bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Size Matters! Enterprise System Success in Medium and Large Organizations
Authors: Sedera Darshana
Published: May 2011

Organizations invest substantial resources in acquiring Enterprise Systems, presumably expecting positive impacts to the organization and its functions. Despite the optimistic motives, some Enterprise System projects have reported nil or detrimental impacts. This chapter explores the proposition that the size of the organization (e.g. medium, large) may contribute to the differences in benefits received. The alleged differences in organizational performance are empirically measured using a prior validated model, using four dimensions employing data gathered from 310 respondents representing 27 organizations.
A Resource-Based Perspective on Information Technology, Knowledge Management, and Firm Performance
Authors: Holsapple Clyde W. , Wu Jiming
Published: May 2011

The resource-based view of the firm attributes superior firm performance to organizational resources that are valuable, rare, non-substitutable, and difficult to imitate. Aligned with this view, the authors contend that both information technology (IT) and knowledge management (KM) comprise critical organizational resources that contribute to superior firm performance. The authors also examine the relationship between IT and KM, and develop a new second-order variable – IT-KM competence – with IT capability and KM performance as its formative indicators. Thus, this chapter contributes not only by investigating the determinants of firm performance but also by broadening our understanding of the relationships among IT, KM, and firm performance.
Experiences of Cultures in Global ERP Implementation
Authors: Brainin Esther
Published: May 2011

The chapter considers the complexities of cultural differences for global enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation. An extensive review of the literature related to societal and organizational culture is followed by a delineation of the stages of ERP implementation and the actors involved in each stage, reflecting the basic assumption that global ERP systems are not universally acceptable or effective, and that testing the cross-cultural generalizability of ERP systems in organizations will produce a managerial agenda that facilitates the implementation process. The recognition and discussion of these differences can provide a stimulus for identifying and modifying the limitations of technological implementation and use policies to improve the benefits generated by the technology. Topics of explicit concern to ERP implementation in global organizational economies related to organizational and societal culture are discussed, and suggestions for managerial mechanisms for overcoming major obstacles in this process are proposed.
Integrative Information Systems Architecture
Authors: Asprey Len , Green Rolf , Middleton Michael
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses the benefits of managing business documents and Web content within the context of an integrative information systems architecture. This architecture incorporates database management, document and Web content management, integrated scanning/imaging, workflow and capabilities for integration with other technologies.
Identifying and Managing Stakeholders in Enterprise Information System Projects
Authors: Boonstra Albert
Published: May 2011

identify and manage stakeholders engaged in the project. This article argues that this activity should go beyond the traditional ideas about user participation and management involvement. Also suppliers, customers, government agencies, business partners and the general public can have a clear interest in the ways that the system will be designed and implemented. This article proposes to apply identification, analysis and intervention techniques from organization and management disciplines in the IS field to enhance the changes for the successfulness of enterprise information system implementations. Some of these techniques are combined in a coherent method that may help implementers of complex IS projects to identify and categorize stakeholders and to consider appropriate ways of involvement during the various stages of the project.
Meta-heuristic Approach to Solve Mixed Vehicle Routing Problem with Backhauls in Enterprise Information System of Service Industry
Authors: Anbuudayasankar S. P. , Ganesh K. , Lee Tzong-Ru
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents the development of simulated annealing (SA) for a health care application which is modeled as Single Depot Vehicle routing problem called Mixed Vehicle Routing Problem with Backhauls (MVRPB), an extension of Vehicle Routing Problem with Backhauls (VRPB). This variant involves both delivery and pick-up customers and sequence of visiting the customers is mixed. The entire pick-up load should be taken back to depot. The latest rapid advancement of meta-heuristics has shown that it can be applied in practice if they are personified in packaged information technology (IT) solutions along with the combination of a Supply Chain Management (SCM) application integrated with an enterprise resource planning (ERP) resulted to this decision support tool. This chapter provides empirical proof in sustain of the hypothesis, that a population extension of SA with supportive transitions leads to a major increase of efficiency and solution quality for MVRPB if and only if the globally optimal solution is located close to the center of all local optimal solutions.
Collaborative Relationship in a Global Supply Network
Authors: de Queiroz Adriane , Primo Marcos , Pinto Marcos , Pereira Susana
Published: May 2011

