bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Small Advertising Agencies Brand Themselves on the Web: A Pilot Study
Authors: Robinson Beachboard Martine
Published: October 2017

Marketing communication agencies are in the business of branding other companies. In the current media landscape, ad agencies need to demonstrate their communication expertise through the Internet including their homepages. This pilot study collected data and user impressions on the websites of 42 randomly selected small advertising agencies. Companies with 10 or fewer employees were of specific interest because of the limited resources they bring to the competitive process. We used content analysis to compare the studied sites with validated criteria for quality websites in seven categories. These areas addressed design, navigation, technology, functionality and content. The content areas concerned reputation, relationship-building opportunities and distinctive branding features. Researchers found mixed results concerning the key branding elements of clarity, competence and credibility, distinctive personality, and demonstrations of expertise. There seems to be room for small ad agencies to improve the way they brand themselves through their websites. The conference presentation shares preliminary findings on how well agencies did at validating their credentials, building relationships, and communicating clearly. Recommendations are offered.
Free Flow of Information and Knowledge and Use of IT in a Conservative Community: The Case of the Ultra-Orthodox in Israel
Authors: Yitzhaki Moshe
Published: October 2017

The free flow of unfiltered information, as facilitated by current IT, poses great challenges for a conservative community that strives to retain its members, and especially its youngsters, within a traditional lifestyle. The study explores the ways by which the Israeli ultra-orthodox community, a conservative minority one, upholding a unique subculture, copes with the challenges of unrestricted information flow in a developed country like Israel, which largely embraces the latest IT innovations.
Integrating ICT in Teacher Colleges - A Change Process
Authors: Magen- Nagar Noga , Maskit Ditza
Published: October 2017

The National Israeli Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Program that called for the “adaption of the educational system to the 21st century”, has been implemented in Israel since 2010. The program’s purpose intended to introduce an ‘ICT culture’ in the educational system – pre-schools and lower-level schools, as well as in higher education institutions, including teachers colleges. Following this call, the current study is aimed at examining the integration of ICT in a teaching training college in the north of Israel, in the context of a technological-pedagogic setting, the ICT culture in the college, and how educators’ metaphorical sensations contribute to their use of ICT tools and to student training in an ICT environment. The second aim of the research was to identify the operating factors in the course of educators’ professional development that impact on the integration of advanced technologies in teaching.

This mixed-methods study involved 120 educators. Through structural equation modelling, the findings show that educators’ familiarity and mastery of ICT tools influence use for teaching purposes, more so than personal feelings, the ICT culture, and the availability of the tools. Findings emphasize the need for promoting the integration of technology in teachers colleges as a learning organization, from a systemic view, which emphasizes the teacher educator’s personal-professional development.
The Effectiveness of the Gesture-Based Learning System (GBLS) and Its Impact on Learning Experience
Authors: Ali Shakroum Moamer , Wai wong KOK , Chun Che Fung Lance
Published: October 2017

Several studies and experiments have been conducted in recent years to examine the value and the advantage of using the Gesture-Based Learning System (GBLS).The investigation of the influence of the GBLS mode on the learning outcomes is still scarce. Most previous studies did not address more than one category of learning outcomes (cognitive, affective outcomes, etc.) at the same time when used to understand the impact of GBLS. Moreover, none of these studies considered the difference in students’ characteristics such as learning styles and spatial abilities. Therefore, a comprehensive empirical research on the impact of the GBLS mode on learning outcomes is needed. The purpose of this paper is to fill in the gap and to investigate the effectiveness of the GBLS mode on learning using Technology Mediated Learning (TML) models. This study revealed that the GBLS mode has greater positive impact on students’ learning outcomes (cognitive and affective outcomes) when compared with other two learning modes that are classified as Computer Simulation Software Learning (CSSL) mode and conventional learning mode. In addition, this study also found that the GBLS mode is capable of serving all students with different learning styles and spatial ability levels. The results of this study revealed that the GBLS mode outperformed the existing learning methods by providing a unique learning experience that considers the differences between students. The results have also shown that the Kinect user interface can create an interactive and an enjoyable learning experience.
Assessment of Project Website Sustainability: Case of the Arctic EIA Project
Authors: H Bickford Sonja , K Hollman Angela , Nenasheva Marina , Lesser Pamela , Koivurova Timo
Published: October 2017

