bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wireless Network Security
Authors: Curran K.
Published: May 2011

Wireless networks have a number of security issues. Signal leakage means that network communications can be picked up outside the physical boundaries of the building in which they are being operated, meaning a hacker can operate from the street outside or discretely from blocks away. In addition to signal leakage, the wired equivalent privacy protocol is inherently weak, and in addition to WEP’s weaknesses, there are various other attacks that can be initiated against WLANs, all with detrimental effects. On the surface WLANs act the same as their wired counterparts, transporting data between network devices. However, there is one fundamental, and quite significant, difference: WLANs are based on radio communications technology as an alternative to structured wiring and cables. Data is transmitted between devices through the air by utilizing the radio waves. Devices that participate in a WLAN must have a network interface card (NIC) with wireless capabilities. This essentially means that the card contains a small radio device that allows it to communicate with other wireless devices within the defined range for that card, for example, the 2.4-2.4853 GHz range. For a device to participate in a wireless network, it must firstly be permitted to communicate with the devices in that network, and secondly it must be within the transmission range of the devices in that network. To communicate, radio-based devices take advantage of electromagnetic waves and their ability to be altered in such a manner that they can carry information, known as modulation (Sundaralingham, 2004). Here we discuss wireless security mechanisms.
XML-Based Languages for Multimodality in Mobile Environments
Authors: Avola D.
Published: May 2011

XML can be used to develop several languages taking the specific working context into account. It also plays an important role in the exchange of a wide variety of data, making them available and accessible by Web using computers and mobile devices.
IS/IT Outsourcing
Authors: Gottschalk Petter
Published: May 2011

Information technology outsourcing—the practice of transferring IT assets, leases, staff, and management responsibility for delivery of services from internal IT functions to third party vendors—has become an undeniable trend ever since Kodak’s 1989 landmark decision. In recent years, private and public sector organizations worldwide have outsourced significant portions of their IT functions, among them British Aerospace, British Petroleum, Canadian Post Office, Chase Manhattan Bank, Continental Airlines, Continental Bank, First City, General Dynamics, Inland Revenue, JP Morgan, Kodak, Lufthansa, McDonnell Douglas, South Australian Government, Swiss Bank, Xerox, and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (Hirsheim & Lacity, 2000). How should firms organize their enterprise-wide activities related to the acquisition, deployment, and management of information technology? During the 1980s, IT professionals devoted considerable attention to this issue, primarily debating the virtues of centralized, decentralized, and federal modes of governance. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, IT researchers anticipated and followed these debates, eventually reaching considerable consensus regarding the influence of different contingency factors on an enterprise’s choice of a particular governance mode (Sambamurthy & Zmud, 2000).
Offshore IT Outsourcing
Authors: Gottschalk Petter
Published: May 2011

The shifting geography of business processes can de defined as the third wave of geography-related change in the design and operation of corporations. During the first wave, the improving transportation infrastructure of the 20th century enabled corporations to seek effective production capabilities in increasingly far-flung locations that provided access to new markets and tangible resources — land, local factories, mines, and production workers. During the second wave, as capital markets became global and interconnected in the latter half of the 20th century, corporations began to capitalize on vibrant global financial markets for both debt and equity. Now we are in the midst of a third wave — in which digitized business processes like order processing, billing, customer service, accounts and payroll processing, and design and development can be carried out without regard to physical location (Venkatraman, 2004). According to Kaiser and Hawk (2004), all executives need to explore offshore outsourcing. Competitors’ use, or perceived use, makes evaluation inevitable. Even IT organizations that choose not to use offshore companies must be able to convince their senior management that they have carefully considered the option. Those who do choose to outsource need to decide how they want to work with an offshore organization.
IT Governance as Resource Mobilization
Authors: Gottschalk Petter
Published: May 2011

In many organizations, information technology has become crucial in the support, the sustainability, and the growth of the business. This pervasive use of technology has created a critical dependency on IT that calls for a specific focus on IT governance. IT governance consists of the leadership and organizational structures and processes that ensure that the organization’s IT sustains and extends the organization’s strategy and objectives (Grembergen et al., 2004). IT governance matters because it influences the benefits received from IT investments. Through a combination of practices (such as redesigning business processes and well-designed governance mechanisms) and appropriately matched IT investments, top-performing enterprises generate superior returns on their IT investments (Weill, 2004).
Software Review History and Overview
Authors: Wong Yuk Kuen
Published: May 2011

