bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information Technology Consulting and the Implementation of Information Technology
Authors: Wieandt Michaela
Published: May 2011

IT consulting seems to be of growing importance within organizations. The tendency towards complex large-scale IT consulting projects requires a more detailed exploration of the implementation process on the organizational level. Given that these projects contribute to or create organizational change (i.e. Markus, 2004), power relationships are assumed to influence the implementation of information technology. This paper examines the collaboration between IT consultants, employees and project managers within IT consulting projects, considering aspects of power negotiation and power politics within organizations. Based on the literature on IT consulting and IT project implementation, major risks and challenges of the implementation process as well as possible solutions will be identified and analyzed. Following Giddens’ theoretical framework of structuration theory (Giddens, 1984), an actor’s access to authoritative and allocative resources as well as his position and strategies in relation to power are explored. It will be shown that IT consultants may have a central position within the constellation of an IT project, depending on their strategies of impression management and charismatic leadership (Sosik & Jung, 2003).
Teaching Information Systems to International Students in Australia
Authors: Sun Zhaohao
Published: May 2011

GIT and GIS have a significant impact on the undergraduate and postgraduate programs offered in universities in Australia. Further, how to teach IT and IS to international students has been becoming a significant issue for IT and IS programs offered in Australia, in particular in the context of a fiercely competitive market of international students and in the context of GIT and GIS. However, these topics have not drawn the attention of academic researchers so far. This chapter will fill this gap by examining the impact of global information technology on universities in Australia in such areas as curriculum development, textbooks and teaching, and looking at some issues in teaching information technology and information systems to international students from different countries with different IT and IS backgrounds based on the author’s working and teaching experience in three different universities in Australia. This chapter also makes a daring prediction for the impact of GIT on international education in Australia and proposes a few viable strategies for resolving some issues facing international education for IT and IS in Australia. The proposed approach is very useful for research and development of GIT and GIS as well as for IT/IS programs in Australian universities.
Access and Control; Digital Libraries; Information Ethics; Privacy; Security
Authors: Saravani Sarah-Jane
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes a learning object repository case study undertaken at the Waikato Institute of Technology, Hamilton, New Zealand, during 2005 to 2006. The project, known as the open source learning object repository (OSLOR), involved establishing a functional learning object repository, using open source software, able to be populated with digital resources from across the various education communities. Input from librarians was deemed a critical success factor; high quality metadata determine the searchability, durability, and ultimate value of the repository. The metadata application profile developed was specific to a learning object repository but was also designed to be both reducible and extensible. It was also interoperable to ensure future viability. Close consultation with the National Library of New Zealand was an additional prerequisite. The author hopes the decisions underpinning the application profile design will inform others involved in describing digital resources for a specific community.
Visual Pattern Based Compressed Domain Image Retrieval
Authors: Schaefer Gerald
Published: May 2011

While image retrieval and image compression have been pursued separately in the past, compressed domain techniques, which allow processing or retrieval of images without prior decompression, are becoming increasingly important. In this chapter we show that such midstream content access is possible and present a compressed domain retrieval method based on a visual pattern based compression algorithm. Experiments conducted on a medium sized image database demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the presented approach.
Software Process Asset Libraries Using Knowledge Repositories
Authors: Bermón-Angarita Leonardo , Amescua-Seco Antonio , Sánchez-Segura Maria Isabel , García-Guzmán Javier
Published: May 2011

This paper establishes the incorporation of knowledge management techniques as a means to improve actual software process asset libraries. It presents how knowledge management contributes to the creation of a new generation of process libraries as repositories of knowledge as well as the mechanisms to allow the acquisition, storage, collaborating, sharing and distribution of knowledge related to the software development processes. It exposes aspects about organization and structure of this kind of digital libraries oriented to software process engineering, defining a lifecycle of the software process assets and a set of services and functions for its effective use in small and medium software development enterprises.
Blended Learning
Authors: King Kathleen P.
Published: May 2011

Blended learning goes by several names, the other major one being hybrids. What is meant by these various terms is that more than one delivery system is being used for one course. And in most cases educators are referring to face-to-face learning and online learning being paired in some combination when they use the term blended learning in a technological context.
Classroom Without Borders
Authors: Wang Viktor
Published: May 2011

