bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information Technology Assessment for Knowledge Management
Authors: Sharma Sushil K. , Gupta Jatinder D. , Wickramasinghe Nilmini
Published: May 2011

New technologies, increasingly demanding customers, new aggressive competitors, and innovations in products and value now characterize our current competitive environment. Organizations of the 21st century have no choice but to invest in new technologies, especially knowledge management tools to enhance their services and products in order to meet the demands of today’s information-driven, globally competitive marketplace. Knowledge embedded in systems, brains and technology has always been the key to economic development. However, knowledge management is increasingly being viewed as a strategy to leverage a firm’s knowledge and best practices to serve customers and to be competitive. Several organizations have already started experimenting with knowledge management initiatives to capture and capitalize on knowledge assets and thereby claim the enormous benefits afforded by such endeavors, including improved profitability and transformation of their businesses into new generation businesses. This chapter develops a technology assessment model for knowledge management indicating what kinds of computing and communication systems any organization needs in order for it to have a sound knowledge management approach.
Inducing Enterprise Knowledge Flows
Authors: Nissen Mark
Published: May 2011

The knowledge-based organization appears to offer great promise in terms of performance and capability. Indeed, many researchers are actively working to understand how organizational strategy, structure and technology can be combined and integrated to harness the competitive power of knowledge. However, knowledge is not evenly distributed through the organization, so rapid and efficient knowledge flow is critical to enterprise performance. This chapter builds upon the current state of the art pertaining to knowledge flow, and it develops a model to help induce the flow of knowledge through an organization. Because of the time-critical nature of most knowledge work in the modern enterprise, we focus in particular on knowledge dynamics, to enable rapid and efficient flow, and to help the enterprise become more knowledge-based. Using a global manufacturing firm as an example to illustrate how the knowledge-flow model provides practical guidance, we identify knowledge elements that are critical to effective performance in an unpredictable, dynamic business environment, and we use the multidimensional model to illustrate how to identify specific knowledge flows required for success. Further analysis reveals that different knowledge flows require different approaches in terms of IT and process changes — with the attendant insight that one size does not fit all in terms of knowledge management — and a specific focus on clumped knowledge and constricted flows enables the experienced manager to work through the necessary interventions—often with the set of tools and processes already present in the organization. We also illustrate how the multidimensional model can be augmented to depict the relative flow times associated with various knowledge elements, which provides a rough schedule as well as a roadmap to use for planning requisite knowledge flows for the knowledge-based organization.
Knowledge in the Modern Organisation
Authors: Hildreth Paul
Published: May 2011

The case study features a distributed international Community of Practice (CoP). CoPs are currently playing a major role in Knowledge Management (KM), and as organisations need to operate in a global economy, CoPs are having to function more and more in distributed environments. This chapter provides a context and background for the study by exploring the need for organisations to capitalise on their knowledge.
Stage Two-Visiting the American Core
Authors: Hildreth Paul
Published: May 2011

Chapter VI describes Stage Two of the case study. Here we participate in a visit made by the UK core of the CoP to visit its peers in the US. In Stage Two, we want to focus on the issues and insights gained from our time with the UK core. In particular, Stage One showed us the importance of relationships for sustaining a distributed CoP and the importance of a face-to-face element in the development of the relationships. In Stage Two, we can observe the face-to-face element between the cores. Stage One also showed us the importance of the development and use of a shared artefact in the form of the planning document. In Stage Two, we can follow the continued development and use of the planning document.
The Perils of Access and Immediacy
Authors: Brennan Linda L.
Published: May 2011

What are the potential issues created by the increased access and immediacy offered by information technology? The following chapter suggests how to anticipate these “perils” by applying a conceptual framework, as well as by understanding specific examples and by anticipating future trends. Implications for developers and users of information technology are discussed with suggestions for leveraging access and immediacy while mitigating their perils.
The Theory of Responsibility and Information Systems
Authors: Stahl Bernd Carsten
Published: May 2011

