bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-Cultural Design and Usability of a Digital Library Supporting Access to Maori Cultural Heritage Resources
Authors: Liew Chern Li
Published: May 2011

Part of the worldwide appeal for digital libraries (DLs) lies in their potential to preserve cultural heritage resources, to expand access to indigenous resources, and to promote deeper understanding among user communities. As cultural heritage resources are being made into a shared worldwide collection of information resources, cross-cultural design and usability issues of DLs supporting access to such resources become critical concerns. This chapter looks specifically at issues concerning supporting access to Mâori heritage materials available in New Zealand through DL technologies. The chapter commences with an examination of the Mâori culture, the nature and forms of Mâori heritage resources and their specific requirements for representation, organisation and retrieval. It then proceeds to identify a set of critical research issues crucial to the success of such DLs. For these research issues, challenges are identified and potential strategies to meet these challenges are proposed.
Digital Governance Worldwide
Authors: Carrizales Tony , Holzer Marc , Kim Seang-Tae , Kim Chan-Gon
Published: May 2011

This article highlights the research findings of a digital governance survey conducted in the fall of 2005. The study replicates a 2003 survey of large municipalities worldwide. This longitudinal assessment, based on the Rutgers-SKKU E-Governance Performance Index, focused on the evaluation of current practices in government, with emphasis on the evaluation of each Web site in terms of digital governance. Specifically, we analyzed security, usability, content of Web sites, the type of online services currently being offered, and citizen response and participation through Web sites established by city governments. Based on the 2005 evaluation of 81 cities, Seoul, New York, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Sydney represent the highest performing cities in digital governance. There were only slight changes in the top five cities when compared to the 2003 study. Moreover, there continues to be a divide in terms of digital governance throughout the world among the 30 developed nations belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and non-OECD member nations.
Mobile Communications and Mobile Commerce
Authors: Dholakia Nikhilesh , Rask Morten , Dholakia Ruby Roy
Published: May 2011

In this keynote chapter, we provide an overview of the emerging global landscape of mobile communications and mobile commerce, circa 2005. We introduce the four core CLIP functionalities — communications (C), locatability (L), information (I), exchange and payment (P) facilitation — on which mobile commerce systems and services are based. We then explore the various requirements for creating successful mobile commerce portals, or m-portals, using the CLIP functionalities as well as ways for personalization, permission and specification of service formats and content.
An Innovation Adoption Study of Online E-Payment in Chinese Companies
Authors: He Qile , Duan Yanqing , Fu Zetian , Li Daoliang
Published: May 2011

Adoption of IT innovations is attracting increasing attention. Researchers are particularly interested in factors that affect the adoption of IS and IT innovations. Innovation diffusion theory is used frequently to evaluate the effect of perceived innovation attributes and the adoption of innovations. Nevertheless, explanatory power of perceived innovation attributes varies across different innovations. Given the importance of online e-payment to the further development of e-commerce and its importance as a payment innovation, this research examines the adoption of online e-payment by business enterprises using Rogers’ relational model of perceived innovation attributes and rate of adoption. The findings indicate that only perceived compatibility has significant influence on online e-payment adoption of Chinese companies. It is hoped that this research can help other researchers with related statistical procedures and analytical steps in their study of IS/IT adoption using innovation diffusion theory.
Applications
Authors: Tyan Jonah C.
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces the applications of collaborative transportation and consolidation management in global third-party logistics. These practices are driven by the quest to improve service and reduce cost simultaneously under an e-commerce model of global supply chain management. The detailed development and elements of collaborative transportation and consolidation models are discussed along with case illustrations. Furthermore, a quantitative model using mathematical programming is developed to examine various consolidation policies in a global third-party logistics provider. A case using collaborative consolidation management is presented, and the results show a 6.6% and 18.2% improvement for service and cost comparing with existing practice. The collaborative principles and developed consolidation model can be a useful reference for similar applications.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Authors: Malina Anna , Macintosh Ann
Published: May 2011

