bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building Regional Communities in an Information Age
Authors: Sproats Kevin , Cairney Trevor , Hegarty David
Published: May 2011

Twelve local government authorities constitute Greater Western Sydney, the fastest growing and most diverse metropolitan region in Australia. With a regional population of 1.5 million, it has been described as the dynamic economic powerhouse of the nation. Over the last 20 years there have been efforts within the region to develop mechanisms for innovative regional governance. One of the latest, TeamWest, aims to harness people, resources, expertise and information to pursue widely shared outcomes and to deliver better planning and better services to the people who live and work in the region. It is a process of collaboration acknowledging that achieving regional social, economic and environmental outcomes depends not only on resources and skills but also on organisation of a broad range of stakeholders. This chapter draws on the experience of the authors in TeamWest, and provides an illustration of one of the many specific initiatives of TeamWest — the development of a regional Web site as a vehicle for the exchange of knowledge and information of relevance to citizens and leaders within the region. It describes in detail how the Web site was developed, and explores the potential and issues involved in building regional governance infrastructure in an information age.
Rethinking Schools and Community
Authors: Bigum Chris
Published: May 2011

Schools appear in some accounts of community informatics as part of community, one of a number of organisations that need to be taken into account, perhaps on the basis of them being useful physical or human resources around which community informatics might be based. For their part, schools, at least in Australia, have been an important, early element in the broad take-up of computing and communication technologies (CCTs) by the community. Apart from the possibility of using school resources to support community access out of school time and based on what is published in both fields, schools and work in community informatics have tended to operate independently of one another. There are, nonetheless, interesting parallels in these two broad areas of activity which promote the use of CCTs. This chapter outlines a new research agenda in which schools produce knowledge for local community and in doing so develop new and productive community partnerships. The development provides interesting opportunities for the transformation of regions via this approach to community informatics. The background to this project is based in the long history of using CCTs in schools. The chapter will argue that the way in which schools understand CCTs is crucial to shaping what is possible to be done with CCTs in schools. Shifting the emphasis from information to relationships opens up alternatives that provide opportunities for significant, new relationships with community.
Using the Internet in a Physical Activity Health Promotion Campaign
Authors: Schofield Grant , Mummery Kerry , Brown Wendy , Eakin Elizabeth , Trost Stewart , Abernethy Peter
Published: May 2011

The 10,000 Steps Rockhampton project is a community-based, multi-strategy health promotion program focussing on physical activity and the social determinants of health in a regional Australian setting. As yet there is no available literature about the process of constructing health promotion Web sites. The chapter describes the processes involved in the construction and evaluation of a physical activity health promotion site. The static side of the site gives health promotion information and messages related to physical activity, along with contact information and registration information for the project. The dynamic side of the site allows online tracking of daily-accumulated physical activity.
Facilitating the Online Curriculum
Authors: Porter Lynnette R.
Published: May 2011

What is a “traditional” classroom? Many adults may still think of a traditional classroom as a room within a building, probably on a university, college, or other educational institution’s campus. It may contain computer equipment, but it may be pictured as an older, whiteboard-only classroom full of desks or tables, with a teacher lecturing students face to face. Indeed, this example is a traditional classroom for many learners today, and it is likely to remain one definition of a traditional classroom for years to come. However, as more learners grow up with computer technology, the definition of the traditional classroom becomes more diverse.
Assessing Business-IT Allignment Maturity
Authors: Luftman Jerry
Published: May 2011

Strategic alignment focuses on the activities that management performs to achieve cohesive goals across the IT (Information Technology) and other functional organizations (e.g., finance, marketing, H/R, R&D, manufacturing). Therefore, alignment addresses both how IT is in harmony with the business, and how the business should, or could, be in harmony with IT. Alignment evolves into a relationship where the function of IT and other business functions adapt their strategies together. Achieving alignment is evolutionary and dynamic. It requires strong support from senior management, good working relationships, strong leadership, appropriate prioritization, trust, and effective communication, as well as a thorough understanding of the business and technical environments. The strategic alignment maturity assessment provides organizations with a vehicle to evaluate these activities. Knowing the maturity of its strategic choices and alignment practices make it possible for a firm to see where it stands and how it can improve. This chapter discusses an approach for assessing the maturity of the business-IT alignment. Once maturity is understood, an organization can identify opportunities for enhancing the harmonious relationship of business and IT.
Governance Structures for IT in the Health Care Industry
Authors: Suomi Reima , Tahkapaa Jarmo
Published: May 2011

