bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Speaking Snake
Authors: Fitzsimmons John
Published: May 2011

In the second Harry Potter novel, Harry discovers by accident that he is a Parselmouth, that he can speak “snake,” not crudely, like Dr. Dolittle, who speaks apparently perfect English to animals that somehow understand him, but actual “snake.” This chapter explores the basic proposition that those who read and teach literature have been speaking authentic learning all their lives, perhaps a little crudely — more Dr. Dolittle than Harry Potter — but speaking it nonetheless. This exploration will take the form of three related lines of reasoning. First, it will be argued that literature is and has always been a form of authentic learning to the extent of being an exemplary model. This assertion will be supported using an example from the Harry Potter series. Second, it will be argued that an engagement with the “real-life” themes of literature requires a conversation between the world of the text and that of its readers, thereby fulfilling one of the major requirements of authentic learning — situating content in context. It is not possible in this chapter to rehearse the discipline-specific and extensive critical and theoretical debates that might support this assertion, so an autobiographical example from the distinguished critic Gerald Graff will be used to evoke these debates instead. Third, it will be argued that methods of assessment in literary subjects might usefully adopt some of the principles of authentic learning to enhance the relation between assessment outcomes and the world of employment. The chapter concludes that some of the nervousness experienced by humanities academics when contemplating a more focused relation between their disciplines and the principles of authentic learning is misplaced.
Authentic Learning at Work
Authors: Hunt Lynne
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes models of work-based learning and outlines key features of the authentic learning pedagogy that informs its application. It contextualises work-based learning in the political and economic imperatives driving curriculum change in universities in the Western world. In so doing, it refers to curriculum development based on generic skills and notes analyses of the role of universities in contemporary society, with particular reference to the relative importance of practical and theoretical training. Innovative case studies provide practical examples of the implementation of authentic learning pedagogies through work-based university programs. The key to successful implementation is assessment, which links theory and practice. The underlying message of the chapter is that what counts are not the teaching and learning tools you have, but the way that you use them. There can be nothing more real than real, and this is the strength of work-based university learning: it offers authentic or situated learning environments that reflect the way knowledge will be used in real life.
Evaluation of the SCM Performances in Using of Global Logistics Information Technologies
Authors: Chan Pui Y. , Shi Xinping
Published: May 2011

This chapter explores and evaluates the performance of supply chain management (SCM) (i.e., effectiveness and efficiency) in using global logistics information technologies (GIST) (i.e., information technology [IT] and information systems [IS]) in Hong Kong firms. This chapter is organized as follows. First, previous research on the role of functional information systems for supply chain management is discussed. Next, the characteristics of information systems utilized for supply chain management are identified, based on factor analysis of sample data from 71 Hong Kong firms. Third, a conceptual model and hypothesis relating to utilization of information systems, information technology, and SCM performance will be identified. Discussion and recommendations are explained, based on the results.
Supply Chain Management in China
Authors: Liu Wei , Dan Wu , Xiao Chen
Published: May 2011

China, a high-developing country, is facing reform in the 21st century. Almost every company in China is undergoing some form of transformation in order to reduce costs and to maximize profits. It is easy to understand the position of the supply chain in a Chinese company, because taking good control of a supply chain means acquiring quality materials at lower costs, so that the cost of unit products will be dramatically reduced, and maximum profits will be made. However, in China, this is easier said than done. This chapter discusses the current status of supply chain management (SCM), challenges and solutions to SCM critical issues, and the role of technology used in SCM in China.
Describing the Critical Factors for Creating Successful Mobile Data Services
Authors: Tseng Anne , Kallio Jukka , Tinnila Markku
Published: May 2011

Mobile operators play a central role in the development of the mobile data services market. They have primary access to the customer relationship, a key source of revenue, and are responsible for how revenue is distributed to other participants in the value chain. As a result, a successful operator-driven business model is essential to the survival of the mobile data industry. The purpose of this chapter is to describe the critical factors that have influenced the results of operators based on countries that have been at the forefront of mobile data services innovation. Then, by comparing the key characteristics of operator-driven business models in these four cases around the world, we will describe the critical factors used in designing successful mobile data services.
Channel Surfing
Authors: Palmer Jonathan W.
Published: May 2011

