bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Best Practices In Online Discussion And Assessment To Enhance Collaborative Learning
Authors: Fleming Debra L.
Published: March 2016

The primary purpose of this exploratory study is to provide insight on how to use online discussions to foster collaborative learning and how to design assessment processes to evaluate the effectiveness of those discussions. This study focuses on the pedagogical role of discussion, effective practices in discussion, guidelines for creating discussions to enhance learning, and the use of rubrics for assessment and evaluation. This study also provides an overview of the pedagogy of online assessment with an emphasis on mastery learning instructional methods. Effective practices in the use of online assessment and guidelines for aligning learning objectives with the most appropriate assessment tool are also emphasized. This study concludes that using best practices in online discussion and assessment can enhance collaborative learning which results in students having a deeper understanding of course content because of more time on task, increased motivation, more engagement, improved teamwork and interpersonal skills, enhanced critical thinking abilities, improved self-esteem and increased ownership of their own learning.
Balancing Stakeholders Interests In Evolving Teacher Education Accreditation Contexts
Authors: Elliott Alison
Published: March 2016

While Australian teacher education programs have long had rigorous accreditation pathways at the University level they have not been subject to the same formal public or professional scrutiny typical of professions such as medicine, nursing or engineering. Professional accreditation for teacher preparation programs is relatively new and is linked to teacher registration which in itself is relatively recent in most jurisdictions. As elsewhere, the goal of accreditation is to enhance the overall quality of teacher preparation programs and to meet jurisdictional requirements for initial teacher competence.Any new system of quality control takes time to develop and to embed into professional cultures and academic processes at the university or college level. Accreditation processes are no exception and Australia is grappling to develop procedures that meet jurisdictional legislative requirements, assure the public of the quality of teacher preparation and suit the professional context for each state. As yet these procedures have not focused on professional growth, accomplished or expert teaching, or quality within specific areas of preparation. While all agree that the ultimate goal of accreditation is quality assurance- to improve teaching quality in schools, negotiating optimum pathways to quality outcomes is no easy task in a country with an education system and population as diverse as Australia.This paper considers some of the practical and institutional issues confronting teacher education providers as they come to terms with new regulatory environments that require external accreditation of teacher education to meet varying state and national policy agendas. Specifically, it focuses on issues engaging a small and regional teacher education provider, Charles Darwin University as it negotiates developing registration and accreditation requirements. It also flags the need to improve teacher quality through acknowledgement of advanced practice in teaching and expert performance in delivering teacher education.
Business Communication Students Appraisal Of Selected Communication Competencies
Authors: English Donald E. , Manton Edgar J. , Walker Janet I.
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine business communication students perception of selected business communication competencies. Students enrolled in business communication classes at Texas A&M University-Commerce from the summer of 2006 until the spring 2007 were survey. Students were asked to evaluate each of the listed 44 competencies. The two competencies that ranked the highest were Spells Correctly, and Understands the Importance of Business Relationships.
Towards Remediating Undergraduate Students Statisticophobia
Authors: Firmin Michael , Proemmel Elizabeth
Published: March 2016

In this conceptual paper, based on teaching and TA experience, seven suggestions are made for improving the statistics experience of students in social science courses. These include hiring non-mathematicians to teach the course; emphasize conceptual statistics rather than computational approaches; recognize that many, or ever most, social science students think intuitivelyrather than scientificallyso teaching statistics as a means of answering questions is needed; loosen-up the mundane nature that statistics courses often follow; relate statistics to students day-to-day lives; and utilize an undergraduate student assistant in all sections of statistics classes.
Online Courses The Real Challenge Is Motivation
Authors: Bennett Cynthia F. , Monds Kathaleena E.
Published: March 2016

Among the academic disciplines, business has led the way in offering Internet courses to its students. While online classes give students more opportunity and flexibility to integrate courses into their daily schedules, many concerns have developed from this form of distance education. Research on distance education indicates that the keys to effective online versus traditional classes includes the development of new teaching methods, frequent and timely interaction through e-mail, weekly discussion boards, the use of collaborative student groups, and an appreciation for students with multiple backgrounds and experiences. All of these keys are practical; however, when you consider the old adage you can take a horse to the water, but you cant make him drink, the researcher believes that intrinsic motivation can play a key role in online student success. This research paper was designed to 1) exam literature related to online courses, 2) discuss some indicators that support the notion that intrinsic motivation is attributable to student success; and 3) provide some strategies that may be used to increase intrinsic motivation in online courses.
Revisiting Teacher Adoption Of Technology: Research Implications And Recommendations For Successful Full Technology Integration
Authors: Buckenmeyer Janet
Published: March 2016