The shipbuilding industry is characterized overall by make-to-order production, based on the mobilization of many suppliers for one final product’s construction. Moreover, this industry presents a global nature, because its strategic position is defined by its global position (Cho & Porter, 1986). The shipbuilding industry faces a new wave of competition, due to demand from countries for their own national fleets, the increasing growth of exports and, as a consequence, the use of naval transport as added value to foreign commerce. In this preliminary investigation, we seek to find out if local conditions favor the retaking of this industry within a country, which in turn raises another question: how should the local suppliers become interconnected so that the shipbuilding industry can become competitive globally? This study identifies types of relationship and practices adopted by the shipbuilding industry in Brazil, in order to contribute to supply network structuring based on key-suppliers’ capabilities and cooperation between players.
Using Self-Organizing Maps for Rural Territorial Typology
Authors: Santos da Silva Marcos , Ramos de Siqueira Edmar , Teixeira Olívio , Manos Maria , Monteiro Antônio
Published: May 2011

This work assessed the capacity of the self-organizing map, an unsupervised artificial neural network, to aid the process of territorial design through visualization and clustering methods applied to a multivariate geospatial temporal dataset. The method was applied in the case study of Sergipe‘s institutional regional partition (Territories of Identity). Results have shown that the proposed method can improve the exploratory spatial-temporal analysis capacity of policy makers that are interested in territorial typology. A new partition for rural planning was elaborated and confirmed the coherence of the Territories of Identity.
A Philosophical Exploration of the Concept of ‘Property’ in Genetics and Databanking
Authors: Döring Ole
Published: May 2011

The chapter criticizes arguments purporting to show that the human body could be made available in the market as property and those arguing that the concept of property could be applicable to the human bodily parts or human DNA. The author argues that the genetic information contained in matter such as DNA cannot be taken for granted as classifiable as property. There are three reasons: DNA is too personal to be commodified; DNA is of familial nature; and commercialization of DNA runs the risk of exploitation of the disadvantaged. Moreover, ethics should venture to clarify interests and stakes in the debate, with sympathy for the vulnerable rather than executing the rationales of powerful groups in economy and society.
Bringing Affect to Human Computer Interaction
Authors: Akgun Mahir , Akilli Goknur Kaplan , Cagiltay Kursat
Published: May 2011

The current chapter focuses on affective issues that impact the success of human computer interaction. Since everybody is a computer user now and interaction is not only a technical activity, users’ affective processes cannot be ignored anymore. Therefore, the issues related to these affective processes that enable efficient, effective and satisfactory interaction with computers are explored. An extensive literature review is conducted and studies related with affective aspects of human computer interaction are synthesized. It is observed that there is a need to adapt computers to people and affect is an important aspect of this trend. Likewise, human characteristics have to be reflected to the interaction. The findings of this chapter are especially important for those people who are planning to bring affect into the computerized environments.
Gender and End-User Computing
Authors: Beckwith Laura , Burnett Margaret , Sorte Shraddha
Published: May 2011

Although gender differences in a technological world are receiving significant research attention, much of the research and practice has aimed at how society and education can impact the successes and retention of female computer science professionals. The possibility of gender issues within software, however, has received almost no attention, nor has the population of female end users. However, there is relevant foundational research suggesting that gender-related factors within a software environment that supports end-user computing may have a strong impact on how effective male and female end users can be in that environment. Thus, in this article, we summarize theory-establishing results from other domains that point toward the formation of grounded hypotheses for studying gender differences in end-user computing. There has been much background research relevant to human issues of end-user computing, which we define here as problem-solving using computer software, also termed end-user programming in some of the literature (e.g., Blackwell, 2002; Green & Petre, 1996; Nardi, 1993). (See the glossary for definitions of these and related terms.) Despite this, few researchers have considered potential gender HCI issues and gender differences that may need to be accounted for in designing end-user computing environments. The most notable exception is Czerwinski’s pioneering research on the support of both genders in navigating through 3-D environments (Czerwinski, Tan, & Robertson, 2002; Tan, Czerwinski, & Robertson, 2003). Although individual differences, such as experience, cognitive style, and spatial ability, are likely to vary more than differences between gender groups, evidence from Czerwinski’s work as well as work in other domains, such as psychology and marketing, has found gender differences relevant to computer usage. In fact, some research has shown that some software is (unintentionally) designed for males (Huff, 2002). One reason gender HCI issues in end-user computing are important is that ignorance of gender issues has already proven to be dangerous: today’s low percentage of computer science females (Camp, 1997) has been directly attributed to the past unawareness of gender issues in computer science education and in the workforce. There is a risk that if gender HCI issues in end-user computing environments are ignored, a similar phenomenon could occur with female end users.
Communication + Dynamic Interface = Better User Experience
Authors: Polovina Simon , Pearson Will
Published: May 2011