In this chapter we bind together three elements: governance structures, the health care industry and modern information and communication technology (ICT). Our hypothesis is that modern ICT has even more than before made the concept and operation of the governance structures important. ICT supports some governance structures in health care better than others, and ICT itself needs governing. Our research question also is: which kinds of governance structures in health care are supported and needed by modern ICT? Our chapter should be of primary interest for Health Care professionals. They should be given a new, partly revolutionary point of view to their own industry. For parties discussing governance structure issues in Health Care, the chapter should give a lot of support for argumentation and thinking. The models and conclusions should be extendable to other industries too. For academic researchers in Governance Structure and IT issues, the chapter should contain an interesting industry case.
Using Web Link Analysis to Detect and Analyze Hidden Web Communities
Authors: Reid Edna O.F.
Published: May 2011

A great deal of current as well as previous studies on web links has focused mostly on improving the performance of information retrieval systems. The vast but untapped wealth of information from link-related messages generated by online communities has yet to attract the attention of the competitive intelligence researchers and practitioners. The latter groups have depended mainly on traditional intelligence sources while cognizant that much of the information which impinges upon their competitive strengths is shaped by events external to the firm. In view of the foregoing, we present in this chapter an exploratory framework for extracting and exploiting patterns of self-organizing, hyperlinked web communities for corporate intelligence purposes. More specifically, this chapter summarizes how the proposed analytical framework has been applied to MicroStrategy Inc.’s website to give us a glimpse of stakeholder communities’ reactions to the enterprise’s activities and identify some early warning signals. The framework can thus be considered as a prototypical approach for exploiting the Web’s structure and content for Web intelligence purposes.
Using Groupware to Gather and Analyze Intelligence in a Public Setting
Authors: Rouwette Etiënne , Vennix Jac A.M.
Published: May 2011

This chapter focuses on the use of groupware to support local governments in activities in the intelligence cycle. Local governments in The Netherlands have a central role in developing integral safety plans for their district. However, in the implementation of safety plans the contribution of partner organizations such as the fire department and police force is indispensable. Each of the partners may have its own priorities with regard to safety. Using electronic meetings, representatives of all partner organizations identify safety problems within their district and decide on the priority of issues. In two meetings of four hours each, safety problems are analyzed and conclusions formulated to which partners feel committed. This article describes the design of the meetings and reports on results for nine municipalities. Results indicate that participants find that the electronic meetings contribute to intelligence activities. Participants feel the quality of communication in the sessions is high, and their insight into the problem is increased. The sessions support dissemination of intelligence, as shown by an increase in consensus on the problem and commitment to conclusions. Electronic meetings therefore seem an effective and practical way to support key activities in the intelligence cycle, and to develop policies that will be implemented.
Building a Competitive Intelligence System
Authors: Philips Egbert
Published: May 2011

Competitive intelligence is understood as the process of acquiring environmental data and transforming them into strategic relevant intelligence. To realize the activities in the four stages of the intelligence process (directing, collecting, analyzing and distributing), a so-called intelligence infrastructure is needed. This infrastructure consists of all the requirements (division of tasks and responsibilities, human resources, and ICT) to perform the intelligence activities. In this chapter we propose an infrastructural approach to designing and implementing a competitive intelligence system. In the infrastructural approach, it is acknowledged that ICT solutions are only a part of the total infrastructure, realizing the CI activities. Moreover, the infrastructural approach is characterized by a specific view on the development process. The different elements of the infrastructure are simultaneously developed and the design of the process is actually executed by the future users. The goal of this participative design process is to create user commitment by taking the interests and needs of the potential users into account. This commitment is supposed to be a necessary prerequisite for a successful implementation of a CI infrastructure. In this chapter, a case is described to illuminate how an infrastructural approach with respect to CI works.
Studying Virtual Work in Teams, Organizations and Communities
Authors: Robey Daniel , Jin Leigh
Published: May 2011

This chapter addresses empirical methods for obtaining data on virtual teams, organizations and professional communities. We begin by reviewing different ways of defining virtual work. We then examine two epistemological paradoxes involved in empirical research on virtual work: (1) virtual work is simultaneously mobile and motionless, and (2) virtual work is simultaneously distributed and situated. We address these paradoxes by identifying four data generation approaches that can be used separately or in combination: participant observation, computer logs, interview, and questionnaire. The chapter describes each of these methods and illustrates each with one or more exemplary studies. By studying virtual teams, organizations, and communities from various angles with different types of data, researchers can better inform the process of theorizing.
Methodological Issues in MIS Cross-Cultural Research
Authors: Karahanna Elena , Evaristo Roberto , Srite Mark
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents a discussion of methodological issues that are relevant and idiosyncratic to cross-cultural research. One characteristic that typifies cross-cultural studies is their comparative nature, i.e., they involve a comparison across two separate cultures on a focal phenomenon. When differences across cultures are observed, the question arises as to whether the results are true cultural differences or merely measurement artifacts. Methodological considerations in cross-cultural research focus on ruling out alternative explanations for these differences and thus enhancing the interpretability of the results. The chapter presents an overview of key methodological issues in cross-cultural research and reviews methods of preventing or detecting methodological problems.
Responding to the Learner
Authors: Carrick Neil
Published: May 2011