The chapter describes opportunities in channel management at multiple levels, including customer-focused channels providing capabilities in managing customer contacts, sales, and service, as well as procurement and distribution channels. Examples are offered from the U.S. Government’s Federal Supply Service, UPS, FedEx, Staples, and PBM Plastics. This chapter summarizes the channels and suggests some likely scenarios for the future, including electronic marketplaces with agents, the evolution of mobile technology, wearable technology, and location-based services. The ability to mix old and new systems and to accommodate legacy as well as recently introduced system components is crucial for success. Perhaps as importantly, the ability to rearrange and reconfigure supply chain channel elements is critical to designing an agile and flexible channel management solution.
Pedagogical Issues
Authors: Khan Badrul
Published: May 2011

The pedagogical dimension of e-learning encompasses a large set of issues relating to teaching and learning: content analysis, audience analysis, goal analysis, media analysis, design approach, and organization, learning strategies and blending strategies. The following is an outline for the chapter:• Content analysis • Audience analysis • Goal analysis • Medium analysis • Design approach • Instructional strategies • Organization • Blending strategies
Small & Simple
Authors: Barlow Michael , Cox Robert
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses the use of abstract multi-agent models of conflict — ABDs (Agent-Based Distillation) — for security and defense purposes. The chapter promotes a complex-systems, bottom-up approach to modeling conflict in a highly abstracted manner. Three ABDs drawn from three application areas – Operations Analysis, Wargaming (decision support) and Counter-Terrorist Activity — are used as illustrations. The history, philosophy and design approach of ABDs are discussed, including the key features of abstraction, bottom-up modeling, ease of use and rapid exploration of the parameter space of a problem. Challenges facing the successful design, implementation and deployment of ABDs are discussed, including appropriate level of abstraction, validation, acceptance, parameter setting and understanding of the range of outcomes generated. The Conceptual Research Oriented Combat Agent Distillation Implemented in the Littoral Environment (CROCADILE) ABD is used to illustrate the design of an ABD, highlighting that they are not complex pieces ofsoftware by military simulation standards. A patrol scenario is constructed in which a team of patrolling agents seeks to intercept an infiltrator crossing a border. The relative benefits of increasing sensor and communication capabilities of the patrol are explored in terms of the patrol’s ability to successfully intercept the infiltrator. The Tactical Decision Support System (TDSS) ABD shows a different application of the technology — in this case, wargaming Courses Of Action (COA). An experiment is described utilizing officers from the Australian Royal Military College to wargame COA using both traditional and TDSS approaches. For the TDSS approach, significant improvement in outcomes across a range of criteria was found by both the officers using the system and the evaluating staff. Finally, the System for Life and Intelligence Modeling (SLIM) ABD is used to explore the consequences of a government’s arrest policies in a homeland defense scenario. The model incorporates different geographic regions (homeland, foreign deployment, etc.), borders, terrorists, civilians, police, military, forensic evidence and bomb attacks. The consequences of lowering or raising the arrest threshold in terms of the amount of evidence required against an individual agent are shown in terms of bomb attacks, deaths, terrorists arrested and civilians wrongly arrested.
The Evolving Web Presence of SMEs
Authors: Mendo Fernando A. , Fitzgerald Guy
Published: May 2011

This chapter reviews current approaches to the study of the progression of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their use of Internet technologies. It is argued that a research framework that combines three different dimensions of organisational change (process, content, and drivers) offers an alternative approach to e-commerce stage models in understanding the evolution of SMEs Web sites over time. Furthermore, a study of 192 Web sites and their evolution over ten moths is described to demonstrate the relevance and applicability of the dimensions of the framework. The study describes the different approaches (monitoring, content analysis, and telephone interviews) and the characteristics of changes on these Web sites. The proposed framework is argued to be useful to academics, providing multiple perspectives enabling more insightful study of SMEs e-business adoption and progression, and avoiding breakdown, a priori theory, for example, stage models. The framework is also argued to be useful for SME managers seeking to make the most of their limited resources in this context.
An Investigation of SMTE Web Site Usage in Australia
Authors: Davidson Andrew P. , Burgess Andrew , Sellitto Carmine
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines the Web site development and usage practices of Australian small and medium tourism businesses (SMTEs). A list of barriers and motivators to the successful use of information and communications technologies (ICTs) in small business are examined, and a profile of Internet usage practices in Australian small businesses in general and SMTEs in particular is provided. One particular barrier that is not matched by a motivator is the lack of effective planning by small businesses. A number of planning models are examined, with one (Burgess, 2002) selected for comparison with the activities of SMTEs in selected parts of urban and rural Australia. Some 59 SMTEs were interviewed for the purpose of assessing their Web site development. In general, SMTEs generally performed a little better than we expected—but not all of them and even those that did had room for improvement. There were some variations between urban and rural SMTEs, but not as many as we expected. The main outcome of this investigation is that, although SMTEs performed slightly better than we would have expected in relation to the planning model, there is still a great deal of scope for those that have performed adequately to perform better and still a great number of SMTEs that do very little planning at all for their Web site implementations.
Government Intervention in SMEs' E-Commerce Adoption
Authors: Scupola Ada
Published: May 2011

