bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rollout Plan for Training and Education in Enterprise Information Systems
Authors: Salaka Vamsi , Cheng Chen-Yang , Prabhu Vittal
Published: February 2011

In this article, we propose a rollout plan for training students and employees about enterprise information systems (EIS) that are encountered in an organization. Our rollout plan follows the different stages of a typical EIS project from inception to completion. These stages are modeling, planning, simulation, transaction, integration, and control. This ensures that an employee who is trained by this plan has an acquaintance with the typical information systems in an organization. Further, for training and research purposes we developed prototype information systems that emulate the ones usually found in organizations. In this article, we discuss some of the case studies we conducted with the prototype systems.
Information Technology in Maquiladoras
Authors: Rao Mohan P. , Mandal Purnendu
Published: February 2011

Mexico’s assembly operations, accelerated by the North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), have been much of a debate in recent years. Manufacturing outputs and employment in maquiladoras declined in 2000s, much of which could be attributed to an occurrence called the “China Syndrome”. Mexican maquila operations and jobs are now going to China and other low-wage countries. Are maquiladoras technologically competent to ward-off competitive forces from China and other parts of the world? This article aims to present an exploratory study of IT usage and managerial perceptions of IT-related costs and benefits in maquiladoras. The relevant data was gathered through a survey questionnaire. The results show that IT had a positive impact on maquila business performance. These findings will be useful to managers in assessing their organization and taking corrective actions to become more competitive.
An Adaptive and Voice-Enabled Pervasive Web System
Authors: Chang Shuchih Ernest
Published: February 2011

Other than providing Web services through popular Web browser interfaces, pervasive computing may offer new ways of accessing Internet applications by utilizing various modes of interfaces to interact with their end users, and its technology could involve new ways of interfacing with various types of gateways to back-end servers from any device, anytime, and anywhere. In this study, mobile phone was used as the pervasive device for accessing an Internet application prototype, a voice-enabled Web system (VWS), through voice user interface technology. Today’s Web sites are intricate but not intelligent, so finding an efficient method to assist user searching is particularly important. One of these efficient methods is to construct an adaptive Web site. This article shows that multimodal user-interface pages can be generated by using XSLT stylesheet which transforms XML documents into various formats including XHTML, WML, and VoiceXML. It also describes how VWS was designed to provide an adaptive voice interface using an Apache Web server, a voice server, a Java servlet engine, and a genetic algorithm based voice Web restructuring mechanism.
Diffusion of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Hsiu-Hua , Yin Chun-Po , Chou Huey-Wen
Published: February 2011

ERP was one of the important developments in the use of information technology for organizations in the 1990s. Y2K rectification was a key driver in the decision to move to ERP software. Based on diffusion-ofinnovation models, in this study, the sources of influence of ERP adoption in Taiwan are investigated and if the dawning Y2K can be viewed as a critical point is explored. The results demonstrate that the main influence source of ERP adoption is a mix of influence sources for all adopters. Before the millennium, the internal model shows the higher power of explanation. And after the millennium, the main influences become external influence sources. With different diffusion patterns between, before, and after the millennium, the analysis results confirm that the millennium is a critical point. Besides contributing to the application of diffusion-of-innovation in Taiwan’s ERP adoption, the results of this study can provide suggestions for ERP suppliers’ marketing strategy.
Monitoring Enterprise Applications and the future of Self-Healing Applications
Authors: Chang Shuchih E. , Minkin Boris
Published: February 2011

With the drastic growth of the Internet and the advance of hardware and software technologies, the enterprise information systems supporting business operations and functions have become more and more complex. The need of monitoring the behavior of such systems is becoming apparent, since it allows detecting problems early and resolving them before they become fatal and affect business seriously. In addition to covering the concept and related technologies of various monitoring approaches and their corresponding advantages and disadvantages, this article illustrates how self-healing application monitoring can facilitate the performance and availability management of Java based enterprise applications. The creating of enterprise strength monitoring solutions, together with the criteria of monitoring technology adoption and vendor selection, is also presented in this article.
Requirements Engineering Method and Maturity Model for ERP Projects
Authors: Parthasarathy S. , Ramachandran Muthu
Published: February 2011

