bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging Trends in Outsourcing
Authors: Patki Tapasya , Patki A.B. , Kulkarni Mahesh
Published: May 2010

Outsourcing has been conventionally viewed as a solution to generate quick profits and provide business continuity. The previous decades have seen the emergence of the Information Age, where the key focus was on knowledge acquisition and application. We are now progressing towards the era that revolves around “concept” development from an era that was information-dependent. This age, referred to as the Conceptual Age, will be dominated by six new senses: Design, Story, Symphony, Empathy, Play and Meaning; and shall focus on the human resource development aspects. This creates a need to diverge from the current reliance on linear and sequential algorithmic practices in outsourcing and to adopt cognition based engineering and management approaches. This chapter lays the foundation for Offshore Engineering and Management (OEM) and discusses estimation issues in OEM that have their roots in software engineering. Also, this chapter identifies the limitations of the current methodologies from an outsourcing point of view, and delineates how they can be deployed effectively for an outsourced environment.
A SOA-Based Approach to Integrate Enterprise Systems
Authors: Lämmer Anne , Eggert Sandy , Gronau Norbert
Published: May 2010

This chapter presents a procedure for the integration of enterprise systems. Therefore enterprise systems are being transferred into a service oriented architecture. The procedure model starts with decomposition into Web services. This is followed by mapping redundant functions and assigning of the original source code to the Web services, which are orchestrated in the final step. Finally, an example is given how to integrate an Enterprise Resource Planning System with an Enterprise Content Management System using the proposed procedure model.
Engineering Software Systems with Social-Driven Templates
Authors: Kolp Manuel , Wautelet Yves , Kiv Sodany , Tran Vi
Published: May 2010

Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) architectures are gaining popularity over traditional ones for building open, distributed, and evolving software required by today’s corporate IT applications such as e-business systems, Web services or enterprise knowledge bases. Since the fundamental concepts of multi-agent systems are social and intentional rather than object, functional, or implementation-oriented, the design of MAS architectures can be eased by using social-driven templates. They are detailed agent-oriented design idioms to describe MAS architectures as composed of autonomous agents that interact and coordinate to achieve their intentions, like actors in human organizations. This paper presents social patterns, as well as organizational styles, and focuses on a framework aimed to gain insight into these templates. The framework can be integrated into agent-oriented software engineering methodologies used to build MAS. We consider the Broker social pattern to illustrate the framework. The mapping from system architectural design (through organizational architectural styles), to system detailed design (through social patterns), is overviewed with a data integration case study. The automation of patterns design is also overviewed.
A Multiagent-Based Framework for Integrating Biological Data
Authors: Maghrabi Faheema , Faheem Hossam M. , Soliman Taysir , Fayed Zaki Taha
Published: May 2010

Biological data has been rapidly increasing in volume in different Web data sources. To query multiple data sources manually on the internet is time consuming for biologists. Therefore, systems and tools that facilitate searching multiple biological data sources are needed. Traditional approaches to build distributed or federated systems do not scale well to the large, diverse, and the growing number of biological data sources. Internet search engines allow users to search through large numbers of data sources, but provide very limited capabilities for locating, combining, processing, and organizing information. A promising approach to this problem is to provide access to the large number of biological data sources through a multiagent-based framework where a set of agents can cooperate with each other to retrieve relevant information from different biological Web databases. The proposed system uses a mediator-based integration approach with domain ontology, which uses as a global schema. In this paper we propose a multiagent-based framework that responds to biological queries according to its biological domain ontology.
An Agent-Based Approach to Process Management in E-Learning Environments
Authors: Lai Hokyin , Wang Minhong , He Jingwen , Wang Huaiqing
Published: May 2010

Learning is a process to acquire new knowledge. Ideally, this process is the result of an active interaction of key cognitive processes, such as perception, imagery, organization, and elaboration. Quality learning has emphasized on designing a course curriculum or learning process, which can elicit the cognitive processing of learners. However, most e-learning systems nowadays are resources-oriented instead of process-oriented. These systems were designed without adequate support of pedagogical principles to guide the learning process. They have not explained the sequence of how the knowledge was acquired, which, in fact, is extremely important to the quality of learning. This study aims to develop an e-learning environment that enables students to get engaged in their learning process by guiding and customizing their learning process in an adaptive way. The expected performance of the Agent-based e-learning Process model is also evaluated by comparing with traditional e-learning models.
Agent-Based Semantic Interoperability of Geo-Services
Authors: Sikder Iftikhar U. , Misra Santosh K.
Published: May 2010

