bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Think Aloud Method and User Interface Design
Authors: Jaspers M. W.M.
Published: May 2011

Daily use of computer systems often has been hampered by poorly designed user interfaces. Since the functionality of a computer system is made available through its user interface, its design has a huge influence on the usability of these systems (Carroll, 2002; Preece, 2002). From the user’s perspective, the user interface is the only visible and, hence, most important part of the computer system; thus, it receives high priority in designing computer systems. A plea for human-oriented design in which the potentials of computer systems are tuned to the intended user in the context of their utilization has been made (Rossen & Carroll, 2002). An analysis of the strategies that humans use in performing tasks that are to be computer-supported is a key issue in human-oriented design of user interfaces. Good interface design thus requires a deep understanding of how humans perform a task that finally will be computer-supported. These insights then may be used to design a user interface that directly refers to their information processing activities. A variety of methodologies and techniques can be applied to analyze end users’ information processing activities in the context of a specific task environment among user-centered design methodologies. More specifically, cognitive engineering techniques are promoted to improve computer systems’ usability (Gerhardt-Powels, 1996; Stary & Peschl, 1998). Cognitive engineering as a field aims at understanding the fundamental principles behind human activities that are relevant in the context of designing a system that supports these activities (Stary & Peschl, 1998). The ultimate goal is to develop end versions of computer systems that support users of these systems to the maximum in performing tasks in such a way that the intended tasks can be accomplished with minimal cognitive effort. Empirical research has indeed shown that cognitively engineered interfaces are considered superior by users in terms of supporting task performance, workload, and satisfaction, compared to non-cognitively engineered interfaces (Gerhardt-Powels, 1996). Methods such as the think aloud method, verbal protocol analysis, or cognitive task analysis are used to analyze in detail the way in which humans perform tasks, mostly in interaction with a prototype computer system.
User Behaving Badly
Authors: Kanellis Panagiotis , Paul Ray J.
Published: May 2011

In its formative years and during the 1990s, 1Global Energy PLC (GE) went through a series of structural changes precipitated by the deregulation of the electricity industry in the UK. The severity of these changes had a disruptive effect on its enterprise information systems, which were found unable to adapt to the new and constantly emerging organizational realities. GE’s experiences illustrate the vulnerability of information systems in turbulent environments, provide for a rich description of the causes of misfit due to contextual change, and establish the ability of a system to flex and adapt as a dependent success variable. In addition, the idiographic details of this interpretive field study raise interesting questions about a number of assumptions we hold regarding the development of information systems and the means by which flexibility can be attained.
Spreadsheet Errors and Decision Making
Authors: Caulkins Jonathan P. , Morrison Erica Layne , Weidemann Timothy
Published: May 2011

Spreadsheets are both ubiquitous and error-prone, but there is less evidence concerning whether spreadsheet errors frequently lead to bad decisions. We interviewed forty-five executives and senior managers / analysts in the private, public, and non-profit sectors about their experiences with spreadsheet errors and quality control. Almost all report spreadsheet errors are common. Most can report instances in which errors directly led to losses or bad decisions, but opinions differ as to whether the consequences of spreadsheet errors are severe. Quality control procedures are in most cases informal. A significant minority of respondents believe such ad hoc processes are sufficient because the “human in the loop” can detect any gross errors. Others thought more formal spreadsheet quality control could be beneficial.
Success Factors in the Implementation of a Collaborative Technology and Resulting Productivity Improvements in a Small Business
Authors: Jones Nory B.
Published: May 2011

Practitioners and academics often assume that investments in technology will lead to productivity improvements. While the literature provides many examples of performance improvements resulting from adoption of different technologies, there is little evidence demonstrating specific, generalizable factors that contribute to these improvements. Furthermore, investment in technology does not guarantee effective implementation. This qualitative study examined the relationship between four classes of potential success factors on the adoption of a collaborative technology and whether they were related to performance improvements in a small service company. Users of a newly adopted collaborative technology were interviewed to explore which factors contributed to their initial adoption and subsequent effective use of this technology. The results show that several factors were strongly related to adoption and effective implementation. The impact on performance improvements was further explored. Results showed a qualitative link to several performance improvements including timesavings and improved decision-making. These results are discussed in terms of generalizability as well as suggestions for future research.
The Function of Representation in a "Smart Home Context"
Authors: Edenius Mats
Published: May 2011

