bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Web Sites on Information and Entertainment Properties
Authors: Swami Sanjeev , Krishna Ram
Published: May 2011

This paper addresses the role of consumer involvement in Web site evaluation. We investigate the factors that lead the consumer to be involved with one site more than another. Based on previous research, we use the psychological constructs, information-seeking tendency, and focused attention (Baumgartner & Steenkamp, 1996; Novak, Hoffman, & Yung, 2000) to define the “information profile” of a consumer; and sensation-seeking tendency and mood variability to define the “entertainment profile” of the consumer (Eliashberg & Sawhney, 1994). The information and entertainment factors are hypothesized to affect consumers’ utilitarian (need, value) and hedonic (interest, appeal) evaluations of involvement, respectively, and ultimately, the affect toward the Web site (Holbrook & Hirschman, 1982; Mano & Oliver, 1993; Zaichkowsky, 1985, 1994). We examine these evaluations for various Web sites, whose respective information andentertainment profiles are defined using elements such as informativeness, organization, and entertainment properties (Chen & Wells, 1999). The Web site properties are hypothesized to moderate the relationships between individuals’ profiles and their evaluations of involvement and affect. We conducted our study using three surveys: (1) collection of data for classifying Web sites on information and entertainment properties, (2) collection of data for measurement of involvement, and (3) collection of data for time-based measurement of involvement. Our results show that the consumer’s information and entertainment profiles significantly affect utilitarian and hedonic evaluations of involvement. We also find positive and significant relationships between the evaluations of involvement and affect toward the Web site. Further, we find that the Web site’s information-specific properties moderate the relationship between information profile of the consumer and his/her utilitarian evaluation of involvement. A set of results from representative time-based evaluations of involvement shows that the respective elements of evaluation of involvement show increase/decrease over time if there is a match/mismatch between the user and site properties.
Self-Organising Impact Sensing Networks in Robust Aerospace Vehicles
Authors: Prokopenko Mikhail , Poulton Geoff , Price Don
Published: May 2011

An approach to the structural health management (SHM) of future aerospace vehicles is presented. Such systems will need to operate robustly and intelligently in very adverse environments, and be capable of self-monitoring (and ultimately, self-repair). Networks of embedded sensors, active elements, and intelligence have been selected to form a prototypical “smart skin” for the aerospace structure, and a methodology based on multi-agent networks developed for the system to implement aspects of SHM by processes of self-organisation. Problems are broken down with the aid of a “response matrix” into one of three different scenarios: critical, sub-critical, and minor damage. From these scenarios, three components are selected, these being: (a) the formation of “impact boundaries” around damage sites, (b) self-assembling “impact networks”, and (c) shape replication. A genetic algorithm exploiting phase transitions in systems dynamics has been developed to evolve localised algorithms for impact boundary formation, addressing component (a). An ant colony optimisation (ACO) algorithm, extended by way of an adaptive dead reckoning scheme (ADRS) and which incorporates a “pause” heuristic, has been developed to address (b). Both impact boundary formation and ACO-ADRS algorithms have been successfully implemented on a “concept demonstrator”, while shape replication algorithms addressing component (c) have been successfully simulated.
Solutions of LDA for Small Sample Size Problems
Authors: Zhang David , Jing Xiao-Yuan , Yang Jian
Published: May 2011

This chapter shows the solutions of LDA for small sample-size (SSS) problems. We first give an overview on the existing LDA regularization techniques. Then, a unified framework for LDA and a combined LDA algorithm for SSS problem are described. Finally, we provide the experimental results and some conclusions.
An Improved LDA Approach
Authors: Zhang David , Jing Xiao-Yuan , Yang Jian
Published: May 2011

This chapter gives an improved LDA (ILDA) approach. After a short review and comparison of major linear discrimination methods, including the eigenface method, fisherface method, DLDA and UODV, we introduce definitions and notations. Then, the approach description of ILDA is presented. Next, we show some experimental results. Finally, we summarize some useful conclusions.
Other Typical BID Improvements
Authors: Zhang David , Jing Xiao-Yuan , Yang Jian
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we discuss some other typical BID improvements, including dual eigenspaces method (DEM) and post-processing on LDA-based method for automated face recognition. After the introduction, we describe DEM. Then, post-processing on LDA-based method is defined. Finally, we offer some brief conclusions.
On Agency
Authors: Trajkovski Goran
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we present the Interactionist-Expectative Theory on Agency and Learning (IETAL). Our intention is to provide remedies for the observed deficiencies in the existing approaches to the problem of autonomous agents design. A brief critical overview of the relevant agent-oriented research is given first.
Assisting Cognitive Recall and Contextual Reuse by Creating a Self-Describing, Shareable Multimedia Object
Authors: Verhaart Michael , Kinshuk
Published: May 2011

