bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond E-Procurement
Authors: Córdoba-Pachón José-Rodrigo , Cegarra-Navarro Juan-Gabriel
Published: May 2010

In this chapter the authors develop a framework to allow them to facilitate further development of e-government services to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It is inspired in the idea that benefits for SMEs can be derived if we consider more fully e-government services as sources of SME knowledge. Benefits obtained by the use of these services can be enhanced in practice with the help of systems thinking and systems methodology use. Although the authors do not claim that knowledge is the only vehicle that SMEs could use to improve their situation, they suggest that awareness on how SMEs renew their knowledge using e-government as a source is an important element. In other words, by promoting the idea that SMES can become more aware of their external environment and respond to them, they will benefit themselves and others.
The Process of E-Government Public Policy Inclusion in the Governmental Agenda
Authors: Monteverde Federico
Published: May 2010

The incorporation of information systems in government agencies is a process that started several decades ago, but it has sped up its pace due to the evolution of information technology and communications. This process could be characterized as being responsive to specific or by-sector requirements without policies or guiding principles. To this date, national and local government agencies obtain, record and process information in order to accomplish their duties. Their ways illustrate a fragmented scheme, noticeably based on the criteria of a self-referenced, bureaucratic state. Accordingly, the state has a myriad of information systems which are frequently disconnected. In spite of this, their remarkable evolution is a valuable asset that policy makers should consider. When the concept of electronic government emerged in the late nineties, it came to bridge the gap in the creation of public policies regarding the use of state information technologies and communications. However, electronic government it is not just limited to technology applications; it also introduces an innovative view on state modernization. The latter is presented from an external point of view that adopts the citizen’s perspective and emphasizes the need for coordination and integration in inter-agency processes. The development of electronic government has two basic approaches: electronic government initiatives and electronic government policies. The first approach resembles the traditional incorporation of information systems in government agencies, where multiple electronic government initiatives respond to specific vertical requirements. The second alternative incorporates a holistic view intended to build a global model of State through an electronic government public policy. This chapter focuses on the political process leading to the development of an electronic government policy, and it is illustrated by the analysis of the political process that led to the development of electronic government policy in Uruguay. The analysis uses John W. Kingdon’s (1995) multiple streams model, a conceptual approach that is intended to explain the mainstreaming of policies in the governmental agenda. The chapter further proposes that the multiple streams model could be extremely useful as a framework to be used on an ex ante basis for advocates of electronic government policy making.
Internet and Political Parties in Chile
Authors: Moreno Eduardo Araya , Barría Diego , Campos Gustavo
Published: May 2010

Due to the importance that the Internet has gained as a means of communication, literature on political communication has incorporated it as one of its preferred topics of focus. Literature stems almost entirely from Europe and the United States. Very little is known about the political use of new information and communication technologies (NICTs) in other parts of the world. The present chapter aims to provide evidence in that line, starting from the study of the incorporation of the Chilean political parties to the Internet. In specific, the following questions are answered: In what extent do factors such as the organizational characteristics of the political parties explain their greater or lesser adoption of NICTs? What do parties use NICTs for? Furthermore, although briefly, the authors will try to answer the question whether the parties have experienced change in their interaction with the citizenry and their bases because of the usage of NICTs.
Business Process Modeling and Information Systems Modeling
Authors: Zhou Zude , Wang Huaiqing , Lou Ping
Published: May 2010

Today’s world is characterized by globalization and the rapid advance of information technology. To face such unprecedented change and survive, enterprises have to continuously review their products, services, and relations with the environment. Information systems, which have now become an integral part of business, are relied on to assess the quality of products and effectiveness of services. Unfortunately, very often software system does not properly support businesses. The causes may be poorly-defined assessment of requirements, deficiencies in proper business understanding by the software design team, or even the nature of the business (which may change so often that the software simply cannot keep pace). According to Davenport and Short (1990), the relationship between business process design and information systems has never been fully exploited in practice.
Designing E-Mail for Knowledge Management in Distributed Organizations
Authors: Leung Linda , Humphreys Tania , Weakley Alastair
Published: May 2010

E-mail has become so ubiquitous that it has surpassed existing only as a tool of asynchronous communication. E-mail has contributed to the rise of the distributed organization that is widely dispersed across nodes and locations. Email is being used in diverse ways and for an increasing range of unintended purposes. This chapter charts the history of e-mail, from early investigations of handling e-mail overload, to a review of software applications designed to ameliorate unanticipated outcomes. It suggests that while e-mail has been appropriated for information and knowledge management, there has been minimal analysis of this beyond the individual. By presenting a case study of a distributed organization, detailing the process by which e-mail was leveraged for organizational knowledge through the design of an application that enabled visualization of e-mail data, this research shows e-mail technology can become a core repository of corporate knowledge.
The Antecedents and Consequences of Adopting Learning Management Systems in Selected Australian Universities
Authors: Pratt Jonathan G.M.
Published: May 2010

