bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Économie de la contribution et innovation sociétale
Authors: Béraud Philippe , Cormerais Franck
Published: February 2011

Résumé Cet article s’intéresse à l’économie de la contribution, qui constitue une nouvelle manière de comprendre les activités économiques. L’émergence d’une économie de la contribution est non seulement un changement mais aussi une réponse alternative au capitalisme du consommateur. L’économie de la contribution est impliquée dans le champ des technologies relationnelles de l’internet, des systèmes locaux d’innovation et du tiers secteur. D’un point de vue méthodologique, la compréhension de l’économie de la contribution nécessite de définir la signification de la valeur sociétale, de l’innovation sociétale et de la création collective. Codes JEL : A13, D 46, D 62, D 63, L 86, Z 13
L'évolution démographique récente en France : les adultes vivent moins souvent en couple
Authors: Prioux France , Mazuy Magali , Barbieri Magali
Published: February 2011

Résumé Au 1 er janvier 2010, la France métropolitaine compte 62,8 millions d’habitants. L’accroissement (5,2 ‰) est un peu plus faible qu’en 2008 car le solde naturel diminue un peu. Après trois années de baisse, le nombre d’étrangers admis à séjourner a légèrement augmenté en 2008. Les immigrés nés en Algérie et au Maroc sont désormais plus nombreux que ceux originaires du Portugal. L’indicateur conjoncturel de fécondité s’est légèrement replié en 2009, mais demeure très proche de 2 enfants par femme ; l’âge moyen à la maternité atteint 30 ans. L’indicateur conjoncturel des interruptions volontaires de grossesse (IVG) reste élevé en 2007 (0,53 IVG par femme). L’âge à la première IVG tend à diminuer, et la fréquence des IVG répétées à augmenter. L’augmentation du nombre de pacs se poursuit en 2009 et, malgré la baisse du nombre de mariages, le nombre d’unions officialisées tend à augmenter. La probabilité de mariage des célibataires continue à se réduire. Les divorces diminuent encore légèrement en 2009, mais l’indicateur conjoncturel demeure proche de 45 %. En raison de l’augmentation des ruptures d’union, hommes et femmes adultes vivent un peu moins souvent en couple en 2006 qu’en 1999 ; ils vivent plus souvent seuls dans leur logement ou en famille monoparentale. La progression de l’espérance de vie à la naissance a repris en 2009, après une pause pour les femmes en 2008 : elle est estimée à 77,8 ans pour les hommes et 84,5 ans pour les femmes.
La baisse récente de la fécondité en Chine à partir d'une nouvelle reconstitution statistique
Authors: Zhao Zhongwei , Zhang Xiaomu
Published: February 2011

Résumé Les chercheurs étudiant la fécondité chinoise se trouvent dans une situation étrange depuis le début des années 1990. Alors que les nombreux recensements, enquêtes de fécondité et enquêtes démographiques annuelles fournissent suffisamment de données pour permettre des travaux approfondis sur la baisse récente de la fécondité, le sous-enregistrement et les incohérences dont souffrent de plus en plus les principales données font obstacle à de telles recherches. Ces difficultés sont aussi dues au fait que, si l’administration statistique publie quelques indices de fécondité corrigés, elle ne donne pas de détails sur les techniques utilisées depuis la fin des années 1990 pour effectuer ces ajustements. Cet article a pour objectif de combler certains manques de connaissances sur l’évolution récente de la fécondité chinoise, en analysant les incohérences des statistiques de fécondité provenant de sources différentes, puis en reconstituant deux séries cohérentes d’indicateurs à partir des nombres de naissances officiels publiés et de ceux corrigés par les auteurs. Ces calculs permettent d’examiner le déclin récent de la fécondité chinoise et de montrer que, même si les problèmes de qualité des données sont nombreuses, le sous-enregistrement de certaines données de fécondité n’est peut-être pas aussi important que le suggèrent les taux bruts de natalité et indicateurs de fécondité corrigés officiels. La forte baisse de la fécondité chinoise a commencé au début des années 1990. L’ISF, au lieu de stagner à 1,8 enfant par femme (chiffre officiel), est tombé au-dessous de 1,7 à la fin de la décennie, et continue de diminuer depuis.
La vie d'âme
Authors: Coblence Françoise
Published: February 2011

Résumé Penser les rapports entre psyché et soma implique d’inscrire ce dualisme dans le dualisme philosophique âme/corps dont Freud à la fois est l’héritier et dont il se démarque. La notion de « Vie d’âme » employée par lui comme étant proche de psyché suggère l’union de l’âme à la vie, et donc la nature corporelle de psyché. Cette nature corporelle se marque à la fois dans le développement et dans le fonctionnement psychiques, dans les expériences fondamentales de satisfaction et de douleur, dans la nature de la pulsion. Elle repose sur l’unité initiale entre l’enfant et la mère, unité qui précède toute notion d’objet séparé. À partir de là, on peut penser la différence entre soma et corps, le passage au corps érotisé et examiner quelques articulations entre psyché et corps (le rêve, l’affect, l’agir) ou encore les expressions de l’un(e) par l’autre.
Les exigences de la représentation
Authors: Aisenstein Marilia
Published: February 2011