Traditionally, programming code that is used to construct software user interfaces has been intertwined with the code used to construct the logic of that application’s processing operations (e.g., the business logic involved in transferring funds in a banking application). This tight coupling of user-interface code with processing code has meant that there is a static link between the result of logic operations (e.g., a number produced as the result of an addition operation) and the physical form chosen to present the result of the operation to the user (e.g., how the resulting number is displayed on the screen). This static linkage is, however, not found in instances of natural human-to-human communication. Humans naturally separate the content and meaning that is to be communicated from how it is to be physically expressed. This creates the ability to choose dynamically the most appropriate encoding system for expressing the content and meaning in the form most suitable for a given situation. This concept of interchangeable physical output can be recreated in software through the use of contemporary design techniques and implementation styles, resulting in interfaces that improve accessibility and usability for the user.
Computer-Mediated Communication in Virtual Learning Communities
Authors: Link Lisa , Wagner Daniela
Published: May 2011

Computer-mediated communication (CMC) can be simply defined as “communication that takes place between human beings via the instrumentality of computers” (Herring, 1996, p. 1) and the technology used in CMC as “media that facilitate the exchange of semantic content, transmitted through telecommunication networks, processed through one or more computers, between individuals and among groups” (Rice, 1984, p. 438). As a concomitant result of the widespread use of computers and the Internet in the curriculum of higher education as well as the inclusion of various forms of online learning, CMC has become a common communication modality in teaching and learning contexts. Although all forms of CMC can be meaningfully integrated into learning contexts, the majority of CMC at present is nevertheless text based and hence the focus of this contribution. CMC plays a pivotal role in the context of e-learning models in higher education that offer students new forms of learning that would not be possible in a traditional classroom environment. Cooperative and collaborative learning, problemoriented and project-based learning, as well as authentic learning in which real-world scenarios are simulated, are some examples. In the context of these types of e-learning models, virtual learning communities as well as smaller virtual teams are often an essential component. The learning objectives of these models are manifold, but they generally include offering students the opportunity to acquire, practice and enhance important key competencies required in their future professional work. Hence, communication and media skills as well as the ability to work cooperatively in a virtual team are just as important as the actual subject matter of the course itself.
Designing for Tasks in Ubiquitous Computing
Authors: Kimani Stephen , Gabrielli Silvia , Catarci Tiziana , Dix Alan
Published: May 2011

The traditional desktop computing paradigm has had major successes. It also should be noted that we are in a day and age where many good computer and device users are increasingly finding themselves being required to perform their activities not in offices/desktops but in real-world settings. Ubiquitous computing can make possible in the real-world setting what would have otherwise been impossible through desktop computing. However, there is a world of difference between the real-world and the desktop settings. The move from the desktop to the real-world settings raises various issues when we consider the nature of tasks that the ubiquitous devices/applications would be expected to support and the real-world context in which they will be used. A careful study of the nature of tasks in ubiquitous computing can make some design requirements in the development of ubiquitous applications more evident. This chapter proposes ubiquitous application design and evaluation considerations emerging from a deeper understanding of the nature of tasks in ubiquitous computing.
User-Centered Design Principles for Online Learning Communities
Authors: Daniel Ben K. , O’Brien David
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines current research on online learning communities (OLCs), with the aim of identifying user-centered design (UCD) principles critical to the emergence and sustainability of distributed communities of practice (DCoPs), a kind of OLC. This research synthesis is motivated by the authors’ involvement in constructing a DCoP dedicated to improving awareness, research, and sharing data and knowledge in the field of governance and international development. It argues that the sociotechnical research program offers useable insights on questions of constructability. Its attention in particular to participatory design and human-computer interaction are germane to designing user-centered online learning communities. Aside from these insights, research has yet to probe in any systematic fashion the factors affecting the performance and sustainability of DCoP. The chapter concludes with a discussion of UCD principles for online learning community to support the construction and deployment of online learning communities.
Culture and Technology
Authors: Herdin Thomas , Hofkirchner Wolfgang , Maier-Rabler Ursula
Published: May 2011

The aim of this chapter is to discuss the mutual influence between culture and technology on a broad inter- and transcultural level. Especially, how does information culture shape the meaning of information, communication, and knowledge, and consequently, the design, spread, and usage of ICTs in certain societies? Vice versa, we are interested in the ways in which the spread and usage of ICTs affect the predominating culture. We aim for a model that incorporates cultural as well as technological factors in order to provide a basis for future ICT research that goes beyond both technological determinism and social constructivism. We believe that new technologies indeed can contribute to more justice in the world in terms of access to knowledge and wealth, if sociocultural factors are taken into account more seriously. Current developments in the context of the UN World Summit on the Information Society raise awareness in this direction. At the same time, we are well aware that the loose notion and imprecise definition of the concept of culture allows for the exploitation of the term in empty political and techno-economical policies. Culture degenerates to an indispensable buzzword in the current ICT debate. This chapter is an attempt to introduce the concept of culture into the socioresponsible ICT research on equal terms with technology, economy, and society.
Human Factors Problems of Wearable Computers
Authors: Baber Chris , Knight James
Published: May 2011