During the mid to late 1990s, many Australian universities adopted innovative learning management systems to support online learning in their teaching operations. A recent investigation into the adoption experiences of three selected Australian universities revealed significant diversity in the ways in which this technology was conceived, evaluated and adopted. A fear among Vice Chancellors of falling behind their peers in other respected universities proved to be significant in each university. Although catching up was a powerful catalyst for rapid organisation-wide change, the substantive educational outcomes experienced were somewhat underwhelming, despite an increase in external legitimacy following adoption. This chapter discusses the antecedents, processes, and consequences associated with the adoption of learning management systems in three selected Australian universities. The influence of a range of various internal and external factors on key individuals is identified. This chapter concludes with a number of implications for policy and practice.
Have We Forsaken Quality and Professionalism for Technological Convenience in the Training of Lawyers in the 21st Century? The ‘Flexible Learning' Paradigm
Authors: Lansdell Gaye
Published: May 2010

Critical questions and issues face legal educators as a result of the challenges and opportunities provided by the advent of information technology. This chapter focuses on the introduction of online learning environments in the legal education context primarily at the point of pre-admission practical legal training. It queries whether parallels can be drawn between changes in technology and changes in the learning and training of lawyers. In turn, it considers whether such changes are for the benefit of the students, their intended profession and the society it is supposed to serve. Can the important communication skills, the cornerstone of legal work, be obtained through flexible delivery modes? What are the perceived limitations, disadvantages of such programs and do they outweigh the advantages? Can the professional ethos of lawyering be conveyed and developed adequately by an online training program? In this context, the literature pertaining to online delivery in the area of legal education is considered. The writer also reflects on observations of teaching instructors in both the on-campus and online courses of the Postgraduate Diploma of Legal Practice, Skills and Ethics (PDLP) at Monash University. The chapter considers course evaluations administered to cohorts of PDLP students. Finally, the chapter proposes the preferred way forward for virtual communicators in producing online programs in this area.
Is Anyone There? Being ‘Present' in Distance Education
Authors: Reupert Andrea , Maybery Darryl
Published: May 2010

Research on higher education distance education tends to focus on the technical aspects of distance teaching, with little focus on the personal components of teaching and learning. In this chapter, students are interviewed to identify whether they want a personal presence from their lecturers and if so, what this presence might look like in distance education. Conversely, lecturers are interviewed to determine what they personally bring of themselves when teaching in distance mode. Results indicate that many, but not all, distance students want their lecturers to be passionate about their subject, form relationships and be open and available. However, there were some students, albeit a minority, who wanted to focus solely on the subject. Other students were clear that even though they valued lecturers’ personal revelations, these needed to be directly related to subject materials. Similarly, distance lecturers suggest that while they do reveal aspects of their personality there are also boundaries as to how much they ‘give’ of themselves. A case study is presented that extends this discussion and provides one approach, through the use of technology, for taking the ‘distance’ out of distance teaching.
Experiential Learning through Virtual Scenarios
Authors: Le Rossignol Karen
Published: May 2010

With workplaces potentially including four generations, the differing motivations and learning styles provide new challenges to educators, as well as managers and leaders of these workforces. The Net Generation learner of the twenty first century, born after 1980 and digital media fluent, brings potentially greater collaboration and connection to knowledge and learning as a collective, rather than individual, learning process. A postgraduate Masters in Communication course explored immersive learning in two collaborative virtual and workplace-oriented environments. The Net Generation learners were able to identify the connective and experiential nature of their engagement in the virtual scenario and experiential collaborative project as being both transforming and transferable to the workplaces they were targeting through their coursework programs. The case studies explored the neomillennial learning styles as a media-based framework for designing learning tools and environments appropriate for the twenty first century learner.
A Usability Guide to Intelligent Web Tools for the Literacy of Deaf People
Authors: di Mascio Tania , Gennari Rosella
Published: May 2010

