bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nation-Wide ICT Infrastructure Introduction and its Leverage for Overall Development
Authors: Pale Predrag , Gojsic Jesanka
Published: October 2011

This paper describes ten years of efforts in introducing the state-of-the-art information and communication technologies (ICT) and development of ICT infrastructure on the national level. The aim of the project was to build Internet in Croatia and to foster its leverage in the broad range of activities of public interest in the society as a whole. The prime target group was academic and research community, as a vehicle for the overall development in the society. Croatian Academic and Research Network (CARNet) had been started as a project in 1991, and, after five years, it was transformed into a government agency. A broad range of activities had been started, from building and maintaining private nation-wide communication and computer network to information services, user support, education, pilot projects and promotion. The academic community has been treated not only as the main customer, but also as an active partner in developing and providing services. CARNet has been fully funded by the state budget for ten years, without any participation of the commercial sector, domestic donations or international financial support. Although CARNet is treated as Croatian success story, recognized inside and outside of the country, the question is whether the initial goals have been realistic and achievements sufficient, considering the low penetration of ICT into the Croatian society. Likewise, budget cuts, continuous struggle for political recognition and authority, as well as fights with national telecommunication monopoly, have created an array of questions to be answered at the beginning of the second decade of this highly ambitious endeavour.
The Rise and Fall of a Dot-Com
Authors: Scott Judy E.
Published: October 2011

LivingCo was founded with a vision of revolutionizing the U.S. furniture industry by exploiting technological opportunities. It won accolades for its innovative website and generated considerable consumer interest, becoming at one stage one of the most highly trafficked sites on the Internet. Oracle named LivingCo a poster child because it was one of the first e-tailers to successfully deploy their software in both the front and back ends of the business. Furthermore, industry analysts considered many of its strategic plans promising. However, LivingCo ran into problems coping with overspending, high traffic on its website, integrating its technology with its subsidiary, suppliers who were wary of channel conflict and customers who were, in general, slow to adopt the new way of shopping for furniture.
eBay, Inc.
Authors: D’Andrea Anthony E. , Dologite Dorothy G. , Mockler Robert J. , Gartenfeld Marc E.
Published: October 2011

In 1997, Pierre Omindyar, online auction house eBays founder, drove into Silicon Valley without a business plan, laptop, presentation or even a functional website. However, his concept of a worldwide flea market was so attractive that Benchmark Capital could not resist. In early 2002, eBay, one of the few Internet businesses that has been profitable during the economic slowdown of 2000/2001, had total sales approaching $1 billion; however, CEO Meg Whitman has promised to increase revenues by more than three times to $3 billion by 2005. A question for eBay was how to continue to increase revenues in an increasingly competitive market. Expansion was limited outside of new geographic territories, and every market participant was striving for a piece of the industry. The main question to be resolved was how to differentiate eBay from its competition and achieve a competitive advantage within both a short and long-term time frame.
Deutsche Bank
Authors: Heier Hauke , Borgman Hans P.
Published: October 2011

The case study describes the issues surrounding the development and global rollout of the Intranet-based Knowledge Management System (KMS) HRbase at Deutsche Bank. It sets the stage for a decision situation that Deutsche Banks Global Head of Human Resources (HR), Heinz Fischer, faced in 2001. Based on low usage rates and ambiguous feedback from his 15 most senior HR executives, he had to decide about HRbases future: it would either be funded from an earmarked budget in 2001, changed significantly, or discontinued. Meanwhile, the responsible project manager Hilger Pothmann and the HRbase project team understood the necessity to turn the project around and to come up with a proposal for technical improvements and a sound change in management strategy. The case description provides a chronological account of the planning, development, and global rollout of HRbase, paying specific attention to project management issues, change management interventions, and the global cross-cultural challenges that emerged.
Using an Intranet Portal, Uniform Accounting Charts and Activity Based Accounting to Assist Entrepreneural Nonprofit Program Management
Authors: Sacco John , Strait Elizabeth
Published: October 2011

The case study explores the accounting issue of operating a geographically dispersed organization by managing the main facets of its environmental programs via an intranet portal, uniform accounting charts and activity-based accounting. An overview of the portal structure is explained as are the challenges facing the implementation of the intranet, the portal and its design.
Towards a Knowledge-Sharing Organization
Authors: Kochikar V. P. , Suresh J. K.
Published: October 2011

Knowledge Management (KM) has gained in importance as organizations have increasingly realized the need to manage their intellectual capital explicitly. Infosys Technologies, a leading IT consulting services provider, has defined a KM architecture to meet the needs of its employees. This case recounts the challenges faced along Infosyss KM journey.
Developing a Homegrown Course Management System - Community/course, Action/interaction Management System (CAMS)
Authors: Mackie Brian G. , Ziemer Norbert L. , Russo Nancy L. , Mackie Wayne E.
Published: October 2011