In many cases, temporary websites may be simple, accessible solutions for knowledge management and dissemination of information. However, such sites may become outdated as the funding ends, but yet in many cases, still publicly available through the Internet. The issue of website sustainability is a relevant topic for all organizations that have websites. Website lifecycle, knowledge management, and website sustainability issues are discussed through a theoretical-based literature review. These issues are then summarized and used as lessons learned for the case study approach of this paper. The aim is to identify a solution to address a website’s life and longevity, post project. A practical case study assessment of the issue of project website sustainability is needed to address the website’s longevity—post project—as creation is often made through temporary endeavors. Recommendations for future project websites are made as the outcomes and results of this study and are expressed in the form of suggested practices for project website sustainability in future projects.
Local Cultures in Institutional Contexts: The Functions of Academic Departments in Liberal Arts Colleges
Authors: J. Pifer Meghan , L. Baker Vicki , Gail Lunsford Laura
Published: October 2017

The academic department remains understudied as a context of faculty work, particularly in institutional settings beyond the research university. In this article, we report findings from a study of faculty experiences within academic departments in liberal arts colleges, through analysis of interviews with 55 faculty members representing a 13-member consortium of liberal arts institutions in the mid-western U.S. Through inductive analysis and deductive coding from existing models, we identified five functions of departments in liberal arts colleges, including: (a) faculty hiring, retention, and promotion; (b) new faculty socialization; (c) informal interactions, mentoring, and network-building; (d) establishing and communicating institutional and departmental policies, practices, and procedures; and (e) the structuring of academic work. Findings suggest that departmental functions in liberal arts colleges are generally the same as those in other institution types, but play out differently and thus have different consequences for academic careers. Across functions, liberal arts colleges seem to be undergoing an evolution, or perhaps revolution, that has implications for academic work in such contexts.
Pre-Entry Doctoral Admission Variables and Retention at a Hispanic Serving Institution
Authors: Arbelo Marrero Floralba
Published: October 2017

Doctoral student retention remains a challenge in higher education with an average attrition rate of 50%. This study focuses on analyzing pre-entry variables of admission for 81 doctoral students admitted to a doctoral program in psychology to determine whether significant associations existed between specific variables in the graduated and withdrawn groups in this cohort with over 48% Hispanic doctoral student representation. Using various quantitative analyses, findings demonstrate that the variables of GPA, ranking of ability, marital status, employment, and pre-requisites completed prior to entry into the doctoral program are each indicators of success for doctoral students. Specifically, a higher GPA, a higher ranking of ability, single marital status, part-time versus full-time employment, and the more pre-requisites completed before entering a doctoral program indicate a higher likelihood of doctoral program completion. Findings can be used as markers in the admission process to develop support and curricular interventions that will sustain doctoral students throughout the course of their doctoral studies.
Point-and-Click Pedagogy: Is it Effective for Teaching Information Technology?
Authors: Angolia Mark , R Pagliari Leslie
Published: October 2017

This paper assesses the effectiveness of the adoption of curriculum content developed and supported by a global academic university-industry alliance sponsored by one of the world’s largest information technology software providers. Academic alliances promote practical and future-oriented education while providing access to proprietary software and technology. Specifically, this paper addresses a lack of quantitative analysis to substantiate the perceived benefits of using information technology “point-and-click” instructional pedagogy to teach fundamental business processes and concepts. The analysis of over 800 test questions from 229 students allowed inferences regarding the utilization of self-directed “point-and-click” driven case studies employed to teach software applications of business processes needed for supply chain management. Correlation studies and analysis of variance investigated data collected from 10 individual course sections over a two-and-one-half-year period in a four-year public university. The data showed statistically significant positive correlations between the pedagogy and conceptual learning. Further, the research provided evidence that the methodology is equally effective for teaching information technology applications using either face-to-face or distance education delivery methods.
Using a Touch-Based, Computer-Assisted Learning System to Promote Literacy and Math Skills for Low-Income Preschoolers
Authors: H McManis Mark , D McManis Lilla
Published: October 2017

The use of touch-based technologies by young children to improve academic skills has seen growth outpacing empirical evidence of its effectiveness. Due to the educational challenges low-income children face, the stakes for providing instructional technology with demonstrated efficacy are high. The current work presents an empirical study of the use of a touch-based, computer-assisted learning system by low-income preschoolers. A description of the system’s design is provided with attention to young children’s interaction with touch devices, learner engagement, and pedagogically-based delivery of academic content. Children in 18 low-income child-care preschool classrooms were assessed on literacy and math skills in the fall and again in the spring. Target children used the iStartSmart learning system throughout the academic year, while control children did not have access to the system. Compared to controls, children using the learning system made significant gains on external standardized measures of literacy and math. Children who spent more time using the system and those who reached the upper levels of skill understanding showed the strongest improvement in test scores. The findings contribute to the currently sparse literature by illuminating that for at-risk early learners, touch-based, computer-assisted instructional technology shows promise as an educational tool.
Delphi Panels: Research Design, Procedures, Advantages, and Challenges
Authors: R Avella Jay
Published: October 2017

