bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Normal Pipelining
Authors: Tse Phillip K.C.
Published: May 2011

Multimedia objects can be stored on tertiary storage devices to provide large storage capacity at low cost. The staging method retrieves the whole objects to the staging buffers prior to consumption. Thus, the start-up latency is high. The time slice method being described in the last chapter reduces the start-up latency only when the tertiary storage bandwidth is higher than double of the displaying data rate of the object. However, if the tertiary storage bandwidth is below double of the data consumption rate of the object, then we can only stage the object prior to using it. The pipelining methods aim at minimizing the start-up latency when the tertiary storage bandwidth is not higher than the data consumption rate of the objects. The pipelining methods are used to reduce the start-up latency and staging buffer size. In the normal pipelining method, the sizes of the slices are minimized to maximize the overlapping between the displaying time and the retrieval time of the slices. In the space efficient pipelining methods, the buffer size in accessing the slices is minimized. In the segmented pipelining method, the latency in serving interactive requests is reduced. The normal pipelining method is described in this chapter. The space efficient pipelining method and the segmented pipelining method are presented in the following two chapters. We shall describe the objective of the normal pipelining method. Then, the bounds on the sizes of the slices are shown. After that, the start-up latency and the minimum size of the first slice are shown. The reduction in the startup latency using the normal pipelining method is presented.
Space Efficient Pipelining
Authors: Tse Phillip K.C.
Published: May 2011

Multimedia objects that are stored on tertiary storage devices enjoy the large storage capacity at low cost. These objects may be retrieved using staging, time slicing, or pipelining. The staging method retrieves the whole objects to the staging buffers prior to consumption at the cost of high start-up latency. The time slice method reduces the start-up latency at the cost of heavy switching overheads. The pipelining methods aim at minimizing the start-up latency when the tertiary storage bandwidth is not higher than the data consumption rate of the objects. Three pipelining methods are used to reduce the start-up latency and staging buffer size: 1. Normal pipelining 2. Space efficient pipelining 3. Segmented pipelining In the normal pipelining method, the sizes of the slices are minimized to maximize the overlapping between the displaying time and the retrieval time of the slices. In the space efficient pipelining (SEP) methods, the buffer size in accessing the slices is minimized. In the segmented pipelining method, the latency in serving interactive requests is reduced. We have described the normal pipelining method in the previous chapter. The space efficient pipelining method is explained in this chapter. The segmented pipelining method is presented in the next chapter. In this chapter, the basic space efficient pipelining algorithm is first described in the next section. Next, the buffer replacement policies are explained before this chapter is summarized.
Stream Dependent Caching
Authors: Tse Phillip K.C.
Published: May 2011

Caching has been successfully implemented on the Internet to reduce workload on the content server and the Internet. We have seen in the last chapter how the cache replacement methods are adapted for multimedia objects in memory caching. In this chapter, we shall show how the caching is tailored to provide better performance for continuous request streams. Even though caching reduces the access latency when there are cache hits, there are chances that cache misses occur. When cache misses occur, the request stream is sent through the network to the remote storage devices. The requests are then served at the remote storage devices. The requested multimedia objects are retrieved from the storage devices, delivered through the network to the client. The cache content will also be modified to store the accessed object.
Trust and Transparency in Supply Netchains
Authors: Hofstede Gert Jan
Published: May 2011

This chapter analyses the effects of increased transparency in supply netchains. The term netchain refers to both chain and network aspects. Three levels of transparency are distinguished: history transparency (e.g., tracking and tracing), operations transparency (e.g., collaborative logistics planning), and strategy transparency (e.g., joint innovation). Using an example in the Dutch egg sector, the chapter shows how the role of the individual company changes in a netchain and discusses the implications. Though technology push makes transparency feasible and economically attractive, social-psychological barriers exist that should be taken seriously. A brief review of cases from several continents shows that these barriers vary across cultures, depending on prevailing attitudes towards relationships and authority. Transparency may run counter to tradition, to trust, and to entrepreneurial freedom in the netchain, but it also offers opportunities for creating netchains that are profitable to all participants. To grasp these requires vision on behalf of those involved.
An Application of Soft Systems Methodology to Supply Chain Management
Authors: Smith Ross , Mackay David , Altmann Graeme , Merlo Lucas
Published: May 2011