Digital media elements, or digital assets, are used to illustrate things such as images, sounds, or events. As humans, we use many senses to assist our cognitive processes, and providing multiple representations will enhance our ability to store, recall, and synthesise the knowledge and information contained in the digital asset. This chapter introduces a model for a multimedia object, that allows multiple representations to be managed, and includes a structured metadata file describing the asset that captures the original context. Humans are capable of classifying and describing millions of such objects, but recalling context and content often blurs over time. Computer systems provide us with a way to store electronic objects, and with a variety of representations and sufficient metadata they can be used to assist cognitive recall.
Bridging the Gap between Human Communications and Distance-Learning Activities
Authors: George Sébastien
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces context-aware computer-mediated communication for distance learning systems. It argues that linking deeply communication to learning activities offers an interesting approach to develop the efficiency of systems in facilitating and increasing discussions between learners. To make this link, the author bases his work on various theories, such as communication theories, situated cognition theory, and activity theory. This theoretical study leads to research issues concerning a contextual forum model. The description of the computing implementation of this model aims at giving researchers some possible uses and recommendations in dealing with context-sensitive communication tools. Finally, the chapter mentions futures trends and suggests emerging research opportunities within the field of communication services that are able to adapt dynamically to the user’s activity.
The Effect of Technology on Student Science Achievement
Authors: Hilton June K.
Published: May 2011

Empirical data from a California secondary school was analyzed to determine the direct and indirect effects of technology on student science achievement. Prior research indicates that technology has had minimal effect on raising student achievement. Little empirical evidence exists examining the effects of technology as a tool to improve student achievement by developing higher-order thinking skills. Furthermore, previous studies also have not focused on the manner in which the technology is being used in the classroom to enhance teaching and learning. As a result, the variables analyzed in this study include student computer use, teacher use of computers for instruction, student attendance, teacher preparation, demographic factors, and final science course grades. The method of quantitative analysis includes a path analysis using final course grades as the ultimate endogenous variable. Key findings include evidence that while technology training for teachers increased their use of the computer for instruction, a student’s final science course grade did not improve.
Neural and Kernal Methods for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Authors: Camps-Valls G. , Martin-Guerrero J. D.
Published: May 2011

Recently, important advances in dosage formulations, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), and the emerging role of combined therapies have resulted in a substantial improvement in patients’ quality of life. Nevertheless, the increasing amounts of collected data and the non-linear nature of the underlying pharmacokinetic processes justify the development of mathematical models capable of predicting concentrations of a given administered drug and then adjusting the optimal dosage. Physical models of drug absorption and distribution and Bayesian forecasting have been used to predict blood concentrations, but their performance is not optimal and has given rise to the appearance of neural and kernel methods that could improve it. In this chapter, we present a complete review of neural and kernel models for TDM. All presented methods are theoretically motivated, and illustrative examples in real clinical problems are included.
Static Type Systems
Authors: Martínez Lopez Pablo E.
Published: May 2011

Static type systems are fundamental tools used to determine properties of programs before execution. There exist several techniques for validation and verification of programs based on typing. Thus, type systems are important to know for the practicioner. When designing and implementing a technique based on typing systems, there is usually a gap between the formal tools used to specify it, and the actual implementations. This gap can be an obstacle for language designers and programmers. A better understanding of the features of a type system and how they are implemented can help enourmously to the good design and implementation of new and powerful verification methods based on type systems. This chapter addresses the problem of specifying and implementing a static type system for a simple language, but containing many of the subtleties found in bigger, mainstream languages. This contributes to the understanding of the techniques, thus bridging the gap between theory and practice. Additionally, the chapter contains a small survey of some of the existing developments in the static typing area and the static analysis based on typing.
Conceptualization
Authors: DiMarco John
Published: May 2011

This chapter provides instruction, examples, and steps on how to begin the creative production process. Focus will be on user centered design, conceptualization, and creation of documents that define the scope of your personal Web portfolio project. Topics include understanding the user, brainstorming to determine audience, messages, and supporting images needed as well as development of scope documents for the Web portfolio. The scope documents are the concept statement, content list, and content outline. These documents help you, the author, to gather your thoughts and begin to record the ideas in hardcopy form. The ideas you put down on paper will go through revision and possibly redefinition during the conceptualization process. Don’t worry, this is natural. This initial struggle with ideas is important to establishing solid content and design. Without conceptualization, communication is lost in the translation from the author to the media. This can be deadly in the case of the Web portfolio. Because the goal of the Web portfolio is to persuade, it is vital that all important messages are to the forefront. Without them, it is difficult to establish a personal credibility, identity, and communication channel with the user.
Uploading and Testing Your Web Portfolio Site
Authors: DiMarco John
Published: May 2011

