bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Open Source Development on the Social Construction of Intellectual Property
Authors: Stahl Bernd Carsten
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses the impact that open source software has on our perception and use of intellectual property. The theoretical foundation of the paper is constructionist in that it holds intellectual property to be a social construction that is created and legitimized by narratives. In a first step, the chapter recounts the narratives that are usually found in the literature to justify the creation and protection of intellectual property. The two most important streams of narratives are the utilitarian and the natural rights arguments. In a second step, the paper proceeds to the impact that the use of information and communication technology (ICT) has on the narratives of intellectual property. From there, the chapter progresses to a discussion of the impact of open source software on these narratives. It will be argued that open source software changes our perception of intellectual property because it offers evidence that some of the classical narratives are simplistic. At the same time it will become clear that open source is not a frontal assault on intellectual property because it is partly based on ownership of intellectual artefacts. The conclusion discusses how this change of narratives caused by open source software may reflect on our institutions, laws, and regulations of intellectual property.
On Measuring the Attributes of Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Fernandez-Villacanas Martin J. L. , Marrow P. , Shackleton M.
Published: May 2011

In this chapter we compare the performance of two contrasting evolutionary algorithms addressing a similar problem, of information retrieval. The first, BTGP, is based upon genetic programming, while the second, MGA, is a genetic algorithm. We analyze the performance of these evolutionary algorithms through aspects of the evolutionary process they undergo while filtering information. We measure aspects of the variation existing in the population undergoing evolution, as well as properties of the selection process. We also measure properties of the adaptive landscape in each algorithm, and quantify the importance of neutral evolution for each algorithm. We choose measures of these properties because they appear generally important in evolution. Our results indicate why each algorithm is effective at information retrieval, however they do not provide a means of quantifying the relative effectiveness of each algorithm. We attribute this difficulty to the lack of appropriate measures available to measure properties of evolutionary algorithms, and suggest some criteria for useful evolutionary measures to be developed in the future.
Building Sequence Kernels for Speaker Verification and Word Recognition
Authors: Wan Vincent
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes the adaptation and application of kernel methods for speech processing. It is divided into two sections dealing with speaker verification and isolated-word speech recognition applications. Significant advances in kernel methods have been realised in the field of speaker verification, particularly relating to the direct scoring of variable-length speech utterances by sequence kernel SVMs. The improvements are so substantial that most state-of-the-art speaker recognition systems now incorporate SVMs. We describe the architecture of some of these sequence kernels. Speech recognition presents additional challenges to kernel methods and their application in this area is not as straightforward as for speaker verification. We describe a sequence kernel that uses dynamic time warping to capture temporal information within the kernel directly. The formulation also extends the standard dynamic time-warping algorithm by enabling the dynamic alignment to be computed in a high-dimensional space induced by a kernel function. This kernel is shown to work well in an application for recognising low-intelligibility speech of severely dysarthric individuals.
Swarm-Based Wayfinding Support in Open and Distance Learning
Authors: Tattersall Colin , Maderveld Jocelyn , den Berg Bert van , van Es René , Janssen José , Koper Rob
Published: May 2011

Open and distance learning (ODL) gives learners freedom of time, place, and pace of study, putting learner self-direction centre stage. However, increased responsibility should not come at the price of overburdening or abandonment of learners as they progress along their learning journey. This paper introduces an approach to wayfinding support for distance learners based on self-organisation theory. It describes an architecture that supports the recording, processing, and presentation of collective learner behaviour designed to create a feedback loop informing learners of successful paths towards the attainment of learning goals. The approach is presented as an alternative to methods of achieving adaptation in hypermedia-based learning environments which involve learner modelling.
DNA Sequence Visualization
Authors: Chang Hsuan T.
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces various visualization (i.e., graphical representation) schemes of symbolic DNA sequences, which are basically represented by character strings in conventional sequence databases. Several visualization schemes are reviewed and their characterizations are summarized for comparison. Moreover, further potential applications based on the visualized sequences are discussed. By understanding the visualization process, the researchers will be able to analyze DNA sequences by designing signal processing algorithms for specific purposes such as sequence alignment, feature extraction, and sequence clustering, etc.
Hybrid System with Artificial Neural Networks and Evolutionary Computation in Civil Engineering
Authors: Rabunal Juan R. , Puertas Jerónimo
Published: May 2011