Among the typical dissertation research designs, one particular design that is slowly gaining acceptance is that of the Delphi Method. Using a panel of experts to achieve consensus in solving a problem, deciding the most appropriate course of action, or establishing causation where none previously existed, particularly in areas of business or education research, are uniquely ideal to employment of the design. This article reviews the origins of the method, provides detail on assembling the panel and executing the process, gives examples of conventional and modified Delphi designs, and summarizes the inherent advantages and disadvantages that the design brings. The article closes with some advice for those contemplating its use in their dissertations.
The teachers’ perception towards ICT integration: Professional development through Blended learning
Authors: Ahmed Qasem Arwa , Viswanathappa G.
Published: October 2017

Integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into teaching and learning is a growing area that has attracted many educators’ attention in recent years. Teachers need to be involved in collaborative projects and development of intervention change strategies, which include teaching partnerships with ICT as a tool. Teacher perceptions are a major predictor of the use of new technologies in instructional settings. Early studies have indicated that blended learning can be as successful as either online or face-to-face instruction, particularly in teacher preparation programs. Blended learning can lead to improved training, increased access and flexibility, and better cost-effectiveness. The objective of this paper is to analyse in-service science teacher perceptions towards integrating ICT in instructional design by training them using the blended learning approach. The present study is quasi-experimental in nature wherein a pre-test/post-test design was employed. The study was conducted on a sample of 60 science teachers of secondary schools in Yemen. A questionnaire was used to determine the in-service teacher perceptions towards integrating ICT in instructional design, which included 25 items. To analyse and interpret the data, t-test and ANCOVA statistical techniques were used. The findings show that there was a significant difference in teacher perceptions towards integrating ICT, especially in the group who were trained through the blended learning approach. The recommendations are, given that teachers are ready to use ICT, that Yemeni authorities in charge of education integrate ICT into programmes for in-service teachers.
Influence of Information Product Quality on Informing Users: A Web Portal Context
Authors: Nam Junghyun
Published: October 2017

Web portals have been used as information products to deliver personalized, feature-rich, and flexible information needs to Internet users. However, all portals are not equal. Most of them have relatively a small number of visitors, while a few capture the majority of surfers. This study seeks to uncover the factors that contribute the perceived quality of a general portal. Based on 21 factors derived from an extensive literature review on Information Product Quality (IPQ), web usage, and media use, an experimental study was conducted to identify the factors that are perceived by web portal users as most relevant. The literature categorizes quality factors of an information product in three dimensions: information, physical, and service. This experiment suggests a different clustering of factors: Content relevancy, Communication interactiveness, Information currency, and Instant gratification. The findings in this study will help developers find a more customer-oriented approach to developing high-traffic portals.
Innovation Capability: A Systematic Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Iddris Faisal
Published: October 2017

Purpose: Innovation capability is a growing and significant area of academic research. However, there is little attempt to provide a cumulative overview of this phenomenon. The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesize peer reviewed articles published in the area to develop a conceptual framework and to aid future research.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper adopted a systematic review of literature on innovation capability. The final screening generated 51 articles from 30 journals from 2000-2015.
Findings: The examination and synthesis of the theoretical and the empirical articles show that (1) the authors applied narrow range of conceptual and theoretical foundations; (2) innovation capability is being investigated mostly at the firm level for about 90% of the articles, and marginally about 5% at network (supply) chain level; (3) the authors define innovation capability in different ways and use diverse set of dimensions to measure innovation capability; (4) there is potential for future research across firms in innovation management disciplines.
Practical implications: The review contributes to theory development in organizational capability literature in general. Managers wishing to innovate need to examine critically and integrate some of the innovation capability dimensions proposed in this paper.
Originality: The review is unique in the sense that it provides conceptualisation of innovation capability framework.
A Review of Information Privacy and Its Importance to Consumers and Organizations
Authors: Pelteret Marc , Ophoff Jacques
Published: October 2017