Requirements engineering is an important component of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) projects. We propose: (1) An ERP maturity model (EMM) for assessing the ERP maturity within the organization and (2) A Requirements Engineering (RE) method to capture the requirements from the different types of users of an ERP system, verifying and validating them. The EMM consists of three levels and each level has a focus and a key process area. Key indicators of ERP functionality identified by a major ERP vendor have been used to apply the EMM to an enterprise. This identifies the level of the EMM to which an enterprise belongs. Then the RE is used to enable the enterprise to assess its ERP system requirements and refine it using a process database to reach a higher level in the EMM. We deem that the EMM and the RE can benefit users across all the ERP projects.
Business Acceptance of Information Technology
Authors: Hernandez Blanca , Jimenez Julio , Martin M. Jose
Published: February 2011

This study analyzes current and future company use of various new business technologies, such as management software, employing a technology acceptance model (TAM) optimized by the inclusion of experience with other technologies (Internet, e-mail, EDI, Web procurement). Moreover, it examines whether relationships in the model change according to sectors to which companies belong, that is, if there exists a moderating effect of industry. The study applies two types of analyses: structural and multisample. The results show that technological compatibility, web procurement, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use influence future use of business technologies. Companies should be aware that interrelationships exist among the various information technologies. Investment in a specific IT may facilitate the acceptance and subsequent performance of other applications. Furthermore, the “industry effect” modifies two important TAM relationships, and consequently it affects the company behavior regarding technology.
A Secure and Trustful E-Ordering Architecture (TOES) for Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs)
Authors: Papastergiou Spyridon , Polemi Despina
Published: February 2011

Although various European Union (EU) directives have established the proper legal framework for the provision of a trustful, legally accepted cross border transaction via electronic means, the consumers are still hesitant to use e-commerce. Lack of confidence with regard to the protection of privacy and security of electronic transactions is among the main reasons. This article attempts to form the appropriate confidence framework describing a set of privacy and security requirements that must be taken into account for e-ordering systems. In addition, it presents a trustful e-ordering architecture (TOES) that achieves to address these requirements based on extensible markup language (XML), XML cryptography, public key infrastructure (PKI), Web services policy language (WSPL), and Web services. TOES is an open, secure, interoperable, and affordable e-ordering system that respects the EU legislation.
A Complex Adaptive Systems-Based Enterprise Knowledge Sharing Model
Authors: Small Cynthia T. , Sage Andrew P.
Published: February 2011

This article describes a complex adaptive system (CAS)-based enterprise knowledge-sharing (KnS) model. The CAS-based enterprise KnS model consists of a CAS-based KnS framework and a multi-agent simulation model. Enterprise knowledge sharing is modeled as the emergent behavior of knowledge workers interacting with the KnS environment and other knowledge workers. The CAS-based enterprise KnS model is developed to aid knowledge management (KM) leadership and other KnS researchers in gaining an enhanced understanding of KnS behavior and its influences. A premise of this research is that a better understanding of KnS influences can result in enhanced decision-making of KnS interventions that can result in improvements in KnS behavior.
Developing and Customizing Federated ERP Systems
Authors: Lübke Daniel , Gómez Jorge Marx
Published: February 2011

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the most important drivers in many economies. Due to their flexibility and willingness to innovate they can stand up to larger industry players. However, SMEs – as every other company – need to further reduce costs and optimize their business in order to stay competitive. Larger enterprises utilize ERP systems and other IT support for reducing costs and time in their business processes. SMEs lack behind because the introduction and maintenance of ERP systems are too expensive, the return on investment is achieved too late and the associated financial risks are too high. However, SMEs would like to have IT support for their business. The research behind the Federated ERP System (FERP) addresses the problems SMEs face with conventional ERP systems and offers reasonable and scalable IT support. This is done by decomposing the whole business logic of the ERP system into Web services, which are linked at run-time. The service composition is realized by a workflow system that is also responsible for creating and managing the user interfaces and the data-flow. By integrating only the Web services that are needed (possibly from third parties) the cost is reduced and the functionality can be scaled to the actual needs. However, not only a technical solution is needed but also the development process must be tailored towards SMEs. Small companies cannot afford highly-skilled staff and often do not have defined business processes.
Contrasting Approaches to Preparedness
Authors: Warren Lorraine , Fuller Ted
Published: February 2011

This chapter reflects on ongoing research in SMEs in the manufacturing and service sectors. It contrasts different approaches to the issue of preparedness from an organizational and social perspective, in two cases where new enterprise-wide business processes were implemented and integrated in different settings. In both cases, the emergence of new systems presented a huge challenge to companies hard-pressed to marshal the resources to mount effective change and implementation projects on this scale. The cases presented enable a comparison of different strategies used, one firm responding to organic growth, and the other to rapid industry-driven change. The chapter focuses not on the implementations per se, but instead on the issue of preparedness for change. The chapter concludes by drawing out general lessons concerning how to support and maintain organizational preparedness for enterprise wide change in different industry settings.
Evaluating Information Systems Constructing a Model Processing Framework
Authors: Duarte João , Vasconcelos André
Published: February 2011