The need of literacy tools for deaf people is well documented in the literature of deaf studies. This chapter aims at drawing the attention of the HCI and AI worlds on the need of intelligent web tools for the literacy of deaf people. It reviews several such e-tools. The review tries to cover complementary and diverse literacy aspects, ranging from word knowledge to global reasoning on texts. The authors assess whether the tools conform to the User Centred Design Methodology, and put forward a first set of usability guidelines based on such a methodology for the design of more intelligent web e-tools for the literacy of deaf people. The chapter concludes by eliciting a debate on the need of a deaf user centred design.
The Influence of E-Commerce Website Colors on Usability
Authors: Pelet Jean-Eric
Published: May 2010

This chapter aims to study the effects of the colors of e-commerce websites on consumer behavior, in order to better understand website usability. Since color components (Hue, Brightness and Saturation) affect behavioral responses of the consumer (memorization and buying intention), this research reveals the importance of the interaction between hue and brightness, in enhancing the contrast necessary to ensure an easy navigation. By comparing graphic chart effects according to their level of saturation and brightness depending on the hue, it aims at focusing on particularly important consideration of webdesign, linked to choices of color. The obtained results were conveyed through the changes in internal states of the organism, which are emotions and mood. The interaction of hue and brightness, using chromatic colors (as opposed to Black & White) for the dominant (background) and dynamic (foreground) ones, supports memorization and the intent to purchase, reinforcing the importance to attach to usable websites. This is even more evident when contrast rests on a weak situation of brightness. The data collection was carried out during a laboratory experiment so as to ensure the accuracy of measurements regarding the color aspects of e-commerce websites.
Productivity Analysis of Public Services
Authors: Jääskeläinen Aki , Kujansivu Paula , Väisänen Jaani
Published: May 2010

Productivity is a key success factor in any organization. In order to improve productivity, it is necessary to understand how various factors affect it. The previous research has mainly focused on productivity analysis at macro level (e.g. nations) or in private companies. Instead, there is a lack of knowledge about productivity drivers in public service organizations. This study aims to scrutinize the role of various operational (micro level) factors in improving public service productivity. In particular, this study focuses on child day care services. First, the drivers of productivity are identified in light of the existing literature and of the results of workshop discussions. Second, the drivers most conducive to high productivity and the specific driver combinations associated with high productivity are defined by applying methods of data mining. The empirical data includes information on 239 day care centers of the City of Helsinki, Finland. According to the data mining results, the factors most conducive to high productivity are the following: proper use of employee resources, efficient utilization of premises, high employee competence, large size of day care centers, and customers with little need for additional support.
Perceptions of Students on Location-Based Privacy and Security with Mobile Computing Technology
Authors: Molluzzo John C. , Lawler James P. , Vandepeutte Pascale
Published: May 2010

Mobile computing is a maturing technology with benefits for consumers. The purpose of this chapter is to furnish research on the perceptions of non-information systems students in both America and Europe on the impact of mobile computing devices on privacy and security. The chapter expands upon earlier research on only the perceptions of information systems students in America on mobile computing privacy and security. This research indicates a higher level of knowledge of the features of mobile computing, but lower levels of knowledge of inherent issues of mobile computing and consumer privacy and of precaution with mobile computing devices. Findings imply an inadequacy in general curriculum, and especially in data mining curriculum, but also an opportunity to improve the curricula. This research will benefit educators attempting to improve their pedagogy with syllabi summarized in the chapter that integrates contemporary issues of privacy and security with mobile computing technology.
Privacy Preserving Data Mining
Authors: Gkoulalas-Divanis Aris , Verykios Vassilios S.
Published: May 2010

Since its inception in 2000, privacy preserving data mining has gained increasing popularity in the data mining research community. This line of research can be primarily attributed to the growing concern of individuals, organizations and the government regarding the violation of privacy in the mining of their data by the existing data mining technology. As a result, a whole new body of research was introduced to allow for the mining of data, while at the same time prohibiting the leakage of any private and sensitive information. In this chapter, the authors introduce the readers to the field of privacy preserving data mining; they discuss the reasons that led to its inception, the most prominent research directions, as well as some important methodologies per direction. Following that, the authors focus their attention on very recently investigated methodologies for the offering of privacy during the mining of user mobility data. In the end of the chapter, they provide a roadmap along with potential future research directions both with respect to the field of privacy-aware mobility data mining and to privacy preserving data mining at large.
On Data Mining and Knowledge
Authors: Krone Oliver
Published: May 2010