This chapter argues that the principal role of instructional design is to represent and advocate the needs of learners. It stresses the importance of needs analysis and requirements gathering in instructional design. As a case study to support these contentions, the chapter describes the instructional design of custom-built e-learning for adult learners working in the factory of a manufacturing plant. The case study reveals that the true value of instructional design lies in a learner-centered approach that prioritizes ease of use and facilitates learner control.
Combining Technology, Theory and Practice
Authors: Cox John Lew , Armstrong Terry R.
Published: May 2011

Offering a valid educational experience at remote locations having few academic resources has always been a problem, financially and logistically. Yet, previous models and attempts at distance learning came up short in a number of areas. Now the Internet has opened up new possibilities. The authors were given the task of teaching an undergraduate course in Strategic Management in a remote Finnish location without many needed library resources. Their experiences led serendipitously to an approach combining a few strategic models, the Internet, and student presentations to allay fears the authors had about academic soundness in previous models. This chapter gives details of how the design of the course, which could not have been taught adequately without the Internet, has led to a fascinating approach for using the Internet in a traditional classroom as well as in remote areas.
Peering into Online Bedroom Windows
Authors: Whitty Monica
Published: May 2011

To date, there is a scarcity of literature available on the ethical concerns that accompany research into online relationships and sexuality. This chapter attempts to redress this balance. Questions are raised as to whether researchers should be permitted to lurk in chatrooms or take on different identities in order to obtain data. It is argued here that conceptions of cyberspace as one generic space is a narrow construction and that instead researchers need to consider the fuzzy boundaries between what constitutes a public and a private space online. How we perceive this space has important implications for future research.
Virtual Schools
Authors: Russell Glenn
Published: May 2011

This chapter investigates some of the critical issues associated with virtual schools. It reviews historical forms of school education and the different types of virtual schools that are currently emerging. The educational value of virtual schooling is considered in terms of cognitive and affective outcomes, and some of the factors that promote the rise of virtual schools are outlined. The implications of related philosophical viewpoints and communication theory are explored, together with the benefits and disadvantages of virtual schools for society. A number of problems associated with virtual schools are identified and some possible solutions are outlined. Future trends in the growth of virtual schooling and the characteristics of the next generation of virtual schools are discussed in terms of their implications for school education.
Distance Learning Success Factors in the Resources-Processes-Results Cycle and Virtual School Accreditation
Authors: Cavanaugh Cathy
Published: May 2011

Virtual school administrators and course designers can address the needs of virtual school students using established quality guidelines and standards. The development and implementation of effective distance education happens in an iterative cycle. The three stages in the cycle are: (1) procurement and preparation of the resources necessary to meet the distance education goals; (2) delivery of instruction using the best practices from education, business and research; and (3) analysis of the results of distance education to gauge achievement of the goals. Each stage of the Resources - Practices - Results (RPR) cycle continually revisits lessons learned in the other stages and builds upon the successes realized in the other stages. The success of a web-based virtual school program in part relies on the program’s adherence to quality benchmarks. This chapter explores the interconnect among the established success factors incorporated into the RPR cycle and standards published by agencies accrediting virtual schools. A survey of 67 virtual schools in the United States in the spring of 2003 resulted in identification of accrediting standards applied at national, regional and state levels. The standards of seven accrediting bodies are examined, and three are compared to the RPR success factors. Because of the differing foci of the agencies producing the standards, there is variation in the degree to which the standards correspond to the RPR success factors.
Distance Learning as a Form of Accommodation
Authors: Cavanaugh Terence W.
Published: May 2011