In the past decade, the rush to technology has created several flaws in terms of managing computers, applications, and middleware and information systems. Therefore, organizations struggle to understand how these elements behave. Even today, as Enterprise Architectures grow in significance and are acknowledged as advantageous artifacts to help manage change, their benefit to the organization has yet to be fully explored. In this paper, the authors focus on the challenge of real-time information systems evaluation, using the enterprise architecture as a boundary object and a base for communication. The solution proposed is comprised of five major steps: establishing a strong conceptual base on the evaluation of information systems, defining a high level language for this activity, extending an architecture creation pipeline, creating a framework that automates it, and the framework’s implementation. The conceptual framework proposed avoids imprecise definitions of quality and quality attributes, was materialized in a model-eval-display loop framework, and was implemented using Model Driven Software Development practices and tools. Finally, a prototype is applied to a real-world scenario to verify the conceptual solution in practice.
E-Business and ERP
Authors: Srinivasan Mahesh
Published: February 2011

The blending of Internet technologies and traditional business concerns impacts all industries and is the latest phase in the ongoing evolution of business. In this changing business environment, the most successful companies are those that leverage their investment in Web-based technologies by implementing e-business solutions supported by sound existing infrastructures based on well-functioning Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Companies must also forge tighter links in the supply chain, from raw materials to customers and have increasingly turned to the Internet and Web-based technologies to do so. This paper presents a framework for understanding e-business opportunities within the context of a traditional enterprise and its infrastructure and examines the evolving relationship between e-business and ERP. These developments are moving businesses toward the concept of e-Supply Chain to achieve true supply chain integration. The issues and challenges faced by organizations in moving to such a complete e-business environment are discussed and suggestions are offered for businesses to navigate this challenging transformation.
The Influence of Social Networks on the U.S. Senate Roll-Call Voting
Authors: Kim Jang Hyun , Barnett George A. , Kwon K. Hazel
Published: February 2011

Along with individuals’ ideological factors, various network properties play a crucial role in the process of legislators’ political decision making. Social networks among legislators provide relational resources through which communication occurs, exerting social influence among the members in a network. This paper examines six social relationships among the members of the 109th United States Senate as predictors of senatorial voting (roll call votes), shared committees, co-sponsorships, party membership, PAC donation, geographical contiguity, and internet hyperlinks, which may be considered as direct or indirect representations of communication networks. The six networks are modeled using MRQAP, and results suggest that roll call voting was predicted by party membership, co-sponsorship, geographical proximity, and PAC donation networks, while shared committee membership did not contribute significantly. As for hyperlinks, results were mixed, showing a small variance of contribution in a simpler model but not significant with more complex models.
Opt In or Tune Out
Authors: Krueger Brian S.
Published: February 2011

An concern for students of political mobilization has been whether political mobilization efforts reinforce or expand current patterns of political participation. Despite some promise, an emerging body of research suggests that email mobilization techniques generally will reinforce existing participatory patterns. Email mobilization campaigns rely heavily on individuals to first submit their email addresses for future contact. Because signing up for future political email is an act of political participation, mobilization resulting from these solicited contacts would serve to reinforce the engagement of those already willing to participate. Yet, many individuals receive unsolicited political email, which holds the most potential to activate the inactive. Unfortunately, despite speculation about the mobilizing potential of these unsolicited email contacts, political scientists know little about whether unsolicited political messages induce engagement. Using data from a unique probability sample survey of U.S. Internet users, the author examines whether unsolicited political email independently induces individuals to participate in politics.
E-Government
Authors: Huda S. S. M. Sadrul , Parveen Rumana , Rahman Masud Ibn
Published: February 2011

E-Government can be used as an effective tool to create a relationship of trust and confidence between government and people as well as to generate greater efficiency and responsiveness of government. This empirical study observes people’s opinions and expectations about positive outcomes of e-Government. The researchers have identified the expectation level among urban people in Bangladesh concerning outcomes of e-Government and the variability in these expectations in terms of their demographic characteristics. In this regard, the authors emphasize the application of e-Government to improve government’s performance as well as locating the critical factors to succeed in such application.
Gender and Anonymity in Virtual Teams
Authors: Koh Elizabeth , Liu Na , Lim John
Published: February 2011