Understanding data mining (DM) as part of Information Systems (IS) this contribution investigates the question how this subordination is reasoned in a technological and business logical perspective. For this purpose general characteristics of Enterprise Resources Planning Applications (ERP) and Management Information Systems (MIS; including here Decision Support and Expert Systems) are presented. Based on this evaluation it is examined how knowledge and DM are becoming interdependent for Knowledge Management (KM) in organizations. Knowledge is defined along the Penrose’an dichotomy of information and knowledge in the context of resources and services. Validity of knowledge is analyzed from a methodological (quantitative versus qualitative methods) perspective, probing what key characteristics of both method strands are, and how those fit into the discipline of Organizational Studies. Unveiling a relationship between security and information in Penrose, an alternative account of security originating in Foucault is presented. In this security and knowledge become means for standardization of live in order to allow for continuation of an abstracted, socially generated object. Combining arguments about validity of knowledge claims with that of security, DM based knowledge and security are identified as means abstracting from a human core and attempting constraining variability. Against this background researchers and users of DM based knowledge are asked for awareness of the constructed character of IS, and how much of this constructed character is contained in DM based knowledge.
Data Mining Methods for Crude Oil Market Analysis and Forecast
Authors: Wang Jue , Xu Wei , Zhang Xun , Bao Yejing , Pang Ye , Wang Shouyang
Published: May 2010

In this study, two data mining based models are proposed for crude oil price analysis and forecasting, one of which is a hybrid wavelet decomposition and support vector Machine (SVM) model and the other is an OECD petroleum inventory levels based wavelet neural network model (WNN). These models utilize support vector regression (SVR) and artificial neural network (ANN) technique for crude oil prediction and are made comparison with other forecasting models, respectively. Empirical results show that the proposed nonlinear models can improve the performance of oil price forecasting. The findings of this research are useful for private organizations and governmental agencies to take either preventive or corrective actions to reduce the impact of large fluctuation in crude oil markets, and demonstrate that the implications of data mining in public and private sectors and government agencies are promising for analyzing and predicting on the basis of data.
An Exposition of CaRBS Based Data Mining
Authors: Beynon Malcolm J. , Andrews Rhys
Published: May 2010

The non-trivial extraction of implicit, previously unknown, interesting, and potentially useful information is at the heart of efforts to solve real-world problems; perhaps nowhere more so than in the field of organization studies. This chapter aims to describe the ability of a nascent data mining technique, Classification and Ranking Belief Simplex (CaRBS), to undertake analysis in the area of organization research in the public sector. The rudiments of CaRBS, and the RCaRBS development also employed, are based on the general methodology of Dempster-Shafer theory (DST), as such, the data mining analysis undertaken with CaRBS is associated with uncertain modelling. Throughout this chapter, a real application is considered, namely, using survey data drawn from a large multipurpose public organization, to examine the argument that consensus on strategic priorities is, at least partly, determined by an organization’s structure, process and environment.
SOA-Frameworks for Modular Virtual Learning Environments
Authors: Paulsson Fredrik , Berglund Mikael
Published: May 2010

A general SOA framework for Virtual Learning Environments, based on the VWE Learning Object Taxonomy, is suggested in this chapter. Five basic and general services are suggested for implementation of modular Virtual Learning Environments. The design of the service framework was tested by implementation in two prototypes, using two different approaches where a Java-RMI based implementation was compared to a Web Service (SOAP) based implementation. By implementing the VWE Learning Object Taxonomy and the VWE SOA framework, the prototypes showed that a level of modularity, similar to the level of modularity of Learning Objects, could be achieved for the Virtual Learning Environment as well. Using the VWE Learning Object Taxonomy, this was accomplished by including the learning content and the Virtual Learning Environment into the same conceptual space. The comparison of the prototypes showed that the Web Service approach was preferred in favor of the Java-RMI approach. This was mainly due to platform neutrality and the use of the http-protocol. The study was supplemented by an analysis of the two approaches in relation to a third, REST-based approach.
Web Advances in Education
Authors: Kaldoudi Eleni , Konstantinidis Stathis , Bamidis Panagiotis D.
Published: May 2010

The evolving shift from ‘teaching’ to ‘learning’ in contemporary education is strongly related to an increasing involvement of information and communication technologies and the Web. Although the latter was initially of a static nature and merely required passive human viewers, this is currently changing towards a second generation of dynamic services and communication tools that emphasize on peer-to-peer collaboration, contributing, and sharing, both among humans and programs. In this chapter, this revolution, usually known under the collective term Web 2.0, is reviewed from an educational as well as a technological point of view. The issues and controversies arising are backed up by case studies from diverse educational contexts to illustrate the potential of the proposed solutions. The discussion is finally concluded with some exciting speculations on the envisaged arrival of Web 3.0 and collaborative content sharing with semantic technologies.
Key Factors and New Directions of Multimedia Learning Design
Authors: Samaras Haido , Giouvanakis Thanasis , Bousiou Despina , Tarabanis Konstantinos
Published: May 2010

