is often a key factor and contributor to childhood trauma in rural communities. Not only does it potentially mean that there are less “eyes” on a family but it also means less supports and positive connections for a family. It means less ways out of the maze of childhood trauma and poverty. This chapter will explore how to build community in rural areas so that families feel connected and supported. It will give tools and tips for engaging traditional and non-traditional partners to create a web of support for families. It will call upon research and scientifically proven tactics for community engagement as well as more grass roots efforts that work in rural communities. In addition the article will give real life examples from some of the most rural areas in the state of Maine of how communities have come together to support children and ensure better screening, intervention and treatment.
The Contagion of Trauma
Authors: Dumesnil James
Published: June 2016

Research has been increasingly clear regarding the critical importance of the first years of life, especially the first three years, on personality development and the ability to adapt and adjust throughout life. Children with histories of traumas such as abuse, neglect, drug exposure, inconsistent caregiving, or violence during these critical early years can have profound disruptions in their development, including severe behavioral and emotional problems. The parents who adopt a child with a history of trauma are vulnerable to developing their own vicarious, or secondary trauma. This chapter explores this contagion of trauma within adoptive families, following the story of one such affected family. Treatment has focused on the needs of the traumatized child individually and through behaviorally-based parenting interventions. The individual clinical needs of the attachment figures, the parents, have not received the attention they deserve. These needs are as critical as addressing the child's trauma in order to allow for creation of a secure attachment with the child.
On the Mechanical Behavior of Masonry
Authors: Sarhosis Vasilis , Oliveira D. V. , Lourenco P. B.
Published: June 2016

In this chapter, a review on the mechanical behaviour of masonry is presented. The aim is to establish a base of knowledge and understanding of masonry that will underpin its mechanical characteristics and will inform the decisions towards the selection of the computational tool used which are going to be described in the following chapters. Initially, a brief description of the factors that influence the mechanical response of masonry and the variation of the material properties are discussed. The review then considers the possible causes of cracking in masonry and the different failure modes that may occur during loading. Principal findings from the review are summarised at the end of the chapter.
Micro-Modeling Options for Masonry
Authors: Sarhosis Vasilis
Published: June 2016

In this chapter, a review of the available methods and their challenges to simulate the mechanical behavior of masonry structures are presented. Different micro-modeling computational options are considered and compared with regard to their ability to define the initial state of the structure, realism in simulation, computer efficiency and data availability for their application to model low bond strength masonry structures. It is highlighted that different computational approaches should lead to different results and these will depend on the adequacy of the approach used and the information available. From the results analysis it is also highlighted that a realistic analysis and assessment of existing masonry structures using numerical methods of analysis is not a straight forward task even under full knowledge of current conditions and materials.
Numerical Modelling of Masonry Dams Using the Discrete Element Method
Authors: Bretas Eduardo Martins
Published: June 2016

This work concerns the numerical modelling of masonry dams using the Discrete Element Method. It begins with a review of the history of masonry dams and their behaviour. A numerical tool based on the Discrete Element Method developed specifically for the structural assessment of masonry dams is then presented. The mechanical calculations performed by the tool are discussed in detail, together with the approach used for the modelling of passive anchors and the modules for seismic analysis and hydromechanical analysis. Structural and hydraulic analyses of a diverse set of existing masonry dams conducted using the tool are then presented. The Discrete Element Method is shown to be capable of reproducing the structural behaviour of masonry dams and identifying their likely failure mechanisms as required for structural safety evaluations.
Numerical Study of Discrete Masonry Structures under Static and Dynamic Loading
Authors: Dimitri Rossana , Zavarise Giorgio
Published: June 2016

Much of the world's architectural heritage consists of Unreinforced Masonry (URM) structures whose preservation is a topical subject. To prevent possible collapse of multi-block systems in hazardous conditions, a promising tool to investigate their structural response is represented by numerical modelling with the Discrete Element Method (DEM). Gothic buttresses of trapezoidal and stepped shapes are first analysed comparatively under static loading, defining the optimal configurations. Numerical results are verified against the analytical predictions of overturning and sliding resistances, based on a continuum approximation of masonry. The DEM is then successfully adopted to assess the first-order seismic behavior of arches and buttressed arches with different shapes as compared to predictions based on limit analysis. A systematic investigation on dynamic behavior failure domains and on modes of collapse of URM structures is finally performed for varying input parameters, as needed to gain more confidence on the numerical results.
Discrete Finite Element Method for Analysis of Masonry Structures
Authors: Mamaghani Iraj H. P.
Published: June 2016