You have come a long way in your journey; the end is near, and it is time to take your Web portfolio site and present it to the world. This stage is a critical one. If the Web portfolio does not make it to the Internet, it loses its portability and fails as an on-demand communication. In this chapter we will explore the steps needed in purchasing a domain name for your Web portfolio, securing a host and Web space, and uploading site files using FTP. We will also cover how to set up a site in Dreamweaver so the uploading and future edits are easy. Finally in the chapter, we discuss usability heuristics and how they can be used to measure the effectiveness of the Web portfolio. We review some of the usability theories provided by Nielsen and Molich and adapt them to fit a model for the Web portfolio.
ERP Quality
Authors: Beekhuyzen Jenine
Published: May 2011

A dramatic increase in the number of corporate organisations using or implementing ERP systems across a range of different markets and functional units has transpired in the past decade. This saturation in the corporate world has led to the significant uptake of these types of Information Systems by universities around the world. The corporate use of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems has been well discussed in the literature; therefore, this chapter brings a focus to the critical use of ERP systems within university environments. The need for supporting both the individual and the organization is an important aspect frequently missed by technology solutions. The definitions of ERP suggest they are far-reaching and all-encompassing, but do ERP systems meet the quality requirements of individual users?
The Mathematics of Perception
Authors: Chang Edward Y.
Published: May 2011

This chapter summarizes the work on Mathematics of Perception performed by my research team between 2000 and 2005. To support personalization, a search engine must comprehend users’ query concepts (or perceptions), which are subjective and complicated to model. Traditionally, such query-concept comprehension has been performed through a process called “relevance feedback.” Our work formulates relevance feedback as a machine-learning problem when used with a small, biased training dataset. The problem arises because traditional machine learning algorithms cannot effectively learn a target concept when the training dataset is small and biased. My team has pioneered in developing a method of query-concept learning as the learning of a binary classifier to separate what a user wants from what she or he does not want, sorted out in a projected space. We have developed and published several algorithms to reduce data dimensions, to maximize the usefulness of selected training instances, to conduct learning on unbalanced datasets, to accurately account for perceptual similarity, to conduct indexing and learning in a non-metric, high-dimensional space, and to integrate perceptual features with keywords and contextual information. The technology of mathematics of perception encompasses an array of algorithms, and has been licensed by major companies for solving their image annotation, retrieval, and filtering problems.
Using Real-Time Physiological Monitoring for Assessing Cognitive States
Authors: Crosby Martha E. , Ikehara Curtis S.
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes our research focused on deriving changing cognitive state information from the patterns of data acquired from the user, with the goal of using this information to improve the presentation of multimedia computer information. Detecting individual differences via performance and psychometric tools can be supplemented by using real-time physiological sensors. Described is an example computer task that demonstrates how cognitive load is manipulated. The different types of physiological and cognitive state measures are discussed along with their advantages and disadvantages. Experimental results from eye tracking and the pressures applied to a computer mouse are described in greater detail. Finally, adaptive information filtering is discussed as a model for using the physiological information to improve computer performance. Study results provide support that we can create effective ways to adapt to a person’s cognition in real time and thus facilitate real-world tasks.
Interacting with Mobile and Pervasive Computer Systems
Authors: Kostakos Vassilis , O’Neill Eamonn
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we present existing and ongoing research within the Human-Computer Interaction group at the University of Bath into the development of novel interaction techniques. With our research, we aim to improve the way in which users interact with mobile and pervasive systems. More specifically, we present work in three broad categories of interaction: stroke interaction, kinaesthetic interaction, and text entry. Finally, we describe some of our currently ongoing work as well as planned future work.
Real-Time Multimedia Delivery for All-IP Mobile Networks
Authors: Chang Li-Pin , Pang Ai-Chun
Published: May 2011