Examined in this chapter is action to address the “digital divide,” and possibilities for extending e-democracy to support wider democratic participation using ICT in local communities. We describe current approaches in Scotland for tackling the digital divide, and we discuss the concept of wired communities. We also refer to “Digital Scotland” initiatives, and we outline the aims and expected outcomes from Scotland’s “Digital Communities” projects. Finally, we suggest how action research could extend electronic democratization into the two digital communities being created in Scotland. The research work we suggest would provide a framework in which to better appreciate the significance of technology in supporting e-democracy at local community levels, and in so doing, contribute knowledge to strategy and planning policies and social and digital inclusion agendas in Scotland.
Computing in a New Zealand Urban Community
Authors: Crump Barbara J. , Logan Keri , McIlroy Andrea
Published: May 2011

Governments and international organisations have expressed concern regarding what has been labeled the digital divide, that is, the gap between those people who have access to, and the ability to use, modern information technologies—such as computers, the Internet, e-mail, and other mobile technologies, often referred to as information communication technologies (ICTs)—and those who do not. As a result a range of measures have been put in place by public agencies in an attempt to reduce the inequities between the “haves” and the “have nots”. One strategy which has commonly been used is the establishment of free and easy access to computing and Internet facilities within communities identified as needing such assistance. In Wellington, New Zealand, a project called Smart Newtown has been implemented whereby free public access to computers and the Internet and free introductory classes are made available to all citizens. The researchers were employed to evaluate the implementation and sustainability of this project and this chapter discusses how, over a period of three years, the participation of women has changed. The questions asked were “How did the women benefit from their attendance?” and “What caused this change in participation?” The article begins with a brief background on gender and ICTs, followed by a short review of the literature regarding the digital divide and community computing. One of the successful computing centers in the Smart Newtown project is then examined from a gender viewpoint.
Web-Based Data Collection in China
Authors: Davison Robert M. , Li Yuan , Kam Carol S.P.
Published: May 2011

Many large organizations are increasingly outsourcing their IT functions. Factors like lower costs, improved productivity, higher quality, higher customer satisfaction, and ability to focus on core areas are some of the benefits of outsourcing. However, there are many challenges and risks associated with IT outsourcing. In this article, we identify the main risk factors and best practices in global IT outsourcing. In addition, we delve into some important issues on IT outsourcing, particularly the challenges along with benefits. Finally, we present case studies of two Global 200 organizations and validate some of the claims made by previous researchers on IT outsourcing. This study will help the management to identify the risk factors and take the necessary remedial steps. Hence, this study is timely and relevant from both an academic and a practitioner’s perspective.
E-Government, Democratic Governance and Integrative Prospects for Developing Countries
Authors: Roy Jeffrey P.
Published: May 2011

The objectives of this chapter are threefold: first, to first provide a conceptual framework for understanding e-government as a set of four, interrelated dimensions of public sector change; secondly, to consider the relevance and applicability of this framework for both developed and developing nations; and thirdly, to explore the interface between domestic and transnational governance reforms in an increasingly digital era. The world in the twenty-first century needs a globally federated governance architecture, the design of which must include social, economic, political and technological considerations. This strengthened focus on transnational governance systems must also be joined by the recognition of the dysfunctional nature of the present system of bilateral international assistance programs among countries. With improved governance conditions of transparency and trust transnationally – facilitated in part by a much more politically creative and aggressive use of new technologies, the resources allocated by each country across their various recipients would serve both developing nations and the world as a whole if they were pooled and coordinated through new transnational mechanisms.
E-Learning at the Polytechnic University of Valencia
Authors: Naharro Susana Martínez , Labarta Mónica Alagón
Published: May 2011

Since 2000, the Open Polytechnic University has been working at e-learning methods as a commitment to introduction of Communication Technologies into training process. The development of grade and postgraduate subjects was a specific way of putting it into practice. The figures support our work; 200 courses have been developed at the moment and more than 10,000 students are using our e-learning platform. The future looks brilliant for e-learning when the development course process is a quality procedure and the contents are designed for online training purposes. Teachers must consider the online training materials differently from other training materials as there are distinct and specific pedagogical aspects to bear in mind; this is the reason why they follow the pedagogical modules structure designed by the Open Polytechnic University. On the other hand, teachers from the Polytechnic University of Valencia can take advice from the Open Polytechnic University in order to apply new technologies to their courses. The Open Polytechnic University offers training to teachers in e-learning and give them resources to improve their skills in order to teach their subjects by means of an e-learning platform. The courses development process at the Open Polytechnic University is a process called “stages and experts,” because several expert agents are involved. They work together in a multidisciplinary model that gives quality to the courses--a quality that is proven by the Open Polytechnic University stamp. All this process is based on our own author tool, e-learning platform, and pedagogical methodology.
Inter-Governmental Relations in the Provision of Local E-Services
Authors: Kelso Robert
Published: May 2011

