bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Content Adaptation in Mobile Learning Environments
Authors: Castillo Sergio , Ayala Gerardo
Published: February 2011

In this paper, the authors present their proposal for adaptation of educational contents of learning objects to a particular mobile device and a specific learner. Content adaptation in mobile learning objects implies user adaptation and device adaptation, and requires additional metadata categories in comparison with SCORM 2004. This learning object content model, ALMA (A Learning content Model Adaptation), inherits from the SCORM standard a subset of metadata categories, and extends it with three top level metadata categories for content adaptation, i.e., Knowledge, Use, and Mobile Device Requirements (Castillo & Ayala, 2008). For user adaptation, the authors developed NORIKO (NOn-monotonic Reasoning for Intelligent Knowledge awareness and recommendations On the move), a belief system based on DLV, a programming system based on Answer Set Programming paradigm. For device adaptation the authors designed CARIME (Content Adapter of Resources In Mobile learning Environments), which uses transcoding and transrating to adapt media content to suit the device characteristics.
Iterative Usability Evaluation for an Online Educational Web Portal
Authors: Wang Xin C. , Yadamsuren Borchuluun , Paul Anindita , Adkins DeeAnna , Laur George , Tawfik Andrew , Erdelez Sanda
Published: February 2011

Online education is a popular paradigm for promoting continuing education for adult learners. However, only a handful of studies have addressed usability issues in the online education environment. Particularly, few studies have integrated the multifaceted usability evaluation into the lifecycle of developing such an environment. This paper will show the integration of usability evaluation into the development process of an online education center. Multifaceted usability evaluation methods were applied at four different stages of the MU Extension web portal’s development. These methods were heuristic evaluation, focus group interview and survey, think-aloud interviewing, and multiple-user simultaneous testing. The results of usability studies at each stage enhanced the development team’s understanding of users’ difficulties, needs, and wants, which served to guide web developers’ subsequent decisions.
Correlation-Based Ranking for Large-Scale Video Concept Retrieval
Authors: Lin Lin , Shyu Mei-Ling
Published: February 2011

Motivated by the growing use of multimedia services and the explosion of multimedia collections, efficient retrieval from large-scale multimedia data has become very important in multimedia content analysis and management. In this paper, a novel ranking algorithm is proposed for video retrieval. First, video content is represented by the global and local features and second, multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) is applied to capture the correlation between video content and semantic concepts. Next, video segments are scored by considering the features with high correlations and the transaction weights converted from correlations. Finally, a user interface is implemented in a video retrieval system that allows the user to enter his/her interested concept, searches videos based on the target concept, ranks the retrieved video segments using the proposed ranking algorithm, and then displays the top-ranked video segments to the user. Experimental results on 30 concepts from the TRECVID high-level feature extraction task have demonstrated that the presented video retrieval system assisted by the proposed ranking algorithm is able to retrieve more video segments belonging to the target concepts and to display more relevant results to the users.
Pickup Usability Dominates
Authors: Dunlop Mark David , Masters Michelle Montgomery
Published: February 2011

Text entry on mobile devices (e.g. phones and PDAs) has been a research challenge since devices shrank below laptop size: mobile devices are simply too small to have a traditional full-size keyboard. There has been a profusion of research into text entry techniques for smaller keyboards and touch screens: some of which have become mainstream, while others have not lived up to early expectations. As the mobile phone industry moves to mainstream touch screen interaction we will review the range of input techniques for mobiles, together with evaluations that have taken place to assess their validity: from theoretical modelling through to formal usability experiments. We also report initial results on iPhone text entry speed.
On-the-Move and in Your Car
Authors: Burnett G.E.
Published: February 2011

The introduction of computing and communications technologies within cars raises a range of novel human-computer interaction (HCI) issues. In particular, it is critical to understand how user-interfaces within cars can best be designed to account for the severe physical, perceptual and cognitive constraints placed on users by the driving context. This article introduces the driving situation and explains the range of computing systems being introduced within cars and their associated user-interfaces. The overall human- focused factors that designers must consider for this technology are raised. Furthermore, the range of methods (e.g. use of simulators, instrumented vehicles) available to designers of in-car user-interfaces are compared and contrasted. Specific guidance for one key system, vehicle navigation, is provided in a case study discussion. To conclude, overall trends in the development of in-car user-interfaces are discussed and the research challenges are raised.
Experiences of Supporting Local and Remote Mobile Phone Interaction in Situated Public Display Deployments
Authors: Müller Jörg , Cheverst Keith , Fitton Dan , Taylor Nick , Paczkowski Oliver , Krüger Antonio
Published: February 2011