Recently, the Internet has become the most important vehicle for global information delivery. As consumers have become increasingly mobile in the recent years, introduction of mobile/wireless systems such as 3G and WLAN has driven the Internet into new markets to support mobile users. This chapter is focused not only on QoS support for multimedia streaming but also dynamic session management for VoIP applications: As the types of user devices become diverse, mobile networks are prone to be “heterogeneous.” Thus, how to effectively deliver different quality levels of content to a group of users who request different QoS streams is quite challenging. On the other hand, mobile users utilizing VoIP services in radio networks are prone to transient loss of network connectivity. Disconnected VoIP sessions should be effectively detected without introducing heavy signaling traffic. To deal with the above two issues, an efficient multimedia broadcasting/multicasting approach is introduced to provide different levels of QoS, and a dynamic session refreshing approach is proposed for the management of disconnected VoIP sessions.
Ensuring Task Conformance and Adaptability of Polymorph Multimedia Systems
Authors: Stary Chris
Published: May 2011

This chapter shows how specifications of mobile multimedia applications can be checked against usability principles very early in software development through an analytic approach. A model-based representation scheme keeps transparent both, the multiple components of design knowledge as well as their conceptual integration for implementation. The characteristics of mobile multimedia interaction are captured through accommodating multiple styles and devices at a generic layer of abstraction in an interaction model. This model is related to context representations in terms of work tasks, user roles and preferences, and problem-domain data at an implementation-independent layer. Tuning the notations of the context representation and the interaction model enables, prior to implementation, to check any design against fundamental usability-engineering principles, such as task conformance and adaptability. In this way, also alternative design proposals can be compared conceptually. Consequently, not only the usability of products becomes measurable at design time, but also less effort has to be spent on user-based ex-post evaluation requiring re-design.
Situated Multimedia for Mobile Communications
Authors: Hakkila Jonna , Mantyjarvi Jani
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines the integration of multimedia, mobile communication technology, and context-awareness for situated mobile multimedia. Situated mobile multimedia has been enabled by technological developments in recent years, including mobile phone integrated cameras, audio-video players, and multimedia editing tools, as well as improved sensing technologies and data transfer formats. It has potential for enhanced efficiency of the device usage, new applications, and mobile services related to creation, sharing, and storing of information. We introduce the background and the current status of the technology for the key elements constructing the situated mobile multimedia, and identify the existing development trends. Then, the future directions are examined by looking at the roadmaps and visions framed in the field.
Architectural Support for Mobile Context-Aware Applications
Authors: Costa Patrícia Dockhorn , Pires Luís Ferreira , Sinderen Marten van
Published: May 2011

Context-awareness has emerged as an important and desirable feature in distributed mobile systems, since it benefits from the changes in the user’s context to dynamically tailor services to the user’s current situation and needs. This chapter presents our efforts on designing a flexible infrastructure to support the development of mobile context-aware applications. We discuss relevant context-awareness concepts, define architectural patterns on context-awareness and present the design of the target infrastructure. Our approach towards this infrastructure includes the definition of a service-oriented architecture in which the dynamic customization of services is specified by means of description rules at infrastructure runtime.
Log Correlation
Authors: Forete Dario Valentino
Published: May 2011

Log file correlation comprises two components: Intrusion Detection and Network Forensics. The skillful and mutualistic combination of these distinct disciplines is one of the best guarantees against Points of Failure. This chapter is organized as a tutorial for practitioners, providing an overview of log analysis and correlation, with special emphasis on the tools and techniques for handling them in a forensically compliant manner.
Training the Cyber Investigator
Authors: Malinowski Christopher
Published: May 2011

This chapter considers and presents training possibilities for computer forensic investigators. The author differentiates between civil service and industry needs for training, as well as cites differences in considerations for providing such training. While each organization has its own requirements, different paradigms and forums for training are offered allowing the reader to develop a training plan which may be unique to his/her organization. Those common subject matter areas which are felt critical to all organizations and needs are identified as well, providing a “core” knowledge and skill base around which to plan a training strategy.
Global Sourcing
Authors: Goyal Ashima
Published: May 2011