This chapter proposes a multi-agent based framework that allows multiple data sources and models to be semantically integrated for spatial modeling in business processing. The authros introduce a multiagent system (OSIRIS – Ontology-based Spatial Information and Resource Integration Services) to semantically interoperate complex spatial services and integrate them in a meaningful composition. The advantage of using multi-agent collaboration in OSIRIS is that it obviates the need for end-user analysts to be able to decompose a problem domain to subproblems or to map different models according to what they actually mean. The authors also illustrate a multi-agent interaction scenario for collaborative modeling of spatial applications using the proposed custom feature of OSIRIS using Description Logics. The system illustrates an application of domain ontology of urban environmental hydrology and evaluation of decision maker’s consequences of land use changes. In e-government context, the proposed OSIRIS framework works as semantic layer for one stop geospatial portal.
EnOntoModel
Authors: Tun Nwe Ni , Tojo Satoshi
Published: May 2010

Ontologies are intended to facilitate semantic interoperability among distributed and intelligent information systems where diverse software components, computing devices, knowledge, and data, are involved. Since a single global ontology is no longer sufficient to support a variety of tasks performed on differently conceptualized knowledge, ontologies have proliferated in multiple forms of heterogeneity even for the same domain, and such ontologies are called heterogeneous ontologies. For interoperating among information systems through heterogeneous ontologies, an important step in handling semantic heterogeneity should be the attempt to enrich (and clarify) the semantics of concepts in ontologies. In this article, a conceptual model (called EnOntoModel) of semantically-enriched ontologies is proposed by applying three philosophical notions: identity, rigidity, and dependency. As for the advantages of EnOntoModel, the conceptual analysis of enriched ontologies and efficient matching between them are presented.
Types of Graphics in E-Learning
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: May 2010

Digital graphics commonly used in e-learning come in various image types and dimensions, each of which enables different types of information communications. The concept of dimensionality builds on how images work on the x, y, and z axes. This also builds on the affordances of digital imagery with live updates, movements, interactivity, emotionality, and other features that may be overlaid or imbued into visuals. This chapter addresses still images to dynamic ones. Considering the types of graphics and the informational value of each category should enhance their development and use in e-learning.
Collaborative Image Creation
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: May 2010

With multi-institution multi-state collaborative funding grants and consortium-based e-learning endeavors, the occurrence of collaborative image creation has become much more common-place. Even within an institution, cross-departmental or cross-college endeavors exist. This chapter addresses collaboration around digital imagery creation for e-learning, both via face-to-face (F2F) and virtual teaming. This captures some workflow practices and highlights ideas for encouraging quality builds and innovation.
The Storage and Access of E-Learning Visuals
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: May 2010

Rich image repositories and digital libraries exist for the collection, labeling, archival and delivery of digital graphics. Understanding the ingestion of such images into digital repositories will be helpful not only for those searching for resources but also for those creating digital imagery for such storage and distribution. This chapter addresses some of the latest research going on currently for the labeling of digital graphics, their storage, their protection, and their distribution to users.
Designing Informational Graphics for a Global Multi-Cultural Context
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: May 2010

With many e-learning courses, modules, and artifacts being created for global delivery, those who design informational graphics need to be aware of the global environment for which they are building. They need to be more aware of the diverse cultural milieu and learning needs of the global learners. Visual imagery contains embedded meanings that may have different cultural implications in different milieu. This chapter will explore strategies to create digital images that are culturally neutral or at least culturally non-offensive. Building a layer of self-explanatory depth will also be helpful—for digital imagery with higher transferability and global utility.
Applied Ethics for Digital Imagery
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: May 2010

Graphical images have much power to evoke and represent realities, convey experiences, and share information. They may be used to share history. They may be used to discover realities and truths. In terms of the social uses of images, they may persuade individuals or whole populaces of people to take courses of action. With the growing technological affordances of image capture and creation, those who would build e-learning with imagery need to be aware of ethical guidelines in capturing, creating, handling and using digital imagery in a learning environment. The sources of these ethical guidelines include cultural values, laws, professional educational practices, professional journalistic practices, and personal ethics.
Modeling Accuracy of Promised Ship Date and IT Costs in a Supply Chain
Authors: Lee Young M.
Published: May 2010

In the current dynamic, competitive business environment, customers expect to see products they purchase to be shipped on the date it is promised. However, accurate calculation of promised ship date by suppliers can only be obtained at expense of corporate IT systems that provide accurate availability data. Our study indicates that refresh frequency of availability data in IT system substantially impacts accuracy of the ship date that is promised to customer. The value of customer service level corresponding to accuracy of promised ship date needs to be estimated against the costs of having necessary IT system. The estimation requires a simulation model of availability management process. In this paper, we describe how to model and simulate the availability management process, and quantify the customer service level resulting from various availability refresh rate.
The Impact of Social, Economic Variables and Logistics Performance on Asian Apparel Exporting Countries
Authors: Au K. F. , Eve Chan M.H.
Published: May 2010