Résumé La question « entre psyché et soma » implique une réflexion sur la pulsion. Dans la définition princeps de la pulsion comme concept « limite », Freud parle « d’exigence de travail imposée au psychisme ». Le mode de « délégation » des représentants psychiques d’une pulsion somatique pose des problèmes théoriques fondamentaux que l’auteur cherche à examiner en relation avec leurs implications cliniques et techniques dans les cures analytiques de patients chez qui la fluidité des représentations ne va pas de soi.
L'affect dans l'âme
Authors: Chabert Catherine
Published: February 2011

Résumé En résonance avec les textes de M. Aisenstein et de S. Savvopoulos, l’auteure propose une réflexion sur le traitement des affects dans les mouvements transférentiels entre le patient et l’analyste. Cette « épreuve » constitue une voie d’accès possible dans certaines cures, lorsque les représentations et les affects semblent s’absenter de la scène analytique. Le passage par la passivité chez l’analyste permet l’émergence de moments d’effacement des limites ouvrant des potentialités associatives, et la mise en route du processus freine le désinvestissement apparent de l’activité représentative.
Quelques réflexions sur l'apport de la clinique de la première enfance à la question psyché/soma
Authors: Roussillon René
Published: February 2011

Résumé Pour ouvrir le débat, l’auteur se propose d’introduire certains apports de la clinique de la première enfance. Pour cela, il s’appuie sur des propositions de la fin de la vie de Freud concernant l’importance des expériences premières et la difficulté de leur intégration signifiante, sur leur conservation dans des formes sensori- perceptives. Il propose ensuite les bases sur lesquelles ces expériences précoces peuvent « devenir langage » et fait l’hypothèse que leur reconnaissance et leur échoïsation première par l’environnement premier sont des conditions nécessaire à ce processus.
« Psyché est corporelle, n'en sait rien »
Authors: André Jacques
Published: February 2011

Résumé Théorie et pratique du conflit psychique, la psychanalyse est par « essence » dualiste, tout en constituant une critique radicale d’une vue substantialiste du dualisme psyché/corps. « Psyché est corporelle, n’en sait rien », la formule de F. Coblence peut s’entendre comme ce qui advient du dualisme psyché/corps de l’intérieur de la situation psychanalytique.
Corps psychique, moi-corps psychosomatique, somatopsychose
Authors: Dufour Jacques
Published: February 2011

Résumé Deux modes de rapports psyché-soma sont les fruits de la démarche de Freud dans laquelle l’auteur emboîte ses pas. Si le corps est d’abord vu cause d’un désir indestructible qui va et vient en une dialectique psychique à double sens de la nuit de l’inconscient au jour du devenir conscient, sa méthode de décomposition en processus élémentaires fera concevoir à Freud un moi corps psychosomatique comme sédimentation du chaos somatopsychique primordial du ça sous influence de l’identification primaire à l’objet qui précède la sublimation de la pensée. Mais la méthode de Freud trouve ses limites lorsque les défaillances de l’identification primaire, et donc de la capacité sublimatoire, se conjuguent pour noyer les rapports psyché-soma et sujet-objet dans une somatopsychose qui voit le tragique traumatique du ça déborder le moi.
Histoire de peau : à fleur de peau, peau de chagrin, peau de vache, tenir à sa peau, avoir dans la peau, être dans la peau, faire la peau, faire peau neuve…
Authors: Prat Régine
Published: February 2011

Résumé La première transformation des excitations sensorielles met la peau en place de première interface entre psyché et soma. Dans l’illustration clinique présentée, la peau devient le lieu de la répétition non élaborée d’expériences traumatiques précoces, en particulier dans la répétition symptomatique et intergénérationnelle ainsi que dans la cure. La clinique des états-limites ouvre la question des clivages précoces dans la construction entravée de l’identité.
Imagerie, réminiscence et somatisation
Authors: Schmid-Kitsikis Elsa
Published: February 2011