Over the recent past, the population in schools and the options for education have changed. Recently, the number of students identified as special needs has increased, as has the number of special needs students included in “regular” classrooms. Specific laws pertain to their education, including the U.S. Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), which requires that students with disabilities each have Individual Education Plans (IEP). An aspect of the IEP is the possibility of using assistive technology to assist in the student’s education or in accommodation or modifications needed for disabled access. The web-based learning environment itself can be considered an accommodation or modification of instruction to meet the needs of special needs students. Opportunities are increasing in the online distance learning environment for colleges and universities, and the increase is expanding to the high school and middle school programs. When creating online instruction, it is important to follow the accessibility standards such as the Section 508 and W3C accessibility standards to enable persons with disabilities access to the educational material. Within the U.S., more than 26,000 K-12 students classified as IDEA hospital/homebound, received education through some form of “distance education” as of 1999. While the methods of instruction do not commonly include online delivery, it is an option that should be investigated. In-depth examples of a school system’s hospital/homebound program, online programs being used by a school for students with disabilities, and a state public online school and its interactions with students with disabilities are presented. The results of a survey of online schools and their services for students with disabilities are also reported.
The Collaborative Critical Incident Tool
Authors: Carroll John M. , Neale Dennis C. , Isenhour Phillip L.
Published: May 2011

We describe an evaluation tool used by teachers and researchers to study the impact of computer-mediated collaborative and communication technologies used in K-12 education. Standard usability engineering methods and tools focus on individual users at a single workstation.  Networked collaborative systems, however, present the challenge of multiple users interacting at a variety of times and places. We developed a Web forum tool to capture and display user critical incident reports and threaded discussions of these reports by users, evaluators and system developers. Our Collaborative Critical Incident Tool (CCIT) is effective at evoking detailed usability evaluation information, as well as reflective analysis of usability issues from diverse points of view among stakeholders in the system.
A Duplicate Chinese Document Image Retrieval System Based on Line Segment Feature in Character Image Block
Authors: Chan Yung-Kuan , Chen Tung-Shou , Ho Yu-An
Published: May 2011

With the rapid progress of digital image technology, the management of duplicate document images is also emphasized widely. As a result, this paper suggests a duplicate Chinese document image retrieval (DCDIR) system, which uses the ratio of the number of black pixels to that of white pixels on the scanned line segments in a character image block as the feature of the character image block. Experimental results indicate that the system can indeed effectively and quickly retrieve the desired duplicate Chinese document image from a database.
Technology of Music Score Watermarking
Authors: Monsignori M. , Nesi P. , Spinu M.
Published: May 2011

Content protection for multimedia data is widely recognized especially for data types that are frequently distributed, sold or shared in digital and via Internet. Particularly, the music industry dealing with audio files realized the necessity for content protection. Distribution of music sheets will face the same problems. Digital watermarking techniques provide a certain level of protection for music sheets. Classical image-oriented watermarking algorithms for images suffer from several drawbacks when directly applied to image representations of music sheets. Therefore, new solutions have been developed which are designed regarding the content of the music sheets. In comparison to other media types, the development of watermarking algorithms for music scores is a rather young technology. The chapter reviews the evolution of the early approaches and describes the current state of the art in the field.
Face Recognition Technology
Authors: Singh Sanjay K. , Vatsa Mayank , Singh Richa , Shukla K.K. , Boregowda Lokesh R.
Published: May 2011

Face recognition technology is one of the most widely used problems in computer vision. It is widely used in applications related to security and human-computer interfaces. The two reasons for this are the wide range of commercial and law enforcement applications and the availability of feasible technologies. In this chapter the various biometric systems and the commonly used techniques of face recognition, Feature Based, eigenface based, Line Based Approach and Local Feature Analysis are explained along with the results. A performance comparison of these algorithms is also given.
Algorithm for the Retrieval of Image with Emergence Index in Multimedia
Authors: Deb Sagarmay , Zhang Yanchun
Published: May 2011

We discuss here emergence phenomenon where we study the hidden meanings of an image. We present this concept in image database access and retrieval of images using this as an index for retrieval. This would give an entirely different search outcome than an ordinary search where emergence is not considered, as consideration of hidden meanings could change the index of a search. We talk about emergence, emergence index and accessing multimedia databases using emergence index to locate geographic areas in this paper along with the algorithm.
Face Animation
Authors: Arya Ali , Hamidzadeh Babak
Published: May 2011

This chapter will discuss the multimedia modeling and specification methods, especially in the context of face animation. Personalized Face Animation is and/or can be a major user interface component in modern multimedia systems. After reviewing the related works in this area, we present the ShowFace streaming structure. This structure is based on most widely accepted industry standards in multimedia presentations like MPEG-4 and SMIL and extends them by providing a higher level Face Modeling Language (FML) for modeling and control purposes and by defining image transformations required for certain facial movements. ShowFace establishes a comprehensive framework for face animation consisting of components for parsing the input script, generating and splitting the audio and video “behaviors,” creating the required images and sounds, and eventually displaying or writing the data to files. This component-based design and scripted behavior make the framework suitable for many purposes including web-based applications.
What is the Digital Era?
Authors: Shepherd Jill
Published: May 2011