The aim of this chapter is to review software review literature. The literature is drawn from Fagan’s software review and forms of review structures. Fagan’s software review includes six-step review processes — planning, overview, preparation, group meeting, re-review, and follow up. The forms of review structures can be classified into Active Design Review, Two-Person Review, Phased Review, and Use of Review Meeting. The literature review also provides an understanding of the IEEE Standard for software reviews and informal software reviews. The common informal reviews include Walkthroughs, Pair Programming, Peer Check, and Pass-Around. It also compares and contrasts bring a comparison these review methods.
Case Study of Software Reviews
Authors: Wong Yuk Kuen
Published: May 2011

The aim of this chapter is to identify the key software review inputs that significantly affect review performance in practice. A case study research method is employed. Five companies are volunteers participating in the study. In-depth semi-structured interview approach is used for data collection. From the results, the typical issues for conducting software review include 1) selecting right reviewers to perform a defect detection task, 2) the limitation of time and resources for organizing and conducting software review, and 3) no standard and specific guideline to measure an effective review for different types of software artefacts (i.e., requirement, design, code, and test cases). Thus the result shows that the experience (i.e., knowledge and skills) of reviewers is the most significant input influencing software review performance.
Contributions and Future Directions of Software Reviews
Authors: Wong Yuk Kuen
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents theoretical and methodological contributions. It also addresses the limitations of the empirical studies (i.e., industry survey and case study). Discussions of future research are presented in the final section of this chapter.
Future Developments That Impact Optimal KM/WM Systems
Authors: Thierauf Robert , Hoctor James
Published: May 2011

• To explore a fourth-dimensional view as a requirement for a true optimal KM/WM system • To look at the future developments of computer storage, networking, and software as they affect a well-designed optimal KM/WM system • To examine future developments in corporate planning, marketing, finance, and manufacturing as they affect optimal KM/WM systems • To explore the need for continual support of optimal KM/WM systems for what needs to be done over time
Global Information Infrastructure
Authors: Colarik Andrew
Published: May 2011

Identify the major components of the global information infrastructure. Ö Begin to understand how communication network technologies are bringing the world closer together. Ö Come to understand the growing dependence that societies and businesses have on this infrastructure. Ö Discover the services, major mechanisms, and protocols that are used to secure the global information infrastructure. Ö Realize that the task of securing the global information infrastructure is an evolutionary process.
A Methodology for Information Quality Assessment in the Designing and Manufacturing Processes of Mechanical Products
Authors: Su Zhanming , Jin Zhanming
Published: May 2011

Product Information Quality (PIQ) is critical in manufacturing enterprises. Yet, the field lacks comprehensive methodologies for its evaluation. In this paper, the authors attempt to develop such a methodology, which is called Activity-based Measuring and Evaluating of PIQ (AMEQ) to form a basis for PIQ measurement and evaluation. The methodology encompasses a road map to measure and improve PIQ, an indicator system based on characteristics and logic-temporal sequences of processes, and a set of models to quantificationally describe, operate and measure the designing and manufacturing processes of mechanical product information. The methodology is illustrated through a business case. The results of the methodology are useful for determining and reviewing the best area for PIQ improvement activities.
Introduction
Authors: Basden Andrew
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this book is to introduce a different way of looking at IT and IS, and to suggest some tools to help us do this and to take action. The tools derive from philosophy but are orientated to everyday experience of IT/IS. And those tools will be applied to five areas of research and practice in IT/IS to which the above questions relate. They are also the areas related to the five vignettes in the Preface (Vignettes 1, 2, 3, 5, 4 respectively).
Overview of Dooyeweerd's Philosophy
Authors: Basden Andrew
Published: May 2011

The aim of this chapter is to introduce the thought of Herman Dooyeweerd, giving a basic overview of the main themes and ways of thinking that are relevant to understanding information systems. More detailed explanation and discussion of specific points of his philosophy will be offered where they are first needed in later chapters, where these basic themes will be used to formulate frameworks for understanding research and practice in several areas of IS. So the reader should not feel required to absorb reams of philosophy before addressing IS issues.
A Framework for Understanding the Nature of Computers and Information
Authors: Basden Andrew
Published: May 2011

