bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Evaluation of a Generic Re-Purposable e-Learning Object on Data Analysis
Authors: Griffiths Jillian R. , Craven Jenny
Published: May 2010

This case describes the development of a re-purposable learning object for higher education. There is evidence of an increasingly diverse student population in UK higher education, where the sector is currently faced with re-positioning itself in order to meet the challenges of higher education in the 21st century. This has resulted in a new emphasis in education on supporting the learner, in collaboration with peers and tutors, through a lifetime of education, both within and outside the classroom. These factors, together with personal experience in teaching students data analysis have been instrumental in the formation, by the authors, of the conception of the Analyse This!!! learning object described in this case study. In June 2008 Analyse This!!! was successfully launched, and it is hoped that it will prove to be a useful resource for students and staff alike, across many different subject disciplines and across different institutions.
Addressing Online Student Learning Environments and Socialization Through Developmental Research
Authors: Cook Ruth Gannon , Crawford Caroline M.
Published: May 2010

The chapter looks at the online learners in the course to distinguish whether interactivity and an online community was established. This case study also considers the shift that took place in the learners’ focus from simply participating in an online course to reframing their understanding of the course content and whether this holistic approach reflects both the students’ and instructor’s learning objectives and anticipated outcomes. Design, development and implementation of online learning environments have predominated distance education research over the past fifteen years. Since 2006, dynamic communities of learning have begun to emerge that encompass a more expansive learning environment, addressing the needs of adult learners and their sociocultural environments as well as content materials. This study employs developmental research to examine online learners engaged within a dynamic learning community and provides detailed feedback on the strengths and potential weaknesses of the online course employed in the study.
Teaching Statistics and Operations Research Online
Authors: Juan A. , Faulin J. , Fonseca P. , Steegmann C. , Pla L. , Rodríguez S.
Published: May 2010

This chapter presents a case study of online teaching in Statistics and Operations Research (OR) at the Open University of Catalonia (UOC). UOC is a purely online university with headquarters in Barcelona, Spain, with students from many countries. As common to most math-related knowledge areas, teaching and learning Statistics and OR present difficult challenges in traditional higher education. These issues are exacerbated in online environments where face-to-face interactions between students and instructors as well as among students themselves are limited or non-existent. Despite these difficulties, as evidenced in the global growth of online course offerings, Web-based instruction offers comparative benefits to traditional face-to-face instruction. While there exists a plethora of literature covering experiences and best practices in traditional face-to-face instruction in mathematics, there is a lack of research describing long-term successful experiences in Statistics and OR online courses. Based on the authors’ experiences during the last decade, this chapter aims to share some insights on how to design and develop successful online courses in these knowledge areas.
Standardization Education
Authors: de Vries Henk J. , Egyedi Tineke M.
Published: May 2010

The purpose of this chapter is to provide insight in recent developments in standardization education. The increasing number of initiatives and activities of the last couple of years indicates that there is a momentum for education on standardization. This chapter provides a structured approach for using this momentum to further develop and implement standardization education. The main topics are: needs for standardization education, audiences and learning objectives, contents of an academic curriculum, and available materials for academic teaching. The authors found an enormous gap between manifest and latent needs for standardization education. The lesson to be learnt from some Asian countries is that this gap can be bridged. First, by a strong national policy which may be part of a regional policy. Secondly, by cooperation between government, industry, national standards body, academia and other educational institutions.
Security Policies in Web Services
Authors: Parachuri Deepti , Mallick Sudeep
Published: May 2010

Security is of fundamental concern in computing systems. This chapter covers the role of security policies in Web services. First, it examines the importance of policies in web services and explains the WS-Policy standard. It also highlights the relation of WS-Policy with other WS-* specifications. Next, it covers different facets of security requirements in SOA implementations. Later, it examines the importance of security policies in web services. It also presents the basic concepts of WS-Security policy language. WS-Security policy specification specifies a standard way to define and publish security requirements in an extensible and interoperable way. A service provider makes use of security policy to publish the security measures implemented to protect the service. Security policies can also be made customizable to meet the security preferences of different consumers. Towards the end, it discusses about the governance of security polices and also future trends in security policies for web services.
Trends in Technoethics
Authors: Rocci Luppicini
Published: May 2010