Public displays and mobile phones are ubiquitous technologies that are already weaving themselves into the everyday life of urban citizens. The combination of the two enables new and novel possibilities, such as interaction with displays that are not physically accessible, extending screen real estate for mobile phones or transferring user content to and from public displays. However, current usability evaluations of prototype systems have explored only a small part of this design space, as usage of such systems is deeply embedded in and dependent on social and everyday context. In order to investigate issues surrounding appropriation and real use in social context field studies are necessary. In this paper we present our experiences with field deployments in a continuum between exploratory prototypes and technology probes. We present benefits and drawbacks of different evaluation methods, and provide a number of validated lessons from our deployments.
Adapting Evaluation to Study Behaviour in Context
Authors: Sherwood Scott , Reeves Stuart , Maitland Julie , Morrison Alistair , Chalmers Matthew
Published: February 2011

We present a reflection on a series of studies of ubiquitous computing systems in which the process of evaluation evolved over time to account for the increasing difficulties inherent in assessing systems ‘in the wild’. Ubiquitous systems are typically designed to be embedded in users’ everyday lives; however, without knowing the ways in which people will appropriate the systems for use, it is often infeasible to identify a predetermined set of evaluation criteria that will capture the process of integration and appropriation. Based on our experiences, which became successively more distributed in time and space, we suggest that evaluation should become adaptive in order to more effectively study the emergent uses of ubiquitous computing systems over time.
User Evaluation of Mobile Devices
Authors: Jambon Francis
Published: February 2011

Nowadays, mobile devices features are often linked up to the context of usage. As a consequence, researchers must consider not only the user and the device, but also the surrounding environment when designing effective user study evaluations. Two opposite experimental setups are possible: in-situ and in the laboratory. There is no consensus on their respective benefits, for instance with regard to the number of usability issues detected. In this paper, we isolate independent variables that could contribute to evaluation biases by proposing a taxonomy that splits the in-situ experimental setups into two new setups. We describe the concept of the “Uncertainty Principle” to emphasize the dilemma between precise observation and bias minimization and introduce the “Trojan Horse” technique to partially overcome the consequences of the uncertainty principle. As a conclusion, a methodology using both laboratory and in-situ experiments in a complementary way is proposed.
Mobile Internet
Authors: Kaikkonen Anne
Published: February 2011

The Mobile Internet is no longer a new phenomenon; the first mobile devices supporting Web access were introduced over 10 years ago. During the past 10 years many user studies have been conducted that have generated insights into mobile Internet use. The number of mobile Internet users has increased and the focus of the studies has switched from the user interface to user experiences. Mobile phones are regarded as personal devices: the current possibility of gathering more contextual information and linking that to the Internet creates totally new challenges for user experience and design.
Framing the Context of Use for Mobile HCI
Authors: Jumisko-Pyykkö Satu , Vainio Teija
Published: February 2011

The need to better understand the role of context has emerged after the revolution of mobile computing, as such devices are used in heterogeneous circumstances. However, it is difficult to say what context of use in mobile human-computer interaction actually means. This study summarises past research in mobile contexts of use and not only provides a deeper understanding of the characteristics associated with it, but also indicates a path for future research. This article presents an extensive and systematic literature review of more than 100 papers published in five high-quality journals and one main conference in the field of HCI during the years 2000-2007. The authors’ results show that context of use is still explored as a relatively static phenomenon in mobile HCI. Its most commonly mentioned characteristics are linked to social, physical, and technical components, while transitions between the contexts were rarely listed. Based on this review, a descriptive model of context of use for mobile HCI (CoU-HMCI) summarising five components, their subcomponents and descriptive properties is presented. The model can help both practitioners and academics to identify broadly relevant contextual factors when designing, experimenting with, and evaluating, mobile contexts of use.
Simulation of Multiple Cell Population Dynamics Using a 3-D Cellular Automata Model for Tissue Growth
Authors: Ben Youssef Belgacem , Tang Lenny
Published: February 2011

In this paper, the authors describe a computational model for the growth of multicellular tissues using a discrete approach based on cellular automata to simulate the tissue growth rates and population dynamics of multiple populations of proliferating and migrating cells. Each population of cells has its own division, motion, collision, and aggregation characteristics. These random dynamic processes can be modeled by appropriately choosing the governing rules of the state transitions of each computational site. This extended model contains a number of system parameters that allow their effects on the volume coverage, the overall tissue growth rate, and some other aspects of cell behavior like the average speed of locomotion to be explored. These discrete systems provide an alternative approach to continuous models for the purpose of describing the temporal dynamics of complex systems.
Cellular Automata Communication Models
Authors: Tošic Predrag T.
Published: February 2011

