bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reusability and Learning Objects: Problems and a Proposed Solution
Authors: Mogharreban Namdar , Guggenheim David
Published: October 2017

Learning objects have long promised dramatic savings of time and money in course and curricula development, but they have failed to deliver the return on investment that seems a natural extension of their existence - reusability. Because a single hour of online instruction can take up to 300 hours to develop (Kapp 2003), reusability is the core value message offered by learning object promoters, from the earliest days to the present. Yet, after 12 years of successive evolution, learning objects are still primarily a collection of stand-alone modules that rarely interconnect outside of strictly controlled regimes, such as those imposed by corporate and military training guidelines. Among the contributing factors to this impediment are definition of learning object, size of a learning object and aesthetics of a learning object. In response to this shortcoming, we propose to introduce a new entity - the learning pod. Engineered for reusability, the learning pod incorporates several modules that bring current technology to create an experientially seamless interconnection between disparate learning objects. These modules communicate with one another to build a consistent unit of instruction that uses several learning objects depending on the requirements. Several technologies including semantic web, XSL/XML and CSS are utilized to achieve presentation cohesiveness.
In Search of New Identity for LIS Discipline with Some References to Iran
Authors: Fadaie Gholamreza
Published: October 2017

The present paper offers that most of the advocates of discipline of library and information science believe that there is a lack of theoretical foundation and rational identity. The author maintains that there has been an error in defining the subject by confusing library with librarianship. That is many researchers have derived the concept of librarianship from library. Therefore they came to define librarianship as an entity only through the social application and services. If instead, a librarian was assumed to be a person who was usually a scholar, with or without the knowledge of classification properly, and if it was further assumed that before establishing any library, at least there has always been one thoughtful person with the enthusiasm of classifying his own tacit or explicit knowledge in order to retrieve, the concept of librarianship could have been derived from the concept of personal seeking of knowledge, or the need of any knowledgeable person who believes in scientific classification for the sake of retrieval. Thus, there has always been the necessity for scientific classification even if there has not been any formal library. So, I propose that librarianship is more related to the knowledge retrieval and classification which is in the mind of all people specially scholars and learned men before the library, as a place for the collection of books and other materials come to being.
IS Strategic Decision-Making: A Garbage Can View
Authors: Fardal Harald , Sornes Jan-Oddvar
Published: October 2017

Developing information systems (IS) strategies and choosing the right IS portfolio for an organization require, among other things, identifying the most appropriate IS projects, determining how best to organize the IS staff, and arranging for IS procurement. All of these actions involve decision-making. This paper analyzes IS strategic decision-making in organizations, with the Garbage Can Model (GCM) of decision-making providing the theoretical framework. Our findings show that IS strategic decision-making often happens through GCM processes, and while these processes are hard to control and predict, the decision quality tends to be high at the organizational level. At the individual level, however, Garbage Can processes tend to return low-quality IS strategic decisions.
Is Usage Predictable Using Belief-Attitude-Intention Paradigm?
Authors: Saade Raafat , Tan Weiwei , Kira Dennis
Published: October 2017

While much of the prior information system (IS) research has employed technology acceptance model (TAM) and theory of planned behavior (TPB) to explain user’s technology acceptance behavior, most of them use self-reported use intention to develop their investigation. The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the validity of behavioral intention’s prediction on actual system usage under a voluntary context. By integrating constructs of the two closely related theoretical paradigm (TAM and TPB), we propose an integrated model to investigate the relationship. In doing so, we used questionnaire to gather the system usage perceptions of students who took an online management information system (MIS) course at a large Canadian university. At the same time, we also set up the e-learning system to record students’ actual usage. Using partial least square (PLS) approach, data collected from 105 students are tested against the model showing a very good fit with 60% explanation of the behavioral intention. The relationship between the intention and actual system use however was found to be insignificant and weak. Our study questions the validity of using self-reported intention to represent system usage and provides insight into future research directions on technology acceptance behavior.
Efficient Consumer Response (ECR) Practices as Responsible for the Creation of Knowledge and Sustainable Competitive Advantages in the Grocery Industry
Authors: Soret Ignacio , De Pablos Carmen , Luis Montes Jose
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a model to measure and to explain knowledge and sustainable competitive advantages generation within the Efficient Consumer Response (ECR) framework. Some specific goals are: a) identification, selection and validation of intellectual capital and of sustainable competitive advantages, b) study of what we name associate concepts: facilitators, implantation drivers and critical success factors, c) develop a validation of a methodology for the measurement model and of the indicators adaptation degree, meeting the demand of related companies and consultants. Results show that individual improvement, work conditions, management style, learning improvement, education, management by objectives and work environment influence directly the human capital increase. Data mining techniques, generation of manuals of procedures and processes, and continuous improvement can be evidenced for a structural capital increase. Increase of relational capital is in direct relationship with the creation and improving of standard procedures for clients, their satisfaction, management by categories, and loyalty programs. To conclude, the implementation of ECR practices generates and increases the intellectual capital, or knowledge, in the organizations by positively promoting the generation of sustainable competitive advantages.
An Integrated ICT Management Framework for Commercial Banking Organisations in South Africa
Authors: Tshinu Simon , Botha Gerrit , Herselman Marlien
Published: October 2017

