bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic Learning Object Selection and Sequencing in Web0Based Intelligent Learning Systems
Authors: Karampiperis Pythagoras , Sampson Demetrios
Published: May 2011

Automatic courseware authoring is recognized as among the most interesting research questions in intelligent Web-based education. Automatic courseware authoring is the process of automatic learning object selection and sequencing. In most intelligent learning systems that incorporate course sequencing techniques, learning object selection and sequencing are based on a set of teaching rules according to the cognitive style or learning preferences of the learners. In spite of the fact that most of these rules are generic (i.e., domain independent), there are no well-defined and commonly accepted rules on how the learning objects should be selected and how they should be sequenced to make “instructional sense.” Moreover, in order to design adaptive learning systems, a huge set of rules is required, since dependencies between educational characteristics of learning objects and learners are rather complex. In this chapter, we address the learning object selection and sequencing problem in intelligent learning systems proposing a methodology that, instead of forcing an instructional designer to manually define the set of selection and sequencing rules, produces a decision model that mimics the way the designer decides, based on the observation of the designer’s reaction over a small-scale learning object selection case.
Knowledge Representation in Intelligent Educational Systems
Authors: Hatzilygeroudis Ioannis
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we deal with knowledge representation in Intelligent Educational Systems (IESs). We make an effort to define requirements for Knowledge Representation (KR) in an IES. The requirements concern all stages of an IES’s life cycle (construction, operation, and maintenance), all types of users (experts, engineers, learners) and all its modules (domain knowledge, user model, pedagogical model). We also briefly present various KR schemes, focusing on neurules, a kind of hybrid rules integrating symbolic rules and nuerocomputing. We then compare all of them as far as the specified KR requirements are concerned. It appears that various hybrid approaches to knowledge representation can satisfy the requirements in a greater degree than that of single representations. Another finding is that there is not a hybrid scheme that can satisfythe requirements of all the modules of an IES. So, multiple representations or a multi-paradigm representation environment could provide a solution to requirements satisfaction.
The Role of Metadata in E-Learning Systems
Authors: Puustjarvi Juha
Published: May 2011

The fast development of technologies requires specialised and complex skills that need to be renewed frequently. Thus the role of continuing education and lifelong learning is becoming even more important. E-learning adapts well to continued education, as it can be done in parallel to other work. This in turn sets new requirements for universities: they have to build e-learning infrastructures and course material has to be in digital form. Moreover, the e-learning systems should be designed in a way that they provide easy access to courses and course material. A cornerstone of easy access is the metadata attached to courses and other relevant elements. However, the mere metadata itself is not very useful without the ontology that gives the semantics for the metadata. In this chapter, we will give an overview of the role of metadata and ontologies in e-learning systems. We will also consider the standards of educational metadata and consider the utilization of metadata and ontologies in three e-learning systems.
AWLA
Authors: Cantero Manuel O. , Sanchez-Villalon Pedro P.
Published: May 2011

As e-learning gets more widespread, its definition is becoming more distinctive, implying the use of the Web for learning. The Web’s original functionality was to provide access to materials located in servers. This has been the core strategy for e-learning. However, the Web is becoming more versatile. The new interactive Web functionalities are organized in services offered to users. The content-based Learning Management Systems are evolving into more interactive systems providing agent-like learning services rather than only learning content. By designing an interactive environment with a learning objective, we can develop an effective e-learning appliance: the application of strategic Web functionalities on a technologically enhanced learning environment. Designed under the constructivist perspective, A Writing e-learning Appliance (AWLA) is an organized set of interactive Web-based utilities that, when applied in a technologically enhanced learning environment, allow learners to develop their writing skill in language learning and fulfil writing activities in any other discipline, both individually and in collaboration.
Effects of Teaching Science through Immersive Virtual Environments
Authors: Daniels Lisa M. , Terpstra Jeff , Addicott Kimberly , Slator Brian M. , Schwert Donald P , Saini-Eidukat Bernhardt , McClean Phillip , White Alan R.
Published: May 2011

The North Dakota State University (NDSU) World Wide Web Instructional Committee (WWWIC) is an inter-disciplinary research team, which has, since the 1990s, developed multi-user, interactive virtual environments (IVEs) to teach the structure and process of various branches of science. The most developed of these include the “Geology Explorer” and the “Virtual Cell,” (VCell). This chapter describes the key features the Virtual Cell and the Geology Explorer, the underlying philosophy and educational theory guiding their development, and results of large controlled experiments that investigate their effectiveness on student learning. Additionally, ongoing projects andexperiments of the team relevant to the development and dissemination of these software programs are explored. The underlying purpose of our IVEs is to increase student achievement and scientific problem-solving skills while providing students with opportunities to learn-by-doing in a real-world context. Research findings collected for almost a decade demonstrate the positive impact of our IVEs on science students.
A Special Purpose E-Learning Environment
Authors: Kordaki Maria
Published: May 2011