This chapter reflects upon techniques that might facilitate improved strategic decision making in a supply chain management (SCM) environment. In particular, it presents the integration of a selection of techniques adapted from an approach to systems-based problem solving that has emerged primarily in the UK over the last 20-30 years—the soft systems methodology (SSM). The results reported indicate that SSM techniques can complement existing SCM decision-making tools. In particular, this chapter outlines a framework for integrating some SSM techniques with approaches based upon the supply-chain operations reference-model (SCOR) .
Creating Organizational Knowledge
Authors: Wickramasinghe Nilmini , Von Lubitz Dag
Published: May 2011

This book provides comprehensive coverage of all areas (people, process, and technology) necessary to become a knowledge-based enterprise. It presents several frameworks facilitating the implementation of a KM initiative and its ongoing management so that pertinent knowledge and information are always available to the decision maker, and so the organization may always enjoy a sustainable competitive advantage
The Organization's Human Infrastructure
Authors: Wickramasinghe Nilmini , Von Lubitz Dag
Published: May 2011

This book provides comprehensive coverage of all areas (people, process, and technology) necessary to become a knowledge-based enterprise. It presents several frameworks facilitating the implementation of a KM initiative and its ongoing management so that pertinent knowledge and information are always available to the decision maker, and so the organization may always enjoy a sustainable competitive advantage
International Case Studies
Authors: Wickramasinghe Nilmini , Von Lubitz Dag
Published: May 2011

This book provides comprehensive coverage of all areas (people, process, and technology) necessary to become a knowledge-based enterprise. It presents several frameworks facilitating the implementation of a KM initiative and its ongoing management so that pertinent knowledge and information are always available to the decision maker, and so the organization may always enjoy a sustainable competitive advantage
TREC and Interactive Track Environments
Authors: Xie Iris
Published: May 2011

The Text REtrieval Conference (TREC) is sponsored by three agencies—the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the U.S. Department of Defense, Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and the U.S. intelligence community’s Advanced Research and Development Activity (ARDA)—to promote text retrieval research based on large test collections. Overviews of TREC (Harman & Voorhees, 2006; Voorhees & Harman, 2005) and the TREC Web site (trec.nist. gov) have provided a comprehensive review of TREC conferences. This section is compiled based on these resources. TREC started in 1992 with 25 participating groups, including the leading text retrieval groups, to search two gigabytes of text. For each TREC, NIST offers a test collection and questions. Participating teams follow the guidelines, run the data on their own IR systems, and return the results to NIST. NIST evaluates the submitted results and organizes workshops for participants to discuss their experience and present results. By the end of 2005, 14 TREC conferences had been held.
Interactive IR Models
Authors: Xie Iris
Published: May 2011

The nature of information retrieval (IR) is interaction. However, the traditional IR model only focuses on the comparison between user input and system output. It does not illustrate the changeable interaction process (Saracevic, 1997). The human involvement of IR makes the process complicated and dynamic. Belkin (1993) further identified the two underlying assumptions of the traditional IR view: (1) The information need is static, and can be specified; and (2) there is only one form of information-seeking behavior. The limitations of the traditional IR model are becoming more evident. In the 1990s researchers started to develop interactive IR models. Among them, Ingwersen’s cognitive model (1992, 1996), Belkin’s episode model of interaction with texts (1996), and Saracevic’s stratified model (1996a, 1997) are the most cited ones.
Business Intelligence
Authors: Maguire S.
Published: May 2011

The main aim of this chapter is to identify the important role of business intelligence in today’s global business environment and to reveal organizations’ understanding of business intelligence and how they plan to use it for gaining competitive advantage. Increases in business volatility and competitive pressures have led to organizations throughout the world facing unprecedented challenges to remain competitive and striving to achieve a position of competitive advantage. The importance of business intelligence (BI) to their continued success should not be underestimated. With BI, companies can quickly identify market opportunities and take advantage of them in a fast and effective manner. The aim of this chapter is to identify the important role of BI and to understand and describe its applications in areas such as corporate performance management, customer relationship management and supply chain management. The study was conducted in two companies that use BI in their daily operations. Data were collected through questionnaires, personal interviews, and observations. The study identified that external data sources are becoming increasingly important in the information equation as the external business environment can define an organization’s success or failure by their ability to effectively disseminate this plethora of potential intelligence.
Gaining Strategic Intelligence Through the Firm's Market Value
Authors: Nicolau J.
Published: May 2011

This chapter uses the market value to assess the different factors and actors that influence the firm performance. The market value of a company, obtained from the stock exchange, can be used to both, detect and measure the impact of elements of the role, market, and far environment. The empirical application analyzes the hospitality industry that is currently facing an increasingly complex business environment: apart from the terms uncertainty, complexity, and dynamism that shape the environment, in this industry the concepts of munificence and illiberality are strongly applied. This procedure can aid in scanning-related activities, as the analysis shows that environmental events are recognized quite well.
Intelligent Supply Chain Management with Automatic Identification Technology
Authors: Li D.
Published: May 2011