While there are many useful ways of describing and discussing the Digital Era, explanations of its existence are lacking. The Digital Era is characterized by technology which increases the speed and breadth of knowledge turnover within the economy and society. Evolutionary theory, as an explanation of the system we live in, states that sustainability relies on knowledge turnover. In parts of the system which are relatively stable, knowledge turnover is low, and new variation, when produced, is rarely retained. In other, less stable parts of the system, faster knowledge turnover is advantageous as new knowledge is produced more frequently allowing for adaptation to the changing surrounding environment. Mixing and matching rates of knowledge turnover makes for a dynamic but ever-lasting world. The Digital Era can be seen as the development of an evolutionary system in which knowledge turnover is not only very high, but also increasingly out of the control of humans, making it a time in which our lives become more difficult to manage. For example, in the second generation Internet, ‘the semantic web’, functionality, which understands meaning, replaces the search function of unknowingly matching words, which often have multiple meanings. In time, within this version of the Internet, software agents will exchange knowledge without human intervention. Equally, our understanding of the knowledge embedded within the human genome about how we relate to the world, generated in association with technology and freely available on the Internet, raises questions about our assumptions of control. Do we know enough about our future to change our genome? Can we control such changes and their diffusion? The social and economic implications of the Digital Era are huge and will increase as technological functionality becomes more knowledge-based, our everyday lives and understanding of ourselves become more linked to it, and it takes on a ‘life’ of its own. Understanding the Digital Era in terms of evolution will help ensure we build sustainable socio-economic relationships both with technology and with the advanced knowledge that technology helps us create.
Business Model Innovation in the Digital Economy
Authors: Lee Chung-Shing , Vonortas Nicholas S.
Published: May 2011

A viable business model in the digital economy must follow the fundamental economic principles and be able to capitalize on the disruptive characteristics of the Internet commerce. This chapter presents an analytical method to assist business executive and entrepreneurs in evaluating and building a viable business model in the digital economy. This method is based on the concept of disruptive innovation, economies of scale and scope, and the theories of switching costs and transaction cost economics. It takes into account various cost models from both demand- and supply-side perspectives. The chapter contrasts the business transformation process and value creation strategies in the physical and digital economies, and discusses several e-commerce revenue models and pricing issues in the digital economy.
Infrastucture and Policy Frameworks for the Support of Intelligent Enterprises
Authors: Hin Leo Tan Wee , Subramaniam R.
Published: May 2011

Singapore has put in place an advanced broadband telecommunications infrastructure in both the landline and wireless domains to support the growth of intelligent enterprises in the new economy. A pro-business environment modeled on a slew of policy frameworks, the presence of an e-government, and the entrenching of a transparent e-commerce ecosystem, have led to the rise of intelligent enterprises as well as encouraged other businesses to re-engineer various aspects of their operations to tap new business opportunities and improve their operational efficiencies. M-commerce initiatives are also helping to fuel the growth of online commerce. The need for state intervention to drive growth and applications has been found to be very important.
From Data to Decisions
Authors: Wickramasinghe Nilmini , Sharma Sushil K. , Gupta Jatinder N.D.
Published: May 2011

To compete in today’s environment, organizations have to develop an ability to use intelligently the knowledge assets already inherent within them as well as the new intellectual capital they create daily. Many companies have already adopted some type of business intelligence (BI) tools such as report writers, spreadsheets, and, more recently, OLAP to gain a competitive advantage in decision making. However, these tools are woefully inadequate at analyzing data patterns. Thus, superior tools and methods are required. Knowledge discovery is about understanding a business. It is a process that solves business problems by analyzing the data to identify patterns and relationships that can explain and predict behavior. It enables an organization to better understand its core business processes by searching automatically through voluminous data, looking for patterns of events, and presenting these to the business in an easy-to-understand graphical form. Knowledge discovery is then a competitive necessity for today’s organizations. This chapter describes various knowledge discovery tools and technologies that can help to create intelligent entereprises.
Managing Operations in the E-Commerce Era
Authors: Aigbedo Henry
Published: May 2011