This article explores the possibility of integrating some of the most referenced ICT Management Frameworks in managing ICT infrastructure in the banking sector. This was done by identifying core components that it should address and the related frameworks that need to be applied at each component. In this context, this article is also prompting further research in managing ICT infrastructure through an integrated ICT Management Framework. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure needs to be regarded as the integration of different components that interact with one another directly and indirectly for sustainability of organisation’s objectives. For the organisations that rely intensely on ICT, such as in the banking industry, it is a necessity to develop practices and tools such as integrated ICT Management Framework that collect best practices found in different ICT Management Frameworks and combine them to business objectives that direct ICT strategies, technologies, and management practices for better management of ICT infrastructure.
Sustaining Negotiated QoS in Connection Admission Control for ATM Networks Using Fuzzy Logic Techniques
Authors: F. Williams Onifade Olufade , Adesola Aderounmu G. , Tayo Oluwasikemi
Published: October 2017

The objective of connection admission control (CAC) is to keep the network load moderate to achieve a performance objective associated with Quality of Service (QoS). Cell Loss Ratio (CLR), a key QoS parameter in ATM networks, is essential for proper network resources dimensioning, congestion control, bandwidth allocation and routing. In this research, we employed fuzzy logic technique in Statistical Connection Admission Control (S-CAC) - a CAC employing multiplexing of the bandwidth between the peak cell rate and the sustained (average) cell rate. The fuzzy technique consists of an input stage, a processing stage, and an output stage. We defined the rules with “max-min” inference method in which the output membership function is given the truth value generated by the premise. The results was defuzzi-fied to a crisp value using the “centroid” method which favors the rule with the output of the greatest area, and the result thereafter charted to compare it operation.
Framework of Problem-Based Research: A Guide for Novice Researchers on the Development of a Research-Worthy Problem
Authors: Ellis Timothy , Levy Yair
Published: October 2017

This paper introduces the importance of a well-articulated, research-worthy problem statement as the centerpiece for any viable research. The aim of this work is to help novice researchers understand the value of problem-based research by providing a practical guide on the development of a well articulated and viable statement of a research-worthy problem as the starting point for all research. Additionally, this paper explores the interaction of the problem with the other fundamental elements of scholarly research including the research topic, goals, research questions, methodology, results, and conclusions. Scaffolding for articulating a ‘research-worthy problem’ is provided in the form of a deconstruction of the expression into definitions of its component terms, followed by a discussion of what is not a research-worthy problem. A roadmap on locating problems that could support scholarly research is provided. The theoretical foundation is placed into practice by examining some problem statements and proposing a template for crafting an effective statement.
WEBCON: An Ontology Engine Based Conference Organiser
Authors: Subramaniam Bavani , Peck Lee Sai
Published: October 2017

With the development of the World Wide Web, conference management can be further elevated by using a powerful and intelligent tool that provides a borderless communication. This can be realized with a conference management tool using ontology functionality. Ontology provides diverse capabilities in terms of functionalities and flexibility. Defining a detailed conference specification via ontology allows easy, seamless access and passing of information. This research proposes the concept of synergizing ontology and conference management in order to elevate conference management to another level.
Animated Courseware Support for Teaching Database Design
Authors: Murray Meg , Guimaraes Mario
Published: October 2017

Database technologies are a core component of computing technology curricula. Their importance will only continue to expand as more and more data are retained in database systems. An effective database system is predicated on a good data model. Database design is the conceptualization of an underlying data model that progresses from identifying user requirements to graphically depicting those requirements and finally mapping the graphical models to a set of tables implemented in a physical database system. The abstract nature of much of database design makes it challenging to teach. This paper presents a set of software animations designed to support the teaching of database design concepts. Topic areas covered include mapping problem descriptions to Entity Relationship (ER) diagrams, mapping ER diagrams to tables, normalization and denormalization and comparison of various ER notation sets. The animations are fairly intuitive to use and are independent of any specific database text or product. They are intended to provide supplemental instructional support and also provide students with additional learning opportunities.
Neural Networks and Its Application in Engineering
Authors: Awodele Oludele , Jegede Olawale
Published: October 2017