Australia is a nation of 20 million citizens occupying approximately the same land mass as the continental U.S. More than 80% of the population lives in the state capitals where the majority of state and federal government offices and employees are based. The heavily populated areas on the Eastern seaboard, including all of the six state capitals have advanced ICT capability and infrastructure and Australians readily adopt new technologies. However, there is recognition of a digital divide which corresponds with the “great dividing” mountain range separating the sparsely populated arid interior from the populated coastal regions (Trebeck, 2000). A common theme in political commentary is that Australians are “over-governed” with three levels of government, federal, state, and local. Many of the citizens living in isolated regions would say “over-governed” and “underserviced.” Most of the state and local governments, “… have experienced difficulties in managing the relative dis-economies of scale associated with their small and often scattered populations.” Rural and isolated regions are the first to suffer cutbacks in government services in periods of economic stringency. (O’Faircheallaigh, Wanna, & Weller, 1999, p. 98). Australia has, in addition to the Commonwealth government in Canberra, two territory governments, six state governments, and about 700 local governments. All three levels of government, federal, state, and local, have employed ICTs to address the “tyranny of distance” (Blainey, 1967), a term modified and used for nearly 40 years to describe the isolation and disadvantage experienced by residents in remote and regional Australia. While the three levels of Australian governments have been working co-operatively since federation in 1901 with the federal government progressively increasing its power over that time, their agencies and departments generally maintain high levels of separation; the Queensland Government Agent Program is the exception.
Minorities and the Digital Divide
Authors: Kvasny Larry P.
Published: May 2011

Information and communication technologies (ICT) such as the World Wide Web, e-mail, and computers have become an integral part of America’s entertainment, communication, and information culture. Since the mid-1990s, ICT has become prevalent in middle- and upper-class American households. Companies and government agencies are increasingly offering products, services, and information online. Educational institutions are integrating ICT in their curriculum and are offering courses from a distance.
The Digital Divide in Australia
Authors: Rooksby Emma , Wekert John , Lucas Richard
Published: May 2011

In this paper, the authors examine the problem of the digital divide in Australia, drawing substantially on a study by carried out for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government by the authors. While this study was limited to the ACT region, many of the findings are relevant to rural areas across Australia as well, and also to rural areas of other developed countries. The authors conclude that there is a digital divide problem in Australia, and discuss some initiatives taken to date to address the problem.
Social Institutional Explanations of Global Internet Diffusion
Authors: Zhao Hongxin , Kim Seung , Suh Taewon , Du Jianjun
Published: May 2011

This study attempts to examine empirically how social institutional factors relate to Internet diffusion in 39 countries. Based on nine-year cross-country data, the analytical results show that the rule of law, educational systems, and industrialization significantly influenced the global Internet diffusion, while the economic system did not exert significant impact. Uncertainty avoidance as a national cultural phenomenon significantly inhibited the Internet diffusion. This significant and negative effect is particularly true with less developed countries (LDCs).
Several Approaches to Variable Selection by Means of Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Pose Marcos Gestal , Carollo Alberto Cancela , Andrade Garda José Manuel , Gomez-Carracedo Mari Paz
Published: May 2011