In the broadest possible sense, responsibility is “but a set of practices that we use to describe and understand individual and social behaviour” (French, 1992, p. IX). In order to understand how we can use the term as a description and what results from the description, one must be aware of possible definitions, implications, dimensions, conditions, etc. In this chapter we will therefore attempt to describe all these different features of the word. In a first step we will look at the overall definitions that can be found in the literature and the implied objectives of its use. This part will also contain a first reflection on how responsibility relates to ethics and morality. The next part of this chapter will analyse the conditions that are commonly named for the ascription of responsibility. This will then allow us to discuss the classical dimensions, namely subject, object, and instance. From there we will proceed to take a look at the other relevant determinants of responsibility such as type, temporal dimension, sort of imputation, and the limits of ascription. As a summary we will extract the implications that most sorts and definitions of responsibility share. In total this chapter will lay the theoretical groundwork needed for addressing the problems that responsibility in information systems pose, which will then be discussed in the following chapters.
Online Collaborative Learning in Mathematics
Authors: Nason Rod , Woodruff Earl
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses why computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL) environments have been unsuccessful in facilitating knowledge building in mathematics. It identifies two of the major reasons why this is so and suggests these issues could be overcome by the inclusion of model-eliciting mathematical problems and comprehension modeling tools within CSCL environments. Theoretical frameworks to inform the design of these two types of artifacts are presented. The authors argue that such innovations in the design of CSCL environments are necessary for students to achieve in mathematics the kind of sustained, progressive knowledge building that can now be found in other subject areas.
Drawing on Design to Improve Evaluation of Computer Supported Collaborative Learning
Authors: Nash John B. , Richter Christoph , Allert Heidrun
Published: May 2011

This chapter addresses theoretical frameworks for the evaluation of computer-supported learning environments. It outlines the characteristics and obstacles this evaluation must face with regard to projects that design learning experiences, stressing the notion that human-computer interaction is imbedded in social context that is complex and dynamic. The authors examine how scenario-based design and program theory can contribute to the design and evaluation of computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) and present a case study in which both approaches are applied. Based on the revealed complementary frameworks, a compelling approach is drafted that combines both of them. Our goal is to make CSCL designers more aware of the benefits of evaluative thinking in their work and to introduce two tangible approaches to evaluation that, when implemented as a design step, can strengthen CSCL initiatives.
Design Levels for Distance and Online Learning
Authors: Boettcher Judith V.
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes a multi-level design process for online and distance learning programs that builds on a philosophical base grounded in learning theory, instructional design, and the principles of the process of change. This chapter does the following: (1) describes a six-level design process promoting congruency and consistency at the institution, infrastructure, program, course, activity and assessment level; (2) describes a conceptual framework for designing online and distance learning programs; and (3) suggests a set of principles and questions derived from that framework. The principles are derived from the Vygotskian theory of cognition that focuses on four core elements of any teaching and learning experience — the learner, the faculty/teacher/mentor, the content /knowledge /skill to be acquired/or problem to be solved, and the environment or context within which the experience will occur. This chapter includes a set of principle-based questions for designing effective and efficient online and distance learning programs.
A Strategy to Expand the University Education Paradigm
Authors: Ryan Richard
Published: May 2011

To date most online content and experiences have been packaged in a traditional “class” format and delivered using a web site posted on a provider’s server. This chapter suggests a slight deviation from this approach for packaging and delivering Internet education. It suggests a look beyond the “class” delivery approach. The premise for this strategy is the belief that the greatest strength of the Internet for education may lie in delivery of class “components,” not classes, themselves. These online components can be used to supplement and add value to the traditional class experience, not replace it. The strategy proposes that the university provide, sponsor, administer and maintain an automated online portal to post and sell faculty-created material. An “e-store” selling products developed by the university’s faculty members. It is hoped that universities will explore this idea to develop new ways of packaging and delivering education that better reward the faculty developer, help pay for the service and also add “value” to the education experience.
Systems Thinking and Knowledge Management
Authors: Lehaney Brian , Clarke Steve , Coakes Elayne , Jack Gillian
Published: May 2011

In order to understand knowledge management (KM), reference has been made to the insufficient nature of knowledge seen as either a purely technical or purely social phenomenon. This has led to an argument for a sociotechnical view of KM, which in this chapter is further developed to consider KM in more depth, and to try to answer the question: What kind of system is a knowledge management system?
Java 2 Micro Edition for Wireless Enterprise Applications
Authors: Yow Kin Choong , Moertiyoso Nadia Nalaningrum
Published: May 2011

Advancements in wireless technologies have made it possible to build wireless enterprise applications. An enterprise application calls for challenging requirements such as two-way data transfer, complex business logic, and multiple system users. These applications will make great impact to the operations of a company that will result in the increase of the company’s revenue.This chapter examines and develops one enterprise scenario, a customer support system, using Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME). J2ME allows applications to be executed locally using a mobile device’s processing capacity and resources. We outline the design of a relational database to store frequently accessed data and describe the usage of XML for data exchange for better interoperability with back-end systems. Extensions to mobile commerce (m-commerce) are also considered. Bank account information and financial transaction instructions are treated as data to be sent over the wireless network. However, as in the case of e-commerce, the security of the transaction is the primary concern and some cryptography techniques need to be used.
Intelligent Product Brokering and User Preference Tracking
Authors: Guan Sheng-Uei , Ngoo Chon Seng , Zhu Fangming
Published: May 2011