This study presents the concept of Special Purpose E-Learning Environments (SPELEs). The main aim of these environments is to meet the learners’ individual learning differences related to a specific learning subject. An architecture of the design of SPELEs is presented. The background of this design, which is based on interpretations of modern constructivist and social views of learning in the Internet context, is also presented. Based on this architecture a specific SPELE, designed for the learning of concepts related to Files and Peripheral Storage Devices (FPSD.), is demonstrated and its pilot evaluation study with real students is reported. The analysis of the data verifies the theoretical design of SPELEs, which consists of five parts: (a) organization of the content of a specific learning subject, (b) learning activities (c) learner activity space (d) learner assessment, and (e) learner communication. The analysis of the data also gives evidence for future improvements of the specific SPELE mentioned above.
Advanced Broadband Enabled Learning
Authors: Buck George H.
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes how action research was used to develop and facilitate a new collaborative distance learning initiative using the Supernet (CA*Net) in Canada. While many high technology-based projects are devised by a few individuals, often implementation of such initiatives is hampered either by a top-down implementation strategy, or because individuals do not appreciate the potential of the initiative. To avoid these obstacles, the Advanced Broadbased Enabled Learning (ABEL) project employed the principles of participatory action research to the design, decisions andimplementation. Starting with a few people, and ending up with many collaborators, ABEL typifies the successful application of action research to develop a viable and sustainable project. Development of ABEL, its relationship to action research, as well as problems and limitations are described. The success of ABEL experience may serve as a model for other initiatives integrating high technology with education.
The Impact of Internet Learning Technology
Authors: Johnson Genevieve M. , Howell Genevieve J.
Published: May 2011

Instructional effectiveness, as the term implies, requires determination of an effect, and an effect, by definition, has a cause. Only one group of research methods can establish cause—experimental methods. In this regard, fundamental evaluative research involves ascertaining cause and establishing the degree to which such cause can be generalized across instructional situations. This chapter promotes a quantitative style of research methods directed toward apprehending the effective features of instructional applications of Internet technology. The characteristics of experimental research designs that appear particularly useful in systematic evaluation of Internet learning technologies include the true experiment, the quasi-experiment, and the small-n experiment. Contemporary learning technology applications are described and discussed for each of these experimental methods. Issues and challenges associated with experimental determination of the impact of instructional technology on human learning are examined and researchers’ solutions are presented.
Inetwork
Authors: Sandrasegaran K. , Trieu M.
Published: May 2011

A country or a nation would be immobilized without computers and data communication networks. Computer networking courses are being offered by not only universities and tertiary institutions but also many technical colleges and secondary schools worldwide. The cost associated with purchasing networking devices and equipment to enable students to gain practical experience in setting up a customised network can be significant. Therefore, networking fundamentals are taught by combination of textbooks and lecture-only methods in many schools and publicly funded tertiary institutions. This chapter describes the development and use of an interactive learning tool called iNetwork for teaching and learning computer communication networks. iNetwork provides an environment in which students can experiment with different network configurations and gain hands-on learning experience in computer and data communication networks without the need for expensive equipment.
A Remotely Accessible Embedded Systems Laboratory
Authors: Murray Steve , Lasky Vladimir
Published: May 2011

To teach modern embedded systems including operating systems in a meaningful way, a moderately sophisticated processor is required to demonstrate many key concepts, such as multitasking, multithreading, a structured and abstracted hardware management layer, communications utilising various protocols over network interfaces, and memory resident file systems. Unfortunately, high-end 32-bit embedded systems processors capable of supporting these facilities are expensive compared to conventional 8-bit and 16-bit targets, and it is not feasible to acquire a large number of them to house in a laboratory in an effort to enable practical exercises for over 100 students. This chapter describes the development and use of a remotely accessible embedded systems laboratory that uses a small number of 32-bit development systems and makes them available to students over the Internet.
The Conversation Cycle
Authors: Deshmukh Ashutosh
Published: May 2011