Of the many innovations that have impacted humanity during the last millennium, the Internet can be considered by far the most pervasive: It is transforming different facets of human activity, not the least of which are business transactions. One of the fundamental issues that a given firm’s management seeks to address, is how best to utilize input resources to provide customers with goods and services of higher value, thus generating profits and increasing market share. To facilitate activities embodied in this transformation process, a growing number of firms now use the Internet. This chapter analyzes the interrelationship between e-commerce and operations, and assesses the role operations should play to ensure the success of business-to-consumer and business-to-business e-commerce. It also proposes how to address key issues in order to harness the full capability of the Internet for commerce.
An Overview of Knowledge Management
Authors: Gupta Jatinder D. , Sharma Sushil K. , Hsu Jeffrey
Published: May 2011

One of the key factors that distinguishes the intelligent business enterprise of the 21st century is the emphasis on knowledge and information. Unlike businesses of the past, the fast, high-tech, and global emphasis of businesses today requires the ability to capture, manage, and utilize knowledge and information in order to improve efficiency, better serve customers, manage the competition, and keep pace with never-ending changes. Knowledge management is an important means by which organizations can better manage information and, more importantly, knowledge. Unlike other techniques, knowledge management is not always easy to define because it encompasses a range of concepts, management tasks, technologies, and practices, all of which come under the umbrella of the management of knowledge. This chapter takes a broad view of the topic of knowledge management and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of knowledge management — the technologies, processes, and concepts involved, and the challenges and future of this important area.
Fractal Approach to Managing Intelligent Enterprise
Authors: Ryu Kwangyeol , Jung Mooyoung
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces a fractal-based approach to managing intelligent enterprises. Faced with intense competition in the growing global market, fundamental changes are mandatory in business models, management approaches, and technology resources. In this chapter, therefore, several strategic issues for managing intelligent enterprises are discussed in a comprehensive manner, including: (1) fractal models of an intelligent enterprise with new hierarchies and structures for future organizations, (2) strategic supply chain models of e-biz companies based on fractal architectures, and (3) Fractal Manufacturing System (FrMS) as a type of a future manufacturing system. The authors hope that understanding the proposed methodologies and approaches based on the fractal concept will not only facilitate the realization of fractal-based systems, but also give readers an insight into the requirements of future organizations.
Living with the CoP-Stage One
Authors: Hildreth Paul
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes Stage One of the case study, which is designed to obtain an inside view of how a distributed CoP works, how the softer aspects of knowledge are shared, and how participation is achieved. To start with we are introduced to the members of the community, and then we spend some time with them. Before we move to Stage Two, we take the opportunity to examine some issues that arise from this first stage.
Living Within Glass Houses
Authors: Johnson Victoria E.
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses the influence of technological systems on managing stakeholder relationships in the global environment. The information, immediacy and intimacy—the transparency—afforded by technological networks have transformed the nature and the strategic vantage point of these key relationships. Transparency is created and enhanced because of the public’s capacity to know and its ability to navigate the technological terrain. The author argues that the modern prism of transparency can illuminate and enhance the sharing and disseminating of salient knowledge of communities of interest. Thus, the technological imperative and organizational transparency are complements in understanding and effectively responding to stakeholder environments.
Predicting WastewaterBOD Levels with Neural Network Time Series Models
Authors: West David , Dellana Scott
Published: May 2011

The quality of treated wastewater has always been an important issue, but it becomes even more critical as human populations increase. Unfortunately, current ability to monitor and control effluent quality from a wastewater treatment process is primitive (Wen & Vassiliadis, 1998). Control is difficult because wastewater treatment consists of complex multivariate processes with nonlinear relationships and time varying dynamics. Consequently, there is a critical need for forecasting models that are effective in predicting wastewater effluent quality. Using data from an urban wastewater treatment plant, we tested several linear and nonlinear models, including ARIMA and neural networks. Our results provide evidence that a nonlinear neural network time series model achieves the most accurate forecast of wastewater effluent quality.
Predicting Consumer Situational Choice with Neural Networks
Authors: Hu Michael Y. , Shanker Murali , Hung Ming S.
Published: May 2011

This study shows how neural networks can be used to model posterior probabilities of consumer choice and a backward elimination procedure can be implemented for feature selection in neural networks. Two separate samples of consumer choice situations were selected from a large consumer panel maintained by AT&T. Our findings support the appropriateness of using neural networks for these two purposes.
Community-Based Distributed Learning in a Globalized World
Authors: Wellburn Elizabeth , Claeys Gregory
Published: May 2011

