bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capacity Limits of Base Station Cooperation in Cellular Networks
Authors: Chatzinotas Symeon , Imran Muhammad Ali , Hoshyar Reza
Published: May 2011

In the information-theoretic literature, it has been widely shown that multicell processing is able to provide high capacity gains in the context of cellular systems. What is more, it has been proved that the per-cell sum-rate capacity of multicell processing systems grows linearly with the number of base station (BS) receive antennas. However, the majority of results in this area have been produced assuming that the fading coefficients of the MIMO subchannels are completely uncorrelated. In this direction, this chapter investigates the ergodic per-cell sum-rate capacity of the Gaussian MIMO cellular channel under correlated fading and BS cooperation (multicell processing). More specifically, the current channel model considers Rayleigh fading, uniformly distributed user terminals (UTs) over a planar cellular system, and power-law path loss. Furthermore, both BSs and UTs are equipped with correlated multiple antennas, which are modelled according to the Kronecker product correlation model. The per-cell sum-rate capacity is evaluated while varying the cell density of the system, as well as the level of receive and transmit correlation. In this context, it is shown that the capacity performance is compromised by correlation at the BS-side, whereas correlation at the UT-side has a negligible effect on the system’s capacity.
Relay Selection in Cooperative Networks
Authors: Beres Elzbieta , Adve Raviraj
Published: May 2011

Cooperative diversity has the potential of implementing spatial diversity and mitigating the adverse effects of channel fading without requiring multiple antennas at transmitters and receivers. Traditionally, cooperative diversity is implemented using maximal ratio combining (MRC), where all available nodes relay signals between the source and destination. It has recently been proposed, however, that for each source-destination transmission, only a single best node should be selected to act as a relay. The resulting scheme, referred to as selection cooperation or opportunistic relaying, outperforms MRC schemes and can be implemented in a distributed fashion with limited feedback. This result is not unexpected, as selection requires some (though very limited) information regarding instantaneous channel conditions, while MRC does not. When implemented in a distributed network, however, MRC does require feedback for the synchronization of nodes, rendering a comparison of the two schemes worthwhile and fair. In this chapter, we provide a detailed overview of selection. We begin with a single source-destination pair, and discuss its implementation and performance under various constraints and scenarios. We then discuss a less-common scenario, a multisource network where nodes act both as sources and as relays.
Diversity Combining for Cooperative Communications
Authors: Michalopoulos Diomidis S. , Karagiannidis George K.
Published: May 2011

A major advantage of cooperative communications is the potential for forming distributed antenna arrays, that is arrays whose elements are not collocated, but carried by independent relaying terminals. This allows for a study and design of cooperative communications under a novel perspective, where the inherent end-to-end paths between the source and destination terminal constitute the multiple branches of a virtual, distributed diversity receiver. As a result, the well-known combining methods used in conventional diversity receivers can be implemented in a distributed fashion, resulting in novel relaying protocols and, generally, in new ways for exploiting the resources available in cooperative relaying setups. This chapter provides an overview of this distributed diversity concept, as well as a performance analysis of the corresponding distributed diversity schemes, with particular emphasis on the analysis of distributed switch-and-stay combining. Further insights regarding the potential of implementing the distributed diversity concept in practical applications are obtained.
Multi-Tier Design Assessment in the Development of Complex Organizational Systems
Authors: Dyehouse Melissa A. , Baek John Y. , Lesh Richard A.
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes a model for evaluating complex organizations or systems. The design assessment model the authors propose is a response to current notions of assessment. There are assumptions we make about learning and the functioning of complex systems such as academic programs that do not match assumptions that are inherent in traditional forms of assessment. The authors use a case study of Purdue University’s strategic planning process to provide the context for describing how design assessment takes place in a higher education setting. Based on interviews and observations, we identify areas problematic for some notions of assessment and distinguish several implications based on these findings. The design assessment model may be useful when assessing complex educational organizations or programs, such as when (a) educational entities at the university level need to assess new programs or curriculum materials; or (b) curriculum developers need to assess new software or tools for instruction.
A Survey of Effective Technologies to Assess Student Learning
Authors: Pieper Suzanne , Edwards Erika , Haist Brandon , Nolan Walter
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this chapter is to review literature over the past ten years regarding technology tools that are being used in higher education to assess student learning. Three commonly used technology tools are examined: electronic portfolios, course management systems, and audience response systems. More specifically, each tool was studied in order to determine how it improved student learning and development, what issues might impede student learning and development, and what future directions we could explore in order to maximize the potential of the learning tool. Broad themes were then identified from the review, and three suggestions were made to teachers and researchers: (1) expand current research in this area, (2) get to know student background and characteristics before incorporating assessment technology tools, and (3) reconsider pedagogy and practice when integrating technology used for assessment.
Outcomes Assessment in Japanese Language Instruction
Authors: Kang P. Tokyo , Gugin David
Published: May 2011