This study investigates the role of government in the adoption and diffusion of e-commerce in small and medium size enterprises. Institutional involvement, and especially the role of government, has historically been determinant in the adoption and diffusion of technological innovations. King, Gurbaxani, Kraemer, McFarlan, Raman, and Yap’s (1994) framework of institutional factors in information technology innovation is used to analyze what is actually done and what SMEs would like to be done regarding government intervention to foster the adoption and diffusion of e-commerce. The findings show that the government could mostly influence adoption and diffusion through knowledge deployment, subsidies, and mobilization and that a convergence between companies’ wishes and government initiatives is starting taking place.
Contemporary Video Game AI
Authors: Charles Darryl , Fyfe Colin , Livingstone Daniel , McGlinchey Stephen
Published: May 2011

This chapter provides a brief outline of the history of video game AI – and hence by extension an extremely brief outline of some of the key points in the history of video games themselves. The objectives of this chapter are to provide an overview of this broad topic, and to outline those areas which this book will focus on – and to explain why other areas of game AI will not concern us.
Artificial Immune Systems
Authors: Charles Darryl , Fyfe Colin , Livingstone Daniel , McGlinchey Stephen
Published: May 2011

We now consider the problem of introducing more intelligence into the artificial intelligence’s responses in real-time strategy games (RTS). We discuss how the paradigm of artificial immune systems (AIS) gives us an effective model to improve the AI’s responses and demonstrate with simple games how the AIS work. We further discuss how the AIS paradigm enables us to extend current games in ways which make the game more sophisticated for both human and AI. In this chapter, we show how strategies may be dynamically created and utilised by an artificial intelligence in a real-time strategy (RTS) game. We develop as simple as possible RTS games in order to display the power of the method we use.
Fundamental Issues in Automated Market Making
Authors: Nemyvaka Yuriy , Sycara Katia , Seppi Duane J.
Published: May 2011

The goal of this chapter is to establish an analytical foundation for electronic market making. We use two classes of models to reason about this domain: structured and relaxed. In our structured model, we will formalize the decision process of a dealer and then use a simple class of trading strategies to highlight several fundamental issues in market making. In our relaxed model, we treat the dealer’s quotes and transaction prices as a simple time series. We apply statistical techniques to discern possible structure in the data and then make conclusions about the dealer’s optimal behavior. Our main interest is a normative automation of the securities dealer’s activities, as opposed to explanatory modeling of human traders, which is the primary concern of earlier studies in this area.
An Application of Multi-Agent Simulation to Policy Appraisal in the Criminal Justice System
Authors: Boyle Seán , Guerin Stephen , Kunkle Daniel
Published: May 2011

This chapter reports on a multi-agent approach to the construction of a model of the English criminal justice system. The approach is an integration of model-building with ways of enabling people to engage in strategic policy making and take into account the complex interactions of the criminal justice system. From the workings of the police to court procedures to prisons, decisions in one area of the criminal justice system can be crucial in determining what happens in another area. The purpose was to allow assessment of the impact across the whole justice system of a variety of policies.
On the Usage of Structural Distance Metrics for Mining Hierarchical Structures
Authors: Dalamagas Theodore , Cheng Tao , Selis Timos
Published: May 2011