This case study describes the development of a course management system. The system was named Community/course Action/interaction Management System (CAMS) to reflect the goal of using it to create a sense of collaboration and community. The iterative, participative development process and the evolution of the system are described in detail.
Implementation of a Network Print Management System
Authors: Kelley George , Regan Elizabeth A. , Hunt C. Stephen
Published: October 2011

This case provides an interesting study from a number of perspectives on the implementation of a Network Print Management System (NPMS) in a complex end-user environment. It examines issues related to technology, systems analysis and design, selection and management of outsourced services, installation, testing, troubleshooting, and end user participation and acceptance.
Improving PC Services at Oshkosh Truck Corporation
Authors: Iversen Jakob Holden , Eierman Michael A. , Philip George C.
Published: October 2011

This case presents the problems encountered at Oshkosh Truck, relating to improving productivity and user satisfaction of the IT department. The case presents the process of handling user problems, how well the process works, and some problems associated with the process. A metrics program was set up to help determine the value of moving to a standardized PC platform.
Project Mi-Net - An Inter-Organizational E-Business Adoption Study
Authors: Bagri Pankaj , Murty L. S. , Madanmohan T. R. , Bandi Rajendra K.
Published: October 2011

This case study chronicles the adoption and implementation of an inter-organizational, e-business system by a FMCG organization in India. The focus of the case is on understanding the implementation process and the extent of proactive change management practices employed by the organization. The case brings out issues like the importance of building value propositions to attract the stakeholders, and providing the requisite training and incentives to commit them to the system.
Eliciting the Requirements for Intelligent Systems in Law Enforcement
Authors: Goldberg Jeffrey L. , Kapoor Sanjeev , Wineman Corey , Carney William , Dologite Dorothy G.
Published: October 2011

This case study describes the experience of a not-for-profit research institution, serving the public interest, in developing several intelligent and innovative prototypes for law enforcement. The design and implementation of two intelligent search agents, and one facial recognition prototype is described in detail. Our experience in delivering these prototypes, as well as integrating them into several law enforcement agencies is also described.
Challenges in the Adoption of Information Technology at Sunrise Industries
Authors: Tarafdar Monideepa , Vaidya Sanjiv D.
Published: October 2011

This case describes the evolution and progress of the use of IT at one of the oldest manufacturers of industrial hydraulic cylinders and gears in India. It highlights the effects of internal and external factors on IT investment and the IT applications portfolio, and describes some managerial challenges in the implementation of IT.
A Case Study of IT Chargeback in a Government Agency
Authors: Edberg Dana , Kuechler William L.
Published: October 2011

This case study describes the implementation of an IT chargeback system within Nevadas Department of Public Safety. The development and deployment of the system is explained within the context of the legislative mandates for the department. Both the benefits and the substantial number of problems introduced by the system are identified.
Identifying Business Processes for, and Challenges to, Electronic Supply Chain Management
Authors: Sinkkonen Tarmo
Published: October 2011

This case examines the business practices of a small company in NorthWest Tasmania and identifies problems and challenges for electronic supply chain management (ESCM). The company is adopting ESCM to increase the speed of invoice production and to improve the accuracy of inventory control in its current supply chain management (SCM) system. The case study provides detailed analysis of the company, its merchandise and its experience of implementing ESCM. The analysis begins with an examination of current business practices, human resources, the information system, and issues related to customers, suppliers, products, and inventory control. Using this information, the case study examines how the company processes and fulfils sales orders, updates its inventory, and handles the receipt of ordered goods. The case concludes with a summary of the shortcomings of the companys current SCM system and the main challenges the business faces in implementing ESCM. This study forms part of a larger ongoing investigation being conducted into SCM within small and medium sized businesses in NorthWest Tasmania.
Life After a Disastrous Electronic Medical Record Implementation
Authors: Wagner Karen A. , Lee Frances Wickham , White Andrea W.
Published: October 2011

The majority of users of an electronic medical record (EMR) at a family medicine clinic located in a small city in the western United States are currently quite dissatisfied with the system. The practice experienced a disastrous implementation of the EMR in 1994 and has not recovered. Although the level of dissatisfaction varies among the practice employees, several influential physicians are pushing to pull the plug and start over with a brand new system. The authors of this case studied this practice during a more comprehensive qualitative study of the impact of an EMR system on primary care. The practices negative experience was particularly noteworthy, because the other four practices in the larger study were satisfied with the EMR system. As with most system failures, there are multiple organizational and other factors that have contributed to the frustrations and dissatisfactions with the use of EMR within this practice.
Laurier IT Priorities
Authors: Craig Ron
Published: October 2011