This chapter explores specific topics, issues and directions associated with multimedia and hypermedia learning environments. A key aim is to inform researchers, designers, and developers of multimedia learning systems as well as educators who wish to engage students in learning activities rooted in multimedia learning research and design of the critical factors that have had an impact on maximizing learning through multimedia. Strengths and pitfalls of multimedia learning design are discussed through the review of the important conclusions that two generations of multimedia research have contributed to multimedia design. Finally, emerging factors, which are currently formulating a third generation of multimedia design and learning research are presented.
Affective E-Learning System
Authors: Caridakis G. , Tzouveli P. , Malatesta L. , Raouzaiou A.
Published: May 2010

Learning systems provide adaptation to the learners’ preferences without taking under consideration the learners’ current status. The more a learning system exchanges relevant fragments of information about the learner’s affective status the more it adapts to it. Following this direction, we propose an integrated learning system taking under consideration learners’ emotional state in order to provide a personalized e-learning system. An extended version of the IEEE Reference Model (WG) LTSA (IEEE 2003) is used for this purpose. The proposed approach is based on the automatic analysis of the learners’ emotional state providing different learners’ profiles which are built and maintained by “observing” each learner behavior. As a learner is strongly positively affected to the learning procedure in the presence of an agent, the proposed system has adopted an expressive ECA (Embodied Conversational Agent) which is adapted to the learner’s emotional states in the duration of the learning procedure.
IT Service Management Standards
Authors: Cater-Steel Aileen , Toleman Mark
Published: May 2010

Service management standards such as the IT infrastructure library (ITIL), and now ISO/IEC 20000, provide guidance and tools for effective management and control of IT service delivery. These standards are of increasing importance to organisations around the globe so education about these standards and possibilities for training of IT staff are important. In the main, academics and Universities have not embraced these standards in either research or education about them; however, demand for IT staff qualified to various levels in these standards grows. Universities have a place in this education process and there are significant benefits to them, the graduates and industry in terms of increases in student numbers, enhanced employment opportunities and improvement in service quality, but there are challenges also especially in relating problems in practice to students. Using results from two national surveys and several case studies, this chapter considers the requirements for education about these important standards.
Secure Service Rating in Federated Software Systems Based on SOA
Authors: Brehm Nico , Gómez Jorge Marx
Published: May 2010

The Service-oriented Architecture (SOA) paradigm mostly provides a suitable approach as to meet the requirements of flexible distributed software systems. Referring to the activities for the standardization of Web Service semantics or alternatively the introduction of intelligent search mechanisms future software architectures are supposed to integrate software components as remote services of foreign providers. If the authors assume that such services can be standardized e.g. as components of standard business application systems the vision of a service economy arises where services of the same type can be marketed by different providers. A service consumer on the other hand could choose the service he likes best at runtime. However, this vision is clouded by a multiplicity of risks which meet each other in the question of the specific reliability and trustworthiness of service providers in a certain context. Previous research activities picked up this problem whereby a lot of promising approaches and frameworks have been developed which concern the negotiation of trust within open network architectures like grids or peer-to-peer networks. Nevertheless, the genesis of the trust relationship between two network nodes has been neglected. This chapter presents an approach for the establishment of reputation in federated software systems where central network instances for the management of evaluations are avoided. In the authors’ approach the service providers are responsible for this task on their own. The authors present a novel security protocol for the message-based exchange of service evaluations that deters service providers from manipulating their own ratings.
Forensics over Web Services
Authors: Gunestas Murat , Wijesekera Duminda , Singhal Anoop
Published: May 2010

Web services are currently a preferred way to architect and provide complex services. This complexity arises due to the composition of new services by choreographing, orchestrating and dynamically invoking existing services. These compositions create service inter-dependencies that can be misused for monetary or other gains. When a misuse is reported, investigators have to navigate through a collection of logs to recreate the attack. In order to facilitate that task, the authors propose creating forensic web services (FWS), a specialized web service that when used would securely maintain transactional records between other web services. These secure records can be re-linked to reproduce the transactional history by an independent agency. Although their work is ongoing, they show the necessary components of a forensic framework for web services and its success through a case study.
Security in Service Oriented Architectures
Authors: Kayem Anne V.D.M.
Published: May 2010