The widespread integration of electronic technologies in contemporary organizations is transforming organizational operations and how people work. This can partly be attributed to the advent of reliable technological infrastructures, increased workflow efficiency, and operational cost savings that can be achieved by utilizing electronic technologies. New electronic technologies allow organizational members to exchange more information in less time and with greater flexibility than possible through traditional means. Electronic technology common to organizations includes, but is not limited to, computer monitoring and filtering systems, surveillance cameras, IM and other chat tools, electronic mail and voicemail, Internet, audio and video conferencing tools, personal data assistants, and mobile devices. Non-work-related use of electronic technologies may include personal use of electronic technologies as well as institutional uses of counter measure electronic technologies to control personal use.
Machine Learning for Automated Polyp Detection in Computed Tomography Colonography
Authors: Miranda Abhilash Alexander , Caelen Olivier , Bontempi Gianluca
Published: May 2010

This chapter presents a comprehensive scheme for automated detection of colorectal polyps in computed tomography colonography (CTC) with particular emphasis on robust learning algorithms that differentiate polyps from non-polyp shapes. The authors’ automated CTC scheme introduces two orientation independent features which encode the shape characteristics that aid in classification of polyps and non-polyps with high accuracy, low false positive rate, and low computations making the scheme suitable for colorectal cancer screening initiatives. Experiments using state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms viz., lazy learning, support vector machines, and naïve Bayes classifiers reveal the robustness of the two features in detecting polyps at 100% sensitivity for polyps with diameter greater than 10 mm while attaining total low false positive rates, respectively, of 3.05, 3.47 and 0.71 per CTC dataset at specificities above 99% when tested on 58 CTC datasets. The results were validated using colonoscopy reports provided by expert radiologists.
Left Ventricle Segmentation and Motion Analysis in MultiSlice Computerized Tomography
Authors: Bravo Antonio , Mantilla Juan , Clemente José , Vera Miguel
Published: May 2010

Cardiac motion analysis is an important tool for evaluating the cardiac function. Accurate motion estimation techniques are necessary for providing a set of parameters useful for diagnosis and guiding therapeutical actions. In this chapter, the problem of cardiac motion estimation is presented. A short overview of techniques based in several imaging modalities is given where the machine learning techniques have played an important role. A feasible solution for left ventricle segmentation in multislice computerized tomography (MSCT) and for estimating the left ventricle motion is presented. This method is based on the application of support vector machines (SVM), region growing and a nonrigid bidimensional correspondence algorithm used for tracking the anatomical landmarks extracted from the segmented left ventricle (LV). Some experimental results are presented and at the end of the chapter a short summary is presented.
Factors Influencing the Use of Decision Support Tools of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems
Authors: Kamhawi Emad M.
Published: May 2010

Over the past few years, the marketplace and the trade press have recognized the value derived from using enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for decision making support. However, research studies have tended to concentrate primarily on the use of ERP systems on their transactional and recordkeeping aspects. This study used the technology acceptance model (TAM) to evaluate the impact of a set of individual differences (demographics, computer self efficacy, and knowledge of the system), system characteristics (relevance, terminology and screen design), and perceived benefits of the system, on the intentions to use ERP systems for decision support. A field study was used to collect data from managers working in Bahraini enterprises that use ERP systems. The results indicate that individual differences concerning age, gender, level of education, and even computer self efficacy did not influence intentions of using the decision tools of ERP systems. The only individual difference that showed significant influence is the degree of knowledge of the system. In addition, both perceived shared benefits and system characteristics had significant influence on the intention to use the system for decision support tasks, through perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. The chapt4er discusses the implications of these findings and ends with possible extensions of the study.
Identification of Critical Success Factors (CSF) and their Relative Importance for Web-Based Information Systems Development
Authors: Lee Kyootai , Joshi Kailash , Bae Mueun
Published: May 2010

Today, a majority of information systems are being developed for Web environments. It is critical to understand the unique characteristics of Web-based information systems. The main objective of this study is to identify the relative importance of factors related to the development of Web-based information systems. To accomplish this, critical success factors (CSFs) for the development of Web-based applications were identified from the literature, and organized into two main dimensions and sub-dimensions. The relative importance of the dimensions was assessed through an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method. Data were obtained in Korea from 33 experienced IT professionals representing six organizations from three different industry sectors. Respondents provided information about the relative importance of dimensions in pair-wise comparisons. As a result of the AHP analysis, information properties were found to be more important than risk control. Within information properties dimension, integrity of information was found to be the most important sub-dimension. The authors’ analysis also revealed that there is an industry effect on the relative importance of the dimensions. The results appeared to be reasonable for each industry sector given its business characteristics and nature of customer interactions, contingent on industry sectors. Based on these results, a series of research questions are suggested for future studies.
The Evolution of Online Relationships in Business to Consumer E-Commerce
Authors: Ratnasingam Pauline
Published: May 2010