Today the global education community has become the buzz term in the realm of education and training. Learners in every location around the globe must acquire new skills, be literate, and understand constantly changing dynamics in globalization (Schrum, 2000, p. 91). College courses taught in the United States of America can be taken by students in Asia. Likewise, courses taught in Europe can be taken by learners in North America. Although younger learners like to travel to a different university in a different country in order to obtain a much-desired degree and to get cultural immersion in order to learn a different language, nontraditional learners prefer taking courses offered by foreign universities or corporations in foreign countries via distance education technologies in their home countries. This is not to say that nontraditional learners do not like to travel to foreign countries. Rather, they have multiple work and family responsibilities (Wang, 2006) that prevent them from being away from home for a long time. Obtaining a college degree is a several years long endeavor to anyone.
Computer-Based Assessment
Authors: Sidhu S. Manjit
Published: May 2011

Computer-based assessment (CBA) is gaining popularity in higher learning institutions to replace traditional written tests with computerized versions. Some reasons that have encouraged instructors to develop and adopt CBA include the increased number of students and the corresponding increase in time spent by instructors on assessment. The primary objective of a CBA is to save the instructor time by leaving the computer software to mark and give feedback on the test.
Embedding Ubiquitous Technologies
Authors: Elwood Susan A.
Published: May 2011

Since the onset of technology as a tool in our personal and professional lives, we’ve progressed through at least two waves or stages of computing. The concept of ubiquitous computing names the third wave of computing, still in its infancy stages. The first wave consisted of mainframe computers shared by numerous people. The majority of society is presently in the second wave of the personal computing era, where people and machines interact through a predominantly iconic environment. The third phase of computing, referred to as ubiquitous computing, or the age of calm technology, takes place when technology recedes into the background of our daily lives. Alan Kay of Apple calls this the “third paradigm” of computing, while Weiser coins it as the “third wave” of computing (Weiser, 1996).
Fair Use and the Digital Age
Authors: Tomei Lawrence A.
Published: May 2011

Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (title 17, U.S. Code) to the authors of “original works of authorship” including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. This protection is available to both published and unpublished works. For example, a copyright protects original works of authorship giving the holder exclusive rights to reproduce or copy, produce derivative works based on the copyrighted work, distribute copies of the work, perform the work freely, and display the work publicly.
Generative Learning Model to Teach Adult Learners Digital Imagery
Authors: Kish Maria H.Z.
Published: May 2011

Adults learning about digital imagery or digital imaging software to create and manipulate images for personal and professional purposes is increasingly popular. Since 2001, the Duquesne University course, Digital Imagery for Teachers, has been taught to adults who teach or present to other adults or children. The course focuses on helping participants create and edit digital images, create and animate illustrations in movies, and implement design concepts for creating Web sites for their own students. The software packages used are Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia Flash, and Macromedia Dreamweaver.
Innovations in Learning Technology
Authors: Surry Daniel W.
Published: May 2011

New products and ideas are continually being developed and introduced into the workplace. A cursory observation of any field, for example, medicine, telecommunications, transportation, information management, or the military, will reveal a wide array of new technologies and techniques that have been introduced over the last decade. Many of these innovations have radically transformed the way we work and live. Innovative technologies are also radically changing the way we teach and learn. Among the most well-known recent examples of these learning technologies are multimedia, educational games, software for developing presentations, video conferencing, and the World Wide Web (WWW). In addition, the continuous expansion of the power and availability of technology means newer, better, faster, and cheaper technologies will always be available to assist educators in transforming the learning process.
Integrated Curricula in Nursing Education
Authors: Staudinger Bettina , Ostermann Herwig , Staudinger Roland
Published: May 2011

The field of nursing is presently subject to keen changes and these processes of change are determined by different variables. On the one hand, stringent cost pressure is being exerted on all western health systems from which an increased need for transparency, measurability, feasibility, and design potential is derived, and on the other, the nursing sciences are academically a highly prospering field at the moment. Within the nursing sciences, efforts for standardisation, process design, quality assurance, and evidence-based nursing are currently being made. Putting these two currents together, it is almost inevitable that the relevance of nursing informatics (NI) increases and not just because a greater need for IT tools has arisen through increasing digitalisation of the nursing process in applied nursing. This has two consequences. First, the nursing staff—irrespective of whether they are still in training or already practicing—has to deal increasingly with nursing informatics and nursing IT tools and learn how to put this into practice. Second, the specifications of knowledge transfer have to be considered within the nursing sciences if this process is to be successful. This means that IT tool application programmes cannot be restricted to acquiring particular functionalities, rather it revolves around the observation and organisation of actual nursing scientific knowledge transfer. If one desires to approach the topic of integrated curricula in nursing education, then the focal point surely lies in the perspective of integration. The combining of IT tools, nursing scientific knowledge transfer, and applied nursing portrays a necessity. Alternately, the term ‘nursing education’ is a broad one. It concerns vocational and academic training as well as the interactive element between applied nursing and the nursing sciences.
Towards a Dimensional Model of the Stages of Online Learning
Authors: Cox Sharon , Hollyhead Andy
Published: May 2011