Neural Network (NN) has emerged over the years and has made remarkable contribution to the advancement of various fields of endeavor. The purpose of this work is to examine neural networks and their emerging applications in the field of engineering, focusing more on Controls. In this work, we have examined the various architectures of NN and the learning process. The needs for neural networks, training of neural networks, and important algorithms used in realizing neural networks have also been briefly discussed. Neural network application in control engineering has been extensively discussed, whereas its applications in electrical, civil and agricultural engineering were also examined. We concluded by identifying limitations, recent advances and promising future research directions.
An Interactive E-Learning Tool for Kids in Mauritius
Authors: Sameer Sunhaloo Mohammad , Narsoo Jeetendre , Gopaul Ameeta
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we give an overview of an interactive e-leaming tool which we have developed for kids aged from eight to eleven years old in Mauritius. By developing this software, we aim at promoting self learning and developing information and communication technology skills among the youngsters in Mauritius. The e-learning tool developed is based mainly on the science curricula covered at upper primary and lower secondary levels, in the Mauritian schools and colleges respectively. Our software does not intend to render obsolete or replace the existing pedagogical approaches. On the other hand, it will complement the existing teaching and learning methods.
E-portfolio Assessment System for an Outcome-Based Information Technology Curriculum
Authors: Tubaishat Abdallah , Lansari Azzedine , Al-Rawi Akram
Published: October 2017

Currently colleges and universities are facing a number of problems, including ill designed curricula that do not address demands from the job market. There is also tremendous pressure from society on academic institutions to provide an education that results in guaranteed employment, especially given the soaring price of higher education. Currently, a number of academic institutions are facing the problem of grade inflation, which has resulted in the grade point average (GPA) model losing its value (Mansfield, 2001). Therefore, academic educational institutions are looking for alternative ways to provide an education that attracts students in a highly competitive world. Several US academic institutions have adopted the outcome based educational model to move away from the GPA driven model. Furthermore, accreditations organizations (such as North Central Association of Colleges and Schools) are requiring academic institutions to present a method to assess students’ learning outcomes, particularly in the general education courses.
Influence on Student Academic Behaviour through Motivation Self-Efficacy and Value-Expectation: An Action Research Project to Improve Learning
Authors: Nilsen Hallgeir
Published: October 2017

Pedagogic research has found that motivation, self-efficacy and value-expectancy are the most influencing factors on student academic behaviour (Bandura, 1997; Linnenbrink & Pintrich, 2002), which again are heavily influenced by how students experience success, confidence and well-being, lecturers motivation and enthusiasm, and how theory and practice is tied together. Universities will increase, maintain, or decrease motivation, self-efficacy, and value-expectancy. The author believes that in order to increase student learning universities need more focus on and more use of pedagogical knowledge, to even more positively influence student academic behaviour. Through implemented actions and interviews of bachelor students in IT and information systems, valuable information is collected on what influences motivation, self-efficacy, and value-expectations. The good news is that by simple means we can more likely have students that experience success, are confident and well-being, and who see the value in what they work on, which in turn will influence academic behaviour and academic success.
A Taxonomy as a Vehicle for Learning
Authors: Brodahl Cornelia , Smestad Bjorn
Published: October 2017

In this article, we describe the development of a classification system providing a framework for analysis of, and communication about, a subgroup of learning objects. The objects we consider are highly visual, animated, interactive, and mathematics-related, and we call them VaniMaps. Secondly, we discuss the use of the system. In the first phase, the development was based on literature studies and discussions on examples of VaniMaps. In the second phase, the classification system was tested by students and their responses were analyzed to identify possible improvements. Now, the system is developed further based on experience gained while using it for different purposes. We see several possible uses of the classification system, or selected parts of it: (a) to facilitate communication between the orderer and the developer, (b) to initiate discussions on VaniMaps in teacher education, (c) to analyze and choose between VaniMaps for teaching and learning activities, and (d) to establish a database for VaniMaps labeled using classification statements. We will discuss all these uses and especially emphasize the use in teacher education, illustrated with a case study.
Panel Discussion - From Informing Objects to Learning Objects
Authors: Skovira Robert , Koohang Alex , Kohun Frederick , Will Richard
Published: October 2017