The growth of business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce has gained a lot of attention among SMEs. Most B2C firms are turning their attention on how to retain new customers and are left in a situation to compete with larger firms. This chapter aims to examine the evolution and impact of online relationships in B2C firms. Drawing upon the theories of customer relationship management, e-commerce, trust and loyalty, the author develops an integrated model to illustrate the stages customers go through when shopping online and its impact on trust, hard and soft factors that reflect the level of transactional and relational components of communication thereby impacting the customers shopping time lifecycle experiences. This chapter develop a number of hypotheses to facilitate testing of the model. The author then provides a discussion of the model leading to the theoretical and practical implications of this study and directions for future research.
Factors Relating to the Adoption of Internet Technology by the Omani Banking Industry
Authors: Al-Hajri Salim , Tatnall Arthur
Published: May 2010

The banking industry in Oman is of major importance to Oman’s economy, yet Omani banks continue to conduct most of their transactions using traditional methods. A strong banking industry significantly supports economic development through efficient financial services, and their role in trying to achieve the objectives outlined by the Sultan of Oman will depend heavily on the industry’s capabilities. Omni banks will need to introduce change at both procedural and informational levels that includes moving from traditional distribution channel banking to electronic channel banking. This chapter addresses the question: What are the enablers and the inhibitors of Internet technology adoption in the Omani banking industry compared with those in the Australian banking industry? The chapter does not attempt a direct comparison of the banking industries in these two very different countries, but rather presents a discussion of Internet technology adoption in Oman, informed by the more mature Australian experience.
Extending the Balanced Scorecard for Outsourcing
Authors: Goyal Preeti , Metri Bhimaraya A.
Published: May 2010

Alliances, collaborations and networks are synonymous with strategy today. Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) is one such type of alliance. With increasing reliance on outsourcing, the organizational boundaries are blurring. The implications for the client organization can be tremendous, as it now relies on an outside organization to fulfill its operational objectives. Currently, there is no single framework, which can effectively measure performance for BPO arrangements. In its present form, the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) only addresses, the performance measurement needs of a single enterprise and any perspective on any external relationships is completely missing. The traditional BSC does not suffice as a performance measurement framework for BPO. While both the client and the vendor can use a BSC for their respective organizations, the strategic objectives of the organizations may not be met. In this chapter, the authors propose a new perspective as an extension to the BSC, namely the goals alignment perspective. Goals alignment of the two organizations will enable creation of performance measures that will help participating organizations to achieve their respective goals.
Enhancing e-Business Decision Making
Authors: Tastle William J. , Wierman Mark J.
Published: May 2010

Statistical analysis is the universally accepted method by which sense is created from raw data. Successful requirements determination is often dependent upon the gathering customer data over the Internet, and it may be largely limited to collecting the responses such as Yes/No and Likert scale categories. These data are then analyzed to identify customer trends or other items of interest to management. The data can be useful, but key to their usage is the application of suitable mathematical tools. Traditionally little more than standard statistics has been used in the analysis of ordinal, or category, data. This chapter introduces measures of agreement and dissent to the field of e-business analysis and shows how ordinal data can be analyzed in meaningful ways.
Intelligent Biometric System Using Soft Computing Tools
Authors: Shukla Anupam , Tiwari Ritu , Rathore Chandra Prakash
Published: May 2010

Biometric Systems verifiy the identity of a claimant based on the person’s physical attributes, such as voice, face or fingerprints. Its application areas include security applications, forensic work, law enforcement applications etc. This work presents a novel concept of applying Soft Computing Tools, namely Artificial Neural Networks and Neuro-Fuzzy System, for person identification using speech and facial features. The work is divided in four cases, which are Person Identification using speech biometrics, facial biometrics, fusion of speech and facial biometrics and finally fusion of optimized speech and facial biometrics.
Supporting Structured Group Decision Making through System-Directed User Guidance
Authors: Lagroue III Harold J.
Published: May 2010

This article addresses an area which holds considerable promise for enhancing the effective utilization of advanced information technologies: the feasibility of using system-directed multi-modal user support for facilitating users of advanced information technologies. An application for automating the information technology facilitation process is used to compare group decision-making effectiveness of human-facilitated groups with groups using virtual facilitation in an experiment employing auditors, accountants, and IT security professionals as participants. The results of the experiment are presented and possible avenues for future research studies are suggested.
The Applied Roles of Graphics in E-Learning
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: May 2010