In this paper, cellular automata (CA) are viewed as an abstract model for distributed computing. The author argues that the classical CA model must be modified in several important respects to become a relevant model for large-scale MAS. The paper first proposes sequential cellular automata (SCA) and formalizes deterministic and nondeterministic versions of SCA. The author then analyzes differences in possible dynamics between classical parallel CA and various SCA models. The analysis in this paper focuses on one-dimensional parallel and sequential CA with node update rules restricted to simple threshold functions, as arguably the simplest totalistic, yet non-linear (and non-affine) update rules. The author identifies properties of asymptotic dynamics that can be proven to be entirely due to the assumption of perfect synchrony in classical, parallel CA. Finally, the paper discusses what an appropriate CA-based abstraction would be for large-scale distributed computing, insofar as the inter-agent communication models. In that context, the author proposes genuinely asynchronous CA and discusses main differences between genuinely asynchronous CA and various weakly asynchronous sequential CA models found in the literature.
Optimal DNA Codes for Computing and Self-Assembly
Authors: Garzon Max H. , Phan Vinhthuy , Neel Andrew
Published: February 2011

DNA has been re-discovered and explored in the last decade as a “smart glue” for self-assembly from the “bottom-up” at nanoscales through mesoscales to micro- and macro-scales. These applications require an unprecedented degree of precision in placing atom-scale components. Finding large sets of probes to serve as anchors for such applications has been thus explored in the last few years through several methods. We describe results of a tour de force to conduct an exhaustive search to produce large codes that are (nearly) maximal sets while guaranteeing high quality, as measured by the minimum Gibbs energy between any pair of code words, and other criteria. We also present a quantitative characterization of the sets for sizes up to 20-mers and show how critical building blocks can be extracted to produce codes of very high quality for larger lengths by probabilistic combinations, for which an exhaustive search is out of reach.
Cellular Nanocomputers
Authors: Peper Ferdinand , Lee Jia , Adachi Susumu , Isokawa Teijiro
Published: February 2011

Cellular Automata have their roots in von Neumann’s research on self-reproduction, but since their debut they have been used for a much wider variety of purposes. In recent years they have attracted attention as architectures for nanocomputers–computers to be realized by nanotechnology. Their highly regular structure is considered an important advantage in this context, because of the potential for fabrication by bottom-up techniques like molecular self-assembly. This article gives an overview of research on cellular automaton-based nanocomputers, and discusses their strong points and challenges.
Single-Electron Devices and Circuits Utilizing Stochastic Operation for Intelligent Information Processing
Authors: Morie Takashi
Published: February 2011

The single-electron circuit technology should aim at developing information processing systems using the intrinsic properties of single-electron devices. The operation principles of single-electron devices are completely different from that of conventional CMOS devices, but both devices should co-exist in the information processing systems. In this paper, according to a scenario for achieving large-scale integrated systems of single-electron devices, some single-electron devices and circuits utilizing stochastic operation for associative processing and a spiking neuron model are described.
Investigation on Stochastic Resonance in Quantum Dot and Its Summing Network
Authors: Kasai Seiya
Published: February 2011

Stochastic resonance behavior of single electrons in a quantum dot and its summing network is investigated theoretically. Dynamic behavior of the single electron in the system at finite temperature is analyzed using a master equation with a tunneling transition rate. The analytical model indicates that an input-output correlation has a peak as a function of temperature, which confirms the appearance of the stochastic resonance. The peak position and height depend on charging energy, tunnel resistance, and input signal frequency. It is also found that the correlation is enhanced by formation of a summing network integrating quantum dots in parallel. The present model quantitatively explains the stochastic resonance behaviors of the single electrons predicted by a circuit simulation (Oya, Asai, & Amemiya, 2007).
An Assessment of Random Dynamical Network Automata for Nanoelectronics
Authors: Teuscher Christof , Gulbahce Natali , Rohlf Thimo
Published: February 2011