The conversion cycle spans a range of activities — product design, production planning and control, and cost accounting. Product design is a collaborative activity and can involve a number of specialists from different functional areas. Production planning and control involves planning production by optimizing factors such as customer demand, availability of materials and labor, capacity constraints, distribution constraints and storage constraints, to mention a few. Planned manufacturing activities are carried out by processing raw materials though a combination of machines and humans and creating a finished product. The cost accounting system provides data useful for evaluating production function, determining product costs and generating information for inventory valuation for external reporting purposes.
Gender and Programming
Authors: McKenna Peter
Published: May 2011

This chapter seeks to examine a theory of gendered styles of programming which is predicated on differences in attitudes toward abstraction and black boxes. It critically explores the theoretical questions and issues raised and summarizes the design of an empirical, quantitative means of testing gender-based attitudes to black boxes, alongside and triangulated with ethnographic research into the experiences and attitudes of female students in relation to programming. The paradigm-shift represented by object-oriented programming is given particular consideration because of the claims made on its behalf within this debate, and as a special case of abstraction. The chapter concludes that there is no gendered difference in attitudes toward black boxes in programming, and that the reasons for female under-representation in computing lie elsewhere.
What is Problem-Based Learning?
Authors: Uden Lorna , Beaumont Chris
Published: May 2011

Employers today are demanding communication, team, and problem-solving skills. Few of these skills are evident in the classroom, as students memorise facts for regurgitation. According to Vernon and Blake (1993), problem-based learning is more than a teaching method. It is a complex mixture of general teaching philosophy, learning objectives, and goals. PBL is an instructional approach that uses problems as a context for students to acquire problem-solving skills and knowledge. This chapter describes the shift from traditional teaching methods to PBL. It discusses the characteristics of PBL and explains how it differs from other approaches, such as case-based, project-based, and lecture-based approaches.
Curriculum and Organisational Issues
Authors: Uden Lorna , Beaumont Chris
Published: May 2011

The subject of problem-based learning can raise some surprisingly strong emotions, both in terms of the right process to use and the right curriculum model. For example, on the PBL Initiative Web site (director, Howard Barrows, n.d.), the minimum essentials for PBL are stated, and include: “Problem-based learning should not occur within a single discipline or subject.” Specifically for medical education, the recommendations are further specified: Problem-based learning must be the pedagogical base in the curriculum and not part of a didactic curriculum. Problem-based learning should not be episodic, added on to or mixed in with more traditional, didactic, teacher-directed, passive, memorization-based and lecture-based educational methods. (PBL Initiative) This requires a large-scale intervention, obtaining commitment, collaboration, and consensus from staff in multiple subject areas, followed by much planning and training. It can be quite discouraging for a teacher who can see many benefits in the PBL approach and would like to try out PBL “in the small.” While there are numerous benefits for implementing PBL throughout a curriculum—we will discuss in more depth later in the chapter—there is an alternative view of PBL as a pedagogical approach, one that can be applied at several levels, from a single session to a fully integrated curriculum. Ranald Macdonald (2001) puts it like this: So, what is the big deal with PBL? For me it’s nothing more nor less than the fact that problems, tasks, queries (Boud, 1995), or the every day necessity to learn to meet unexpected situations, form the starting point for learning. The real motivation for using it, whatever ‘it’ is, is a desire to improve the quality of student learning and to prepare students for future learning needs by giving them greater responsibility for their own learning now. As such, it doesn’t matter whether we adopt PBL across a whole programme, within a single subject, or as the basis for a single learning experience. It is the intention to provide a need to acquire knowledge, develop skills, or demonstrate applied understanding that is the starting point for PBL. In this chapter, we will explore some of the curriculum and organizational issues of implementing PBL, both “in the small,” that is at a module level, and “in the large,” throughout the curriculum.
Postscript
Authors: Uden Lorna , Beaumont Chris
Published: May 2011

We hope that by the time you have reached this chapter, you will have become enthusiastic to incorporate principles and practice of PBL into your teaching. In the chapters of this book, we have tried to explore issues that are central to successfully implementing PBL. There are clearly many differences from the traditional transmission model of teaching, since PBL is fundamentally a different philosophy, based on student enquiry. However, if we set aside labels, it is also clear that there are principles and aspects of PBL practice that are often incorporated in many courses and we would argue that there is a continuum of pedagogical approaches from what might be regarded as pure transmission, in the archetypal lecture, through to pure research. Problem-based learning is somewhere near the research end.
Computer-Adaptive Online Exit Surveys
Authors: Shaik Najmuddin
Published: May 2011