In today’s modern and networked generation, sophisticated graphics are expected for learning. These digital graphics fulfill a number of learning purposes: to direct attention, to provide examples, to offer evidentiary proofs, to set a context, to introduce a personage or character, to offer an affective jolt to increase memory retention, to entertain, and others. Digital graphics work on both subconscious and conscious levels, and these effects will be examined. This chapter will enhance reader awareness of these rich and varied roles and potentially evoke a variety of creative graphical solutions.
Information and Visualization Imagery
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: May 2010

Information and visualization imagery conveys data for more effective learning and comprehension, memory retention; analytic tractability; decision-making and information aesthetics. These types of visualization imagery may be built both in simple and complex ways. Complex and live data streams may be collated and delivered via interactive tools delivered via the Web, with some bolstering simulation learning. This chapter addresses the types of visualizations used in e-learning, strategies for creating these, and the ways to avoid unintended and negative learning.
Capturing and Authoring Tools for Graphics in E-Learning
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: May 2010

A wide range of capturing and authoring tools for the raw image capture, creation and deployment of digital imagery for e-learning exists. Image information may be captured using light and sound. The digital images may be captured from realia, as in digital archival efforts; they may be wholly “born digital” and not have much relation to reality. They may be still images or dynamic ones. Some technologies offer continuous image capture and live analysis or annotation of the information. This chapter covers common capturing and authoring tools. A sidebar by Dr. Jason Caudill, a professor, addresses the use of open –source software for creating digital images.
Procedures for Creating Quality Imagery for E-Learning
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: May 2010

What features describe a quality digital image for e-learning? From concept to actualization, what steps will likely lead to more effective results? This chapter examines the various aspects of successful digital imagery in various e-learning contexts, and it includes strategies for how to identify quality objectives and to execute to achieve these. This includes ideas on how to make the digital imagery for more identifiable, transferable and usable as a visual object in a digital repository.
Building Interactive and Immersive Imagery
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: May 2010

The influence of immersive gaming and simulations on e-learning cannot be understated. While there has been some successful harnessing of interactivity and immersive spaces for e-learning, more awareness of related fundamentals may enhance e-learning. This chapter discusses the role of graphics in interactivity (live and automated) and immersion and strategies for creating effective interfaces, virtual spaces, contexts, agents, and 3D digital learning objects.
Future Digital Imagery
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: May 2010

The use of digital imagery in e-learning will likely become more widespread and pedagogically sophisticated, both in the near-term and far-term. The technologies for image capture and manipulation will allow more graphical affordances, including uses in 3D, 4D, ambient spaces, augmented realities and augmented virtualities. Visualizations will likely offer a greater variety of functionalities: more aid for real-time decision-making, more complex information streams, and synchronous real-world mitigations of crises and actions. The pedagogical strategies used around images may also grow more supportive of learning, with more shared research and teaching-and-learning experiences. More accurate labeling and storage of e-learning visuals will continue, with additions on both the privately held collections and the publicly shared resources. There may well be greater diversification of the applications of digital imagery capture, authoring, use, and sharing in different learning domains. Ideally, more professional creators of digital imagery will come online from various parts of the world to enhance the shared repository of learning for a global community.
Cost Estimation in a Capacitated Environment
Authors: Eklin Mark , Arzi Yohanan , Shtub Avraham
Published: May 2010

In this chapter we discuss rough-cut cost estimation in a capacitated made-to-order environment. We develop models that analyze the effects of shop workload, machine loading, and outsourcing decisions on product unit cost estimation. A comparative study of five alternative rough-cut cost estimation methods is presented. An activity based cost estimation model, which takes into account stochastic process characteristics as well as setup time, machine failures and product yields, was developed. The activity based cost estimation was found to perform better than the traditional cost estimation. We found that by taking into account the capacity and stochastic nature of the parameters, the cost estimation accuracy is improved significantly.
Analysis of Financial Returns and Risks of Implementing RFID for Supply Chains
Authors: Özelkan Ertunga C. , Galambosi Agnes
Published: May 2010