As technology becomes increasingly pervasive, its role in shaping the context of learning continues to evolve. This requires lecturers to reconsider their pedagogic strategies to effectively integrate the use of technology into learning (Fisher & Baird, 2005). Research into defining student approaches to learning has led to a range of learning models being proposed and widely adopted. Such models have been largely developed in isolation from advances in the use of information communication technology (ICT) in education (Sadler-Smith & Smith, 2004). The use of ICT challenges established learning models, in the same way that businesses have had to adapt to the changing needs and demands of the e-consumer. This article seeks to explore the challenges that ICT poses to learning models and considers future trends in defining the stages of online learning.
E-Communication in the Information Society and the Impact of New Technologies on Employee Communication
Authors: Capriotti Paul
Published: May 2011

In Castells’ (2001) definition of the information society, the term information refers to a specific form of social organization in which the generation, processing, and transmission of information become the basic source of productivity and power, due to the new technological conditions of a particular period of time. In this information- based society, people are amongst the most valuable and scarce assets of an organization (Murgolo- Poore, Pitt, & Ewing, 2002). It is recognized that members of an organization are of capital importance to its success, and employees are viewed as a key strategic group in obtaining organizational competitiveness (Grunig, 1992; Murgolo-Poore & Pitt, 2001). Employee communication plays an important role in improving organizational efficacy, performance, and competitiveness (Clampitt & Downs, 1993; Morley, Shockley-Zalabak, & Cesaria, 2002). It plays a role in the coordination of tasks, the circulation of information, and in helping employees to identify with organizational objectives and values (Hargie & Tourish, 2004). It even has potential benefits for external customer satisfaction (Piercy & Morgan, 1991; Fisk, Brown, & Bitner, 1993). This confirms the vital role that employee communication plays in organizational success (Murgolo-Poore & Pitt, 2001). Communication with and between employees is a central aspect of organizational life, and it has become even more important as organizations have entered the age of the knowledge economy (Murgolo-Poore et al., 2002). The information society, or knowledgebased era, brings challenges and opportunities to the employee communication process. New technologies are creating new channels of communication within organizations, and they are also modifying the old means of communication. Just as importantly, they are changing the way that organizational communication is now understood. This article presents the main impacts that new technologies (and, principally, the Internet) are having on employee communication, which can help us to understand the magnitude—and the implications—of the changes that have been produced in organizations by the evolution from traditional employee communication to e communication.
Human Resources in the Balanced Scorecard System
Authors: Kettunen Juha
Published: May 2011

Strategic planning is a matter of mapping the route between the perceived present circumstances and the desired future situation. Strategic management adapts higher education institutions (HEI) to their environment including educational policy, local demand for skilled labor, and other factors. The purpose of HEIs is to positively affect the development of society and the local community. The balanced scorecard approach developed by Kaplan and Norton (2001, 2004, 2006) is a framework for the communication and implementation of the strategy. The approach creates a shared understanding of the strategic plan by describing the plan using strategy maps, strategic objectives, measures and target values for the planning period (Niven, 2005). The balanced scorecard approach can be combined with other approaches and management tools. The purpose of this article is to report on a development project where the balanced scorecard approach was applied in the management information system MIS) of an HEI. The MIS integrates the different approaches of management into human resources (HR) planning. It is important that the balanced scorecard approach is supported by the MIS. This is especially critical in large organizations. Many administrative units and organizational levels emphasize the importance of automation enabling management to consistently aggregate the scorecards of lower organizational levels to the overall scorecard. The MIS with a portal is a valuable communication channel, information processor, management tool and the joint memory of the organization. The empirical part of the article describes the MIS of the Turku University of Applied Sciences (TUAS), where the MIS is based on strategic management and the balanced scorecard approach. The system integrates budgeting, action plans, HR planning and quality management. The data warehouse approach is used to capture data from the diverse source systems and to store the data in an integrated database. An MIS portal was developed to support the management process and be open to the personnel of the institution. The portal supports the dialogue and commitment of the personnel to the strategic outlines. The portal is open to management and the personnel of the institution.
Social Capital and the Practice Lens Approach
Authors: Gibney Ray , Zagenczyk Thomas J. , Masters Marick F.
Published: May 2011