Theories of student attrition based on Tinto’s Student Integration Model are limited in their ability to provide a comprehensive framework to design a computer-adaptive online exit survey. An alternative framework encompassing the overall impressions and experiences of the dropout students during their stay at the institution is used to design the exit survey. This chapter outlines the conceptual and methodological issues surrounding computer-adaptive online exit surveys, and discusses the design, development, and administration of the survey questionnaire.
Cybercoaching
Authors: Chang Ni , Petersen Naomi Jeffery
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces cybercoaching, an emerging model of online formative assessment. This model emphasizes the process of development rather than a procedure for evaluation. Personalized feedback is provided by the instructor through the Internet/cyberspace using accessible technologies of electronic mail and word processing. Unlike mechanical responses that are not individually tailored, the instructor offers the students detailed information for improvement. Included also in this chapter are practical suggestions, including a detailed discussion of rubrics and their uses.
Testing the Validity of the Post and Vote Model of Web-Based Peer Assessment
Authors: Mann Bruce L.
Published: May 2011

Two tests of validity were conducted with undergraduate education students on a method of online peer assessment called post and vote. Validity was determined by calculating a Pearson product-moment correlation and corresponding coefficient of determination that compared the average grade assigned by the pre-service teachers with the grade assigned independently by the course instructor. Results of both studies showed that post and vote Web-based peer assessment was valid with these groups, and generalizable to undergraduate classes engaged in similar tasks.
Using Messicks Framework to Validate Assessment Tasks in Online Environments
Authors: Ruhe Valerie , Zumbo Bruno D.
Published: May 2011

Messick (1988) maintained that technology-based delivery methods would transform both our conceptions of teaching and learning, and also our methods for evaluating student learning. Designed 100 years ago (Crocker & Algina, 1986), classical approaches to assessing test quality are unsuited to the contemporary context of technology-based learning (Messick, 1988). We will discuss evolving conceptions of validity and show how Messick’s (1989) framework is an improvement over traditional conceptions. We will then apply Messick’s framework to the evaluation data from the globally delivered, hybrid “A Course in Writing Effectively for UNHCR.” Our results will show how Messick’s framework provides a comprehensive assessment, based on evidence, values, and consequences of the merit and worth of contemporary assessment tasks.
Explaining the Geography of Infant Health
Authors: Curtis Andrew , Leitner Michael
Published: May 2011

During a seminar presentation to the Geography and Anthropology Faculty at Louisiana State University, a series of summary statistics were presented concerning the racial inequality in infant health outcomes in Baton Rouge. The numbers were quite startling, spurring one colleague to question the accuracy of the findings, as, in their words, “that would put us at developing world levels.” This sentiment was echoed by a National Science Foundation reviewer (I suspect from the United Kingdom) who read one of our proposals and expressed disbelief. The United States is a modern developed country, and yet in geographical pockets the infant mortality rate is alarmingly high. For some neighborhoods, between 1996 and 1998, in East Baton Rouge Parish the infant mortality rate was consistently above 40/1,000, reaching its highest rate in 1998 of 70/1,000. This means if 1,000 babies were born in this 0.25-mile neighborhood, 70 would die in the first year of life. Obviously, there is a problem. This book will investigate a host of ways to consider, and hopefully move towards solving, problems such as these using a Geographic Information System (GIS). In this chapter we will provide an introduction to the main themes of the book, namely negative pregnancy outcomes and the role geography and geographic techniques can play in their improvement.
Advanced Spatial Analysis
Authors: Curtis Andrew , Leitner Michael
Published: May 2011

The last chapter presented several ideas of how to perform relatively simple forms of spatial analysis. Many of these approaches, though insightful, have been superceded by more advanced analytical techniques. This chapter will present a few of these approaches, namely methods of clustering, interpolation, and spatial association. Other concepts will also be addressed, such as spatial autocorrelation and the measures that can be used to find spatial clusters of significantly high (hot spots) or low (cold spots) values. Two additional cluster methods will also be discussed, these being nearest neighbor hierarchical clustering and the spatial filter. Kernel density interpolation will be introduced as the interpolation method for discrete incident locations. A discussion about spatial regression analysis will conclude this chapter. The analyses and examples shown in this chapter will again be based upon linked birth and death certificate data for East Baton Rouge Parish.
Creating the Baton Rouge Healthy Start GIS
Authors: Curtis Andrew , Leitner Michael
Published: May 2011