This chapter reports an outcomes assessment study conducted at the University of Guam. The assessment project was conducted during the 2006-07 and 2007-08 academic years and focused on two courses: Elementary Japanese I and Elementary Japanese II. To our knowledge, this assessment project was the first ever conducted in the Japanese Studies program. As such, both the results of that assessment as well as the assessment process itself provide useful avenues of inquiry. This chapter first discusses some of the problems and opportunities created by outcomes assessment in Foreign Language instruction. That discussion is followed by an examination of the actual assessment project, including its rationale, methodology and results. Finally, the chapter concludes with a discussion of the more significant implications of the project, especially in terms of on-going and future assessment in the Japanese Studies program.
Assessing the Effectiveness of a Basic Writing Course
Authors: Barboza Barika , Singh Frances
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes an outcomes assessment study completed in a basic composition course at a small urban open admissions community college. The course was a pilot course designed in response to marginally remedial performance on a standardized writing instrument and solidly exempted performance on the standardized reading instrument. This chapter takes its readers from process to product, exploring both the collaboration between administration and faculty as well as the steps involved in assessing student learning. Specifically discussed is how data was used to guide decision making about curricular change on our campus. At different moments, this assessment study highlights a success story, red flags areas of weakness and suggests future courses of action and research.
Engaging Faculty as a Strategic Choice in Assessment
Authors: McKitrick Sean A.
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces methods that can be used to engage faculty in the assessment process, working within a shared governance structure in institutions of higher education. It begins by identifying assumptions about including faculty in the assessment process, placing special emphasis on social capital and networking theories often used in communication and sociological research. The chapter then proceeds to identify six methods that might be used to engage faculty strategically in the assessment process, and then used three case studies to help explain these methods. The author hopes that an understanding of these assumptions and methods will empower assessment professionals wishing to develop and sustain assessment on their own campuses, and will lead to further discussion about how to include faculty in the assessment process.
Developing a Receptive and Faculty-Focused Environment for Assessment
Authors: Culver Steven M. , VanDyke Ray
Published: May 2011

There is much in the assessment literature about the necessity of developing a culture of assessment and mandates from accrediting bodies include language related to a culture of continuous improvement. However, much of this literature discusses administration and cultural hierarchies. Because faculty must be fully engaged in the assessment process for it to be successful and improve teaching and learning, development of an environment for assessment must be faculty-focused. This chapter suggests five elements to consider: structure of assessment, qualifications of those in assessment, focus of assessment conversations, faculty development, and linkages with other areas within the institution.
Method Development for Assessing a Diversity Goal
Authors: Hawthorne Joan , Dumova Tatyana , Bradley April , Pederson Daphne
Published: May 2011

In this chapter the authors describe a method developed to assess the outcome of a “cultural familiarity” general education goal. Challenges in defining, measuring, and providing summary information on variables of interest are discussed. We review the process of developing our own “oral examination” assessment method, explain our rationale for using this particular method, and suggest that locallydeveloped methods – this one and others – may have particular benefits that make them especially useful for program review and revision. In addition, we provide insight about how this specific method could be adapted to provide meaningful data for other goals that are similarly difficult to assess in a higher education environment.
Multi-Cultural E-Learning Teamwork
Authors: Khalsa Datta Kaur
Published: May 2011

Virtual teamwork in the e-learning classroom has provided opportunities for merging social theory and learning theory, mixing technology, culture, identity, and community. Online learning teams have generated attention to the social and cultural characteristics that influence these global interactions. This chapter discusses the prevalence of eight traditional dimensions of culture occurring during online learning team interaction. A study with graduate students, who were experienced in virtual teamwork, provides quotes and examples of experiences, challenges, and suggestions for improvement to the multicultural, virtual team experience. The students’ suggestions inform guidelines for e-learning faculty and students, while additional study results present understanding of the acculturation process, a process that occurs when diversified social and cultural characteristics come together and form a cultural hybrid to accomplish e-learning team goals.
Evaluation of Decision-Making Support Systems
Authors: Phillips-Wren Gloria E , Mora Manuel , Forgionne Guisseppi
Published: May 2011