Internet technology has enhanced the efficiency of the human resource (HR) function in organizations by making the use of self-service technology (SST) functionality commonplace. SST allows employees to enter information directly into a human resource information system (HRIS). It has reduced the time spent on administrative tasks by HR personnel by enabling employees to directly change information (e.g., address changes, benefit plan enrollments, etc.) through employee self-service (ESS) modules. Manager selfservice (MSS) allows managers to perform performance evaluations, transfer and termination paperwork, and pay-rate changes online.
Better Interoperability in Smart Organizations
Authors: Jardim-Goncalves Ricardo , Nunez Maria Jose , Roca-Togores Amparo , Steiger-Garcao A.
Published: May 2011

In order to maintain and increase the competitiveness of European companies in the advent of the emerging digital economy and smart organizations, the use of modern information technologies and standards among all agents involved in the furniture product life cycle and business has to be considered (Jardim-Gonçalves, Panetto, Nuñez, & Steiger-Garcao, 2006a). funStep is a community setup in the late 1990s with the support of the European Commission that implements an European research strategy for better interoperability in smart organizations (funStep, 2005). Starting in the beginning of the 21st century, the SMART-fm is an IMS project entitled “A standards-compliant framework to support complete integrated product life-cycle information management and electronic commerce for the furniture manufacturing industry, in the advent of smart enterprises” (IMS, 2006). The main objective of the SMART-fm project is to research, develop, and demonstrate in industrial environments, an interoperable open standardsbased framework that supports smart environments through the complete product life cycle in the furniture manufacturing industry. This article presents the strategic objectives of the SMART-fm project as a case study to stimulate and accelerate SMEs to adopt technologies and practices in the emerging digital economy, extended enterprises, and intelligent services. It concludes by anticipating the strategic results that funStep will deliver for the next decade.
Characterization and Classification of Cross-Organizational Business Processes
Authors: Werth Dirk
Published: May 2011

Business processes have arisen as the primary structuring object for enterprises (Davenport, 1993; Hammer & Champy, 1993; Scheer, 1999b). They overcome the recent function-orientation that leaded the organization of the enterprise since the industrial age in the 18th century (Wardell, Steiger, & Meiksins, 1999). However, current economic trends foster a specialization of the enterprise’s portfolio towards its core competencies (Prahalad & Hamel, 1990) and a simultaneous intensification of the inter-enterprise relations (Perry, 1999). Consequently, current value-generating structures consist of a set of highly specialized enterprises that intensively collaborate to create the intended products for the markets. Thus, the producing business process spans over multiple organizations. Therefore, the concept of business processes originally conceived for single-enterprise-purpose has to be extended to usage scenarios where multiple organizations jointly process outputs.
Characterizing E-Learning Networked Environments
Authors: Pierre Samuel
Published: May 2011

As computer networks evolve, the variety and quantity of machines available and the quantity of links used is increasing. In fact, each type of network has its own specific logical setting, switching mode, data format and level of quality of service (QoS). This explains, in part, the existence of heterogeneous environments for public and private networks of boundless dimensions giving rise to many problems of incompatibility (Stav & Tsalapatas, 2004). E-learning environments must address such problems. Many problems remain to be solved before e-learning is widely adopted and deployed by organizations. Initial training in the public education sector, professional training, and personal training at home are merging. Any useful, computer-based training solution must provide flexible learning systems, outside and inside the education system, before, after and during office hours. In all sectors, simplistic or inefficient use of the Web has yet to be overcome in order to offer an interesting alternative to the eyes of the client organizations. Currently, most e-learning material is focused on transmitting information. While this is undoubtedly useful, a shift to knowledge-intensive learning/training environments has yet to be made in order to address knowledge and skill shortages in a rapidly changing economy.
Collaborative Techniques in Customer's Involvement
Authors: Brochado Marina Rodrigues , Caulliraux Pithon Antonio José
Published: May 2011