"What is a computer?" and "What is information?" are questions that the reflective user will sometimes ponder. These questions do not refer to what the computer means to us, subjectively (or intersubjectively) nor as enabling particular applications, whether controlling or emancipatory in nature; those issues were addressed in chapter 4. What is at issue is the nature of the computer regardless of application and of (inter-)subjective meaning. What is it that differentiates computer from, for example, mechanical machine or electronic gadget on one hand, or from other information technology such as writing, printing, film or video on the other? Pre-theoretical experience continues to assert that there is a difference.
Developing Interoperability in Mass Customization Information Systems
Authors: Jardim-Goncalves R.
Published: May 2011

This chapter proposes a standard-based framework to assist industrial organizations to develop interoperability in mass customization Information Systems. After identifying the major challenges for business and information systems in mass customization, the authors propose an innovative standard-based conceptual architecture for a combined model-driven and services-oriented platform. The chapter concludes by describing a global methodology for integration of models and applications, to enhance an enterprise’s interoperability in the support of mass customization practices, keeping the same organization’s technical and operational environment, but improving its methods of work and the usability of the installed technology through harmonization and integration of the enterprise models in use by customers, manufacturers, and suppliers. Its platform aims to stimulate the adoption of mass customization concepts and improve those practices through proper integration and harmonization of information system models, knowledge, and data.
Research Issues in Knowledge-Based Configuration
Authors: Jannach D.
Published: May 2011

This chapter gives an overview on these current and future research issues in the domain of knowledge-based configuration technology, and thus summarizes the state-of-the-art, recent achievements, novel approaches, and open challenges in the field.
Applying Service CAD System to Value Customization
Authors: Sakao T. , Shimomura Y. , Simboli A. , Raggi A.
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces a new concept, value customization, to increase the level of customer satisfaction. It presents methodologies and practice for designers to customize value in a service in industrial operation based on the discipline of service engineering (SE). SE aims at creating more value largely by knowledge and service contents rather than just materialistic contents. Especially, an information system named Service Explorer, an implementation of the methodologies, is applied to an Italian accommodation industry. After the application, five redesign options such as introducing a new service system with cash-back and a system of renting various goods were generated. Through this, the effectiveness of SE for value customization is suggested. This chapter addresses the importance of identifying value to be provided with specific customers based on their particular requirements, which has only briefly been discussed in researches of mass customization. In addition, both service activities and physical products can be crucial to realize value. Several further research issues such as general design methods for value customization were also identified.
Comparison of Kernel Methods Applied to Smart Antenna Array Processing
Authors: Christodoulou Christos , Martínez-Ramón Manel
Published: May 2011

Support vector machines (SVMs) are a good candidate for the solution of antenna array processing problems such as beamforming, detection of the angle of arrival, or sidelobe suppression, due to the fact that these algorithms exhibit superior performance in generalization ability and reduction of computational burden. Here, we introduce three new approaches for antenna array beamforming based on SVMs. The first one relies on the use of a linear support vector regressor to construct a linear beamformer. This algorithm outperforms the minimum variance distortionless method (MVDM) when the sample set used for training is small. It is also an advantageous approach when there is non-Gaussian noise present in the data. The second algorithm uses a nonlinear multiregressor to find the parameters of a linear beamformer. A multiregressor is trained off line to find the optimal parameters using a set of array snapshots. During the beamforming operation, the regressor works in the test mode, thus finding a set of parameters by interpolating among the solutions provided in the training phase. The motivation of this second algorithm is that the number of floating point operations needed is smaller than the number of operations needed by the MVDM since there is no need for matrix inversions. Only a vector-matrix product is needed to find the solution. Also, knowledge of the direction of arrival of the desired signal is not required during the beamforming operation, which leads to simpler and more flexible beamforming realizations. The third one is an implementation of a nonlinear beamformer using a non-linear SVM regressor. The operation of such a regressor is a generalization of the linear SVM one, and it yields better performance in terms of bit error rate (BER) than its linear counterparts. Simulations and comparisons with conventional beamforming strategies are provided, demonstrating the advantages of the SVM approach over the least-squares-based approach.
A Kernel Canonical Correlation Analysis for Learning the Semantics of Text
Authors: Fortuna Blaž , Cristianini Nello , Shawe-Taylor John
Published: May 2011

We present a general method using kernel canonical correlation analysis (KCCA) to learn a semantic of text from an aligned multilingual collection of text documents. The semantic space provides a language-independent representation of text and enables a comparison between the text documents from different languages. In experiments, we apply the KCCA to the cross-lingual retrieval of text documents, where the text query is written in only one language, and to cross-lingual text categorization, where we trained a cross-lingual classifier.
Ontological Engineering
Authors: Corcho O. , Fernández-López M. , Gómez-Pérez A.
Published: May 2011