One potential application for agent-based systems has been in the area of m-commerce. In most current systems, user-supplied keywords are normally used to generate a profile for the user. In this chapter, a design for an evolutionary ontology-based product-brokering agent for m-commerce applications is proposed. It uses an evaluation function to represent the user’s preference instead of the usual keyword-based profile. By using genetic algorithms, the agent tries to track the user’s preferences for a particular product by tuning some parameters inside. A prototype was implemented in Java, and the results obtained from our experiments look promising.
Enforcing Privacy on the Semantic Web
Authors: Rezgui Abdelmounaam , Rouguettaya Athman , Malik Zaki
Published: May 2011

Over the past few years there has been a huge influx of web accessible information. Information access and storage methods have grown considerably. Previously unknown or hard-to-get information is now readily available to us. The World Wide Web has played an important role in this information revolution. Often, sensitive information is exchanged among users, Web services, and software agents. This exchange of information has highlighted the problem of privacy. A large number of strategies employed to preserve people’s privacy require users to define their respective privacy requirements and make decisions about the disclosure of their information. Personal judgments are usually made based on the sensitivity of the information and the reputation of the party to which the information is to be disclosed. In the absence of a comprehensive privacy preserving mechanism, no guarantees about information disclosure can be made. The emerging Semantic Web is expected to make the challenge more acute in the sense that it would provide a whole infrastructure for the automation of information processing on the Web. On the privacy front, this means that privacy invasion would net more quality and sensitive personal information. In this chapter, we describe a reputation-based approach to automate privacy enforcement in a Semantic Web environment. We propose a reputation management system that monitors Web services and collects, evaluates, updates, and disseminates information related to their reputation for the purpose of privacy protection.
Understanding the Business Consequences of ERP Systems
Authors: Staehr Lorraine , Shanks Graeme , Seddon Peter B.
Published: May 2011

This study examines the postimplementation period of an ERP implementation in an Australian manufacturing organization, with the aim of understanding and explaining the business consequences that occurred. The description of the case is followed by an analysis using the structurational model of technology. The radical change in the way users needed to understand the business in terms of the new system, coupled with insufficient training and support postimplementation, and user resistance to change, impacted on the benefits the organization gained from the system.
Toward a Model of Investigating Non-Decision Making ERP Communities
Authors: Sammon David , Adam Frédéric
Published: May 2011

This chapter proposes to reframe current research on decision making process in the area of ERP selection and implementation and to study ERP communities, defined here as triadic groups composed of (1) an ERP vendor, (2) an ERP implementer and (3) an implementing organisation. In this novel perspective, the core contribution of this chapter is to introduce and apply the concept of Non-Decision Making (NDM) in its two basic forms—explicit and implicit—to the area of IS in general and more specifically to ERP research. As far as the authors are aware, this chapter is the first to examine the ERP decision making process under this light. The researchers’ objective is to structure their ideas in the shape of a model of ERP decision making, incorporating both the community dimension of ERP decision making and the ideas borrowed from the NDM literature, that can inform both the practice and investigation of ERP implementation and lead to higher success rates in ERP projects.
Looking to the Future of Enterprise-Wide Systems
Authors: Adam Frédéric , Sammon David
Published: May 2011

Many readers of this book may come to the conclusion that the collection of chapters presented here yields more questions than answers. This may well be true, but it is more a reflection of the difficulty and enormity of the problems raised by enterprise-wide systems than a failure on our part, and the part of the authors of the different chapters. We are believers that the concept of a unified system serving the needs of the whole corporation is a suitable and exciting target for researchers and IS managers. We are, however, also convinced that it is less straightforward a target to achieve than many software vendors and consultants would like managers to believe. As early as 1972, Dearden declared his belief that: The notion that a company can and ought to have an expert (or a group of experts) create for it a single, completely integrated super-system — an MIS — to help it govern every aspect of its activity is absurd. This statement indicates that, on the one hand, IS specialists have been trying to develop such systems as ERP systems since the beginning of IS times. It also indicates, on the other hand, that it is probably only now that we have the technology and the platforms necessary to achieve such an ambitious objective. This will not happen without extensive research into the design of ERP systems and the correct approach to their implementation; or the problems raised by organisational fit may persist in keeping failure rates with ERP type systems unacceptably high.
The Use of Query Operators and Their Effect on the Results from Web Search Engines
Authors: Jansen Bernard J.
Published: May 2011