In our society, we seem almost completely engaged in a variety of representational processes. By rendering events and processes “still”, they can be more easily manipulated and transferred into a stock of movable resources which can provide the possibility to control. It is in that context information technology can give us power. In this article it is argued that in order to understand information technology we must begin with representation. I will illustrate such a perspective by a case study that puts a smart home-technology in focus and exemplifies how it may let us deeper our knowledge about IT, how that knowledge is constructed, what actors are involved, what drives them and what kinds of issues are at stake.
Online Calculator Training in Mathematics and Technology
Authors: Brescia William , Cline Tammy
Published: May 2011

This is the case of three institutions attempting to identify and address a need for professional development training for high school algebra teachers. Teachers across the state were facing two problems: (1) a need for training on how to successfully integrate the graphing calculator into the math curriculum and (2) training was not available that would fit into a teacher’s schedule. Teachers rarely had time to attend the instruction necessary to integrate new technology into the curricula being offered at remote sites. With Web-based training, teachers should be able to complete the training at their own pace and convenience. Online Calculator Training in Mathematics and Technology would demonstrate the effective use of online training to teach the basics of graphing calculators and the integration of graphing calculators into the math curriculum.
Closer Look to the Online Consumer Behavior, A
Authors: Markellou Penelope , Rigou Maria , Sirmakessis Spiros
Published: May 2011

Nowadays the Web comprises a significant advance in technology, and the rapidity of its acceptance has been remarkable. It is a powerful tool that has changed the way of conducting business, providing companies and customers with limitless options and opportunities. Online catalogs, 24/7 service availability, a cut down in transaction costs, reduction of customer service time, personalized features, and absence of paper and personalization features are only a few of the advantages. Companies, in an effort to stay competitive in the new global economy, are increasingly expanding their activities to this new communication channel, which features as a factor of major profit potential. As a direct consequence of e-commerce spreading, we are witnessing the emergence of a new consumer type, the online consumer or e-customer that uses the Internet for purchasing products/services (Solomon, 2001). The online consumer is empowered with new, exciting capabilities: he can search globally for products/services, compare available options, find additional information, read the opinion of other people who have bought the product/service, or proceed with the transaction. All these options are available from his office or home and can be used conveniently and fast, while all alternative e-shops are only a few clicks away. As in the case of trivial customers, ensuring e-customer satisfaction is not a simple task. To a certain degree, e-customers (expect to) behave online similarly to how they behave off-line (in traditional real-life shops); but in order to fully understand their behavior, one should explore issues like the reasons why people use the Internet for their purchases, the benefits/drawbacks of online buying, and the identification of clusters of customers who share common attitudes, behavior, and preferences online (Blackwell, Miniard, & Engel, 2000). According to Seybold and Marshak (1998), consumers prefer the Internet because it offers easier and faster shopping. Convenience, timesaving, moneysaving, greater options, and fun are among the top reasons, and this kind of knowledge is of great value for dictating efficient e-marketing strategies and motivating e-commerce use with twofold objective: turn non-shoppers into shoppers and increase shopping of current shoppers. This article presents the overall consumer purchase decision cycle and investigates the issues that affect Web users, from selecting a specific e-shop to the delivery of the product and the overall assessment of the shopping experience. This process has been divided into 13 states referring to customer behavior: outside the e-shop, inside the e-shop, and after sales. Special focus is set on identifying the potential abandonment factors thus leading to practical guidelines for all those whose decisions and objectives affect the online shopping experience (e-shop owners, marketing specialists, Web site designers, and developers).
The Importance of Ease of Use, Usefulness, and Trust to Online Consumers
Authors: McCloskey Donna Weaver
Published: May 2011

This research examines electronic commerce participation and attitudes by older Americans. Questionnaires were distributed at a large retirement community and several senior centers located in Pennsylvania. The sample of 110 respondents ranged in age from 52 to 87. Fifty nine percent reported purchasing an item online in the last six months. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used and modified to examine the impact attitudes concerning ease of use, usefulness and trust had on electronic commerce usage. Usefulness and trust were found to have a positive, direct affect on usage. Ease of use had significant impacts on usefulness and trust had a significant impact on both ease of use and usefulness. The paper concludes with a discussion of these results, study limitations and directions for future research.
mCity
Authors: Hallin A. , Lundevall K.
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents the mCity Project, a project owned by the City of Stockholm, aiming at creating user-friendly mobile services in collaboration with businesses. Starting from the end-users’ perspective, mCity focuses on how to satisfy existing needs in the community, initiating test pilots within a wide range of areas, from health care and education, to tourism and business. The lesson learned is that user focus creates involvement among end users and leads to the development of sustainable systems that are actually used after they have been implemented. This is naturally vital input not only to municipalities and governments but also for the IT/telecom industry at large. Using the knowledge from mCity, the authors suggest a new, broader de?nition of “m-government” which focuses on mobile people rather than mobile technology.
General Requirements for Digital Government
Authors: Costake Nicolae
Published: May 2011