Ontologies are formal, explicit specifications of shared conceptualizations. There is much literature on what they are, how they can be engineered and where they can be used inside applications. All these literature can be grouped under the term “ontological engineering,” which is defined as the set of activities that concern the ontology development process, the ontology lifecycle, the principles, methods and methodologies for building ontologies, and the tool suites and languages that support them. In this chapter we provide an overview of ontological engineering, describing the current trends, issues and problems.
Semantic Web Services
Authors: Akkiraju R.
Published: May 2011

The promise of dynamic selection and automatic integration of software components written to Web services standards is yet to be realized. This is partially attributable to the lack of semantics in the current Web service standards. To address this, the Semantic Web community has introduced semantic Web services. By encoding the requirements and capabilities of Web services in an unambiguous and machine-interpretable form, semantics make the automatic discovery, composition and integration of software components possible. This chapter introduces Semantic Web services as a means to achieve this vision. It presents an overview of Semantic Web services, their representation mechanisms, related work and use cases.
E-Government
Authors: Schelin Shannon Howle
Published: May 2011

Information technology has fundamentally altered many aspects of daily life, including interactions with the government. The role of the Internet continues to increase as more citizens use it to find pertinent information, purchase goods and services, and participate in virtual communities. By capitalizing on the Internet revolution, governments can create new channels of communication and new methods for participation via e-government. The changing environment, coupled with citizen and business demands, encourages government involvement in e-government initiatives and related uses of information technologies. Clearly, the role of information technology in the public sector has changed rapidly over the past decade. The computer systems that were once a luxury investment for wealthy states and local governments are now supporting almost every function of local government. In virtually all local governments across the nation, information-technology investments are becoming an increasingly important area of attention for elected officials and administrative leadership alike.
The Federal Docket Management System and the Prospect for Digital Democracy in U S Rulemaking
Authors: Shulman Stuart W.
Published: May 2011

A large interagency group led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has worked diligently to set up a centralized docket system for all U.S. federal rulemaking agencies. The result, the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS), is still a work in progress, reflecting technical, administrative, financial, and political challenges. A close examination of the effort to design, fund, and shape the architecture of the FDMS suggests many important lessons for practitioners and scholars alike. While both the new technology and the 60-year-old administrative process of rulemaking offer tantalizing glimpses of innovation, increased efficiency, and remarkable democratic potential, the actual progress to date is mixed. Neither the information system nor its users have turned the FDMS into a techno-fix for all or even much of what ails the sprawling U.S. regulatory rulemaking system. In the great American tradition of incrementalism, the FDMS represents a small step toward a number of worthy but perennially elusive goals now routinely linked to the prospect for digital democracy.
Computer Tools for Public-Sector Management
Authors: Grafton Carl , Permaloff Anne
Published: May 2011

Almost any public-sector task employing a computer can be accomplished more efficiently with a variety of tools rather than any single one. Basic tools include word processing, spreadsheet, statistics, and database-management programs. Beyond these, Web authoring software, presentation software, graphics, project-planning and -management software, decision analysis, and geographic information systems can be helpful depending upon the job at hand.
An Information Technology Research Agenda for Public Administration
Authors: Garson G. David
Published: May 2011

Research questions are outlined, forming the dimensions of a research agenda for the study of information technology in public administration. The dimensions selected as being the most theoretically important include the issues of the impact of information technology on governmental accountability, the impact of information technology on the distribution of power, the global governance of information technology, the issue of information resource equity and the “digital divide,” the implications of privatization as an IT business model, the issue of the impact of IT on organizational culture, the issue of the impact of IT on discretion, the issue of centralization and decentralization, the issue of restructuring the role of remote work, the issue of implementation success factors, the issue of the regulation of social vices mediated by IT and other regulatory issues.
Process Model for an Empiracally Grounded Reference Model Construction
Authors: Ahlemann Frederik , Gastl Heike
Published: May 2011

This chapter stresses the importance of integrating empirical evidence in the construction process of reference models. With reference to the authors’ underly-ing epistemological beliefs, requirements for an empirically grounded process model are derived. Based on a literature review of existing process models and experience gained from three research projects, an advanced process model is proposed in order to provide concrete instructions that show how these require-ments can be met. Real-life examples from completed and ongoing research pro-jects are continuously integrated so as to contribute to the practicability of the proposed model for the reader.
Using Reference Models in Enterprise Architecture
Authors: Noran Ovidiu
Published: May 2011