In this chapter wearable computers are considered from the perspective of human factors. The basic argument is that wearable computers can be considered as a form of prosthesis. In broad terms, a prosthesis could be considered in terms of replacement (i.e., for damaged limbs or organs), correction (i.e., correction to ‘normal’ vision or hearing with glasses or hearing aids), or enhancement of some capability. Wearable computers offer the potential to enhance cognitive performance and as such could act as cognitive prosthesis, rather than as a physical prosthesis. However, wearable computers research is still very much at the stage of determining how the device is to be added to the body and what capability we are enhancing.
Device Localization in Ubiquitous Computing Environments
Authors: Huang Rui , Záruba Gergely V. , Das Sajal K.
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we will study the localization problem in ubiquitous computing environments. In general, localization refers to the problem of obtaining (semi-) accurate physical location of the devices in a dynamic environment in which only a small subset of the devices know their exact location. Using localization techniques, other devices can indirectly derive their own location by means of some measurement data such as distance and angle to their neighbors. Localization is now regarded as an enabling technology for ubiquitous computing environments because it can substantially increase the performance of other fundamental tasks such as routing, energy conservation, and network security. Localization is also a difficult problem because it is computationally intractable. Furthermore, it has to be implemented in a highly dynamic and distributed environment in which measurement data is often subject to noise. In this chapter, we will give an overview of localization in terms of its common applications, its hardware capacities, its algorithms, and its computational complexity.
Human Computer Interaction for Computer-Based Classroom Teaching
Authors: Hürst Wolfgang , Mohamed Khaireel A.
Published: May 2011

This chapter focuses on HCI aspects to overcome problems arising from technologies and applications that may hinder the normal teaching process in ICT-ready classrooms. It investigates different input devices on their usage and interactivity for classroom teaching and argues that pen-based computing is the mode of choice for lecturing in modern lecture halls. It also discusses the software design of the interface where digital ink, as a “first class” data type is used to communicate visual contents and interact with the ICT.
Wikis as an Exemplary Model of Open Source Learning
Authors: Fitzgerald Robert
Published: May 2011

In their simplest form, Wikis are Web pages that allow people to collaboratively create and edit documents online. Key principles of simplicity, robustness, and accessibility underlie the wiki publication system. It is the open and free spirit of Wikis fundamental to open source software (OSS) that offers new contexts for learning and knowledge creation with technology. This chapter will briefly consider the role of technology in learning before discussing Wikis and their development. The emerging literature on the application of Wikis to education will be reviewed and discussed. It will be argued that Wikis embody an exemplary model of open source learning that has the potential to transform the use of information communication technologies in education.
Computer-Mediated Communication
Authors: Blocher J. Michael
Published: May 2011

Advancements in information technology have transformed much in all aspects of today’s society. In particular, synchronous and asynchronous electronic communication systems support countless interactions every day. However, these communication systems have specific limitations that can cause miscommunications as well. Because of that, computer-mediated communications (CMC) has been a robust research agenda in many disciplines. This is especially true of education, where online learning has become common place in all but a few universities, thus requiring learners to interact via CMC within virtual learning environments. This chapter will use educational CMC research as a lens to promote and support an understanding of how to better utilize and facilitate electronic communication, regardless of the field or endeavor.
Personalization Issues for Science Museum Web Sites and E-Learning
Authors: Filippini-Fantoni Silvia , Bowen Jonathan P. , Numerico Teresa
Published: May 2011

E-learning has the potential to be a very personalized experience and can be tailored to the individual involved. So far, science museums have yet to tap into this potential to any great extent, partly due to the relative newness of the technology involved and partly due to the expense. This chapter covers some of the speculative efforts that may improve the situation for the future, including the SAGRES project and the Ingenious Web site, among other examples. It is hoped that this will be helpful to science museums and centers that are considering the addition of personalization features to their own Web site. Currently, Web site personalization should be used with caution, but larger organizations should be considering the potential if they have not already started to do so.
Integrating Human Computer Interaction in Veterinary Medicine Curricula
Authors: Parchoma Gale , Taylor Susan M. , Naylor Jonathan M. , Abutarbush Sameeh M. , Lohmann Katharina L. , Schwarz Kathy , Waldner Cheryl , Porterfield Sharon , Shmon Cindy , Polley Lydden , Clark Chris
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses contemporary global challenges facing veterinary educators and summarizes some of the economic, social, political, and technological pressures underlying curricular and pedagogical change initiatives. Integrating human computer interaction (HCI) into veterinary medicine curricula, as a strategy for implementing pedagogical transformation, is reviewed. Computer- assisted learning (CAL) projects recently developed at a veterinary college are described. Results of studies evaluating the effectiveness of CAL approaches to HCI integration within the veterinary medicine curricula are reported. Future research directions are proposed.
Human Factors in the Development of Trend Detection and Tracking Techniques
Authors: Chen Chaomei , Toprani Kaushal , Lobo Natasha
Published: May 2011