Highly structured mesh- or crossbar-like nanoscale architectures have been proposed in the past as possible alternatives to the von Neumann computing architecture. While the top-down engineered semi-conducting technology favors regular and locally interconnected structures, emerging bottom-up self-assembled devices tend to be unstructured and heterogeneous because of the current lack of precise control over these processes. In this paper, we survey and assess two types of random dynamical networks, namely Random Boolean Networks (RBNs) and Random Threshold Networks (RTNs), as candidates for alternative computing architectures and models for future nanoscale information processing devices. In a high-level approach that is based on previous work, we illustrate that they have the potential to offer superior properties over highly structured architectures, such as an inherent and scale-invariant robustness, more efficient communication capabilities, and manufacturing benefits. Our investigation is driven by the need for alternative computing and manufacturing paradigms to mitigate some of the challenges traditional approaches face.
The Computing of Digital Ecosystems
Authors: Briscoe Gerard , De Wilde Philippe
Published: February 2011

A primary motivation this research in digital ecosystems is the desire to exploit the self-organising properties of biological ecosystems. Ecosystems are thought to be robust, scalable architectures that can automatically solve complex and dynamic problems. However, the computing technologies that contribute to these properties have not been made explicit in digital ecosystems research. In this paper, the authors discuss how different computing technologies can contribute to providing the necessary self-organising features, including Multi-Agent Systems (MASs), Service-Oriented Architectures (SOAs), and distributed evolutionary computing (DEC). The potential for exploiting these properties in digital ecosystems is considered, suggesting how several key features of biological ecosystems can be exploited in Digital Ecosystems, and discussing how mimicking these features may assist in developing robust, scalable self-organising architectures. An example architecture, the Digital Ecosystem, is considered in detail. The Digital Ecosystem is then measured experimentally through simulations, which consider the self-organised diversity of its evolving agent populations relative to the user request behaviour.
An Autonomous Agent Approach to Query Optimization in Stream Grids
Authors: Mukherjee Saikat , Srinivasa Srinath , Ramamritham Krithi
Published: February 2011

Stream grids are wide-area grid computing environments that are fed by a set of stream data sources, and Queries arrive at the grid from users and applications external to the system. The kind of queries considered in this work is long-running continuous (LRC) queries, which are neither short-lived nor infinitely long lived. The queries are “open” from the grid perspective as the grid cannot control or predict the arrival of a query with time, location, required data and query revocations. Query optimization in such an environment has two major challenges, i.e., optimizing in a multi-query environment and continuous optimization, due to new query arrivals and revocations. As generating a globally optimal query plan is an intractable problem, this work explores the idea of emergent optimization where globally optimal query plans emerge as a result of local autonomous decisions taken by the grid nodes. Drawing concepts from evolutionary game theory, grid nodes are modeled as autonomous agents that seek to maximize a self-interest function using one of a set of different strategies. Grid nodes change strategies in response to variations in query arrival and revocation patterns, which is also autonomously decided by each grid node.
Managing Collective Intelligence in Semantic Communities of Interest
Authors: Montanelli Stefano , Castano Silvana , Ferrara Alfio , Varese Gaia
Published: February 2011

In this paper, the authors present a reference P2P architecture based on autonomous, self-emerging semantic communities of interest (CoIs) for collective intelligence creation and management. An approach for enabling knowledge organization and management at the level of a single peer is presented in the paper, as well as techniques for supporting a peer to participate to the construction of a shared community vocabulary, according to the terminological preferences automatically extracted from its personal knowledge. Furthermore, an application example in the e-health domain is presented in the framework of the iCoord system for P2P semantic coordination to show the use of a manifesto-based collective intelligence for enforcing effective collaboration in a real case study.
3D Real-Time Reconstruction Approach for Multimedia Sensor Networks
Authors: Mostefaoui Ahmed , Piranda Benoit
Published: February 2011

Multimedia sensor networks have emerged due to the tremendous technological advances in multimedia hardware miniaturization and the application potential they present. However, the time sensitive nature of multimedia data makes them very problematic to handle, especially within constrained environments. In this paper, the authors present a novel approach based on continuous 3D real time reconstruction of the monitored area dedicated for video surveillance applications. Real-time 3D reconstruction allows an important network bandwidth reduction in context to sensor nodes sending descriptive information to the fusion server instead heavy video streams. Each node has to support additional processing in order to extract this descriptive information in real-time, which results in video sensors capturing tasks, data analysis, and extraction of features needed for 3D reconstruction. In this paper, the authors focus on the design and implementation of such sensor node and validate their approach through real experimentations conducted on a real video sensor.
The Role of Training in Preparing End Users to Learn Related Software
Authors: Shayo Conrad , Olfman Lorne
Published: February 2011