The privacy of personal information is an important area of focus in today’s electronic world, where information can so easily be captured, stored, and shared. In recent years it has regularly featured as a topic in news media and has become the target of legislation around the world. Multidisciplinary privacy research has been conducted for decades, yet privacy remains a complex subject that still provides fertile ground for further investigation. This article provides a narrative overview of the nature of information privacy, describing the complexities and challenges that consumers and organizations face when making decisions about it, in order to demonstrate its importance to both groups. Based on this work, we present a transdisciplinary view of information privacy research linking the consumer and organization. It illustrates areas of concern for consumers and organizations together with the factors that influence the decisions they make about information privacy. By providing such a view we hope to encourage further cross-disciplinary research into this highly pertinent area.
Can Designing Self-Representations through Creative Computing Promote an Incremental View of Intelligence and Enhance Creativity among At-Risk Youth?
Authors: Blau Ina , Benolol Nurit
Published: October 2017

Creative computing is one of the rapidly growing educational trends around the world. Previous studies have shown that creative computing can empower disadvantaged children and youth. At-risk youth tend to hold a negative view of self and perceive their abilities as inferior compared to “normative” pupils. The Implicit Theories of Intelligence approach (ITI; Dweck, 1999, 2008) suggests a way of changing beliefs regarding one’s abilities. This paper reports findings from an experiment that explores the impact of a short intervention among at-risk youth and “normative” high-school students on (1) changing ITI from being perceived as fixed (entity view of intelligence) to more flexible (incremental view of intelligence) and (2) the quality of digital self-representations programmed though a creative computing app. The participants were 117 Israeli youth aged 14-17, half of whom were at-risk youth. The participants were randomly assigned to the experimental and control conditions. The experimental group watched a video of a lecture regarding brain plasticity that emphasized flexibility and the potential of human intelligence to be cultivated. The control group watched a neutral lecture about brain-functioning and creativity. Following the intervention, all of the participants watched screencasts of basic training for the Scratch programming app, designed artifacts that digitally represented themselves five years later and reported their ITI. The results showed more incremental ITI in the experimental group compared to the control group and among normative students compared to at-risk youth. In contrast to the research hypothesis, the Scratch projects of the at-risk youth, especially in the experimental condition, were rated by neutral judges as being more creative, more aesthetically designed, and more clearly conveying their message. The results suggest that creative computing combined with the ITI intervention is a way of developing creativity, especially among at-risk youth. Increasing the number of youths who hold incremental views of intelligence and developing computational thinking may contribute to their empowerment and well-being, improve learning and promote creativity.
Higher Degree Committee Members’ Perceptions of Quality Assurance of Doctoral Education: A South African Perspective
Authors: Du Preez Petro , Simmonds Shan
Published: October 2017

In South Africa four key policy discourses underpin doctoral education: growth, capacity, efficiency, and quality discourses. This article contributes to the discourse on quality by engaging with quality assurance from the perspective of the decision makers and implementers of macro policy (national), meso (institutional), and micro (faculty/departmental) levels. We explore the perceptions that members of higher degree committees in the field of Education have of the quality assurance of doctoral education. Our data are drawn from a national survey questionnaire completed by these respondents at all public South African institutions that offer a doctorate in Education. The insights gained reside within four categories: positionality, policy, programmes, and people (stakeholders). Thereafter, we problematised the main results using academic freedom in a mode 3 knowledge production environment as a lens, which revealed thought provoking directions for future research about doctoral education.
Assisting Ph.D. Completion Following a Natural Disaster
Authors: Johnston Lucy , M Wilson Thomas , MacKenzie Alexander
Published: October 2017

This article describes the experiences and outcomes for 761 doctoral students enrolled at the University of Canterbury who had their research disrupted by a magnitude 6.2 earthquake on 22nd February 2011. We describe the measures that were put in place to assist the students to continue their studies through continued disruption from aftershocks, dislocation, building demolition and remediation, equipment failure, and limited access to resources. We used data from a number of University databases and student surveys to assess the impact of the disruption on student outcomes, considering measures such as completion rates and times, attrition rates, and student satisfaction. Overall the findings showed little impact of the disruption on completion rates or student satisfaction and only a slight increase in completion times. We consider the impact of additional factors, such as temporary relocation, and draw attention to key lessons learned that may assist those confronted with similar situations in the future.
EXPANDING JOINT VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT BRANCH
Authors: Gill Grandon
Published: October 2017