Most teachers are still failing to fully integrate technologies in their classrooms to improve student achievement. If certain conditions exist, however, they are more likely to accept and use appropriate technologies in significant instructional ways. Relevant professional development and continuous access to needed resources are two significant factors contributing to technology adoption. Other factors evolving from research as well as recommendations for integration are presented.
Comparative Study Of Platforms For E-Learning In The Higher Education
Authors: Mondejar-Jimenez Jose , Mondejar-Jimenez Juan-Antonio , Vargas-Vargas Manuel , Meseguer-Santamaria Maria-Leticia
Published: March 2016

Castilla-La Mancha University has decided to implement two tools: WebCT and Moodle, Virtual Campus has emerged: www.campusvirtual.ulcm.es. This paper is dedicated to the analysis of said tool as a primary mode of e-learning expansion in the university environment. It can be used to carry out standard educational university activities in accordance with the guidelines set out by the new European Space for Higher Education. New needs continue to present themselves, not only with regard to the exchange of information and documents, but the complete and integrated management of teaching which is carried out using virtual environments and the Internet: e-learning.
Do Students Listen To Advice From Their Experienced Peers?
Authors: Finck Joseph E. , DeLine Amy D.
Published: March 2016

How students use advice from the previous class is analyzed and reveals more than just the value passing suggestions from one class to the next.
Improving The Operational Environment Thru Internet Utilization
Authors: Cline Melinda , Guynes Carl S.
Published: March 2016

This study demonstrates how an Internet based network of railroad information resources can provide a dynamic, cost effective resource to help management improve their operational environment. The informational and knowledge sources needed to support the interoperability and integration of rail networks and their employees are increasingly available via the Internet. Public resources on the Internet primarily support the distribution of industry publications, notice and proceedings of industry conferences and meetings, communications about legal and legislative issues, and advertisements. Private resources on the Internet support reservation and scheduling of rail equipment, tendering shipment information, tracking equipment movements, and verifying billing information. Much of the private information is incorporated into the knowledge management systems developed by individual railroads. The study provides a proposed stratification of these resources into seven categories: Research and Statistical Resources, Newsletters and Press Releases, Industry Initiatives, Legislative Information, Industry Publications, Professional Associations, and Educational Resources.
Strategies For Gaining Competitive Advantage In A Dynamic Environment Thru Data Quality
Authors: Nyaboga Andrew B. , Mwaura Muroki F.
Published: March 2016

Raw data should be treated as materials for manufacturing products so that organizations can identify errors which otherwise could not be detected. Information system can be studied from the same perspective of product manufacturing.
The Effect Of Psychic Distance On Kenyas Export Destinations
Authors: Medinets Ann , Muchai Micheni , Odiyo Martin Ogutu
Published: March 2016

Exports can be an important component of the growth strategy for developing countries, and an understanding of export destination choices can help to facilitate that growth. This paper uses the concept of psychic distance to examine Kenyas export pattern to selected markets. Regression analysis indicates that Kenyas total exports are significantly associated with countries that are psychically close (Uganda, Tanzania, and the United Kingdom), but not with countries that are psychically distant (Ethiopia, Egypt, and the United States). Thus, psychic distance explains Kenyas export choices better than geographic distance does. The paper concludes with suggestions about ways that an understanding of psychic distance can help Kenya and other countries that seek to expand their economies through export.
Socialization To The Internet: Who Is Teaching Our Children?
Authors: Parente Diane H. , Swinarski Matthew E. , Noce Kathleen
Published: March 2016

The introduction of technology into 21st century life has been fast and ubiquitous. The 2000 United States Census is filled with examples of increasing proportions of the American family who have access to computers and the internet. The issue of changes in our culture and the socialization of all parts of society bring logical questions about our children and technology. Where are they learning about the internet? Is the popular press correct in stating that there is a generational gap between parents and their children in socialization of technology? Where are they learning about the various uses of the Internet? This paper attempts to answer the question concerning who is teaching our children (about technology). Who is actually doing the socializing to technology?
Evaluation Techniques For Cooperative Learning
Authors: Woods Denise M. , Chen Kuan-Chou
Published: March 2016