I recently gave a presentation to an Introduction to Gender and Minority Studies class at Louisiana State University. This was an interesting experience, as most of my talks tend to lean on the technical aspects (meaning GIS) of how to solve the problem of racial disparity in birth outcomes in the city. This audience was nontechnical and more interested in the injustices facing the poor (and more often than not African Americans) in the city. I would not have been comfortable giving this talk a couple of years previously, but 4 years of being attached to the Baton Rouge Healthy Start, writing continual updates and reports, applying for new grants, and attending all the associated meetings (e.g., evaluation meetings, project area committee meetings, Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) meetings) have given me a reasonable insight into the causes of the problems as well as the distribution of dots on a map.
Considering the Impact of Broadband on the Growth and Development of B2C Electronic Commerce
Authors: Choudrie Jyoti , Dwivedi Yogesh Kumar
Published: May 2011

Internet connectivity has a profound impact on almost all aspects of human lives including social interaction and individual behaviour. The impacts may further foster due to the availability and access of broadband Internet connection. This paper focuses on evaluating the impact of broadband on the growth and development of business-to-consumer (B2C) electronic commerce. The research data was collected from a total of 104 respondents and subjected to both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. The results indicate a significant impact of broadband use on transforming consumer behaviour towards adoption of B2C electronic commerce. The paper illustrates how broadband use has an influence on off-line purchase behaviour, online B2C electronic commerce and overall online experience. The conclusions drawn are that broadband adoption and use is encouraging the adoption of B2C electronic commerce.
Reducing the Costs of Doing Business
Authors: Mohammed Souad
Published: May 2011

One of management objectives when dealing with Web services (or related Internet strategies) is to cut business costs. Information systems (IS) literature has to date focussed primarily on research related to direct costs, that is, costs that occur in IS budgets (Bannister & Remenyi, 1999). IS research into strategic planning on the other hand has underestimated the expenditure of hidden costs as part of the adoption of new information technology systems within organisations. One of the difficulties regularly faced by IS investment planners is the identification, and thus management of, hidden indirect costs, for example, human indirect costs (Mohamed & Irani, 2002). This chapter addresses the increasing need to identify the “critical indirect human costs” associated with IS adoption as a fundamental part of the cost estimation of strategic planning when adopting IS. The research adopts an indirect human cost taxonomy proposed by Mohamed, Irani, and Baldwin (2002) associated with management, employee, finance, and maintenance divisions of an organisation.
Security in Ad-Hoc Networks
Authors: Islam Muhammad Mahmudul , Pose Ronald , Kopp Carlo
Published: May 2011

Due to the nature of wireless media, dynamic network topology, resource constraints, and lack of any base station or access point, security in ad-hoc networks is more challenging than with cabled networks. In this chapter, we discuss various attacks on the network layer of ad-hoc networks. We also review security protocols that protect network layer operations from various attacks.
Advanced Java ME Programming
Authors: Hu Wen-Chen
Published: May 2011

Chapter XI introduced the basics of Java ME programming. This chapter will build on this, focusing on advanced Java ME programming. The following two major topics will be discussed: • Persistent storage: This refers to the type of storage embedded in handheld devices. Random access memory loses its contents when the power is off, but the contents of persistent storage are preserved even when the power is off. Flash memory, and very occasionally hard disks, are usually used for this kind of storage. • Network connection: Many client-side applications such as weather reports and location-based applications require a network connection. The generic Connection framework of MIDP can be used for this purpose. Although these two chapters, Chapters XI and XII, introduce Java ME programming to readers, it is not possible to fully cover Java ME programming in only two chapters. For a deeper understanding, readers can consult the section on Java ME References provided later in this chapter for more information.
Assessing Knowledge-Flow Performance
Authors: Nissen Mark E.
Published: May 2011

This chapter focuses on assessing organizational performance with respect to knowledge flows. We look first at several theoretical and practical bases for assessment and then discuss both knowledge value analysis and learning curves in some detail, including examples for illustration. The discussion then turns to examine computational modeling of knowledge flows, which includes a detailed example for practical illustration. The chapter concludes with five knowledge-flow assessment principles and includes exercises to stimulate critical thought, learning, and discussion.
Application Cases in Non-Profits
Authors: Nissen Mark E.
Published: May 2011

This chapter concentrates on knowledge-flow diagnosis and intervention in the private, not-for-profit sector. We look first at a national youth soccer organization. The discussion turns then to examine a local tennis club. The final case examines a nondenominational community church. In each case, we draw in part from secondary data sources for the background. This should prove helpful to the reader who is interested in following up to consider more details than presented in this volume. Here we also draw considerably from our own research and personal experience to fill in missing information, and we apply principles and techniques of this book to contribute new insights through examination of knowledge flows in the cases. Each application case concludes with exercises to stimulate critical thought, learning, and discussion.
The Ultimate Value of Technology
Authors: Schultz Robert A.
Published: May 2011