Endowed with abundant supply of raw materials and low labor cost Asian countries have become the world’s largest exporters of apparel products for the past few decades. In 2007, the value of Asian suppliers’ total apparel exports to the world amounted to US$ 165 billion which represented 52% of the world’s total apparel exports. The gravity trade model is utilized with an exploration at the aggregate level. Analyzing the data for fourteen exporting countries and their sixteen importing partners from 2000 to 2007, the country-specific, economic, social factors, in additional to logistics performance are analyzed statistically to identify the major determinants that have influenced the apparel trading of Asian countries to the EU-15, and American markets. Taking the robustness advantage of the gravity model, the analytical results indicate strong support for the model with parameters including GDP, per capita GDP, population size, female employment, value added factors and logistics performance. All these show statistically significance and positive effects. In contrast, distance, real exchange rates and wages have negative impacts on apparel trading. An important finding is that new variables, namely exporting countries’ logistics performance can derive competitive advantage, otherwise, it erects a trade barrier in its own right in apparel exports.
A Supplementary Framework for Evaluation of Integrated Logistics Service Provider
Authors: Lau Kwok Hung , Ma Wun Leong
Published: May 2010

As a result of globalization, supply chains of many large business organizations nowadays tend to cover wider geographic areas spanning across different countries and continents. The growth in length and complexity gradually replaces the traditional linear supply chains with extended supply networks comprising not only suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and end customers, but also service providers. With the increasing use of third-party logistics (3PL) providers by international firms seeking integrated logistics services, many global 3PL providers are forming partnerships with large corporations to take care of the latter’s logistics operations in different regions. The selection of the right 3PL provider for alliance is therefore paramount to the success of global supply chain management. This chapter investigates the significance of this subject and proposes a supplementary framework for evaluation of 3PL providers as global logistics partners for international firms. Using resource-based view theory and competencies hierarchy as theoretical underpinnings, the framework focuses on the core competencies of 3PL providers and their abilities to attain economies of scale helping users achieve their outsourcing objectives.
A Formal Approach to the Verification of Adaptability Properties for Mobile Multimodal User Interfaces
Authors: Kamel Nadjet , Selouani Sid Ahmed , Hamam Habib
Published: May 2010

Multimodal User Interfaces (MUIs) offer to users the possibility to interact with systems using one or more modalities. In the context of mobile systems, this will increase the flexibility of interaction and will give the choice to use the most appropriate modality. These interfaces must satisfy usability properties to guarantee that users do not reject them. Within this context, we show the benefits of using formal methods for the specification and verification of multimodal user interfaces (MUIs) for mobile systems. We focus on the usability properties and specifically on the adaptability property. We show how transition systems can be used to model the MUI and temporal logics to specify usability properties. The verification is performed by using fully automatic model-checking technique. This technique allows the verification at earlier stages of the development life cycle which decreases the high costs involved by the maintenance of such systems.
Bodily Engagement in Multimodal Interaction
Authors: Tuuri Kai , Pirhonen Antti , Välkkynen Pasi
Published: May 2010

The creative processes of interaction design operate in terms we generally use for conceptualising human-computer interaction (HCI). Therefore the prevailing design paradigm provides a framework that essentially affects and guides the design process. We argue that the current mainstream design paradigm for multimodal user-interfaces takes human sensory-motor modalities and the related userinterface technologies as separate channels of communication between user and an application. Within such a conceptualisation, multimodality implies the use of different technical devices in interaction design. This chapter outlines an alternative design paradigm, which is based on an action-oriented perspective on human perception and meaning creation process. The proposed perspective stresses the integrated sensory-motor experience and the active embodied involvement of a subject in perception coupled as a natural part of interaction. The outlined paradigm provides a new conceptual framework for the design of multimodal user interfaces. A key motivation for this new framework is in acknowledging multimodality as an inevitable quality of interaction and interaction design, the existence of which does not depend on, for example, the number of implemented presentation modes in an HCI application. We see that the need for such an interaction- and experience-derived perspective is amplified within the trend for computing to be moving into smaller devices of various forms which are being embedded into our everyday life. As a brief illustration of the proposed framework in practice, one case study of sonic interaction design is presented.
A Usability Framework for the Design and Evaluation of Multimodal Interaction
Authors: Chang Jaeseung , Bourguet Marie-Luce
Published: May 2010