This chapter shows several approaches to determine how the most relevant subset of variables can perform a classification task. It will permit the improvement and efficiency of the classification model. A particular technique of evolutionary computation, the genetic algorithms, is applied which aim to obtain a general method of variable selection where only the fitness function will be dependent on the particular problem. The solution proposed is applied and tested on a practical case in the field of analytical chemistry to classify apple beverages.
The Agent-Oriented Methodology MAS-CommonKADS
Authors: Iglesias Carlos A. , Garijo Mercedes
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces the main concepts of the methodology MAS-CommonKADS that extends object-oriented and knowledge engineering techniques for the conceptualisation of multi-agent systems. MAS-CommonKADS defines a set of models (Agent Model, Task Model, Expertise Model, Coordination Model, Communication Model, Organisation Model, and Design Model) that together provide a model of the problem to be solved. Each of the components of the model is a generic component for the sake of reusability. Readers familiar with object-oriented analysis will find it easy to apply most of the techniques of MAS-CommonKADS in the development of multi-agent systems and will be introduced to the application of knowledge engineering techniques for specifying the knowledge of the agents.
From Requirements to Code with PASSI Methodology
Authors: Cossentino Massimo
Published: May 2011

A Process for Agent Societies Specification and Implementation (PASSI) is a step-by-step requirement-to-code methodology for designing and developing multi-agent societies, integrating design models and concepts from both object-oriented (OO) software engineering and artificial intelligence approaches using the UML notation. The models and phases of PASSI encompass representation of system requirements, social viewpoint, solution architecture, code production and reuse, and deployment configuration supporting mobility of agents. The methodology is illustrated by the well-known Bookstore case study.
Differential Association Rules
Authors: Besemann Christopher , Denton Anne , Yekkirala Ajay , Hutchison Ron , Anderson Mark
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we discuss the use of differential association rules to study the annotations of proteins in one or more interaction networks. Using this technique, we find the differences in the annotations of interacting proteins in a network. We extend the concept to compare annotations of interacting proteins across different definitions of interaction networks. Both cases reveal instances of rules that explain known and unknown characteristics of the network(s). By taking advantage of such data mining techniques, a large number of interesting patterns can be effectively explored that otherwise would not be.
Semantic Knowledge Mining Techniques for Ubiquitous Access Media Usage Analysis
Authors: Garofalakis John , Giannakoudi Theodoula , Panagis Yannis , Sakkopoulos Evangelos , Tsakalidis Athanasios
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, an information acquisition system is proposed which aims to provide log analysis, dealing with ubiquitous access media, by use of semantic knowledge. The lately emerging figure of the semantic Web, the ontologies, may be used to exalt the Web trails to a semantic level so as to reveal their deeper usage information. The proposed architecture, which is presented in detail, intends to overcome mobile devices’ trail duplicates problems and detect semantic operations similarity of server Web services, which are often composed to provide a function. The references that supplement the chapter provide publications that discuss mainly log file mining and analysis and semantic similarity. Useful technology-used URL resources are also provided.
Building Artificially Intelligent Learning Games
Authors: Van Eck Richard
Published: May 2011

The idea of digital game-based learning (DGBL) is gaining acceptance among researchers, game designers, educators, parents, and students alike. Building new educational games that meet educational goals without sacrificing what makes games engaging remains largely unrealized, however. If we are to build the next generation of learning games, we must recognize that while digital games might be new, the theory and technologies we need to create DGBL has been evolving in multiple disciplines for the last 30 years. This chapter will describe an approach, based on theories and technologies in education, instructional design, artificial intelligence, and cognitive psychology, that will help us build intelligent learning games (ILGs).
Applying Information Gathering Techniques in Business-to-Consumer and Web Scenarios
Authors: Camacho David
Published: May 2011