The recent proliferation of XML-based standards and technologies demonstrates the need for effective management of hierarchical structures. Such structures are used, for example, to organize data in product catalogs, taxonomies of thematic categories, concept hierarchies, etc. Since the XML language has become the standard data exchange format on the Web, organizing data in hierarchical structures has been vastly established. Even if data are not stored natively in such structures, export mechanisms make data publicly available in hierarchical structures to enable its automatic processing by programs, scripts and agents. Processing data encoded in hierarchical structures has been a popular research issue, resulting in the design of effective query languages. However, the inherent structural aspect of such encodings has not received strong attention till lately, when the requirement for mining tasks, like clustering/classification methods, similarity ranking, etc., on hierarchical structures has been raised. The key point to perform such tasks is the design of a structural distance metric to quantify the structural similarity between hierarchical structures. The chapter will study distance metrics that capture the structural similarity between hierarchical structures and approaches that exploit structural distance metrics to perform mining tasks on them.
Structural Similarity Measures in Sources of XML Documents
Authors: Guerrini Giovanna , Mesiti Marco , Bertino Elisa
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses existing approaches to evaluate and measure structural similarity in sources of XML documents. A relevant peculiarity of XML documents, indeed, is that information on the document structure is available in the document itself. In the chapter we present different approaches aiming at evaluating structural similarity at three different levels: among documents, between a document and a schema, and among schemas. The most relevant applications of such measures are for document classification and schema extraction, and for document and schema structural clustering, though other interesting applications such as document change detection and structural querying can be devised, and will be discussed throughout the chapter.
Data Mining in Gene Expression Analysis
Authors: Han Jilin , Gruenwald Le , Conway Tyrrell
Published: May 2011

The study of gene expression levels under defined experimental conditions is an important approach to understand how a living cell works. High-throughput microarray technology is a very powerful tool for simultaneously studying thousands of genes in a single experiment. This revolutionary technology results in an extensive amount of data, which raises an important question: how to extract meaningful biological information from these data? In this chapter, we survey data mining techniques that have been used for clustering, classification and association rules for gene expression data analysis. In addition, we provide a comprehensive list of currently available commercial and academic data mining software together with their features. Lastly, we suggest future research directions.
Challenges, Opportunities and Solutions for Ubiquitous Eldercare
Authors: Bellavista Paolo , Bottazzi Dario , Corradi Antonio , Montanari Rebecca
Published: May 2011

A non-negligible number of elder citizens, who represent a growing fraction of the population in developed countries, have to face a number of daily-life problems stemming from their partial and progressive loss of motor, sensorial, and cognitive skills. That often makes it difficult or impossible to live autonomously and, in today’s small families, often forces elder hospitalization. Device miniaturization and ubiquitous connectivity can provide the technological support for valid alternatives to hospitalization, capable of reducing welfare costs, elder sense of loneliness, and elder exclusion from social relationships. On the one hand, wired and wireless sensors and actuators can improve elder life independence, for example, by transforming homes in smart eldercare environments with remote health-status monitoring, remote diagnostics, and facilitated house activities. On the other hand, pervasive wireless computing enables novel opportunities for caregivers, elders, and their family members, friends, and neighbors to collaborate and coordinate in an impromptu way to provide eldercare and social support anytime and anywhere. The chapter overviews the state-of-art of solutions for elder assistance, typically at home, and for coordinated-care networking by pointing out the need for advanced context-aware frameworks to properly establish ubiquitous and spontaneous communities of helpers when needed.
Protocols
Authors: Polgar Jana , Braum Robert Mark , Polgar Tony
Published: May 2011

Today’s enterprises increasingly rely on the Web to support their operations, global business, and integration of their business processes with those of their suppliers, partners, and customers. This requires that the architecture and design of business systems and applications should allow collaboration among distributed software components. The attempts to support collaboration and integration of heterogeneous systems led to the creation of a number of protocols and middleware. To mention a few, Common Request Broker Architecture (CORBA), Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM), and Java-based Remote Method Invocation (RMI) have been developed and widely used. In addition, supporting pipelines (communication protocols) have emerged over the years. There are many protocols used in building large Web service applications or portals. This section introduces two main protocols — Universal Description, Discovery and Integration (UDDI) and Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), and explains the properties of URI, URL, and URN.
Portals
Authors: Polgar Jana , Braum Robert Mark , Polgar Tony
Published: May 2011

In the following sections, the concepts of portals and portlets, but not the entire portlet specification, are explained. First, some fundamental aspects of portlet development need to be presented in order to ensure your understanding. We will start with some definitions pertaining to portal components. • Client’s point of view: A portal is an integrated and personalized Web-based application that provides the end user with a single point of access to a wide variety of aggregated content (data, knowledge, and services), anytime and from anywhere, using any Web-enabled client device. This definition represents the client’s view of a portal application. • Developer’s point of view: A portlet is a Java based Web component managed by a portlet container that processes requests and generates dynamic content. A portlet container provides a run time environment for portlets and manages their lifecycle.
Installation and Maintenance Costs
Authors: Polgar Jana , Braum Robert Mark , Polgar Tony
Published: May 2011