Currently, a lack of reliable methodologies for the design and evaluation of usable multimodal interfaces makes developing multimodal interaction systems a big challenge. In this paper, we present a usability framework to support the design and evaluation of multimodal interaction systems. First, elementary multimodal commands are elicited using traditional usability techniques. Next, based on the CARE (Complementarity, Assignment, Redundancy, and Equivalence) properties and the FSM (Finite State Machine) formalism, the original set of elementary commands is expanded to form a comprehensive set of multimodal commands. Finally, this new set of multimodal commands is evaluated in two ways: user-testing and error-robustness evaluation. This usability framework acts as a structured and general methodology both for the design and for the evaluation of multimodal interaction. We have implemented software tools and applied this methodology to the design of a multimodal mobile phone to illustrate the use and potential of the proposed framework.
Multimodal Search on Mobile Devices
Authors: Fan Xin , Sanderson Mark , Xie Xing
Published: May 2010

The increasingly popularity of powerful mobile devices, such as smart phones and PDAs, enables users to search for information on the move. However, text is still the main input modality in most current mobile search services although some providers are attempting to provide voice-based mobile search solutions. In this chapter, we explore the innovative query modalities to enable mobile devices to support queries such as text, voice, image, location, and their combinations. We propose a solution to support mobile users to perform visual queries. The queries by captured pictures and text information are studied in depth. For example, the user can simply take a photo of an unfamiliar flower or surrounding buildings to find related information from the Web. A set of indexing schemes are designed to achieve accurate results and fast search through large volumes of data. Experimental results show that our prototype system achieved satisfactory performance. Also, we briefly introduce a prospective mobile search solution based on our ongoing research, which supports multimodal queries including location information, captured pictures and text information.
Simplifying the Multimodal Mobile User Experience
Authors: Waters Keith
Published: May 2010

Multimodality presents challenges within a mobile cellular network. Variable connectivity, coupled with a wide variety of handset capabilities, present significant constraints that are difficult to overcome. As a result, commercial mobile multimodal implementations have yet to reach the consumer mass market, and are considered niche services. This chapter describes multimodality with handsets in cellular mobile networks that are coupled to new opportunities in targeted Web services. Such Web services aim to simplify and speed up interactions through new user experiences. This chapter highlights some key components with respect to a few existing approaches. While the most common forms of multimodality use voice and graphics, new modes of interaction are enabled via simple access to device properties, call the Delivery Context: Client Interfaces (DCCI).
Multimodal Cues
Authors: Kehoe Aidan , Neff Flaithri , Pitt Ian
Published: May 2010

There are numerous challenges to accessing user assistance information in mobile and ubiquitous computing scenarios. For example, there may be little-or-no display real estate on which to present information visually, the user’s eyes may be busy with another task (e.g., driving), it can be difficult to read text while moving, etc. Speech, together with non-speech sounds and haptic feedback can be used to make assistance information available to users in these situations. Non-speech sounds and haptic feedback can be used to cue information that is to be presented to users via speech, ensuring that the listener is prepared and that leading words are not missed. In this chapter, we report on two studies that examine user perception of the duration of a pause between a cue (which may be a variety of non-speech sounds, haptic effects or combined non-speech sound plus haptic effects) and the subsequent delivery of assistance information using speech. Based on these user studies, recommendations for use of cue pause intervals in the range of 600 ms to 800 ms are made.
RMS
Authors: Malhotra Vasdev , Raj Tilak , Kumar Ashok
Published: May 2010

Today, markets increasingly require more customized products, with shorter life cycles. In response, manufacturing systems have evolved from mass production techniques to the ?exible automation. This paper argues that manufacturing systems of the next generation will have to incorporate more ?exibility and intelligence, evolving towards recon?gurable manufacturing systems. In particular, the concept of intelligence becomes more relevant because of the need to maintain e?ective and e?cient manufacturing operations with minimum downtime under conditions of uncertainty. This chapter presents some research issues related to the development of reconfigurable manufacturing systems with pervasive computing.
A Quality Assurance System in a Pervasive Computing Environment
Authors: Mitra Amitava
Published: May 2010

As the competition for products and services continues to grow, with customer satisfaction playing an integral part in this process, organizations are faced with the task of ensuring quality in all of their activities. Since many organizations do not necessarily produce the entire product or deliver the service by themselves, they are dependent on other vital sources, for example, suppliers, that impact quality of the finished product/service. This necessitates development and implementation of a quality management system which can integrate information from the various entities to facilitate decision making in a timely manner. Additionally, it is desirable for such a quality management system to be responsive to the existing quality environment at the various sources that contribute to the manufacture of the product or delivery of the service. This chapter provides a foundation for accomplishing such quality management objectives.
E-Crime and Non-Compliance with Government Regulations on E-Commerce
Authors: Kyobe M.E.
Published: May 2010