“Digital government” (DG), “online government,” “e-government (eGvt),” and “e-governance (eG)” are widely used terms. They suggest the use of modern information and communications technology (ICT) in the governance of socio-economic systems (SES). It is widely accepted that the goal consists in increasing the performance of the governance. This can be considered in the sense of improving the services provided to citizens and organizations and also of improving the socio-economic development. There are still various points of view concerning the scope and strategy. The purpose of the present article, based on existing results and trends, is to propose a set of general requirements for the informatized governance of socio-economic systems.
Corruption, Transparency, and E-Government
Authors: Ostermann Herwig , Staudinger Roland
Published: May 2011

Regarded from a historical perspective, the appearance of corruption is not a new phenomenon at all. It can be traced back to the ancient civilizations of China, Egypt, Greece, India, Israel, and Rome, which all provide evidence of widespread illegality and corruption. In spite of its long history, corruption increasingly became a political issue in the 1990s: corruption scandals contributed substantially to the resignation of governments in Ecuador, Brazil, India, and Italy and unsettled well-established ruling parties in Japan and Mexico (Lash, 2004; Sen, 1999). According to Sen (1999), “the prevalence of corruption is rightly regarded as one of the major stumbling blocks in the path to successful economic progress, for example in many Asian and African countries” (p. 275). Dudley (2000) estimates that 30% of the money spent annually for international development loans are diverted from productive pursuits because of corruption. Additionally, countries perceived as being corrupt suffer from lower (private) capital inflows, as foreign investors are deterred by corruption and its associated phenomena, which include bureaucratic red tape, mismanagement and the lack of secure property rights (Transparency International (TI), 2004). Overall, the cost of corruption represents 5% of the volume of total global output or more than 1.5 trillion dollars a year according to “rough, but conservative” World Bank estimates (United Nations, 2003c). Table 1 aims to illustrate the scale of political corruption by presenting estimates of the funds allegedly embezzled by 10 notorious (but not necessarily the most corrupt) leaders of the last 20 years.
Current Approaches to Federal E-Government
Authors: Chen Melinda E. , Davis Charles K.
Published: May 2011

The U.S. government is making strides to provide electronic access to government agencies and services. A variety of issues are involved when implementing e-government programs such as electronic tax filing, access to drug information, and so forth. Financial, technical, personnel, and legal issues are common. Privacy issues in the creation of e-government are also of interest to both the e-government implementer and citizen. There are a variety of issues in planning and implementing projects of the scope and magnitude of e-government. Issues such as user requirements, organizational change, government regulations, and politics, as well as descriptions of planning and implementation frameworks, are important. Experience in developed countries shows that it is not difficult for people to imagine a situation where all interaction can be done 24 hours each day, 7 days each week. Many countries, including the United States, France, Australia, Greece, Canada, Singapore, and Italy have been offering government services online (West, 2004). According to Sharma and Gupta (2003), Canada, Singapore, and the United States are categorized as “innovative leaders” (p. 34) whose continued leadership in the creation of e-government and more mature online services sets them apart from other countries. Canada leads the way in e-government innovation while Singapore, the United States, Australia, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Finland, Germany, and Ireland are countries in the top-10 list. Several Asian countries such as China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Burma have initiated the concept of e-government as well (Dodgson, 2001). An article in Federal Computer Week (Perera, 2004) reported findings of a recent poll indicating that 77% of Internet users (or some 97 million people) in the United States have gone online for government information. E-government is rapidly becoming a key priority of the government of the United States.
An Evaluation of Digital Deliberative Democracy in Local Governement
Authors: Rho Seung-Yong
Published: May 2011