Trend detection has been studied by researchers in many fields, such as statistics, economy, finance, information science, and computer science (Basseville & Nikiforov, 1993; Chen, 2004; Del Negro, 2001). Trend detection studies can be divided into two broad categories. At technical levels, the focus is on detecting and tracking emerging trends based on dedicated algorithms; at decision making and management levels, the focus is on the process in which algorithmically identified temporal patterns can be translated into elements of a decision making process. Much of the work is concentrated in the first category, primarily focusing on the efficiency and effectiveness from an algorithmic perspective. In contrast, relatively fewer studies in the literature have addressed the role of human perceptual and cognitive system in interpreting and utilizing algorithmically detected trends and changes in their own working environments. In particular, human factors have not been adequately taken into account; trend detection and tracking, especially in text document processing and more recent emerging application areas, has not been studied as integral part of decision-making and related activities. However, rapidly growing technology, and research in the field of human-computer interaction has opened vast and, certainly, thought-provoking possibilities for incorporating usability and heuristic design into the areas of trend detection and tracking.
Impression Formation in Computer-Mediated Communication and Making a Good (Virtual) Impression
Authors: Switzer Jamie S.
Published: May 2011

In face-to-face interactions, people generally form impressions by focusing on a variety of nonverbal cues. Increasingly, however, people are communicating virtually and forming impressions based on mediated interactions. In an online environment, the range of nonverbal cues that normally aid in impression formation is drastically narrowed. In the absence of these nonverbal cues, forming impressions via computer-mediated communication places a greater emphasis on verbal (text-based) and linguistic cues. This chapter offers strategies to ensure virtual workers make a good impression on their clients and colleagues when interacting online.
Gender and Telework in Information Technology
Authors: Saddler Paula F. , Davis Donald D. , Selgrade Katherine A. , Major Debra A.
Published: May 2011

Information technology (IT) work is often distributed geographically through practices such as teleworking. Telework lends itself well to IT workers because they work easily with information technology, which is required for telework, and because many IT jobs consist of knowledge work—the creation and analysis of symbols and ideas—which may be done anywhere and anytime. Advances in information technology make distributed work possible. Globalization and the need for organization flexibility make distributed work necessary (Davis, 1995). Organizations distribute work to take advantage of scarce and inexpensive talent, enhance innovation and product design, and to reduce real estate costs, development time, and labor costs. Workers choose distributed work to balance work and life demands, reduce commuting time, accommodate disabilities, and take advantage of distant opportunities. Telework, a form of distributed work first described by Nilles (1975), has established itself throughout the United States. We discuss telework trends and provide some data describing teleworkers in IT professions in the United States. Four forms of telework are commonly used (see Key Terms; Bailey & Kurland, 2002; Kurland & Bailey, 1999). Most teleworkers use a combination of these forms, although home-based telework is most prevalent (Davis & Polonko, 2001). Each form of telework is practiced for different reasons and produces different work experiences and outcomes (Bailey & Kurland, 2002; Davis & Polonko, 2003; Helling, 2000). A national survey of telework practices in the United States was conducted in 2001 under sponsorship of the International Telework Association and Council (ITAC) and AT&T (Davis & Polonko, 2001). The sample was stratified to represent all U.S. households and was diverse with respect to gender, ethnicity, occupation, organization size, and industry. Results showed that there are approximately twenty-eight million teleworkers in the U.S. Compared to nonteleworkers, teleworkers are significantly more likely to be from the Northeast and West, male (54% of teleworkers), have higher education and income, work in professional/managerial occupations, work in industries such as construction, professional/ scientific/technical services, health care/social assistance, and work in very small and very large organizations. There were no significant differences in telework practice for marital status, race/ethnicity, and age.
Grounding Business Interaction Models
Authors: Goldkuhl Göran , Lind Mikael
Published: May 2011