This chapter shows that ICTs make possible a more inclusive global trade, since now labour intensive components of production can be unbundled and sent where it is cheaper. The new mobility of virtual labour, together with the rise in capital mobility, will lead to a wider diffusion of benefits. ICTs reduce frictions and search costs in labour markets, and allow access to new hitherto excluded segments, whether firms or workers in developing countries or women. The smaller scale of efficient production induces more entry of new firms, thus raising wages and employment more than profits, and benefiting workers. Higher levels of employment and learning-by-doing can, in turn, induce more labour using technological progress and further raise both productivity and wages. Policy that targets education and training of workers and reduces barriers to the entry of new firms can minimize underinvestment and short-run job loss for developed country workers.
Financial Innovation and Economic Growth
Authors: Ghatak Anita
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we assess the contribution of financial development to saving and economic growth in the UK in the 20th century. Financial development in this century has been by leaps and bounds along with a number of infamous crashes like the ones in the 1920s and in 1987. Using annual time-series data for the whole century, we find that financial growth has helped saving and economic growth in the UK throughout the 20th century. The unprecedented increase in money holding in 1965 and various forms of financial innovation and liberalisation initiated in the 1980s raised both the level and the rate of economic growth. Money-stock elasticity of GDP has been positive and statistically significant. There are long-run and unique co-integrated relations of GDP with productivity of capital and financial depth in the 20th century. The financial crash of Black Monday in 1987 upset equilibrium relations and led to a negative money-stock elasticity of economic growth.
Malliavin Calculus for the Estimation of the U.S. Dollar/Euro Exchange Rate When the Volatility is Stochastic
Authors: Abutaleb Ahmed , Papaioannou Michael
Published: May 2011

The tendency of exchange rates to fluctuate markedly and regularly is often referred as currency market volatility. The extent of currency market volatility is a major element of market risk. For financial transactions, volatility represents both costs and profit opportunities. Increased currency market volatility implies higher currency option premia and, therefore, higher hedging costs for investors and importers/exporters. However, for banks and other investment houses dealing in options, an increase in option prices may contribute to higher profits. It has been well established that the volatility of exchange rates changes with time. In recent years, various stochastic volatility models have been proposed in the literature that try to capture the exchange-rate volatility dynamics. In turn, several methods have been developed to estimate the parameters of such stochastic volatility models, with varying results. In this chapter, we propose another method for the estimation of the parameters of an exchange rate function when the volatility follows a stochastic process. Stochastic volatility is represented by a geometric Brownian motion. Using Malliavin calculus, we are able to find an explicit expression for the likelihood function of the observations. Numerical integration methods (Monte-Carlo simulations) and numerical optimization methods (generic algorithms) enable us to find an estimate for the unknown parameters and the volatility. This estimation method is then applied to the U.S. dollar/euro exchange rate. Specifically, first we formulate a U.S. dollar/euro exchange rate equation with a stochastic volatility model. We assume that the observed U.S. dollar/euro exchange rate follows a stochastic differential equation with random volatility, while the unobserved volatility follows a different stochastic differential equation. Then, we obtain the likelihood function of the observations by applying Malliavin calculus. The estimation of the unknown parameters is achieved through the maximization of the likelihood function. Using weekly U.S. dollar/euro exchange rates for the period April 28, 2000, to March 26, 2001, we obtain estimates of the parameters of the U.S. dollar/euro exchange rate function (i.e., the constant of the drift) and the assumed stochastic volatility model (i.e., the constants of the diffusion process). Application of the estimated model to out-of-sample data for the U.S. dollar/euro exchange rate shows a significantly high accuracy of the proposed method, as indicated by the very low root mean square error for the estimated exchange rate. This method can also be applied to other models of financial variables that follow similar processes.
Volatility Spillover Structure of Stock and Foreign Exchange Market between Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong
Authors: Susai Masayuki
Published: May 2011

Highly developed IT technology can be the source of volatility spillover between markets located in other countries. In this chapter, we investigate the interrelationship between stock returns in North East Asian countries and the effect of foreign exchange rate volatility on the interrelationship between stock returns. We bring out clear simultaneous interrelationship between stock return and foreign exchange volatility. Focusing on covariance of each asset returns, if we do not take foreign exchange rate volatility into account when we evaluate our international portfolio, the portfolio risk might be underevaluated. The analysis shows that foreign exchange market turbulence might be accompanied by increase in covariance between stock returns. Just after the Asian currency crisis, the relationship between stock returns and foreign exchange turbulence might have changed. For managing international portfolio risk, we should be aware of foreign exchange risk and structural change in covariance between stock returns.
Money is What Money Does
Authors: Krawczyk Mariusz K.
Published: May 2011

Despite of amazing progress in information technology that has taken place in recent years, the electronic money failed to live to the expectations and has made little headway into payments systems. The gap between expectations and reality is especially pronounced in Japan. The reason behind the failure of electronic money in Japan is two-fold. First, typical use of electronic money is in general rather limited as long as conventional money is required as a unit of account and a store of value for the former operation. Second, Japanese financial institutions chose very limited standards for their electronic money systems that could not compete with near the monopolistic position the credit card companies enjoy in cashless payment markets. On the contrary, Germany adopted a wide standard that fully utilises the advantages of electronic money as a medium of payment.
Mobile Supported Patient Care
Authors: Fitch C. J. , Adams C.
Published: May 2011