Résumé À partir de la très intéressante illustration proposée par M. Aisenstein dans son rapport, et de deux illustrations cliniques présentées par l’auteure, la discussion s’ouvre sur la question des liens possibles entre image et mémoire mélancolique, entre événement somatique et fonctionnement mélancolique. Dans le cas présenté par M. Aisenstein, il est question d’un fonctionnement psychique opératoire avec gel des affects, effraction somatique (le cancer du côlon) et dépression, qualifiée par l’analyste de « quasi mélancolique ». Les cas présentés par l’auteur, chez lesquels l’image, le gel des affects, la mémoire sans oubli ni refoulement prédominent également, la somatisation, certes plus épisodique, sensorielle et diffuse, mais diagnostiquée malgré tout comme réelle, questionne. Y aurait-il une incompatibilité aux niveaux théorique et clinique, entre somatisation et fonctionnement mélancolique ? Il s’agit ainsi de comprendre, dans un contexte où la poussée de la pulsion rencontre l’objet primaire incorporé de la mélancolie, l’émergence et la signification d’atteintes somatiques s’exprimant à travers une mouvance identificatoire primaire en lien avec cet objet.
La constitution des zones érogènes, leur dysfonctionnement et les processus de leur réparation
Authors: Skoulika Aristea
Published: February 2011

Résumé L’auteur rapporte des matériaux cliniques qui témoignent de la qualité du travail psychique effectué, en vue de la constitution, de la réparation et de la conservation du fonctionnement des zones érogènes. À travers un cas de psychopathologie précoce et un travail analytique intensif avec un enfant de deux ans, apparaissent les va-et-vient entre un état où les zones érogènes se constituent et se mettent à fonctionner, et un autre où elles se dissolvent. Ces phénomènes s’étayent sur un fond pulsionnel sexuel primaire et impliquent des mouvements précoces spécifiques de psychisation et de symbolisation.
À la frontière du parti : jeux d'inclusion et d'exclusion d'une chercheuse chez les Frères musulmans égyptiens
Authors: Vannetzel Marie
Published: February 2011

Résumé La position singulière de l’organisation des Frères musulmans, « illégale mais tolérée » et située à la frontière du parti politique , conditionne fortement la relation d’enquête qui se situe elle-même sur une frontière particulièrement instable , oscillant entre procédés d’inclusion et d’exclusion. Outre les effets du contexte international, la situation de « clandestinité ouverte » dans laquelle se trouve l’organisation implique une gestion fluctuante du secret, et contraint à une renégociation permanente de la relation d’enquête, dont l’enjeu n’est pas tant la conquête du statut de chercheur que la construction de ce statut dans l’interaction et la redéfinition de l’objet de recherche.
Gérer les relations d'enquête en terrains imbriqués
Authors: Bué Nicolas
Published: February 2011

Résumé Enquêter « dans » des terrains imbriqués et concurrentiels expose le chercheur à différents obstacles et risques, dont l’ « enclicage ». C’est à cette question qu’est consacré cet article, à partir d’une expérience de recherche longue à dominante ethnographique sur une coalition pluripartisane de gouvernement local. La comparaison des réceptions de l’enquête dans les différents sites investigués (la coalition et les partis qui la composent) permet de dévoiler partiellement la structure et les enjeux d’une telle configuration : outre qu’elles correspondent globalement aux positions occupées, ces réactions dévoilent l’importance de l’étiquette partisane, de la distance aux alliés, du secret ou encore des représentations des acteurs. L’expérience d’enquête s’avère ainsi en elle-même une voie de connaissance du milieu étudié.
Quand négocier l'ouverture du terrain c'est déjà enquêter. Obtenir la passation de questionnaires aux congressistes de partis marocains
Authors: Bennani-Chraïbi Mounia
Published: February 2011

Résumé Négocier le lancement pour la première fois une enquête par questionnaires et à grande échelle, sur les membres de 8 partis politiques marocains en plein congrès national, est une voie d’accès ethnographique privilégiée pour comprendre les modalités de prise de décision au sein de ces organisations. Cet article se penche sur les circonstances qui favorisent ou entravent l’ouverture du terrain. L’insertion dans des cercles de confiance, la « scientificité » du projet, la création d’un précédent par le premier parti à autoriser l’enquête semblent être les clés du succès. Toutefois, un refus révèle que tolérer une telle recherche revient pour les dirigeants à accepter avec plus ou moins d’enthousiasme une production « démocratisée » et hors contrôle de l’image de leur parti.
Levinas et Bergson
Authors: Vieillard-Baron Jean-Louis
Published: February 2011

Résumé Le premier volume d’inédits de Levinas comprend un hommage à Bergson rédigé en 1946. Levinas voit en Bergson celui qui s’est opposé au temps de la science et des machines au nom du temps vécu ; ceci a rendu possible la conception heideggérienne du temps comme être. Levinas souscrit à la grande découverte de Bergson. Il souligne l’intérêt de la critique bergsonienne du néant comme être biffé, mais rejette la critique du désordre qui ne serait qu’un ordre différent ; pour lui, le désordre est le chaos préalable à tout ordre. Surtout, il voit dans la durée un temps fondamental, une diachronie première, qui rend possibles les trois dimensions du temps. Et il note que la durée est une vie que la mort ne limite pas ; le temps n’est pas la marque de notre finitude. Pour Bergson, seule la matière meurt, par manque d’énergie. Bien qu’il n’ait pas suivi la méthode bergsonienne, Levinas reconnaît la supériorité de l’analyse de la durée et la prolonge dans le sens d’un immémorial subjectif.
Moving Forward
Authors: Egbert Joy , Akasha Omran , Huff Leslie , Lee HyunGyung
Published: February 2011