An organization that intends to be capable of delivering quality products and services to its customers and must have all its functional departments and areas involved, not only the area of operations. In other words, it is not enough that an item is produced in accordance with its specifications if the project does not meet the necessities of the customers. Moreover, it is not enough that all the departments optimize their performances in an isolated way, aiming at serving its immediate customers. Therefore, it is necessary to integrate the diverse actions in the most varied areas of the company so that they will lead it to a lasting competitiveness.
Synchronous Collaboration and Instruction
Authors: Martins Hélder Fanha
Published: May 2011

Some of the very first Internet technologies to be used for learning or distance education and training were the World Wide Web and e-mail. The World Wide Web allowed multimedia or hypermedia-based instructional content to be loaded on a Web server and browsed using HTML-based browsers, and Internet-based e-mail systems allowed learners and facilitators to correspond asynchronously—anytime, anyplace. However, one of the most significant contributions of Internet-based technologies toward training and collaboration in the last few years has been the introduction of synchronous collaboration technologies. Synchronous collaboration technologies truly create a new medium that brings facilitators and participants together in a dynamic and live environment through which highly interactive communication can occur—closing down the barriers for communication and learning.
Understanding the Virtual Community of Gamers
Authors: Mohd Yusof Shafiz Affendi
Published: May 2011

Virtual community can be defined as “a group of people who may or may not meet one another face-to-face and who exchange words and ideas through the mediation of computer bulletin boards and networks” (Rheingold, 1993, p. 1). With the use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) technologies such as listservs, bulletin boards, discussion forums, and chat rooms, the time zone differences become less critical and geographical distance and limitations diminish.
VO as an Alternative to Hierarchy in the Dutch Police Sector
Authors: Groenewegen Peter , Wagenaar F. Pieter
Published: May 2011

The Dutch police system is neither centralized nor fully decentralized, as it consists of “regions” bigger than the municipalities, but smaller than most provinces. These regions are to a large degree autonomous. Such autonomy implies that regional police forces could not communicate with each other in the recent past, as their communication systems differed. They were also unable to look into each other’s files, as national police registries were extremely rare. Fragmentation of this kind has seriously hindered cooperation in the recent past.
A Systematic Implementation of Project Management
Authors: Wang John , Yang James G.S. , Xia Jun
Published: May 2011

In contrast to ongoing, functional work, a project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to achieve or create a unique product or service(s). The project management knowledge and practices are best described as component processes—initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing. We have taken a closer look at project management by reviewing the types of methodologies and tools that exist in business today. We observed the major existing risk factors facing project management practices. We also evaluated the unique issues in delivering projects brought about by globalization. As we were extracting the information, it became apparent that there should be measures taken related to the project management process that could alleviate the some major risk factors in some way.
Sharing the Albatross of E-Resources Management Workflow
Authors: Poe Jodi , Bevis Mary , Graham John-Bauer , Latham Bethany , Stevens Kimberly W.
Published: May 2011

Management of electronic resources is a time-consuming and, at times, a difficult process. Although the management of electronic resources is often seen as a strictly technical services endeavor, it should be considered a multifaceted process requiring all areas of the library. This chapter will provide a detailed account of how one library handles the electronic resources management workflow in a collaborative effort. It will be especially helpful for libraries working with a limited staff and resources and libraries trying to foster a more collaborative relationship between technical services and public services. The objective and mission of the chapter is to present successful library electronic resources workflow concepts in a straightforward and realistic approach. It aims to provide useful information on current workflow applications, procedures, and ideas from practicing library professionals at Jacksonville State University (JSU) that will contribute to the literature and area of electronic resources management. This chapter will provide considerations for workflow enhancements and detail the advantages of centralized workflows and collaboration between units.
Computer-Enhanced Grammar Teaching
Authors: Barr David
Published: May 2011

This chapter reports on the results of a study undertaken to gauge what difference computer technology makes to grammar learning. Unlike other studies that compare the student performance learning grammar with the aid of technology to performance and without the technology, this work focuses on the impact technology has on student attitudes towards learning grammar through the computer. The chapter outlines how traditional grammar classes have been adapted for delivery in a multimedia situation and assesses the impact, both in terms of students’ perceptions about learning of grammar and in their actual performance that the computer has had on the process. The chapter also draws on the lessons learned in this project to help to maximise the potential of using technology in this type of teaching and learning context in the future.
Research-Based Listening Tasks for Video Comprehension
Authors: Iskold Luba V.
Published: May 2011