RFID-enabled business models are proposed in this chapter to innovate supply chain management. The models demonstrated benefits from automatically captured real-time information in supply chain operations. The resulting visibility creates chances to operate businesses in more responsive, dynamic, and efficient scenarios. The actual initiative of such novel RFID enabled applications is therefore to encourage intelligent supply chain management to dynamically respond changes and events in real-time. As the RFID implementation costs are continuously decreasing, it is expected that more novel business models would be inspired by the technological advancement to foster more intelligent supply chains in the near future.
Intelligent Text Mining
Authors: Atkinson John
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces a novel evolutionary model for intelligent text mining. The model deals with issues concerning shallow text representation and processing for mining purposes in an integrated way. Its aims are to look for interesting explanatory knowledge across text documents. The approach uses Natural-Language technology and Genetic Algorithms to produce explanatory novel hidden patterns. The proposed approach involves a mixture of different techniques from evolutionary computation and other kinds of text mining methods. Accordingly, new kinds of genetic operations suitable for text mining are proposed. Some experiments and results and their assessment by human experts are discussed which indicate the plausibility of the model for effective knowledge discovery from texts. With this chapter, authors hope the readers to understand the principles, theoretical foundations, implications and challenges of a promising linguistically-motivated approach to text mining.
Neural Networks and 3D Edge Genetic Template Matching for Real-Time Face Detection and Recognition
Authors: Karungaru Stephen , Fukumi Minoru , Akamatsu Norio
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes a novel system that can track and recognize faces in real time using neural networks and genetic algorithms. The main feature of this system is a 3D facemask that combined with a neural network based face detector and adaptive template matching using genetic algorithms, is capable of detecting and recognizing faces in real time. Neural network learning and template matching enable size and pose invariant face detection and recognition while the genetic algorithm optimizes the searching algorithms enabling real time usage of the system. It is hoped that this chapter will show how and why neural networks and genetic algorithms are well suited to solve complex pattern recognition problems like the one presented in this chapter.
Intelligent Remote Monitoring and Maintenance Systems
Authors: Liu Chengliang , Zha Xuan F.
Published: May 2011

Internet-based intelligent fault diagnosis and maintenance technologies are keys for enterprises to achieve global leadership in market competition and manufacturing productivity for business in the 21st century. e-Products, e-Manufacturing and e-Service have been the goals of enterprises: 1) Next generation products must be network-based products—e–products. The vast developments of IT technology based hardware and software make the controller of internet based products cheaper; 2) Common facilities such as internet and World Wide Web, 3G (GPS, GPRS and GIS) make e-maintenance or e-service cheaper and easier; and 3) “Server-web-user” methodology makes e-manufacturing possible, convenient and efficient. To achieve these goals, smart software and NetWare are needed to provide proactive maintenance capabilities such as performance degradation measurement, fault recovery, self-maintenance, and remote diagnostics. This chapter presents methodologies and techniques for the development of an Internet server controller based intelligent remote monitoring and maintenance system. Discussion involves on how to make innovations and develop products and manufacturing systems using internet-based intelligent technologies and how to ensure product quality, coordinate activities, reduce costs and change maintenance practice from the breakdown reaction to prevention. A hybrid intelligent approach using hardware and software agents (watchdog agent) is adopted. The server controller is web-enabled and its core is an embedded network model. The software agent is implemented through a package of Smart Prognostics Algorithms. The package consists of embedded computational prognostic algorithms developed using neural network based, time-series based, wavelet-based and hybrid joint time-frequency methods, etc. and a software toolbox for predicting degradation of devices and systems. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is verified in a real testbed system
Performance Management
Authors: Srinivas S.
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this chapter is to help you design a performance management framework that will result in choosing, successfully implementing, and getting significant benefits from e-supply chain technologies. The framework is designed to stimulate action by pinpointing where the gaps are, and leveraging technology to bridge those gaps. This is done using a balanced scorecard revolving around five critical variables: value, variety, velocity, variability, and visibility. The maturity level of each of these critical variables is classified using a six-level capability maturity continuum: ignorance, awareness, understanding, approach, action, and culture. This integrated approach of combining critical variables, balanced scorecard, and capability maturity helps leverage technology for the right purposes, and significantly improves the performance and productivity of the supply chain.
Task-Orientation Online Discussion
Authors: Harvard Byron , Du Jianxia , Olinzock Anthony
Published: May 2011