This chapter evaluates the current status of digital deliberation in the local governments of Seoul Metropolitan area in Korea. In order to do that, this study, first, reviews literatures on digital democracy and develops a Web site evaluation framework of digital deliberative democracy. The four stages of digital deliberative democracy consist of information acquisition, communication and consultation, citizen participation, and public deliberation. Then, after evaluating the current practices in digital deliberative democracy of 25 administrative districts in the City of Seoul based on the four stages of digital deliberative democracy, the results show that a few administrative districts have performed good practices in digital deliberative democracy. Though it could be said that many administrative districts have performed good practices of information acquisition (1st stage of digital deliberative democracy), communication and consultation (2nd stage), and citizen participation (3rd stage), public deliberation (4th stage) is not fully performed in the Web sites of the administrative districts. Based on the results, this research explores some policy recommendations to improve digital deliberative democracy.
mCity
Authors: Hallin Anette , Lundevall Kristina
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents the mCity Project, a project owned by the City of Stockholm, aiming at creating user-friendly mobile services in collaboration with businesses. Starting from the end-users’ perspective, mCity focuses on how to satisfy existing needs in the community, initiating test pilots within a wide range of areas, from health care and education, to tourism and business. The lesson learned is that user focus creates involvement among end users and leads to the development of sustainable systems that are actually used after they have been implemented. This is naturally vital input not only to municipalities and governments but also for the IT/telecom industry at large. Using the knowledge from mCity, the authors suggest a new, broader de?nition of “m-government” which focuses on mobile people rather than mobile technology.
The Impact of Mergers & Acquisitions on IT Governance Structures
Authors: Chin Pauline O. , Brown George A. , Hu Qing
Published: May 2011

Developing information technology (IT) governance structures within an organization has always been challenging. This is particularly the case in organizations that have achieved growth through mergers and acquisitions. When the acquired organizations are geographically located in different regions than the host enterprise, the factors affecting this integration and the choice of IT governance structures are quite different than when this situation does not exist. This study performs an exploratory examination of the factors that affect the choice of IT governance structures in organizations that grow through mergers and acquisitions in developing countries using the results of a case study of an international telecommunications company. We find that in addition to the commonly recognized factors such as government regulation, competition and market stability, organizational culture, and IT competence, top management’s predisposition toward a specific business strategy and governance structure can profoundly influence the choice of IT governance in organizations. Managerial implications are discussed.
Information Systems Integration in E-Government
Authors: Lam Wing
Published: May 2011

Through e-government, an increasing number of nations are making major commitments to modernize and reform government in an effort to achieve greater efficiency, broaden access to government services and improve service levels (Schware & Deane, 2003). Technology is seen as a key enabler for e-government (Elmagarmid & McIver, 2001). Ultimately, e-government seeks to centralize and make a cohesive and seamless set of government services available to end-users. Hence, the integration of information systems (IS), both within and between different government departments, will become a critical issue as e-government matures (Golden, Hughes, & Scott, 2003). As e-government matures, information systems (IS) integration will become critical to the ability to provide centralized and seamless online services. This article examines the different scenarios of IS integration, and discusses the critical success factors for IS integration. The architectures for achieving IS integration as also described. A roadmap for IS integration in e-government is proposed which provides a framework for more detailed project planning and technical decision-making.
E-Government Portals in Mexico
Authors: Almazan Rodrigo Sandoval , Gil-Garcia J. Ramón
Published: May 2011

Electronic government has become a powerful administrative tool for governments around the world (Dawes & Pardo, 2002; Fountain, 2001; UN & ASPA, 2002). Governments at all levels are attempting to improve services and increase their interactions with citizens using information and communication technologies (ICTs). In Mexico, state and local governments are expending large amounts of money to introduce ICTs in operational tasks, as well as in the provision of public services. Many of these governments have created Web pages, which provide information about government agencies and, in some cases, allow transactions. Unfortunately, in Mexico, there is no systematic or rigorous research program that measures and assesses the evolution and impact of e-government. As an initial step of a broader research effort, this study focuses on the functionality of state portals, looking at technical aspects, as well as their potential to improve the quality of the services provided by states. Gant and Gant (2002) state, “A Web portal serves as the integrated gateway into the state government Web site and provides visitors with a single point of contact for online service delivery within the state.” Therefore, these portals contain an interesting mixture of applications and are good examples of current e-government efforts. Accordingly, taking an evolutionary approach, this study provides an initial assessment of e-government at the state level in Mexico. This article is organized into six sections including these introductory comments. In the second section, three approaches to e-government assessment are described briefly. The third section explains our method of analysis. In the fourth section, we present some preliminary results. The fifth section includes some future trends and areas for research. Finally, section six provides some concluding remarks.
Building Government-to-Government Enterprises
Authors: Joia Luiz Antonio
Published: May 2011