E-commerce is critical to national development. Small and Medium sized organizations (SMEs) are encouraged to adopt it to address poverty, improve competitiveness and productivity. However, the escalation in electronic crime (e-crime) and lack of compliance with e-commerce regulations threaten e-commerce success in South Africa. While many strategies for improving e-commerce have been suggested, the focus has mainly been on economic and technological factors and less on human and social aspects such as compliance behaviors. This has resulted in the development of e-commerce systems that do not incorporate regulatory requirements. Consequently, the level of exposure to cyber-risks and legal liabilities has increased and SME market competitiveness compromised (Kyobe, 2009). This chapter examines the factors influencing compliance with e-commerce regulations and e-security requirements and how these impact on e-commerce optimization in South African SMEs. It also provides some useful frameworks and checklists SME managers can use to evaluate their compliance behaviors and security practices in order to make improvement to their e-commerce activities.
Electronic Customer Relationship Management and SME Marketing Practice
Authors: McMahon Fiona , O’Donnell Aodheen
Published: May 2010

Evidence suggests that small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have failed to capitalize on the Internet to facilitate the management of customer relations (e-CRM) and the creation of competitive advantage (Chen & Popovich, 2003; Geiger & Martin, 1999; McGowan et al., 2001; O’Toole, 2001). This is attributed to a lack of influence, time, finance and specialised knowledge, (Carson & Gilmore, 2003) coupled with the reality that most Information Systems and Technology models and tools have been developed from the perspective of the large firm (Maguire et al., 2007; Poon & Swatman, 1999). Despite such constraints, it is posited that by exploring the components of e-CRM in the unique context of SME business and marketing practice that a natural synergy exists between e-CRM and SME marketing in the creation of value propositions. Specifically this is addressed through the two contributing constructs of SME marketing; namely entrepreneurial marketing and network marketing (Carson & Gilmore, 2000).
Understanding the Factors Affecting the Adoption of E-Marketing by Small Business Enterprises
Authors: El-Gohary Hatem , Trueman Myfanwy , Fukukawa Kyoko
Published: May 2010

The chapter builds on the current body of knowledge in the field of E-Marketing through a survey and organised systematic examination of the published work related to the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) and E-Marketing adoption by Small Business Enterprises. Furthermore, the chapter illustrates that although many E-Marketing adoption factors are driven from the literature of E-Marketing, as well as the technology adoption theories like TAM and IDT, only some of these factors are found to significantly affect the adoption of E-Marketing by Small Business Enterprises. This review and the results of the fieldwork research conducted by the authors will enable entrepreneurs, policy makers, students and practitioners to build a greater understanding of E-Marketing adoption in a small business context. Moreover, the chapter will help researchers and scholars in the field of E-Marketing to have a clearer view towards suitable future research studies in the field of E-Marketing that in turn will contribute to the related accumulated knowledge in the field.
Multichannel Integration for Small and Medium Retailers
Authors: Andreini Daniela
Published: May 2010

Channel marketing literature has underlined the importance and the advantages of developing a multichannel integration between virtual and physical marketing channels, but researchers have concentrated their works on retail chains and large infrastructures. This chapter studies the multichannel integration strategies for small and medium retailers, formulating a multichannel integration codification scheme and explaining the barriers and related solutions under these strategic decisions.
Open Source – Collaborative Innovation
Authors: Messica Avi
Published: May 2010

This chapter reviews the current status of Open Source (OS) and provides new insights into the prerequisites of the OS process as well as the profile of OS contributors. Moreover, it extends the scope of possible business models such to augment those that exist or were already discussed in the past. While the term OS was coined in the context of software development and redistribution, this chapter presents and discusses the concept of OS to include any Open Collaborative Innovation in both software and hardware.
Delivery in the Net Economy
Authors: Scime Anthony , Scime Anthony C.
Published: May 2010

Firms need to deliver their products. In the Net Economy, delivery often has to leave the Net and be provided through traditional means. The firm’s delivery mechanism influences the design of the firm’s Net presence. This chapter examines the pursuit of e-entrepreneurial ventures by existing businesses with specific attention on the architecture of Web portals and the delivery mechanisms of products. Additionally, outlined are features and facets of Web portals necessary to sell and deliver mark-up based and production based products and services in the B2C sector of the Net Economy. Specifically, three case studies are examined: a catalog sales/brick-and-mortar business, a financial service institution, and a travel provider.
Mentoring When Librarians Have Faculty Status
Authors: Novara Vincent J. , Brown Phillipa , Williams M. Jane
Published: May 2010