Decision support systems (DSSs) have been researched extensively over the years with the purpose of aiding the decision maker (DM) in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing environment (Sprague & Watson, 1996; Turban & Aronson, 1998). Newer intelligent systems, enabled by the advent of the Internet combined with artificial-intelligence (AI) techniques, have extended the reach of DSSs to assist with decisions in real time with multiple informaftion flows and dynamic data across geographical boundaries. All of these systems can be grouped under the broad classification of decision-making support systems (DMSS) and aim to improve human decision making. A DMSS in combination with the human DM can produce better decisions by, for example (Holsapple & Whinston, 1996), supplementing the DM’s abilities; aiding one or more of Simon’s (1997) phases of intelligence, design, and choice in decision making; facilitating problem solving; assisting with unstructured or semistructured problems (Keen & Scott Morton, 1978); providing expert guidance; and managing knowledge. Yet, the specific contribution of a DMSS toward improving decisions remains difficult to quantify.
Information and Knowledge Perspectives in Systems Engineering and Management for Innovation and Productivity Through Enterprise Resource Planning
Authors: Stephenson Stephen V. , Sage Andrew P
Published: May 2011

This article provides an overview of perspectives associated with information and knowledge resource management in systems engineering and systems management in accomplishing enterprise resource planning for enhanced innovation and productivity. Accordingly, we discuss economic concepts involving information and knowledge, and the important role of network effects and path dependencies in influencing enterprise transformation through enterprise resource planning.
Improving IT-Enabled Sense and Respond Capabilities
Authors: Welke Richard , Cavalheiro Gabriel
Published: May 2011

Commercial airlines face an extremely challenging operating and competitive environment. To remain in business they must comply with ever-changing regulatory requirements while, at the same time, minimizing their operational costs without sacrificing customer expectations of service levels. Increasingly, airlines are realizing that a “plan-execute” mode of operation must give way to a “sense-respond” mode of operation; in other words they must become a real-time (agile) organization, capable of sensing the occurrence of unforeseen events such as the placement of a last-minute shipping order, flight delays, and cancellations, and respond effectively in real-time to such events. To enable enterprises in general, and the airline industry in particular, to improve their sense-and-respond capabilities and ensure better resource utilization, a number of software vendors are offering event stream processing and Business Activity Monitoring (BAM) solutions. This case examines a longitudinal set of real-world implementation projects using such a solution at a major US airline (referred to as Southern International Airlines) and the results and lessons gained from this deployment.
Design and Development of a Quality Management Information System
Authors: Sakthivel M. , Devadasan S.R. , Raman S. Ragu , Sriram S.
Published: May 2011

Among all quality strategies, the quality information system (QIS) is the one which finds comparatively little recognition among the quality engineering professionals. The situation is different in the general management arena where management professionals are striving to attain core competence of organizations through the implementation of management information systems (MIS). On realizing this trend and anticipating tremendous benefits, a research project has been started with the objective of developing a QIS compatible to ISO 9001:2000. In this paper, the quality management information system (QMIS) that has been designed by referring to Clause 4 of ISO 9001:2000 has been reported. After designing this QMIS, its development in real-time environment was examined by conducting a study at an ISO 9001:2000 certified high technology-oriented company. Also, a validation study was conducted by gathering the opinions and assessment of the managing partner of the company on QMIS. These studies revealed the feasibility and possibility of implementing QMIS in ISO 9001:2000 certified companies. The details of this work are presented in this paper.
Effective DMSS Guidance for Financial Investing
Authors: Fogionne Guisseppi , Rada Roy
Published: May 2011

Investment decisions have a significant impact on individuals, groups, organizations, the economy, and society. As a result, many formal methodologies and information systems have been designed, developed, and implemented to assist with financial investing. While these tools can improve decision making, none offer complete and integrated support for financial investing. This article seeks to close the support gap by offering a theoretical decision making support system for financial investing and illustrating the system’s use in practice. The demonstration indicates that the theoretical system can improve the process of, and outcome from, investing.
PROMISE
Authors: Anke Juergen , Wolf Bernhard , Hackenbroich Gregor , Do Hong-Hei , Neugebauer Mario , Klein Anja
Published: May 2011

Product lifecycle management (PLM) processes can be greatly improved and extended if more information on the product and its use is available during the various lifecycle phases. The PROMISE project aims to close the information loop by employing product embedded information devices (PEIDs) in products. In this chapter, we present the goals and application scenarios of the project with special focus on the middleware that enables the communication between PEIDs and enterprise applications. Furthermore, we give details of the design and implementation of the middleware as well as the role of Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) as device-level protocol.
Using Information Technology for Strategic Growth from Single-Mission Transportation Company to Multi-Faceted Global Logistics Corporation
Authors: Hanshaw Shirley , Carter Lemuria
Published: May 2011