The decision regarding which Web server, portal engine, or particular technology to use is never an independent, straightforward process. Typically, the manufacturers’ recommendations are well founded, and only very experienced implementers, or those who wish to experiment, should mix and match various products. A basic premise can be made (with some caveats) that all major Web/portal products are comparable, although not identical. Current portal implementations do not guarantee compatibility, in spite of the existing standards.
Managing Portals
Authors: Polgar Jana , Braum Robert Mark , Polgar Tony
Published: May 2011

Can a development manager with experience in other Web technologies easily become a successful portal development manager? Is there anything specific that a portal development manager must know about the technology? Are the best practices in Web development applicable to portlet development? Portal development and other kinds of Web development typically include informational and functional components. The informational components are documents and content (such as hyperlinks, plain textual information, and graphics) that are placed in portlets and that can be equipped with search capabilities. These components may have capabilities for information processing, such as content management, publishing, and document management. The functional components provide access to data processing through functional portlets. Often, the two types of components reside on the same page. A typical but simplistic example would be a portlet that provides access to accounts receivable, with another portlet providing help or training on the subject of receivables. The two portlets are related and reside on the same page.
CRM Systems in German Hospitals
Authors: Raisinghani Mahesh S. , Tan E-Lin , Untama Jose Antonio , Weiershaus Heidi
Published: May 2011

German public hospitals face governmental and regulatory pressures to implement efficiency and effectiveness metrics, such as the classification of a Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG) system, by the year 2005. The current average patient stay of nine days in German hospitals is relatively high compared to France with 5.5 days and USA with 6.2 days. CRM will help increase customer satisfaction, loyalty and retention. Multiple case studies, including one German hospital compared to two Dutch hospitals, as well as interviews with the management of two additional German hospitals, reveal that no hospital currently has an integrated CRM system. Rather, separate organizational functions collect and store quantitative and qualitative patient data. Furthermore, the challenges of data sharing and data security are significant barriers for technological changes in hospitals. This study focuses on CRM in a modern German hospital as it realigns its processes and strategies in order to focus on efficiency and customer satisfaction in a very competitive market.
New Forms of Collaboration & Information Sharing in Grocery Retailing
Authors: Pramatari Katerina , Doukidis Georgios I.
Published: May 2011

In spring 2001, Veropoulos, the third biggest retailer in Greece and three of its top suppliers together with a service provider, started a pilot implementation to experiment with collaborative store ordering. The pilot involved the ordering from the retailer’s stores to their central warehouse as well as to the direct-store-delivery suppliers. The four companies together with the service provider were starting an ambitious plan to use the Internet technology in order to enable the sharing of daily POS data between retail stores and suppliers with the objective to streamline the store replenishment process. This effort resulted in significant business results but at the same time several pitfalls and challenges as far as the use of technology was concerned.
Adoption & Implementation of IT in Developing Nations
Authors: Tarafdar Monideepa , Vaidya Sanjiv D.
Published: May 2011

This case describes challenges in the adoption and implementation of IT in two public sector enterprises in the postal and distribution businesses respectively, in India. In spite of similarities in the scale of operations and the general cultural contexts, the IT adoption processes and outcomes of the two organizations were significantly different. While one failed to implement IT in its crucial processes, the other responded effectively to changes in external conditions by developing and using IT applications for critical functions. The case illustrates how differences in organizational factors such as top management commitment, unions, middle management participation, capabilities of IS professionals and specific aspects of organization culture resulted in such differences. The case is interesting and significant because it is representative of experiences of many government-aided organizations in India, which have undertaken IT modernization as a response to external changes and government mandates. The findings can also be generalized across similar organizations in other developing countries.
IT-Business Strategic Alignment Maturity
Authors: Sledgianowski Deb , Luftman Jerry
Published: May 2011

Both information technology (IT) and business leaders are continually looking for management practices to help them align their IT and business strategies. Alignment seems to grow in importance as companies strive to link IT and business in light of dynamic business strategies and continuously evolving technologies. Importance aside, what is not clear is how to achieve and sustain harmony among business and IT, how to assess the maturity of alignment, and what the impact of misalignment might be on the firm. This case study describes the use of a management process and assessment tool that can help to promote long-term IT-business strategic alignment. The Strategic Alignment Maturity (SAM) assessment (Luftman, 2000) is used as a framework to demonstrate the evolution of an international specialty chemicals manufacturer’s IT-business alignment practices to enable the achievement of their corporate goals. Major insights from their experience and SAM best practices are highlighted.
Today's IT Environment
Authors: Brandon Daniel M.
Published: May 2011