Electronic government has proven a watershed in the domain of public administration, despite being difficult to pin down precisely. Indeed, the government-to-government (G2G) arena is one of the least studied aspects of this newly established field of knowledge, despite its importance in fostering cooperation and collaboration between government agencies, mainly with respect to the management of their knowledge, in order to increase the effectiveness of public administration. The main scope of this article is to present some key success factors for building G2G enterprises successfully. It also aims to show how public agencies themselves can benefit when they are electronically linked to others, thereby innovating and streamlining their working processes, in order to achieve greater agility and efficacy at reduced cost. In order to pinpoint the key G2G success factors, a single explanatory and successful case study approach was used, namely one involving the Brazilian Central Bank (BCB) and the Brazilian Justice Department (BJD). The BacenJud system developed by the Brazilian Central Bank was analyzed in a more detailed manner. This case—considered a success—shows how this G2G project made it possible for both the Brazilian Central Bank and the Brazilian Justice Department to achieve greater agility and effectiveness regarding the processing of legal demands made by the Brazilian Justice Department, thereby handing down its sentences at reduced cost. Furthermore, this study examined the factors that had a clear nationwide impact on the success of this endeavor in the realm of the Justice Department. Therefore, this article intends to answer the following research question: From the case study analyzed, what are the key success factors in the implementation of government-to-government processes between public agencies in Brazil?
Managing E-Government Application Evolution
Authors: Kung Hsiang-Jui , Tung Hui-Lien , Case Thomas
Published: May 2011

The State Technology Agency (STA) is accountable for delivering e-government services for a state in the United States. One of its major responsibilities is to develop and maintain the state portal. As the result of challenges that it has encountered, the STA has developed a holistic view of state portal applications evolution and management. The case examines the three perspectives of Web application evolution — applications, processes, and services — and illustrates how application evolution dynamics are impacted by their interplay. The STA case also reinforces the importance of defining and applying processes to manage application evolution; it is the execution of application evolution processes that determines whether the services delivered fulfill customers’ expectations, and it is only through monitoring the outcomes of application evolution processes and quality of delivered services that opportunities for improved/enhanced applications are identified. The case also illustrates the importance of integrating tools with evolution processes to deliver/monitor better services and portal applications.
Civil Servants' Resistance towards E-Gopvernment Development
Authors: Gasco Mila
Published: May 2011

As the new UNPAN E-Government Readiness Report (2004) stated, during the last years, governments worldwide have made rapid progress in embracing information and communication technologies for electronic government. All over, several projects have been carried out in order to offer more and better information to citizens and to improve public service delivery. Nevertheless, not all of them have been successful. Several factors have restrained governments at all levels from implementing thriving e-government initiatives. Research has shown that workers’ resistance to change is one of the major obstacles that organizations face when trying to implement innovation change processes. The public sector is not an exception. Due to its intrinsic characteristics, the introduction of information technology and, particularly, of electronic government programs requires paying special attention to the potential crisis situation to which these initiatives could lead. The intention of this article is to make clear how public servants experience and react to those changes that result from the adoption of information and communication technologies (ICTs) within the public administration; that is, to analyze the people dimension of change.
Users' Acceptance of E-Government
Authors: Sahu Ganesh P. , Gupta M. P.
Published: May 2011

The study seeks to highlight the key variables affecting usage of e-government by internal users of Indian Central Excise. An e-government acceptance model is developed and empirically tested using the 163 usable questionnaire responses from internal users of the Indian Central Excise. A priority of the variables is set by calculating the “total effect” of each variable on “intention to use e-government.” Further, the “total effect” is compared with “ratio of acceptance” and clear recommendations for the Central Excise are generated for increasing the usage of e-government among it users. The model developed here can be applied in other similar e-government projects to test the users’ intention to accept the system.
The Core Governmental Perspectives of E-Health
Authors: Syvajarvi Antti , Stenvall Jari
Published: May 2011