Businesses involved in logistics and supply chain management rely on information technology to deliver services "on time" with highest productivity. One such business began in 1971 as a single-service trucking company known as O-J Transport. It later expanded its capabilities and diversified its mission to become The O-J Group, a multiservice transportation and logistics enterprise. Strategically seizing opportunities, the CEO in 1998 expanded the company to become a global supplier to the automotive divisions whose mission is to optimize the customer’s supply chain infrastructures and processes by designing and implementing complex supply chain solutions and leveraging information technology to reduce costs and improve service. This study assesses the diffusion of information technology within the compnay by exploring the evolution of its technological infrastructure using Windley’s (2002) e-government maturity model to evaluate JGI’s adoption of goverment-to-business initiatives.
Supporting Structured Group Decision Making Through System-Directed User Guidance
Authors: Lagroue III Harold J.
Published: May 2011

This article addresses an area which holds considerable promise for enhancing the effective utilization of advanced information technologies: the feasibility of using system-directed multi-modal user support for facilitating users of advanced information technologies. An application for automating the information technology facilitation process is used to compare group decision-making effectiveness of human-facilitated groups with groups using virtual facilitation in an experiment employing auditors, accountants, and IT security professionals as participants. The results of the experiment are presented and possible avenues for future research studies are suggested.
Enterprise Information Systems Change, Adaptation and Adoption
Authors: Jukic Boris , Jukic Nenad , Velasco Miguel
Published: May 2011

This article introduces and discusses the process and system conceptualization framework for adoption and ongoing evaluation of enterprise information systems, based on the series of recursive high and base-level conceptualizations of organization’s existing (as-is) and desired (to-be) processes and systems. The motivation for the framework is provided by a qualitative study that reveals two distinct approaches to the organizations’ systems adoption and change. The approaches are labeled as systems view and process view, centered on organizations’ processes and systems respectively; where process oriented approach is more likely to result in better fit between the adopted systems and corporate needs. Consistent with this finding, the purpose of the introduced framework is to guide organizations toward embracing the process-centric approach to the adoption of enterprise information systems, by placing particular emphasis on processes’ and supporting systems’ fit with organization’s strategic goals.
Empirical Investigation of Critical Success Factors for Implementing Business Intelligence Systems in Multiple Engineering Asset Management Organisations
Authors: Yeoh William , Gao Jing , Koronios Andy
Published: May 2011

Engineering asset management organisations (EAMOs) are increasingly motivated to implement business intelligence (BI) systems in response to dispersed information environments and compliance requirements. However, the implementation of a business intelligence (BI) system is a complex undertaking requiring considerable resources. Yet, so far, there are few defined critical success factors (CSFs) to which management can refer. Drawing on the CSFs framework derived from a previous Delphi study, a multiple-case design was used to examine how these CSFs could be implemented by five EAMOs. The case studies substantiate the construct and applicability of the CSFs framework. These CSFs are: committed management support and sponsorship, a clear vision and well-established business case, business-centric championship and balanced team composition, a business-driven and iterative development approach, user-oriented change management, a business-driven, scalable and flexible technical framework, and sustainable data quality and integrity. More significantly, the study further reveals that those organisations which address the CSFs from a business orientation approach will be more likely to achieve better results.
Computational Intelligence in the Financial Functions of Industrial Firms
Authors: Theodorou Petros , Karyampas Dimitrios
Published: May 2011

Information technology has been proved to be a strategic weapon in the business armory for the creation and sustention of competitive advantage, especially, when it is aligned with the needs of the internal and external environment. Solutions are provided from the operational level up to strategic planning and are capable to support every choice in the strategy portfolio, from cost to quality and flexibility. IT systems in the manufacturing and operational level were analyzed extensively in literature: ERP systems, computer aided design/ computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), and so forth. According to Wong, Bo, Bodnovich, and Selvi (1997), 53.5% of the reviewed literature in artificial intelligence refers to applications in production and operations management. Nevertheless, the second most important area for advanced IT applications is that of finance (25.4%). This research will be focused on the common set of the two previously mentioned areas: production management and the necessary financial tools. Production and operation management requires specific financial tools in order to accomplish the functions of production planning, costing, investment appraisal, and so forth. Computational intelligence in those financial functions is mostly needed for the production operation department and for the production operation strategy. Specifically, the weight will be put on information technology automation of financial functions adopted by production departments: forecasting production needs, production planning and control, profit volume analysis, cost analysis, investment appraisal analysis, and so forth. An attempt will be made to classify the various quantitative and qualitative techniques in relation to various financial aspects. Specifically, advances of neural networks, expert systems, advanced statistical analysis and operational research methods, and various hybrid techniques will be presented in relation to financial models applied in production. Financial applications will be analyzed according to their modules and their outputs in a strategic alignment concept. Finally, a strategic alignment model will be derived for the adoption of financialapplications in businesses.
Supporting Demand Supply Network Optimization with Petri Nets
Authors: Tynjala Teemu
Published: May 2011