In the previous chapter, we saw how difficult it was to determine the value of information technology, even with a clearly defined point of view from which to assess that value, namely, the interests of the organization utilizing the technology. Over and above the point of view of the organization or even the economy as an aggregate of organizations, there are other perspectives to consider. Is it correct to view technology as another enabling value like health and wealth, an all-purpose means that enables us to achieve any number of our ends?1 Or should technology rather be viewed as an entirely different way of structuring reality? These questions raise broader issues that need to be considered from much wider points of view: What is the value of information technology for humanity as a whole? And finally, what is the value of information technology for being as a whole? In considering these questions, we need also to consider whether the value of information technology is best assessed as a part of technology generally, or whether information technology has its own characteristics relevant for assessing its value. I will examine issues concerning technology as a whole in this chapter, and return to the IT-specific issues in the next chapter. Beyond considering technology and information technology from the point of view of humanity as a whole, it may be necessary to consider technology and information technology from the point of view of being as a whole. One could think of the point of view of being as a whole as God’s point of view, except that many religious conceptions of God assign many different human attributes to God. And so to determine what is valuable from God’s point of view would embroil us in major religious disputes about God’s nature. Trying to take the point of view of being avoids such disputes. Rather, we are asking, what is the value of technology from the point of view of the unfolding or revealing of whatever is, has been, or will come to be?2 Even the point of view of humanity is itself very difficult for many people to embrace. Instead, their highest point of view is that of some limited human group, most typically national or social groups, ethnic groups, or economic groups or organizations. Yet even with these difficulties, it is easier to discuss the value of technology and information technology from the point of view of humanity as a whole than it is to discuss these questions from the point of view of being. So we will start with the point of view of humanity.
Introduction to Performance Monitoring and Tuning
Authors: Subraya B. M.
Published: May 2011

For any applications to be performance conscious, its performance must be monitored continuously. Monitoring performance is a necessary part of the preventive maintenance of the application. By monitoring, we obtain performance data which are useful in diagnosing performance problems under operational conditions. Based on data collected through monitoring, one can define a baseline — a range of measurements that represent acceptable performance under typical operating conditions. This baseline provides a reference point that makes it easier to spot problems when they occur. In addition, during troubleshooting system problems, performance data give information about the behavior of system resources at the time the problem occurs, which is useful in pinpointing the cause. In order to monitor the system, the operational environment provides various parameters implemented through counters for collection of performance data. Applications developed must ultimately be installed and run on a specific operating system. Hence, applications performance also depends on factors that govern the operating system. Each operating system has its own set of performance parameters to monitor and tune for better performance. Performance of applications also depends on the architectural level monitoring and tuning. However, architectural design depends on specific technology. Hence, technology level monitoring and tuning must be addressed for better results. To achieve all these, proper guidelines must be enforced at various stages for monitoring and tuning. All the previous chapters, together, described the performance testing from concept to reality whereas this chapter highlights aspects of monitoring and tuning to specific technologies. This chapter provides an overview of monitoring and tuning applications with frameworks in Java and Microsoft .NET technologies. Before addressing the technology specific performance issues, we need to know the overall bottlenecks that arise in Web applications.
Technological Challenges and Issues Facing E-Partnerships
Authors: Zhao Fang
Published: May 2011

As discussed in the previous chapters, e-partnerships have a number of advantages and benefits that can help organizations sustain and achieve their organizational goals in today’s e-business world. “The rewards of a happy union can be both substantial and satisfying. But, just like marriage, the failure rate is alarmingly high” (Seligman, 2001, p. 34). Partnering companies often face the challenges of sharing customer information; integrating business, IT processes and systems; and aligning business models. As e-partnership has gained momentum, the difficult question posed to managers is not why e-partnerships are necessary, but how to make them work. Like e-business and e-commerce, e-partnership faces a range of issues relating to the use of Internet and IT technologies as well as the reliance on inter-organizational interfaces. The rapid development and advance of information and Internet technologies have triggered a whole range of possibilities for integration and alignment of systems among e-partners and supply chain members. For example, the partnership between Exostar (an e-marketplace) and Federation (a software provider) provides trading partners of the e-marketplace with opportunities to securely exchange information in the key design and manufacturing process. Coordination of product data information including product engineering data both internally and across the supply chain is made possible in the Exostar e-marketplace. With Federation’s software, Exostar’s customers are able to securely and inexpensively interconnect and share engineering product data from their Product Data/Lifecycle Management (PDM/PLM) system with their partners and suppliers (Withrow & Brock, 2004).
How to Make E-Partnerships Work
Authors: Zhao Fang
Published: May 2011