Through information technologies, there is an increasing connectedness of people in both economic and educational domains. The globalized educational environment is seen by some to be an answer to poverty and other problems through enhanced distributed learning opportunities, while others are concerned that globalization of education is leading to homogeneity and a loss of autonomy for cultures and communities. The authors of this chapter maintain the viewpoint that respectful partnerships can be developed where communities control how their knowledge is used and retained, while at the same time tapping into the potential that the new technologies have to offer and maintaining an appropriate level of quality. Two pilot programs for Indigenous learners, built with this philosophy in mind, are described.
Knowledge Management in More Detail
Authors: Lehaney Brian , Clarke Steve , Coakes Elayne , Jack Gillian
Published: May 2011

The previous chapter provided a broad introduction to knowledge management. As you might imagine, this is a complex area. This chapter begins to peel away the layers bit by bit to examine knowledge management in greater depth. Knowledge management has various approaches and definitions according to the perspective and discipline of the individual or organisation that engages with the concept. These include management, individual and organisational learning, communications, information systems and technology, artificial intelligence, intellectual assets, and so on. Each discipline approaches KM with a different perception, for example, computer science focuses heavily on technology, human resources takes an individual and organisational approach emphasising learning and reward factors, and intellectual assets focus on the explicit capture and registration of knowledge.
Conclusions
Authors: Lehaney Brian , Clarke Steve , Coakes Elayne , Jack Gillian
Published: May 2011

Three areas (staff, structures, and technology) interact in knowledge management. Knowledge processes are about the creation, retention, sharing, identification, acquisition, utilisation, and measurement of information and new ideas, in order to achieve strategic aims, such as improved competitiveness or improved performance. Knowledge types are about the ability to know-that, know-who, know-how, know-where, know-why, know-where. These are all key to gaining and retaining competitive edge in the dynamic environment of the new economy. The shift in culture has to be from ‘individual knowledge is individual power’ to ‘organisational knowledge is organisational power’.
Contract-Based Workflow Design Patterns in M-Commerce
Authors: Murthy V. K.
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes an object-based workflow paradigm to support long and short duration transactions in a mobile e-commerce (or m-commerce) environment. In the mobile computing environment, the traditional transaction model needs to be replaced by a more realistic model (called a “workflow model”) between several clients and servers that interact, compete, and cooperate, realising an intergalactic client-server program (ICSP). The various types of task patterns that arise in m-commerce (e-checking, shipping goods, purchasing, and market forecasting) require a subjunctive, or “what-if,” programming approach, consisting of intention and actions for trial-error design, before an actual commitment is made. Eiffel, iContract tool of Java, and UML are powerful languages to implement the intergalactic client-server program (ICSP). They provide for a software contract that captures mutual obligations through program constructs to take care of the unpredictable nature of connectivity of the mobile devices and the networks, as well as the trial and error program design required in m-commerce.
Short Message Service (SMS) and its Applications
Authors: Ismail Maizatul A. , Md-Noor Rafidah , Othman Mazliza
Published: May 2011

The use of short message service (SMS) has grown tremendously in the past few years. Billions of users use this service to send text messages. Various applications have been introduced by service providers, e.g., mobile banking, summons checkpoint, SMS chat, etc., all of which have become a huge success. This chapter gives an overview of how this service is provided and discusses various SMS applications offered to the user. We explore the reasons behind its success and the issues that must be addressed to provide these applications. We also examine future trends and the challenges that must be overcome in order to enhance this service. We hope that this chapter gives a better understanding of how SMS applications are provided and what may be expected in future applications given the enhancement on the current SMS and technology advancement.
Opportunities and Limitations in M-Commerce
Authors: Lei P. W. , Chatwin C. R. , Young R. C.D. , Tong S. H.
Published: May 2011

Electronic commerce (e-commerce) activity is growing exponentially, and it is revolutionizing the way that businesses are run. There is now an explosion of mobile wireless services accessible via mobile phones and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). Mobile e-commerce (m-commerce) makes business mobility a reality. Mobile users can access the Internet at any time, from anywhere (even from their shirt pockets/purses) using ubiquitous inexpensive computing. It is estimated that the m-commerce market was worth US$3.5 billion in 2000 and will grow to over US$200 billion by 2005 (Abbott, 2002). M-commerce is generally considered to be an extension of e-commerce. In fact, m-commerce has unique characteristics and functionality. Hence, it creates a unique and new business opportunity. Tesco, the United Kingdom-based supermarket, rolled out their mobile service, but the U.S. bank, Wells Fargo, is planning to close down their mobile service later this year due to lack of interest. M-commerce has a number of inherent complexities, as it embraces many emerging technologies: mobile wireless systems, mobile handheld devices, software, wireless protocols, and security. These technologies have rapid product cycles and quick obsolescence. In this chapter, we will examine the opportunities and limitations of m-commerce and concentrate our discussion on mobile phone systems.
Investigating the Rationale of ERP
Authors: Doyle Eleanor , Adam Frédéric
Published: May 2011