Cooperative learning is an instructional model in which students work together toward a common goal. Research has clearly shown that cooperation results in higher levels of achievement. Although students may be a part of a cooperative learning environment, they are also responsible for their own individual achievement. This makes student evaluations a challenge because you are evaluating individual as well as team effort. This paper will review the alternatives for assessing the participation of individual student on a team as well as discuss the cases in which each approach was used. It identifies the positives and negatives of each approach.
The Impact Of Decision-Making On Production Activities
Authors: Inagaki Hiroki , Doyo Daisuke
Published: March 2016

This study used control theory to model sales planning, long-term planning, rolling planning, materials planning, short-term planning, manufacturing, delivery and sale, and investigated how factors required for decision-making in each planning phase impact the overall planning through simulations. To find the degree of impact each phase has on the overall plan, the investigation method involved used each factor of planning as a variable in the control model. And the differences in results between impacts, when simulated by individually making them into constants and when simulated as a variable, were calculated. The findings of this study are considered to contribute to enhance corporate competitiveness by enabling appropriate planning, production equipment and technologies for production activities which actually produce profit.
The Use Of Binary And Ternary Paradoxes In Management
Authors: Capps, III Charles J.
Published: March 2016

Conventional reality, or “reality by convention,” as portrayed by today’s corporate mainstream media, is revisited with alternative explanations proposed.  Contrived Binary and Ternary Paradoxes are presented as unethical examples of duplicity that mislead and deceive consumers.
Aligning Information Technology Within The Framework Of Corporate Governance To Increase Corporate Value In Mexico
Authors: Estrada Carlos Fernando
Published: March 2016

This research focuses on the potential benefits of aligning corporate Information Technologies (IT) with the information needs of Board members to provide pertinent and timely information under good Corporate Governance (CG) practices.  The recent near collapse of some major corporations evidences poor regulatory supervision by all parties, both public and private.  An abundance of regulations notwithstanding, stakeholder interests (both internal and external) have not been protected or served by many corporate boards.  Many shareholders have virtually lost their capital, workers have been unemployed, and government and taxpayers have had to foot steep bills.   Well informed Board members should, in theory, make decisions that benefit their stakeholders and society as well.  Thus, corporate board members should focus on IT as a key resource and ally in monitoring their business strategies and operations. IT permeates throughout business processes and across functional areas in most businesses, so if IT reporting is aligned with corporate governance objectives as well as operational objectives, it has the potential to aid greatly in governance.  An important consideration of course, is what information is provide, and how the Board utilizes it for the stakeholders' benefit.
Gender Differences In Assessing Essential Business Information Systems Technology Skills
Authors: Caputo Donald
Published: March 2016

Previous research studies have noted that university students, graduate and undergraduate, male and female, are concerned that they do not have the necessary career skills to make the transition from college student to corporate employee, and equally concerned about which specific skills open the door of corporate opportunity. This research study attempts to find which Business Information Skills are relevant to student concerns and whether the educational community is fulfilling their needs.  Additionally, the second phase of the study will compare the correlation of the initial findings in regard to the gender of the student, both graduate and undergraduate.  In terms of the research study, the question interprets the differences between the male university student computer information technology student and the female university computer information technology student in the perceived value of the importance of corporate-defined skills necessary for job success within the prescribed discipline.  Initial information was derived from surveys of a discrete selection of the corporate community in southwestern Pennsylvania, which resulted in the matrix of employer desired business skills.  Relative information was garnered from graduate and undergraduate student surveys at Robert Morris University, which resulted in an essential student overview of perceived essential business skills.  All surveyed students were engaged in one or more of the various Computer Systems programs at the university.  Doctoral Information Science programs were not included in the survey. The timeframe of the study, on an ongoing basis, encompasses the period from academic year 2006 to academic year 2008.
The Correlation Between Improvements In Telecommunications Technology And Growth Of Cities
Authors: Panayides Alexandros
Published: March 2016

This paper examines the correlation between improvements in telecommunication technology and growth of cities. By developing a general and then an urban model we want to examine the impact of telecommunication improvements on city growth assuming first that face-to-face interactions and electronic communications are substitutes and then they are complements. The placement of the general model within an urban framework shows that city size increases with electronic communications if face-to-face interactions and electronic communications are complements.
Teaching Tools For Data Analysis
Authors: Chudoba Katherine , Hauser Karina , Olsen David
Published: March 2016

Companies rely on business intelligence and business analytics to support organizational decision making.  Application software packages enable data analysis to help companies pursue a competitive advantage.  Learning to use these tools is not trivial, however, and business schools have added assignments and classes to help their students develop rigorous analytical skills.  This paper describes hands-on, data analysis exercises to support strategic decision making used in an Applied Business Research class that is required for MBA students.  The assignment involves analyzing large volumes of data using the tools of Excel, SQL, and SPSS.  We describe the assignment, data, and exercises that the students perform.  They learn the benefit of analyzing a dataset using different tools and methods, and which tools are most appropriate for what type of analysis.
Evaluating The Strategic Implications Of Japanese IT Offshore Outsourcing In China And India
Authors: Simeon Roblyn
Published: March 2016