Public healthcare is facing huge future challenges in order to deal with rising costs, growing demands of customers, information flow, demographic changes, and aging population. The healthcare service sector can be seen as an information intensive area during an era of innovation and information technology (cf. Bellamy & Taylor, 1998). According to McLaughlin, Rosen, Skinner, and Webster (1999), it is common to assume that technological interventions are almost inevitable and it is humans’ duty, at least to some extent, to follow the suggested development. In the organizational level of public healthcare, high expectations about the technology and its new possibilities are introduced. Additionally, the customers can seek support and advice for their healthcare needs from thousands online connections at any time of a day (e.g., Silber, 2003). The European Commission (2004) states how “eHealth offers European citizens important opportunities for improved access to better health systems” (p. 22). This trend has implications to human beings and governments. The electronic health services produced by the information and communication technology (ICT) belong to the era of e-government. The e-government can be seen as an electronic exchange of information and services between different actors (cf. Mälkiä, Anttiroiko, & Savolainen, 2004; Oliver & Sanders, 2004). The development of information society throughout the last decades has brought up possibilities to adapt, modify, and reorganize healthcare practices and services (e.g., Gallivan, 2001; Turner, Fraser, Muir Grau, & Toth, 2002). The ICT has been used as a tool to reorganize best organizational practices, information management, and government. The ICT has also given a possibility to produce tailored healthcare services and to gain improvements in cost-effectiveness, access, safety, and quality of public healthcare services (Bates et al., 2001; Whitten et al., 2002). In the future, the healthcare organizations in public sectors will confront many challenges by means of the ICT implementation. This situation is considered here both as the function of healthcare organizations and as the supply of knowledge intensive public health services. The current viewpoint presumes a paradigm that is structured on the basis of specific conceptualization. The purpose of this article is to conceptualize the complex topic of e-health from the governmental viewpoint and to clarify the best organizational practices. Special notation is also given for human resources, information management and the ICT implementation. Finally, some future trends are shortly discussed.
Problems of Offline Government in E-Serbia
Authors: Simonovic Simonida
Published: May 2011

Various aspects of the Eastern European transition have been extensively researched over the past 15 years. Only recently, studies of democratization have begun to specifically recognize and reflect the context of the information age in which they are taking place. This claim particularly applies to the late and ongoing transitions in the Western Balkans along the new borders of Europe. The least researched aspect of their democratization refers to the modernization of their civil service, particularly through the lenses of the informatization (Frissen, Bekkers, Brussaard, Snellen, & Wolters, 1992) of their administrations and development of e-government as an important element of transparent governance. This is a gradual and uneven development, yet it initiates institutional change toward having friendlier administrations that were hardly conceived at the beginning of the transition.
E-Government and the Construction Industry
Authors: Barima O. K.B.
Published: May 2011

Recent trends indicate drives by various governments to adopt electronic means to handle their affairs and also provide value to their citizens irrespective of time and space via so-called electronic governments (see, e.g., Mathews, 2001; Tillett, 2000). Although the construction industry is part of the clientele which e-government seeks to serve, traditionally many governments are often the major clients for the supplied services of the industry. This scenario appears to re-shape the traditional customer-supplier relations into that of evolving roles, as for example in the digital environment both parties may find themselves in the roles of supplier or customers at varied times. This article seeks to explore the nature of the exchange interactions which may evolve between e-governments and the construction industry in the digital environment in value delivery. First, perspectives on the key concepts in this article are offered, then relevant literature on the subject is examined, before conceptual models to explain potential evolving roles of the two entities in the delivery of value in the digital/virtual realms is given. An outlook on future trends on the topic is then proposed before the conclusions.
Issues in E-Commerce and E-Government Service Delivery
Authors: Stowers Genie N.L.
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines three issues emerging in the fields of e-government service delivery and e-commerce — the need for and a potential structure for performance measures, the heightened need for security awareness around e-government and e-commerce, and the need for e-government web design centered around usability. Beginning these discussions are some basic definitions, a review of the current literature on e-government and a discussion of the stages of e-government development. The chapter concludes with a discussion of a future research agenda in e-service delivery and e-commerce. Electronic government, or e-government, can be defined as the “use of technology, particularly web-based Internet applications, to enhance the access to and delivery of government information and service to citizens, business partners, employees, other agencies, and government entities” (McClure, 2000). As will be discussed later, e-commerce applications are a subset of e-government applications, and can be easily defined as “Business transactions conducted by electronic means other than conventional telephone service, e.g., facsimile or electronic mail (e-mail)” (National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 2002).
Interoperability on the Road to Enhance Government-to-Business
Authors: Laskaridis Giorgos , Markellou Penelope , Panayiotaki Angeliki , Tsakalidis Athanasios
Published: May 2011