Numerous academic libraries participate in their campuses’ systems for faculty status for librarians, in separate tracks or identical tracks as those for teaching faculty. In either case, a practice is to encourage or require mentoring for librarians without tenure or permanent status. This chapter will cover the special challenges and benefits of mentoring and faculty status, the need for mentoring, and processes for best practices to make mentoring meaningful for all involved. The chapter will draw on the authors’ experiences, an environmental scan, a survey of selected institutional practice where librarians have faculty status, and published research and related literature. It will also feature mentoring programs developed by various institutions, including the University of Maryland Libraries.
Assessing Relational E-Strategy Supporting Business Relationships
Authors: Croteau Anne-Marie , Beaudry Anne , Holm Justin
Published: May 2010

As per the Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce, the estimate of U.S. retail e-commerce sales for the first quarter of 2009 was $31.7 billion. For the same period, e-commerce accounted for 3.5 percent of total sales with a value of $30.2 billion sales. As electronic business (e-business) has become essential in our economy, organizations have begun to demand a return on their investment in such endeavors (Damanpour and Damanpour, 2001). More recently, research indicates that webbased technologies enhance performance when the environmental pressures are high, the technical capabilities within the organization are well integrated, and the management team highly supports and sees value in e-business initiatives (Sanders, 2007). An extensive and diverse body of literature has been produced regarding e-business. One research angle that lacked over the years is the definition and assessment of an e-business strategy (e-strategy). Some efforts were made in evaluating e-strategy through an electronic simulation (Ha and Forgianne, 2006). Another recent research observed that human, technological and business capabilities and e-business implementation influence the business performance at various levels (Coltman, Devinney, and Midgley, 2007). However, both studies did not develop an e-strategy construct empirically tested with managers.
Ambient E-Service
Authors: Hwang Yuan-Chu
Published: May 2010

The e-services have introduced a significant wave of change in communication patterns around the world. Such e-services are capable of intelligent interaction and are able to discover and negotiate with each other, mediate on behalf of their users and reconfigure themselves into services that are more complex. In this chapter, the author explores the future opportunities and its applications of ambient eservice. Contrast to traditional e-business service delivery method, their proposed service focus on the bottom-up collaborative approach that enables e-business participants to cooperate with nearby users and encourage information sharing and experience co-creation. The notion of ambient e-service is defined to identify a new scope of mobile e-service, which address dynamic collective efforts between mobile users (enabled by Mobile Peer-to-Peer technology), dynamic interactions with ambient environments (envisioned by Location-Based Service), the moment of value (empowered by wireless technologies), and low cost service provision. Several ambient e-service application scenarios will be introduced in the following sections.
Configurators/Choiceboards
Authors: Berger Paul D. , Hanna Richard C. , Swain Scott D. , Weinberg Bruce D.
Published: May 2010

This article discusses the uses and benefits of configurator/choiceboard systems, and how analysis of data from its use can be useful to the company having such a system. Dell and other companies have greatly improved, if not perfected, the art of product customization by using a system of choiceboards or configurators (used here as interchangeable terms) that allow consumers to customize their products. A popular term for what is being accomplished by the use of choiceboards is “mass customization,” a term that not long ago may have been thought of as an oxymoron. We always had “job shops” that produced to order for individual consumers or companies. However, relatively speaking, individual customization did not occur on a large-scale basis, and was quite distinct from what was called mass production, and surely, was not routinely available online even when there was first an “online.”
Understanding the Use of Business-to-Employee (B2E) Portals in an Australian University through the Employee Lens
Authors: Rahim Md Mahbubur , Quaddus Mohammad , Singh Mohini
Published: May 2010

The focus of the existing body of e-business literature is primarily directed at Business-to-Consumers (B2C) and Business-to-Business (B2B) forms of e-business. In contrast, Business-to-Employee (B2E) is relatively less highlighted in the scholarly literature. Despite the lack of attention given to B2E systems, it represents an emerging area which has the potential to have a major impact on organisations. In general, B2E systems use intra-business networks allowing organisations to provide useful services, information, or products to their disperse employees (Turban et al., 2008). By providing easy access to relevant information, services, and products, B2E systems help in creating satisfied workforce that is expected to be more loyal to organisations (Dube, 2005). These systems also help organisations in reducing their administrative costs by streamlining employee related process (Singh, 2005) and eliminating expenses related to paperwork, postage, printing and travel (Killen Associates Report, 2001). Adoption of B2E e-business systems can even assist organisations in outperforming competitors by connecting their employees together (Hansen and Deimler, 2001).
Internet Consumer Behavior
Authors: Richard Marie-Odile , Laroche Michel
Published: May 2010