JVAB, an elite small business that specializes in cybersecurity penetration testing has more demand for its services than it can handle. The skill set required for its activities is very specialized, however. It is also hard to find. How should it go about seeking new employees?
DIVIDE OR CONVERGE?
Authors: Gonzalez Gilbert
Published: October 2017

Should Mission Critical Solutions (MCS) stay converged in a functional organization strategy with capability-based teams, or organize into separate standalone entities with unique identities and separate overheads, focusing more on the individual capability-based technology specialization?
An Instructional Design Framework to Improve Student Learning in a First-Year Engineering Class
Authors: Yelamarthi Kumar , Drake Eron , Prewett Matthew
Published: October 2017

Increasingly, numerous universities have identified benefits of flipped learning environments and have been encouraging instructors to adapt such methodologies in their respective classrooms, at a time when departments are facing significant budget constraints. This article proposes an instructional design framework utilized to strategically enhance traditional flipped methodologies in a first-year engineering course, by using low-cost technology aids and proven pedagogical techniques to enhance student learning. Implemented in a first-year engineering course, this modified flipped model demonstrated an improved student awareness of essential engineering concepts and improved academic performance through collaborative and active learning activities, including flipped learning methodologies, without the need for expensive, formal active learning spaces. These findings have been validated through two studies and have shown similar results confirming that student learning is improved by the implementation of multi-pedagogical strategies in-formed by the use of an instructional design in a traditional classroom setting.
The Flip Side of the Attrition Coin: Faculty Perceptions of Factors Supporting Graduate Student Success
Authors: A Gilmore Joanna , M Wofford Annie , A Maher Michelle
Published: October 2017

Doctoral attrition consistently hovers around 50% with relevant literature identifying several mediating factors, including departmental culture, student demographics, and funding. To advance this literature, we interviewed 38 graduate faculty advisors in science, engineering, or mathematics disciplines at a research-extensive university to capture their perceptions of factors supporting graduate student success. Using a constant-comparison method, we found that faculty perceptions aligned within three major categories, termed: motivated student behaviors, formative student learning experiences, and essential student knowledge and skills. Student motivation was most prominently represented in findings. This aligns with prior studies showing that faculty tend to identify the cause of graduate student failure as lying within the students themselves and rarely discuss their role or the department’s contribution to attrition. Thus findings offer an opportunity to reflect and improve upon practice. The study also highlights actions graduate students can take to increase success, such as developing collegial relationships and early involvement in research and scholarly writing. We encourage graduate faculty advisors and others to identify ways to help graduate students overcome common obstacles to enduring and succeeding within graduate programs. Faculty perceptions are also examined by discipline and faculty rank, and directions for future research are offered.
Community-Based Research (CBR) in the Education Doctorate: Lessons Learned and Promising Practices
Authors: Stevahn Laurie , B Anderson Jeffrey , L Hasart Tana
Published: October 2017

Community-based research (CBR) is an advanced form of academic service-learning through which university students, faculty, and community organizations collaborate to conduct inquiry projects aimed at producing social change. Despite its potential for advancing learning in graduate studies, little research exists on CBR implementations or outcomes in doctoral programs. This study examined the effectiveness of integrating CBR into an educational leadership doctorate across three consecutive cohorts in which students worked in teams to conduct CBR projects, each in partnership with a community organization pursuing a social justice initiative. A mixed-methods developmental case study design produced quantitative and qualitative data on students’ perceived effectiveness of cooperative/collaborative interaction and team decision making in CBR, experience with and learning from CBR in the education doctorate, and development of CBR competencies. Triangulated results overall revealed students’ (a) positive attitudes toward CBR, (b) enhanced understanding of and commitment to CBR and how to conduct it, (c) expanded understanding and application of technical research skills, (d) growth in coopera-tive/collaborative and conflict resolution skills, and (e) development of leadership project management skills. These findings may assist faculty in planning innovative, authentic, applied, professional training in the education doctorate capable of advancing students’ graduate inquiry skills while also enhancing competencies for successful leadership in the field.
Influencing the Influencers: The Role of Mothers in IT Career Choices
Authors: Stockdale Rosemary , Keane Therese
Published: October 2017

This paper reports on the outcomes from a pilot study targeted at mothers of school children in Melbourne, Australia. The aim of the study was to engender a positive view of technology in the participants and to introduce the concept of Information Technology (IT) as a potential career. Mothers were given the opportunity to develop basic IT skills and learn about different IT career pathways for their children with an emphasis on their daughters’ choices. Mothers were offered an evening course over a four week period that was designed to introduce them to a range of social media and Web 2.0 tools. Their opinions were documented using both questionnaires and informal discussions. It explored whether their attitudes towards IT can be changed by up-skilling and introducing them to the technologies their children commonly use. The findings of the pilot study suggest that addressing this demographic has the potential to make the participants question their pre-conceptions about IT careers for women.
Exploring Pair Programming Benefits for MIS Majors
Authors: A Dongo Tendai , H. Reed April , T. O'Hara Margaret
Published: October 2017