This chapter proposes an application of two techniques of artificial intelligence in a civil engineering area: the artificial neural networks (ANN) and the evolutionary computation (EC). In this chapter, it is shown how these two techniques can work together in order to solve a problem in hydrology. This problem consists on modeling the effect of rain on the runoff flow in a typical urban basin. The ultimate goal is to design a real-time alarm system for floods or subsidence warning in various types of urban basins. A case study is included as an example.
Cooperative AI Techniques for Stellar Spectra Classification
Authors: Rodriguez Alejandra , Dafonte Carlos , Arcay Bernardino , Carricajo Iciar , Manteiga Minia
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes a hybrid approach to the unattended classification of low-resolution optical spectra of stars. The classification of stars in the standard MK system constitutes an important problem in the astrophysics area, since it helps to carry out proper stellar evolution studies. Manual methods, based on the visual study of stellar spectra, have been frequently and successfully used by researchers for many years, but they are no longer viable because of the spectacular advances of the objects collection technologies, which gather a huge amount of spectral data in a relatively short time. Therefore, we propose a cooperative system that is capable of classifying stars automatically and efficiently, by applying to each spectrum the most appropriate method or combined methods, which guarantees a reliable, consistent, and adapted classification. Our final objective is the integration of several artificial intelligence techniques in a unique hybrid system.
Human-Based Models for Ambient Intelligence Environments
Authors: Acampora Giovanni , Loia Vincenzo , Nappi Michele , Ricciardi Stefano
Published: May 2011

Ambient Intelligence gathers best results from three key technologies, Ubiquitous Computing, Ubiquitous Communication, and Intelligent User Friendly Interfaces. The functional and spatial distribution of tasks is a natural thrust to employ multiagent paradigm to design and implement AmI environments. Two critical issues, common in most of applications, are (1) how to detect in a general and efficient way context from sensors and (2) how to process contextual information in order to improve the functionality of services. Here we describe an agent-based ambient intelligence architecture able to deliver services on the basis of physical and emotional user status captured from a set of biometric features. Abstract representation and management is achieved thanks to two markup languages, H2ML and FML, able to model behavioral as well as fuzzy control activities and to exploit distribution and concurrent computation in order to gain real-time performances.
Unlocking E-Customer Loyalty
Authors: Yeo Alvin Y.C. , Chiam Michael K.M.
Published: May 2011

Marketers are working to improve loyalty apace. This chapter introduces an integrative framework for examining the relative impacts of corporate image, customer trust, and customer value on e-customer loyalty. Importantly, the authors hope that the accompanying suggested strategies would enable marketing managers to craft more compelling value propositions and effective marketing-mix strategies.
Different Types of Business-to-Business Integration
Authors: Goethals Frank , Vandenbulcke Jacgues , Lemahieu Wilfried , Snoeck Monique
Published: May 2011

In this chapter we argue that there exist two basic forms of business-to-business integration (B2Bi), namely extended enterprise integration and market B2Bi. This chapter clarifies the meaning of both concepts, shows that the difference between both is fundamental, and discusses the consequences of the difference in the realm of Web services development. The importance of coordination and the role of standards are studied for both types of e-business. The authors hope this chapter clearly shows the foundations of B2Bi and that the chapter as such brings clarity into B2Bi practices.
Multi-Party Micro-Payment for Mobile Commerce
Authors: Zhu Jianming , Ma Jianfeng
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces a new micro-payment scheme that is able to apply to multi-party for mobile commerce, which allows a mobile user to pay every party involved in providing services. The micro-payment, which refers to low-value financial transactions ranging from several cents to a few dollars, is an important technique in m-commerce. Our scheme is based on the hash function and without any additional communication and expensive public key cryptography in order to achieve good efficiency and low transaction costs. In the scheme, the mobile user releases an ongoing stream of low-valued micro-payment tokens into the network in exchange for the requested services. The scheme that is put forward satisfies the requirements for security, anonymity, efficiency and lightweight.
Classifying B2B Inter-Organizational Information Systems
Authors: Hong Ilyoo B.
Published: May 2011

This paper aims at developing a framework for business-to-business (B2B) inter-organizational systems (IOSs), based on real-world IOS examples. Based upon two dimensions, role linkage and system support level, we propose a new framework that classifies IOSs into four basic types: (1) resource pooling, (2) operational cooperation, (3) operational coordination, and (4) complementary cooperation. We review select cases that fit into each category and consider the common characteristics of systems in each category. Then we draw implications for IOS planning and suggest a five-step process for creating an IOS plan. It is argued that each category of IOS needs to be linked with a specific business strategy, although each employs a common technical infrastructure.
Integrating Semantic Web Technology, Web Services, and Workflow Modeling
Authors: Krogstie John , Veres Csaba , Sindre Guttorm
Published: May 2011