As the internet is a new medium and a new distribution channel, it is important to understand the behavior of site visitors. This requires the development of a new model of Internet consumer behavior. The model in Figure 1-1 is an original model based on Mehrabian and Russell’s (1974)SOR paradigm (i.e., stimulus, organism, response) which is explicated in this chapter and the next three ones. In this chapter we will explain the shaded areas of Figure 1
Internet Consumer Behavior
Authors: Richard Marie-Odile , Laroche Michel
Published: May 2010

In the previously, the authors covered the major stimulus variables, i.e., flow, emotions and web atmospherics, which impact the organism and response variables of the model. This chapter now covers some behavioral variables as indicated in the shaded areas of Figure 1.
The Personalization Privacy Paradox
Authors: Xu Heng , Carroll John M. , Rosson Mary Beth
Published: May 2010

Recent advances in positioning technologies, such as global positioning systems and cellular triangulation techniques, have not only provided consumers with unprecedented accessibility to network services while on the move, but also enabled the localization of services (Bellavista, Kupper, & Helal, 2008). Locatability, that is, the ability of mobile hosts to determine the current physical location of wireless devices, is thus the key enabler of an alluring mobile business operation (Junglas & Watson, 2003). In the literature, commercial location-sensitive applications and services that utilize geographical positioning information to provide value-added services are generally termed location-based services (LBS), marketed under terms like ‘Location-Commerce’ or ‘L-Commerce’ (Barnes, 2003).
Role of Personal Innovativeness in Intentions to Adopt Mobile Services – Cross-Service Approach
Authors: Sintonen Sanna , Sundqvist Sanna
Published: May 2010

Because only a fraction of new service ideas are successful, and due to the turbulence and dynamics in mobile business markets, a thorough understanding of factors underlying mobile service adoption decisions is necessary. Use of mobile communications has been increasing extensively (Watson et al., 2002). Today, an extensive selection of mobile services is available to consumers. However, consumers use mobile devices mainly for simple services, like text messaging (Nysveen et al., 2005a). In order to better understand the acceptance of mobile services, it is necessary to study behavioral intentions (i.e. antecedents of actual adoption behavior) of consumers adopting new mobile services.
Mobile Telephony as a Universal Service
Authors: Turel Ofir , Serenko Alexander
Published: May 2010

The opening quote nicely conceptualizes one of the most difficult challenges managers and regulators in the telecommunications sector face. While such individuals are not, for the most part, concerned with world-safety, they do need to address similar diversity issues in order to be profitable and to provide true universal services (i.e., reasonably priced, high quality telecommunication services to everyone who wishes to use them). Similarly to John F. Kennedy, managers and regulators understand that one-service or set of regulations that fits all may not be a wise strategy. Rather, their offerings and regulatory mechanisms are always flexible, and they cater to a heterogonous subscriber market. While wireless service providers do try to cater to different market segments by offering a variety of service packages, regulators often employ a single set of regulations that serve the entire market. On the one hand, organizations offering mobile services to individuals attempt to segment the market to maximize various performance factors, such as usage airtime, revenues, and customer base. On the other hand, policies should be in place to avoid the discrimination of specific less profitable customer categories. In fact, in the 21st century, mobile telephony has become so critical for the well-being of millions of people that it is vital to ensure the fairness of mobile services delivery.
Web 2.0
Authors: van Iwaarden Jos , van der Wiele Ton , Williams Roger , Eldridge Steve
Published: May 2010

The Internet has come of age as a global source of information about every topic imaginable. A company like Google has become a household name in Western countries and making use of its internet search engine is so popular that “Googling” has even become a verb in many Western languages. Whether it is for business or private purposes, people worldwide rely on Google to present them relevant information. Even the scientific community is increasingly employing Google’s search engine to find academic articles and other sources of information about the topics they are studying. Yet, the vast amount of information that is available on the internet is gradually changing in nature. Initially, information would be uploaded by the administrators of the web site and would then be visible to all visitors of the site. This approach meant that web sites tended to be limited in the amount of content they provided, and that such content was strictly controlled by the administrators. Over time, web sites have granted their users the authority to add information to web pages, and sometimes even to alter existing information. Current examples of such web sites are eBay (auction), Wikipedia (encyclopedia), YouTube (video sharing), LinkedIn (social networking), Blogger (weblogs) and Delicious (social bookmarking).
Managing Impressions of SME Legitimacy
Authors: Winter Susan J. , Gaglio Connie Marie , Rajagopalan Hari K.
Published: May 2010