The last decade has shown the e-business community and computer science researchers that there can be serious problems and pitfalls when e-companies are created. One of the problems is related to the necessity for the management of knowledge (data, information, or other electronic resources) from different companies. This chapter will focus on two important research fields that are currently working to solve this problem — Information Gathering (IG) techniques and Web-enabled Agent technologies. IG techniques are related to the problem of retrieval, extraction and integration of data from different (usually heterogeneous) sources into new forms. Agent and Multi-Agent technologies have been successfully applied in domains such as the Web. This chapter will show, using a specific IG Multi-Agent system called MAPWeb, how information gathering techniques have been successfully combined with agent technologies to build new Web agent-based systems. These systems can be migrated into Business-to-
Ant Colony Algorithms for Steiner Trees
Authors: Singh Gurdip , Das Sanjoy , Gosavi Shekhar V. , Pujar Sandeep
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces ant colony optimization as a method for computing minimum Steiner trees in graphs. Tree computation is achieved when multiple ants, starting out from different nodes in the graph, move towards one another and ultimately merge into a single entity. A distributed version of the proposed algorithm is also described, which is applied to the specific problem of data-centric routing in wireless sensor networks. This research illustrates how tree based graph theoretic computations can be accomplished by means of purely local ant interaction. The authors hope that this work will demonstrate how innovative ways to carry out ant interactions can be used to design effective ant colony algorithms for complex optimization problems.
Artificial Intelligence in Electricity Market Operations and Management
Authors: Dong Zhao Yang , Saha Tapan Kumar , Wong Kit Po
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces advanced techniques such as artificial neural networks, wavelet decomposition, support vector machines, and data-mining techniques in electricity market demand and price forecasts. It argues that various techniques can offer different advantages in providing satisfactory demand and price signal forecast results for a deregulated electricity market, depending on the specific needs in forecasting. Furthermore, the authors hope that an understanding of these techniques and their application will help the reader to form a comprehensive view of electricity market data analysis needs, not only for the traditional time-series based forecast, but also the new correlation-based, price spike analysis.
Channel Choices and Revenue Logistics of Software Companies Developing Mobile Games
Authors: Rajala Risto , Rossi Matti , Ruunainen Virpi Kristiina , Vihinen Janne
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we explore the revenue logics and related product distribution models of mobile game developer companies. Mobile gaming is facing a transformation in both technical infrastructures and business models as it grows at a very fast pace. The former change originates from the technological shift of the environment of use; for example, from specific game consoles toward mobile phone platforms. The latter change relates to the possibility of delivering and playing games online, which affects both the distribution partnerships and the revenue stream options of mobile game vendors. We present a set of possible business models for game developers and concentrate on the possible combinations of revenue logics and distribution models for different games.
You're in My World Now. Ownership and Access in the Proprietary Community of an MMOG
Authors: Humphreys Sal
Published: May 2011

This chapter considers how the interactive and social nature of massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) presents challenges to systems of organisation, control, and regulation used for more conventional media products. It examines how the interactive structures of games cast players as producers of content, not merely consumers. This productive role creates a distributed production network that challenges the ideas of authorship which underpin copyright and intellectual property. The role of the publishers is shown to encompass community as well as intellectual property management. The communities generated within these games are a key source of economic benefit to the publishers. The contract that determines the conditions of access and the forms of governance inside proprietary worlds is considered in light of this newly intensified relationship between commerce and community. Questions are raised about the accountability of publishers, the role of the market, and the state in determining conditions of access.
Deception in Electronic Goods and Services
Authors: Rowe Neil C.
Published: May 2011

Deception is a frequent but under appreciated aspect of human society (Eckman, 2001). Deception in electronic goods and services is facilitated by the difficulty of verifying details in the limited information available in cyberspace (Mintz, 2002). Fear of being deceived (often unjustified) is in fact a major obstacle to wider use of e-commerce and e-government by the public. One survey reported consumers thought fraud on the Internet was 12 times more common than offline fraud, and 3 out of 5 people thought their credit card number could be stolen in most online transactions (Allen, 2001); both are overestimates. We assess here the nature of the deception threat, how deception can be detected, and what can be done about it.
Mobile Commerce Security and Payment Methods
Authors: Lee Chung-wei , Kou Weidong , Hu Wen-Chen
Published: May 2011