The present study implements a generic methodology for describing and analyzing demand supply networks, that is, networks from a company’s suppliers to its customers. There can be many possible demand supply networks with different logistics costs for a product. Therefore, we introduce a Petri Net-based formalism, and a reachability analysis based algorithm that finds the optimum demand supply network for a user-specified product structure. The method has been implemented and is currently in production use inside all Nokia business groups. It is used in demand supply planning of both network elements and handsets. An example of the method’s application to a concrete Nokia product is included.
Federated Enterprise Resource Planning Systems
Authors: Brehm Nico , Lübke Daniel , Gómez Jorge Marx
Published: May 2011

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems consist of many software components, which provide specific functionality. As ERP systems become more complex, the financial expenditures that are associated with the application of such systems dramatically increase. Furthermore, ERP system development of nowadays is product-oriented and coordinated by only one instance at any one time. Consequently, each product has a separate data model, which is the basis for the integration of various types of business applications. Based on this fact, the selection of the covered functional enterprise sectors as well as the implemented functions is controlled by the respective vendor, too. Thus, enhancements and modifications of the standard software product are incumbent upon the software vendors. A cross-vendor standardization of data models for ERP systems and the establishment of unified architectural model, however, would change this situation. The new idea is to develop a novel ERP system architecture, which facilitates an overall reusability of individual business components (BC) through a shared and non-monolithic architecture based on Web services. The presented approach uses Web services to wrap up ERP components that are provided within a distributed system, which appears as an ERP community and serves as a vendor-independent platform.
Mathematical Modeling of the λ Switch
Authors: Laschov Dmitriy , Margaliot Michael
Published: May 2011

Gene regulation plays a central role in the development and functioning of living organisms. Developing a deeper qualitative and quantitative understanding of gene regulation is an important scientific challenge. The Lambda switch is commonly used as a paradigm of gene regulation. Verbal descriptions of the structure and functioning of the Lambda switch have appeared in biological textbooks. We apply fuzzy modeling to transform one such verbal description into a well-defined mathematical model. The resulting model is a piecewise-quadratic, second-order differential equation. It demonstrates functional fidelity with known results while being simple enough to allow a rather detailed analysis. Properties such as the number, location, and domain of attraction of equilibrium points can be studied analytically. Furthermore, the model provides a rigorous explanation for the so-called stability puzzle of the Lambda switch.
Exploring System Use as a Measure of Knowledge Management Success
Authors: Jennex Murray E.
Published: May 2011

This article discusses system use as a measure of knowledge management success. It is proposed that for knowledge management systems (KMS) it is not the amount of use that is important, but rather the quality of that use and the intention to use the KMS when appropriate. Evidence is provided to support this proposition and a knowledge management system success model incorporating this proposition is discussed. Additionally, findings are provided that show that new users to an organization use the KMS differently than experienced users and implications of this difference are discussed.
Appendices
Authors: Unhelkar Bhuvan , Ghanbary Abbass , Younessi Houman
Published: May 2011

The following is the survey that was used, in detail, to elicit data related to collaborative business, business processes and mobile technologies.
Overlay Construction in Mobile Peer-to-Peer Networks
Authors: Feng Jie , Xu Lisong , Ramamurthy Byrav
Published: May 2011

With the evolution of wireless technologies, mobile networks can provide much more interesting services and resources to users than before. Consequently storing, sharing and delivering resources efficiently have become popular topics in the field of mobile networks. Mobile Peer-to-Peer (the authors use mobile P2P for short hereinafter) networks, which are inspired by the great success of P2P networks, have been proposed to efficiently share the network resources among the peers in mobile networks. However, due to the characteristics of mobile networks and stringent constraints of applications, it is fairly difficult to construct mobile P2P networks. In this chapter, the authors present a survey of overlay construction in mobile P2P networks. First, they outline the design issues of running P2P networks on top of mobile networks. The authors then present a survey of existing overlay construction techniques for mobile P2P networks. They highlight the advantages and disadvantages of various overlay construction techniques for mobile P2P networks and further compare these methods. They also point out the open research issues in each sub-area and conclude with possible future research directions in mobile P2P overlay construction.
Key Management for Dynamic Peer Groups in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: van der Merwe Johann , Dawoud Dawoud
Published: May 2011