Many studies have been done on the market, managerial and technological factors that impact IT outsourcing decisions. However, few of these studies have looked at institutional and cultural factors influencing various approaches to outsourcing. Developments in Japanese IT software outsourcing make it an excellent sector for studying the impact of such institutional and cultural factors. This qualitative study looks at the contrasting motivations behind IT outsourcing to India and China in order to gain insights into what the Japanese firms consider the key success factors for IT software offshore outsourcing. Preliminary indications are that old business relations, trust, language requirements, cultural similarity and the ability to capture certain idiosyncratic business practices and routines are essential factors driving Japanese IT outsourcing decisions.
EDSOA: An Event-Driven Service-Oriented Architecture Model For Enterprise Applications
Authors: Hauser Karina , Sigurdsson Helgi S. , Chudoba Katherine M.
Published: March 2016

Enterprise Applications are difficult to implement and maintain because they require a monolith of code to incorporate required business processes. Service-oriented architecture is one solution, but challenges of dependency and software complexity remain. We propose Event-Driven Service-Oriented Architecture, which combines the benefits of component-based software development, event-driven architecture, and SOA.
The Discrete Multicriteria Decision Methods And ARSV Model Used To Choice The Best Exchange Rate
Authors: Garcia-Centeno Maria del Carmen , Salido Roman Minguez
Published: March 2016

The exchange rate is a variable that economic agents have in consideration. For this reason, in this paper we suggest a decision method to compare several exchange rates. This method is the Promethee Method and it is a Multicriteria Decision Method used to order the preference between returns of the different exchange rates. We have used different statistic criteria to rank these exchange rates. To obtain the pay-off matrix it has been used one econometric model: Autoregressive Stochastic Volatility (ARSV) Model. We have proposed different generalized criteria and their corresponding thresholds. Both are used to evaluate the different exchange rate returns in the decision matrix or the pay-off matrix. These thresholds are suggested according to the obtained results in the decision matrix. Finally, we have obtained the best solution of the problem when all the criteria have the same importance for the decision-maker.
Then And Now: A Longitudinal Study Of Attitudes Toward Women As Managers
Authors: Lewis Kathryn E.
Published: March 2016

This paper reports the results of a longitudinal study comparing the attitudes of business undergraduate students toward women as managers.  Survey results from 1981, 2000, and 2010 are compared.  For all three time periods, females report significantly more positive attitudes toward women as managers than males.  Comparing the same sex survey groups, the females of 2000 are significantly more positive toward women as managers than their 1981 counterparts.  There is no difference in attitudes when the results from 2000 and 2010 are compared.  The attitudes of the males in 2000 are not significantly different from their 1981 comparison group.  However, a significant difference in attitudes is found when the results from 2000 and 2010 are compared.
Using Relative Weights To Reanalyze Settled Areas Of Organizational Behavior Research: The Job Characteristics Model And Organizational Justice
Authors: Behson Scott J.
Published: March 2016

There is a danger that, as areas of research become established, the conceptual underpinnings of key models are no longer critically analyzed.  In this study, I use meta-analytic data from two such areas of organizational behavior research, the Job Characteristics Model and the Four-Factor Conception of Organizational Justice, as the basis of critical re-analysis.  Specifically, I use a recently-developed analytic technique, relative weights (Johnson, 2001), to re-examine meta-analytic data from both research areas.  In both cases, the results of the re-analysis run counter to some established predictions, indicating that these fields could benefit from further research and rethinking.
Need For Leadership: Empirical Evidence From Pakistan
Authors: Bodla Mahmood A , Hussain Ghulam
Published: March 2016

Abundant research has been carried out throughout the years to explore the moderator effect of situational variables in leadership literature around the globe. However, this area is the most neglected area among the behavioral scientists of Pakistan. Therefore, the present study seeks to find out the moderator effect of need for leadership in relation with leadership characteristics on subordinates’ behavioral outcomes using the need for leadership framework of de Vries (1997) in Pakistani work settings. As a result, the practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Organizational Communication Audits: Assessing Core Communication Competencies Within The Organization
Authors: Minter Robert L.
Published: March 2016