Service Oriented Architectures (SOAs) have become the defacto standard for defining interoperable architectures on the web with the most common implementation of this concept being in the form of web services. Information exchange is an integral part of SOAs, so designing effective security architectures that ensure data confidentiality and integrity is important. However, selecting a security standard for the architecture is challenging because existing solutions are geared toward access control in relatively static scenarios rather than dynamic scenarios where some form of adaptability is needed. Moreover, when services interact across different domains interoperability becomes a problem because of the lack a consistent security model to handle service interactions. This chapter presents a comparative analysis of SOA security standards. The authors discuss the challenges SOA security architecture designers face, in relation to an example travel agent web services scenario, and outline potential mitigation strategies.
Technological Consciousness and Moral Agency
Authors: Rocci Luppicini
Published: May 2010

Is it possible to explain social and ethical aspects of technology in society without considering the human minds and actions intertwined within technological advances? Can legal and ethical questions concerning agency in autonomous machines be addressed without meditating on the conditions of consciousness required for agency? The answer to both these questions is no. A persistent problem in the study of technology today is the lack of attention to the nature of the human mind and how it fits into the real world of technology. Scholars have tended to draw on philosophical-sociological theory and group themselves into camps (e.g., technological determinism, social constructivism, actor-network theory, etc.). Most of these theories, however, fail to address the human side of technology that lies within ‘individual’ minds and bodies that affect and are affected by technology at a deeply personal level. In other words, the mental life of human subjects is not a core consideration in the study of technology in society. What remains is a persisting problem within a continually advancing technological society to understand the relationship between technology, consciousness, and society.
Technology Assessment and Technoethics Inquiry
Authors: Rocci Luppicini
Published: May 2010

Philosophical and historical conceptualizations of technology and ethics discussed in the first three chapters of this book helped to situate the reader within the general context of technoethical scholarship as it pertains to a knowledge society. This is important in providing a theoretical grounding for the field of Technoethics. How- ever, the field of Technoethics also has an applied research and practice orientation for guiding technoethical inquiry and its application to technology assessment and technology design. As such it offers practical tools for use within the technology oriented professions (e.g., engineering, computer science, medicine, technology studies).
The Nature and Areas of Technoethical Inquiry
Authors: Rocci Luppicini
Published: May 2010

As illustrated in the preceding chapters, social and ethical concerns about technology are multifaceted and cannot be resolved through methods derived from any one discipline. Instead, a multi-tiered approach that draws on an interdisciplinary knowledge base is recommended to guide a proper technoethical inquiry advanced through knowledge and insights derived from multiple disciplines and literatures. This approach is desirable for achieving a more comprehensive picture of technology at the core of human life and society. Knowledge derived from the cross-fertilization of relevant areas of inquiry represents a potentially powerful set of knowledge building tools that can be used for maximizing the positive and minimizing the negative ethical aspects of technology in society. To this end, a systems approach to technoethical inquiry (chapter 4) was highlighted as an ideal methodology for studying the multi-faceted nature of ethical aspects of technology. This, however, does not negate the use of other methods and tools available to guide technoethical inquiry. Neither does it capture the nature and scope of technoethical inquiry within the real world of technology and humans.
Educational and Professional Technoethics
Authors: Rocci Luppicini
Published: May 2010

Are we developing a (global) society where our youth think it is ok to copy and paste whatever they see on the Internet and turn it in for homework; where writing an English paper would include BTW, IMHO, LOL among other emoticons; where downloading a song or movie that they can pirate from the Web is perfectly ok? We would certainly hope not. However, these concerns are just the tip of what is happening in our society. When looking at the social impact of technology in on our society it becomes clear the importance of instilling ethical behaviors and practices in the members of our society. Where is the best place to instill these ethical behaviors? --Gearhart, 2008, p.263.
Understanding the Composition of Knowledge Management Capability
Authors: Freeze Ronald , Kulkarni Uday
Published: May 2010

Knowledge assets are an important organizational resource. Both research and practice literature has recognized that, if managed properly, knowledge resources have the potential to contribute to a firm’s performance. Yet, the way in which organizations build knowledge management (KM) capability is relatively poorly understood. The diversity of knowledge assets existing within organizations makes it difficult to have a common understanding of how to utilize the knowledge resource most effectively. Drawing from both Resource Based View and Organizational Learning literature, the authors present a Knowledge Management (KM) framework that describes distinctly different types of knowledge assets within organizations. KM traditionally encompasses a range of activities associated with the knowledge lifecycle, including creation and capture of knowledge, transfer or sharing of this knowledge, and its application and reuse in organizations. While explicating the characteristics of the different knowledge assets, our KM framework describes the unique activities required to manage these assets. Using this framework, organizations can evaluate their knowledge needs and selectively invest in knowledge resources, focusing on the activities required to manage them effectively. The authors believe that this framework will allow organizations to build optimal KM capabilities dictated by their business needs and goals, and in alignment with their overall business strategy.
Developing an Integrated Model for Understanding Knowledge Management Practices in an Arab Country
Authors: Al-Shammari Minwir
Published: May 2010