A dynamic task-oriented online discussion model for deep learning in distance education is described and illustrated in this paper. Information, methods, and cognition, three general learning processes provide the foundation on which the model is based. Three types of online discussion are prescribed; flexible peer, structured topic, and collaborative task discussion. The discussion types are paired with tasks encouraging students to build on their adoptive learning, promoting adaptive learning and challenging their cognitive abilities resulting in deep learning. The online discussion model was applied during two semesters of an online multimedia design for instruction graduate level course. The strategies for creating dynamic discussion serve to facilitate online interactions among diverse learners and assist in the design of assignments for effective interactions. The model proposed and the strategies for dynamic task-oriented discussion provide an online learning environment in which students learn beyond the course goal.
What is Knowledge Management?
Authors: Jennex Murray E.
Published: May 2011

This chapter defines knowledge and knowledge management (KM) and establishes its roots KM is not a brand new topic; organizational learning and organizational memory are related topics that have been fields of research for many years. This chapter relates these concepts to a relational model that shows that the three topics are related and influence organizational effectiveness. Additionally, this chapter explains that KM has become a research area due to a confluence of trends that have made KM necessary and technically useful.
Knowledge Management Research
Authors: Peachey Todd , Hall Dianne , Cegielski Casey
Published: May 2011

Although knowledge management (KM) is maturing as a research topic, there is no agreement on what constructs constitute its foundation. Because the topic has received increasing attention in academic journals, it is important for researchers to be aware of the research streams associated with KM. Accordingly, this chapter reviews the knowledge management literature published in top-tier journals from 2000 to 2005. These articles then are classified by knowledge management construct and by research methodology. The results indicate that the majority of knowledge management research has examined the construct of knowledge transfer. Formal theory/frameworks and field studies using primary data are the dominant methodologies. Trends of published KM research, gaps, and inconsistencies in the examined literature and triangulation of applied research methodologies are discussed.
Knowledge Management Success
Authors: Liu Shih-Chen , Olfman Lorne , Ryan Terry
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents the empirical testing of a theoretical model of knowledge management system (KMS) success. The Jennex and Olfman model of knowledge management success was developed to reflect the DeLone and McLean model of information systems success in the knowledge management context. A structural equation model representing the Jennex and Olfman theoretical model is developed. Using data from a prior study aimed at knowledge management system use and individual learning, this model is tested. The overall fit of the model to the data is fair, although some interpretation of the estimated model parameters is problematic. The results of the model test provide limited support for the Jennex and Olfman theoretical model but indicate the value of continued investigation and refinement of it. Suggestions for future research are provided.
Knowledge Management Information Technology User Acceptance
Authors: Money William , Turner Arch
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents the results of a study investigating the applicability of Davis’ technology acceptance model (TAM) to user acceptance of a knowledge management system (KMS) in a modern organizational environment. The objective of the study was to expand empirical research of two important and complex research questions: (1) What are the important factors, conditions, and mechanisms that affect people’s acceptance and usage of collaborative and interdependent KMS in the modern organizational environment? and (2) How applicable is the TAM and the substantial body of information technology (IT) research around this model to user acceptance and usage of a KMS in a modern organizational environment in which collaboration, knowledge sharing, and role-based system usage is necessary in order for the organization to function competitively? The study provided preliminary evidence suggesting that previous TAM research may serve as a foundation for research of KMS user acceptance. Relationships among primary TAM constructs found in this study were in substantive agreement with those of previous research. These findings are relevant and significant because they suggest that the considerable body of previous TAM-related IT research may be applied usefully to the knowledge management (KM) domain in which interdependent social processes that require knowledge creation, storage and retrieval, transfer, and application are required for effective organizational functioning.
Building Sound Semantic Web Frameworks for Scalable and Fault-Tolerant Systems
Authors: Biskup Thomas , Heyer Nils , Gómez Jorge M.
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces hyperservices as a unified application model for Semantic Web frameworks and proposes the WASP model as a framework for implementing them. Hyperservices are based on agent societies, provided with structured information by the Semantic Web, and using Web services as a collaboration and communication interface. The WASP model adds personalization rules to modify the agents’ perception and the HIVE architecture as Semantic Information Server infrastructure within this framework. Finally, conceptual model driven software development is proposed as a means of easy adoption to hyperservices.
Towards Distributed Association Rule Mining Privacy
Authors: Ashrafi Mafruz , Taniar David , Smith Kate
Published: May 2011