This paper is grounded in the concept that it is the use of the technology to support language learning, not the technology itself, which makes a difference in language learning contexts. From this foundation, this paper provides a brief overview of some of the issues in the field of CALL that currently hold import and may be even more central in the future. It addresses concerns in research, teacher education, classroom practice, independent CALL, and developing technologies. The purpose of this paper is to present one view of where the field is now and where it may go in the future in supporting the achievement of language learners with technology use.
The History of CALL
Authors: Butler-Pascoe Mary Ellen
Published: February 2011

It has been over 50 years since the emergence of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) that would forever change how second/foreign languages are taught. This article presents a historical overview of the evolution of CALL from the early years of the mainframe computer to the integrative technologies of the 21st century. It examines the evolution of the dual fields of educational technology and second/foreign language teaching as they intertwined over the last half of the 20th century into present day CALL. The paper describes the paradigm shifts experienced along this journey and the current state of CALL as new technologies rapidly advance language teaching capabilities and challenge practitioners to provide optimum learning environments for the future.
How Wiki-Based Writing Influences College Students’ Collaborative and Individual Composing Products, Processes, and Learners’ Perceptions
Authors: Liou Hsien-Chin , Lee Shiu-Lin
Published: February 2011

Recently, wikis have been claimed to facilitate collaborative-writing projects and bring positive impact on student learning. While most previous exploratory studies conducted in L2 classrooms focused on students’ perceptions and their collaborative process, students’ produced texts have seldom been carefully examined from linguistic perspectives. To aim towards a more comprehensive understanding of wiki-based collaborative writing, this study compares collaboratively and individually produced texts, explores the nature of the two different writing processes, and investigates students’ perspectives. An intact class of eighteen EFL college students participated. They completed two writing tasks collaboratively and individually on wikis. Both qualitative and quantitative measures were adopted to analyze the data in order to probe students’ writing products, composing processes, and perceptions. Results of this study revealed that wiki-based collaborative writing tasks have offered students good opportunities to learn from each other and students believe such collaborative activities improved their writing.
Graph-Theoretical Indices based on Simple, General and Complete Graphs
Authors: Pogliani Lionello
Published: February 2011

Valence molecular connectivity indices are based on the concept of valence delta, d v, that can be derived from general chemical graphs or chemical pseudographs. A general graph or pseudograph has multiple edges and loops and can be used to encode, through the valence delta, chemical entities. Two graph-theoretical concepts derived from chemical pseudographs are the intrinsic (I) and the electrotopological state (E) values, which are the used to define the valence delta of the pseudoconnectivity indices, ?I,S. Complete graphs encode, through a new valence delta, the core electrons of any atoms in a molecule. The connectivity indices, either valence connectivity or pseudoconnectivity, are the starting point to develop the dual connectivity indices. The dual indices show that not only can they assume negative values but also cover a wide range of numerical values. The central parameter of the molecular connectivity theory, the valence delta, defines a completely new set of connectivity indices, which can be distinguished by their configuration and advantageously used to model different properties and activities of compounds.
Solvent Effect of Oxygen in the Thermolisys Decomposition of the Acetone Diperoxide
Authors: Profeta M. I. , Romero J. R. , Leiva L. A. C. , Jorge N. L. , Vara M. E. Gomez , Castro E. A.
Published: February 2011

In this paper, the kinetics of the thermal decomposition reaction of 3,3,6,6-tetramethyl-1,2,4,5 tetroxane (ACDP) is investigated in various oxygen solvents at different temperatures. Linear relationships are observed between the enthalpy and entropy of activation of the unimolecular reactions of those diperoxides. The isokinetic temperature calculated by Leffler’s treatment is 527.2K, which is consistent with the proposed Exner correlation between the logarithm of the rate constant values for the same reaction in each solvent at two temperatures, where the corresponding ß value was 523.5K. A true “isokinetic relationship” for the ACDP thermolysis indicates that their reactions constitute a reaction series with similar interaction mechanisms. This can be related to the capacity for hydrogen bonding between the solvent and the diperoxide molecules. The solvanting properties of the media help the peroxidic bond rupture these molecules.
E Learning in Engineering Education
Authors: A.P. Jagadeesh Chandra , Samuel R.D. Sudhaker
Published: February 2011