The aim of this paper is to determine what types of formal training methods can provide appropriate "mapping via training" of a new but related database management system (DBMS) given that "mapping via analogy" is also taking place. To this end, trainees’ existing mental models were measured prior to being exposed to one of three training methods. Training methods were varied in an experimental setting across two dimensions: the training task context (generic and/or relevant), and the number of DBMSs demonstrated (one and/or two). Outcomes were measured in terms of learning performance and perceptions of ability to transfer skills to a new but related DBMS. The results indicate that both task context and the number of software packages learned are important training variables that influence trainees’ mental models of the software, their transfer self-efficacy expectation, and their perceptions about the usefulness of the training.
The Impact of Task and Cognitive Style on Decision-making Effectiveness Using a Geographic Information System
Authors: Crossland Martin D. , Herschel Richard T. , Perkins William C. , Scudder Joseph N.
Published: February 2011

A laboratory experiment is conducted to investigate how two individual cognitive style factors, field dependence and need-for-cognition, relate to decision-making performance for a spatial task. The intent of the investigation is to establish a methodology for measuring cognitive fit for spatial tasks. The experiment assesses the performance of 142 subjects on a site location task where the problem complexity and availability of a geographic information system are manipulated on two levels. Significant relationships are found for both field dependence and need-for-cognition with the two dependent performance variables, solution time and percent error.
Commercialization of Electronic Information
Authors: Morin Jean-Henry , Konstantas Dimitri
Published: February 2011

Information dissemination is slowly moving from printed media to electronic media. However this step cannot be completed if the electronic commercialization of information does not provide the same guarantees against copyright infringement as with the printed media. In this paper we present the major requirement for the commercialization of electronic information and describe Hep, an agent-based framework we developed for the commercialization of arbitrary electronic documents over open networks. The Hep electronic document commercialization model follows the secure content encapsulation model and regards documents as programs (agents) that need to be executed in order to reveal their contents. This way the document provider can include arbitrary checks and controls against possible copyright infringement attempts.
Zero Entry Barriers in a Computationally Complex World
Authors: Subirana Brian
Published: February 2011

In this paper we analyze how transactions related to the digital trade of intangible goods and services is being performed on the Internet. The adoption of electronic markets in an industry has a desintermediation potential because it can create a direct link between the producer and the consumer (without the need for the intermediation role of distributors). Electronic markets lower the search cost allowing customers to choose among more providers (which ultimately reduces both the costs for the customer and the profits for the producer). In this paper we contend that electronic markets on the Internet* have the opposite effect, resulting in the increase of intermediators. We introduce transaction streams which model how transactions related to the digital trade of intangible goods are being conducted. Transaction streams help explain the types of new intermediators that are appearing on the Internet and why entry barriers are close to zero. We also prove that in transaction stream-based electronic markets, searching for the best price of intangible goods is NP-complete.
Designing End-User Geographic Information Systems
Authors: West Lawrence A.
Published: February 2011

Geographic information systems are becoming more popular for end-user and decision support system construction, but they incorporate software and concepts with some inherent problems for users not trained in concepts of geography and cartography. This paper identifies those concepts most needed for end-user GIS use, and suggests remedial efforts to reduce the burden of system operation and improve data integrity. The approaches make extensive use of metadata storage and may be implemented as tools in GIS software provided to end-users.
The Impact of Gender and Experience on User Confidence in Electronic Mail
Authors: Hoxmeier John A. , Nie Winter , Purvis G. Thomas
Published: February 2011

While electronic communication is advancing rapidly in the organizational context, there remain a considerable number of participants who, for one reason or another, lack the skills and/or confidence to make the medium a pervasive and ubiquitous tool. This paper examines a network of factors that influence attitudes about computer utilization and user confidence in electronic mail (e-mail). A conceptual model of user confidence in e-mail was developed based on the results of a previous study, refined after a review of existing literature, and tested using LISREL. An experiment was conducted which simulated a communication transaction between subordinate and superior using two student groups (Computer Information Systems and other business disciplines) as surrogates. Data was collected from the participants through a survey and interviews. Results indicated that overall confidence in the medium was lacking and that there were gender differences in confidence in the nontechnical group. These differences appear to diminish through technical education and experience. Experience with computing was a significant determinant of attitude. Attitudes regarding computer use were also found to be positively linked to confidence in electronic communication.
A Comparison of Surrogate Success Measures in Ongoing Representation Decision Support Systems
Authors: McHaney Roger , Cronan Timothy P.
Published: February 2011