This Chapter presents a way to use Reference Models in Enterprise Architecture (EA) by a) assessing and organising them into a Structured Repository using a generalised Architecture Framework (ISO15704:2000 Annex A) and b) providing guidance for the selection of Reference Models that are suitable for specific EA tasks. A brief introduction to EA and current issues in using Reference Models in this domain is followed by sample mappings of several Reference Models from the Company Networks and Virtual Enterprises area onto the chosen framework. This is followed by a brief description of the meta-methodology guiding the selection of the Reference Models and by an example of Reference Model selection for a real situation. The Chapter closes with reflections on improving Reference Models quality and conclusions on the usefulness of the framework and meta-methodology used to structure and select Reference Models for EA tasks.
Configuration Management for Reference Models
Authors: Braun Robert , Esswein Werner , Gehlert Andreas , Weller Jens
Published: May 2011

In this chapter we analyse how a configuration management system can support reference modelling activities. We argue that a configuration management system can not only record the changes made to a single model but also administer different relations between models. To show how such a system can be useful for reference modelling, we analyse the different relations between models from a reference modelling perspective and formulate our findings as requirements for an ideal system. In the next step, we show how configuration management operations map to these requirements. Finally, we demonstrate that the usage of a configuration management system can significantly increase the productivity of the reference modelling activities.
Lessons Learned in Reference Modeling
Authors: Hohnel Wolfgang , Krahl Daniela , Schreiber Dirk
Published: May 2011

A reference model is always developed in order to support a specific purpose. The development environment is setting the broader context. Limitations are not only set by size and experience of the modeler team or by budget and time constraints. The intended usage scenario also defines the fundamental contour of a reference model. During the practical work with reference models, a range of key issues has come up to increase the suitability of reference models for daily use. As the result of many projects, the authors have summarized the key issues and formulated critical success factors for reference modeling projects.
Digital Divide
Authors: Burtseva Liudmila , Cojocaru Svetlana , Gaindric Constantin
Published: May 2011

In this chapter the authors introduce the digital-divide concept to the reader, bring its different definitions, and describe the short history of the problem. The basic figures and facts, which characterize the information and communication technologies’ usage in different countries and regions, are given as well. Also, basic indicators that allow the monitoring of the country’s advancement on the way to bridging the digital divide are stated. The main purpose for the authors was to show that the digital divide is not only (and not as much) a technical problem, but rather a social and political one. Hence, the approaches to this problem decision, both in the world community as a whole and in separate countries, are described.
Enabling the Expansion of Microfinance using Information and Communication Technologies
Authors: Amin Narima
Published: May 2011

This chapter looks at the origins and evolution of microfinance and explores some of the challenges faced by microfinance institutions (MFIs). It examines the costs and benefits of using ICTs as a means of increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of MFIs enabling expansion and outreach to remote populations. Specific technologies such as smart cards, PDAs, and MISs are explored in detail and case studies are provided. MFIs can also use ICTs to facilitate income-generating opportunities for borrowers, and the case of Village Phone will highlight this potential. It is hoped that this chapter will advance the case for the continued use and research into the synergistic combining of microfinance and ICTs.
Police Investigation Knowledge
Authors: Gottschalk Petter
Published: May 2011

Governments have become increasingly focused upon the setting of targets in efforts to improve the efficacy of police performance. However, performance assessments for police work are lacking clarity. In this chapter, we suggest the value shop for performance assessment. Based on a literature review, we suggest potential determinants of police performance in the value shop. Based on identified value configuration and determinants, this chapter develops research propositions linking police performance to team climate, knowledge sharing, leadership roles, and stages of information technology. Future research should both consider revisions of propositions and also conduct an empirical study based on hypotheses derived from propositions. The police investigation leader will find guidance in leadership roles, knowledge-sharing initiatives, IT possibilities as well as team climate actions. Professional management thinking is introduced to police leadership by applying concepts from the business management research literature. Police investigation units represent a knowledge-intensive and time-critical environment (Chen et al., 2002). The primary mission of any police force in the world is to protect life and property, preserve law and order and prevent and detect crime (Luen & Al-Hawamdeh, 2001). In response to the September 11 terrorist attacks, major government efforts to modernize federal law enforcement authorities’ intelligence collection and processing capabilities have been initiated. At the state and local levels in many countries all over the world, crime and police report data is rapidly migrating from paper records to automated records management systems in recent years, making them increasingly accessible (Chen et al., 2003). Police investigations are often dependent upon information from abroad. For example, the intelligence communities of different countries cooperate and share their information and knowledge, such as the Mossad with the CIA (Kahana, 2001). According to Lahneman (2004), knowledge sharing in the intelligence communities after 9/11 has increased rapidly. According to Ashby and Longley (2005), there is a lack of clarity and clear methodology in assessing the performance of policing. We argue that police investigation units have the value configuration of a value shop. Furthermore, we argue that police investigation success can be defined as the extent to which each primary activity in the value shop is successfully conducted in police investigations.
Natural Grammar
Authors: Sarbo Janos J. , Farkas Jozsef I. , van Breeman Auke J.J.
Published: May 2011