Attaining excellence in technical education is a worthy challenge to any life goal. Distance learning opportunities make these goals easier to reach with added quality. Distance learning in engineering education is possible only through successful implementations of remote laboratories in a learning-by-doing environment. This paper presents one such technology to carry out laboratory experiments from remote locations. The technology is demonstrated by handling the web interface, which supports the remote experimentation on communication circuits, power system and an embedded board. The implemented system environment facilitates users to perform the experiment remotely and efficiently using only a commonly available, user-friendly web browser. It describes the ongoing research in this area exploiting current telematics techniques, which supports remote experimentation with real hardware via the Internet.
A Conceptual Framework for Adaptive and Configurable Activity-Aware Trust in Collaborative Environments
Authors: Dionysiou Ioanna , Bakken David E.
Published: February 2011

Trust is an abstraction of individual beliefs that an entity has for specific situations and interactions and it must evolve in a consistent manner so that it still abstracts the entity’s beliefs accurately. This paper presents and discusses a conceptual trust framework that models an entity’s trust as a relation whose state gets updated as relevant conditions that affect trust change. The proposed model allows entities to reason about the specification and adaptation of trust that is placed in an entity. An intuitive and practical approach is presented to manage end-to-end trust assessment for a particular activity, where multiple trust relationships are examined in a bottom-up evaluation manner to derive the overall trust for the activity. Finally, Hestia, a novel trust management system that conforms to the formal model’s principles, is described.
Digital Games
Authors: Pivec Paul , Pivec Maja
Published: February 2011

Digital Games are becoming a new form of interactive content and game playing provides an interactive and collaborative platform for learning purposes. Collaborative learning allows participants to produce new ideas as well as to exchange information, simplify problems, and resolve the tasks. Context based collaborative learning method is based on constructivist learning theory and guides the design of the effective learning environments. The constructivist design required for successful Game-Based Learning is discussed in this chapter and the model of recursive learning is discussed suggesting how Game-Based Learning (GBL) and how to maximize its affect. This chapter defines “Gameplay” and tables the perceptions of both players and teachers in the area of abilities learnt from playing digital games. Resources for implementing GBL are highlighted and the need for these is discussed. We conclude this chapter with design guidelines that will ensure effective learning outcomes are attained and suggest why these steps are necessary.
Semantic Interfaces for Personal and Social Knowledge Work
Authors: Christidis Konstantinos , Papailiou Niki , Apostolou Dimitris , Mentzas Gregoris
Published: February 2011

A large number of tools has recently emerged supporting information management for individuals in their work context. Semantic technologies play an important role in the development of such tools as they facilitate advanced organization, annotation, navigation, and search capabilities. This study contributes to the design of such tools by outlining how a user-centred design methodology can be applied to develop usable and effective user interfaces. SPONGE, the resulting system, encapsulates core functionalities that are needed for managing personal information and for seamlessly sharing personal information within knowledge networks.
A Finite Element Study of Buckling and Upsetting Mechanisms in Laser Forming of Plates and Tubes
Authors: Jamil M. S. Che , Sheikh M. A. , Li L.
Published: February 2011

Laser beam forming has emerged as a viable technique to form sheet metal by thermal residual stresses. Although it has been a subject of many studies, its full industrial application is not yet established. This article aims to complement the existing research in the area of laser forming in order to gain a better understanding of the process. A numerical investigation of laser forming of stainless steel sheets has been carried out and validated experimentally using a High Power Diode Laser (HPDL). Three processing parameters are tested; laser power, beam diameter and plate thickness. Also, laser bending of stainless steel tube is simulated and compared against the published experimental data. The main underlying mechanisms of laser forming are demonstrated through the simulations.
Cold End Forming Of Welded Steel Tubes
Authors: Alves L. M. , Medeiros J. G. , Martins P. A. F.
Published: February 2011

The production of custom and specific tube end shapes by cold end forming using a die is generally limited to seamless tubular parts. Current research work in the field follows the same trend as that of industry and, therefore, there is no accumulated experience, no practical design rules, and no information available in the specialized literature concerning the utilization of tube end forming for shaping the end of thin-walled welded tubes. This paper is concerned with the lack of knowledge and is a contribution towards the understanding of the mechanics of deformation of tube end forming applied to welded tubes. The presentation addresses the influence of major operating parameters on the formability limits of the process with the purpose of understanding feasibility and establishing design rules for the benefit of those who design tubular parts in daily practice. The authors effectively contribute to transferable technological knowledge opening new market opportunities that stimulate innovations among carbon and stainless steel tubular products.
“Stay Out of the Way! My Kid is Video Blogging Through a Phone!”
Authors: Kim Paul
Published: February 2011

The current trends in social network media, coupled with increasingly advanced and ubiquitous mobile technology point towards great potential for their use in learning support and an emerging possibility of “deconstructing digital divide.” This paper explores a mobile video blogging model embedded in a learning support community as a means of addressing learning needs among underperforming students of low socioeconomic status. In this study, various mobile video recording approaches were analyzed and some blogging strategies were linked to higher learning outcomes. Although a few challenges and issues were identified, the mobile video blogging community was generally found to be a viable learning support model for children in underserved communities.
Higher Education Institution Integrated Quality Management System
Authors: Chuchalin Alexander I. , Zamyatin Alexander V.
Published: February 2011