Masonry structures are comprised of a finite number of distinct interacting rock blocks that have a length scale relatively comparable to the structure. Therefore, they are ideal candidates for modeling as discrete systems. This chapter covers the Discrete Finite Element Method (DFEM) developed by the author to model discontinuous media consisting of blocks of arbitrary shapes. The DFEM is based on the finite element method incorporating contact elements. The DFEM considers blocks as sub-domains and represents them as solid elements. Contact elements are used to model block interactions such as sliding or separation. In this chapter, through some illustrative examples, the applicability of the DFEM to static and dynamic analysis of masonry structures, including arch bridges, walls, slopes, and underground openings, is discussed. The DFEM provides an efficient tool for researchers and practical engineers in designing, analyzing, and studying the behavior of masonry structures under static and dynamic loadings.
A Semi-Discrete Approach for the Numerical Simulation of Freestanding Blocks
Authors: Peña Fernando
Published: June 2016

This chapter addresses the numerical modeling of freestanding rigid blocks by means of a semi-discrete approach. The pure rocking motion of single rigid bodies can be easily studied with the differential equation of motion, which can be solved by numerical integration or by linearization. However, when we deal with sliding and jumping motion of rigid bodies, the mathematical formulation becomes quite complex. In order to overcome this complexity, a Semi-Discrete Model (SMD) is proposed for the study of rocking motion of rigid bodies, in which the rigid body is considered as a mass element supported by springs and dashpots, in the spirit of deformable contacts between rigid blocks. The SMD can detect separation and sliding of the body; however, initial base contacts do not change, keeping a relative continuity between the body and its base. Extensive numerical simulations have been carried out in order to validate the proposed approach.
Application of Discrete Finite Element Method for Analysis of Unreinforced Masonry Structures
Authors: Mamaghani Iraj H. P.
Published: June 2016

In this chapter, through some illustrative examples, the applicability of the Discrete Finite Element Method (DFEM) to analysis of unreinforced masonry structures such as rock pillars, open rock slopes, underground openings, tunnels, fault propagations, and fault-structure interactions is examined and discussed. In the numerical study, the behavior of contacts and blocks is assumed to be elasto-plastic or elastic. The Mohr-Coulomb yield criterion, representing material behavior of contacts, is implemented in the developed codes for DFEM used in the analysis. The secant stiffness method with the updated Lagrangian scheme is employed to deal with non-linear behavior. The constant strain triangular element with two degrees of freedoms at each node, formed by properly joining the corners and contact nodes of an individual block, is adopted for finite element meshing of the blocks. The DFEM provides an efficient and promising tool for designing, analyzing, and studying the behavior of unreinforced masonry structures.
Library Collaborative Networks Forging Scholarly Cyberinfrastructure and Radical Collaboration
Authors: Taylor Laurie N. , Alteri Suzan A. , Minson Valrie Ila , Walker Ben , Hawley E. Haven , Dinsmore Chelsea S. , Jefferson Rebecca J. W.
Published: June 2016

Academic libraries and teaching departments sometimes treat Digital Humanities (DH) as radically new. While DH is radically new in terms of collaborative practices and methods, it is also fundamentally rooted in the humanities and intricately connected to core activities by librarians, especially for collaboration. In this chapter, we explain how the UF Smathers Libraries leveraged the library digital collections—with rich technical features and content, and a robust underlying infrastructure—to create the necessary scholarly cyberinfrastructure to then support the DH community for an environment of radical collaboration. To do so, we show how librarians leveraged the new DH opportunities to fundamentally enrich and improve existing, seemingly more traditional work, including collection development, library scholarly councils, collaboration among libraries for print and digital collections, outreach and instruction, and more.
Online Video Tutorials and Interlibrary Resource Sharing
Authors: Ress Arieh Down , McLaughlin Jaclyn A. , Bertuca Cynthia
Published: June 2016

The advent of online video sites has made possible a new and powerful way to disseminate information: the online video tutorial. The Western New York Library Resources Council (WNYLRC), in conjunction with the University at Buffalo Libraries, developed a project that sought to explore the possibilities of this tool for librarians. In WNYLRC's Knowledge Base Tutorials On-Demand Program, tutorials were researched, scripted and produced to enhance the training of librarians and professional staff, to answer general questions, and to provide detailed information about library software and platforms. This chapter will describe the design, implementation, and outcomes of this program, as means to lay a foundation for future work in the area of video tutorials, library resource sharing and information dissemination. The ramifications of platforms such as YouTube and the new kinds of literacy that are growing as a result are essential to the future of libraries in the digital era.
The LOUIS Consortium and Catastrophe
Authors: Lowe Megan , Matthews Michael , Reno Lindsey M. , Sartori Michael A.
Published: June 2016