By taking as a starting point for our research the function of language to generate meaning, we endeavor in this chapter to derive a grammar of natural language from the more general Peircean theory of cognition. After a short analysis of cognitive activity, we introduce a model for sign (re)cognition and analyze it from a logical and semiotic perspective. Next, the model is instantiated for language signs from a syntactical point of view. The proposed representation is called natural insofar as it respects the steps the brain/mind is going through when it is engaged in cognitive processing. A promise of this approach lies in its potential for generating information by the computer, which the human user may directly recognize as knowledge in a natural, hence economic way.
Mobile Phone Based Augmented Reality
Authors: Henrysson Anders , Ollila Mark , Billinghurst Mark
Published: May 2011

Mobile phones are evolving into the ideal platform for Augmented Reality (AR). In this chapter we describe how augmented reality applications can be developed for mobile phones and the interaction metaphors that are ideally suited for this platform. Several sample applications are described which explore different interaction techniques. User study results show that moving the phone to interact with virtual content is an intuitive way to select and position virtual objects. A collaborative AR game is also presented with an evaluation study. Users preferred playing with the collaborative AR interface than with a non-AR interface and also found physical phone motion to be a very natural input method. This results discussed in this chapter should assist researchers in developing their own mobile phone based AR applications.
Abstraction and Implementation Strategies for Augmented Reality Authoring
Authors: Ledermann Florian , Barakonyi Istvan , Schmalstieg Dieter
Published: May 2011

Augmented Reality (AR) application development is still lacking advanced authoring tools – even the simple presentation of information, which should not require any programming, is not systematically addressed by development tools. Moreover, there is also a severe lack of agreed techniques or best practices for the structuring of AR content. In this chapter we present APRIL, the Augmented Presentation and Interaction Language, an authoring platform for AR applications which provides concepts and techniques that are independent of specific applications or target hardware platforms, and should be suitable for raising the level of abstraction at which AR content creators can operate.
Human Communication in Collaborative Augmented Reality Systems
Authors: Kiyokawa Kiyoshi
Published: May 2011

The main goal of this chapter is to give characteristics, evaluation methodologies, and research examples of collaborative augmented reality (AR) systems from a perspective of human-to-human communication. Section 2 introduces classifications of conventional and 3D collaborative systems as well as typical characteristics and application examples of collaborative AR systems. Section 3 discusses design considerations of collaborative AR systems from a perspective of human communication. Section 4 discusses evaluation methodologies of human communication behaviors. Section 5 discusses a variety of collaborative AR systems with regard to display devices used. Finally, Section 6 gives conclusion with future directions. This chapter will be a good start point to learn existing collaborative AR systems, their advantages and limitations. This chapter will also contribute to the selection of appropriate hardware configurations, software designs of a collaborative AR system for given conditions.
Envisioning Potential
Authors: Deepwell Frances , Courtney Kathy
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we explore how the design of networked learning can contribute to building a shared understanding of the applications of new technologies. We draw on our own experiences of the managed introduction of a virtual learning environment (VLE) in a higher education institution and apply techniques of narrative inquiry to aid our understanding. We have explored narrative accounts from different stakeholders in terms of an overarching theme of “building shared understandings”, which we have organised around three areas of our experience, namely designing for a community, developing a discourse, and developing artefacts. We argue that design decisions in these three areas have been highly signi?cant in terms of the levels of acceptance and future direction of an online learning implementation
GIME
Authors: Ku We Shinn , Zimmermann Roger
Published: May 2011

We present an information architecture using Web services for exchanging and utilizing geotechnical information, which is of critical interest to a large number of municipal, state and federal agencies as well as private enterprises involved with civil infrastructures. For example, in the case of soil liquefaction hazard assessment, insurance companies rely on the availability of geotechnical data for evaluating potential earthquake risks and consequent insurance premiums. The exchange of geotechnical information is currently hampered by a lack of a common data format and service infrastructure. We propose an infrastructure of Web services, which handles geotechnical data via an XML format. Hereafter we report on the design and some initial experiences.
Towards a Global Real-Time Enterprise
Authors: Ibach Peter , Malek Miroslaw , Tamm Gerrit
Published: May 2011