This paper discusses how the utilization of communication audits can enhance an organization’s ability to improve its internal communication. Suggestions are provided for developing and administering micro and macro communication audits.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology: Gaining A Competitive Value Through Cloud Computing
Authors: Owunwanne Daniel , Goel Rajni
Published: March 2016

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) uses radio waves to track the movement of goods through the Supply Chain system. The identity of an object is captured with a unique serial number that is transmitted wirelessly to a computer system. Small businesses are facing RFID implementation barriers.  The barriers range from the perspective of the consumer-goods manufacturers and retail organizations.  We propose implementing RFID technology using cloud computing framework to alleviate or reduce the implementation cost which is the most prevalent barrier.
Oil Can Make A Difference: Collaborating With NGOs In Azerbaijan
Authors: Ritvo Roger Alan
Published: March 2016

This study reports the findings from a 2006-2007 research project of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Azerbaijan. There is reason to believe that the changes in Azerbaijan's economy because of oil in the Caspian Sea will spur added growth of NGOs and be a catalyst for an expanded civil society, if only because of the international attention that such development brings.  As an integral part of the development of a civil society, NGOs serve a special mediating role between the government and the population and they can be important forces for change.  They can fill service and program gaps and meet local needs when government is unwilling or unable to do so.  Using principles for the development of civil societies, the NGOs in Azerbaijan are slowly making progress.  Current practices were documented through interviews conducted by the author, literature reviews, correspondence and record review.  There are serious concerns that international businesses must be aware of when doing business in Azerbaijan and forming mutually beneficial partnerships with NGOs.
Employee Loyalty And Its Impact On Firm Growth
Authors: Antoncic Jasna Auer , Antoncic Bostjan
Published: March 2016

Employees are crucial for the achievement of internal quality and consequently for business performance of companies. The quality of employees, their competencies, loyalty and commitment are extremely important for business performance achievement. For development of employee loyalty it can be important that employees find in work, which they perform, challenge, interest and the feeling of accomplishment. The way of treatment of employees in the organization is decisive in determining if employees will indeed become an integral part of the competitive advantage of the company. The paper focuses on employee loyalty and growth of companies. The hypothesis about the relationships between employee loyalty and firm growth was developed and empirically tested. Data collection was based of responses to the structured questionnaire on the sample of Slovenian companies from service and manufacturing industries. The hypothesis was tested by using regression analysis. Findings indicate a positive relationship between employee loyalty and firm growth, particularly for manufacturing firms. Recommendations for companies are also provided.
A Process-Based Analysis Of Object-Oriented System Analysis And Design
Authors: Khoo Benjamin
Published: March 2016

System Analysis and Design (SAND), is critical for any system development project.  Most new systems are built using Object-Oriented System Analysis and Design (OOSAND).  This paper critically examined and analyzed the OOSAND methodology to discover the underlying principles and rationales based on the inherent processes.  There are a few past studies that had examined the factors influencing the processes but few had examined the processes themselves.  This paper focuses on the SAND processes and examines the pragmatic issues concerning them.  The significance of this research is that the knowledge gained in this exercise will provide systems analyst/programmers a better heuristics to migrate legacy systems to the new object-oriented system and enable higher analyst/programmer efficiency and effectiveness in conducting SAND.
A Simulation Study Of Economic Production Quantity Lot Size To Kanban For A Single Line Production System Under Various Setup Times With Annual Setup Cost As Performance Metric
Authors: Moran Terrence J. , Brayer Kevin
Published: March 2016

The Setup time variable was evaluated for the two systems (Kanban and EPQ) against the performance measure of annual setup cost. EPQ outperforms Kanban onsetup cost. The research helped clarify for practitioners whether EPQ might be more suitable than Kanban for their given situations.
Managing Human Capital Development In Small And Medium-Sized Enterprises For Sustainable National Development In Nigeria
Authors: Chidi Christopher O. , Shadare Oluseyi A.
Published: March 2016