Group communication in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) generally occurs in the form of dynamic peer groups (DPGs). This chapter reviews the existing group key management schemes for DPGs, found in conventional networks, with respect to their suitability for MANETs. The schemes are uniquely categorized based on their underlying key establishment mechanisms and group topologies. Each group is introduced by presenting the most promising scheme belonging to the subset. The discussions reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the existing schemes and identify the challenges in designing group key management schemes compatible with the unique characteristics of generic MANETs.
A Graph-Based Biomedical Literature Clustering Approach Utilizing Term's Global and Local Importance Information
Authors: Xiaodan Zhang , Xiaohua Hu , Jiali Xia , Xiaohua Zhou , Palakorn Achananuparp
Published: May 2011

In this article, we present a graph-based knowledge representation for biomedical digital library literature clustering. An efficient clustering method is developed to identify the ontology-enriched k-highest density term subgraphs that capture the core semantic relationship information about each document cluster. The distance between each document and the k term graph clusters is calculated. A document is then assigned to the closest term cluster. The extensive experimental results on two PubMed document sets (Disease10 and OHSUMED23) show that our approach is comparable to spherical k-means. The contributions of our approach are the following: (1) we provide two corpus-level graph representations to improve document clustering, a term co-occurrence graph and an abstract-title graph; (2) we develop an efficient and effective document clustering algorithm by identifying k distinguishable class-specific core term subgraphs using terms’ global and local importance information; and (3) the identified term clusters give a meaningful explanation for the document clustering results.
Computing Join Aggregates over Private Tables
Authors: Rong She , Ke Wang , Ada Waichee Fu , Yabo Xu
Published: May 2011

We propose a privacy-preserving protocol for computing aggregation queries over the join of private tables. In this problem, several parties wish to share aggregated information over the join of their tables, but want to conceal the details that generate such information. The join operation presents a challenge to privacy preservation because it requires matching individual records from private tables without letting any non-owning party know the actual join values or make any inference about the data in other parties. We solve this problem by using a novel private sketching protocol that securely exchanges some randomized summary information about private tables. This protocol (1) conceals individual private values and their distributions from all non-owning parties, (2) works on many general forms of aggregation functions, (3) handles group-by aggregates, and (4) handles roll-up/drill-down operations. Previous works have not provided this level of privacy for such queries.
Voice Driven Emotion Recognizer Mobile Phone
Authors: Aishah Abdul Razak , Abidin Mohamad Izani Zainal , Komiya Ryoichi
Published: May 2011

This article proposes an application of emotion recognizer system in telecommunications entitled voice driven emotion recognizer mobile phone (VDERM). The design implements a voice-to-image conversion scheme through a voice-to-image converter that extracts emotion features in the voice, recognizes them, and selects the corresponding facial expression images from image bank. Since it only requires audio transmission, it can support video communication at a much lower bit rate than the conventional videophone. The first prototype of VDERM system has been implemented into a personal computer. The coder, voice-to-image converter, image database, and system interface are preinstalled in the personal computer. In this article, we present and discuss some evaluations that have been conducted in supporting this proposed prototype. The results have shown that both voice and image are important for people to correctly recognize emotion in telecommunications and the proposed solution can provide an alternative to videophone systems. The future works list some modifications that can be done to the proposed prototype in order to make it more practical for mobile applications.
Collaborative Design
Authors: Mirijamdotter Anita , Somerville Mary M.
Published: May 2011

Within the context of a three year applied research project conducted from 2003-2006 in a North American university library, staff were encouraged to reconsider organizational assumptions and design processes. The project involved an organizational leader and an external consultant who introduced and collaboratively applied Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) practice. Project results suggest the efficacy of using ‘soft’ systems thinking to guide interaction (re)design of technology-enabled environments, systems, and tools. In addition, participants attained insights into their new roles and responsibilities within a dynamically changing higher education environment. Project participants also applied SSM to redesign ‘in house’ information systems. The process of employing systems thinking practices to activate and advance organizational (re)learning, and initiating and elaborating user-centered interaction (re) design practices, culminated in a collaborative design (co-design) approach that readied participants for nimble responsiveness to continuous changes in the dynamic external environment.
Impact of Information and Communication Technologies and Influence of Millennial Students on the Role of CTE Teachers and Trainers
Authors: Mupinga Davison M. , Maughan George R.
Published: May 2011