This chapter seeks to develop a model for understanding Knowledge Management (KM) practice in an Arab socio-economic context. To achieve the objectives of the study, a conceptual KM model was proposed and described; it was then illustrated using a case study. The chapter adopts a case study approach as a powerful source of understanding the KM specificities. Twelve interviews were conducted with executives of a telecommunications company, and then were systemically analyzed. Based on the findings of the study, a profile of KM in an Arab country is developed as well as a holistic and integrative KM model. The final model concludes with a proposed a three-layer KM model. The first layer includes KM drivers (market liberalization, technological advancements, and customers’ preferences); the second includes KM processes (knowledge strategizing, sourcing, composing, sharing, and using), whereas the third layer includes KM enablers (KM buying behavior, convergence of business and technology, source-data quality, project championship, process-based structure, and sharing culture). However, the proposed model requires further testing through conducting more case studies to be able to capture the best practice of KM in this important region.
Measuring the Dimensions of Tacit and Explicit Knowledge
Authors: Chilton Michael A. , Bloodgood James M.
Published: May 2010

Knowledge workers are often employed to extract knowledge from domain experts in order to codify knowledge held by these experts. The extent to which workers rely on tacit or explicit knowledge may produce inefficiencies and reduce productivity if the information is not shared among those who need it or if it encapsulates strategic goals and is inadvertently shared with those who might undermine the firm’s competitive advantage. This chapter discusses the nature of tacit versus explicit knowledge in terms of the dimensions thought to contribute to its degree of tacitness. The authors present the results of an exploratory study in which they develop an instrument designed to elicit perceptions regarding the nature of knowledge used by workers and their degree of reliance on tacit knowledge. It is an indirect form of measurement that eliminates the need to render the knowledge entirely explicit prior to measurement. As an additional benefit, it allows the classification of knowledge along a continuum, ranging from entirely tacit to entirely explicit or somewhere in between. Use of this instrument by managers will help them identify pockets of tacit knowledge within the firm that could either be made explicit so that other workers can benefit from it or that could be prevented from becoming explicit should its strategic value require protection.
A Specialized Evaluation and Comparison of Sample Data Mining Software
Authors: Wang John , Hu Xiaohua , Hollister Kimberly , Zhu Dan
Published: May 2010

Finding the right software is often hindered by different criteria as well as by technology changes. The authors performed an AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) analysis using Expert Choice to determine which data mining package was most suitable. Deliberating a dozen alternatives and objectives led them to a series of pair-wise comparisons. When further synthesizing the results, Expert Choice helped provide a clear rationale for the decision. The issue is, data mining technology is changing very rapidly. This chapter focused only on the major suppliers typically available in the market place. The method and the process that was used can be easily applied to analyze and compare other data mining software or knowledge management initiatives.
Frameworks for Talking about Virtual Collaborative Writing
Authors: Hewett Beth L. , Remley Dirk , Zemliansky Pavel , DiPardo Anne
Published: May 2010

This chapter draws on various rhetorical, media-based, social presence–based, activity-based, and systems-based frameworks for understanding virtual collaborative writing. Such theoretical understanding is helpful to bridging the gap between those who study virtual collaborative writing to develop theories of the practice and those who draw on theory to develop effective practices.
Attention and Pervasive Computing
Authors: Kuisma Jarmo , Simola Jaana , Öörni Anssi
Published: May 2010

Attention is one of the most limited mental resources. The capacity of our visual attention is challenged by the increasingly rich media content and decreasing size of user interfaces embedded in many everyday appliances. Observations in fields such as advertising, with lengthy traditions in investigating the effects of visual attention and recognition may offer insights into effective interface design for pervasive computing applications. This study examines the impact of repetition and attention on recognition for four types of online ads: horizontal and vertical ads appearing in both animated and static forms. The authors observed that repetition enhanced recognition of ads, and that animated ads were generally better recognized while the effect of ad format was less significant. This chapter measured attention by eye fixations and fixation durations and found a strong relationship between attention and ad recognition.
Regional and Sectoral Disparities in Inflow of FDI in India
Authors: Shahmoradi Behrooz
Published: May 2010