To solve the problem of quality in higher education, many different factors, including controversial ones, must be involved. To achieve the required quality of education at universities, teachers must have enough freedom to develop educational content, as well as to involve the results of scientific research and innovative pedagogical technologies into the process of education. It is necessary to establish certain standards and regulations within the university that help facilitate continuous improvement of the educational process to manage the quality of higher education. The integrated approach to management of Higher Education Institutions’ (HEI) educational activities proposed in this paper establishes the regulations of main processes, conditions and incentives to facilitate diversity and creativity at different levels of a contemporary university. These principles have been applied to form the basis of Tomsk Polytechnic University’s quality assurance approach.
Qualification Frameworks and Field-specific Approaches to Quality Assurance
Authors: Augusti Giuliano , Feyo de Azevedo Sebastião
Published: February 2011

“General” and “field-specific” Quality Assurance procedures, although sharing many “technical” instruments (self evaluation reports, peer reviews, benchmarks vs. reference points, etc.), have different directions. The motivations behind “field-specific” initiatives are critically presented in this paper. They are strictly correlated with Qualification Frameworks that, while preserving the autonomy of higher education institutions in defining their teaching offers, define common and transparent employability objectives for the benefit of students, graduates and all other stakeholders. However, “while learning outcomes have been generically defined for the degree structure”, it is now necessary “to further develop descriptors for subject specific knowledge, skills and competences. ... leaving still plenty of freedom for programme diversity.” (Bologna Process, 2009a). Qualification Frameworks and field-specific Quality Assurance lead naturally to “pre-professional accreditation” that can be given an international value by “European Quality Labels”.
Quality Assurance through Innovation Policy
Authors: Puteh Marlia Mohd , Ismail Kamsiah
Published: February 2011

A number of countries are focusing on innovation to advance their economies up the value chain. Hence, a large emphasis is given to engineering education as activities that engage scientific development generally originate from the engineering field (Ashford, 2004). A country’s innovation policy also determines educational reform as the education sector is a key player, holding holds the intellectual capacity and trained human resources to execute the transformation. In this regard, the engineering profession and accrediting engineering programs have repeatedly called for reform in the engineering education pedagogical approach. Despite debates over the effectiveness of outcome-based education, the prominent teaching methodology has always been attributed to the traditional approach of “chalk and talk” (Mills & Treagust, 2003). This study investigates the critical role of science, technology and innovation to a country’s economy. It will also examine the extent to which the educational approach, particularly in the engineering education field, is coherent with the national system of innovation, exposing students with real perspectives for future workplace environment.
Gender Wage Differentials in Information Systems
Authors: Nezlek George , DeHondt Gerald
Published: February 2011

This paper investigates trends and changes in the gender earnings gap for individuals employed in clerical and professional level information systems positions in the U.S. labor market for the period of 1991 through 2008. It examines changes in the earnings gap for IS workers, specifically considering changes relative to the so-called “Internet bubble” observed primarily during the late 1990s. Quantitative analysis of changes in the wage gap, adjusted for key determinants, is based on data from the Current Population Survey (CPS). Examination of these data suggests that the gender earnings gap is persistent despite frequent claims to the contrary from industry surveys and that the gap is narrower for professional level positions. Furthermore, the data suggest that female IS workers, particularly in professional level occupations, may have experienced a beneficial effect from the internet bubble, but it is unclear whether or not that beneficial effect may be fading in the post-bubble internet bust of the early 21st century.
3D Virtual Worlds
Authors: Goggins Sean , Schmidt Matthew , Guajardo Jesus , Moore Joi L.
Published: February 2011

Teams meet in 3D virtual worlds more frequently than ever before, yet the tools for evaluating 3D collaboration environments are underdeveloped. To close the 3D collaboration tool evaluation gap, the authors integrate lessons from the gaming industry and distributed work research. They develop two complementary approaches. First, the individual user’s perspective using eye-tracking (ET) is addressed, and second, the collaborative experience of the group using a technique called All-Views-Qualitative-Analysis (AVQA) is evaluated. The latter integrates the points-of-view of all subjects in a small group collaborating on a creative work task in a 3 dimensional virtual world. The authors show how these techniques enable evaluation of 3D environment design from the perspective of human computer interaction theory and theories related to distributed work. The paper discusses why designers should seek ways to leverage the advantages of 3D collaboration technologies and avoid recreating mirrors of physical space in these environments.
Knowledge Management and New Organization Forms
Authors: Malhotra Yogesh
Published: February 2011