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is believed to change how supply chains operate today. While RFID’s promise for improved inventory visibility and automation in inventory management is making many supply chain players hopeful for increased sales and reduced operating costs, these benefits do come at a cost and involve risks. This paper presents a financial returns analysis that captures RFID’s costs and benefits, and quantifies the financial risks of implementing RFID for various business sizes and products with different unit profits to understand when RFID makes business sense. More precisely, the returns analysis is performed using an econometric model to understand how break-even sales volumes, unit profits, tag prices, return on investment, and risks vary between a manufacturer and a retailer in a supply chain. The results are extended to multi-product cases as well. A sensitivity analysis is also performed to understand the returns in pessimistic and optimistic scenarios.
Platform Support for Multimodality on Mobile Devices
Authors: Kadner Kay , Knechtel Martin , Huebsch Gerald , Springer Thomas , Pohl Christoph
Published: May 2010

The diversity of today’s mobile technology also entails multiple interaction channels offered per device. This chapter surveys the basics of multimodal interactions in a mobility context and introduces a number of concepts for platform support. Synchronization approaches for input fusion and output fission, as well as a concept for device federation as a means to leverage from heterogeneous devices, are discussed with the help of an exemplary multimodal route planning application. An outlook on future trends concludes the chapter.
Designing Mobile Multimodal Applications
Authors: de Sá Marco , Duarte Carlos , Carriço Luís , Reis Tiago
Published: May 2010

In this chapter we describe a set of techniques and tools that aim at supporting designers while creating mobile multimodal applications. We explain how the additional difficulties that designers face during this process, especially those related to multimodalities, can be tackled. In particular, we present a scenario generation and context definition framework that can be used to drive design and support evaluation within realistic settings, promoting in-situ design and richer results. In conjunction with the scenario framework, we detail a prototyping tool that was developed to support the early stage prototyping and evaluation process of mobile multimodal applications, from the first sketch-based prototypes up to the final quantitative analysis of usage results. As a case study, we describe a mobile application for accessing and reading rich digital books. The application aims at offering users, in particular blind users, means to read and annotate digital books and it was designed to be used on Pocket PCs and Smartphones, including a set of features that enhance both content and usability of traditional books.
Exploiting Multimodality for Intelligent Mobile Access to Pervasive Services in Cultural Heritage Sites
Authors: Gentile Antonio , Santangelo Antonella , Sorce Salvatore , Augello Agnese , Pilato Giovanni , Genco Alessandro , Gaglio Salvatore
Published: May 2010

In this chapter the role of multimodality in intelligent, mobile guides for cultural heritage environments is discussed. Multimodal access to information contents enables the creation of systems with a higher degree of accessibility and usability. A multimodal interaction may involve several human interaction modes, such as sight, touch and voice to navigate contents, or gestures to activate controls. We first start our discussion by presenting a timeline of cultural heritage system evolution, spanning from 2001 to 2008, which highlights design issues such as intelligence and context-awareness in providing information. Then, multimodal access to contents is discussed, along with problems and corresponding solutions; an evaluation of several reviewed systems is also presented. Lastly, a case study multimodal framework termed MAGA is described, which combines intelligent conversational agents with speech recognition/ synthesis technology in a framework employing RFID based location and Wi-Fi based data exchange.
Automatic Signature Verification on Handheld Devices
Authors: Martinez-Diaz Marcos , Fierrez Julian , Ortega-Garcia Javier
Published: May 2010

Automatic signature verification on handheld devices can be seen as a means to improve usability in consumer applications and a way to reduce costs in corporate environments. It can be easily integrated in touchscreen devices, for example, as a part of combined handwriting and keypad-based multimodal interfaces. In the last few decades, several approaches to the problem of signature verification have been proposed. However, most research has been carried out considering signatures captured with digitizing tables, in which the quality of the captured data is much higher than in handheld devices. Signature verification on handheld devices represents a new scenario both for researchers and vendors. In this chapter, we introduce automatic signature verification as a component of multimodal interfaces; we analyze the applications and challenges of signature verification and overview available resources and research directions. A case study is also given, in which a state-of-the-art signature verification system adapted to handheld devices is presented.
In Defense of Ambiguity Redux
Authors: Hayes Patrick J. , Halpin Harry
Published: May 2010

URIs, a universal identification scheme, are different from human names insofar as they can provide the ability to reliably access the thing identified. URIs also can function to reference a non-accessible thing in a similar manner to how names function in natural language. There are two distinctly different relationships between names and things: access and reference. To confuse the two relations leads to underlying problems with Web architecture. Reference is by nature ambiguous in any language. So any attempts by Web architecture to make reference completely unambiguous will fail on the Web. Despite popular belief otherwise, making further ontological distinctions often leads to more ambiguity, not less. Contrary to appeals to Kripke for some sort of eternal and unique identification, reference on the Web uses descriptions and therefore there is no unambiguous resolution of reference. On the Web, what is needed is not just a simple redirection, but a uniform and logically consistent manner of associating descriptions with URIs that can be done in a number of practical ways that should be made consistent.
Tightly Coupled Fuzzy Description Logic Programs under the Answer Set Semantics for the Semantic Web
Authors: Lukasiewicz Thomas , Straccia Umberto
Published: May 2010