Much of the early focus in the area of Semantic Web has been on the development of representation languages for static conceptual information, while there has been less emphasis on how to make Semantic Web applications practically useful in the context of knowledge work. To achieve this, a better coupling is needed between ontology, service descriptions and workflow modeling, including both traditional production workflow and interactive workflow techniques This article reviews the basic technologies involved in this area to provide system and business interoperability, and outlines what can be achieved by merging them in the context of real world workflow descriptions.
Distributed Workflow Management Based on UML and Web Services
Authors: De Lucia Andrea , Francese Rita , Scanniello Guiseppe
Published: May 2011

The definition and the management of business processes are considered a relevant issue to support organizations in their activities. Indeed, in the last few years many organizations have been changing their business processes to keep competitive in the global market. Workflow management is an emerging technology enabling process performance improvement in a cooperative working environment. In particular, a workflow management system (WfMS) enables processes automation through the integration, the coordination, and communication of both human and automatic task of business processes. WfMSs provide a process definition language (PDL) for modeling business processes. A PDL sentence is named process model and is enacted by a component of the WfMS, namely the process engine. The main task of this component is executing the enactment rules and the activities specified in the Process Model. A huge number of PDLs based on several formalisms have been proposed in literature. Recently, some authors suggest exploiting the unified modeling language (UML) proposed by the Object Management Group (OMG, 2002) to model business processes (Aversano, Canfora, De Lucia, & Gallucci, 2002; Di Nitto, Lavazza, Schiavoni, Tracanella, & Trombetta, 2002; Eriksson & Penker, 2000, Jager, Schleicher, & Westfechtel, 1999; Marshall, 2000). UML is a natural choice for representing business processes, as it is a well known notation that can be easily understood and used by any kind of users. In this article, we propose a Web services-based WfMS that lets users manage and enact business processes. The proposed system offers a visual environment based on an extension of UML activity diagrams that allows to graphically design a process model and to visually monitor its enactment. Since UML does not have a well defined operational semantics and is not executable, we had to make the process model executable by appropriately enriching the syntax and semantics of UML activity diagrams. The architecture of the proposed WfMS is based on Web services to manage and enact distributed business processes.
Web Services Security in E-Business
Authors: Yau Wei-Chuen , Rao G. S. V. Radha Krishna
Published: May 2011

Web services enable the communication of application-to-application in a heterogeneous network and computing environment. The powerful functionality of Web services has given benefits to enterprise companies, such as rapid integrating between heterogeneous e-business systems, easy implementation of e-business systems, and reusability of e-business services. While providing the flexibility for e-business, Web services tend to be vulnerable to a number of attacks. Core components of Web services such as simple object access protocol (SOAP), Web services description language (WSDL), and universal description, discovery, and integration (UDDI) can be exploited by malicious attacks due to lack of proper security protections. These attacks will increase the risk of e-business that employs Web services. This chapter aims to provide a state-of-the-art view of Web services attacks and countermeasures. We examine various vulnerabilities in Web services and then followed by the analysis of respective attacking methods. We also discuss preventive countermeasures against such attacks to protect Web services deployments in e-business. Finally, we address future trends in this research area.
The Role of Managerial Attitudes in the Adoption of Technological Innovations
Authors: To March L. , Ngai Eric W.T.
Published: May 2011

Managerial attitudes play an important role in facilitating the championship of innovation adop-tion. However, there are few empirical studies which show the mediating role of managerial attitudes as a link between innovation determinants and adoption. Based on innovation theory (Rogers, 1983), we posit a conceptual model to show how managers evaluate internal (relative advantage and compatibility of adopting an innovation) and external (competitive pressure and partner conflict) determinants that affect the intention to adopt technological innovations. We focus on empirical tests conducted on B2C e-commerce. Data collected from 109 differ-ent enterprises indicate that managerial attitudes, through perceived relative advantage and compatibility of adopting a technological innovation, have indirect effects on the intention to adopt the innovation. In addition, competitive pressure has a direct influence on the adoption of an innovation.
Innovation and B2B E-Commerce
Authors: New Steve
Published: May 2011