Harman & Koohang (2005) stated that a learning object “ .. is not merely a chunk of information packaged to be used in instructional settings. A learning object, therefore, can include anything that has pedagogical value - digital or non-digital such as a case study, a film, a simulation, an audio, a video, an animation, a graphic image, a map, a book, or a discussion board so long as the object can be contextualized by individual learners. The learner must be able to make meaningful connections between the learning object and his/her experiences or knowledge he/she previously mastered. “ The above definition asserts that a learning object must have “pedagogical value” and that a learning object is 1) anything digital or non-digital such as a film, a simulation, or a case study, and 2) the ability of the learner to contextualize the object, i.e., the learner is capable of making “meaningful connections” between the object and his/her previous experiences and/or knowledge. Once the contextualization occurs, the object will have “pedagogical value” and it no longer merely an object, it is a learning object. Can all objects be contextualized? Is it necessary for all objects to be contextualized? What shall one call an “object” that is retrieved (and may even have some value other than pedagogical value and/or use) from an open access or commercial learning objects repository labeled as a “learning object” with no pedagogical value? If these objects are not learning objects, but have some sort of value and use, how shall one refer to these objects? Perhaps “informing objects”?
The Energy Inefficiency of Office Computing and Potential Emerging Technology Solutions
Authors: Lane Michael , Howard Angela , Howard Srecko
Published: October 2017

Energy consumption, the associated green house emissions has now caught the attention of mainstream organizations. Soon organizations will be required by legislation in many modern economies to report their contribution to green house emissions through their energy consumption. Office computing is a significant contributor to greenhouse emissions through electricity energy consumption. Until recently little thought has been given to making office computing more energy efficient. Organizations and individuals have become complacent in using computers, turning them on first thing in the morning and leaving them on all day. The time it takes to load up modern operating systems has reinforced this inefficient behaviour. In this paper we outline the energy inefficiencies of office computing and outline recent advances in energy efficient technologies. We focus on two emerging technologies: smart power blocks and splash top which have potential to drastically cut the energy consumption of office computing. We believe that our initial evaluation of these energy efficient technologies shows tremendous promise for reducing the energy consumption and greenhouse emissions of office computing. In future work we plan to conduct live experiments in modern office complexes to evaluate the actual energy savings and the fit of these technologies with current work practices.
Extending SCORM LOM
Authors: Mason Robert , Ellis Timothy
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this discussion paper is to examine approaches for extending the ADL SCORM standard with additional metadata based on ADL approved methods. An introduction to the ADL SCORM standard is presented followed by a description of the SCORM components. Examples of how SCORM is lacking LOM in the areas pedagogy, adaptive learning and learning assessment data are then discussed. According to ADL guidelines, there are three predefined methods to extend SCORM: (a) adding new metadata elements, (b) adding new vocabulary for elements, and (c) references to an internal or external XML files using the location element. Each extension method is examined in detail and then is followed by a discussion of the three approaches.
Doctoral Students’ Emotional Exhaustion and Intentions to Leave Academia
Authors: Devine Kay , Hunter Karen
Published: October 2017

The primary aim of this study was to better understand the antecedents of doctoral students’ emotional well-being, and their plans to leave academia. Based on past research, antecedents included departmental support, the quality of the supervisory relationship, and characteristics of the supervisory relationship. We used a mixed-methods study, and surveyed 186 doctoral students from nine countries. We found that supportive relationships, at the departmental and advisor level, reduced emotional exhaustion and intentions to leave academia, and that emotional exhaustion was positively related to doctoral students’ intentions to leave academia. Findings also indicated that advisor experience and frequency of meetings reduced students’ emotional exhaustion but did not affect their intentions to leave academia. Recommendations to reduce emotional exhaustion and to temper doctoral student attrition before and after degree completion are offered.
International Doctoral Students’ Navigations of Identity and Belonging in a Globalizing University
Authors: M Phelps Jennifer
Published: October 2017

This article draws on findings from a broad study on the influences of globalization on the experiences of international doctoral students at a large, research intensive Canadian university. It focuses specifically on these students’ lived experiences of change in their national identities and senses of belonging in a globalizing world. Using a qualitative, multiple case narrative approach, students’ experiences were collected via in-depth interview and analyzed through a theoretical lens of transnational social fields. The study found that international doctoral students experienced multiplicity, ambiguity, and flux in their senses of self, belonging, and educational purposes as they engaged in the transnational academic and social spaces of the university. Their narratives are revealing of the ways that international doctoral students consciously construct identities that traverse national affiliations as they engage in higher levels of mobility and interact with highly internationalized environments and networks. The study contributes insight into the transformative nature of international doctoral study and identifies specific ways in which processes of globalization influence the international doctoral student experience.
Investigating the Perception of Stakeholders on Soft Skills Development of Students: Evidence from South Africa
Authors: Taylor Estelle
Published: October 2017