With the advancement of information and communication technology, virtual teams are becoming more popular as geographical constraints in collaboration have become a non-issue. Features of the technology and characteristics of the group influence interaction processes and outcomes. Two elements are the focus of this paper. The first is anonymity, which has been made feasible by technology. The other concerns gender. Gender is an important research target, and its role in groupwork must not be overlooked. Both elements have aroused much interest across multiple research fields. The existing literature shows their potential in influencing team collaboration processes, satisfaction, and performance. In this paper, the authors present a process-based interpretation of virtual team collaboration, incorporating the anonymity of technology and the gender difference of team members. Using a multiple case study approach, the paper identifies a key set of process variables that shape team performance. The study also examines the interdependencies among the processes. Task-related activity that occurred during team discussion was affected by gender anonymity, and this influenced group performance and members’ satisfaction toward the collaboration process. Group dynamics, including member awareness, leader emergence, and member’s conformity, are salient process variables that affect the virtual team performance as well.
Electronic Intermediaries Managing and Orchestrating Organizational Networks Using E-Services
Authors: Janssen Marijn
Published: February 2011

Organizations increasingly cooperate in organizational networks. Electronic intermediaries can provide all kinds of e-services to support the creation and management of such networks. While there has been substantial discussion on intermediaries matching demand and supply, there has been little analysis in relation to the management and orchestration of organizational networks. In this article we analyze an intermediary that uses e-services for orchestrating a network in the consumer electronics industry. The empirical results show that the coordination and management of networks requires specific expertise and skills which result in the rise of intermediary specialized in orchestrating such organizational networks. The primary value creation activity of the intermediary is leveraging the products, activities and knowledge of the specialized companies and providing e-services for orchestrating the organizational network to create short lead times, improve customer responsiveness and ensure adaptability.
The Impact of Online Product Presentation on Consumers' Perceptions
Authors: Flavián Carlos , Gurrea Raquel , Orús Carlos
Published: February 2011

The website design and specifically the visual aspects have been revealed as key factors for achieving a successfully e-service website. This research examines the effects of the visual product presentation on online users’ perceptions. We carried out an experiment to analyze the impact of the size, the quality and the movement of the product picture on the perceived usability, satisfaction and purchase intention of users. We also analyzed the moderating role of user experience and product familiarity. The results suggest the importance of visual aspects, emphasizing the quality of the picture as the most salient factor. This study also indicates that users’ satisfaction is influenced to a great extent by these attributes.
Knowledge Interoperability among Parliaments and Government
Authors: Loukis E. , Xenakis Alexandros
Published: February 2011

Parliaments possess huge amounts of valuable knowledge on public policies which concerns social needs, problems, and interventions for addressing them. This knowledge is highly useful to other parliaments and also to government agencies of various layers. However, this valuable knowledge is hidden in numerous text documents so that it cannot be efficiently exchanged and exploited. In this regard, it is highly important to extend the concept of interoperability among information systems (IS) of Parliaments and Government Agencies so that it covers not only the ‘operational level’, but also the ‘knowledge level’. This paper presents a methodology for achieving higher level interoperability among IS of parliaments and government agencies with respect to the exchange of public policy related knowledge. It is based on the use of the complex problems representation ontology provided by the ‘Issue-Based Information Systems’ (IBIS) framework for codifying public policy related knowledge. An application of the proposed methodology is presented for the case of the law on the ‘Contracts of Voluntary Cohabitation’, which has been recently passed by the Greek Parliament. The evaluation of this application gave encouraging conclusions as to the usefulness of this methodology and resulted in the development of a refinement of the IBIS ontology.
Understanding Shared Services
Authors: Miskon Suraya , Bandara Wasana , Fielt Erwin , Gable Guy
Published: February 2011

In a competitive environment, companies continuously innovate to offer superior services at lower costs. ‘Shared Services’ have been extensively adopted in practice as a means for improving organizational performance. Shared Services are considered most appropriate for support functions and are widely adopted in human resource management, finance and accounting, and more recently employed as an information systems (IS) function. As computer-based corporate information systems have become de facto and the backbone of administrative systems, the technical impediments to sharing have come down dramatically. As this trend continues, CIOs and IT professionals need a deeper understanding of the Shared Services phenomenon. Yet, analysis of IS academic literature reveals that Shared Services, though mentioned in more than 100 articles, has received little in depth attention. This paper investigates the current status of Shared Services in IS literature. The authors present a detailed review of literature from main IS journals and conferences. The paper concludes with a tentative operational definition, a list of perceived main objectives of Shared Services, and an agenda for related future research.
The Role of Consumer Innovativeness and Trust for Adopting Internet Phone Services
Authors: Park JungKun , Chung Te-Lin , Hur Won-Moo
Published: February 2011