The massive wave of enthusiasm for B2B (business-to-business) e-commerce generated with the “dot-com” boom led many to believe that a fundamental transformation of how firms bought and sold products was just around the corner. The new “wired” world of commerce would lead to real-time, Internet-driven trading, with significant implications for — amongst other things — the nature of buyer-supplier relationships, pricing, and the management of industrial capacity. Despite the excitement, such a transformation has largely failed to materialise, and whilst there has been a limited uptake of B2B innovations (for example, the use of online reverse auctions), the fundamental character of B2B trade has remained mostly unchanged. Drawing on a multi-stranded empirical study, this chapter seeks to explain the divergence between the expected and realised degrees of innovation.
Privacy, Risk Perception, and Expert Online Behavior
Authors: Drennan Judy , Sullivan Gillian Sullivan , Previte Josephine
Published: May 2011

Advances in online technologies have raised new concerns about privacy. A sample of expert household end users was surveyed concerning privacy, risk perceptions, and online behavior intentions. A new e-privacy typology consisting of privacy-aware, privacy-suspicious, and privacy-active types was developed from a principal component factor analysis. Results suggest the presence of a privacy hierarchy of effects where awareness leads to suspicion, which subsequently leads to active behavior. An important finding was that privacy-active behavior that was hypothesized to increase the likelihood of online subscription and purchasing was not found to be significant. A further finding was that perceived risk had a strong negative influence on the extent to which respondents participated in online subscription and purchasing. Based on these results, a number of implications for managers and directions for future research are discussed.
Bridging the Gap with MAID
Authors: Armani Jacopo , Botturi Luca
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents MAID, a complete design method for adaptive courseware tailored for non-technical people. Adaptive hypermedia systems represent a great potential for e-learning. Nevertheless, instructors and designers find it difficult to develop adaptive applications in real educational environments, mainly because no structured design method is available. The main principle upon which the method relies is that the basis for the exploitation of adaptive features in education is the definition and implementation of an instructional strategy. The MAID approach provides guidelines and tools that foster and enhance the communication between the technical staff in charge of managing the hypermedia system and the instructor by adopting her/his instructional strategy as the pivotal point for the communication.
Modeling Sociotechnical Change in IS with a Quantitative Longitudinal Approach
Authors: de Vaujany François-Xavier
Published: May 2011

The following article suggests a critical realistic framework, which aims at modeling sociotechnical change linked to end-users’ IT appropriation: the “archetypal approach.” The basic situations it includes (the “sociotechnical archetypes”), and the possible appropriative trajectories that combine them, together with three propositions linked to the model, are developed. They are illustrated by means of a case study describing the implementation of an e-learning system within a French university. Then, the article presents an instrumentation of the theoretical framework, based on a quantitative longitudinal approach: the Process Patterns Recognition (PPR) method. This one draws mainly on Doty, Glick and Huber (1993, 1994), who propose to evaluate the distance between organizational archetypes and empirical configurations by means of Euclidean distance calculus. The adaptation consists of evaluating the distance between appropriative trajectories (embodied by series of theoreti-cally specified vectors) and empirical processes linked to the implementation of computerized tools in organizations. The PPR method is then applied to the same organizational setting as the one related to the case study. It validates the relevance of this type of a research strategy, which makes it possible to model sociotechnical dynamics related to end-users’ IT appropriations.
Computer Security and Risky Computing Practices
Authors: Aytes Kregg , Connolly Terry
Published: May 2011

Despite rapid technological advances in computer hardware and software, insecure behavior by individual computer users continues to be a significant source of direct cost and productivity loss. Why do individuals, many of whom are aware of the possible grave consequences of low-level insecure behaviors such as failure to backup work and disclosing passwords, continue to engage in unsafe computing practices? In this article we propose a conceptual model of this behavior as the outcome of a boundedly-rational choice process. We explore this model in a survey of undergraduate students (N = 167) at two large public universities. We asked about the frequency with which they engaged in five commonplace but unsafe computing practices, and probed their decision processes with regard to these practices. Although our respondents saw themselves as knowledgeable, competent users, and were broadly aware that serious consequences were quite likely to result, they reported frequent unsafe computing behaviors. We discuss the implications of these findings both for further research on risky computing practices and for training and enforcement policies that will be needed in the organizations these students will shortly be entering.
Cultural Cognitive Style and the Web
Authors: Faiola Anthony , Matei Sorin Adam
Published: May 2011