In the information systems field there exist several theories for guiding the evaluation and design of information systems. These theories need to be transparent and harmonious. In this chapter, business action theory (BAT) as a domain ontology for business interaction and business processes is clarified by elaborating on socio-instrumental pragmatism (SIP) as a base ontology. SIP is an eclectic theory synthesizing several pragmatic theories from reference disciplines outside the IS area. One purpose of SIP is to enable seamless theorizing in the IS area. In this chapter we put forward the foundations of BAT and SIP which are then followed by grounding BAT in SIP. This grounding means that there will be an ontological clarification of BAT by specifying the social action and interaction character of business interaction.
Gender-Based Attitudes Toward Technology
Authors: Morgan Konrad , Morgan Madeleine
Published: May 2011

During the past 30 years of investigation into the ratios of males and females using technology (Harrison, Rainer, & Hochwarter, 1997), there have been consistent reports of males being more positive toward technology and being more likely to adopt the use of new technology on a voluntary basis (Volman, & Van-Eck, 2001). This trend has been reported from early school through adult life, and from diverse geographical sources (Broos, 2005; Heemskerk, Brink, Volman, & Ten-Dam, 2005). Although some scientists have argued that this pattern is changing (Colley & Comber, 2003; Durndell & Thomson, 1997), surveys continue to show an imbalance between the sexes favoring males over females (Colley & Comber; Heemskerk et al., 2005). The authors consider the consequences of this gender bias to be significant not only in terms of maximizing the whole potential workforce, but also because there is some evidence that males design information- and knowledge-based systems in ways that are different from females, and often these differences favor male users in communication and searching methods. The gender imbalance may become of increasing importance as high-technology industries, such as knowledge engineering and Web commerce, become the normal methods of conducting business throughout the global economy.
Socio-Cognitive Model of Trust
Authors: Falcone Rino , Castelfranchi Cristiano
Published: May 2011

Humans have learned to cooperate in many ways and in many environments, on different tasks, and for achieving different and several goals. Collaboration and cooperation in their more general sense (and, in particular, negotiation, exchange, help, delegation, adoption, and so on) are important characteristics - or better, the most foundational aspects - of human societies (Tuomela, 1995). In the evolution of cooperative models, a fundamental role has been played by diverse constructs of various kinds (purely interactional, technical-legal, organizational, socio-cognitive, etc.), opportunely introduced (or spontaneously emerged) to support decision making in collaborative situations. The new scenarios we are destined to meet in the third millennium transfigure the old frame of reference, in that we have to consider new channels and infrastructures (i.e., the Internet), new artificial entities for cooperating with artificial or software agents, and new modalities of interaction (suggested/imposed by both the new channels and the new entities). In fact, it is changing the identification of the potential partners, the perception of the other agents, the space-temporal context in which interaction happen, the nature of the interaction traces, the kind and role of the authorities and guarantees, etc. For coping with these scenarios, it will be necessary to update the traditional supporting decision-making constructs. This effort will be necessary especially to develop the new cybersocieties in such a way as not to miss some of the important cooperative characteristics that are so relevant in human societies.
Emotional Digitalization as Technology of the Postmodern
Authors: Hohmann Claus
Published: May 2011

This article introduces emotional digitalization as a phenomenon of future information systems. It argues that emotional digitalization is a progress that will lessen the gap between technology and humanity, as well as between computer and man. The author develops and verifies his assumption besides theoretical references arising from his experiences with the information technology within the BrandLand Autostadt.
Design Guidelines for Web-Based Courses
Authors: Berge Zane L. , Collins Mauri , Dougherty Karen
Published: May 2011

Successful course creation for the Web environment means much more than the use of documents uploaded and electronically linked together. Course content should be designed specifically for use with an interactive, electronic medium that is capable of accommodating different types of audiovisual information (Porter, 1997, p. 128). This content can include video clips, animation, sound effects, music, voiceovers, photographs, drawings, and linked and unlinked pages. It means maintaining high standards of quality while promoting accessibility, motivation, and interactivity for students who are learning in this environment. Students in Web-based courses can become problem solvers involved in real-world problems as they take responsibility for their own learning.
Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Web-Based Education
Authors: Lowther Deborah L. , Jones Marshall G. , Plants Robert T.
Published: May 2011

The potential impact of the World Wide Web (WWW) on our educational system is limitless. However, if our teachers do not possess the appropriate knowledge and skills to use the Web, the impact could be less than positive. It is evident, then, that our teachers need to be prepared to effectively use these powerful on-line resources to prepare our children to thrive in a digital society. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the impact of Web-based education on teacher education programs by addressing the following questions: • How is the World Wide Web impacting education? • Are teacher education programs meeting the challenge of producing certified teachers who are capable of integrating meaningful use of technology into K-12 classrooms? • What is expected of teacher education programs in regards to technology and Web-based education? • What knowledge and skills do preservice teachers need to effectively use Web-based education? • What instructional approaches should be used to prepare preservice teachers to use Web-based education?
Using Situated Learning as a Design Strategy for Web-Based Learning
Authors: Oliver Ron , Herrington Jan
Published: May 2011