This chapter is initiated by the continuously growing governments’ effort to transform their traditional profile to a digital one, worldwide, by adopting e-government models using the ICT and the Web. The chapter deals with interoperability, which appears as the mean for accomplishing the interlinking of information, systems, and applications, not only within governments, but also in their interaction with citizens, enterprises, and public sectors. The chapter highlights the critical issue of interoperability, investigating the way it can be incorporated into e-government domain in order to provide efficient and effective e-services. It also describes the issues, tasks, and steps that are connected with interoperability in the enterprise environment, introducing and analysing a generic interoperability platform (CCIGOV platform). Finally, it illustrates future trends in the field and, thus, suggests directions of future work/research.
Postcolonial ICT Challenges
Authors: Rydhagen Birgitta , Trojer Lena
Published: May 2011

This article has a particular interest in the introduction of ICT in the postcolonial parts of the world. The fundamental arguments for investing in ICT all over the world rest on the view of ICT as a necessity for successful integration into the world economy. ICTs are regarded as having great potential to promote development in key social and economic areas where a shortage of capital, knowledge and local capacity obstructs progress. However, “information itself does not feed, clothe or house the world” (Main, 2001, p. 96), and it remains to be seen whether ICTs in developing countries will create wealth among the poor in those countries or among the already wealthy. In the promotion of ICTs for development, the introduction of these technologies is mainly discussed in technical terms, considering the problems of electricity, telephone access, and expensive computers. The argument for introduction is also rather instrumental, expecting income generation and economic improvement. At the same time, ICTs are sometimes referred to as revolutionary, but they will travel on existing technologies, modes of communication and (post) colonial relationships. The introduction of new technologies will not only be regarded as a technical issue. It may also be politically sensitive, if the technology shows signs of disrespect for the local culture, if it promotes only specific groups and ways of life in the local society, or if it bypasses the local society when reaching out for a specific target like a company (see e.g., Redfield, 2002). As for example Weckert and Adeney (1997) argue, the spread of ICTs in diverse cultural settings might very well be regarded as cultural imperialism, given the unequal access to resources for alternative technologies or content. The directions that ICTs lead towards, for example distant communication, may be interpreted as unifying and networking on a global scale between interest groups to their own and society’s benefit. ICTs may also lead to an increased spread of (androcentric) American and western ideals and commercial products, increasing the global dominance of the U.S. and other western nations. These examples show the impossibility in treating technologies as neutral tools. The aim of this article is to develop postcolonial and feminist technoscience requests for context sensitive and distributed ICT processes in relation to the development of ICTs for Tanzania at the University of Dar es Salaam.
ICT Growth and Diffusion
Authors: Borbora Saundarjya
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines the role of technology in economic and social development in developing countries, with a particular emphasis on India as an example. The concepts of ICT growth and ICT diffusion are examined. From this the chapter reviews the Indian government’s successful policies encouraging ICT Growth through the support of the export-oriented service industry. This industry has witnessed long-term growth primarily as the result of the increasing tradability and consequent internationalisation made possible by changes in ICTs. However, the export focus policy has created enclaves within the Indian economy without significant forward and backward linkages. Evidence suggests that the International Digital Divide may be increasing. This chapter suggests that in order to maintain its relative technological position and to increase its comparative advantage in the IT sector, government policy should focus on domestic ICT Diffusion. The chapter reviews several local public, private, and public-private initiatives to spread the use of ICT throughout Indian regions that have been successful and may serve to offer examples for future development. We conclude that ICT-driven development may be achieved with supportive central government policies, lessening the International Digital Divide.
Applying for Government Grants for ICT in Australia
Authors: De Weaver Lynne H.
Published: May 2011

The legend on the CTC@NSW Web site, http://www.ctc.nsw.gov.au/about/, defines Community Technology Centres (CTCs) as “computer enabled multi-purpose facilities based in the Main Street or main centre of a town. They provide access to Internet-connected computers as well as provide printers, video and teleconferencing facilities, business equipment, and e-commerce incubator facilities. CTCs are owned and managed by a non-profit group, such as an incorporated association, co-operative, or local government committee. There are a number of titles that have been used to date to describe CTCs including Telecentres and Telecottages.”
Technological Innovation, Trade and Development
Authors: Márquez-Ramos Laura , Martínez-Zarzoso Inmaculada , Suárez-Burguet Celestino
Published: May 2011

This chapter tests empirically to what extent technological innovation influences international trade and studies its effect on different groups of countries according to their level of economic development. Different measures used in the literature to proxy for technological capabilities are reviewed and two of them are selected. The estimation results show that technological innovation has a considerably high explanatory power on trade compared with other traditional determinants. Countries tend to trade more when they have similar technological capabilities and the development of technological innovation has lowered the effect of geographical distance on trade. According to the obtained results, investing in technological innovation leads to the improvement and maintenance of the level of competitiveness, therefore a good economic policy in developing countries is to invest in technological innovation.
Collaborative Commerce and the Hotel Industry
Authors: Rowe Michelle , Ogle Alfred
Published: May 2011