Community health care seems to many governments to be an ideal arena for mobile technological support. Community health care professionals work within the community, visiting people within their own homes or at local health centres. Mobile technologies offer much potential to support these professionals in provision of patient and care information, access to other professionals and services, and overall improvement of patient care. However, there are several challenges to be met before the full bene?ts can be achieved. At a system level, community health care has many tensions, particularly between national direction and associated funding, and between local needs and practicalities. In addition, technology is not always used and applied as initially expected. This chapter explores some of these tensions by examining an example of community health care support in the South of England.
The Changing Nature of Business Process Modeling
Authors: Cameron B.
Published: May 2011

Business process modeling (BPM) is a topic that is generating much interest in the information technology industry today. Business analysts, process designers, system architects, software engineers, and systems consultants must understand the foundational concepts behind BPM and evolving modeling standards and technologies that have the potential to dramatically change the nature of phases of the systems development life cycle (SDLC). Pareto’s 80/20 rule, as applied to the SDLC, is in the process of being drastically altered. In the past, approximately 20% of the SDLC was spent on analysis and design activities with the remaining 80% spent on systems development and implementation (Weske, Goesmann, Holten, & Striemer, 1999). Today, with the introduction of the Business Process Management Initiative (BPMI), Web services, and the services-oriented architecture (SOA), the enterprise SDLC paradigm is poised for a dramatic shift. In this new paradigm, approximately 80% of the SDLC is spent on analysis and design activities with the remaining 20% spent on systems development and implementation. Once referred to as process or workflow automation, BPM has evolved into a suite of interrelated components for systems analysis, design, and development. Emerging BPM standards and technologies will be the primary vehicles by which current systems portfolios transition to Web services and service-oriented architectures (Aversano, & Canfora, 2002). The Business Process Management Initiative’s business process modeling notation (BPMN) subgroup is currently finalizing a standardized notation for business process modeling. Although the notation is still in working-draft format, system architects and designers should consider incorporating the concepts of BPM into their current and future systems analysis and design procedures.
A Systematic Approach for the Development of Integrative Business Applications
Authors: Anastasopoulos M.
Published: May 2011

Modern business applications consist of many subsystems (or components) potentially developed and maintained by diverse organizations. Generally, there are three different points of view. First, organizations using business applications are interested in the unified look and feel of composed applications, the maximum interoperability and synergetic features among subsystems, the high availability of all subsystems, and quick and seamless updates after new releases or bug fixes. Second, organizations providing single subsystems want, on the one hand, of course, to satisfy their customers and business partners, but on the other hand, to minimize their overall effort. Third, organizations integrating single subsystems aim at a uniform and cost-efficient integration architecture. This chapter takes the two latter viewpoints and describes a methodology for organizations integrating their subsystems with many business applications and all relevant types of subsystems, as well as with the whole family of subsystems from different vendors. The methodology is a product-line approach optimally tailored to the needs of such organizations. It views subsystems delivered by a single organization with all corresponding integration contexts and requirements as a family of similar systems, and engineers this family by taking systematical advantage of common characteristics and proactively considering differences in anticipated future scenarios. The methodology is based on Fraunhofer PuLSE™ (PuLSE™ is a trademark of the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft), a customizable product-line approach validated in practice by many industry organizations since 1997. The integration methodology has been developed in the German research project UNIVERSYS by tailoring Fraunhofer PuLSE™ together with industry partners to the integration context described.
Web Services Hybrid Dynamic Composition Models for Enterprises
Authors: Osman T.
Published: May 2011

Web services are used in enterprise distributed computing technology including ubiquitous and pervasive computing and communication networks. Composition models of such Web services are an active research area. Classified as static, dynamic, and semiautomatic composition models, these models address different application areas and requirements. Thus far, the most successful practical approach to Web services composition, largely endorsed by industry, borrows from business processes’ workflow management. Unfortunately, standards subscribing to this approach fall under the static composition category, therefore the service selection and flow management are done a priori and manually. The second approach to Web services composition aspires to achieve more dynamic composition by semantically describing the process model of the Web service and thus making it comprehensible to reasoning engines and software agents. In this chapter, we attempt to bridge the gap between the two approaches by introducing semantics to workflow-based composition. We aim to present a composition framework based on a hybrid solution that merges the benefit of practicality of use and adoption popularity of workflow-based composition with the advantage of using semantic descriptions to aid both service developers and composers in the composition process and facilitate the dynamic integration of Web services into it.
Toward a Framework/Data Model
Authors: Feng Franc
Published: May 2011