This study investigated the challenges confronting human capital development in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. The authors adopted the survey research design. An instrument was designed using the 5-point Likert scale ranging from strongly agree (5) to strongly disagree (1). The instrument has two sections. Section A has nine items which sought the views and opinions of respondents on the challenges of human capital development in SMEs and Section B has eight items which elicited the demographic profiles of respondents. A total of 165 questionnaires were distributed to the target population using the purposeful (judgmental) sampling technique. Out of the 165 questionnaires administered, 140 were returned upon which the analysis was based. This represents an 85% response rate. Data analysis was carried out with the aid of SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). It was found that human capital development in Nigerian SMEs leaves much to be desired. Based on the analysis of data, it was found that 79% of respondents agreed and strongly agreed that many SMEs have negative training philosophy and pay lip service to human resource development. Seventy percent of the respondents agreed and strongly agreed that many SMEs do not have laid-down policies governing training and development programmes, while 52% of the respondents agreed and strongly agreed that SMEs engage in human capital development haphazardly, without embarking on need analysis. The authors recommended the need to address the issues of human capital development in SMEs and for SMEs to embrace the investor in people criteria if the desired corporate and national goals are to be realized.
The Good Aspects Of Managing An Organization With An Outsourcing And Subcontracting Strategy
Authors: Sakolnakorn Thongphon Promsaka Na
Published: March 2016

This article aims to present the benefits of using an outsourcing and subcontracting strategy to manage an organization. In this paper, it is concluded that governments, especially in developing countries, must encourage this strategy by establishing policies to support and encourage their enterprises because this strategy can boost the economic growth of the organization, region, and country. In addition, the knowledge transfer from large organizations to SMEs can help SMEs to develop a better organization.
Tourism And The Environment: The Main Line Of Action For The European Union
Authors: Villanueva-Cuevas Antonio
Published: March 2016

Tourism is one of the economic activities that most greatly affects the European Union, as this is the number one tourist destination in the world. Nevertheless, the current international economic crisis, together with the appearance of new tourist destinations in developing countries, has led to a need for new policies in matters of tourism, which are based in quality of service and in the sustainability of tourism. While this is not an entirely new idea, the drawing up of the European Agenda 21 for Tourism has been a key step forward in realizing this achievement.
Should I Stay Or Should I Go: The Role Of Communication In Striving To Retain Older Employees
Authors: Znidarsic Jana , Penger Sandra , Dimovski Vlado
Published: March 2016

The impact of population ageing that goes hand in hand with ageing of the workforce is already deeply felt on European labor markets including Slovenian and will manifest itself more prominently in the next years. One of the most discussed policy options that would mitigate possible negative consequences of population and workforce ageing is to promote that older employees work longer, even after the age of 65. But this scenario is not an easy one. Prolonging working life can only be done by enabling older workers to remain productive, thus able and willing to work. By implementing active ageing policies at workplace, the employers can play an exceptional role in persuading older workers to prolong their working lives for their own well-being and for the good of society. The aim of this paper is to highlight the importance of communication when older workers are deciding whether to stay or not.
Social Networks And Entrepreneurial Growth
Authors: Robinson Sherry , Stubberud Hans Anton
Published: March 2016

Social networks are important to new entrepreneurs and small business owners because the ability to access information, advice, and necessary resources is vital to the success of new firms. This study examines the social networks of European business owners according to employment size after approximately three years of survival as a business. The results show that the sources of advice used at start-up varied by the size of business with employers of ten or more people more likely to report having received advice from professional acquaintances, financial institutions and training programs, and less likely to have received advice from family and friends or professional consultants. Although these people were more likely to report that they did not need advice, they were also the least likely to report that they had no access to advice. Those with between one and nine employees were the most likely to report using professional consultants (a formal source), suggesting their informal social networks were not as well­­-developed.
Effective Student Teams: A Faux Hiring And Peer Evaluation Process
Authors: Lane Michelle D.
Published: March 2016

Student team projects provide benefits to the education process and provide experience valued by employers, but they can also be a source of conflict, free-riding and are fraught with fairness issues. The advantages of using teams for faculty are that they provide opportunities for synergies and collaboration, while also simulating group work processes. However, due to free-riding, scheduling problems and differing goals, there are fertile grounds for team conflicts. Therefore, there exists a need for better methods of forming teams and a process to assure shared goals by team members. This research proposes an innovative approach to team creation where students participate in a hiring process that increases team cohesiveness and ultimately team performance. Preliminary empirical validation is also provided that supports this approach.
The Business Intelligence Group: Towards Collaborative Research In A Management Information Systems Curriculum
Authors: Olsen David , Cooney Vance
Published: March 2016

This paper introduces an extension of an approach referred to as the Research Group model, an award winning pedagogical methodology based on the premise that when undergraduate students engage in academic research in close consultation with their professors that their marketable skills are greatly enhanced and that the institutions involved benefit greatly as well. The history of the Research Group concept is detailed, the incentive structure that facilitates faculty buy in is explained and the extension to the general model that defines the Business Intelligence (BI) Group is described. The paper outlines several exemplar projects that have resulted from the approach.
Proposal And Effectiveness Of A Highly Compelling Direct Mail Method - Establishment And Deployment Of PMOS-DM
Authors: Ishiguro Hisatoshi , Amasaka Kakuro
Published: March 2016