Several technological developments have altered our world in the last half-century. Among these were the new information processing and distribution platforms supported by computer-mediated communication (CMC). In 2005, Forrester Research found that 50% of Internet users were non-English speakers, and this number would increase to 66% by 2006. For many designers and Web usability researchers, addressing this situation seem limited to translating Web interfaces or content. Although early studies in usability testing have identified considerable cultural differences among users (D’Andrade, 1984; Evers & Day, 1997), a need exists for a more rigorous investigation from a cross-cultural perspective into how Web sites are designed. The authors hold that the cultural cognitive styles of Web designers ultimately affect the performance and preferences of online users. As a result, specific attention should be paid to the impact of the Web designers’ culturally shaped cognitive style on the design and development of online information.
Home Alone
Authors: Baker E. , Avery G. C.
Published: May 2011

While technology enables home-based telecommuting (HBT), it also has been blamed for its slow growth. Thus, technology may both facilitate and hinder HBT. In order to clarify the role that technology currently plays when employees telecommute, this study investigated the relationship between different forms of organizational support (classified as technology-related, somewhat technology-related, and nontechnological) and employees’ reactions to HBT. Dependent variables included satisfaction, Perceived Productivity, and number of days/weeks spent telecommuting. Respondents were 50 full-time employees from 20 organizations. Two technology-related support variables and manager’s trust (a nontechnological support) had a broad impact on employees’ reactions to HBT. So, technology plays a crucial role and, thus, could be a major factor in HBT’s slow growth, but HBT is better understood within a multi-factor rather than a single-factor framework. Results also indicate that organizations should emphasize providing IT support and appropriate technology for telecommuters as well as HBT-related training for nontelecommuting coworkers and managers.
IT Artefacts as Socio-Pragmatic Instruments
Authors: Goldkuhl G. , Agerfalk P. J.
Published: May 2011

There are many attempts to explain success and failure in information systems. Many of these refer to a purported sociotechnical gap. In this article we develop an alternative approach that does not impose such a strong dichotomy, but regards social and technical rather as dimensions along which to study workpractices. The developed theory involves not only the “social” and “technical” constructs, but also other generic ones, namely “instrumental,” “semiotic,” and “pragmatic.” We call this theory socio-instrumental pragmatism. To illustrate the theoretical concepts introduced, we use an example brought from an extensive action research study including the development of an information system in eldercare, developed through a participatory design approach.
E-Government and Political Communication in the North American Context
Authors: Christiansen Jo-An
Published: May 2011

This article will introduce the concept of e-government, provide a model and background, and discuss emerging issues. Canadian examples will be drawn into the discussion as the country recognized as the leader in e-government (Accenture, 2004). E-government (electronic government) is a component of e-governance (electronic governance). The context of e-governance includes such components as e-government, e-democracy, e-representation, e-consultation, and e-participation. E-government refers to those aspects of government in which information and communications technologies are or can be utilized and in which basic functions are to increase efficiency in administrative processes, to guarantee easy access to information for all, to provide quality e-services, and to enhance democracy with the help of new technological mediation tools (Anttiroiko, 2005). It can be seen to describe all of the processes (administrative and democratic) that combine to constitute public sector operations, as broadly defined by Grönlund (2002). E-government is defined as “the use of ICTs [information and communication technologies], and particularly the Internet, as a tool to achieve better government” (OECD, 2003). E-government involves goals of enhanced operational efficiency and enhanced effectiveness. Effectiveness gains are attributed to “a better quality of services and increased and better quality citizen participation in democratic processes” (Grönlund, 2002). E-government relates to how the government delivers information, services, and programs. It relates to who provides services and how the services are delivered (Lenihan, 2002). At the core of e-government is the provision of information. E-government tasks include who and how, while e-democracy deliberates on what is to be delivered. Determining what services are to be delivered is a function of policy deliberation. The ability to research policy issues is an important element of a democracy. Stakeholders can share in the responsibility for developing the policy agenda, policy outcomes, and policy effectiveness. Public participation in this process will be discussed under the topics of e-democracy, e-representation, e-consultation, and e-participation.
Citizen's Deliberation on the Internet
Authors: Monnoyer-Smith Laurence
Published: May 2011

Within the frame of the deliberative democratic theory, development of information and communication technology (ICT) has been proposed as a solution to enhance discussion in large groups and foster political participation among citizens. Critics have however underlined the limits of such technological innovations that do not generate the expected diversity of viewpoints. This paper highlights the limits of a Habermassian conception of deliberation, which restrains it to a specific type of rational discourse and harnesses citizens’ expression within strict procedural constraints. Our case study, the DUCSAI debate — that is, the French public debate about the location of the third international Parisian airport — shows that the added value of Internet-based deliberation rests in that it has widened both the participant’s profile, the nature of their argumentation and their means of expression. The use of ICT in this context has empowered the actors by giving them the opportunity to master the technical constraints of the debate.
The Development of Urban E-Governement in China
Authors: Zhang Jing , Han Bing , Deng Zhuopeng , Liu Jie
Published: May 2011