With the advancement of storage, retrieval, and network technologies today, the amount of information available to each organization is literally exploding. Although it is widely recognized that the value of data as an organizational asset often becomes a liability because of the cost to acquire and manage those data is far more than the value that is derived from it. Thus, the success of modern organizations not only relies on their capability to acquire and manage their data but their efficiency to derive useful actionable knowledge from it. To explore and analyze large data repositories and discover useful actionable knowledge from them, modern organizations have used a technique known as data mining, which analyzes voluminous digital data and discovers hidden but useful patterns from such massive digital data. However, discovery of hidden patterns has statistical meaning and may often disclose some sensitive information. As a result, privacy becomes one of the prime concerns in the data-mining research community. Since distributed data mining discovers rules by combining local models from various distributed sites, breaching data privacy happens more often than it does in centralized environments.
Contextual Characteristics of Creativity
Authors: Stenmark Dick
Published: May 2011

As a much needed quality in today’s businesses, creativity is an important area of research. Creativity is a complex and multi-faceted concept and can thus be studied from a variety of perspectives. In this paper we describe an attempt to support organisational creativity with information technology, in this case an electronic brainstorming device. Whilst implementing and evaluating this prototype, it was noticed that the sheer presence of technology did neither guarantee usage nor success. Contextual factors such as organisational culture and attitudes seem to have an equally important role, and this observation called for a more focused analysis of the motivational aspects of creativity management. Based on the empirical data from the electronic brainstorming system evaluation and literature on organisational creativity, three general pieces of managerial advice to promote corporate creativity are suggested: reconsider the use of extrinsic rewards; recognise creative initiatives, and; allow redundancy.
Design of High Capacity Survivable Networks
Authors: Sridhar Varadharajan , Park June
Published: May 2011

Survivability, also known as terminal reliability, refers to keeping at least one path between specified network nodes so that some or all of traffic between nodes is routed through. Survivability in high capacity telecommunication networks is crucial as failure of network component such as nodes or links between nodes can potentially bring down the whole communication network, as happened in some real-world cases. Adding redundant network components increases the survivability of a network with an associated increase in cost. In this chapter we consider the design of survivable telecommunications network architecture that uses high-capacity transport facilities. The model considers selection of capacitated links and routing of multicommodity traffic flow in the network that minimizes overall network cost. Two node disjoint paths are selected for each commodity. In case of failure of the primary path, a portion of the traffic for each commodity is rerouted through the secondary path. The methodology presented in this chapter can be used by the network designer to construct cost-effective high capacity survivable networks.
Prevalent Factors Involved in Delays Associated with Page Downloads
Authors: Curran Kevin , Broderick Noel
Published: May 2011

Over the years the number of Web users has increased dramatically unfortunately leading to the inherent problem of congestion. This can affect each user’s surfing experience. A large percentage of sites use a combination of text and image-heavy design with the use of images contributing heavily to slow-loading sites. Studies have shown that surfers spend a lot of time impatiently waiting for pages to emerge on screen and HCI guidelines indicate 10 seconds as the maximum response time before users lose interest. This chapter presents research into the observed usage of images by academic institutions and the effects on page retrieval times.
Mobile Information Systems in a Hospital Organization Setting
Authors: Waluyo Agustinus Borgy , Taniar David , Srinivasan Bala
Published: May 2011

The emerging of wireless computing motivates radical changes of how information is obtained. Our paper discusses a practical realisation of an application using push and pull based mechanism in a wireless ad-hoc environment. We use a hospital information system as a case study scenario for our proposed application. The pull mechanism is initiated from doctors as mobile client to retrieve and update patient records in the central database server. The push mechanism is initiated from the server without a specific request from the doctors. The application of push mechanism includes sending a message from central server to a specific doctor, and multicasting a global message to all doctors connected to the server application. The global message can be disabled by each doctor to perform selective recipients.
Wi-Fi Deployment in Large New Zealand Organizations
Authors: Houliston Bryan , Sarkar Nurul
Published: May 2011

Wi-Fi (also known as IEEE 802.11b) networks are gaining widespread popularity as wireless local area networks (WLANs) due to their simplicity in operation, robustness, low cost, and user mobility offered by the technology. It is a viable technology for wireless local area networking applications in both business and home environments. This chapter reports on a survey of large New Zealand organizations focusing on the level of Wi-Fi deployment, reasons for non-deployment, the scope of deployment, investment in deployment, problems encountered, and future plans. Our findings show that most organizations have at least considered the technology, though a much smaller proportion has deployed it on any significant scale. A follow up review of the latest published case studies and surveys suggests that while Wi-Fi networks are consolidating, interest is growing in wider area wireless networks.
Drivers of Adoption and Implementation of Internet-Based Marketing Channels
Authors: Nielsen Jørn F. , Høst Viggo. , Mols Niels P.
Published: May 2011