This chapter proposes a framework to consider the application of collaborative commerce (c-commerce) in the hotel industry. C-commerce and some general characteristics of the hotel industry are examined, followed by a discussion on the likelihood of c-commerce adoption by hotels. A case study of two five-star hotels located in Perth, Western Australia is considered in light of the framework. Corporate structure, information technology (IT) and its importance to organisation strategy, the role and attitudes of the general manager of each hotel to IT as well as the social identity of the hotel to c-commerce emerge as issues critical to c-commerce. This area of study is in its infancy and further research is required to more fully consider the issues.
Reframing Information System Design as Learning Across Communities of Practice
Authors: Gallagher Kevin , Mason Robert M.
Published: May 2011

This article frames the requirements definition phase of systems design as a problem of knowledge transfer and learning between two communities of practice: IS designers and system users. The theoretical basis for the proposed approach is Wenger’s (1998) framework for social learning, which involves three dimensions: alignment, imagination, and engagement. The article treats the requirements definition task in systems design as a set of activities involving mutual learning and knowledge transfer between two communities of practice (CoP) along these three dimensions. In taking this approach, the article maps the results of past research on the systems design process onto this CoP framework and illustrates that the proposed framework encompasses the same activities used by traditional methods of requirements definition. However, this approach focuses attention on the learning that must take place between the two CoPs and thereby helps resolve some of the inherent shortcomings of prior efforts and approaches. The framework provides both a more encompassing conceptual lens for research on improving the requirements definition task and practical guidance for managers who are charged with a systems design project.
A Project-Based Learning Approach
Authors: Du Jianxia , Havard Byron , Adams James
Published: May 2011

A framework for Online Group Collaborative Learning is illustrated in this paper. The foundation of the framework is based on Piaget’s concepts of assimilation and accommodation and Vygotsky’s theory of social interaction. This paper examines how an online project-based learning approach affected students’ cognitive skills development and motivation, and explored factors leading to successful collaborative projects. The results indicated that, in a project-based online group environment, unique characteristics exist for leadership style and individual role, goal setting and project management, accountability and commitment, peer supportive relationships, individual accomplishment and group accomplishments, and mixed gender and race group preference.
Satellite Technology in Schools
Authors: Cosemans Annalene
Published: May 2011

SchoolSat1 was an initiative to utilise advances in satellite technology to improve access to the Internet for Irish schools. It was partially funded by the European Space Agency under the ARTES 3 Multimedia Programme and ran from December 2001 until January 2003.The purpose of SchoolSat was to set up, manage and evaluate a pre-operational, satellite-based service for compulsory schools in Ireland. It had as a clear objective and expected outcome: the establishment of a business and deployment plan for a fully operational and sustainable service for the Irish compulsory school sector based on a strategic mix of uni-cast and multi-cast services.
Mobile ICT
Authors: McMeel Dermott
Published: May 2011

Focusing on the ICT technology of mobile phones, we reflect on three different roles within a construction project: a director of a large construction organization, a site manager within that organization, and ‘micro-contractors’ of construction—that is, specialist subcontractors or small building contractors. We explore the usage and effects of the mobile phone in these different roles within a construction project.
USE IT to Create Patient-Relation Management for Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Michel-Verkerke Margreet B. , Schuring Roel W. , Spil Ton A.M.
Published: May 2011

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) visit various healthcare providers during the course of their disease. It was suggested that information and communication technology might help to orchestrate their care provision. We have applied the USE IT tool to get insight in the relevant problems, solutions, and constraints of MS care both in the organizational and the information-technological area. There is hardly a chain of healthcare, but rather, a network in which informal communication plays an important role. This informal network worked reasonably effective, but it was inefficient and slow. The MS patient count is small for most care providers. Patients thought that a lack of experience caused their major problems: insufficient and inadequate care. To improve care, we proposed a solution that combines an MS protocol, the introduction of a central coordinator of care and a patient-relation management (PRM) system. This is a simple Web-based application based on an agreement by the caregivers that supports routing, tracking, and tracing for an MS patient and supplies the caregivers with professional guidelines. It is likely that we would have suggested a far more complicated ICT solution if we had only analyzed the MS care process as such without specific consideration of the dimensions in the USE IT tool.