This case illustrates the importance of a reliable information systems infrastructure in supporting the operations and the development of modern businesses. A longitudinal analysis (1995-2001) of Topps Ireland Ltd. is presented. Topps attempted to acquire and implement a state-of-the-art Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system in order to increase control over its operations and to develop management information systems to improve decision making in relation to the commercial strategy of the firm. The case shows how the evolution of Topps to an internationally successful competitive situation was enabled and facilitated by the greater control allowed by its ERP system. The case begins with a description of Topps — its line of business and its development over time — and its business strategy in 1995. The reasons that contributed to the decision to select an ERP system for Topps emerge from the case. The “teething troubles” associated with the system are addressed, and latest information from Topps management on the success of the implementation concludes the case.
Toward a Model of Organizational Prerequisites for ERP
Authors: Sammon David , Adam Frédéric
Published: May 2011

Data Warehousing was the ‘hot topic’ of the early-to-mid 1990’s but it became unfashionable through the mid-to-late 1990s with the widespread implementation of ERP systems. However, in recent times, the re-emergence of Data Warehousing, to address the limitations of ERP systems, provides researchers with a new challenge and the ability to test the validity of old notions in solving new problems. This chapter lays the foundation for a model of organizational prerequisites for ERP project implementation. The model is aimed at the ‘Intelligence’ phase of managerial decision making for ERP projects. It draws on the increasing volume of organizational ERP literature now being published and past research into Data Warehousing project implementations is introduced in an attempt to highlight the re-emerging need for the concept of organizational prerequisites. The chapter documents the early stages of a larger research study, which is currently in progress. The main objective of the chapter is to present a literature-based model, the need for which emerges from a number of ‘issues of concern’ around the implementation of ERP, which integrally covers the phases which organizations go through when purchasing ERP packages.
From ERP Systems to Enterprise Portals
Authors: Carlsson Sven A. , Hedman Jonas
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes the development of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems toward Enterprise Portals (EPs). Enterprise Portals aim at creating a single entry point for its users to all internal and external applications, information, and services necessary for performing their jobs. EPs can be personalized to users depending on the roles they perform. There is a growing interest in EPs, but EP-research is scarce. Using a content analysis, we evaluate one specific EP—SAP AG’s Enterprise Portal my SAP Workplace. The evaluation had an overall effectiveness approach. The evaluation suggests some of the strengths of current EPs, for example, their internal and control focuses, and some of their weaknesses, for example, lack of external focus and lack of support for top-managers.
Stressing Office Technology's Non-Technical Side
Authors: Ruel Huub J.M.
Published: May 2011

Office technology projects are not a “quick and easy fix”. They often fail to meet their objectives. This is probably due to a lack of attention for the non-technical element in office technology projects. To develop this non-technical side, in this chapter we introduce the concepts of spirit and appropriation, adopted from Adaptive Structuration Theory (AST). Spirit concerns the intention of a certain technology. Advanced information technology use must be considered as a matter of appropriation. In theory, office technology carries a certain spirit, which should guide users, but this spirit can only be materialized when users work with, or appropriate, the technology. A precondition is that users have to have a clear image of this spirit. In this chapter, we report about the results of a study that show that if users of office technology find the spirit of the technology clear, they incorporate the technology better in their day-to-day tasks. Based upon these results we come up with a number of recommendations for office technology implementation and use.
Expanding the Information Carrying Capacity of the New Media in the Context of Virtual Teams
Authors: D’Ambra John , Guo Zixiu
Published: May 2011

This chapter considers the pivotal role of computer-mediated communication in supporting the work of virtual teams. The limited information carrying capacity of computer-mediated communication channels has been well documented and the subject of much research. Media richness theory is the context for a proposed technique aiming to increase the information carrying capacity of CMC in virtual teams. The technique, based upon developing a shared social construction, is presented and suggestions on how it may be evaluated are proposed.
Change and Challenge
Authors: Mendonca John
Published: May 2011

In addition to changing the ways organizations do business, the adoption of e-business forces significant changes to the organizations themselves—in culture, structure, and in what needs to be managed and how it is managed. This chapter describes characteristics of e-business that impact organizational management, focuses on four major ways in which organizational management is impacted, and offers some major guidelines for success in managing in an e-business environment. Understanding the challenges and adopting new management styles and techniques are critical success factors for the netcentric organization.