The Internet phone, which was recently introduced to the communication market, is characterized by its lower cost and increased compatibility. However, its popularity and diffusion is relatively low in the North American market compared with Asian or European markets. This study examines the adoption of Internet phone service in Korea to develop a better understanding of consumers’ acceptance of the Internet phone service application. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model (UTAUT) is used as theoretical background with two additional constructs (consumer innovativeness and perceived trust) in the proposed model. Using a mail survey with 437 responses collected in Korea, the results indicate that consumers’ trust is the major factor affecting adoption of new phone service. The results also indicate that consumers’ innovativeness would influence the effects of trust and facilitating conditions toward intention to use. The performance expectancy shows a dominant effect on trust toward phone services. Although effort expectancy and social influence also significantly contribute to consumers’ trust, the effects are relatively minor. The effect of performance expectancy would be stronger on consumers with lower income.
Design and Implementation of Students’ Information System for Tertiary Institutions Using Neural Networks
Authors: Afolayan Obiniyi Ayodele , Absalom Ezugwu El-Shamir
Published: February 2011

This paper identifies the causes associated with delays in processing and releasing results in tertiary institutions. An enhanced computer program for result computation integrated with a database for storage of processed results simplifies a university grading system and overcomes the short-comings of existing packages. The system takes interdepartmental collaboration and alliances into consideration, over a network that speeds up collection of processed results from designated departments through an improved centralized database system. An empirical evaluation of the system shows that it expedites processing of results and transcripts at various levels and management of and access to student results on-line. The technological approach for the implementation of the proposed system is based on open source solutions. Apache is used as Web server extended with PHP for server side processing. In recognition of the confidentiality of data contained in the system, communication networks are protected with open-ssl library for data encryption and role-based authentication. This system increases efficient service delivery and benefits both administration and students.
Workplace Safety and Personnel Well-Being
Authors: Fagbe T. , Adekola O. D.
Published: February 2011

Information Technology (IT) has emerged as the global driving force behind business success, improved performance, ease of operations, and accuracy. The growth of a business cannot be separated from the security and safety of the business environment, where the health of employees and facilities must be guaranteed. Therefore, this paper examines the role of IT in the management of workplace safety and personnel well-being in a challenging economy. The paper covers IT application in a safe working environment, personnel health, machinery safety, occupational hazards, risks, and accidents. This paper also addresses challenges that hinder the use of IT in the administration of health safety and environment issues. It concludes with a strategy for an effective utilization of this important tool in the development of health safety and environment.
Lot-Size Planning with Non-Linear Cost Functions Supporting Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Heck Markus , Schmidt Guenter
Published: February 2011

In this paper, the authors propose a non-linear cost function based on ecological considerations for lot-size planning. The classical approaches of lot-size optimization, the Wagner-Whitin algorithm and the Part-Period Balancing heuristic, are enhanced with so-called eco-factors. These eco-enhanced approaches combined with eco-balancing help to reduce overall production costs. Simultaneously, the environmental impact is also reduced.
Green Digital Enterprise and Chaos Theory in Tourism Development
Authors: Ariwa Ezendu , Syvertsen Carsten Martin
Published: February 2011

This paper examines how eco-tourism can be regarded as a change agent in the tourism economy in developing countries. By using conceptual contributions from chaos theory, the authors illustrate how eco-tourism might give competitive advantage, using South Africa as the empirical setting. Destinations focusing on chaos theory when organizing their efforts within eco-tourism may be able to tailor make services to well-defined market segments through the use of tacit knowledge. Future research may benefit from using untraditional approaches found in the business literature.
The Application of Machine Learning Technique for Malaria Diagnosis
Authors: Ugwu C. , Onyejegbu N. L , Obagbuwa I. C
Published: February 2011

Healthcare delivery in African nations has long been a worldwide issue, which is why the United Nations and World Health Organization seek for ways to alleviate this problem and thereby reduce the number of lives that are lost every year due to poor health facilities and inadequate health care administration. Healthcare delivery concerns are most predominant in Nigeria and it became imperatively clear that the system of medical diagnosis must be automated. This paper explores the potential of machine learning technique (decision tree) in development of a malaria diagnostic system. The decision tree algorithm was used in the development of the knowledge base. Microsoft Access and Java programming language were used for database and user interfaces, respectively. During the diagnosis, symptoms are provided by the patient in the diagnostic system and a match is found in the knowledge base.
Data Envelopment Analysis Approach to Compare the Environmental Efficiency of Energy Utilization
Authors: Kongar Elif A. , Rosentrater Kurt
Published: February 2011