This chapter analyses factors influencing manufacturers’ adoption and implementation of Internet-based marketing channels, using models based on marketing channel and organizational innovation theory. Survey data from 1,163 Danish, Finnish, and Swedish manufacturers form the empirical basis for testing the models using LISREL analysis. The results stress that adoption of Internet-based marketing is influenced by willingness to cannibalize, management support, market pressure, and a firm’s knowledge of information technology. Willingness to cannibalize mediates the effects of future market orientation, ownership, specialised investments, and management support. This is mainly the case in small firms, as the importance of the various drivers and the adoption pattern vary between size categories. Market-pull factors have relatively more explanatory power in medium-sized and large companies.
QoS-Aware Web Services Discovery with Federated Support for UDDI
Authors: Zhou Chen , Cia Liang-Tien , Lee Bu-Sung
Published: May 2011

Web services’ discovery mechanism is one of the most important research areas in Web services because of the dynamic nature of Web services. In practice, UDDI takes an important role in service discovery since it is an online registry standard to facilitate the discovery of business partners and services. However, QoS related information is not naturally supported in UDDI. Service requesters can only choose good performance Web services by manual test and comparison. In addition, discovery among private UDDI registries in a federation is not naturally supported. To address these problems, we propose UDDI extension (UX), an enhancement for UDDI that facilitates requesters to discover services with QoS awareness. In this system the service requester invokes and generates feedback reports, which are received and stored in local domain’s UX server for future usage. By sharing these experiences from those requesters in the local domain, the UX server summarizes and predicts the service’s performance. A general federated service is designed to manage the service federation. The discovery between different cooperating domains is based on this general federated service, and therefore the links between domains are maintained dynamically. The system handles the federated inquiry, predicates the QoS difference among different domains, and provides a simple view over the whole federation. Meanwhile, the UX server’s inquiry interface still conforms to the UDDI specification.
Evidence of Compensatory Adaptation to Unnatural Media in a Field Study of Process Redesign Dyads
Authors: Kock Ned
Published: May 2011

Much of the past research on electronic communication media suggests that those media pose obstacles to communication in collaborative tasks when compared with the face-to-face medium. On the other hand, past research also points at mixed findings in connection with the quality of the outcomes of collaborative tasks, generally suggesting that the use of electronic communication media has no negative effect on those outcomes. A new theoretical framework building on human evolution theory, called compensatory adaptation theory, has been proposed to explain these contradictory findings. This study provides a review and test of compensatory adaptation theory. It investigates the impact of the use of an electronic communication medium on 20 business process redesign dyads involving managers and professionals at a large defense contractor, with a focus on cognitive effort, communication ambiguity, message preparation, fluency, and task outcome quality. The study suggests that even though the use of electronic communication media seemed to increase cognitive effort and communication ambiguity, it had a neutral impact on task outcome quality. These results appear to be an outcome of compensatory adaptation, whereby the members of the dyads interacting through the electronic communication medium modified their behavior in order to compensate for the obstacles posed by the medium, which is suggested by a decrease in fluency and an increase in message preparation. The results generally support predictions based on compensatory adaptation theory.
A Question of Timing
Authors: Paul Souren , Saunders Carol Stoak , Haseman William David
Published: May 2011

Information acquisition and its use are frequently considered critical to the decision- making process, yet related research, especially about the timing of information acquisition, is limited. This study explores the impact of information acquisition on decision time and perceived decision quality for groups that used group support systems (GSS) to work on a fuzzy task. We found that more information was accessed from a Web-based system in the first part of the group decision-making process, when the decision environment was searched and possible courses of action were analyzed. We also found that the proportion of information accessed in the first part of the meeting was significantly related to the decision time. More specifically, when most information was accessed in the first part of the decision-making session, the relationship between decision time and amount of information accessed in the early part of the meeting was positive and linear. However, a curvilinear relationship was found between decision time and amount of information accessed in the latter part of the decision-making session. Unlike the findings of a previous study, this earlier access of information is not associated with improved perceived decision quality.
A Proposed IT Ethical Behavioral Model
Authors: Cronan Timothy Paul , Douglas David E.
Published: May 2011