This study examines the effects of listening tasks performed by second-semester learners of Russian. Two video viewing conditions are investigated: traditional, “exposure only” vs. an experimental, “viewing guide” condition. In the control group, learners are watching video episodes from beginning to end; after that they answer comprehension questions. In the experimental group, students are using online Video Guides designed for the present investigation, which include research-based listening tasks performed by the learners during video viewing. The research examines which of the two treatments produces greater comprehension and retention of the videotext as measured by (1) Immediate Recall Protocols (IRPs) written in English and (2) recall, recognition, and application tasks performed in Russian. In addition to objective tests, the researcher investigates participants’ opinions regarding the effectiveness of video viewing under each of these conditions as measured by an Exit Survey.
Electric Load Demand and Electricity Prices ForecastingUsing Higher Order Neural Networks Trained by Kalman Filtering
Authors: Sanchez Edgar N. , Alanis Alma Y. , Rico Jesús
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we propose the use of Higher Order Neural Networks (HONNs) trained with an extended Kalman filter based algorithm to predict the electric load demand as well as the electricity prices, with beyond a horizon of 24 hours. Due to the chaotic behavior of the electrical markets, it is not advisable to apply the traditional forecasting techniques used for time series; the results presented here confirm that HONNs can very well capture the complexity underlying electric load demand and electricity prices. The proposed neural network model produces very accurate next day predictions and also, prognosticates with very good accuracy, a week-ahead demand and price forecasts.
Secure Routing with Reputation in MANET
Authors: Ciszkowski Tomasz , Kotulski Zbigniew
Published: May 2011

The pervasiveness of wireless communication recently gave mobile ad hoc networks (MANET) significant researchers’ attention, due to its innate capabilities of instant communication in many time and mission critical applications. However, its natural advantages of networking in civilian and military environments make it vulnerable to security threats. Support for anonymity in MANET is orthogonal to a critical security challenge we faced in this chapter. We propose a new anonymous authentication protocol for mobile ad hoc networks enhanced with a distributed reputation system. The main objective is to provide mechanisms concealing a real identity of communicating nodes with an ability of resistance to known attacks. The distributed reputation system is incorporated for a trust management and malicious behaviour detection in the network.
Cutting the Gordian Knot
Authors: Joseph John Felix Charles , Das Amitabha , Seet Boon-Chong , Lee Bu-Sung
Published: May 2011

Intrusion detection in ad hoc networks is a challenge because of the inherent characteristics of these networks, such as, the absence of centralized nodes, the lack of infrastructure, and so forth. Furthermore, in addition to application-based attacks, ad hoc networks are prone to attacks targeting routing protocols. Issues in intrusion detection in ad hoc networks are addressed by numerous research proposals in literature. In this chapter, we first enumerate the properties of ad hoc networks which hinder intrusion detection systems. After that, significant intrusion detection system (IDS) architectures and methodologies proposed in the literature are elucidated. Strengths and weaknesses of these works are studied and are explained. Finally, the future directions which will lead to the successful deployment of intrusion detection in ad hoc networks are discussed.
Toward the Conceptual Model of Continuous Improvement Teamworking
Authors: Kissoon Suryadeo Vinay
Published: May 2011

This chapter develops and underlines the concept of continuous improvement teamworking approach in a major banking organization. It is not a complete explanation of the continuous improvement teamworking approach but rather an illustration of the emergence of a new form and type of teamwork approach especially with banking organization becoming virtual organization and more competitive. With virtual meetings and interactive electronic communication, people at work above their normal face-to-face teamworking activities are having meetings, communication and sharing of information through a modernized continuous improvement teamwork approach with or without necessarily being in the immediate place of work but physically apart working across space, time, and organizational offices linked with Webs of digital collaborative communication technologies. The continuous improvement teamworking model is developed by the researcher using a deductive reasoning approach with 15 years of practical experience working with teams in a continuous improvement and change environment coupled with phenomenological methodology of ethnography (moderate participant observation as the method of collecting data) in the retail banking sector. This study has been done for nearly nine months, which represents about 190 hours spent in the major Australian retail bank. The model is a virtuous CTIO circle, which reflects the concern (issue)—task (action)—interaction (involvement and connection)—outcome (result) phases. It illustrates the new evolving consultative, participative, and interactive virtuous teamworking approach. The finding from the participant observation study has shown that synchronous conferencing, internet online functional services, continuous improvement, and team meetings form the essential four core elements of the CTIO model. The adoption of a continuous improvement teamworking approach is assisting in better running of retail banking operational activities and in achieving better performance. This chapter is important to senior managers and managers in improving the operational activities of their businesses to be more competitive.
An SLA-Based Auction Pricing Method Supporting Web Services Provisioning
Authors: Zhang Jia , Zhang Ning , Zhang Liang-Jie
Published: May 2011