Advice to improve searching performance typically includes recommendations to utilize query operators, such as Boolean or phrase searching. Many professionals assume that the use of these query operators techniques would improve the quality of results. In this chapter, we review the existing literature on this topic, and we test this assumption by examining the effects of query structure on the documents retrieved by Web search services. The results obtained using the queries with search operators from each search engine were compared to the results obtained by the original 100 queries with no operators from that search engine. Overall, increasing the complexity of the queries had only moderate effect on the results, with an average 66% similarity between results from the simple and complex queries. Implications on the effectiveness of current searching techniques for future search engine design and for future research are discussed.
Interactive Proxy for URL Correction
Authors: Yang Kai-Hsiang
Published: May 2011

This chapter will address the issues of Uniform Resource Locator (URL) correction techniques in proxy servers. The proxy servers are more and more important in the World Wide Web (WWW), and they provide Web page caches for browsing the Web pages quickly, and also reduce unnecessary network traffic. Traditional proxy servers use the URL to identify their cache, and it is a cache-miss when the request URL is non-existent in its caches. However, for general users, there must be some regularity and scope in browsing the Web. It would be very convenient for users when they do not need to enter the whole long URL, or if they still could see the Web content even though they forgot some part of the URL, especially for those personal favorite Web sites. We will introduce one URL correction mechanism into the personal proxy server to achieve this goal.
Emerging Practices and Standards for Designing Business Web Sites
Authors: Swllitto Carmine , Wenn Andrew
Published: May 2011

A well-designed and implemented Web site can give a business the edge in the online environment. In part this can be achieved by utilizing the appropriate encoding language, incorporating metadata into Web pages and addressing accessibility issues for the disabled. These aspects of Web site implementation tend to be technically tangible and thus relatively easily definable. However, some of the subjective aspects of Web site development associated with information design, such as information quality, effective information visualization and presentation also contribute to a successful Web site strategy. In this chapter we report on some of the emerging technical and information design practices that a developer should consider in the implementation of business Web sites.
Surfacing Occupational Threats to IT-Enabled Change
Authors: McDonagh Joe
Published: May 2011

While the business press is awash with claims that investing in information technology (IT) is the key to delivering superior economic performance, unfortunately, it appears that reaping the benefits of IT investments is fraught with difficulty. Indeed, the introduction of IT into work organisations is generally marred with persistent reports of underperformance and failure. This chapter critiques the nature of this dilemma and, in particular, explores the role of diverse occupational groups in its perpetuation over time. Executive management tend to view the introduction of IT as an economic imperative while IT specialists tend to view it as a technical imperative. The coalescent nature of these two imperatives is such that the human and organisational aspects of IT related change are frequently marginalized and ignored. Achieving a more integrated approach to the introduction of IT is inordinately difficult since the narrow perspectives embraced by the executive and IT communities do not naturally attend to change in an integrated manner.
Design Principles for Active Audio and Video Fingerprinting
Authors: Steinbach Martin , Dittmann Jana
Published: May 2011

Active fingerprinting combines digital media watermarking and codes for collusion-secure customer identification. This requires specialized strategies for watermark embedding to lessen the thread of attacks like marked media comparison or mixing. We introduce basic technologies for fingerprinting and digital watermarking and possible attacks against active fingerprinting. Based on this, we provide test results, discuss the consequences and suggest an optimized embedding method for audio fingerprinting.
A Multi-Agent Approach to Collaborate Knowledge Production
Authors: Dodero Juan Manuel , Diaz Paloma , Aedo Ignacio
Published: May 2011