The newly appointed IT officer at a smaller Canadian university must reassess her priorities. Given her mandate by a president who has just left, she wonders what the direction of the new president will be. With two months on the job, she has found things to be quite different from what she had originally understood. In particular, the administrative computing system has serious problems and is not Year 2000 compliant. Furthermore, it is heavily customised and there is no documentation of the changes. Resources are an issue, as there is little slack for new initiatives. She has identified many problem areas requiring attention. At this time she is unsure of the seriousness of these problems and how much effort will be required to resolve them. How can she quickly prioritize these issues so she can start dealing with the most important ones?
Network Implementation Project in the State Sector in Scotland
Authors: McCready Ann , Doswell Andrew
Published: October 2011

This case study, about the introduction of networked PCs in a local government office in Perth, Scotland, focuses on the importance of organizational and social factors during the implementation process. The implementation of the network in this case study is not a straightforward progression from one stage to the other, as may be inferred from the systems development life cycle waterfall model but a circular, stop-andstart process with moves back to previous stages and is more like a spiral approach of dynamic and unfolding processes. The case study highlights the links between technical and nontechnical aspects of implementation and the complicated process of project management in which a balance is continually being sought between technical and nontechnical issues. But although social processes may reduce technical as well as social problems, not all problems can be solved by attention to social factors. Organizational constraints may limit the success of the implementation process, and there are also dangers in including users who, if their views are disregarded, may become disillusioned and adversely affect future development of the network.
Evolution of an Executive Information System
Authors: Nemati Hamid , Smith Keith
Published: October 2011

This case highlights factors that provided the impetus for changing a successful EIS into a data warehouse at the VF Corporation. The data warehouse was developed to aid JeansWear, a division of VF, with its pointof- sale/replenishment activities. The data warehouse provides greater reporting and OLAP capabilities, giving replenishment analysts a detailed and synthetic view of the marketplace. It is estimated that about $100 million in 1998 alone might be attributed to the improved Replenishment decision making due to the data warehouse. The case discusses the basic concepts and architecture of this data warehouse and outlines the development process and the problems that the development team had to overcome. It also examines the essential role that this data warehouse is currently playing in the success of VF Corporation. Finally, the case outlines and discusses a number of factors that should be considered and questions that should be asked prior to initiation of a data warehouse project in order to assure a successful outcome.
The Information Plan for Celerity Enterprises, Inc.
Authors: Schatzberg Laurie
Published: October 2011

Celerity Enterprises competes in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. At the start of the case, business conditions are favorable for them to launch a new production facility to manufacture flash memory. The new facility must achieve exceptionally ambitious productivity and cost goals. A facility-level strategic planning process reveals opportunities to substitute information for other more-expensive resources. By the end of the case, just a few months later, worldwide economic conditions change radically and the future of the new facility is in jeopardy. The case describes the participants, the planning process and findings. It provides a rich setting to discuss aligning information and business planning, realities of the volatile industry, outsourcing for IS planning leadership, and using a combination of top-down and bottom-up planning.
The Application of IT for Competitive Advantage at Keane, Inc.
Authors: Andrews Mark R. , Papp Raymond
Published: October 2011

The Keane Company, founded in 1965 by John F. Keane, has grown from a local software service company into a national firm which has three operating divisions and over 45 branches throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Within these operating divisions are multitudes of consulting opportunities, ranging from supplemental staffing, project management and application outsourcing. This case will focus on Keanes approach to Project Management and how they provide this service to their clients. This includes not only how Keane is hired for Project Management but how they train their clients on how they too can implement the Keane philosophy of Productivity Management. Instead of focusing on any one client of Keane, their overall technology strategy will be highlighted, from their early days through the present to illustrate how Keane has successfully incorporated information technology and Project Management to become a major player in the software service and consulting field. The goal of this case is to provide the student with an example of business-technology strategy in action and allow them to explore future paths that Keane may take based on how they use technology today and in the decade to come.
Big-Bang ERP Implementation at a Global Company
Authors: Pliskin Nava , Zarotski Marta
Published: October 2011

Dead Sea Works is an international multi-firm producer of Potash and other chemicals whose sales for 1998 were about $500 million. In 1996, the Information Systems group convinced top management to pursue a big-bang ERP implementation of SAP R/3. To reduce project risk, risk management was practiced. First, only modules that matched the functionality of the thenexisting systems were targeted, avoiding as much as possible software modifications and process reengineering. Second, a steering committee was set up to handle conflict resolution and set priorities throughout the project and top users were given responsibility with implementing modules within their respective functions. R/3 went into production on July 1, 1998, six months ahead of schedule and without exceeding the $4.95 million budget.
Analyzing the Evolution of End User Information Technology Performance
Authors: Sacco John , Hackler Darrene
Published: October 2011