Applying auctions to Web services selection and invocation calls for examination due to the unique features of Web services, such as interoperable machine-to-machine interactions and re-enterable bargaining services. In this chapter we propose a formal model for Web services-based auctions. Examining the one-sided sealed auction type, we prove mathematically that service requestors’ risk preferences could lead to different pricing strategies for service providers towards higher profit. We argue that Service Level Agreement (SLA) documents can be used to analyze service requestors’ preferences. On top of WS-Agreement, we propose a basic service requestor risk preference elicitation algorithm, as well as a historical data-based service requestor risk preference prediction model. Guidelines are provided to iteratively approach the learning rate of the proposed risk preference prediction model. The methods and techniques presented in this chapter can be reused to investigate and examine more facades of services-oriented auctions, towards establishing a new research realm on comprehensive services-oriented auctions.
The Utilization of Online Policy Forums on Government Web sites and the Practice of Digital Democracy
Authors: Kim Chan-Gon , Holzer Marc
Published: May 2011

The Internet provides a new digital opportunity for realizing democracy in public administration, and this study raises a central question: What factors determine public officials’ acceptance of the practice of digital democracy on government Web sites? We focused on online policy forums among many practices of digital democracy. To gauge public officials’ behavioral intentions to use online policy forums on government Web sites, we examined individual and organizational factors, as well as system characteristics. We administered a survey questionnaire to Korean public officials and analyzed a total of 895 responses. Path analysis indicates that three causal variables are important in predicting public officials’ intentions to use online policy forums: perceived usefulness, attitudes toward citizen participation, and information quality. We discuss implications of this study for practices and theories of digital democracy.
Theories of Knowledge
Authors: Geisler Eliezer
Published: May 2011

This chapter reviews the main streams of research on knowledge, assembled from a diversity of academic disciplines, such as philosophy (epistemology), philosophy of science, psychology, economics, and management and organization sciences. For the sake of continuity in the style in which this book is written, and for the comfort of the reader, I shall do my best to refrain from overusing esoteric terminologies of these streams or research movements. Terms such as “positivism,” “phenomenology,” “modernism,” “reconstruction,” and similar descriptions will be avoided, as will “post” and “neo” in conjunction with any of the above. Simply, the review will address what I believe to be the key arguments and the foundational components of prior scholarship and their contributions to the modeling of the structure of knowledge.1
The Nature of Constraints
Authors: Mitra Amit , Gupta Amar
Published: May 2011

This chapter wraps up the discussion by describing how normalized components of information are carved out of inchoate information by constraints, and manifested as objects with specific properties and meanings. It describes the essential identity between a law and its outcome.
The Whole Shebang
Authors: Mitra Amit , Gupta Amar
Published: May 2011

This is the final chapter of the book. It describes the overarching structure of knowledge. This chapter provides an overview of the interactions between the fractured meanings normalized by each metaobject. It shows how the entire scheme is integrated into one unified context, which leads to the concept of Knowledge itself. Wherever knowledge and meaning exist, we will find their generic components configured in this manner.
On the Design of Knowledge Management System for R&D Organization
Authors: Park Yongtae , Kim Yongtae , Kang Intae
Published: May 2011

This chapter proposes a framework for designing knowledge management system (KMS) for R&D organization. Broadly, KMS comprises two principal modules: a process management module to administer knowledge activities to generate and utilize knowledge, and a contents management module to deal with knowledge contents, input and output of knowledge activities. The two modules are then materialized through two operational systems: workflow management system (WFMS) for R&D process and R&D knowledge management system (RKMS) for R&D contents. As a building block to integrate the two systems, workflow-based knowledge map is suggested. The authors admit that the research is an exploratory proposal that suggests merely a conceptual scheme. Therefore, it is required to elaborate detailed procedure and materialize real system.
Knowledge Management for Healthcare
Authors: Bali Rajeev K. , Dwivedi A. N. , Naguib R.N.G.
Published: May 2011