Frictionless interoperation of business processes even across enterprise boundaries, complete up-to-date view of the overall status, and full remote control over the business parameters for individuals in charge – this is the holy grail of a “global real-time enterprise”. Yet a vision, a number of enabling technologies brought us closer to accomplishing the challenges: Sensing the position of mobile objects and processes status, distributing the status information with “zero latency”, discovering it according to specific demands across organisation boundaries, providing and securing uniform service-oriented access to all kinds of entities ranging from smart items to business processes, and aggregating the overwhelming variety of elementary services to form high-value composite services. In this chapter, we overview the enabling technologies that drive the development and further discuss market factors, security and privacy concerns, and standardization processes that have to be considered. Then we propose our SEMALON approach – the SEMAntic LOcation Network – intended as a basic infrastructure for discovery and composition of location based services. Finally we describe our experiences from a case study implementation – the NOMADS Campus – which is a distributed spatial information system for our campus at Humboldt University Berlin.
Cognitive Mapping and GIS for Community-Based Resource Identification
Authors: Kathlene Lyn
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes and analyzes the effectiveness of two methodological techniques, cognitive mapping and Geographical Information Systems (GIS), for identifying social service resources. It also examines the processes used to integrate hand-drawn map information into geocoded data points and provides recommendations for improving efficiency and precision. As a first step to integrate Jefferson County social service delivery into community-based child welfare “systems of care” (SOC), both formal and informal services had to be identified. Cognitive mapping, a process by which participants draw visual representations of geographical areas, was conducted with 247 participants in Jefferson County, Colorado. Over 3500 resources were identified and entered into a GIS to analyze the availability, capacity, and distribution of social services in the county and within communities. Identification of community resources via cognitive mapping and GIS analysis provide: (1) a comprehensive database of existing services; (2) a basis to build communication networks and cooperation among government and community providers; (3) the ability to create an efficient system that avoids duplication of efforts; (4) an understanding of the geographical distribution of resources; (5) the identification of resources lacking in the county and specific communities; and (6) knowledge differences among diverse participant groups.
D. I. Wang, Lite-On Technology Corporation
Authors: Wang D.
Published: May 2011

This book is about the experiences of contemporary chief information officers (CIO). CIOs in New Zealand, Taiwan, and the United States of America agreed to participate. They also agreed to be identified along with the name of their company. They provided their interpretation of issues that have been dealt with and those they anticipate having to deal with in the foreseeable future. The results of the interviews allowed the identification of emerging themes related to management and technological aspects. Another important result is the identification of an alignment issue. That is, it is important to ensure that the interpretation of the CIO role is clearly and explicitly agreed upon by both the chief executive officer (CEO) and the CIO.
Human Capital Architecture and its Utilization in Accounting
Authors: Chen H.
Published: May 2011

This chapter provides an alternative method of measuring and disclosing human capital items in financial statements. First, we explain the necessity of properly disclosing human capital information in financial statements. We then go on to define and classify human capital within our theoretical framework; sort out human capital investments according to cost development stages in human resources; isolate human capital from expenses; and suggest the proper method of disclosure in the financial statements. Finally, we show the results from an empirical study we performed to test the validity of the human capital architecture and its relationship with firm performance.
The Impact of Information Technology on the Management of Intellectual Capital in the Banking Industry
Authors: Shang S.
Published: May 2011

This study seeks answers to two questions: what types of intellectual capital are affected by IT and how can IT affect these types of intellectual capital? An analysis of intellectual capital indicators of the banking industry using an input-process-output model reveals that the process mediator variables, namely management capabilities, are highly affected by information technology. These management capabilities include risk management, quality management, taking advantage of new opportunities, product development and delivery, marketing management, and fulfilling customer needs. Information technology plays a key role in supporting decision-making, making possible business innovations and tightening controls of various processes through its tracking, informational, dissemination, analytical, simulative, and detection capabilities. Moreover, disintermediation is possible because of information technology. Although limited to one industry, it is believed that the study results can provide organizations with useful guidelines for managing intellectual capital with information technology.
Cross-Cultural Information Resource Management
Authors: Feng Xiuzhen
Published: May 2011