This study examines how the budget office of a large county government designed and implemented end user information technology (IT) from personal computers (PCs) and local area networks (LANs) to an intranet and Web pages over a 15-year period. The initial issue was internal to the organizationmoving a time-consuming budget preparation process to a smoother one, where what if analysis could be completed. However, more recent end user IT challenges are less internal and shaped more by the demands and expectations of parties outside of the budget office. While the evolution of IT in this budget office was distinctive, we utilize a framework to flesh out both the unique and generalizable lessons of such IT development. A stages model from the IT literature holds promise for explaining the internal successes as well as problems that arose during implementation and transition. The stages model suggests that the proliferation of IT can be directed toward productive use by recognizing IT crises and adding management control to handle the crises. However, the stages model does not readily account for significant changes in external social facets of the techno-social environment. These changing external social facets include global competition and reinventing government. The study suggests that the stages model would benefit from incorporating social-change shocks to better understand the transitions, the nature of the stages and IT performance within each stage.
Everyone's Watching
Authors: Kuechler William L. , Edberg Dana
Published: October 2011

In 1996 he Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety launched the Genesis project, a technology-enabled reengineering endeavor. In September of 1999, after four years of planning, organizational restructuring and system development, the new system was released. To the accompaniment of great publicity, it fell dramatically short of expectations. This case provides the background necessary to understand the origins and shortcomings of the system, then focuses on the turn-around effort that took the system to a point of successful operation within a year of its going into production. The turn around was accomplished under great pressure to retreat to the legacy system. The effort involved a synergy of manual and technical corrections to bring overall system performance to acceptable levels. The DMV now faces the formidable challenge of taking full responsibility for the long-term maintenance of a system that was designed and implemented by outside contractors.
IT Help Desk Implementation
Authors: Clarke Steve , Greaves Arthur
Published: October 2011

This case study concerns IT help desk management within an international airline. The core of what is described relates to attempts at implementing help desk procedures in practice, and illustrates the problems of treating these both as predominantly technology systems and predominantly human systems. From the failures outlined in the case, an alternative approach is proposed, based on the application of methods drawn from an understanding of critical social theory. The practical problems and theoretical issues are discussed, and a theoretically informed framework is applied retrospectively to the case. This allows conclusions to be drawn which, it is argued, strongly support the value of a critically informed approach to human-centered IT help desk issues.
A Case Study of One IT Regional Library Consortium
Authors: Taylor Virginia A. , Coughlin Caroline M.
Published: October 2011

Historic models of library management are being tested and modified in the digital age because of several interrelated factors. First, the importance of place or a home library space changes as electronic opportunities for dispersal of library collections increase with IT innovations and availability. Second, the high cost of IT has made library managers more sensitive to issues of cost in general while the ability of IT systems to provide easy access to managerial data, data previously difficult to capture, has allowed library managers to begin to differentiate costs for services based on use. As a result of these two factors, new, partially cost-focused models for delivering IT systems and information sources to library users are being developed. The new IT library regional models raise many questions about appropriate organizational and funding strategies. In this case, one strategy is examined in depth. Suggestions for alternative managerial strategies and economic models for IT regional library managers to pursue are given, based on the lessons to be gleaned from this experience and an examination of the literature describing other regional IT digital library ventures.
Enterprise Information Portal Implementation
Authors: Manning Alison , Sarker Suprateek
Published: October 2011

This case study provides a detailed account of the formation of a knowledge management (KM) division within a multinational pharmaceutical company, and the subsequent undertaking of the first major KM project, which involved the implementation of a portal software technology. Specific issues discussed include rationale for replacing the existing intranet with portal technology, selection of the portal, justification for this selection, challenges in organizing and linking documents, as well as the social and behavioral factors influencing the implementation. A number of dilemmas and tradeoffs are presented with respect to each of the issues.
An Experience of Software Process Improvement Applied to Education
Authors: de Amescua Seco D. Antonio , Guzman Javiar G. , Sánchez Segura María Isabel , Fernandez Paloma Martínez , Shetty Shwethan
Published: October 2011