Knowledge creation or production in a distributed knowledge management system is a collaborative task that needs to be coordinated. A multi-agent architecture for collaborative knowledge production tasks is introduced, where knowledge-producing agents are arranged into knowledge domains or marts, and where a distributed interaction protocol is used to consolidate knowledge that is produced in a mart. Knowledge consolidated in a given mart can, in turn, be negotiated in higher-level foreign marts. As an evaluation scenario, the proposed architecture and protocol are applied to coordinate the creation of learning objects by a distributed group of instructional designers.
Extracting Knowledge from Databases and ANNs with Genetic Programming
Authors: Rivero Daniel , Rabunal Juan R. , Dorado Julián , Pazos Alejandro , Pedreira Nieves
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we present an application of Genetic Programming (GP) in the field of data mining and extraction of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) rules. To do this, we will use its syntactic properties to obtain high level expressions that represent knowledge. These expressions will have different types as there is the need at each moment: we will obtain different expressions like IF-THEN-ELSE rules, mathematical relations between variables or boolean expressions. In this chapter, we will not only apply GP to solve the problem, but we will try different modifications and different ways to apply it to solve the problem. We will show how making a data pre-processing we can obtain better results than using the original values. That is, by adding a little knowledge from the problem we can improve the performance of GP.
Isoluminance Contours
Authors: Cottingham Marion
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces the Isoluminance Contour Model, which not only provides a quick and easy method for generating images, but also dramatically reduces the amount of work required by traditional computer graphics methods. It starts with the history of the model from its conception in 1981: it was used to generate flat-shaded greyscale, simple, primitive objects such as cubes, cylinders, cones, and spheres, by generating full-color smooth-shaded images for animated sequences. The model compares the degree of realism and the speed of production it generates with that achieved by using smooth shading and ray-tracing methods. It ultimately describes how the amount of data used by the Isoluminance Contour Model can be adapted dynamically to suit the screen size of the primitive object being generated, making real-time 4-dimensional animated visualization feasible on a Pentium 400 (or equivalent) or faster PC.
The Myers-Briggs Personality Types
Authors: Kaluzniacky Eugene
Published: May 2011

Just over seven years ago, I was on a flight home from the United States. Seated next to me was an IS professional coming to give training sessions on project management software that had recently been purchased by our local hydro-electric utility. Her training included an undergraduate degree in Business (IS major) and a Master’s degree in Management Science. When I asked her if this educational background was adequate for her current job, she replied, almost immediately, that one area that was never covered in her studies was that she “would have to work with such different personalities.” At that point, she had no idea of my occupation, specific interest in IT personalities, or the fact that three days later I would giving a workshop on personality types in IS work to a convention of IS professionals.
The Deepest Inner Self
Authors: Kaluzniacky Eugene
Published: May 2011

Until now, we have examined how we behave and function, and also how we think and learn. But, are we simply “rational animals” with an intellect, feelings, and a body? Is there, from a conceptual as well as experiential point of view, yet another component to the human person? This chapter assumes that, indeed, the deepest inner self (inner core, center, being, soul), does exist in and can be consciously accessible to a well-adjusted, aware human person. Furthermore, this central core can truly provide rejuvenated psychological energy in times of stress and change, and it can also provide stability and impetus to significantly creative efforts. Thus, it is proposed here that conscious awareness of one’s deepest self can indeed add a very important dimension to the work of an IS professional, particularly one whose work involves human interaction. As well, it is pointed out that connection to one’s inner self provides the basis for the currently popular notion of “emotional intelligence” (which will be defined later in this chapter), both at work and in personal life.
Areas of IT Application
Authors: Kaluzniacky Eugene
Published: May 2011

A natural question in the minds of many readers is, “How is all this really going to influence daily IT work?” This chapter attempts to provide some indication in an organized, albeit overview form. Thus, when discovering areas of relevance to IT management, such as teamwork, end-user relationships, motivation, change management, etc., the goal is not to present comprehensive coverage of each such area. The aim, more modestly, is to provide an initial attempt to show how ideas presented in Part I can specifically influence such areas of relevance. It is hoped to demonstrate potential effects of working with “enhanced emotional intelligence” as outlined earlier and, thus, to arouse further motivation for application of such a framework in specific areas outlined in this chapter.
Overcoming Knowledge Barriers with Communities of Practice
Authors: Lesser Eric L. , Fontaine Michael A.
Published: May 2011

Many organizations have invested a significant amount of time, energy and resources in overcoming intra-organizational barriers to sharing knowledge. Such barriers prevent individuals who are looking for knowledge from connecting with those who possess it. In this chapter, four common barriers (that the authors have seen in their work with knowledge-based organizations) have been identified that prevent two parties from coming together and sharing knowledge: awareness, access, application and perception. Based on their research and experience, they describe how Communities of Practice can be an important vehicle for breaking through each of these barriers and enabling knowledge to flow more effectively within organizations. In addition, practices are highlighted that organizations can put into place to provide effective support for these communities.
Communities of Practice in the Royal National Lifeboat Institution
Authors: Kolbotn Roger
Published: May 2011

This chapter concentrates on Communities of Practice (CoPs) in the volunteer organization Royal National Lifeboat Institution. It argues that overlapping CoPs throughout the organization are needed to deal with a variety of unstructured practices at sea. In addition, altruism and trust are vital elements for sharing and creating knowledge among volunteers in the organization. The author hopes this chapter will provide a practical understanding of CoPs. The author hopes the discussion of a volunteer organization will bring some new insights into the concept of CoPs.
Trusting the Knowledge of Large Online Communities
Authors: Storck John S. , Storck Lauren E.
Published: May 2011