No clear processes are used at car dealers when deciding target customers for direct mail campaigns, and individual sales representatives rely on their experience when making such decisions. This means that dealer strategies lose their effectiveness and dealers fail to achieve the desired increase in customer visits. Thus, for this study, the author has established the Practical Method using Optimization and Statistics for Direct Mail (PMOS-DM) as a method of deciding the most suitable target customers for direct mail campaigns. Specifically, in order to both clarify the dealers target customer types and increase the number of customer visits, the author applied mathematical programming (combinatorial optimization) using statistical science to establish a model for determining the most suitable target customers for direct mail campaigns. This model has subsequently been applied at company M dealers, demonstrating significant effectiveness in increasing customer visits.
Change Management: An Information Flow Approach
Authors: Hoadley Ellen , Lamos Jennifer
Published: March 2016

Industries use information in common ways to facilitate change initiatives. A review of change management models by John Kotter, Einar Iveroth, Michael Beer, Russel Eisenstat, Bert Spector, Wanda Orlikowski, and J. Hofman were completed. These were then synthesized into a new Information Flow Model. The Information Flow Model focuses on information flow and commonality being the drivers of successful change. This model was validated using three individual interviews with director level or above personnel from differing industries. The interviews did validate the new Information Flow Model and its focus. Additional recommendations for future analyses were provided.
Analysis Of Hofstedes 5-D Model: The Implications Of Conducting Business In Saudi Arabia
Authors: Cassell Macgorine A. , Blake Rebecca J.
Published: March 2016

This paper analyzes the business and legal environment of Saudi Arabia using Hofstedes five dimensions: power distance, individualism vs. collectivism, masculinity vs. femininity, uncertainty avoidance, and short-term orientation vs. long-term orientation. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comparative analysis of several key traits of the culture in the United States and Saudi Arabia, examine various concepts in Saudi Arabias business environment that are illustrative of its ranking, and demonstrate the continued viability of Hofstedes model as a stepping-stone to appreciation of culture.
The Value Of Webcams For Virtual Teams
Authors: Olson Joel , Appunn Frank , Walters Kimberly , Grinnell Lynn , McAllister Chad
Published: March 2016

The latest low-cost technology solutions provide practical and reliable video options form standard personal computers using the Internet. By adding video to an established and geographically dispersed team process, this exploratory research tries to establish the experience of participants and perceived effectiveness of the team. Building on the literature, this qualitative research performs a content analysis design on a text transcription of weekly audio logs from participants. This approach analyzes the rich content of team members to discover the relevance of differing elements within trust, technology, and effectiveness find support. By understanding the influences of adding video to teams, leaders, and managers should be able to make informed decisions regarding the adoption of video for each participant. The attitude evolution regarding the use of technology over a period of six weeks provides further considerations for deployment.
Information Evaporation: The Migration Of Information To Cloud Computing Platforms
Authors: Reavis David
Published: March 2016

The physical location for data used in every organization ebbs and flows as technology improves. In the early years of computing, data were stored on the central system because that was the only choice. As communication technology advanced, a decentralized model became popular and data were stored nearer to the place it would be used. Another leap in telecommunications prompted a move back to centralized data storage, mostly because access speeds allowed the data to be used remotely with minimal time lapse due to transmission distance. The most recent transition for housing data is to move data from various databases, some centralized and some localized, into the cloud. The benefits of moving information to a cloud computing environment have made it attractive to organizations recently. Converting data from one platform to another is done regularly by IT professionals. In each of the transitions described above, data had to be converted in some way and transitions to updated computing platforms are not uncommon. In this paper, the term information evaporation will be used to distinguish the move of information to the cloud from other conversion activities, such as system upgrades or platform transitions. Converting data from a traditional database environment to an Internet-based cloud computing environment requires a different approach to security, attention to avoiding creating information silos, and development of data tags, such as eXtensible Markup Language (XML), to facilitate cross platform data access.
Participation In Agri-Food Safety Collaborative Network: An Example From Songkhla Province, Thailand
Authors: Thaennin Nattaya , Visuthismajarn Parichart , Sutheravut Pongthep
Published: March 2016