This case describes the use of the Personal Work Planning (PWP) technique as a time management tool for student practicals on the Software Engineering II course at Carlos III University. It analyzes the results obtained and presents the methodology used to implement activities associated with the Personal Work Planning technique in an academic institution. In addition, an empirical study was carried out to determine the level of student satisfaction after using this technique. This case study concludes that many students realized the usefulness of PWP for their assignments. This technique is of invaluable help to lecturers who wish to improve the course curriculum and the practicals.
Credit Card System for Subsidized Nourishment of University Students
Authors: Mornar Vedran , Fertalj Kreimir , Kalpic Damir , Krajcar Slavko
Published: October 2011

In Croatia the Ministry of Science and Technology is the major provider of funds for high education. There are four universities, each consisting of a number of relatively independent and dislocated faculties and academies. In 1997, the Ministry engaged the authors to computerize the system for subsidized nourishment of the university students. The initial plan was to establish a simple credit card system. Faced with political and technical infrastructure difficulties, the authors had to develop a heterogeneous distributed database scheme and develop proprietary replication mechanism, capable to exchange high volumes of data over a slow network or over dial-up networking. The system has achieved full functionality at the largest university in Croatia, and it is ready to be installed in the rest of the country. Although developed under tight budget, it has significantly improved the organization and it provides valuable data for conducting the policy of subsidized nourishment.
Designing a First-Iteration Data Warehouse for a Financial Application Service Provider
Authors: Jukic Nenad , Neild Tania
Published: October 2011

This case study will describe the efforts behind designing a first iteration of an evolutionary, iterative enterprise-wide data warehouse for AIIA Corp., a financial application service provider. The study demonstrates the importance of the following steps during a data-warehousing project: a welldefined mission, effective requirement collection, detailed logical definitions, and an efficient methodology for source systems and infrastructure development. AIIA is a financial distributor that offers separately managed account and investment products with practice management services to financial advisors through a Web-based portal that can also be configured and private-labeled for the advisors to use with their clients. Unlike most companies, AIIA offers the advisors a hybrid of investment information and technology solutions, both designed with an open architecture.
Reengineering the Selling Process in a Showroom
Authors: Crnkovic Jakov , Petkovic Goran , Janicijevic Nebojsa
Published: October 2011

The case presented chronicles the reengineering efforts of a small Yugoslavian showroom wholesaler. Following an initial period of success, the company subsequently became unable to deliver the promised level of quality and service. A team of consultants was engaged who recommended business-process reengineering in order to help improve performance. The strategy they devised for the company involved replacing functional specialists with case managers. While the strategy was successfully implemented, it was not followed by appropriate changes in information technology, thus limiting the effectiveness of the entire process. The goals of this case are threefold. The authors seek: 1) to help the reader understand the current situation; 2) to develop a swift fix strategy; 3) to outline tactical and strategic plans for future development. Readers will be able to review several working prototypes1 of information subsystems designed to support the suggested reengineering process.
Supporting the Ubiquitous Doctor
Authors: Ferraz Carlos , Diniz Juliana
Published: October 2011

In health service environments, support to mobility is an important issue, given that the mobility of the medical professionals is inherent to the organizational structure of healthcare entities, such as hospitals and medical centers. The concept of the “Ubiquitous Doctor” refers to a doctor that works anytime, anywhere and uses any computer device. For doing this, the doctor needs support to migrate a work session started on a device to another one, either for convenience (more comfort) or forced (e.g. low battery). This so called ‘session migration’ presents some challenges like preventing from disruption and performing quickly, so the Ubiquitous Doctor’s productivity can be improved. This chapter presents the design and implementation of a contextaware system (middleware services and application) to support the Ubiquitous Doctor, as well as experiments that show that the average migration time represents a low impact on the transition time between medical activities, and an assessment carried out with a group of doctors confirmed the importance of supporting the migration process in order to make it fast and reliable. The doctors also agreed on the importance of using the most convenient device based on context variables like user status and location.
Shared Mental Model Development During Technology-Mediated Collaboration
Authors: Andres Hayward P.
Published: October 2011

This study examines how collaboration mode – face-to-face and videoconferencing technology-mediated virtual teams - shapes negotiated shared interpretation of ideas needed for shared mental model construction. Social impact theory and group action theory provide a framework for explaining how technology-mediated collaboration constrains or enhances team shared mental model development. Social impact theory suggests that team member behavior is affected by 1) influential members, 2) number of members, and 3) proximity. Group action theory proposes that team member behavior is guided by 1) assessment of task requirements, 2) adopted task strategy, and 3) evaluation of task solution. This study argues that technology-mediated collaboration will exhibit lower participation rates and intra-team communication deficiencies while developing a shared mental model of task requirements, strategy and status. Partial least squares analysis revealed that technology-mediated collaboration does impact shared mental model development. Observers noted that decision making effectiveness and timeliness regarding task execution strategy and solution content was facilitated by a shared understanding of the task context. The study also confirmed the utility of direct observation for studying communication behaviors and social interaction in the development of shared mental model and teamwork.
Open Loop Force Control of Piezo-Actuated Stick-Slip Drives
Authors: Edeler Christoph , Fatikow Sergej
Published: October 2011