Soft skills are becoming increasingly important and will be critical for success in the Information Systems profession. Employers complain about a lack in soft skills among graduates from tertiary education institutions. No agreement exists about what these skills actually are, which are of importance, and how acquiring these soft skills should be approached in higher education.
The aim of this paper is to research the perceptions of lecturers, industry, and students on soft skills development of students and to identify important soft skills that need to be developed. The paper starts with a problem statement emphasizing the importance of soft skills and the possible lack thereof. This is followed by a literature review, a description of the methodology followed for this research, the results, conclusion, and the references.
The research was done at a university in South Africa. Questionnaires consisting of open questions were distributed to lecturers, industry, and students respectively, and qualitative analysis was done on the results.
Results show that stakeholders feel that soft skills of students are not developed adequately, that there is some uncertainty about who should be responsible for developing soft skills, and that the development of soft skills is seen as a difficult task. A list is compiled of the most important soft skills according to literature, lecturers, industry, and students. This list can be used in further research on the soft skills of IT-students. Recommendations are made for the teaching and learning of soft skills.
To Flip a Class or Not to Flip a Class: That is the Question
Authors: Thalluri Jyothi , Penman Joy
Published: October 2017

The flipped classroom is one of the recent innovations applied in teaching science concepts to nursing students. It is thought that a more engaging and meaningful learning environment is created, but how exactly this is achieved in flipped classroom is unclear.
The aims of this paper are to describe how a flipped classroom was effectively created for beginning off-campus nursing students studying the course Human Body, and to determine its impact on the learning experience of these students.
Survey methodology was used to evaluate students’ perceptions about flipped classroom. A 15-item questionnaire was administered to participants at the conclusion of the course. They were requested to rate or complete thirteen statements on a Likert scale relating to their learning experience and respond to two open-ended questions on what they liked most about the class and areas for improvement.
Forty-one (n=41) students completed the post-flipped classroom survey, out of a total of 174 off-campus students for a 24% response rate. Though constrained with poor response, this study illustrated that the flipped classroom was a feasible learning and teaching approach for off-campus nursing students. For various reasons, 84% of respondents preferred the flipped classroom and 85% recommended it for future students.
Investigating the Perception of Stakeholders on Soft Skills Development of Students: Evidence from South Africa
Authors: Taylor Estelle
Published: October 2017

[The final form of this paper was published in the journal Interdisciplinary Journal of e-Skills and Lifelong Learning.]
Soft skills are becoming increasingly important and will be critical for success in the Information Systems profession. Employers complain about a lack in soft skills among graduates from tertiary education institutions. No agreement exists about what these skills actually are, which are of importance, and how acquiring these soft skills should be approached in higher education.
The aim of this paper is to research the perceptions of lecturers, industry, and students on soft skills development of students and to identify important soft skills that need to be developed. The paper starts with a problem statement emphasizing the importance of soft skills and the possible lack thereof. This is followed by a literature review, a description of the methodology followed for this research, the results, conclusion, and the references.
The research was done at a university in South Africa. Questionnaires consisting of open questions were distributed to lecturers, industry, and students respectively, and qualitative analysis was done on the results.
Results show that stakeholders feel that soft skills of students are not developed adequately, that there is some uncertainty about who should be responsible for developing soft skills, and that the development of soft skills is seen as a difficult task. A list is compiled of the most important soft skills according to literature, lecturers, industry, and students. This list can be used in further research on the soft skills of IT-students. Recommendations are made for the teaching and learning of soft skills.
Alternatives for Pragmatic Responses to Group Work Problems
Authors: Davey Bill , Bozan Karoly , Houghton Robert , R. Parker Kevin
Published: October 2017

Group work can provide a valuable learning experience, one that is especially relevant for those preparing to enter the information system workforce. While much has been discussed about effective means of delivering the benefits of collaborative learning in groups, there are some problems that arise due to pragmatic environmental factors such as the part time work commitments of students. This study has identified a range of problems and reports on a longitudinal Action Research study in two universities (in Australia and the USA). Over three semesters problems were identified and methods trialled using collaborative tools. Several promising solutions are presented to the identified problems, including the use of video tutorials and commentary using screen recordings as a means of providing feedback to students.
Identifying Security Risk Modules in Information Systems
Authors: Dreyfuss Michael , Giat Yahel
Published: October 2017