The phrase “leading from behind” is borrowed from group analytic theory, an important branch of group psychology. For some, the phrase may be pejorative: an effective leader is normally in front of group members, not taking a position behind them. However, for large online Communities of Practice, leading from behind and trusting the group is an important strategy. This chapter focuses on how a leader develops the capacity to trust the group. Recognizing that groups of people are powerful and creative organisms that can be trusted is difficult for a leader. For Freud, who thought of groups as unthinking, primitive mobs and for modern managers, who are taught the value of using teams with specific objectives and limited life spans, the idea of unstructured, dispersed collections of people making decisions or taking action is an anathema. Learning to trust the knowledge of a large group takes training, practice and courage. We ground our conclusions in an empirical analysis of the leadership of one large online Community of Practice. Using archives of discussions among community members, we develop leadership principles that support the “leading from behind” approach. We use these data to suggest how managers can lead online communities to form the trusting relationships that are essential for effective knowledge sharing and innovation.
Government Promotion of E-Commerce in SMEs
Authors: McGrath G. Michael , More Elizabeth
Published: May 2011

As in many other countries, the take-up rate of e-commerce in Australian SMEs has been poor. The Australian Government has attempted to address this (in part) through its “Information Technology On-Line” (ITOL) program — a program that aims to accelerate the adoption of e-commerce through the provision of seed funding to on-line projects proposed by industry-based consortia. Some 81 projects have been funded so far and, in this paper, we review progress to date. While there have been some outstandingly successful projects, others have floundered. Provision of adequate project resources, together with effective change and relationship management, were identified as key critical success factors.
Negotiating Meaning in Virtual Teams
Authors: Crider Janel Anderson , Ganesh Shiv
Published: May 2011

In this chapter is a study of the communication practices of students and their instructors collaborating on virtual team projects as part of small group and team communication classes at three universities — two in the United States, and one in the Philippines. Presented are three themes from student and instructor discourse that emerged as crucial in the development of the teams as they completed the project: negotiation of context, negotiation of roles, and negotiation of technology. The authors hope that attentiveness to these themes by other faculty facilitating virtual team projects in their courses will better equip students to effectively work in virtual teams and lead to greater student learning of the role communication plays in virtual teams. Attentiveness to these themes may also be of use in corporate applied instructional and training situations.
Virtual Teams and their Search for Creativity
Authors: Gasco-Hernandez Mila , Torres-Coronas Teresa
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we examine the differences in processes and results when creativity techniques are used in the management of traditional and virtual teams. To do this, we discuss the following three main elements: the definition of creativity and its relationship with team performance; the variables that enhance creativity in a virtual team; and the most suitable creativity techniques for a virtual environment. We draw two main conclusions. First, creativity can help virtual teams become more effective, and second, not all the methods that foster creativity in a face-to-face context are appropriate in the virtual environment.
Reducing Risk in Information Search Activities
Authors: Brindley Clare , Ritchie Bob
Published: May 2011

This chapter proposes that the initial perceptions of uncertainty and risk relating to decision making are unlikely to be modified irrespective of the quantity or quality of the information transmitted and processed by the decision maker. It argues that initial risk perceptions and decisions are fairly robust even when confronted with contradictory information. The chapter begins by offering definitions of the key terms such as risk, uncertainty, and the components of the digital economy. The authors then provide an overview of risk assessment and associated management processes before moving onto an examination of the contribution of intelligence and information to risk resolution. A case scenario provides a practical illustration of the issues raised.
Enterprise Information Management
Authors: Gartz Ulfert
Published: May 2011

Although capacity and functionality of information management systems increased remarkably in the last years, the information and knowledge supply in most enterprises is still not sufficient. Using the framework of enterprise information management, organizations are able to align their existing data warehouse, business intelligence, knowledge management, and other information systems to their business processes and requirements. This means a consolidation on one hand and continuous processes to manage change on the other to improve these systems’ sustainability and to decrease costs the same time.
Traversal Pattern Mining in Web Usage Data
Authors: Xiao Yongqiao , Yao Jenq-Foung (J.F.)
Published: May 2011