This case study is based on data collected from a prominent UK-based healthcare software house (Company X Ltd). The organization specializes in information and communication technologies (ICT) solution development, implementations, support services (including system and application support and telephone hotline support), and training and consultancy services. The organization prides itself on the fact that, by providing unique customized ICT solutions based on the Internet and database technologies, it is able to ensure that its healthcare-based clients (hospitals and allied organizations) have strategic advantages. The case study describes the outcome of a three-year research project, the chief outcomes of which were the development of a knowledge management (KM) conceptual model for use in the healthcare solutions sector as well as detailed advice and recommendations for the organization.
Integrating Visual Representaiton of Knowledge with Learning Management Systems
Authors: Coffey John W.
Published: May 2011

After a review of literature pertaining to representative constituent parts of contemporary learning management systems (LMS) and features of other systems that support visual representations of information and knowledge in support of learning, a summarization of desirable design elements for a system that is meant to support distance learning is developed and elaborated. These elements include the potential benefits of having an explicit realization of a viable pedagogical theory as the underlying basis for the software, the possible benefits of integrating a variety of capabilities in as simple and usable a fashion as possible, the value of presenting a customizable interface, and the desirability of providing for sharing and reuse of instructional resources. The chapter concludes with a description of a prototype system that embodies many of the principles laid out in the paper.
Educational Theory into Practice Software (ETIPS)
Authors: Dexter Sara
Published: May 2011

The ETIPS software is a Web-based learning environment that delivers cases that allow educators to practice instructional decision making. Here I recount its development but mainly emphasize the two key concepts that were central to our design process. The first was the Conceptual Assessment Framework, an evidentiary reasoning and design perspective that helped us to focus on which key attributes to build into the software and cases. The second concept is described as extreme programming, which is an iterative approach to software programming based upon user stories and rapid prototyping. The story of developing the ETIPS cases illustrates the need to know very clearly what the point is of the educational experience you are creating and to design software where form follows function.
Introducing a Computer-Adaptive Testing System to a Small School District
Authors: Pelton Timothy , Pelton Leslee Francis
Published: May 2011

A computer-adaptive test (CAT) is a relatively new type of technology in which a computer program “intelligently” selects and presents questions to examinees according to an evolving estimate of achievement and a prescribed test plan. A well written CAT can be expected to efficiently produce student achievement estimates that are more accurate and more meaningful than a typical teacher-generated paper and pencil (P&P) test with a similar number of questions. Although this method of testing sounds good in theory, many schools and districts are waiting for positive examples of practical applications and observable benefits before adopting a CAT. This chapter begins by describing the essential elements of meaningful measurement in education and the features of a typical CAT. Next, we describe the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) system of the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA; 2004) and observations made during the introduction of this system into a small semirural school district. Finally, as independent observers, we provide a set of recommendations to help guide other districts as they consider the potentials of implementing a CAT system to guide instruction within their schools.
An Ontology-Based Competence Management Model to Support Collaborative Working and Organisational Learning
Authors: de Vasconcelos José Braga , Kimble Chris
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes an ontology based competence management model that can be used to support distributed collaborative working and facilitate organisational leaning. The chapter begins by examining the concepts of collaborative working and organisational learning in the context of knowledge management and competence management systems. It describes the different forms of knowledge that can be represented in such systems and uses this to describe an ontology-driven approach to competence management. An outline design for an ontology-driven competence management system and the related content management approach is then outlined using material from earlier work on a group memory system; the competence ontology and expert annotation technique used in group memory system is described in detail. The chapter concludes with some discussion concerning the role of such systems in Knowledge intensive industries and some directions for future research.
The Influences and Responses of Women in IT Education
Authors: Maser K. J.
Published: May 2011

This article highlights findings from an empirical study that explores the nature of female underrepresentation in information technology. Specifically, this research focuses on (a) identifying key sociocultural factors that can facilitate the pursuit of IT at the undergraduate level, and (b) testing Trauth’s (2002) Individual Differences Theory of Gender and IT through a comparison of female responses to the social construction of IT. To answer the author’s research questions, interviews were conducted with 10 female seniors in an IT department at an American university in the mid-Atlantic region (MAU).1 Although experiences with social factors vary, comparing the stories of women who have successfully navigated their way into and through an IT undergraduate degree program reveals common influences and motivations. In addition, though some common factors may facilitate female entry into the field, the Individual Differences Theory of Gender and IT explains that women will react differently to the social constructions of gender and IT. By gaining a better understanding of the gender imbalance, applying appropriate theories to explain the problem, and uncovering the challenges that women of our society face in their entry to the field of IT, collegiate programs can more effectively implement strategies that will improve the recruitment and retention of female students.