The concept of knowledge management is not new in information systems practice and research. However, radical changes in the business environment have suggested limitations of the traditional information-processing view of knowledge management. Specifically, it is being realized that the programmed nature of heuristics underlying such systems may be inadequate for coping with the demands imposed by the new business environments. New business environments are characterized not only by rapid pace of change but also discontinuous nature of such change. The new business environment, characterized by dynamically discontinuous change, requires a re-conceptualization of knowledge management as it has been understood in information systems practice and research. One such conceptualization is proposed in the form of a sense-making model of knowledge management for new business environments. Application of this framework will facilitate business model innovation necessary for sustainable competitive advantage in the new business environment characterized by dynamic, discontinuous and radical pace of change.
Knowledge Management Strategies for Virtual Organisations
Authors: Burn Janice M. , Ash Colin
Published: February 2011

Much has been written about the virtual organisation and the impact this will have on organisational forms, processes and tasks for the 21st Century. There has been little written about the practicalities of managing this virtual organisation and managing virtual change. The ability of the organisation to change or to extend itself as a virtual entity will reflect the extent to which an understanding of virtual concepts has been embedded into the knowledge management of the virtual organisation as a Virtual Organisational Change Model (VOCM). Managing these change factors is essential to gain and maintain strategic advantage and to derive virtual value. The authors expand these concepts by using the example of organisations using Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and illustrate the three levels of development mode - virtual work, virtual sourcing, and virtual encounters and their relationship to knowledge management, individually, organisationally and community wide through the exploitation of ICT.
Bridging the Academic Research and Business Practice with the New Media
Authors: Ho James K.
Published: February 2011

Much academic research on information technology (IT), systems (IS), and management (IM) has been branded by practitioners in business as unusable, irrelevant, and unreadable. Consequently, it is highly unlikely that conventional outlets for such work, e.g. scholarly journals and conference proceedings can receive significant real-world exposure. By reversing the push-pull dynamics of information dissemination and retrieval in the New Media, alternative approaches are emerging. This article presents the history of a case in point with data recorded over a period of 15 months. It is shown that the Internet in general, and the World Wide Web in particular, will be a significant resource in bridging the gap between practice and relevant research.
Managing Organizational Data Resources
Authors: Yoon Victoria Y. , Aiken Peter , Guimaraes Tor
Published: February 2011

Little guidance has been available to organizations interested in addressing the necessary dimensions of data resources management to ensure data quality in increasingly encountered situations when data usage crosses system boundaries. The basic concept of metadata quality as a foundation for data quality engineering is proposed, as well as an extended data life cycle model consisting of eight phases: metadata creation, metadata structuring, metadata refinement, data creation, data utilization, data assessment, data refinement, and data manipulation. This extended model will enable further development of life cycle phase-specific data quality engineering methods. The paper also expands the concept of applicable data quality dimensions, presenting data quality as a function of four distinct components: data value quality; data representation quality; data model quality; and data architecture quality. Each of these, in turn, is described in terms of specific data quality attributes.
An Analysis of Intranet Infusion Levels
Authors: Eder Lauren B. , Arinze Bay , Darter Marvin E. , Wise Donald E.
Published: February 2011

When Internet technology is used within the bounds of an organization, the network is referred to as an intranet. Using intranets to connect heterogeneous systems enables information sharing between existing information systems without major changes to existing applications. This study examined organizational, contextual, and technical variables that are associated with intranet infusion in organizations. A survey was mailed to 1,000 senior-level computer executives in the United States. Six independent variables were examined using an ordered probit analysis to explain the likelihood of occurrence for different levels of intranet infusion. Results indicate that top management support, IT infrastructure, and competition positively influence high levels of intranet infusion. Organizational size is negatively associated with high levels of intranet infusion. Implications and areas for further research are discussed.
The Detection of Data Errors in Computer Information Systems
Authors: Klein Barbara D.
Published: February 2011

There is strong evidence that data stored in organizational databases have a significant rate of errors. As computerized databases continue to proliferate, the number of errors in stored data and the organizational impact of these errors are likely to increase. The impact of data errors on business processes and decision making can be lessened if users of information systems are able and willing to detect and correct data errors. However, some published research suggests that users of information systems do not detect data errors. This paper reports the results of a study showing that municipal bond analysts detect data errors. The results provide insight into the conditions under which users in organizational settings detect data errors. Guidelines for improving error detection are also discussed
Expert System Stalemate
Authors: Sipior Janice C.
Published: February 2011