This chapter presents a novel approach to fuzzy description logic programs (or simply fuzzy dl-programs) under the answer set semantics, which is a tight integration of fuzzy disjunctive logic programs under the answer set semantics with fuzzy description logics. From a different perspective, it is a generalization of tightly coupled disjunctive dl-programs by fuzzy vagueness in both the description logic and the logic program component. The authors show that the new formalism faithfully extends both fuzzy disjunctive logic programs and fuzzy description logics, and that under suitable assumptions, reasoning in the new formalism is decidable. The authors present a polynomial reduction of certain fuzzy dl-programs to tightly coupled disjunctive dl-programs, and we analyze the complexity of consistency checking and query processing for certain fuzzy dl-programs. Furthermore, the authors provide a special case of fuzzy dl-programs for which deciding consistency and query processing can both be done in polynomial time in the data complexity.
Lean Manufacturing Scenario and Role of Pervasive Computing in Indian SMEs
Authors: Tripathi Deepak
Published: May 2010

Large scale firms have been adopting various management practices to remain competitive in today’s global economy. Lean manufacturing is one such initiative, which significantly improves performance in terms of cost, delivery, quality and flexibility. Although small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a very significant role in overall manufacturing supply network, less is known about the extent to which lean is present in these firms. The present study investigates this issue by exploring the scenario of implementation of lean manufacturing in Indian SMEs. It also examines the constraints, which need to be addressed for real penetration of lean on a wider scale and the role information and communication technologies like pervasive computing play in successful implementation of this initiative. This aspect is considered important as no organization, whether big or small, can afford to neglect it in today’s business environment. The study reveals that although lean manufacturing is not implemented as a formal management initiative in SMEs, its elements could be traced with varying degrees in firms. However, a need is felt to improve upon various identified constraints, so that SMEs are able to implement it as formal system and reap maximum benefits. It is also experienced that IT solutions like pervasive computing help in improving lean manufacturing performance but Indian SMEs in general have not taken considerable initiatives in this direction.
Evaluating the Dimensions of Web-Based Software System Service Quality
Authors: Sisik Ülkü , Özer Leyla , Cerit Muhammet Mustafa
Published: May 2010

The purpose of this study is to evaluate Web-based service quality. First related literature is reviewed and then a survey is conducted to measure Web-based service quality which is provided by a Turkish firm. Study results have indicated six Web-based service quality dimensions; information quality, responsiveness, Web assistance, tangibles, empathy, and call-back. Average values of information quality and responsiveness dimensions are highest indicating that these are valued highly by respondents in determining the software firm’s service quality. Also, average values of all dimensions being greater than 3, indicates that respondents evaluated service quality as good. Dimensions do not predict overall service quality, indicating that respondents independently evaluate each dimension and the overall service quality. Overall service quality and dimensions are found as distinct constructs and overall quality affected user satisfaction.
Pervasive Computing, Firm Characteristics, and Environmental Factors Conducive to the Adoption of Activity-Based Costing
Authors: Ramadhan Sayel
Published: May 2010

The main purpose of this study is to provide evidence on the contextual featutres of firms adopting Activity-Based Costing (ABC) compared to those not adopting ABC. The study examines certain organisational and business environment variables which appear to have influenced the adoption of ABC. Based on a review of the relevant literature, it is hypothesised that firm size, the amount of overhead costs, the level of product variety, production complexity, the degree of competition, and the degree of computer usage are factors which encourage firms to adopt ABC. A list of manufacturing companies operating in Bahrain (332 firms) was obtained from the Ministry of Industry. Firms with (50) workers or more were selected for the study. The reason for limiting the study to firms with this number of workers is that small firms are less likely to be able to afford the cost of adopting and implementing an ABC system and its required changes. Total of (111) firms met this size criterion and a questionnaire was developed and distributed to the entire sample. Fifty seven questionnaires were returned completed; a response rate of (51.4%). The results of the study show that a small percentage of Bahraini manufacturing companies are adopting or planning to adopt ABC systems (26.3%). There were significant relationships between the adoption of ABC and the variables selected for the study except production complexity and the degree of computer usage. The results are consistent with previous research. However, further research using a case study approach with semi-structured interviews could be conducted in those firms which claim to have adopted ABC. This approach might be fruitful and would provide more insight in identifying the characteristics of ABC companies in the Bahraini context.
Bivariate Causality between FDI Inflows and Economic Growth in India Since 1990
Authors: Shahmoradi Behrooz , Najibzadehr Enayatallah
Published: May 2010