Pair programming is a collaborative programming practice that places participants in dyads, working in tandem at one computer to complete programming assignments. Pair programming studies with Computer Science (CS) and Software Engineering (SE) majors have identified benefits such as technical productivity, program/design quality, academic performance, and increased satisfaction for their participants. In this paper, pair programming is studied with Management Information Systems (MIS) majors, who (unlike CS and SE majors taking several programming courses) typically take only one programming course and often struggle to develop advanced programming skills within that single course. The researchers conducted two pair programming experiments in an introductory software development course for MIS majors over three semesters to determine if pair programming could enhance learning for MIS students. The program results, researchers’ direct observations, and participants’ responses to a survey questionnaire were analyzed after each experiment. The results indicate that pair programming appears to be beneficial to MIS students’ technical productivity and program design quality, specifically the ability to create programs using high-level concepts. Additionally, results confirmed increased student satisfaction and reduced frustration, as the pairs worked collaboratively to produce a program while actively communicating and enjoying the process.
Making Sense of the Information Seeking Process of Undergraduates in a Specialised University: Revelations from Dialogue Journaling on WhatsApp Messenger
Authors: E Krubu Dorcas , Zinn Sandy , C Hart Genevieve
Published: October 2017

Aim/Purpose: The research work investigated the information seeking process of undergraduates in a specialised university in Nigeria, in the course of a group assignment.

Background: Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process (ISP) model is used as lens to reveal how students interact with information in the affective, cognitive and physical realms.

Methodology: Qualitative research methods were employed. The entire seventy-seven third year students in the Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas and their course lecturer were the participants. Group assignment question was analysed using Bloom’s Taxonomy while the information seeking process of the students was garnered through dialogue journaling on WhatsApp Messenger.

Contribution: The research explicates how students’ information seeking behaviour can be captured beyond the four walls of a classroom by using a Web 2.0 tool such as WhatsApp Messenger.

Findings: The apparent level of uncertainty, optimism, and confusion/doubt common in the initiation, selection, and exploration phases of the ISP model and low confidence levels were not markedly evident in the students. Consequently, Kuhlthau’s ISP model could not be applied in its entirety to the study’s particular context of teaching and learning due to the nature of the assignment.

Recommendations for Practitioners: The study recommends that the Academic Planning Unit (APU) should set a benchmark for all faculties and, by extension, the departments in terms of the type/scope and number of assignments per semester, including learning outcomes.

Recommendation for Researchers: Where elements of a guided approach to learning are missing, Kuhlthau’s ISP may not be employed. Therefore, alternative theory, such as Theory of Change could explain the poor quality of education and the type of intervention that could enhance students’ learning.

Impact on Society: The ability to use emerging technologies is a form of literacy that is required by the 21st century work place. Hence, the study demonstrates students’ adaptation to emerging technology.

Future Research: The study is limited to only one case site. It would be more helpful to the Nigerian society to have this study extended to other universities for the purpose of generalisation and appropriate intervention.
Printable Table of Contents. IJDS, Volume 12, 2017
Authors: Jones Michael
Published: October 2017

Table of Contents for the International Journal of Doctoral Studies, Volume 12, 2017
COST ESTIMATING – MAKE OR BUY?
Authors: Montgomery Troy
Published: October 2017

Determining how a corporate real estate organization estimated its project costs was a big decision that impacted budgets, customers, and the bottom line. What recommendations should be made for improvement of cost estimating at our upcoming management meeting?
Fair Assessment of Contribution and Process in Student Team Projects
Authors: Devlin Marie , F Marshall Lindsay , Phillips Chris
Published: October 2017

This paper outlines two different methods of peer assessment used in team projects at Newcastle University. One of them requires team agreement, whilst the other allows students to assess each other anonymously. Our results show that students are not convinced about the validity and fairness of either approach, and this illustrates that we need to do more work on teaching them how to assess fairly and to reassure them about the benefits of this form of assessment.
THE QUEST FOR RELIABLE CYBER SECURITY
Authors: Biel Eric , Gonedes Norma , Peachee Darin , Ramirez Edgar , Yang Jing , Murphy Brian
Published: October 2017

A firm that specializes in setting up computer systems is asked by a potential client to guarantee 100% security. Knowing that is an impossible request, the owner considers what he might offer as a counter proposal that would make sense.
The Impact of Hands-On Simulation Laboratories on Teaching of Wireless Communications
Authors: Chou Te-Shun , Vanderbye Aaron
Published: October 2017

Aim/Purpose: To prepare students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of wireless communications.