Web usage mining is to discover useful patterns in the web usage data, and the patterns provide useful information about the user’s browsing behavior. This chapter examines different types of web usage traversal patterns and the related techniques used to uncover them, including Association Rules, Sequential Patterns, Frequent Episodes, Maximal Frequent Forward Sequences, and Maximal Frequent Sequences. As a necessary step for pattern discovery, the preprocessing of the web logs is described. Some important issues, such as privacy, sessionization, are raised, and the possible solutions are also discussed.
How One Niche Player in the Internet Security Field Fulfills an Important Role
Authors: Strader Troy J. , Norris Daniel M. , Houle Philip A. , Shrader Charles B.
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines an entrepreneurial effort to provide products in the Internet security marketplace. The specific focus is on a company named Palisade Systems, which is now faced with questions regarding their future business direction in this field (Mahanti et al., 2004). Current questions include how to take advantage of recent legislation regarding privacy and computer security, and the general increase in awareness of the need for security in the Internet and in related networks. In this chapter we discuss the Internet security marketplace, recent legislation and the creation of new opportunities for marketing Internet security products, and how Palisade’s products may match these opportunities.
Identifying and Managing New Forms of Commerce Risk and Security
Authors: Fink Dieter
Published: May 2011

Under the system of e-commerce, organisations leave themselves open to attack, which can have catastrophic consequences. This is because new risks and insecurities have emerged brought about by changes in information technology and systems. This chapter outlines the characteristics of openness, virtuality and volatility associated with e-commerce systems and the technological security requirements, such as firewall software, encryption, and digital signatures and certificates. Implications are drawn for effective risk and security management (RSM). These include stakeholder participation, a holistic approach and gaining competitive advantages. From those, recommendations are made to management focusing on the effectiveness of the RSM approach, and ways to provide competitive advantages and a smooth implementation of RSM.
The Utilization of Business Intelligence and Data Mining in the Insurance Marketplace
Authors: Hoffman Jeff
Published: May 2011

NASA Missions are as varied as the mandate of the agency. From using satellite imaging to study climate change to scanning deep space with the Hubble Space Telescope, NASA’s primary goal is to further humankind’s knowledge of our universe. Pioneering the future. Pushing the envelope. Just as NASA’s goals stretch our thoughts, business intelligence (BI) and data mining take us on a journey that continuously provides discovery of new and valuable information, giving us insight into the unknown.
Audience Measurement Applications for Online Advertising and E-Commerce
Authors: Martin David
Published: May 2011

The idea of panel-based Internet audience measurement was a child of the late 1990s “dot-com” era, where financial analysts hinged predictions of stock price rise or ruin on Website rankings. Bold marketing schemes led to spikes in traffic to Websites, which in turn led to higher rankings and the potential for greater advertising revenues. Monthly rankings became as common a mention in company press releases as any other measure of revenue or profit. Despite the sudden and calamitous collapse of the “new economy” in the second quarter of 2000, Internet audience measurement remains a highly relevant industry.
Data Analysis and Results
Authors: Schelin Shannon H. , Garson G. David
Published: May 2011

In an attempt to underline the importance of critical success factors in public and private sector organizations, a survey of randomly selected chief information officers was conducted. The survey population was generated from the Leadership Library database, which includes Yellow Books for corporate and government officials. Approximately 285 chief information officers were selected by random number generation to be included in the data set. Of the 285 individuals, 96 chief information officers responded (a response rate of 33.7%). The resulting data set was analyzed with respect to the perceived influence and actual organizational performance on the 14 critical success factors. Given the relatively small n of the sample, the data offered in this section are exploratory in nature and are not considered to be representative of the population of public and private sector chief information officers. However, it does offer background information and a snapshot of how CIOs perceive the various critical success factors, which can further enhance the points articulated in the expert interviews found in Section II.
An Expanded E-Commerce Process Model Serving E-Commerce Entrepreneurs
Authors: Paper David , Pedersen Eric
Published: May 2011

In a previous study, we explored successful e-commerce small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to formulate an e-commerce (electronic commerce) process model. We adopted a qualitative research method to obtain a rich description of the e-commerce process. We then interviewed 15 entrepreneurs from established SME operations. From deep analysis of this data, we were able to devise an emergent model. This study extends the original model by conducting subsequent interviews with the 15 SME entrepreneurs. Our goal was to better understand the model by exploring omitted, missing, or incomplete elements. Hence, subsequent interviews asked respondents to identify key elements of the model that may have been omitted, and if so, where do they fit in the model? Deep analysis of the subsequent data allowed us to expand the original model.
Business Interactions in a Virtual Organisations
Authors: Axelsson Karin
Published: May 2011