This chapter advances IT ethics research by surveying the literature regarding IT ethical behavior models and proposes an IT ethical behavioral model for further research. A proposed conceptual ethical behavior model is based on an initial meta-analysis of most of the ethical research. The proposed model suggests that ethical behavioral intention is influenced by an individual’s attitude (which in turn is influenced by a variety of other factors such as perceived importance of the issue, consequences of the action, and beliefs), as well as other elements from the Theory of Planned Behavior, equity theory, the environment, control, norms, past ethical behavior, and individual characteristics. This proposed model provides a basis for additional research that should foster a better understanding regarding ethical/unethical behavior and determinants of that behavior. Results from further research in ethical behavior will provide a better understanding of unethical behavior and inappropriate acts allowing organizations to develop realistic training programs for IT professionals, users, and managers as well as incorporate effective deterrent and preventive measures that can curb the rising tide of undesired misuse and unethical behavior in the IT arena.
Optimizing the ROI of Enterprise Architecture Using Real Options
Authors: Rico David F.
Published: May 2011

This chapter illustrates how to optimize the return on investment (ROI) of enterprise architecture. Enterprise architecture is a blueprint for defining the structure and operation of organizations such as local, state, and federal agencies. Done well, enterprise architecture results in leaner and more effective information systems that satisfy organizational goals and objectives. This chapter introduces a suite of simple metrics and models for measuring the ROI of enterprise architecture. This chapter also introduces real options, which is a contemporary approach to measuring ROI. Whereas typical measures tend to underestimate ROI, real options have the ability to unearth business value hidden deep within the economics of investments in enterprise architecture.
The Organization of End User Development in an Accounting Company
Authors: Hansen Asand Hege-Rene , Morch Anders I.
Published: May 2011

The chapter presents a case study following the activities of super users and local developers during the adoption of a new business application by an accounting firm in Scandinavia (referred to as the Company). The Company launched a program to train super users to help with this process because of the complexity of the new system, a generic, multipurpose application system replacing several older, non-integrated systems. The system, Visma Business (VB), is a comprehensive financial and accounting application delivered as a set of components that need to be configured for domain-specific tasks, depending on the clients the accountants will interact with. The super users and the local end user developer (also called the application coordinator) were asked to take part in this study. We documented their activities empirically and analytically, using interviews to gather data and drawing on aspects of activity theory for the conceptual framework for analysis. Our findings provide insight into end-user development (EUD) activities with VB: what roles were created by the Company, what roles emerged spontaneously during the process, what the various user groups (regular users, super users, and the application coordinator) did, and how EUD was coordinated between super users and the application coordinator. Our findings show that super users fill an important niche as mediators between regular users and local developers and can make a significant contribution to the success of EUD efforts in a nontechnical application domain.
Ethnocomputing with Native American Design
Authors: Eglash Ron
Published: May 2011

This chapter shows how culturally situated design tools can be developed to support traditional culture and individual creativity in Native American communities. The software allows students to simulate traditional craft designs as well as their own creations. By translating the indigenous mathematical concepts and practices embedded in craftwork into the formal mathematics of the school curriculum, students can see math and technology as a bridge to native culture, rather than a barrier. Evaluation of one of the tools has shown statistically significant improvements in students’ mathematics performance as well as an increased interest in information technology.
Wireless Applications in Africa
Authors: Dyson Laurel Evelyn
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines wireless technologies in Africa, with special reference to indigenous minority populations. In a continent with limited infrastructure, itinerant populations, low literacy levels and little money to spend on technology, wireless is proving an effective solution. Four implementations are examined to demonstrate how new approaches to mobile design are producing culturally and environmentally appropriate technology: the Himba’s satellite-based mobile telephone network, Cyber Sherpherd, Cybertracker and WorldSpace satellite Internet radios.
Knowledge in Police Work
Authors: Gottschalk Petter
Published: May 2011

The public sector is turning to knowledge management, having recognized that they too face competition in funding and from alternative services. Increasingly, customers of the public sector are demanding higher service quality, particularly in the area of e-government. Services, particularly e-services, are expected to be available all the time with immediate response, simplified, and with one-stop processing. According to Luen and Al-Hawamdeh (2001), knowledge management is thus a natural solution to improve operations and enhance customer service. Large organizations around the world are implementing knowledge management.
Analysis and Justification of Privacy from a Buddhist Perspective
Authors: Hongladarom S.
Published: May 2011