To succeed, SMEs must create legitimacy by mimicking the cues that signal credibility to convince potential stakeholders that something stands behind their promises. This research examines the role of information and communications technology (ICT) in legitimacy-building from the perspective of both SME founders and potential customers. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face more serious challenges to their survival than do larger firms. To succeed, SMEs must establish and maintain credibility in the marketplace to attract the resources required for survival. Most borrow legitimacy by mimicking the cues that signal credibility to convince potential stakeholders that something stands behind their promises. This research examines the role of information and communications technology (ICT) in legitimacy creation from the perspective of both SME founders and customers. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in a variety of industries to determine whether the ICT-related legitimacy schema from the customers’ perspective differs substantially from that of firm founders. Results indicate that customers compare the ICT information provided in SME’s sales pitches to pre-existing ICT expectations about the nature of desirable sales transactions. We describe the relationship between violations of ICT expectations, legitimacy, and purchase decisions. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Supporting SMEs Towards E-Business Success
Authors: Eikebrokk Tom R. , Olsen Dag H.
Published: May 2010

The low e-Business implementation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is an important issue in most countries. This chapter examines the relationship between training, competence and performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and discusses the implications for practice and further research. The study combined data about e-business competences and performance in 339 SMEs with data about training supply from 116 providers of e-business related training in three European countries. The authors find a positive relationship between training, competence and performance and show that training explains variances in e-business competences and performance in terms of efficiency, complementarities, lock-in and novelty. The research contributes to theoretical development by lending support to the idea that methodological issues are an important reason behind the lack of empirical support frequently reported in the literature. The study has practical implications for public policy makers, training suppliers and SME managers.
Deploying the Internet for Leveraging Strategic Assets
Authors: Schlemmer Frank , Webb Brian
Published: May 2010

SMEs frequently suffer from resource poverty. The authors suggest that the Internet can be used to leverage their strategic assets and propose a theoretical framework with the independent variables business resources, dynamic capabilities and IT assets. Survey data of 146 small firms suggest that the Internet is complementary with business resources and dynamic capabilities but not with IT assets. This research may enable small firm managers to create competitive advantage by identifying strategic assets that are complementary with the Internet. Furthermore, the authors highlight the threat of an over-investment in IT assets at SMEsi.
Theoretical Derivations and Application Issues
Authors: Konstantinos E. Parsopoulos , Michael N. Vrahatis
Published: May 2010

This chapter deals with fundamental theoretical investigations and application issues of PSO. We are mostly interested in developments that offer new insight in configuring and tuning the parameters of the method. For this purpose, the chapter opens with a discussion on initialization techniques, followed by brief presentations of investigations on particle trajectories and the stability analysis of PSO. A useful technique based on computational statistics is also presented for the optimal tuning of the algorithm on specific problems. The chapter closes with a short discussion on termination conditions.
Applications in Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics
Authors: Konstantinos E. Parsopoulos , Michael N. Vrahatis
Published: May 2010

This chapter presents two interesting applications of PSO in bioinformatics and medical informatics. The first consists of the adaptation of probabilistic neural network models for medical classification tasks. The second application employs the unified PSO algorithm to tackle magnetoencephalography problems. Our main goal is to clarify crucial points where PSO interferes with the employed computational models and provide details on the formulation of the corresponding optimization problems and experimental settings. Indicative results are reported to illustrate the workings of the algorithms and provide representative samples of their performance.
Emerging the Evolutionary Corporation in a Sustainable World
Authors: Laszlo Alexander , Laszlo Kathia C.
Published: May 2010

This chapter explores the emerging direction of business strategy as expressed by the theoretical construct of evolutionary advantage. It begins with a backward look at the major forms of business knowledge as they developed over the last century, turning subsequently to consideration of mainstream frameworks for strategic analysis, and offering, as a compelling alternative, the emerging notions of evolutionary development and it’s corollary, evolutionary leaning. Through application of the praxis known as Evolutionary Systems Design, it is shown how an organization may cultivate strategies for sustainable success. Such strategies, based on a redefinition of that which constitutes success, foster dynamics of organizational change that reinforce life affirming, future oriented and opportunity increasing patterns of change over positions of power for both internal and external clients. The implication, therefore, is that this theoretical framework forms the emerging basis for sustainable value creation in the context of twenty-first century organizational dynamics.