We develop a two-stage model for identifying IT system modules with high security risks. In the first phase, we identify the subsystems that pose the highest risk and which require further investigation. In the next phase, we identify the high-security-risk modules using a more detailed approach. The output of this model helps managers decide on how to invest efficiently in improving the security of their IT system. We describe an application of this model to an IT system in an academic institution in Israel. In the first phase, three of ten subsystems are found to be very risky. In the next phase, we highlight the critical modules within those subsystems. The results of our application in the academic institution indicate that security breaches for the purpose of cheating are a greater threat than other types of security issues.
Student Preferences and Performance in Online and Face-to-Face Classes Using Myers-Briggs Indicator: A Longitudinal Quasi-Experimental Study_
Authors: Boghikian-Whitby Seta , Mortagy Yehia
Published: October 2017

[The final form of this paper was published in the journal Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology.]
This longitudinal, quasi-experimental study investigated students’ cognitive personality type using the Myers-Briggs personality Type Indicator (MBTI) in Internet-based Online and Face-to-Face (F2F) modalities. A total of 1154 students enrolled in 28 Online and 32 F2F sections taught concurrently over a period of fourteen years. The study measured whether the sample is similar to the national average percentage frequency of all 16 different personality types; whether specific personality type students preferred a specific modality of instructions and if this preference changed over time; whether learning occurred in both class modalities; and whether specific personality type students learned more from a specific modality. Data was analyzed using regression, t-test, frequency, and Chi-Squared. The study concluded that data used in the study was similar to the national statistics; that no major differences in preference occurred over time; and that learning did occur in all modalities, with more statistically significant learning found in the Online modality versus F2F for Sensing, Thinking, and Perceiving types. Finally, Sensing and Thinking (ST) and Sensing and Perceiving (SP) group types learned significantly more in Online modality versus F2F.
Printable Table of Contents: InformingScienceJ, Volume 19, 2016
Authors: George Saadé Raafat
Published: October 2017

InformingScienceJ, Volume 19, 2016 Table of Contents
The Influence of Social Media on Collaborative Learning in a Cohort Environment
Authors: Wandera Silas , James-Waldon Natasha , Bromley Debbi , Henry Zandra
Published: October 2017

This paper provides an overview of the impact that social media has on the development of collaborative learning within a cohort environment in a doctoral program. The researchers surveyed doctoral students in an education program to determine how social media use has influenced the doctoral students. The study looked at the following areas: a) the ability of social media use to develop a collaborative learning environment, b) access to social media content which supports learning, and c) whether social media use has contributed to the enhancement of the doctoral students’ academic achievement and learning progress. As social media use and on-line learning become more prevalent in education, it is important to continue to understand the impact that social media has on improving students’ ability to achieve their academic goals. This study provides insight on how doctoral students used social media and how social media use has influenced academic development in their cohort environment. In addition, this paper provides a discerning view into the role social media plays when developing a collaborative learning environment in a cohort.
Patterns of Twitter Usage in One Cohort-Based Doctoral Program
Authors: Draper Jason , A Buzzelli Armand , Gregory Holdan E.
Published: October 2017

An Instructional Management and Leadership doctoral program (IML) incorporated the use of Twitter to examine what this looked like in practice. Did students actually use Twitter, and if so, how frequently, for what purpose(s), and were there differences between students on the pattern of use? Additionally, we sought to determine if Twitter is a legitimate instructional tool and if the use of Twitter can help mitigate feelings of isolation. Utilizing a descriptive case study design we implemented a survey methodology by distributing a modified version of the First Year Engagement Questionnaire to five IML cohorts. Active use of Twitter was infrequent. IML students used Twitter to gather news, follow experts, and find stimulating interactions. Active users and students who previously had a Twitter account were more positive about using Twitter. On average however, IML students were infrequent, passive Twitter users, aggregating information to supplement instruction. They did not use Twitter to reduce feelings of isolation. Female and male students used Twitter similarly. Younger students were more active than older students. Familiarity with the platform potentially moderates Twitter activity. Twitter has utility as a supplemental instructional tool but expanded use requires active student engagement.
Exploring an Agile Learning Activity to Teach Agile Project Management
Authors: George Saadé Raafat , S Shah Syed
Published: October 2017