Due to increasing financial and environmental concerns, governmental rules, regulations and incentives, alternative energy sources are expected to grow at a faster pace than conventional sources of energy. However, the current body of research providing comparative decision-making models for conventional and alternative energy sources is limited. Furthermore, existing literature also falls short in offering a unifying model that benchmarks the technical efficiencies of countries in terms of their energy usage in relation to environmental impact. This paper proposes two sets of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models to calculate and rank the technical efficiencies of (i) conventional and alternative energy sources for the United States, and (ii) energy usage of selected countries depending on various criteria. The first set of DEA models considers both the economics of energy sources and additional environmental criteria such as CO2 emissions and damage cost. The second set evaluates the relative technical efficiencies of the top 25 petroleum consuming countries in the world in terms of the environment. Numerical examples are also included to demonstrate the functionality of the proposed models.
Numerical Prediction of Rock Fracturing During the Process of Excavation
Authors: Zhou Zhangtao , Zhu Zheming , Jin XinXing , Tang Hao
Published: February 2011

During the process of excavation, blasting can induce cracking inside the surrounding rock. Considering the effects of material properties and loading conditions, a rock blasting excavation model with two successive excavation steps was developed through the use of AUTODYN code. Four kinds of equation of state (EOS), linear, shock, JWL, and compaction were applied to the materials employed in this numerical model. A modified principal stress failure criterion was applied to determining material statuses, and TNT explosive and a relatively homogeneous igneous rock, diorite, were used in this numerical model. By using this numerical model, rock fracturing process during blasting excavation was simulated, and rock fracturing process during two successive excavations is presented.
Dynamic Tensile Test of Coal, Shale and Sandstone Using Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar
Authors: Xia Kaiwen , Huang Sheng , Jha Ajay Kumar
Published: February 2011

The dynamic tensile strength plays a pivotal role in rock fragmentation affecting the overall economics under the present ‘Mine to Mill Concept’. In this paper, a modified SHPB technique and Brazilian test method is presented to test the dynamic tensile strength of coal, shale and sandstone rock samples collected from three opencast mines of Coal India Limited and is compared with the static strength value. The dynamic tensile strength of coal and rock is much higher than static strength and tensile strength of coal and rock samples increase with loading rate. The result shows that the dynamic strength of the coal sample is 1.5 times higher than static strength and the dynamic strength of the sandstone sample is 3 times higher than the static strength.
Static and Dynamic Elastic Modulus of Jointed Rock Mass
Authors: Sitharam T. G. , Ramulu M. , Maji V. B.
Published: February 2011

In this paper the compressive strength/elastic modulus of the jointed rock mass was estimated as a function of intact rock strength/modulus and joint factor. The joint factor reflects the combined effect of joint frequency, joint inclination and joint strength. Therefore, having known the intact rock properties and the joint factor, jointed rock properties can be estimated. The test results indicated that the rock mass strength decreases with an increase in the joint frequency and a sharp transition was observed from brittle to ductile behaviour with an increase in the number of joints. It was also found that the rocks with planar anisotropy exhibit the highest strength in the direction perpendicular to the anisotropy and the lowest at an inclination of 30o-45o in jointed samples. The anisotropy of the specimen influences the dynamic elastic modulus more than the static elastic modulus. The results were also compared well with the published works of different authors for different type of rocks.
Speculative Scheduling of Parameter Sweep Applications Using Job Behavior Descriptions
Authors: Ulbert Attila , Lorincz László Csaba , Kozsik Tamás , Horváth Zoltán
Published: February 2011

The execution of data intensive Grid applications still raises several questions regarding job scheduling, data migration and replication. This article presents new scheduling algorithms using complex job behavior descriptions that allow estimating job completion times more precisely thus improving scheduling decisions. Three approaches of using complex, re-fined job descriptions are discussed: a) single job description, b) multiple job descriptions, c) multiple job descriptions with mutation. The proposed Grid middleware components (1) monitor the execution of jobs and gather resource access information, (2) analyze the compiled information and generate a description of the behavior of the job, (3) refine the already existing job description, and (4) use the refined behavior description to schedule the submitted jobs.
Large-Scale Co-Phylogenetic Analysis on the Grid
Authors: Stockinger Heinz , Auch Alexander F. , Göker Markus , Meier-Kolthoff Jan , Stamatakis Alexandros
Published: February 2011