Today’s career and technical education (CTE) teachers and trainers are subjected to a number of challenges caused by work systems and processes that are science and technology-based. Furthermore, the advent of information and communication technologies (ICT) and characteristics of Millennial students has greatly influenced their roles. This chapter examines the impact of ICT and influence of today’s students on the role of the 21st Century CTE teachers and trainers. The chapter describes information and communication technologies, application of ICT in education and training, characteristics of millennium students; contextual challenges and role changes for today’s teachers and trainers, and provides suggestions to integrate ICT with instruction.
CTE Distance E-Learning Application
Authors: Ledford Brenda C.
Published: May 2011

E-learning application within distance contexts is growing rapidly as a solution to the demands and needs of CTE learners in the 21st century. Effective and sustainable application begins with understanding the connective relationship e-learning enjoys with distance education. In conjunction with this link, pedagogical theory and practices successfully utilized within distance education are of relevance to CTE educators and practitioners if successful application is to be attained. This chapter delves into the prominent theories and practices of distance education centered on a learner-centered approach. Also discussed is the changing role of the instructor and learner within this pedagogical approach. Although challenges and barriers emerge with change strategies, CTE has distinct advantages for successful transition and application. Central to the learner-centered approach is the characteristics and capabilities of Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 technologies which continue to regulate and necessitate consideration of the learner-centered approach within distance contexts.
A Wiki on the Teaching of Business Administration
Authors: Monclús-Guitart Ricard , Torres-Coronas Teresa , Rodríguez-Merayo Araceli , Vidal-Blasco M. Arántzazu , Arias-Oliva Mario
Published: May 2011

The European Credit Transfer System establishes a calculation based on the work students do, rather than direct teaching hours as is the case with the current credit system. These are known as ECTS credits and they represent the amount of work the student needs to do to pass a subject. In short, ECTS credits are the quantity of work needed to learn a subject, including theory, practical classes, seminars, exams as well as anything the student has done individually which can be evaluated. This is where a Wiki would provide a new space for students, where they could and should introduce information on matters related to the subject, as well as edit, correct, expand and improve etc. the already existing information. This information, which would be a collection of web pages in hypertext, would make it possible to create a computer application based on the collaborative work of the students which can be accessed by any student from any Internet connection. At the same time, it can be assessed and therefore form part of the student’s final grade for the subject. The aim of this chapter is to show the methodology which will enable a Wiki to be used for professional learning. Therefore, first the authors define what a Wiki is; second they discuss the Wiki as a collaborative teaching instrument; and third they deal with Wikis as a tool for educational assessment.
A Needs Assessment
Authors: Farmer Gail C. , Papachristou Theodora
Published: May 2011

The appropriate allocation of valuable human and financial resources requires a decision-making process based upon the most accurate information available. A community diagnostic assessment provides the framework to determine the important issues, propose potential solutions, and empower the community’s constituents. In this chapter, several theoretical models which can guide the assessment process are delineated along with six methods of needs assessment (key informant, public issues forum, service utilization, public records - social indicators, and field survey). For each method of assessment, its applicability, strengths and limitations are examined. The use of telecommunication technologies and Internet resources are incorporated throughout the chapter.
Psychometric Methods for Work Ethic Research
Authors: Petty Gregory C.
Published: May 2011

Research in career and technical education stresses job skills, training, as well as knowledge of team work and positive work behavior. However, information regarding affective work performance is often misunderstood or misrepresented, even by well meaning teachers. This chapter is a review of salient factors affecting worker attitudes and behaviors that can be used by CTE educators and researchers to improve their educational strategies. The Occupational Work Ethic Inventory (OWEI) has been used to collect work ethic data from business and industry workers and their supervisors from several occupational areas. These results have been investigated and their relative rating of work ethic factors are reported. CTE specialists and teachers should consider research methods that utilize 21st Century statistics and techniques to assist students in working with groups and in developing work relevant curriculum. Additional research in affective workplace performance utilizing the OWEI could be useful in developing performance standards for performance improvement of workers.
A Model of Modeling in Research and Practice
Authors: Liu Leping
Published: May 2011