In this paper a new method to generate forces with stick-slip micro drives is described. The forces are generated if the runner of the stick-slip drive operates against an obstacle. It is shown that the generated force can be varied selectively without additional sensors and that virtually any force between zero and a limiting force given by certain parameters can be generated. For the investigated micro actuator this force is typically in the range up to hundreds of mN. For this reason, the method has the potential to expand the application fields of stick-slip positioners. After the presentation of the testbed containing the measured linear axis, measurements showing the principle and important parameters are discussed. Furthermore, it is shown that the force generation can be qualitatively simulated using state-of-the-art friction models. Finally, the results are discussed and an outlook is given.
Adaptive Ontology-Based Web Information Retrieval
Authors: Pruski Cédric , Guelfi Nicolas , Reynaud Chantal
Published: October 2011

Finding relevant information on the Web is difficult for most users. Although Web search applications are improving, they must be more “intelligent” to adapt to the search domains targeted by queries, the evolution of these domains, and users’ characteristics. In this paper, the authors present the TARGET framework for Web Information Retrieval. The proposed approach relies on the use of ontologies of a particular nature, called adaptive ontologies, for representing both the search domain and a user’s profile. Unlike existing approaches on ontologies, the authors make adaptive ontologies adapt semi-automatically to the evolution of the modeled domain. The ontologies and their properties are exploited for domain specific Web search purposes. The authors propose graph-based data structures for enriching Web data in semantics, as well as define an automatic query expansion technique to adapt a query to users’ real needs. The enriched query is evaluated on the previously defined graph-based data structures representing a set of Web pages returned by a usual search engine in order to extract the most relevant information according to user needs. The overall TARGET framework is formalized using first-order logic and fully tool supported.
AmbiLearn
Authors: Hyndman Jennifer , Lunney Tom , Mc Kevitt Paul
Published: October 2011

In educational institutions computing technology is facilitating a dynamic and supportive learning environment for students. In recent years, much research has involved investigating the potential of technology for use in education and terms such as personalized learning, virtual learning environments, intelligent tutoring and m-learning have brought significant advances within higher education but have not propagated down to Primary Level. This paper discusses AmbiLearn, an ambient intelligent multimodal learning environment for children. The main objective of this research is to redress the limited use of virtual learning environments in primary school education. With a focus on multimodal presentation and learning environments, AmbiLearn explores the educational potential of such systems at Primary school level.
Development and Evaluation of a Dataset Generator Tool for Generating Synthetic Log Files Containing Computer Attack Signatures
Authors: O’Shaughnessy Stephen , Gray Geraldine
Published: October 2011

A key requirement for experimental analysis in the areas of network intrusion and computer forensics is the availability of suitable datasets. However, the inherent security and privacy issues surrounding these disciplines have resulted in a lack of available “test-bed” datasets for testing and evaluation purposes. Typically, the datasets required in these cases are from system log files, containing traces of computer misuse. Therefore, there is obvious potential for the use of synthetically generated log files that can accurately reproduce these traces or patterns of misuse. This paper discusses the development, testing, and evaluation of a dataset generator tool, designed to produce such datasets, particularly those containing patterns of common computer attacks.
GBF Trained Neuro-fuzzy Equalizer for Time Varying Channels
Authors: Sarangi Archana , Padhy Sasmita Kumari , Panigrahi Siba Prasada , Sarangi Shubhendu Kumar
Published: October 2011

This paper proposes a neuro-fuzzy filter for equalization of time-varying channels. Additionally, it proposes to tune the equalizer with a hybrid algorithm between Genetic Algorithms (GA) and Bacteria Foraging (BFO), termed as GBF. The major advantage of the method developed in this paper is that all parameters of the neuro-fuzzy network, including the rule base, are tuned simultaneously through the proposed hybrid algorithm of genetic Algorithm and bacteria foraging. The performance of the Neuro-Fuzzy equalizer designed using the proposed approach is compared with Genetic algorithm based equalizers. The results confirm that the methodology used in the paper is much better than existing approaches. The proposed hybrid algorithm also eliminates the limitations of GA based equalizer, i.e. the inherent characteristic of GA, i.e. GAs risk finding a sub-optimal solution.
Simulating Tolerance in Dynamic Social Networks
Authors: Lund Kristen , Zhang Yu
Published: October 2011