This chapter focuses upon the complexity of inter-organisational systems (IOS)—on one hand enabling organisations to become successful actors conducting electronic commerce, and on the other hand being organisationally very complex and demanding to develop, implement, and use, since several organisations with differing objectives are involved. The chapter proposes a model to analyse business interaction, the business action theory (BAT) phase model. The aim of the chapter is to show how BAT can increase the understanding of business interaction conducted in complex inter-organisational contexts, such as business networks and virtual organisations. In order to achieve this purpose the BAT phase model is applied on a virtual organisation. The model visualises and gives structure to the business interaction within this network of organisations. Understanding of such business interaction is important when developing and implementing IOS, since (part of) the business interaction will be conducted through the IOS.
Knowledge Discovery Process and Introduction of Domain Knowledge
Authors: Yada Katsutoshi
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes the framework of knowledge discovery process in sales data and how the data mining system is applied to the data in the real business world by using the domain knowledge. First the framework of the knowledge discovery process in databases is reviewed. It is not clear how users construct the actual data mining process and use the domain knowledge in the existing models. We propose a two-dimensional matrix of knowledge for analysis of sales data to understand the knowledge discovery process from purchase history. Then we distinguish the data mining process from the creation of business action. We point out that efficient knowledge discovery can be achieved by intensively introducing domain knowledge of experts to the creation of business action.
The Organizational Characteristics of Knowledge-Centricity
Authors: Pemberton Jonathan , Stonehouse George
Published: May 2011

Knowledge focused organizations are knowledge-centric, a term that embodies the creation and management of knowledge but embedded as an integral element of an organization’s strategy and performance. By devising an organizational characteristics matrix, this chapter identifies a number of essential and desirable features that comprise a knowledge-centric business. The matrix is then applied to a case study company, Black and Decker, and more specifically its European Design Center, to examine the extent to which the organization can be viewed as knowledge-centric. While the use of this first-iteration matrix is a useful mechanism for gauging knowledge-centricity, the chapter concludes with a critique of its potential limitations, with suggestions as to how it might be refined further to give a more illuminating assessment of an organization’s knowledge capabilities.
Web Service Modeling Framework for the Enhanced Data Warehouse
Authors: Wecel Krzysztof , Kalczynski Pawel J. , Abramowicz Witold
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents how Web services architecture can be leveraged to extend an existing system to an open and flexible platform. It reviews crucial issues related to modularization, properties of the Web services, integration of heterogeneous services and incorporating new services. We describe the modeling framework used, which is the Web Service Modeling Framework (WSMF). As a case we show how the enhanced data warehouse system was remodeled in order to transform it from a closed solution to an open Web services-based system called the enhanced Knowledge Warehouse (eKW). We analyze eKW as a Web service and show how eKW conforms to the eight layers of functionality in Web services. We also speculate about the future of eKW in the semantic web and innovations it can contribute to knowledge management. In the semantic Web eDW should be used as a source of knowledge, hence the name “knowledge warehouse”.
The European Challenge of KM and Innovation
Authors: Correia Ana M.R. , Sarmento Anabela
Published: May 2011

Globalization, bringing about universal and dynamic transformations in every sector of the economy, is placing organizations everywhere in new and different competitive situations. In this context, the improvement of enterprise performance and economic growth makes increased demands for timely knowledge in the workplace to deliver competitive, knowledge-intensive work, enabling institutions and nations to maintain their vitality through economic growth and increased productivity. This chapter highlights the European strategy towards a knowledge-based society where innovation and competitiveness are the goals to be achieved. The Portuguese scenario concerning small and medium enterprises and the creation of a Portuguese knowledge and information economy are also described. Some approaches to knowledge management (KM), contributing to understanding the scope of this emergent domain, are introduced. The skills and competencies that a knowledge manager should develop in order to perform his/her job are discussed. The chapter concludes by mapping the main areas of study and practice that the authors consider as relevant to performing an effective knowledge management function.
The Role of Knowledge Creation in Competitive Advantage
Authors: Miller Patricia C.
Published: May 2011

The ability of an organization to better utilize its current stock of knowledge or position itself to identify opportunities to create knowledge faster than its competitors is key to increasing organizational wealth. Knowledge can be defined as that core asset that adds wealth to an organization and when properly implemented, results in new or improved products or services. Opining on the core competency model (Hamel & Prahalad, 1994) and on the concept of intellectual bandwidth (Nunamaker et al., 2001), the author suggests that an organization can enhance its performance and increase its competitive standing by making a careful assessment of its intellectual bandwidth for knowledge creation. In this chapter, the key enablers that influence the level of knowledge creation that occurs within an organization are identified. The chapter lists the organizational characteristics that will help ensure the high level of intellectual bandwidth needed for knowledge creation.