Today, partnerships and alliances have proliferated and become a key corporate strategy to gain competitive advantage. However, studies show that most business alliances fail halfway through their expected lifetimes (Segil, 2004). The previous chapters have demonstrated that dealing with the challenges and risks of e-partnership is a difficult and complicated task for e-business management. The success of e-partnership will not be achieved by simply adding electronic technologies to the infrastructure of traditional partnerships. Firms need to incorporate an e-partnership concept into their overall corporate strategy. The alignment and integration of information systems and processes and the effective use of various inter-organizational information systems and Web technologies among e-partners are only part of the challenge of making e-partnerships work. The components of alignment and integration between e-partners should also include corporate strategy, organizational and business structures, job specifications, organizational culture, values and beliefs. While sufficient support of IT infrastructure and resources are undeniably crucial for successful e-partnerships, effectively dealing with human and cultural factors and reducing potential financial, commercial and legal risks associated in e-partnering exceed the complexities of information and communication technologies in building and supporting e-partnerships. Thus, managing e-partnerships requires more than the navigation of technological hurdles and complexity. Human, organizational and cultural factors become more crucial as e-business moves toward maturity. In this regard, the biggest challenges to management include conflict in different organizational and country cultures, taxation, financial and commercial risks, and legal risks concerning online intellectual property, national and international online trade and law. This chapter focuses on people management in e-partnership and network management. Key human and culture issues will be discussed, including quality of e-partnerships, ecosystems, commitment, communication and termination of partnership. In particular, this chapter investigates the issue of trust and information and knowledge management in the context of e-partnership.
Successes and Failures in E-Partnering
Authors: Zhao Fang
Published: May 2011

The previous chapters have included a comprehensive discussion of general issues concerning e-partnership management from both technology and people perspectives, and, continuing this theme, this chapter presents extended and systematic multiple case studies which allow a more profound exploration of the way in which companies have partnered in e-business. It also contains an in-depth examination of specific issues and problems raised in e-partnerships. The cases selected for the case studies represent a broad range of interests, from big brand dotcoms like Yahoo! and Google to a small manufacturer that has embraced e-business and e-partnership technologies and practices. The case studies are followed by a cross-case analysis of the key issues in relation to the development of e-partnerships. Key successful factors are identified from the successful cases, along with the hard lessons learned from failure.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Through E-Partnering
Authors: Zhao Fang
Published: May 2011

The dotcom crash and the following 3-year economic downturn saw hundreds of Internet startups closed down or sold. However, many of the innovations and technologies created by them “live on and play important roles in the future either via acquisitions, in new startups, or through copycatting by the industry’s giants” (Hamm, 2003, p. 52). Blogger.com was a troubled startup that hosted 200,000 Web logs, personal Web sites where people could share insights and Web links with all comers. It was bought by Google in 2003 and has since become part of Google’s information storehouse. Another example was Liquid Audio, a digital music pioneer subsequently acquired by Anderson Merchandisers, a major distributor of music CDs, to help create profitable online music distribution. Despite the many failures caused by the dotcom crash, it presented new challenges as well as new opportunities to entrepreneurs of e-business. This author argues that a combination of entrepreneurship and innovation will be a crucial factor to the long-term sustainability of e-commerce and e-businesses. In this frenetically changing competitive landscape, e-entrepreneurship and e-innovation enable organizations to gain competitive advantage and hold the key to their e-business success. For the purposes of this book, e-entrepreneurship and e-innovation refer broadly to entrepreneurship and innovation in the context of e-business activities and operations. The fast growth and business success of companies such as eBay, Amazon.com, travel.com and priceline.com, along with the bankruptcy of numerous dotcom firms worldwide in 2000, hold potent management implications for IT innovation and entrepreneurial organizations worldwide. As such, e-entrepreneurship and e-innovation have become emerging disciplines for proactively responding to changes in the e-business world. As an integral part of e-commerce and e-business, e-partnership directly derives benefit from e-entrepreneurship and e-innovation, yet equally, is often the means to achieve the outcomes of the two. This chapter seeks to explore the thrust of entrepreneurship and innovation and their implications for e-business and e-partnership success from an integrative perspective of entrepreneurship and innovation. The chapter focuses on the role of e-partnerships in maximizing the value of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Automatedc Content-Management Systems
Authors: Rowe N. C.
Published: May 2011