In this study, we adapted the agile approach to teaching. Students took an idea from inception, through the first and second agile project management iterations, and incorporated feedback from their classmates in between. The goal was to demonstrate through a flexible process how products/services can be improved. We started with the practice and followed up with the theory. The results and metrics were positive in terms of the outcomes that the agile project management approach intends to produce. There was a clear enhancement to the product/service measured value (along 3 metrics) in the second iteration. We describe herein the context, the process, the tool used, and the results and we conclude with a small discussion on the limitations of the study.
FISCHER FIXING SYSTEMS: MOVING FORWARD WITH THE WORKFORCE - CHANGE COMMUNICATION AT THE GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION CENTER
Authors: Moeller Klaus , Gabel Julian , Bertagnolli Frank
Published: October 2017

The investment decision was made last year, and after a time-consuming selection process and intensive negotiations, the contract with the general contractor was signed. The business segment Fixing systems of the fischer group of companies faced a significant investment in its logistics – the development of automation technology in the Global Distribution Center (GDC). According to the project schedule, the transition to the automated small parts storage with shuttle technology would take place in December of this year. It was mid-April, and therefore the right time for the Head of Logistics of the business segment fischer Fixing systems, Matthias Wehle, to describe the current status: Were all the important milestones achieved and would the subsequent steps ensure a smooth transition? The employees in the logistics got accustomed to changes over the years. Structural changes such as the introduction of SAP R/3 in early 2000 and the establishment of the automated high-bay warehouse in 2008 had been successfully implemented. It was the same with the continuous improvement process through the use of the fischerProzessSystem fPS. The introduction of pick-by-light technology for the picking of small sized products with high demand had worked well, too. But the last staff meeting about launch of the shuttle system had left with him a feeling of uncertainty. He could already feel the spirit of optimism from some of the employees triggered by the upcoming introduction of the new system. The majority, however, listened patiently and Mr. Wehle sensed insecurity among the employees – how does this change affect me? Up until now, management had used multiple channels to communicate information to the employees. But feedback from the workforce to those in charge was rather rare. And the logistics manager remembered that the use of pick-by-voice for picking had been stopped for a number of reasons. Now as a result of the largest investment in recent years, the GDC faced a drastic operational change. With this in mind, Mr. Wehle pondered over the issue of employee communication again and again. And they had eight more months in order to take action until December…
CAPTCHA – Security affecting User Experience
Authors: Gafni Ruti , Nagar Idan
Published: October 2017

[The final form of this paper was published in the journal Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology.]
CAPTCHA - Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart - is a test with the aim to distinguish between malicious automatic software and real users in the era of Cyber security threats. Various types of CAPTCHA tests were developed, in order to address accessibility while implementing security. This research focuses on the users’ attitudes and experiences related to use of the different kinds of tests. A questionnaire accompanied by experiencing five different CAPTCHA tests was performed among 212 users. Response times for each test and rate of success were collected automatically. The findings demonstrate that none of the existing tests are ideal. Although the participants were familiar with the Text-based test, they found it the most frustrating and non-enjoyable. Half of the participants failed in the Arithmetic-based test. While most of the participants found the picture and game based test enjoyable, their response time for those tests was the largest. The age factor was encountered as influencing both the attitude of the user and the performance, while younger users are more tolerant, have a better success rate, and are faster, the elder users found the tests annoying and time-consuming.
Are We Ready to Go Live with Our Team Projects?
Authors: Whatley Janice
Published: October 2017

[The final form of this paper was published in the journal Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology.]
Project work forms a large part in work undertaken by graduates when they enter the workforce, so projects are used in higher education to prepare students for their working lives and to enable students to apply creativity in their studies as they present a solution to a problem, using technical skills they have learned in different units of study. Projects, both at work and in higher education, may be completed in teams, thus providing experience and the opportunity to develop team working skills. The team projects presented in this paper have been provided by external organisations, so that students work in a team on a real life problem, but with the support of their tutors, in the university setting. In this way the projects more closely resemble the sorts of problems they might encounter in the workplace, giving an experience that cannot be gained by working on tutor devised problems, because the teams have to communicate with an external client to analyse and solve an authentic problem.
Over the three years that the Live Projects have been running, feedback indicates that the students gain employability skills from the projects, and the organisations involved develop links with the university and benefit from output from the projects. A number of suggestions for improving the administration of the Live Projects were suggested, such as providing clients with information on timescales and providing students with more guidance on managing the projects.
OER and MOOC: The Need for Openness
Authors: Frango Silveira Ismar
Published: October 2017