Using interviews, pictures, and LOUIS-related documentation, the chapter will describe the experiences of LOUIS and LOUIS member institutions affected by the hurricanes in the context of how the consortium helped its member institutions cope, recover, and better prepare with regard to disasters. It will detail the challenges the consortium faced as a whole and the lessons learned from those experiences with a focus on its ILS, ILL, and shared library facilities. Finally, the chapter will also describe the changes the consortium made as a result of those experiences and lessons and how LOUIS plans to continue supporting its members and serving the state in the future and how it would handle future hurricanes and similar disasters.
Academic Library Collaborations to Strengthen Open Government Data and Expand Librarianship
Authors: Das Tara
Published: June 2016

In academic libraries, the area of data librarianship has introduced several new functions and skills into the librarian toolbox. These include statistical and software support, research data management, data curation, and data and statistical literacy. Fostering data-related collaborations enables librarians to enhance library services, collections, and outreach. In this chapter, we will focus on academic library collaborations with government agencies as case in point. Under the umbrella of open access, local and national governments have started making available the raw data that they collect, in the course of providing public services, for users to conduct their own analysis. This chapter will 1) describe data librarianship in academic libraries; 2) review open government data repositories; 3) outline concerns with open government data, such as metadata and data literacy; and 4) describe collaborative efforts between an academic library and New York City government agencies to address concerns with open government data.
Collaborating Off Campus
Authors: Brisk Adam T. , Pittman Kim , Rosendahl Matt
Published: June 2016

This chapter describes how academic libraries can partner with public, school, and special libraries – despite differences in mission or size – to meet the professional development needs of librarians, support staff, administrators, trustees, and volunteers. Using Lake Superior Libraries Symposium as a model, the chapter will explore methods for initiating and sustaining an effective community of practice. By joining forces with colleagues off campus, academic library staff members can better meet the needs of increasingly technologically sophisticated students and faculty and provide the highest quality service. The chapter will provide a literature review about communities of practice and look at how librarians can establish and nurturing a productive group of library professionals. Additional examples of academic librarians' involvement in regional, homegrown library networks and organizations is included to compare and contrast with LSLS.
Reflections of Own Vs. Other Culture
Authors: Gyogi Eiko , Lee Vivian
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this paper is to critically examine Byram's Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) model (Byram, 1997), one of the most influential models particularly in language education in Europe, from a pedagogical perspective. Although the model has opened up various innovative and creative teaching practices beyond a model that uses the native speaker as a goal in language learning (e.g. Byram, Nichols & Stevens, 2001; Coperías Aguilar, 2007, 2009), his conceptualization of “culture” has been criticized by various scholars as being a rather static and discrete entity, particularly as it is based on national boundaries (Block, 2007; Dervin, 2010). This study examines the conceptualization of “own” and “other” cultures in Byram's model from local pedagogical practices based on the data obtained from two different foreign language classrooms, an English classroom in a Korean university and a Japanese classroom in a UK university. The data from both classrooms show some degree of both fixity and fluidity in the illustration of “own” and “other” cultures. This study argues that, despite the pedagogical contributions of Byram's model, the categorization of “own” and “other” cultures can pose problems in interpreting fluidity and ambiguities identified in both classrooms. This study also points to the risk that the continuous use of his current model could result in reproducing fixed categories of “own” and “other” cultures by the teachers themselves. While acknowledging the ICC model's pedagogical contributions, this study argues the need for a pedagogically viable model that does not rely on binary distinction between “own” and “other” cultures.
Factors Affecting e-Government Technology Adoption Behaviour in a Voluntary Environment
Authors: Hossan Chowdhury Golam , Ryan James C.
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical examination of the factors affecting voluntary eService adoption in a public sector work environment. The model examined was constructed following a thorough review of relevant literature on technology adoption through the framework of Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour. Structural equation modelling was used to examine a model assessed through participant responses to survey data for a sample of 515 respondents working in Australian City Councils. The results indicate that an individual's attitudes and beliefs have a significant influence on eService utilisation. Results also suggest that organisational conditions such as training, leadership support and organisational preparedness act to enhance eService utilisation indirectly through their effect on an individual's attitudes and beliefs. The current study provides a model of examining and explaining voluntary technology adoption behaviour in the workplace.
Improving Agent-Based Simulation of Major Incident Response in the United Kingdom through Conceptual and Operational Validation
Authors: Hawe Glenn I. , Coates Graham , Wilson Duncan T. , Crouch Roger S.
Published: June 2016

The aim of this paper is to report on how the credibility of an agent-based model (ABM) of the United Kingdom emergency services' response to major incidents has been improved through a process of conceptual validation, and how the ABM's software implementation has been improved through a process of operational validation. Validating the authors' ABM and its implementation contributes towards the long term goal of agent-based modelling and simulation being accepted by emergency planning officers as a means of performing emergency exercises thus playing a useful role in emergency preparedness. Both conceptual and operational validation led to the identification of potential improvements, which when implemented resulted in the authors' ABM software simulating the response to major incidents in the UK more realistically than was possible previously.
WiPo for SAR
Authors: Rastrick Karyn , Stahl Florian , Vossen Gottfried , Dillon Stuart
Published: June 2016