Phylogenetic data analysis represents an extremely compute-intensive area of Bioinformatics and thus requires high-performance technologies. Another compute- and memory-intensive problem is that of hostparasite co-phylogenetic analysis: given two phylogenetic trees, one for the hosts (e.g., mammals) and one for their respective parasites (e.g., lice) the question arises whether host and parasite trees are more similar to each other than expected by chance alone. CopyCat is an easy-to-use tool that allows biologists to conduct such co-phylogenetic studies within an elaborate statistical framework based on the highly optimized sequential and parallel A xParafit program. We have developed enhanced versions of these tools that efficiently exploit a Grid environment and therefore facilitate large-scale data analyses. Furthermore, we developed a freely accessible client tool that provides co-phylogenetic analysis capabilities. Since the computational bulk of the problem is embarrassingly parallel, it fits well to a computational Grid and reduces the response time of large scale analyses.
A Method of 3-D Microstructure Reconstruction in the Simulation Model of Cement Hydration
Authors: Zhang Dongliang
Published: February 2011

An accurate and reliable computer simulation system can help practical experiments greatly. In a cement hydration simulation system, the basic requirement is to reconstruct the 3-D microstructure of the cement particles in the initial state while mixed with water. A 2-D SEM/X-ray image is certainly achievable; however, it is not easy to obtain parallel images due to the small scale of the cement particles. In this regard, a method is proposed to reconstruct the 3-D structure from a single microstructure image. In this method, micro-particles are regenerated in a growing trees mode, which by modifying the generating probability of the leaves, the irregularity and the surface fraction of particles can be controlled. This method can fulfill the requirement for the parameters of the 3-D image while assuring that the 2-D image is in full accord.
Cultural Problems in Applying SSM for IS Development
Authors: Moores Trevor T. , Gregory Frank H.
Published: February 2011

Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) is a general problem structuring approach that seeks to incorporate multiple stakeholder views in the analysis of a given problem. When applied to IS development, the method requires negotiation and debate between the stakeholders when exploring the feasibility of developing an information system. The applicability of this approach depends, however, on the willingness of participants to enter into such an open discussion. This paper reports on a case study that highlights the problems of applying such a confrontational method in an Eastern culture, such as Hong Kong. Three main problems were identified: Group discussions were avoided; Interviews were conducted in multiple languages; and, High staff turnover made it difficult to develop and maintain mature stakeholder views.
Virtual Learning Networks in Higher Education
Authors: Kamel Sherif
Published: February 2011

Virtual organizations are spreading worldwide in different sectors. However, most of the publications address theoretical foundations; as for the practical implementations, they are not well reported in the literature. This paper addresses a case of a virtual organization in the field of knowledge. Today, the learning process is becoming a vital factor in business and socioeconomic growth where the role of information and communication technology is having a growing and an innovative impact. The case of the Regional IT Institute, established in 1992, targeting educating graduate students while being in Egypt through a number of partnerships with organizations in Europe and the United States reflects the realization of a number of related elements to virtual organizations. The case provides many lessons to be replicated that demonstrate the opportunity to expand in exchanging the wealth of knowledge across societies using a hybrid of forms for virtual organizations.
The Cultural Construction of Information Technology
Authors: Dirksen Vanessa
Published: February 2011

In this paper, the author proposes a research framework called the ’cultural construction of information technology.’ It extends the more widely known concept of the social construction of technology (SCOT) and defines the concept of a cultural infrastructure for the application of information technology in other contexts than the one in which it is developed.
Internet-Based Share Dealing in the New Global Marketplace
Authors: Allgood Bridget
Published: February 2011

Stock brokering services are available via the Internet and investors in many countries can currently experience the benefits of Web-based share trading. Internet-based share trading is far more than completing the same transaction over the Internet. The Internet contains a wealth of information and many sites provide sophisticated facilities that allow the investor to research and monitor investments. This paper examines how Internet-based share trading differs from more traditional forms of share trading. It then explores how Internet-based share trading is changing investment practices of private individuals and then goes on to discuss how (with reference to Michael Porter’s work on competition) the global nature of the Internet based share trading will impact upon the players in the stock brokering competitive environment.
Can Information Technology Help Managers Plan Globally?
Authors: Usoro Abel
Published: February 2011