New technology and software development have provided corporate managers with a wide variety of decision making aids. One such tool, classified as a representational decision support system, is discrete event computer simulation. In order to assess the organizational impact of discrete event computer simulation, an instrument capable of measuring success is required. The importance of such assessment cannot be overemphasized. While empirical measurement of various information system inputs or independent variables such as information system budget expenditures or user participation is relatively straightforward, the development of corresponding output or dependent variables has been difficult. In an attempt to overcome these difficulties, researchers have suggested a variety of measurable surrogates. Work in this area has paved the way for the development of instruments used to assess success. This paper focuses on external validity aspects of two popular information system instruments, the Davis measure of User Acceptance of Information Technology and the Doll and Torkzadeh measure of End-User Computing Satisfaction (EUCS). These instruments were designed for general purpose use and tested across a variety of settings, times, and persons. To ensure this generalizability extended to a very specific form of information technology, these instruments were administered to discrete event computer simulation users and tested for psychometric stability. This study provides additional evidence that the Doll and Torkzadeh measure of End-User Computing Satisfaction retained its psychometric properties when applied to users of discrete event computer simulation and therefore provides a reasonable surrogate measure for success in the implementation of this technology. An initial assessment of the Davis measures of User Acceptance of Information Technology (Perceived Ease-of-Use, Perceived Usefulness) returned poorer scores on the fit indexes, but the evidence did indicate the expected factor structure was supported to some extent. The managerial implications of these findings are discussed.
The Effect of Individual Differences on Computer Attitudes
Authors: Orr Claudia , Allen David , Poindexter Sandra
Published: February 2011

Computer competency is no longer a skill to be learned only by students majoring in technology-related fields. All individuals in our society must acquire basic computer literacy to function successfully. Despite the widespread influx of technology in all segments of our society, the literature often report high levels of anxiety and negative attitudes about using computers. Monitoring the computer attitudes and developing an understanding of the variables that affect computer attitudes will assist educators and adult trainers in providing appropriate learning experiences in which learners can succeed. This study examined the relationship between computer attitude and experience, demographic/education variables, personality type and learning style of 214 students enrolled in a university computer literacy course.
Towards User-Oriented Control of End-User Computing in Large Organizations
Authors: McBride Neil , Wood-Harper A. Trevor
Published: February 2011

Control is a major issue in end-user computing. The migration of responsibility, resources and authority from IT departments to user departments is frequently seen as a loss of power by the IT departments and an erosion of cost control by senior management. Reactions to this situation tend to focus on technology and formal control mechanisms. This paper contrasts such an IT-oriented view with a proposed, alternative user-oriented view. An IT-oriented view of EUC focuses on the problems it causes, the technology it requires, the methods that should be used and the means of limiting, controlling and standardizing. An user-oriented view of EUC focuses on the problems it solves, the user’s task and the organizational environment. The paper advocates a shift in EUC research away from the technology and the IT issues towards the political, social and cultural issues associated with the users. EUC problems are, in the main, organizational problems requiring a research approach which addresses dynamic issues emerging over a period of time. As a basis for such research, the paper proposes a dynamic model for EUC in which the progression of EUC within an organization is visualized as a series of inference loops.
End-User Perspectives on the Uptake of Computer Supported Cooperative Working
Authors: Turner Phil , Turner Susan
Published: February 2011

Researchers in Information Systems have produced a rich collection of meta-analyses and models to further understanding of factors influencing the uptake of information technologies. In the domain of CSCW, however, these models have largely been neglected, and while there are many case studies, no systematic account of uptake has been produced. We use findings from Information Systems research to structure a meta-analysis of uptake issues as reported in CSCW case studies, supplemented by a detailed re-examination of one of our own case studies from this perspective. This shows that while there are some factors which seem to be largely specific to CSCW introductions, many of the case study results are very similar to standard IS findings. We conclude by suggesting how the two communities of researchers might build on each other’s work, and finally propose activity theory as a means of integrating the two perspectives.
How Does Attitude Impact IT Implementation
Authors: Winston Elaine R. , Dologite Dorothy
Published: February 2011

According to previous studies, attitude towards information technology (IT) among small business owners appears to be a key factor in achieving high quality IT implementations. In an effort to extend this stream of research, we conducted case studies with small business owners and learned that high quality IT implementations resulted with owners who had positive or negative attitudes toward IT, but not with owners who had uncertain attitudes. Owners with a polar attitude, either positive or negative, all took action to temper the uncertainty and risk surrounding the use of new IT in their organization. In contrast, owners with uncertain attitudes did not make mitigating attempts to reduce uncertainty and risk. A consistent finding among those with high quality IT implementations was an entrepreneurial, or shared, management style. It is proposed, based on case study data, that small business owners with an uncertain attitude towards IT might experience higher quality IT results in their organizations through practicing a more entrepreneurial, or shared, management style. The study provides insights for both computer specialists and small business owners planning IT implementations.
Environmental and Person Antecedents of Telecommuting Outcomes
Authors: Haines III Victor Y. , St-Onge Silvie , Archambault Martine
Published: February 2011