As modern business activities become increasingly global, so too does information resource management (IRM). To manage information resources successfully in this global environment, one great challenge facing the management team is how to deal with national cultural differences. In this chapter, national cultural differences are discussed to indicate the substance of IRM challenges in a cross-cultural environment. Many recently published cases are studied to clarify management challenges of cross-cultural ISM. Primary management issues of mismatch between information presentation and information procurement are analyzed in particular detail. Further, management solutions oriented for IRM in a cross-cultural environment are explored. Due to the lack of similar research topics, this study could supply a gap for cross-cultural IRM. The contribution of this chapter will be twofold: one is to set up a sound management mechanism for cross-cultural IRM; the other is to create sharable information resources in a cross-cultural environment.
Digital Culture and Sharing
Authors: Barretto Saulo F.A. , Piazalunga Renata , Martins Dalton , Prado Claudio
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we present the digital culture project that has been developed in Brazil and supported by the Brazilian government, which determined that the process of digital inclusion should be seen fundamentally from a cultural perspective. The chapter started with the principle of sharing of information as the basis of the information society, thus provoking a reanalysis of the productive scenario in which users actively participated in the productive scenario instead of acting as mere consumers of the technically innovative process being carried out by the companies. We discussed the concept of cultural property in the context of this new society and presented the Brazilian vision of this scenario.
Knowledge Workers as an Integral Component in Global Information System Design
Authors: Grundstein Michel
Published: May 2011

Analyzing an information system through knowledge’s point of view causes a change that inevitably engenders the awareness of the importance of the human and socio-cultural dimensions to improve its performances. This chapter, based on a model for global knowledge management within the enterprise (MGKME) helps to stress the need to integrate the knowledge worker, both at once, as a component and a user of the information systems within extended companies. Actually, this challenge, put out by a knowledge management’s vision that is centered on the core business processes and the people, ought to be included in the strategies for information resources management.
The Role of User Characteristics in the Development and Evaluation of E-Learning Systems
Authors: Newman Dianna , Passa Aikaterini
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents a multi-phase cyclical model of designing, developing, and evaluating instructional technology (IT) learning systems based on inclusion of users’ characteristics (experience with technology, familiarity with content, adaptability, learning style, gender, professional level). The model was developed and piloted over the course of seven years in more than 50 learning communities and has resulted in documentation of stages in which user variables interact with the process. Key elements of the model are presented in detail and supported by samples of development and related evaluation. The authors hope that the chapter contains excellent recommendations for the practice of designing and evaluating IT learning systems that meet the varied individual, cultural, and contextual needs of users.
Organizational Time Culture and Electronic Media
Authors: Lee Cheon-Pyo
Published: May 2011

This chapter explains the electronic media diffusion process within organizations and provides a guideline to implement electronic media within organizations. The concept of Hall’s (1976) time dimension culture, monochronic and polychronic, and two dimensions of media speed, production and interaction speed, are used to explain the media diffusion process within organizations. It suggests that the diffusion process and expected benefit of electronic media are significantly different, depending on national culture, organizational culture, and the characteristics of that medium. Therefore, careful examination and understanding of organizational time culture and the characteristics of media should be ahead of making a decision on electronic media adoption and implementation.
Games-Based E-Learning
Authors: Connolly T.
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces games-based e-learning as a means of providing enriching and stimulating learning experiences within higher education and training. It highlights how e-learning has evolved and the developments that have opened the way for games-based e-learning, giving examples of specific applications. The authors hope that through gaining a better understanding of the implications, challenges and barriers to games-based e-learning, educators, practitioners and developers will be able to make better use of and gain substantial benefit from these exciting learning technologies. Finally, the chapter will identify what the authors believe to be future trends in relation to e-learning and games-based e-learning.
MAITS
Authors: Sharma Dharmendra
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we propose a multi-agent-based information technology (IT) security approach (MAITS) as a holistic solution to the increasing needs of securing computer systems. Each specialist task for security requirements is modeled as a specialist agent. MAITS has five groups of working agents—administration assistant agents, authentication and authorization agents, system log *monitoring agents, intrusion detection agents, and pre-mortem-based computer forensics agents. An assessment center, which is comprised of yet another special group of agents, plays a key role in coordinating the interaction of the other agents. Each agent has an agent engine of an appropriate machine-learning algorithm. The engine enables the agent with learning, reasoning, and decision-making abilities. Each agent also has an agent interface, through which the agent interacts with other agents and also the environment.