Background: Teaching wireless communications and networking is not an easy task because it involves broad subjects and abstract content.

Methodology: A pedagogical method that combined lectures, labs, assignments, exams, and readings was applied in a course of wireless communications.

Contribution: Five wireless networking labs, related to wireless local networks, wireless security, and wireless sensor networks, were developed for students to complete all of the required hands-on lab activities.

Findings: Both development and implementation of the labs achieved a successful outcome and provided students with a very effective learning experience. Students expressed that they had a better understanding of different wireless network technologies after finishing the labs.

Recommendations for Practitioners: Detailed instructional lab manuals should be developed so that students can carry out hands-on activities in a step-by-step fashion.

Recommendation for Researchers: Hands-on lab exercises can not only help students understand the abstract technical terms in a meaningful way, but also provide them with hands-on learning experience in terms of wireless network configuration, implementation, and evaluation.

Impact on Society: With the help of a wireless network simulator, students have successfully enhanced their practical skills and it would benefit them should they decide to pursue a career in wireless network design or implementation.

Future Research: Continuous revision of the labs will be made according to the feedback from students. Based on the experience, more wireless networking labs and network issues could be studied in the future.
Teachers’ Readiness to Implement Digital Curriculum in Kuwaiti Schools
Authors: Mubarak Al-Awidi Hamed , M Aldhafeeri Fayiz
Published: October 2017

Aim/Purpose: The goal of this study was to investigate how Kuwaiti teachers perceive their own readiness to implement digital curriculum in public schools, and the factors that affect Kuwaiti teachers’ readiness to implement digital curriculum from their perspectives.

Background: In order to shift from the traditional instructional materials to digital and more innovative resources, teachers have to be prepared for the transformational curriculum. Teachers need to acquire all the technical and pedagogical skills that enable them to integrate digital technology effectively and efficiently into the school curriculum.

Methodology : Using a mixed-method research methodology, a random sample of 532 teachers participated in an online survey to determine the level of their readiness. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sub sample of the participants (21) to explore the factors that affect their readiness. The researchers developed and implemented a technology readiness survey in two domains (technical and pedagogical).

Contribution: The study demonstrated that Kuwaiti teachers were not highly ready to im-plement the digital curriculum, and some issues should be considered to ensure the digital curriculum is effectively implemented.
Findings Teachers are moderately ready for implementation of the digital curriculum in both components of readiness (technical and pedagogical). Teachers identified some factors that that hinder their readiness. These factors are related to time constraints, knowledge and skills, infrastructure, and technical support.

Recommendations for Practitioners: This paper will guide curriculum decision makers to find the best ways to help and support teachers to effectively implement the digital.

Future Research: Follow up studies may examine the effectiveness of teacher education pro-grams in preparing students teachers to implement the digital curriculum, and the role of education decision makers in facilitating the implementation of the digital curriculum.
Conceptualising Doctoral Writing as an Affective-political Practice
Authors: Burford James
Published: October 2017

Aim/Purpose: This article offers a conceptual summary and critique of existing literature on doctoral writing and emotion. The article seeks to intervene in current debates about doctoral writing by re-positioning it as an affective-political practice

Background: Over recent decades public interest in the doctorate has expanded as it has become re-framed as a key component of national success in the global knowledge economy. It is within this context that the practice of doctoral writing has crystallised as an object of interest. While researchers have examined the increased regulation, surveillance, and intensification of doctoral writing, often this work is motivated to develop pedagogies that support students to meet these new expectations. At this point, there has been limited attention to what broad changes to the meanings and practices of doctoral writing feel like for students.

Methodology: The paper offers a conceptual review that examines the ways in which doctoral writing tends to be understood. A review of literature in the areas of doctoral writing, doctoral emotion, and critical studies of academic labour was undertaken in order to produce a more comprehensive understanding of the political and emotional dynamics of doctoral writing.