As telecommuting gradually becomes a mainstream work option, more information is needed about the conditions for its successful implementation. Unfortunately, most information on the individual characteristics or situations best suited for telecommuting are based upon anecdotal evidence. Following a person-environment fit theoretical framework, this study investigated the influence of supervisor support, technical support, family support, commute time, self-management, and affiliation motivation on telecommuting outcomes. Interactions between environmental conditions and person characteristics were examined. The results indicate that support variables are important predictors of telecommuting success. In addition, positive performance outcomes were reported from telecommuters with stronger self-management orientations and lower affiliation motivation. The results provide some evidence of an interaction effect between person characteristics and supervisor support and family support.
Selecting High-Performing Information Technology Professionals
Authors: Witt L. A. , Burke L. A.
Published: February 2011

In order to achieve competitive advantage, 21st century organizations will make substantial investments in information technology (IT). Effective human resource practices in the IT field will therefore be critical. We investigated the applicability of general mental ability and personality test scores in predicting high-performing IT professionals. Data collected from 94 information technology employees in a service industry firm were compared with supervisory ratings along four orthogonal criteria—technical proficiency, relationship management skills, adherence to documentation standards and requirements, and self-initiated professional development. Results were partially supportive of the hypotheses and provide impetus for further work investigating applications of these tests to predict programmer performance in staffing and selection processes.
Framework for Cognitive Skill Acquisition and Spreadsheet Training
Authors: Kruck S. E. , Maher John J. , Barkhi Reza
Published: February 2011

It is well documented that electronic spreadsheet models utilized in many professions to enhance decision making frequently contain errors that have negative effects on the ultimate quality of decisions. Limited research has been published that systematically identifies potential reasons for the causes of these errors, and what procedures can be taken to minimize or eliminate them. Our research provides initial evidence concerning this problem area by investigating how several important cognitive skills are affected by formalized spreadsheet training. Results indicate that one cognitive skill, logical reasoning, significantly increases after a six-week training period. Importantly, the greater the increase in logical reasoning skill, the more effectively the subject developed competent spreadsheet models. These findings provide a meaningful step in more perceptibly understanding and defining important cognitive changes that occur in individuals as they undergo formalized spreadsheet development training. Further extensions of this research should more clearly refine our understanding of the cognitive changes that occur in spreadsheet developers and eventually cultivate the development of more efficient and effective training methods for spreadsheet model designers.
Understanding the Hidden Dissatisfaction of Users toward End-User Computing
Authors: Shaw Nancy , Lee-Partridge Joo-Eng , Ang James S.
Published: February 2011

The objective of this research is to examine satisfied and dissatisfied end-users in an organization to determine if they hold different technological frames of reference towards end-user computing (EUC). This research examines the effectiveness of the computer systems at the organization, while at the same time measuring the level of end-user satisfaction with the EUC environment. Grounded theory techniques for qualitative analysis of interviews were used to assess the technological frames of reference of selected highly satisfied and highly dissatisfied users. While analysis of the satisfaction surveys alone indicated that the user population was generally satisfied with their EUC environment, follow-up interviews and service quality gap analysis highlighted several individual support areas that required remedial action. In addition, satisfied and dissatisfied users held different views or technological frames of reference towards the technology they used. Their frames of reference affected their expectations of the technology, their interactions with the MIS support staff, and their utilization of the technology on a day-to-day basis.
On-Line Retailing
Authors: Golden William , Hughes Marsha , Gallagher Patricia
Published: February 2011

This research is a descriptive study to identify some of the factors that contribute to the successful use of e-business. The research was focused on the retail industry in Ireland and more specifically on existing on-line retailers of Irish-made gifts. The study was conducted using a postal survey. The research found that specific organizational factors—early adoption of web technology, internal IS/IT expertise, having an e-business strategy and a person who champions the e-business project—result in more successful e-business web sites. Further, the research found no evidence to support the belief that certain product types are more likely to be successful on the Web.
Understanding Web Information Search Behavior
Authors: Hodkinson Christopher , Kiel Geoffrey
Published: February 2011