The World Wide Web quickly evolved as a valuable resource for organizations to provide information and services to users. Much initial development of Web pages was done haphazardly. This resulted in many information gaps and inconsistencies between pages. Departments with more available time created more and better-designed Web pages even when they were no more important. Personnel who created Web pages would move to other jobs and their pages would become obsolete, but no one would bother to fix them. Two copies of the same information on the Web would become inconsistent when only one was updated, leaving the public wondering which was correct. Solutions were needed. We survey here the principal solution methods that have been developed.
E-Auctioning by The U. S. Federal Communications Commission
Authors: Roycroft T. R.
Published: May 2011

Market economies rest on a foundation of the private ownership of resources. Certain resources, however, have been managed outside of the market mechanism, even in the United States’ decidedly pro-free-market economy. The management of radio frequencies, or spectrum, is a prime example of government control of a valuable resource. Spectrum management is practiced by governments around the globe, and the experience of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) provides a valuable illustration of how management of this resource may be improved through the use of electronic resources.
E-Government for Building the Knowledge Infrastructure in South Korea
Authors: Park S.
Published: May 2011

New information and communication technologies (ICTs) enable rapid information flows, which reduce the necessity for face-to-face contacts as well as geographical barriers. These also create network-based societies (Castells, 1996). E-governments can contribute to the enhancement of network-based societies. In the last five years, governments have made rapid progress worldwide in embracing ICTs for e-government. By 2004, 178 of 191 member states of the United Nations had a Web site presence (UNPAN, 2004). All e-governments focus on the use of ICTs for the full range of government functions. In particular, the networking potential offered by the Internet and related technologies enables them to transform the structures and operation of government. As a result, e-government can be a major enabler in the adoption of good governance practices (OECD, 2001a; Ronaghan, 2002). Regarding the OECD’s work on governance, there is a strong belief that effective governance is an important requirement for the achievement of economic, social, and environmental objectives. Moreover, the OECD secretary general set out a draft statement of governance priorities for the 21st century, which, in 2000, indicated the experiences of OECD countries in building democratic and prosperous societies. In order to practice good governance, an e-government is regarded as a strategic implementation that identifies various objectives such as effective leadership, coordination and policy coherence, and efficient investment and financing (OECD, 2001a). Additionally, e-government is recognized as one of the most significant factors to strengthen national competitiveness, particularly in a knowledge-based information society. This also serves as an important enabler in order for a government to offer high-quality civil services at low costs. As a result, e-government not only contributes to the informatization of citizens and businesses but also improves the productivity and transparency of public administration (Bertelsmann Stiftung, 2002). Advanced nations already have launched various government-driven initiatives such as the E-Government Initiative in New Zealand and the U.S., and UK Online in the UK (Reeder & Pandy, 2002). Along with these advanced nations, South Korea also is consistently pursuing e-government initiatives with its world-class information infrastructure in order to transform the way of national governance (National Computerization Agency, 2002). The e-government project will bring about structural and procedural reform and is expected to serve as a springboard in order for South Korea to leap forward to become one of the leading nations in information and communication industries. This article discusses which strategies the South Korean government focuses on and how it implements these in order to build the knowledge infrastructure. Furthermore, the article aims to analyze the methods of building the knowledge infrastructure based on ICT as well as the roles of the e-government to develop good governance.
E-Government in Shanghai
Authors: Chen Y.
Published: May 2011

Chinese e-government was launched at the beginning of 1990s. It is necessary to develop e-government not only for the appeal of information technology and the government’s reform in the social and economic transition, but also for the demand of joining WTO (Wu & Zhang, 2003). Due to the developments in social organization, economy, and information infrastructure in China, e-government still remains at the initial stage (China E-government Research Center, 2002). Shanghai, as the largest and most flourishing city in China, is superior to other areas of China in hardware (information infrastructure, etc.) and software (e.g., “citizens’ concept”) (Qiao, 2004). Shanghai’s experiences may be the example for other provinces and cities, for (1) the e-government of Shanghai was named as a model by National Informatization Commission (NIC) in 2001; and (2) Shanghai leads the development of e-government in China. For example, Shanghai is the first local government to construct governmental Web portal, to provide online services and to make legal rules about open public information. This article describes the development of e-government in Shanghai, analyzes its predicament, and probes into its future trends.