In this exploratory contribution, the author proposes a framework for re-mapping ePortfolio research around an emergent model of engagement with information. Through an anthropological lens, he casts ePortfolio implementation within communities of practice in complex networks of actors, artifacts, and flows. His work surveys extant approaches in the ePortfolio research, identifying gaps in the literature, towards an inclusive framework around a new model reflecting the changing relationship with information, grounding the theorizing in his practice, designing and teaching online graduate courses in Cultural and New Media Studies in Education.
ePortfolio and Educational Change in Higher Education in the Netherlands
Authors: Aalderink M. W. ("Wijnand") , Veugelers M. H. C. H. ("Marij")
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes the important role that the concept of ePortfolio plays in new pedagogical paradigms in The Netherlands. ePortfolio can be seen both as a consequence of and a stimulus for the movement towards student-centered, competence-based learning in Dutch higher education. The authors present lessons learned in ePortfolio implementation, derived from experience from the past five years in the Low Countries, both in local institutional projects and in large-scale national projects. They then describe the cases of their own universities, being Windesheim University for Professional Education and the University of Amsterdam. The chapter ends with conclusions and future developments in the field of ePortfolio in The Netherlands.
A Principle-Based ePort Goes Public (and Almost Loses its Principles!)
Authors: Hamilton Sharon J.
Published: May 2011

When an institution-wide electronic student portfolio “goes public” beyond the campus, the processes of its conceptualization, development, implementation, and evaluation appear seamlessly successful. Similar to a published manuscript, all is in place, and the tortuous paths of creation are invisible. Yet we can learn from both the steps and missteps of any innovation. This chapter describes the evolution of the Indiana University (IU) student electronic portfolio from its initial conception as a first-year “electronic report card” of student learning of core skills to a fully integrated enterprise system that enhances, documents, certifies, and evaluates learning. The discussion moves from a 1995 prototype developed at Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) to the 2005 public release with OSPI and Sakai, with the goal that the processes described this case study will be informative and helpful to those wanting to create, adapt, or adopt an ePortfolio structure on their respective campuses.
Whose Portfolio Is It, Anyway? Implementing Digital Portfolios in K-12 Schools
Authors: Niguidula David
Published: May 2011

For every creator of a portfolio, there needs to be a reader. In this chapter, we look at several samples of how the issue of audience has affected a digital portfolio system. Our samples come from high school and elementary schools, and from the original research on digital portfolios in the 1990s to schools using them today. As students and teachers become clearer about the purpose and audience of their school’s digital portfolio, they can better understand how to build and read the portfolio’s contents.
Sharing Knowledge in Strategic Alliances to Build Collaborative Advantage
Authors: Gomez Fátima Guadamillas , Donate Manzanares Mario Javier , Sánchez de Pablo González del Campo Jesús David
Published: May 2011

This chapter studies the transmission and sharing of knowledge in strategic alliances. First of all, the authors explain the existence of alliances from different theoretical perspectives. They argue that resource and knowledge-based views of the firm offer an adequate approach for the understanding of social and strategic aspects involved in the achieving of a collaborative advantage. Secondly, they examine information technology (IT) tools that are critical for enabling and supporting information and knowledge-sharing processes among partners. Also, they emphasize other important problems that make the effective development of collaborative activities and knowledge sharing in strategic alliances difficult: distrust between partners and cultural barriers in relation to collaboration; the excessive technological and knowledge diversity or similarity among partners that makes learning more difficult; and the governance structure of the alliance. Finally, some practical solutions are proposed: the correct use of IT tools, some organizational measures, human resource practices, and the limitation of the scope of the agreement.
From Bad Smells to Refactoring
Authors: Crespo Yania , Lopez Carlos , Manso Martinez Maria Esperanza
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents a study on the relation of refactoring, bad smells, and metrics. The notions of refactoring and bad smells are revised as well as metrics that can be used as guides in the refactoring process. Connection among those metrics, the usual flaws that could be suggested by them, and the required corrective actions to reduce or erase these flaws are analyzed. The usual flaws can be described in terms of bad smells and the corrective actions, in terms of the refactoring operations suggested by each bad smell. Then, we can go from metrics to bad smells and from this, to refactoring. The chapter also describes solutions for tool support in a language independent manner. In this sense, it describes the tool architecture which can be defined as metamodel-centered. A metamodel representing a family of languages is defined as well as framework based solutions for collecting metrics, as well as for a refactoring engine and repository. These solutions allow reusing the effort on a wide family of object-oriented languages. Thedeveloped frameworks were instantiated to work on instances of our own metamodel. In addition to this, it also describes how to use the approach and its support, with other metamodels. Finally, a case study on the use of metrics in bad smells detection is presented.
Quality Management and Customer Service
Authors: Quayle Michael
Published: May 2011