Many writers argue for a place for the use the new educational technologies from the perspective of IT management (e.g., Holt & Thompson, 1998). This form of reasoning sees a technological, rather than educational, imperative as leading the move to embrace learning technologies. The technological imperative sees the need and place for information technologies in education being based on such organisational factors as opportunity, competition and efficiency. When such imperatives are driving change, the applications of learning technologies are more likely to be made through additive strategies which see existing strategies and methods being complemented by technology-oriented initiatives. Many writers argue for more integrated approaches which have the potential to redefine and transform the more fundamental aspects of teaching and learning (e.g., Collis,1997), that is, a pedagogical imperative. Teachers are using the Web for a variety of reasons and the extent and scope of the usage differs significantly. A majority of current Web-based learning environments have evolved from face-to-face teaching programs in the additive form described above. Typically the first step in the evolutionary process is the creation of an electronic form of existing course content. This content usually takes the form of HTML with hyperlinks to related information within and beyond the immediate course. An added feature is often a communicative element enabling interactions between learners and the teacher. What is characteristic in much of this development is the absence of any particular Web-based instructional design. The purpose of this paper is to explore a possible Web-based instructional design model that seeks to make optimal use of the opportunities and advantages of the Web as a learning environment and which can return enhanced learning outcomes.
Developing a Class Session Using Audio and Video Streaming
Authors: Bento Al
Published: May 2011

The objective of this chapter is to describe the process of creating audio and video streaming content for an on-line class session1 . An overall model of audio and video streaming is described, together with the media streaming process, in the introduction. The next parts of the chapter discuss how to create a class session with audio streaming only, audio and graphics, and audio and video. The chapter ends with a discussion on how to set up a streaming media server.
Web-Based Assessment
Authors: Alagumalai Sivakumar , Toh Kok-Aun
Published: May 2011

Meaningful learning is a positive outcome of successful teaching. Teaching can be fruitless when no learning occurs. Assessment is the intermediate check between good teaching and learning. Assessment includes both the qualitative and quantitative checks for successful learning and appropriate assimilation and integration of knowledge and experiences. This chapter reviews current trends in assessment with particular reference to Web-based techniques. Measurement models related to assessment are discussed. Current researches on Web-based computer adaptive testing utilizing common-gateway interfaces are highlighted. It also discusses technical details of how Web-based assessment are set up and implemented. Details of communication technologies currently using Web-based techniques are highlighted. This chapter concludes with a review of current research and methods in current practice on Web-based assessment techniques. Plausible uses of newer software and the requirements for parallel hardware developments are raised. The final section also argues that if teaching methods and pedagogies are changing and being modified due to developments in information and communication technologies, it would be necessary to relook at assessment. Web-based assessment presents the optimal mode for testing authentic learning and has the potential to be developed as the most common way of testing, replacing paper-and-pencil tests in the future.
A Case Study of One-to-One Video Conferencing Education over the Internet
Authors: Chan Hock C. , Tan Bernard C.Y. , Tan Wei-Ping
Published: May 2011

In a traditional classroom, students learn from the physical delivery of classes, which to a great extent depends on the teaching techniques employed by the instructor. In a virtual classroom, the physical delivery of classes depends not only on the teaching techniques chosen but also very much on the technologies used to deliver the teaching materials (Cyrs, 1994). With the increasing use of virtual classrooms, technologies have become a critical component affecting teaching and learning effectiveness (Alavi, 1994). Advances in information and communication technologies have significantly changed the ways students learn, the ways instructors teach and the means with which both parties access information (Leidner and Jarvenpaa, 1993). Virtual classrooms have been investigated in the context of tele-learning (e.g., Alavi et al., 1995; Wheeler et al., 1995) and video-conferencing (e.g., Kydd and Ferry, 1994; Webster, 1998). While such technologies have allowed an instructor to deliver formal classes to students from another geographical location, these classes can be supplemented by informal computer-mediated interaction among the instructor and students through electronic mail or bulletin boards (Leidner and Jarvenpaa, 1995). Advances in internet technologies have opened up new ways for interaction among the instructor and students. For example, the instructor can now place the course materials on the World Wide Web for students to access.
Understanding Success and Failure of Healthcare Information Systems
Authors: Heeks Richard , Mundy David , Salazar Angel
Published: May 2011