Research on project champions has focused on the characteristics of this individual and how to provide encouragement and support. An understanding of the role of project champion is shortsighted, however, without a realization of what can happen to an expert system (ES) project, and what can be done, should this individual depart. This paper discusses the ES project champion by examining the experiences of Ciba-Geigy Corporation with an ES project, impeded by the departure of the project champion. The OpBright Expert System, developed to support the identification of appropriate optical brightener products by sales representatives, was intended to provide a competitive advantage through superior customer service. With the promotion and transfer of the vital force committed to the project’s success, the ES encountered a stalemate. The difficulties in maintaining momentum for the ES without a project champion are discussed. Finally, suggestions are presented to guide organizations away from the same fate.
The Impact of EDI Controls on the Relationship Between EDI Implementation and Performance
Authors: Lee Sangjae , Han Ingoo
Published: February 2011

The evaluation of EDI controls is important in ensuring the high performance of an EDI system. Although penetration level is strongly associated with performance, the benefits derived arise from the usage level of EDI controls. This suggests that EDI controls affect the relationship between EDI implementation and performance. Research hypotheses have been empirically tested using responses from Korean companies that have adopted EDI. It has been shown that the integration and utilization of EDI affects its performance. When EDI is highly integrated, formal, informal, and automated controls must be enhanced in order to provide high performance. High utilization affects performance only when automated controls are completely implemented. Empirical analysis confirms that EDI controls affect the relationship between EDI implementation and performance.
Managing Strategic IT Investment Decisions
Authors: Chou Tzu-Chuan , Dyson Robert , Powell Philip L.
Published: February 2011

Many information technology projects fail, especially those intended as strategic. Yet, there is little research that attempts to explain the link between the IT investment intensity of strategic investment decisions (SIDs) and organizational decision-making, in order to understand this phenomenon. This paper proposes an analytical model employing a number of constructs: effectiveness of decisions, interaction and involvement in the decision formulating process, accuracy of information and strategic considerations in the evaluation process, rarity of decisions, and the degree of IT intensity of an investment in strategic investment decisions. The model explores the relationships influencing the effectiveness of decisions. Empirical testing is based on a sample of 80 SIDs from Taiwanese enterprises. The results show that interaction, accuracy of information, and strategic considerations are mediators in the linkage of IT investment intensity and the effectiveness of SIDs. The implications of these findings for the management of strategic IT investment decisions are discussed.
Factors Influencing Marketing Effectiveness on the Web
Authors: Ranchhod Ashok , Zhou Fan , Tinson Julie
Published: February 2011

Despite the current development of Internet marketing, understanding the effective use of the Internet still poses problems for academic researchers and marketers (Kassaye, 1999). This research attempts to empirically explore some of the critical factors influencing commercial Internet and Web development. The key factors considered for company Internet and Web site development are aspects of technology capacity, the use of different Internet developers, the approaches used to evaluate on-line marketing effectiveness and the marketing executives’ knowledge of Internet technology. As a result of a cross-sectional comparative study of ’effective’ and ’ineffective’ companies, the findings indicate that companies with higher on-line marketing effectiveness tend to possess higher levels of technological capabilities for Internet-based marketing. The results also show that their marketing executives have a better knowledge of technical aspects of Web site development. They tend to be early Internet adopters using a multiple approach to evaluate their on-line marketing efforts. These exploratory results indicate how on-line strategies could be made to be more effective.
Identifying Motivations for the Use of Commercial Web Sites
Authors: Stafford Thomas F. , Stafford Marla R.
Published: February 2011

The uses and gratifications theoretical framework has continued to prove useful in the study of new and emerging media. In previous research on television as a medium, motivations for media use have been grouped into either process gratifications (motivations associated with using the medium, like channel surfing) or content gratifications (motivations related to information or entertainment delivered by the medium, like watching the evening news for information). This study applies the uses and gratifications perspective to better understand the factors motivating commercial Web site use, and identifies a new media use gratification unique to the Internet: socialization (using the medium to communicate with people). Through the cooperation of two major on-line companies, this research reports the results of a two-part study that begins with the identification of 179 motivations for Web use and subsequently reduces those to five primary underlying factors. These factors are discussed and related to three key indicators: frequency of Web use, frequency of computer use, and affinity with the computer. Implications for new social gratifications for Internet use are discussed, and directions for future research are proposed.
Influence of Query-Based Decision Aids on Consumer Decision Making in Electronic Commerce
Authors: Pereira Rex E.
Published: February 2011

This research investigates the influence of computerized search engines on consumer decision making in the electronic commerce environment. The results indicate that by providing well-designed decision aids to consumers, it is possible to significantly increase consumer confidence, satisfaction, and decision quality. Consumers who have access to query-based decision aids perceive increased cost savings and lower cognitive decision effort associated with the purchase decision. The future challenge in developing consumer-oriented computerized decision aids does not reside in technological advances, but rather in developing systems that are useful and appealing to the intended consumer. This is necessary to avoid consumer perceptions of non-utility, and ultimately non-use of the computerized decision aids. The challenge for marketing managers is to provide consumers with information systems that change over time such that they fulfill the consumers’ short-term needs without sacrificing the consumers’ long-term interests.