The chapter assesses and cognizes the development of urban e-government in China from two main aspects: functionality and complexity. To functionality, nine websites of urban governments in China at three levels were selected for this assessment. Data needed for the study was tracked and recorded continuously for six weeks from these websites. To complexity, the influence of e-government to urban modality and evolution are explored, which shows that e-government has a leading role to the gathering and decentralization of urban space, the organization of material (people) flows and the informal exchange in internal cities.
E-Government and the Risk Society
Authors: Blakemore Michael
Published: May 2011

The modern “risk society” does not necessarily focus on an increase in overall risk to citizens. It is more focused on trying to predict and reduce risk in the context of the speed and complexity of globalisation. Anthony Giddens observes that society is organising itself increasingly around the mitigation of risk, and Ulrich Beck notes that the assessment and mitigation of risk is undertaken in a systematic way (as cited in “Risk Society,” 2005). While society has always been confronted by external risks (floods, earthquakes, etc.), the risks within e-government are primarily manufactured risks, produced by largely uncertain outcomes of the integration of information and by the ways in which information technologies are used within government. For example, CCTV (closed-circuit television) can be used in a planned manner to monitor and deter crime in public spaces, but an uncertain outcome can be the risk of all citizens being proactively monitored by government.
Privacy Rights Management
Authors: Korba Larry , Song Ronggong , Yee George
Published: May 2011

Managing privacy is important because organizations must meet legislative and organizational requirements. Some countries, such as the United States of America, have a patchwork of legislation, making it difficult to understand technical requirements. Other countries, such as Canada and the European Union, have well-established and understood privacy laws. As well, many different technologies that may be applied to provide compliance with those laws exist, but there are no established technological solutions suited for handling all of the challenging requirements expressed by privacy regulations. The question remains: how can a citizen’s privacy rights be managed or enforced? This article describes extensions to a privacy architecture that employs digital rights management technologies to manage individual data privacy. Several scenarios related to the management of personally identifiable information are described, illustrating how the system operates in support of the requirements expressed in the European Union privacy principles.
Digital Government and Democratic Legitimacy
Authors: Shane Peter M.
Published: May 2011

The current flush of worldwide interest in digital government coincides with considerable anxiety, even discontent, with the performance of predigital democratic governments, including democratic governments in what seem to be highly functional societies. Primary causes for this malaise involve an interlocking set of complex phenomena. These include globalization, the marketization or privatization of ever-larger aspects of our social and economic life, challenges to the vitality of national political identities that are supportive of democracy, a pervasive sense that government is increasingly driven by special interests rather than a genuinely public interest, and the alienation of the ordinary citizen from governments that seem increasingly remote and indifferent (Castells, 1997). Although few still tout the Internet and universal interconnection as promising by themselves to cure all political ills, the fact is that hopes for digital government run high across the developed world. This enthusiasm seems linked to a yearning for improvements not just in government efficiency, but also in democratic legitimacy. It is the potential linkage between digital government and democratic legitimacy that this article will explore. My thesis is twofold: first, that digital government has enormous potential for enhancing democratic legitimacy, but second, it can realize that potential only if implemented with democratic principles in mind and if designed to fulfill multiple models of democratic legitimacy.1
E-Government Program of the Belgian Social Security
Authors: Robben Frank , Maes Peter , Quintin Emmanuel
Published: May 2011

The Belgian social security consists on the one hand of three insurance systems (workers, self-employed workers, and civil servants), that cover a maximum of seven social risks (incapacity for work, industrial accident, occupational disease, unemployment, old age, child care and holiday pay—the so-called branches of social security), and on the other hand of four assistance systems (subsidies for the handicapped, guaranteed family allowance, minimum income, and income guarantee for the elderly), that grant people specific minimum services after checking their subsistence resources. In addition, a lot of public institutions at the national, regional or local level, or private companies entrusted with missions of general interest (e.g., energy, water, or public transport companies) grant benefits (e.g. tax or price reductions, free passes for public transport, etc.) to citizens based on their social security status. In total, about 2,000 actors are responsible for the provision of social security and social protection in Belgium. More than 10 million citizens and 230,000 employers have very frequent contacts with those actors to claim their entitlements, pr
Computer Security in Electronic Government
Authors: Radl Alison , Chen Yu-Che
Published: May 2011