This chapter provides a brief overview of a lengthy aspect of the supply chain — that of quality. After defining quality and the costs of failure, methods of getting it right such as ISO 9000, ISO 4000, quality management, and efficient consumer response, are covered. Quality is an essential ingredient of the supply chain.
Operating Environments
Authors: Quayle Michael
Published: May 2011

Understanding the supply chain and logistics in operating environments is important to understanding the total concept, and we need to examine a new method and compare it to or examine problems of existing methods. To illustrate this, a specific example of logistics support in the aircraft industry needs to be considered; the principles however, are the same for any capital equipment project. An overview of the 3-day car programme is an interesting comparator.
Relationship Between New Information Technologies and Flexible Organizational Forms
Authors: Perez-Valls Miguel , Ortega-Egea José Manuel , Plaza-Úbeda José Antonio
Published: May 2011

This chapter offers a theoretical investigation of the relationships between new IT and the implementation of emerging organizational designs. It argues that IT innovations can be regarded both as cause and consequence of the emergence of more flexible and virtual organizational forms. First, the authors offer a review of relevant previous literature, dealing with new IT, flexible organizational models and the relationships between IT and modular organizational structures. Next, a conceptual model is introduced that clarifies the relationships between IT development, the implementation of flexible organizational designs and environmental dynamism. Finally, conclusions and implications for researchers and practicing managers are presented.
Autonomous Environmental Scanning on the World Wide Web
Authors: Scholz Sören W. , Wagner Ralf
Published: May 2011

Environmental scanning (ES) improves managerial decisions by linking the business environment with the organization’s internal capabilities. This chapter provides an overview of current developments in ES, underscoring the link between the managerial decision-making process and the different modes of scanning both internal and external information sources, particularly the World Wide Web (WWW). The psychological foundations of human ES activities are scrutinized, and cutting-edge technologies that support monitoring or even scanning of autonomous information sources are discussed to integrate both aspects in a holistic perspective on ES. We identify the most serious challenge in ES to be the detection of relevant sources in vast information environments. Based on the Information Foraging Theory (IFT), we propose an innovative approach to assessing the information gain offered by digitally available sources.
Privacy Protection Through Security
Authors: Menard Martine C.
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses how implementing network and computer security can protect privacy of Internet users. It argues that personal identifiable information is valuable to both clients and businesses alike, and therefore, both are responsible for securing privacy. They must understand the vulnerabilities, threats, and risks that they face, what information requires protection, and from whom. Businesses must also comprehend the business issues involved in securing data. Finally, security measures should be a strong mix of technological, physical, procedural, and logical measures where each measure is implemented in overlapping layers. Proposed solutions must be flexible, meet the objectives and businesses goals, and be revised on a regular basis. The author hopes that by understanding the proposed security solutions, readers will be able to implement steps to protect their privacy or client’s privacy.
The Impact of Agile Methods on Managing IT Professionals
Authors: Toleman Mark , Darroch Fiona , Ally Mustafa
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines the potential for agile methods to provide mechanisms to deal with the software development environment that has evolved in response to the inadequacies of traditional, heavyweight development approaches. A framework is proposed which identifies three major areas of organizational impact that require management attention when undertaking system development in the new environment. This is followed by a detailed examination of the constructs within those three main areas, and assesses the potential for agile methods to address those issues. The current literature and empirical research into agile methods (and eXtreme Programming in particular) underpins the proposals for dealing with contemporary software development challenges. The authors hope that understanding the environment from the perspective of the framework will assist managers in their perception of the challenges of contemporary software development, and provide them with a firm basis on which to consider the adoption of agile methods.
Exploreing Rhizomic Becomings in Post Dot-Com Crash Networks
Authors: Steinberg Alexandra
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces the work of Deleuze and Guattari, particularly their notion of rhizomic becomings to the study of emergent knowledge dynamics in contexts of innovation. It shows how an analysis of rhizomic becomings can assist to explore new and emergent patterns, channelling interpretation toward the discovery of new combinations and creative assemblages in knowledge. This is exemplified by the example of a qualitative study exploring knowledge dynamics in e-business entrepreneurship since the dot-com crash. The results highlight the forging of the conditions for innovation in new combinations of lines of affect and lines of technology.