Existing literature leaves no doubt about the increasing social, technological, political, cultural and economic imperative to globalise business. Global business combines the complexity of local business with increasing risk and faster-change pace and complexity of managing in more than one country. How is information technology helping global managers to plan? One hundred questionnaires were distributed to multinational companies in the United Kingdom (UK) and in South Africa (SA) to collect information to examine this question. A preliminary report presented by this paper indicates among others that the Internet forms the most popular platform for building global planning tools. Factors most important to managers include the provision of timely information, provision of report and presentation facilities, support for group working and alternative (highly summarised and detailed) views of information. On the other hand, managers appear not to be very satisfied with the provision of technology for global planning, partly because it does not adequately provide for creativity needed in global planning. Recommendations are made based on the findings and areas for further research are highlighted. Moreover, the paper briefly discusses the development of a causal theory on the use of information technology in global planning. Predictor variables are grouped under organisational, information technology, personal and infrastructural factors.
Conceptualising Information Systems Planning Across Strategic Business Networks
Authors: McKay Judy , Marshall Peter
Published: February 2011

Given the pervasiveness and importance of information technology (IT) in modern organisations, it is somewhat surprising that senior management often feel unsure about the business value of their IT investment. It is sometimes suggested that more careful planning of the IT resource and a more deliberate intention to align IT strategies and investments with business strategies may help ensure an adequate return on investment. The authors of this paper accept this premise. However, of interest and concern, is the issue of whether current approaches to strategic information systems planning (SISP) have kept pace with contemporary business environments. The argument that will be developed in this paper will suggest that this is not the case: that current approaches to SISP are somewhat lacking and inadequate in the increasingly interconnected business environments which are currently emerging. In addition, the authors will present a revised framework for SISP within the dynamic environment of dynamic trading networks or of what will be referred to as strategic business networks (SBNs).
Toward a Theory-Based Measurement of Culture
Authors: Straub Detmar , Loch Karen , Evaristo Roberto , Karahanna Elena , Srite Mark
Published: February 2011

In reviewing the history of the conceptualization and measurement of “culture,” one quickly realizes that there is wide-ranging and contradictory scholarly opinion about which values, norms, and beliefs should be measured to represent the concept of “culture.” We explore an alternate theory-based view of culture via social identity theory (SIT), which suggests that each individual is influenced by plethora of cultures and sub-cultures–some ethnic, some national, and some organizational. In IS research, the culture of subjects and respondents is problematic because it is typically an overly simplistic categorization. IS research nearly always assumes that an individual living in a particular place and time belongs to a single “culture,” e.g., someone living in Egypt is automatically classified as being a member of the Egyptian culture, or, more broadly, the Arab culture. This dearth of clear concepts and measures for “culture” may explain why cross-cultural research has been so exceedingly difficult to conduct. It may also explain why it has been hard to develop and refine theories. Moreover, it may give insight into why reasonable explained variance in predictive models has not been higher. Finally, it is very possible that much cross-cultural business research could be rightly accused of advancing an “ecological fallacy” by not recognizing the individual makeup of persons with respect to culture. Using SIT (or other theory bases) as grounding for cultural research programs implies the use of certain methodological approaches. Each study would have to establish the salient “cultures” in each individual’s background and include these different “cultures” as independent variables in positivist research. In qualitative research, there would need to be an equally rigorous assessment of the cultural identifiers of each individual.
Beyond Models of National Culture in Information Systems Research
Authors: Myers Michale D. , Tan Felix B.
Published: February 2011

Many IS scholars argue that global organizations need to understand cultural differences if they are to successfully deploy information technology. We agree that an understanding of cultural differences is important, but suggest that the concept of “national culture” that has tended to dominate the IS research literature is too simplistic. In this article, we challenge information systems researchers to go beyond models of national culture. We propose that IS researchers should adopt a more dynamic view of culture – one that sees culture as contested, temporal and emergent.
Methodological Issues in MIS Cross-Cultural Research
Authors: Karahanna Elena , Evaristo Roberto , Srite Mark
Published: February 2011

This paper presents a discussion of methodological issues that are relevant and idiosyncratic to cross-cultural research. One characteristic that typifies cross-cultural studies is their comparative nature, i.e., they involve a comparison across two separate cultures on a focal phenomenon. When differences across cultures are observed, the question arises as to whether the results are true cultural differences or merely measurement artifacts. Methodological considerations in cross-cultural research focus on ruling out alternative explanations for these differences and thus enhancing the interpretability of the results. The paper presents an overview of key methodological issues in cross-cultural research and reviews methods of preventing or detecting methodological problems.