As e-government projects proliferate at all levels of government, and as they transition from voluntary to mandatory participation, close examination is required, particularly the examination of security issues. The CIA (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) model offers a framework for examining e-government projects. This study examines the factors impacting security, using as a case study an education information system in the 2003-2004 school year. The study focuses on how CIA factors relate to a host of variables, such as school district size, software selection, technology staffing, technical competence and support, awareness of security issues, and project commitment. For the organizations participating in the project, typical factors of district size and software selection are found to be insignificant, and technical support is identified as one of the key factors promoting security.
American E-Government Service Sectors and Applications
Authors: Evans Donna , Yen David C.
Published: May 2011

Citizens routinely use technology to increase the efficiency of their transactions in every area of their lives. It is, therefore, logical that citizens expect technology to be used to improve the efficiency of their transactions with their government. In response, the United States government has developed electronic interfaces combined with the Internet called electronic government or e-government. E-government is the communication between the government and its citizens, businesses or itself by the use of computers and a Web-enabled presence.
Parliament and E-Governance in Finland
Authors: Tiihonen Paula
Published: May 2011

The Standing Committee for the Future in the Finnish Parliament has a motto: It is the duty of parliament to observe the changing world, analyse it, and take a view in good time on how Finnish society and its political actors should respond to the challenges of the future. Democracy cannot be realised simply by accepting changes that have already taken place. Indeed, parliaments have a role in e-governance all over the world, and this role will be discussed briefly in this article with a reference to the case of the Parliament of Finland.
A Multiagent Service-oriented Modeling of E-Government Initiatives
Authors: Gasmelseid Tagelsir Mohamed
Published: May 2011

The recent technological developments have led to the emergence of a wide range of operational scenarios and significantly affected the formulation and implementation of e-government initiatives. While the failure of many e-government initiatives is attributed to many factors (organizational, institutional, technological and structural), the lack of consistent e-government modeling frameworks and universal architectures threatens the capacity of such initiatives to meet their objectives. Because of the complexities experienced in addressing e-government implementation issues, the use of multiple techniques can improve the likelihood of developing and implementing successful e-government initiatives. This article builds on previous work to advocate a “coupled” multiagent service oriented model for the implementation of the e-government initiative in Sudan. The use of service oriented measures and concepts of agency are considered to be necessary for improving overall consistency, integration, promptness and information sharing. Despite its potential benefits, the capacity of the proposed “coupled model” is contingent, among others, upon technological maturity and institutional flexibility.
Automating Governmental Cross-Agency Processes Using Web Service Orchestration
Authors: Gortmaker Jeffrey , Janssen Marijn
Published: May 2011

In response to the demand for better service provisioning, governments from all over the world are looking for technologies to automate their cross-agency processes. This chapter investigates the applicability of web service orchestration for the automation of governmental cross-agency service delivery processes by investigating a case study of a business counter. Our case study shows that web service orchestration using BPEL4WS is a feasible technology for automating governmental cross-agency service-delivery processes, but also shows a gap between the capabilities of web service orchestration technology and the organizational arrangements that are needed for automating the processes. We identified three organizational issues that at least need to be addressed before governments can profit fully from the advantages of web service orchestration technology: (1) Ensuring correct and in-time execution of business processes (2) Information sharing and (3) Responsibility and accountability
Social Critiques of Electronic Voting
Authors: O’ Baoill Andrew
Published: May 2011

The use of computers in the electoral process—to count punch-card ballots, or to maintain a register of voters—has been in place in many countries for some time. We now see many countries move to more thoroughly integrate computers into the voting experience, by introducing what are commonly known as “electronic voting” systems. The use of such systems in public elections combined with the role of voting in creating and maintaining democratic institutions requires that we pay attention to the impact that changes to the electoral process have on the construction of the public nature of elections.
Citizen Consultaions via Government Web Sites
Authors: Holzer Mark , Schwester Richard W.
Published: May 2011

Cynicism toward government is largely a function of trust and social capital (Berman 1997; Putnam 2000). The relationship between government and its citizens has been strained. First, some citizens cynically feel as though government officials abuse their powers in the interest of self-aggrandizement; second, citizens often feel disconnected from government; third, government service delivery is frequently portrayed as inadequate. Administrative strategies to reverse these perceptions typically emphasize the benefits of government and improved service delivery. Some go further, offering individuals a means of influencing public policy and government decision-making, as opposed to traditional structures and cultures of policymaking that minimize citizen input. The Internet is a potentially powerful means for citizen consultation, and may help cultivate a governmental landscape in which information is more accessible, people feel more connected to government, and citizens are better able to participate in political and decision-making processes. This article examines the Internet as a consultative medium, whereby emphasis is placed on government efforts to use Web-based applications as a means of promoting meaningful citizen participation.
E-Government Development Trends
Authors: Zuccarini Monica
Published: May 2011