The Open Software movement serves as a landmark and a starting point for many “open-something” initiatives, such as Open Educational Resources (OER) and Massive Online Open Courses (MOOC). However, under a pragmatic point-of-view, many of its basic principles are not considered specially when dealing with the above mentioned initiatives: common, industry-standard OER and MOOC lack a considerable set of really open features in a way that deviate the sense of the “O” letter – for Open – in its acronyms. Considering this, the present paper presents a systematization of these concepts around the general principle of openness. There will be discussed some strengths, challenges, and drawbacks in adopting openness as the key for OER and MOOC for Education in 21st Century.
Economic Upliftment and Social Development through the Development of Digital Astuteness in Rural Areas
Authors: Lombard Antoinette , Johan  Wiese Hein , Smit Jan
Published: October 2017

[The final form of this paper was published in the journal Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology.]
One of the key attempts towards a collective African vision is the New Economic Partnership for African Development (NEPAD). Barnard and Vonk (2003) report that “53 countries have been urged to implement ICTs in three crucial development arenas: education, health and trade”. While NEPAD and other initiatives have contributed to the provision of ICT infrastructure with positive results as seen in the growth of Internet uses, the disparities in development across Africa are enormous.
The challenge to HEIs in Africa, has been summarised by Colle (2005): “central to creating digital resources and academic infrastructure is the question of universities' relevance to the world around them, and especially to the challenge of being an active player – ‘an anchor of a broad-based poverty alleviation strategy’ in an increasingly knowledge-based economy”. It can be inferred from Colle that the activities of HEIs in Africa ought to be geared towards contributing to the realisation of the Millennium development goals.
In 2003, the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) adopted a declaration of principles aimed at enabling everyone to create access, utilise and share information and knowledge. In this declaration, member states affirmed their commitment to aggressive investment in ICT for social and economic development (Ngwenyama et al 2006).
Warranty of Misinforming as an Option in Product Utilization Process
Authors: Grozdanov Christozov Dimitar , Chukova Stefanka , S. Mateev Plamen
Published: October 2017

The following definition of “option” is given in Wikipedia - “In finance, an option is a contract, which gives the buyer (the owner or holder) the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset or instrument at a specified strike price on or before a specified date, depending on the form of the option” (“Option,” n.d.). Option as a risk management (mitigation) tool is broadly used in finance and trade. At the same time, it introduces asymmetry in the sense that, probabilistically, it limits the level of losses (e.g., the price of the option) and allows for unlimited gains. In the market of sophisticated devices (as smart phones, tablets, etc.), where technologies are rapidly advancing, customers usually do not have the experience to use all features of the device at the time of the purchase. Due to the lack of appropriate expertise, the risk of misinforming, leading to not purchasing the “right” device is high, but given enough time to learn the capabilities of the device and map these to the needs and tasks that device will be used for, could provide the client with substantial long term benefits. Warranty of misinforming is a mechanism that provides the client with the opportunity to explore the device and master its features under limited risk of financial losses. Thus, the warranty of misinforming could be considered as an option - the custom-ers buy it (at a fixed cost) and may gain (theoretically) unlimited benefit by realizing (within the terms of the warranty) that the device can be used to solve a variety of problems not envisaged at the time of purchase. In this study we present the idea of treating the warranty of misinforming as an option in finances and provide examples to illustrate our viewpoint.
Training Librarians for 21st Century Repository Services: Emerging Trends
Authors: Emasealu Helen , Nnadozie Umeozor Susan
Published: October 2017

The paper reviewed the emerging roles of the 21st century librarians, charged with the responsibility to manage repository services across libraries in present-day information technology environment. Librarians need to be trained and empowered with requisite skills and knowledge needed for successful management of the ICT driven repository initiatives that the 21st century demands. Literature was reviewed on the roles and responsibilities of librarians, training needs and opportunities, career path and recruitment of librarians, and community support necessary for effective and efficient implementation and management of repository initiatives. This entails the ability to comprehend trends and change patterns which are essential for providing research focused and user-friendly models in open repository services that are based on thorough analytical understanding of the challenges of emerging trends. To achieve this requires the training and retraining of librarians to reposition them as information specialists in their career path. The role of the library as an integral part of its social environment is to educate the community about the existence of an open repository by building partnership with community-oriented research centres through seminars, workshops, symposium, training, and awareness programmes. The study recommends that librarians should strategize and collaborate with researchers to make open repository an essential research tool.