During the last two decades, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has become increasingly important in the developing world, with a growing number of developing countries seeking in attracting substantial and rising amounts of inward FDI. Furthermore, FDI has become the most important source of finance that can contribute to economic development. Recognizing this, all the governments want to attract it. India as a developing country is not an exception in this regard therefore study the different aspects of FDI can be helpful for policy makers in macro as well as micro level. Since 1990, FDI has been considered as the most powerful driver of economic development. While India has seen a steady increase in FDI inflows in the post-reform period, therefore, this study tries to analyze the regional and sectoral disparities in Inflow of FDI in India since 1990. The analysis showed that there is a disparity between states in India and it also indicates a shift from primary and secondary sectors to tertiary sectors and pervasive computing areas.
An Integrated Business Model Innovation Approach
Authors: Boutellier Roman , Eurich Markus , Hurschler Patricia
Published: May 2010

This chapter will foster the understanding of business model innovation with a focus on the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry and e-entrepreneurship. A general overview of business models and their elements as well as an introduction to innovation alternatives will provide the necessary background for business model innovation. On the basis of Schumpeterian innovation, this chapter will pioneer in describing business model innovation as addendum to Abernathy’s and Utterback’s dynamic model of process and product innovation. Thereby an integrated business model innovation approach will be initiated overcoming the drawbacks of unilateral innovation. The integrated business model innovation approach proposes a framework for long-term differentiation and competitive advantages. Different examples, in particular ICT-ventures, will clarify the effect of integrated business model innovation.
Legitimizing Innovative Ventures Strategically – The Case of Europe's First Online Pharmacy
Authors: Kuckertz Andreas , Schröder Karsten Jörn
Published: May 2010

Organizational legitimacy is a key resource that is necessary for every venture to acquire other crucial resources, which will subsequently stimulate growth. The authors illustrate this legitimacy-growth relationship by analyzing the case of Europe’s first online pharmacy DocMorris. Given that this ICT venture started as extremely illegitimate, this case provides a rich background to identify various strategies that are potentially helpful to enhance a venture’s level of legitimacy. Building on interview data collected from the firm’s key actors, the authors are able to show how the perception of a firm’s legitimacy from the viewpoint of various internal and external stakeholders can be managed strategically.
Enlisting Online Communicators in Web 2.0
Authors: Walsh Gianfranco , Brach Simon , Mitchell Vincent-Wayne
Published: May 2010

The Web 2.0 has changed the basic marketing communication paradigm in that it forces companies to acknowledge that Internet-based consumer-to-consumer communication can be a powerful success driver. Information dissemination, which can enhance the success of on-line and off-line products, is increasingly outside the realm of influence of companies because in many markets on-line communicators can play a central role in influencing others’ purchase decisions. e-Mavens are recognized as a consumer type that engage in on-line communication. Using a sample of more than 2,500 consumers, the authors profile e-Mavens using demographic and psychographic characteristics as well as explore their motives for visiting music web sites. In addition, changes in e-Mavens’ music-related consumption behavior are investigated. Next, using cluster analysis, the authors develop a typology of e-Mavens. Implications for both managerial practice and Web 2.0 research are discussed.
Creating Value Through Entrepreneurship
Authors: Bikfalvi Andrea , Tarrés Christian Serarols , Esteva Josep Lluís de la Rosa
Published: May 2010

The present case study describes the creation and development process of ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENT AGENTS, S.L. (AIA), a company spun-off from the University of Girona (Spain). It describes all phases, from concept to implementation, and the problems and challenges faced by the entrepreneurial team composed of academics and professionals. AIA provides living proof of how a research group can become a company. It lays out the path from developing a technology in the field of human automation attempting to sell a user-friendly technology that would help customer intelligence and management. AIA targeted at Internet companies in general, as well as traditional businesses that used customer relationship management (CRM) extensively in their daily operations. After having developed their main product and survived financial difficulty, the company stood at crossroads and a decision regarding its strategic future had to be taken.
Recruitment of Subject Specialists to Academic Librarianship
Authors: Kellsey Charlene , Alexander Stephanie , Ascher James P. , Brower Matthew
Published: May 2010

Library faculty at the University of Colorado at boulder developed a fellowship program for current graduate students to provide them with a work experience in an academic library. Under the mentorship of a library faculty member, they completed meaningful projects, often using their language or subject expertise, while exploring career possibilities in librarianship. The goal was to introduce academic subject specialists to a career in academic librarianship as a viable career option. Based on the results of a follow-up survey the program was quite successful. The survey indicates that over half of the respondents are considering working in an academic library, and over half are attending or have graduated from a library science graduate program.