In the last few years, information technology (IT) has significantly impacted the operation of most businesses, and even though most corporations still spend only 3% to 8% of their revenue on IT, businesses depend upon IT for their day-to-day operations. For many businesses, IT is a, if not the, key factor in their competitive strategy. Due to IT, we have all experienced many changes, some good some bad, in our personal lives. In fact, probably not since the industrial revolution have people all over the world experienced such dramatic life-style changes. One is reminded of the opening sentence from A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Dickens was referring to the French Revolution, but in the 21st century we are well into the “IT Revolution.” In regard to project management, there are two IT related matters: the utilization of IT in managing all types of projects and the management of IT projects. Before we further discuss these project management matters in this modern IT dominated world, we need to consider the technical and business forces that are shaping this new environment.
Project Execution and Control
Authors: Brandon Daniel M.
Published: May 2011

In fairy tales and traditional romance movies, the story ended when the prince found his soul mate, married her, and rode off with her into the sunset. The ending caption said: “They lived happily ever after.” Well, we know that real life is not quite that simple; after the marriage comes the most difficult (and, one hopes, interesting) part. Similarly, a great project contract and plan is of little consequence without constant monitoring and control. Once the project is planned and underway, the project manager cannot simply ride away and assume that everything will go according to plan. To insure success, many project matters need to be monitored; if a matter deviates from the plan, then some form of control must be exerted to bring the situation back in line with the plan. In this chapter I discuss the many matters that need to be monitored for IT projects, how best to monitor each matter, and what type of control actions may be appropriate for each.
Change and Closeout Management
Authors: Brandon Daniel M.
Published: May 2011

Change is a fact of life for most projects, particularly IT projects. The biggest single cause of project overruns is changes in scope (Hallows, 1998). Change can be for the good or the bad, but change is to be expected, and change has to be managed. This chapter is concerned with that management process.
Enacting and Interpreting Technology- From Usage to Well-Being
Authors: Gigler Björn-Sören
Published: May 2011

Under which conditions can information and communications technologies (ICTs) enhance the well-being of indigenous communities? This chapter investigates this question, focusing on the role of information and communications technology in promoting indigenous peoples’ development. First, the chapter analyzes key factors under which information and knowledge can be instrumental and substantive for the empowerment of marginalized groups. Hereby, it will be argued that improved informational capabilities, similar to the enhancement of a person’s writing and reading skills, can enhance poor people’s capabilities to make strategic life choices and to achieve the lifestyle they value. The chapter develops an alternative evaluation framework for ICT interventions based on Sen’s capability approach. This framework places, in contrast to the current discourse around the digital divide, the human development of the poor and not technology at the center of the analysis. The chapter concludes that a direct and causal relationship between ICTs and enhanced well-being does not exist, but that in fact this relationship is being shaped by a dynamic, multi-dimensional interrelationship between technology and the social context.
Building Virtual Communities Through a De-Marginalized View of Knowledge Networking
Authors: Vat Kam H.
Published: May 2011

The chapter investigates an actionable context of knowledge networking, from the perspective of sustainable development which should accommodate the building of communities in cyberspace so much exemplified in today’s Internet and World Wide Web. The premise of this exploration is that members, or participants, in any community are engaged in learning that is critical to the survival and reproduction of that community. Through community participation, learners find and acquire models and have the opportunity themselves to become models and apprentices of others. This investigation provides a basis for thinking about the possibilities of a virtual community and the dynamics of its construction across a variety of computer-based contexts. The design and refinement of technology as the conduit for extending and enhancing the possibilities of virtual community building is an essential issue, but the role of the individuals as participants in such a community is as important. The idea of sustainable knowledge networking is to bring about continual learning and change for the community in need. The emergent challenge of such a mission is to de-marginalize many of the non-technical issues of building virtual communities for knowledge transfer and learning. The chapter concludes by reiterating the challenge of expositing what it means to create an appropriate context of knowledge networking through which purposeful actions can be supported with the elaboration of suitable information technologies.
Reinforcement Learning-Based Intelligent Agents for Improved Productivity in Container Vessel Berthing Applications
Authors: Lokuge Prasanna , Alahakoon Damminda
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces the use of hybrid intelligent agents in a vessel berthing application. Vessel berthing in container terminals is regarded as a very complex, dynamic application, which requires autonomous decision-making capabilities to improve the productivity of the berths. In this chapter, the dynamic nature of the container vessel berthing system has been simulated with reinforcement learning theory, which essentially learns what to do by interaction with the environment. Other techniques, such as Belief-Desire-Intention (BDI) agent systems have also been implemented in many business applications. The chapter proposes a new hybrid agent model using an Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), neural networks, and reinforcement learning methods to improve the reactive, proactive and intelligent behavior of generic BDI agents in a shipping application.
One School/Two Campuses
Authors: Fayard Anne-Laure
Published: May 2011