This paper studies the concept of tolerance in dynamic social networks where agents are able to make and break connections with neighbors to improve their payoffs. This problem was initially introduced to the authors by observing resistance (or tolerance) in experiments run in dynamic networks under the two rules that they have developed: the Highest Rewarding Neighborhood rule and the Highest Weighted Reward rule. These rules help agents evaluate their neighbors and decide whether to break a connection or not. They introduce the idea of tolerance in dynamic networks by allowing an agent to maintain a relationship with a bad neighbor for some time. In this research, the authors investigate and define the phenomenon of tolerance in dynamic social networks, particularly with the two rules. The paper defines a mathematical model to predict an agent’s tolerance of a bad neighbor and determine the factors that affect it. After defining a general version of tolerance, the idea of optimal tolerance is explored, providing situations in which tolerance can be used as a tool to affect network efficiency and network structure.
Requirements for a Forensically Ready Cloud Storage Service
Authors: Spyridopoulos Theodoros , Katos Vasilios
Published: October 2011

This paper examines the feasibility of developing a forensic acquisition tool in a distributed file system. Using GFS and KFS distributed file systems as vehicles and through representative scenarios and examples, the authors develop forensic acquisition processes and examine both the requirements of the tool and the distributed file system must meet in order to facilitate the acquisition. The authors conclude that cloud storage has features that can be leveraged to perform acquisition (such as redundancy and replication triggers) but also maintains a complexity, which is higher than traditional storage systems leading to a need for forensic-readiness-by-design.
LUARM
Authors: Magklaras G. , Furnell S. , Papadaki M.
Published: October 2011

Logging User Actions in Relational Mode (LUARM) is an open source audit engine for Linux. It provides a near real-time snapshot of a number of user action data such as file access, program execution and network endpoint user activities, all organized in easily searchable relational tables. LUARM attempts to solve two fundamental problems of the insider IT misuse domain. The first concerns the lack of insider misuse case data repositories that could be used by post-case forensic examiners to aid an incident investigation. The second problem relates to how information security researchers can enhance their ability to specify accurately insider threats at system level. This paper presents LUARM’s design perspectives and a ’post mortem’ case study of an insider IT misuse incident. The results show that the prototype audit engine has good potential to provide a valuable insight into the way insider IT misuse incidents manifest on IT systems and can be a valuable complement to forensic investigators of IT misuse incidents.
Bio-Inspired Techniques for Resources State Prediction in Large Scale Distributed Systems
Authors: Visan Andreea , Istin Mihai , Pop Florin , Cristea Valentin
Published: October 2011

The state prediction of resources in large scale distributed systems represents an important aspect for resources allocations, systems evaluation, and autonomic control. The paper presents advanced techniques for resources state prediction in Large Scale Distributed Systems, which include techniques based on bio-inspired algorithms like neural network improved with genetic algorithms. The approach adopted in this paper consists of a new fitness function, having prediction error minimization as the main scope. The proposed prediction techniques are based on monitoring data, aggregated in a history database. The experimental scenarios consider the ALICE experiment, active at the CERN institute. Compared with classical predicted algorithms based on average or random methods, the authors obtain an improved prediction error of 73%. This improvement is important for functionalities and performance of resource management systems in large scale distributed systems in the case of remote control ore advance reservation and allocation.
Defining Minimum Requirements of Inter-Collaborated Nodes by Measuring the Weight of Node Interactions
Authors: Sotiriadis Stelios , Bessis Nik , Huang Ye , Sant Paul , Maple Carsten
Published: October 2011

This paper focuses on defining the minimum requirements to support the inter-cooperation between various scales, dynamically evolved Virtual Organizations (VOs). This proposed method is able to assign a weighted value to each pair-wise path that each member (node) can select in order to locate neighbouring nodes according to their preferences. The method also takes into account the communication overhead between each node interaction. The weight of each path is to be measured by the analysis of prerequisites in order to achieve a mutually agreed interaction between nodes. Requirements are defined as the least parameters or conditions that a node needs to achieve in order to determine its accessibility factor. The motivation behind this work is the vision of the Critical Friends Community model, which is a suitable topology for interoperable grid environments. The topology suggests that capturing inter-cooperated nodes interactions that can be publicly available could lead to knowledge of neighbouring VO members which, in turn, could be used for facilitating a more effective resource discovery and selection decision.
Design and Implementation of Hybrid Time (HT) Group Communication Protocol for Homogeneous Broadcast Groups
Authors: Tsuneizumi Isamu , Aikebaier Ailixier , Ikeda Makoto , Enokido Tomoya , Takizawa Makoto
Published: October 2011