This paper develops a model of consumer Web search behavior. The model is derived from consumer external information search behavior models and also those relating to search behavior in physical and hypertext environments. Personal demographic and behavioral variables, which have been found to affect search behavior in conventional consumer information environments, are also discussed. Some of the unique features of the Web search environment are identified and the navigational skills required of Web searching consumers are considered. The relevance of personal Web skill and experience variables is also reviewed. A taxonomy of Web search actions is proposed as the basis for recording Web search behavior. The outcomes of information search behavior are discussed from decision-making and affective viewpoints. The variables discussed are then combined into a proposed model of Web search behavior and a research agenda detailed.
Customer Perceptions of a Thin-Client Micro-Payment System
Authors: Dai Xiaoling , Grundy John
Published: February 2011

Two fundamental payment methods exist for on-line information purchase: macro-payment and micro-payment. Traditional macro-payment methods, like credit and charge cards and digital currency, are suitable for large-value, low-volume transactions. However, large-volume, low-value commodities, such as discrete units of information from a Web site, better suit a micro-payment model. In micro-payment, customers pay for large numbers of small value goods (e.g. per-Web page view) with “e-coins”, typically of very small value each. We have carried out an empirical assessment of micro-payment and macro-payment purchasing models for an on-line newspaper application. We report on the design of our experiment, the two kinds of micro-payment (client and server-side e-wallets) used, and customer feedback. We also carried out an assessment of customer effort and economic trade-off when using these services and compare the results of this assessment to a survey of customers using each system. We present directions for further on-line payment research aiming to improve the overall satisfaction and efficiency of payment models for end-users.
Success Factors in the Implementation of a Collaborative Technology, and Resulting Productivity Improvements in a Small Business
Authors: Jones Nory B. , Kochtanek Thomas R.
Published: February 2011

Practitioners and academics often assume that investments in technology will lead to productivity improvements. While the literature provides many examples of performance improvements resulting from adoption of different technologies, there is little evidence demonstrating specific, generalizable factors that contribute to these improvements. Furthermore, investment in technology does not guarantee effective implementation. This qualitative study examined the relationship between four classes of potential success factors on the adoption of a collaborative technology and whether they were related to performance improvements in a small service company. Users of a newly adopted collaborative technology were interviewed to explore which factors contributed to their initial adoption and subsequent effective use of this technology. The results show that several factors were strongly related to adoption and effective implementation. The impact on performance improvements was further explored. Results showed a qualitative link to several performance improvements including timesavings and improved decision-making. These results are discussed in terms of generalizability as well as suggestions for future research.
The Effect of End User Development on End User Success
Authors: McGill Tanya
Published: February 2011

End user development of applications forms a significant part of organizational systems development. This study investigates the role that developing an application plays in the eventual success of the application for the user developer. The results of this study suggest that the process of developing an application not only predisposes an end user developer to be more satisfied with the application than they would be if it were developed by another end user, but also leads them to perform better with it. Thus, the results of the study highlight the contribution of the process of application development to user developed application success.
Electronic Banking and Information Assurance Issues
Authors: Gupta Manish , Rao Raghav , Upadhyaya Shambhu
Published: February 2011

Information assurance is a key component in e-banking services. This article investigates the information assurance issues and tenets of e-banking security that would be needed for design, development and assessment of an adequate electronic security infrastructure. The technology terminology and frameworks presented in the article are with the view to equip the reader with a glimpse of the state-of-art technologies that may help towards learned and better decisions regarding electronic security.
Computer Security and Risky Computing Practices
Authors: Aytes Kregg , Connolly Terry
Published: February 2011

Despite rapid technological advances in computer hardware and software, insecure behavior by individual computer users continues to be a significant source of direct cost and productivity loss. Why do individuals, many of whom are aware of the possible grave consequences of low-level insecure behaviors such as failure to backup work and disclosing passwords, continue to engage in unsafe computing practices? In this article we propose a conceptual model of this behavior as the outcome of a boundedly-rational choice process. We explore this model in a survey of undergraduate students (N = 167) at two large public universities. We asked about the frequency with which they engaged in five commonplace but unsafe computing practices, and probed their decision processes with regard to these practices. Although our respondents saw themselves as knowledgeable, competent users, and were broadly aware that serious consequences were quite likely to result, they reported frequent unsafe computing behaviors. We discuss the implications of these findings both for further research on risky computing practices and for training and enforcement policies that will be needed in the organizations these students will shortly be entering.