Some health care information systems (HCIS) do succeed, but the majority are likely to fail in some way. To explain why this happens, and how failure rates may be reduced, the chapter describes the “ITPOSMO” model of conception-reality gaps. This argues that the greater the change gap between current realities and the design conceptions (i.e., requirements and assumptions) of a new healthcare information system, the greater the risk of failure. Three archetypal large design-reality gaps affect the HCIS domain and are associated with an increased risk of failure: • Rationality—reality gaps: that arise from the formal, rational way in which many HCIS are conceived, which mismatches the behavioral realities of some healthcare organizations. • Private—public sector gaps: that arise from application in public sector contexts of HCIS developed for the private sector. • Country gaps: that arise from application in one country of HCIS developed in a different country.
Diabetes Mellitus - Evaluating the Diagnostic Probabilities
Authors: Armoni Adi
Published: May 2011

The article examines the behavior of the human decision-maker. It surveys research in which about 90 physicians specializing in various fields and with different degrees of seniority participated. It tackles the question of whether it is possible to found the majority of the knowledge bases of the expert systems on the Bayesian theory. We will discuss the way of decision making conforming to the probabilities evaluated according to the Bayesian theory. The logical conclusion, therefore, is that the development of a knowledge base for an expert system founded on probabilities calculated in accordance with the Bayesian theory must be carried out in a controlled manner and depend on the parameters mentioned above.
Patient-Doctor Interconnectivity
Authors: Weinberg Jerry B. , Klein Steven P. , Klepper Robert , Waxman Bernard , Yu Xudong , Anderson Daniel K.
Published: May 2011

Effective physicians must listen to their patient’s concerns, take accurate and complete medical histories, and earn patient trust and confidence. Physicians must help patients better understand their problems, and clearly communicate treatment recommendations and medical advice. Communication is a cornerstone of medical practice, while poor communication is a major cause of misdiagnosis, poor compliance of therapy, and malpractice claims (Mechanic, 1998). Telecommunication technology has created new lines of communication for patient-physician interaction. Most recently, the global computer network of the Internet has provided electronic mail (email) and the World Wide Web (Web). Email allows for a direct one-to-one communication, and the Web is used mainly as a broadcast medium for dissemination of information in a one-to-many form. Just like the Internet’s predecessor, the telephone, application and research must be done to determine how this new technology can best be used to enhance the patient-physician relationship (Mandl, 1998). The Internet provides an unprecedented level of near instantaneous lines of intercommunication. Web browser technologies provide an interface to the Internet that makes this communication accessible even to novice computer users. The combination of communication and interface technology is an opportunity to explore ways of improving patient healthcare by breaking down current barriers to quality healthcare management. Web-based communications enable a continuous interaction between physician and patients where patients can freely enter data and concerns, and physicians can address these asynchronously. With the resulting additional patient data, physicians get a more complete clinical picture, and, with the aid of trending and decision support tools, the computer can help organize and present data in meaningful ways. Patients gain a sense of partnership in their healthcare through the continuous reporting of data and more immediate feedback. This chapter discusses the design and implementation of a working healthcare management system called “Hypertension Decision Aide” or “HDA”. HDA is a World Wide Web system that provides chronic hypertension patients with data reporting, monitoring, decision support tools, and educational material. HDA provides physicians with the ability to monitor a patient’s progress between visits, view summary data, and review suggestions from decision support tools. Issues of system design, data integrity, patient confidentiality, and security will be discussed in the context of HDA.
The University of Queensland Cybrary
Authors: Schmidt Janine , Croud Jennifer , Turnbull Deborah
Published: May 2011

Students discover short cuts to scholarship Any place….. Any space….. At any pace….. At any time The University of Queensland Cybrary – Australia’s first – makes travel to a new world of knowledge easy. Students can plan their route and take advantage of short cuts, or if they prefer, take a leisurely meander and discover exciting new places off the beaten track. The Cybrary integrates state-of-the-art information technology with traditional services to create a “virtual library” in a “wired university.” From any of hundreds of high-end Pentium computers within the Library, and day or night from home or office, students can explore or target the world of information as they wish. The Cybrary pushes out the boundaries of information gathering and gives students new scope for synthesizing and processing the material they discover. The Cybrary is an indispensable, integrated approach to meet the information demands of lifelong learning and problem-based teaching. It is a powerful support for flexible learning and an enhancement to flexible teaching. The Library has taken a leadership role in applying this innovative approach to addressing the real needs of students in the 21st Century, and is working collaboratively with students and teachers to develop and refine the Cybrary as new possibilities open.