Nowadays, most of the countries in the world mostly concentrate on the flow of FDI, because it has direct relationship with economic development. The present study attempts to make a contribution in this context, by analyzing the existence and nature of causalities, if any, between FDI and economic growth in India since 1990, where growth of economic activities and FDI has been one of the most pronounced. The results indicate that there is a strong correlation between FDI inflows and GDP in India. And also there is unidirectional causal relation between FDI and GDP. Finally as co-integration shows there is no long run relationship between FDI and economic growth in India.
Facilitating E-Commerce Adoption
Authors: Raus Marta , Boutellier Roman
Published: May 2010

International trade conducted electronically is seen as a major driver of globalisation. We argue that the development of international electronic trade might grow faster if adequate governmental regulations support it. Based on a literature review and EU/OECD reports, we demonstrate how legislation is important for the success of international e-commerce. In particular, we focus on EU e-customs regulations and related IT systems. We show how e-customs systems might be used as a tool for e-commerce adoption facilitation. As an example we consider Switzerland as a non-EU country having to adapt its regulations to be EU compliant and therefore facilitate international trade for local companies. We analyse the situation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Switzerland, and study eight factors that can change after e-customs implementation and possible advantages yielded by such implementations. Finally, we propose factors related to e-customs implementation: increased control of the customs office, less entry errors, electronic notice of VAT assessment, data and communication standardisation, declaration possible 24 hours a day and more transparent export process; as well as three EU customs regulations: Integrated Tariff of the European Communities, Modernised Customs Code, and Community Customs Code that can enhance e-commerce adoption.
E-Commerce Trading Patterns within the SME Sector
Authors: Jones Paul , Packham Gary , Pickernell David , Beynon-Davies Paul
Published: May 2010

This study profiles an empirical study of E-Commerce trading patterns of SMEs in Wales. Academic debate continues to espouse the importance of the SME community in engendering economic prosperity and enhanced economic development although the sector also remains categorised by high failure rates. The strategic adoption of information technology offers the opportunity for increased competitiveness and enhanced profitability. Evidence suggests, however, that SMEs, particularly the smaller SME classifications, are not effectively exploiting E-business, with limited recorded examples of successful adoption. Within this study, E-Commerce trading practices are therefore contrasted against traditional non E-Commerce trading activity and conclusions are drawn on the behaviour adopted by SME Owner/Managers. The conclusions will inform Owner/Managers, policy makers, practitioners, researchers and educators involved in E-Commerce deployment in the SME sector.
Internet Marketing and SMEs
Authors: Doiron Daniel John
Published: May 2010

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been adopting the internet at a feverish pace. Recent studies have shown that up to 85% of SMEs in industrialized countries have web sites, yet less than half are utilizing these web sites to securely transact with their customers. Consumer media consumption is moving away from traditional media, like newspapers, to the internet. These revelations coupled with the growth of tools and techniques available to support online marketing, make it a perfect time for SMEs to market their web sites and ultimately succeed online. In this chapter we will present and support the hypothesis that SMEs should stop investing in their web site’s design and functionality and start investing in efforts to market their web sites online, no matter how lousy their web site may be in comparison to today’s standards. With the support of two case studies, illustrating the successful utilization of internet marketing by two very different SMEs, we will relate how a SME can effectively market their web site online. We will also discuss the tools and techniques available to help an SME successfully begin a journey of internet marketing.
Small Business Sales Growth and Internationalization Links to Web Site Functions in the United Kingdom
Authors: Williams Robert , Packham Gary P. , Thomas Brychan C. , Thompson Piers
Published: May 2010

The potential of the Internet to both geographically expand customer bases and provide a source of growth has led to a rapid embracement of the Internet by a majority of small businesses in the United Kingdom. However, many studies suggest that much of this adoption takes the form of simple websites representing little more than an electronic brochure. Although theories and models have been proposed suggesting adoption and development of e-commerce takes a staged process, with firms moving to more complex e-commerce processes after first mastering simpler forms of website, studies have found mixed evidence with regard to this. This chapter investigates the level of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) website adoption and functionality and how this relates to growth aspirations, specifically the geographical expansion of customer bases. One potential explanation for this slow uptake of true e-commerce is a lack of employees with basic and advanced IT skills. The possibility that IT skills shortages could explain the gap between the Internet’s potential and the extent of involvement by a vast majority of UK SMEs is explored. Discussion within the chapter is complemented with analysis of data from a large survey of SMEs.
ICT Opportunities Unlimited
Authors: Wakkee Ingrid , van der Sijde Peter
Published: May 2010