WiPo (Web in your pocket) is a prototypical mobile information provisioning concept that can offer potential benefits to a range of situations where data sources are vast, dynamic and unvalidated and where continuous Internet connectivity cannot be assured. One such case is that of search and rescue (SAR), a unique case of emergency management characterized by the need for high-quality, accurate and time-sensitive information. This paper reports on empirical research undertaken to explore the potential for a real-world application of a mobile service such as WiPo which is based on the delivery of highly curated, multi-source data made available offline. Adopting an interpretive interview-based approach, the authors evaluate the potential usefulness of WiPo for search and rescue incidents in New Zealand. Upon learning of the core functionality of WiPo and the alignment of that with the typical search and rescue situation, study participants were unanimously positive about its potential for improving search and rescue management and outcomes.
Swarm Intelligence for Automatic Video Image Contrast Adjustment
Authors: Aparna RR
Published: June 2016

Video surveillance has become an integrated part of today's life. We are surrounded by video cameras in all the public places and organizations in our day to day life. Many useful information like face detection, traffic analysis, object classification, crime analysis can be assessed from the recorded videos. Image enhancement plays a vital role to extract any useful information from the images. Enhancing the video frames is a major part as it serves the further analysis of video sequences. The proposed paper discusses the automatic contrast adjustment in the video frames. A new hybrid algorithm was developed using the spatial domain method and Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm (ABC), a swarm intelligence based technique for image enhancement. The proposed algorithm was tested using the traffic surveillance images. The proposed method produced good results and better quality picture for varied levels of poor quality video frames.
Models of Customer Experience for B2C E-Commerce Enterprises
Authors: Pei Yilei , Xue Wanxin , Li Dandan , Su Yong
Published: June 2016

With the rapid development of E-commerce, more and more E-commerce enterprises attach great importance to customer experience, and B2C E-commerce enterprises make no exception. The good customer experience can promote customers' perception of the service level of B2C E-commerce enterprises. Based on previous research literature, the research elaborates effect factors of customer experience of B2C E-commerce enterprises, such as website usefulness, website ease of use, transaction costs, customer involvement and Internet word of mouth; establishes the model of customer experience of B2C E-commerce enterprises based on the technology acceptance model and points out the directions for future research.
Optimal Merchandise Selection Strategy in E-Store Promotional Webpage
Authors: Zhu Ling , Lin Jie
Published: June 2016

In many e-commerce cases, the number of the goods which can be displayed in the promotional webpage is very limited. The sellers cannot put all the goods displayed in the front webpage of the promotion, and they won't waste the valuable opportunity to randomly place some ones. It is an urgent problem for the sellers that how to pick out the most appropriate goods to be laid out in the front promotional webpage among the number of merchandise. In order to provide the optimal strategy to the sellers, we firstly analyze their major concerns in promotional activities: to pursue the maximum profit, to dominate the extensive market, and to win the best reputation. We also make a study of the promotional characteristics, including the effect of earning power and cross selling, the influence of price discount and the reputation based on customer sentiment analysis. Then, an EPR (Earning power-Price discount - Reputation) model based TOPSIS is built, and the extended genetic algorithm is used to solve the problem. At last, an experiment is carried out in this paper to show the effectiveness of the solution.
HDAC3 Is Required for the Downregulation of RORγt during Thymocyte Positive Selection
Authors: Philips Rachael L. , Chen Meibo W. , McWilliams Douglas C. , Belmonte Paul J. , Constans Megan M. , Shapiro Virginia Smith
Published: June 2016

To generate functional peripheral T cells, proper gene regulation during T cell development is critical. In this study, we found that histone deacetylase (HDAC) 3 is required for T cell development. T cell development in CD2-icre HDAC3 conditional knockout (cKO) mice (HDAC3-cKO) was blocked at positive selection, resulting in few CD4 and CD8 T cells, and it could not be rescued by a TCR transgene. These single-positive thymocytes failed to upregulate Bcl-2, leading to increased apoptosis. HDAC3-cKO mice failed to downregulate retinoic acid–related orphan receptor (ROR) γt during positive selection, similar to the block in positive selection in RORγt transgenic mice. In the absence of HDAC3, the RORC promoter was hyperacetylated. In the periphery, the few CD4 T cells present were skewed toward RORγt+ IL-17–producing Th17 cells, leading to inflammatory bowel disease. Positive selection of CD8 single-positive thymocytes was restored in RORγt-KO Bcl-xL transgenic HDAC3-cKO mice, demonstrating that HDAC3 is required at positive selection to downregulate RORγt.