INSEAD, an international business school with campuses in France and Singapore, discovered first-hand the opportunities and challenges that distance and technology can bring for teams and collaboration among knowledge workers. Using off-the-shelf technologies, I used this situation to experiment with a distributed classroom experience in an MBA course. The course was project-based and students had to work on a consulting project in virtual teams distributed in Asia and Europe. This chapter documents the design and implementation of the course and provides lessons for teaching successful transnational classrooms. Observations conducted during this course suggest that the “class,” which is enacted with the feeling of belonging to the same group, is a socio-technical construction. Participants evolved their practices and adapted the technology during the course in order to facilitate communication and smooth out interactions across the sites.
Future Directions and Challenges
Authors: George Susan Ella
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we take a reflective look at these 21st century technologies, considering the future directions. Rather than specific projects or predictions about what AI might achieve, we consider the future in broader terms. First, we examine the penetration of AI technologies into society, observing that much AI is embedded in existing products. These products are commonplace and accepted, and people are often unaware that AI has even been utilised in them. AI will improve processes and services and continue to enhance tasks and operations that must be done manually. We consider how this trend will continue in the future. As the machine gains “intelligence” to act in society, the need to “relate” to the human world increases.
Imagining E-Science beyond Computation
Authors: Wouters Paul , Beaulieu Anne
Published: May 2011

This chapter problematizes the relation between the varied modes of knowledge production in the sciences and humanities, and the assumptions underlying the design of current e-science initiatives. Using the notion of “epistemic culture” to analyze various areas of scientific research practices, we show that current conceptions of e-science are firmly rooted in, and shaped by, computer science. This specificity limits the circulation of e-science approaches in other fields. We illustrate this using the case of women’s studies, a contrasting epistemic culture. A view of e-science through the analytic lens of epistemic cultures therefore illustrates the limitations of e-science and its potential to be reinvented.
Cyberinfrastructure for Next Generation Scholarly Publishing
Authors: Nentwich Michael
Published: May 2011

This chapter deals with the future of scholarly publications as a key element of the knowledge production process of science and research. Publications are both at the input and the output side of knowledge creation and an important means of communication among scientists. In the age of cyberscience, or e-science, the publishing system is changing rapidly and we expect more fundamental changes to come as soon as most scholarly publishing has gone online and researchers have started to explore the new opportunities. A new kind of infrastructure is emerging that will add new actors to the traditional ones and potentially adds new functions and mechanisms. The chapter outlines the status quo and new technological as well as organizational options for scholarly publishing and develops a scenario of the next generation academic publishing system. It concludes with practical recommendations for designing the scholarly e-publishing cyberinfrastructure of the future.
Gender Stratification and E-Science
Authors: Palackal Antony , Anderson Meredith , Miller B. Paige , Shrum Wesley
Published: May 2011

Can the internet improve the lot of women in the developing world? This study investigates the degree to which the internet affects the constraints on women pursuing scientific careers. We address this question in the context of the scientific community of Kerala, India, developing a “circumvention” argument that fundamentally implicates information and communication technologies in shaping gender roles. We begin by reviewing two main constraints identified in prior research (educational and research localism) that increase the likelihood of restricted professional networks. Next, we examine the extent to which women scientists have gained access to e-science technologies. With evidence of increased access, we argue that the presence of connected computers in the home has increased consciousness of the importance of international contacts. We conclude by proposing that internet connectivity is helping women scientists to circumvent, but not yet undermine, the patrifocal social structure that reduces social capital and impedes career development.
Delivering Computerized Assessments Safely and Securely
Authors: Shepherd Eric , Kleeman John , Phaup Joan
Published: May 2011