Contribution: It is intended that this conceptual research paper help researchers attend to the emotional context of doctoral writing in the current university context. Critical studies of academic work and life are identified as a possible platform for the development of future doctoral education research, and the conceptual tool of “affective-politics” is advanced as a novel frame for approaching doctoral writing research.
Assessing the Affordances of SimReal+ and their Applicability to Support the Learning of Mathematics in Teacher Education
Authors: Hadjerrouit Said
Published: October 2017

Aim/Purpose: Assess the affordances and constraints of SimReal+ in teacher education
Background There is a huge interest in visualizations in mathematics education, but there is little empirical support for their use in educational settings

Methodology: Single case study with 22 participants from one class in teacher education. Quantitative and qualitative methods to collect students’ responses to a survey questionnaire and open-ended questions

Contribution: The paper contributes to the understanding of affordances and constraints of visualization tools in mathematics education

Findings: The visualization tool SimReal+ has potential for learning mathematics in teacher education, but the user interface should be improved to make it more usable for different users. Teachers need to consider technological and pedagogical affordances of SimReal+ at the student, classroom, and mathematics subject level

Recommendations for Practitioners: Address technological and pedagogical affordances of SimReal+

Recommendation for Researchers: Improve the design of SimReal+ to make it technologically and pedagogically more usable

Impact on Society: Understand the affordances and constraints of visualization tools in education

Future Research: Implement a next cycle of experimentation with SimReal+ in teacher education to ensure more validity and reliability
Collaboration in Multi-stakeholder, Multi-cultural Organizational Environments
Authors: A Straka Douglas
Published: October 2017

[This Proceedings paper was revised and published in the journal Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology]

Aim/Purpose : Governments, private business, and academia have become increasingly aware of the importance of collaboration in multi-stakeholder, multicultural environments. This is due to the globalization and (developing) mutual relationships with other global partners, due to the often varying visions and goals between the respective organizations in managing projects that span those environments.

Background: This research conducts a survey of literature pertaining to organizational collaboration in multi-stakeholder, multicultural environments in government, private business, and academic sectors, conducting an analysis to identify the gaps in the basic questions thus far explored in the literature. The gap analysis will expose the opportunities for greater collaboration in these environments.

Methodology: The author conducted a literature review to identify existing research gaps to focus interviews that will develop multiple case studies in future research

Contribution/Findings: This literature review has determined gaps in understanding how contributing factors to cultural communication impact collaboration in multi-cultural, multi-stakeholder organizations, encouraging additional research in this area

Recommendations for Practitioners: Practitioners have the opportunity to develop their use of cultural communication contributing factors, potentially increasing their collaboration efficiency.

Recommendation for Researchers: Researchers have opportunity to gather empirical evidence that factors of cultural communication may influence collaboration in the multi-cultural, multi-stakeholder environment.

Impact on Society: Improved understanding of how cultural communication factors influence collaboration in multi-cultural, multi-stakeholder organizations can improve organizational efficiency.

Future Research: Gather empirical evidence that factors of cultural communication may influence collaboration in the multi-cultural, multi-stakeholder environment.
Can Learners Become Teachers? Evaluating the Merits of Student Generated Content and Peer Assessment
Authors: E Murray David , J. McGill Tanya , Toohey Danny , Thompson Nik
Published: October 2017

Aim/Purpose: The aim of this project was to explore student perceptions of the value of both the creation of video content and exposure to other students’ work though peer assessment and inclusion of exemplars as unit material.

Background: The research was in a first year information technology flipped-learning unit, where the assessment involved students developing video presentations that were peer assessed and exemplars incorporated into the unit as teaching material.

Methodology: Data was gathered using a mixed methods approach using an online questionnaire followed by semi-structured interviews with a selection of questionnaire respondents. The interviews were designed to further explore issues identified from the analysis of the questionnaire data.

Contribution: Informs on student perceptions of peer review and the integration of student generated content into University teaching.

Findings: Most students enjoyed the video assessment (58%) with many preferring it to a written or programming task (55-58%). In the subsequent peer assessment, many liked seeing the work of others (67%) and found the approach engaging (63%) yet some other perceptions were mixed or neutral.

Recommendations for Practitioners: University IT students generally enjoyed and perceived peer assessment and found student generated content to be valuable.

Recommendation for Researchers: Further investigation of peer review and student generated content in contexts where the student cohort represents a variety of cultures and age categories

Impact on Society: Contributes to a body of knowledge regarding peer assessment and student generated educational materials.

Future Research: Future work is needed to better understand this domain, in particular the role of learners’ individual differences in order to successfully integrate these approaches into modern learning environments.