We conducted this case study in Songkhla Province in Thailand, with the aim of exploring the participation in a collaborative network for food safety. This study was conducted using a qualitative approach, with data collected from 15 representatives of various group leaders within the network. Participatory observation was used to cross-validate the data obtained, and content analysis to analyze the collected data. The study found that the goals of the agri-food safety collaborative network are self-reliance, resource conservation, food security, and health. The main purpose of the network is to develop a system for food-safety management, consisting of three connected systems: a fair and self-sufficient production system, a fair and sustainable marketing system, and an appreciative consumption. There are four supporting mechanisms for encouraging participation in the network: network management, coordination, mutual learning, and communication. We found that participation is a social learning process. The three systems of agri-food safety management focus on participation to encourage intra- and inter-group mutual learning of the network. The social capital existing in the area, especially, the civil society network and the knowledge therein, are key factors for building a collaborative network as a tool for the participation of the public and private sectors in the broader term of food safety.
Cloud Computer Management From The Small Business Perspective
Authors: Ghormley Yvette
Published: March 2016

Cloud computing is a relatively new concept that is attracting much attention from both small businesses and CEOs of large corporations. However, for the novitiate, the decision to implement a cloud computing service and then how to manage it is not straightforward because there is no universal road map. In this review several issues are discussed that should have a bearing on how to bring cloud computing into a business organization and how it should be managed. These issues include, the elasticity performance of cloud computing, the lack of standards in cloud computing, whether cloud computing should be sole sourced, security issues, legal and regulatory compliance of data that may cross national borders, and what the function of the IT department should be in this venture.
Neural, Genetic, And Neurogenetic Approaches For Solving The 0-1 Multidimensional Knapsack Problem
Authors: Deane Jason , Agarwal Anurag
Published: March 2016

The multi-dimensional knapsack problem (MDKP) is a well-studied problem in Decision Sciences. The problems NP-Hard nature prevents the successful application of exact procedures such as branch and bound, implicit enumeration and dynamic programming for larger problems. As a result, various approximate solution approaches, such as the relaxation approaches, heuristic and metaheuristic approaches have been developed and applied effectively to this problem. In this study, we propose a Neural approach, a Genetic Algorithms approach and a Neurogenetic approach, which is a hybrid of the Neural and the Genetic Algorithms approach. The Neural approach is essentially a problem-space based non-deterministic local-search algorithm. In the Genetic Algorithms approach we propose a new way of generating initial population. In the Neurogenetic approach, we show that the Neural and Genetic iterations, when interleaved appropriately, can complement each other and provide better solutions than either the Neural or the Genetic approach alone. Within the overall search, the Genetic approach provides diversification while the Neural provides intensification. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed approaches through an empirical study performed on several sets of benchmark problems commonly used in the literature.
The Application Of EDI: Empirical Evidence
Authors: Shahwan Yousef
Published: March 2016

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is one technology that has enabled B2B E-Commerce to speak to each other electronically in order to transmit information from sender to receiver in the format the receiver wants. B2B E-Commerce is no longer synonymous with EDI (Pathak & Baldwin, 2008). In UAE, EDI usage is in its early stage of implementation and research is highly tempted. This paper investigates the application of EDI in UAE by providing empirical evidence as to whether EDI application significantly and positively correlates to volume, cost, and profitability.
Cultural Tourism Guidelines In Klonghae Floating Market, Thailand
Authors: Buakwan Narawadee , Visuthisamajarn Parichart , Viriyakoson Amporn
Published: March 2016

This study was toprovide guidelines for managing cultural tourism in the Klonghae FloatingMarket, Klonghae sub-district, Hatyai district, Songkhla province, Thailand. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used tocollect data. It was discovered that the floating market, which opened inAugust 2008, was managed by the local government to support environmentalconservation and economic development in the community. Our guidelinesemphasized the need to connect the floating market with other touristattractions within the Klonghae municipal area to update information provided topotential tourists. It was discovered that visitorswant more information about temples and livelihoods.
Misguided Organizational Change Initiatives And How It Promotes A Destructive Work Environment
Authors: Rivero Orlando
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this paper is to review recent trends as they relate toorganizational change and how these trends have affected the overall workenvironment. Over the years, UnitedStates corporations have successfully done well financially. However, due to downsizing initiatives andthe outsourcing of products and services to other countries in order to staycompetitive, United States firms have been forced to do more, but with lessresources. Bullying in the workplace hasbeen around for several years; however, employees are being pushed to do morefor less with unrealistic work expectations.Workforce bullying has become an epidemic of mass portions, which hasled to dysfunctional organizations and inappropriate behavior among employers/employees. At the end, recommendations will be made to promotepositive work environments while contributing to organizational changeinitiatives.