The use of computers to assess knowledge, skills, and attitudes is now universal. Today, distinguishing between the various delivery and security requirements for each style of assessment is becoming increasingly important. It is essential to differentiate between the different styles of computerized assessments in order to deploy assessments safely, securely, and cost effectively. This chapter provides a methodology for assessing the security requirements for delivering computer-based assessments and discusses appropriate security measures based on the purpose and nature of those assessments. It is designed to help readers understand the issues that need to be addressed in order to balance the need for security with the need for cost effectiveness. The authors hope to give readers a working knowledge of the technological innovations that are making it easier to ensure the safety and security of a wide range of computerized assessments including online tests, quizzes, and surveys.
Technology Competency and Associated Challenges
Authors: Inoue Yukiko , Bell Suzanne
Published: May 2011

Bill Gates stated in a speech, “In all areas of the curriculum, teachers must teach an information-based inquiry process to meet the demands of the Information Age. This is the challenge for the world’s most important profession. Meeting this challenge will be impossible unless educators are willing to join the revolution and embrace the new technology tools available.”…. Every educator looks at the integration of technology—and its challenges — from a different perspective. Technology coordinators view the problems of insufficient hardware, software, and training as major obstacles. Teachers consider the lack of time to develop technology-based lesson a concern. Administrators identify teachers’ lack of experience using technology in instruction as yet another challenge. Teachers and administrators, however, can and are beginning to overcome these barriers with effective leadership, proper training, planning, and a commitment to enhancing teaching and learning using technologies. (Shelly, Cashman, Gunter, & Gunter, 2004, pp. 6.10-6.11)
Values, Beliefs Attitudes, and Behavior
Authors: Levy Yair
Published: May 2011

In three books on issues related to the construct of value, Rokeach (1969, 1973, 1979) contributed significantly to the overall understanding of value construct as a psychological phenomenon. In his first book, titled Beliefs, Attitudes, and Values: A Theory of Organization and Change, Rokeach (1969) presented a philosophical argument for the importance and association of value to other psychological aspects such as beliefs and attitudes. In his second, book titled The Nature of Human Values, Rokeach (1973) presented his value theory and an instrument to assess value, known as Rokeach’s Value Survey, or RVS, as well as the rationale and validity of his survey instrument. In a third book, titled Understanding Human Values, Rokeach (1979) discussed the validity of his value theory along with a review of research studies that employed his theory in different research fields. Rokeach (1969) discussed the differences between: values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. He suggested that values are underlying dispositions for individual’s beliefs, attitude, and behavior. In the following section, a review of such differences is presented in the context of information systems in general and e-learning systems in particular. Although the aim of this study is not to provide empirical evidence for such a sequence (i.e. value impacts on beliefs, attitude, and behavior), the relationships presented in literature among such constructs are valuable in developing a framework to assess e-learning systems’ effectiveness that is built upon value theory. Furthermore, some IS scholars include attitudes and behaviors (or system usage) as constructs contributing to IS effectiveness. However, a review of these constructs in value theory literature is essential as it suggests these are mediating constructs rather than effecting constructs such as value and satisfaction.
Value, Satisfaction, and Effectiveness
Authors: Levy Yair
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, a comprehensive review of the major literature streams is presented and serves as a foundation for this book. To identify the relevant theories of value, this chapter starts with a discussion of the value theory from the field of behavioral research psychology and explores its implications on research in the fields of education, marketing, and information systems (IS). Rokeach’s Value Survey (RVS) theory, List of Values (LOV) theory, and value of information systems are discussed as the theoretical foundation for this study of learners’ perceived value of e-learning systems. To identify the relevant theories for studying user satisfaction of information systems, this chapter provides a discussion of two valid theories of user satisfaction from the IS field. User Information Satisfaction (UIS) theory and End-User Computing Satisfaction (EUCS) theory are presented as the foundation for guiding the assessment measures related to learners’ perceived satisfaction with e-learning systems. In the pursuit of development of a sound instrument to assess learners’ perceived e-learning systems effectiveness, this chapter continues with a discussion of IS Effectiveness theory from the field of information systems. Technology mediated learning (TML) literature from IS and education is presented (e.g., Alavi, 1994; Alavi, Wheeler, & Valacich, 1995; Hiltz & Johnson, 1990; Hiltz & Wellman, 1997; Leidner & Jarvenpaa, 1993; Marks, 2000; Piccoli, Ahmad, & Ives, 2001; Webster & Hackley, 1997).