Modeling is a tool that can be used in research and educational practices. In this chapter, modeling is defined as a systematic process in which scientific methods are used to identify and detect critical components in a field and the connections or relationship among them. This chapter focuses on the modeling procedures for research and practice in the field of using information technology in education and career counseling. Six types of modeling are included: theory-based modeling, literature-based modeling, databased modeling, case-based modeling, meta-analysis modeling, and propensity modeling. A model of the research modeling process is summarized at the end.
Developing an Integrated Evaluation Framework for E-Learning
Authors: Cho Yonjoo , Park Sunyoung , Jo Sung Jun , Jeung Chang-Wook , Lim Doo Hun
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this chapter is to provide an integrated evaluation framework of e-learning based on the basic concepts of evaluation and previous evaluation models. Several evaluation models were reviewed in order to lay the foundation for our proposed model of e-learning evaluation. Stufflebeam (1983), Kirkpatrick (1987), Phillips (1997), and Holton (1996) were chosen as four representative training evaluation models. The frameworks developed by Rosenberg (2001) and Khan (2005) were also reviewed to address several evaluation design issues for e-learning. Based on six evaluation models, an integrated framework is suggested for comprehensive e-learning evaluation. This integrated framework consists of six stages (i.e., context, resources, process, product, implementation, and outcomes) and two levels (i.e., program and organization). The practical case is introduced as an example that uses the integrated evaluation framework.
Why, When, and What to Outsource
Authors: Carpenter Donald , Agrawal Vijay
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents an overview of the outsourcing phenomenon, focusing on the question of why, when, and what to outsource. It provides an extensive set of guidelines for a business student to understand the nature of outsourcing. Drawing extensively on recent scholarly literature, the chapter presents a wide range of concepts. There are many causes that might lead a company to a decision to outsource. Similarly, there are many factors that contribute to an environment that is conducive to outsourcing. The question of what to outsource is answered by examining core competencies and critical success factors. The chapter also presents trends in outsourcing in specific countries and industries to help the reader understand what is possible.
IT Outsourcing
Authors: Ho Luke , Atkins Anthony
Published: May 2011

This chapter provides both practitioner and academic insights into outsourcing. It begins with a review of the literature and practice of outsourcing, followed by a retrospect of its developments since the 1960s, up to present-day emergent trends such as best/smart-sourcing, rural-sourcing and business application grids. Recent legal developments are highlighted, along with their corresponding impacts. Outsourcing decisions tend to focus solely on the short-term benefits of cost reduction and service level improvement and, hence, often lack strategic direction, thus indicating the need for strategic management frameworks in the decision process. This chapter introduces a generic framework for such decision-making and highlights other strategic frameworks developed by researchers. The chapter then concludes by summarizing suggested action points that enable both clients and service providers to best exploit the recent developments in outsourcing, in order to maintain the strategic edge in an increasingly complex and competitive business environment.
Information Technology as a Service
Authors: Qiu Robin
Published: May 2011

In this information era, both business and living communities are truly IT driven and service oriented. As the globalization of the world economy accelerates with the fast advance of networking and computing technologies, IT plays a more and more critical role in assuring real-time collaborations for delivering needs across the world. Nowadays, world-class enterprises are eagerly embracing service-led business models aimed at creating highly profitable service-oriented businesses. They take advantage of their own years of experience and unique marketing, engineering, and application expertise and shift gears toward creating superior outcomes to best meet their customers’ needs in order to stay competitive. IT has been considered as one of the high-value services areas. In this chapter, the discussion will focus on IT as a service. We present IT development, research, and outsourcing as a knowledge service; on the other hand, we argue that IT as a service helps enterprises align their business operations, workforce, and technologies to maximize their profits by continuously improving their performance. Numerous research and development aspects of service-enterprise engineering from a business perspective will be briefly explored, and then computing methodologies and technologies to enable adaptive enterprise service computing in support of service-enterprise engineering will be simply studied and analyzed. Finally, future development and research avenues in this emerging interdisciplinary field will also be highlighted.
Business-Related Determinants of Offshoring Intensity
Authors: Srivastava Shirish , Teo Thompson , Mohapatra Partha S.
Published: May 2011

Some researchers view information systems (IS) offshoring as extension of onshore IS outsourcing. However, others have the opinion that IS offshoring has its unique characteristics because of which, we cannot extend research made in onshore IS outsourcing without testing its applicability to the offshore context. This tension motivates our research to examine whether determinants of IS offshoring are indeed the same as determinants of onshore IS outsourcing? We examine the role of some firm level determinants of offshoring intensity. The four business related determinants that we analyze in this study are: business size, business cost, business financial leverage, and business performance. Results indicate a significant relationship between business size and offshoring intensity, and also between business financial leverage and offshoring intensity. Based on the results, we analyze similarities and differences between traditional onshore IS outsourcing and IS offshoring. Implications and contributions arising out of this study are also discussed.