To realize the cooperation of a group of multiple peer processes (peers), messages sent by peers must be causally delivered to every peer. In a scalable group, it is necessary to reduce the communication overhead to causally deliver messages. In this paper, the authors take advantage of the linear time (LT) and physical time (PT) protocols, as the message length is O(n) for the number n of peers. However, some pairs are unnecessarily ordered, that is, even if a pair of messages is ordered in the protocols, the messages may not be causally ordered. The greater the number of messages that are unnecessarily ordered, the larger the overhead is implied since the messages must be kept in a receipt queue if a message is lost or delayed. This paper discusses a hybrid time group communication (HT) protocol that reduces the number of messages unnecessarily ordered. The HT protocol is evaluated in terms of the number of unnecessarily ordered messages compared with the PT and LT protocols. It is demonstrated that the number of unnecessarily ordered messages can be reduced in the HT protocol compared with the LT and PT protocols.
Using WarpPLS in e-Collaboration Studies
Authors: Kock Ned
Published: October 2011

This is a follow-up on two previous articles on WarpPLS and e-collaboration. The first discussed the five main steps through which a variance-based nonlinear structural equation modeling analysis could be conducted with the software WarpPLS (Kock, 2010b). The second covered specific features related to grouped descriptive statistics, viewing and changing analysis algorithm and resampling settings, and viewing and saving various results (Kock, 2011). This and the previous articles use data from the same e-collaboration study as a basis for the discussion of important WarpPLS features. Unlike the previous articles, the focus here is on a brief discussion of more advanced issues, such as: testing the significance of mediating effects, including control variables in an analysis, using second order latent variables, choosing the right warping algorithm, and using bootstrapping and jackknifing in combination.
WikiDesign
Authors: Monticolo Davy , Gomes Samuel
Published: October 2011

This paper presents a knowledge evaluation and evolution in a knowledge management system by using a Semantic Wiki approach. The authors describe a Semantic Wiki called WikiDesign which is a component of a Knowledge Management system. Currently WikiDesign is used in engineering departments of companies to emphasize technical knowledge. This study explains how WikiDesign ensures the reliability of the knowledge base thanks to a knowledge evaluation process. After explaining the interest of the use of semantic wikis in knowledge management approach, the architecture of WikiDesign with its semantic functionalities is described. The effectiveness of WikiDesign is proved with a knowledge evaluation example for an industrial project.
Effects of Built-in Audio versus Unrelated Background Music on Performance In an Adventure Role-Playing Game
Authors: Tan Siu-Lan , Baxa John , Spackman Matthew P.
Published: October 2011

This article presents an empirical study of the role of video game audio on performance. Twenty participants played The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess on the Wii console for a 45-minute session on five consecutive days. Employing a repeated measures design, the authors exposed players to one orientation session and four sound conditions, i.e., silence, remote control sounds, remote control and screen sounds, and unrelated music played on a boom-box, in a counterbalanced order. Performance was weakest when playing without sound, increasingly stronger with audio emitted by remote control only, and by remote-and-screen respectively. Surprisingly, the highest scores were earned when playing with music that was unrelated to players’ actions or events unfolding on screen. These findings point to the challenges of processing multisensory cues during the initial stages of an elaborate role-playing game, and suggest that the most effective players swiftly develop strategies incorporating task-relevant information conveyed by both sound and images.
Protecting User Privacy Better with Query l-Diversity
Authors: Liu Fuyu , Hua Kien A.
Published: October 2011

This paper examines major privacy concerns in location-based services. Most user privacy techniques are based on cloaking, which achieves location k-anonymity. The key is to reduce location resolution by ensuring that each cloaking area reported to a service provider contains at least k mobile users. However, maintaining location k-anonymity alone is inadequate when the majority of the k mobile users are interested in the same query subject. In this paper, the authors address this problem by defining a novel concept called query l-diversity, which requires diversified queries submitted from the k users. The authors propose two techniques: Expand Cloak and Hilbert Cloak to achieve query l-diversity. To show the effectiveness of the proposed techniques, they compare the improved Interval Cloak technique through extensive simulation studies. The results show that these techniques better protect user privacy.
Curriculum Design and Development for Computer Science and Similar Disciplines
Authors: Schagaev Igor , Bacon Elisabeth , Ioannides Nicholas
Published: October 2011

In this paper, curriculum design and development for computer science and similar disciplines as a formal model is introduced and analysed. Functions of education process as knowledge delivery and assessment are analysed. Structural formation of curriculum design is presented using definitive, characteristic and predictive functions. The process of changes in the discipline is also described and analysed. The authors then develop an algorithm to determine the core of the discipline and functions of the core moving and merging are introduced.