Information technology is changing the role of government, its functions, and its power. The long process of transformation of public sector organizations and the applications of computer technologies have started the talk about electronic government. In the last ten years, the debate concerning e-government has been the subject of various studies, promoting analyses, research approaches, and empirical surveys. Even so, there is still much confusion about the meaning of this term and the word e-government is often used in reference to e-voting, e-democracy, or e-administration. Therefore here we intend to provide the reader with some guidelines, trying to explain a concept that, although little more than ten years old, finds its roots in the ancient idea of the information society. We can start by saying that e-government represents just a single fragment of the broad discourse about the impact of information technologies on society. It is not an administrative experiment but a permanent part of the governmental process. According to Jane Fountain’s (2004) idea, we can define e-government as “the production and delivery of information and services inside government and between government and the public using a range of information and communication technologies” (para. 2). In this prospective, the Internet can be considered as a variable, which has been grafted onto the wider ground of factors leading to the transformation of government roles. Moving from this point, e-government will be analyzed as an intersection of two main trends. The first of these is the overall transformation of public sector organization. In this respect, the Internet variable has to be considered in the entire process of the government reinvention that made scholars talk about a major new revolution after the industrial one. The second trend is the information society development, a process that started since the 50s catching very soon the interest of governments.
E-Transformation of Societies
Authors: Zacher Lech W.
Published: May 2011

Not all transformations of societies are caused by technology or are technology-driven. However, it is evident that technology is an important driving force of societal changes. To state that technology— both contemporarily and historically—largely shapes the form of societies does not necessarily mean the acceptance of technological determinism (as the philosophical approach). It can be viewed just as a statement concerning the hard facts. In the 20th century the rapid development of technology marked a new era. In order to describe and interpret this situation several new terms have been coined, as well as concepts and theories. Usually they underline the revolutionary character of technological change. In 1939, Bernal coined the term “scientific and technological revolution”, which meant the joint effects of revolutions in science and in technology and their feedbacks. More than two decades later Kuhn (1962) developed and popularized his paradigmatic view of science and its revolutionary breakthroughs. It is needless to add that there are close—and to great extent causal—relations between science and technology. As a result of thinking in terms of scientific and technological revolutions or paradigms there was a tendency to use them in the theory of social change. In the late 1960s and 1970s some attempts were made within the Marxist theoretical orientation (Feenberg, 1991) to create an overarching theory of scientific and technological revolution including social change (e.g., Richta—see Zacher, 1995). Western theoreticians, having more experience with high tech and its practical impacts, were describing them using somewhat different nomenclature Ackoff (1974), Brzezinski (1970), and Masuda (1981) preferred cybernetic revolution, the Age of Systems, the Information Era, the Technetronic Era, the electronics revolution (also called the microelectronics or microprocessor revolution), the computer revolution, the information revolution, and the like (Friedrichs & Schaff, 1982; Forester, 1984). With reference to science and technology such terms as materials revolution and biological (or biotechnological) revolution were also in use. Somewhat later a new term arrived, Internet revolution.
How Business Changes Government in the Information Age
Authors: van der Heijden Jurgen
Published: May 2011

EzGov is a leading company providing online solutions for governments. Ed Trimble, EzGov CEO, states, “He’s doing something that’s changing government, that’s changing the world, that’s really making a difference” (Diana, 2004). This article is about changing government. Considered as the main agent to change government are politics. Mainstream studies of public administration also consider government itself, judges and citizens as change agents. This fits with the classical, liberal vision on the public domain, wherein these parties are the only known subjects (see Howlett & Ramesh, 1995, pp. 52-59; Stone, 1997, pp. 351-372). In this vision companies are considered to be citizens. Problem then is to see clearly the profound influence business has on governmental change. With increasing velocity information technology products appear on the market that are especially designed to change government. Also with other products the government buys its own change, for instance with management consultancy. In the study of public administration a good view lacks on the importance business has here in changing government. That’s the focus of this article, what’s its purpose? First purpose is to give an explanation of the way business changes government with the products it sells. Second purpose is to come up with ideas on how to deliberately accept change of government by way of business products. How to do that in a way that both government and business will function better and present society with legitimate solutions for physical and social problems?