Previous studies suggest that the majority of global startups have no choice but to operate across borders from day one (e.g., Oviatt and McDougall, 1994) to pursue their opportunities. Yet, few studies have explored how the opportunities for such firms come into existence and drive the emergence of global startups. In this chapter, we describe the process by which such opportunities originate, starting with a universal and fluid idea and moving into an opportunity that is at first moldable but that becomes increasingly coagulated. In addition, we describe how global startups make use of ICT to embed into a global network during this process.
E-Business among Ethnic Minority Businesses
Authors: Beckinsale Martin
Published: May 2010

A small but growing body of evidence (SBS, 2004; Beckinsale & Ram, 2006) has indicated that Ethnic Minority Businesses (EMBs) have not adopted Information Communication Technology (ICT) at comparable rates to their non-EMB counterparts predominantly Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs). With EMBs accounting for almost 10% of businesses in the UK the economic impact as ICT adoption continues to further develop across mainstream markets could be highly significant. Existing UK ICT policies have also failed to engage with EMBs until the NW ICT Adoption Pilot in 2004. The current, limited body of research is fragmented, provides limited understanding and coherence on reasons of low ICT adoption and lacks exemplars upon which policy considerations may be made. Firstly, the chapter will examine and review the existing body of literature. Secondly, EMB cases that have developed ICT to a degree where they are engaging in eBusiness activity are analysed and discussed. The findings provide a number of options and guidance for EMB owners. Finally, the recommendations point to the need for improved ICT awareness, better business support provision nationally and the importance of generation and education as key drivers.
The ‘Knock-on' Effect of E-Business upon Graphic Design SMEs in South Wales
Authors: Murphy Lyndon , Jones Joanna , Swayne Huw , Thomas Brychan
Published: May 2010

This chapter depicts the current findings of an ongoing longitudinal study pertaining to e-business and the graphic design industry. The research problem can be described as identifying the extent of engagement by graphic designers with e-business. The location of the study is Industrial South Wales: Cardiff, Newport, Swansea and the South Wales Valleys with the particular focus being Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs). For the purpose of the study, the European Commission definitions relating to SMEs have been utilised (last revised 2005).
E-Fulfilment and Offshore Centres
Authors: McCarthy Simon , Thomas Brychan , Simmons Geoff
Published: May 2010

This chapter introduces the importance of the e-fulfilment industry for offshore centres and in particular the small business and economic policy implications. The extant concepts, research, and experiences the chapter builds on is the literature concerning the e-fulfilment industry. It argues that the key results, evidence, and experience, from the models that have been developed and the specific model formulated for this work, indicate reasons for the development of e-fulfilment in offshore centres with particular reference to the tax advantages provided by the Channel Island of Jersey. The limitations of the results are that they report the early findings of other work and the conceptualisation of the e-fulfilment model in this work and as a result there is a need for empirical evidence. The authors therefore plan to undertake empirical research to support the evidence that has been researched so far. Furthermore, there are important implications of the study for policy makers, small business, practitioners, researchers, and educators for the specific field of e-fulfilment developments in particular and e-commerce in general.
Market Orientation in Emerging Firms – Towards a More Rigorous Understanding of Entrepreneurial Marketing
Authors: Brettel Malte , Engelen Andreas , Heinemann Florian , Kessell Andreas
Published: May 2010

Most studies on the effect of market orientation in established and young companies have indicated a positive influence on firm performance. Whether and in what form this effect can also be found empirically in emerging firms – despite their numerous particularities – is still a largely unexplored issue. Applying rigorous procedures in the development of the measurement instrument and using a unique sample of 141 young companies, the authors confirm that market orientation does also have a significant and positive effect on the performance of emerging firms. However, results indicate significant differences to established firms regarding two aspects: (1) the items included in the measurement instrument diverge considerably from the established scales in this area, adding behavioral aspects characteristic for emerging firms and leaving aside items specific to larger organizations; (2) firms do not show a single consistent pattern of market-oriented behavior contributing to company success. Therefore, founders of emerging firms should pursue an individual way of market-oriented behavior that seems most appropriate when considering the company-specific liabilities.