The perspective of various Buddhist traditions offers an illuminating insight into the nature and justification of the concept of privacy in information ethics. This chapter begins by outlining the major literature in the West that deals with the issue. What has emerged in the literature is a common assumption of a separately existing individual whose privacy needs to be protected. Then I present the thoughts of two Buddhist thinkers, Nagasena (1894) and Nagarjuna (1995), who are representatives of the two major traditions: Theravada and Mahayana, respectively. The two Buddhist saints agree that the concept of privacy is a construct, since it presupposes the inherently existing individual, which runs contrary to the basic Buddhist tenet of no-self. However, this does not mean that there can be no analysis and justification of privacy in Buddhism, because there is the distinction between two views regarding reality—the conventional and the ultimate views. Both are indispensable.
Managing Knowledge in the Cognitive Organization
Authors: Iandoli Luca , Zollo Giuseppe
Published: May 2011

Digital technologies have played an important role in the diffusion of knowledge management (KM). The distinction between hardware and software, between platform and logical layer has revolutionized the concept of the machine. Machines become intelligent, while knowledge becomes an independent virtual object. An analogous revolution has occurred in organizations: the metaphor of the organization as a machine is replaced by that of the organization as a computer. In this type of organization there is a need to manage a critical new resource: knowledge. Organizations are different from machines and computers in one fundamental way: They are able to generate new knowledge through learning. After giving a brief history of the birth and evolution of KM, in this chapter, we will show how the main criticism of modern approaches to KM are due to the inadequacy of the metaphor of the computer. Finally, we show that in order to overcome such limits, KM needs to be framed within an organizational learning theory and the metaphor of computer organizations substituted with the paradigm of the learning organization.
The Paradox of Learning
Authors: Iandoli Luca , Zollo Giuseppe
Published: May 2011

In this chapter we show that the nature of organizational learning is intrinsically paradoxical. According to the model of organizational memory proposed in the previous chapter, organizational learning is produced, and at the same time, inhibited by existing artifacts and culture. How can organizations enhance learning, and at the same time, structure collective action in order to ensure regularity and predictability? In this chapter we argue that organizations can manage this tradeoff if they allow for a certain degree of “openness” when building their collective memory and, in particular, when constructing their artifacts.
Developing Technology-Based Education for Adult Learners in Micronesia
Authors: Kerry Lucyann
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this chapter is to present the project work and experience of developing post-secondary distance education in a challenging and diverse setting where the author has been involved in the design and implementation of the technology-based education. The experience of the project demonstrates how challenges for generating engagement with Webbased online courses can be met and overcome. Online learning activities were analyzed in light of student feedback. This feedback, collected over the length of the project, indicated the positive and negative factors for the design, execution and revision of the online learning environment. These factors, to strengthen and reinforce learning, were judged successful in contributing to student achievement in meeting course and program learning objectives. The chapter concludes with a more general discussion of relevant development issues. This work is supported by a review of relevant literature.
A Theoretical Model for Designing Online Education in Support of Lifelong Learning
Authors: Tomei Lawrence A.
Published: May 2011

The escalating infusion of online education to promote lifelong learning has triggered a reexamination of teaching and learning not witnessed since perhaps the advent of the printed textbook. Textbooks changed the landscape of individualized learning as professors added reading to their inventory of instructional strategies. Today, distance education, in all its manifestations from programmed instruction to Web-based courses, requires instructors to employ new strategies in course design and delivery in order to engage students and promote learner-centered activities. The rapid growth of distance education (especially for the adult learner) serves to challenge traditional methodologies in which education is designed, delivered, and assessed. This chapter introduces a new model for designing instruction using this state-of-the-art venue, an archetype for effective instructional design for lifelong learning.
Tech-Knowledge
Authors: Izumi-Taylor Satomi , Lovelace Ann F.
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes how early childhood teachers can support the development of young children’s love for learning through technology, and how one early childhood education program promoted college students’ learning through online video conferencing technology. Useful suggestions for educational software for children as well as Web sites for both children and teachers are included. Recommendations on how to use technology for higher education are also described.
Building Online Knowledge Societies for Lifelong Learning
Authors: Kurubacak Gulsun
Published: May 2011

New communication technologies have the great potential to construct very powerful paradigm shifts that enhance university-community partnerships (UCPs) in Turkey. Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is to focus on how to build online knowledge networks between university and community for lifelong learning. Further, in this study, the strategies and principles of UCPs based on media richness theory through a critical pedagogy approach is discussed to generate a theoretical framework that provides everyday examples and experiences for probing social justice issues. Online learners can find the diverse resources, multicultural experiences, and egalitarian opportunities that broaden their perspectives via new communication technologies. This chapter therefore concentrates on discussing the characteristics of the UCPs for lifelong learning to build online communities with new communication technologies.