Without secure commercial information exchange and safe electronic financial transactions over mobile networks, neither service providers nor potential customers will trust mobile commerce. Various mobile security procedures and payment methods have been proposed and applied to mobile commerce, and this chapter attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of them. A secure mobile commerce system must have the following properties: (i) confidentiality, (ii) authentication, (iii) integrity, (iv) authorization, (v) availability, and (vi) non-repudiation. This chapter discusses the security issues related to the following three network paradigms: (i) wireless local area networks, (ii) wireless wide area networks, and (iii) WAP. Among the many themes of mobile commerce security, mobile payment methods are probably the most important. A typical mobile payment process includes: (i) registration, (ii) payment submission, (iii) authentication and authorization by a content provider, and (iv) confirmation. This chapter also describes a set of standards for mobile payments.
Developing Intelligent Semantic Web Services
Authors: Lee Sam
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces an approach to the development of intelligent Semantic Web services, which are envisioned as system cells that actively discover, learn, and communicate knowledge on the Web. The development of these systems often involves not only standardized Web technology, but also the integration of heterogeneous information. The approach in this chapter adopts the Semantic Web services specifications that are given by the DARPA agent markup language (DAML) program, utilizes a system behavior model to represent an intelligent agent, and proposes a high degree of automatic synthesis using code generation and program templates. The author reviews the various techniques that are available to aid the development process, and provides an example to illustrate the stages of software synthesis in the development of such systems.
Business Process Analysis
Authors: Fisteus Jesús Arias , Kloos Carlos Delgado
Published: May 2011

Business-process management (BPM) is nowadays a key technology for the automation and support of processes in medium-sized and large organizations. This technology has been successfully applied to business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce since the ’90s, and it is now being applied also in e-government for the management of administrative procedures. As stated in Aalst, Hofstede, and Weske (2003), the origins of BPM technologies can be found in the ’70s with the research on office information systems. Research in this area was almost stopped in the ’80s, but it rose again in the ’90s under the name of work-flow management. Now it is evolving with a more integral approach and a new name: BPM. It is defined in Aalst, Hofstede, and Weske (2003, p. 4) as “supporting business processes using methods, techniques, and software to design, enact, control, and analyze operational processes involving humans, organizations, applications, documents and other sources of information.” The main functionalities provided by a BPM system are defining business processes, automatically enacting them, controlling their enactment, and analyzing them. This article is focused on the last functionality: business-process analysis (BPA). BPA can be defined as a set of technologies that provide support for obtaining relevant properties of business-process models in order to reason about them, detect functional errors, or improve their performance. BPA was a neglected area in the work-flow management systems developed in the ’90s. Will van der Aalst (1998) was one of the first researchers in this field. He proposed the use of petri nets for modeling business processes and the application of the analysis theory developed for this formalism to demonstrate the correctness of the developed processes, analyze performance, and so forth. Since then, other approaches, based on formal methods, were proposed. BPA is important for BPM because it provides the technology for improving the reliability and efficiency of the business process of organizations. Reliability considerably reduces expenses caused by errors in transactions. Efficiency reduces expenses caused by an inefficient use of resources and can improve the satisfaction of customers. The next section provides a background on the most important analysis technologies: functional verification and performance measuring. Then, the discussion is focused on functional verification. An overview on how different authors applied functional verification to business processes is presented. Then these works are analyzed and an open, modular, and extensible architecture for the functional verification of business processes is presented. Later, the future trends on this topic are outlined. Finally, the conclusion highlights the main concepts introduced in this article.
Outsourcing Information Technology
Authors: Hoffman James J. , Walden Eric A. , Hoelscher Mark L.
Published: May 2011

The current chapter explores the role that one factor, social capital, may have on the success of IT outsourcing. It extends current understanding of outsourcing success and failure by examining the effect of social capital on outsourcing success. The chapter proposes that social capital has potential impact on information technology (IT) outsourcing success. Specifically, it is theorized that social capital has an inverted “U” shape relationship with outsourcing success.
Virtualization as a Process of Transformation of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Global Virtual Organization
Authors: Kisielnicki Jerzy
Published: May 2011

The chapter is devoted to the subject the transformation of SMEs due to the application of Information Technology (IT). These enterprises, despite their significant position in local economies, had limited possibilities while competing with large-scale enterprises (LSE) on the global market. Consequently, their role more and more often was reduced to the role of satellites. The use of IT has allowed SMEs to transform into virtual organizations and in this form succeed in the global market. The author has focused on the analysis of the following problems: virtualization as a direction of the development of SME, analysis of its strengths and weaknesses, and new opportunities and risks face medium-scale small construction enterprise that, by using information technology and creating a virtual organization, was able to defeat a large-scale enterprise (LSE) in an international tender for construction of a hotel complex.
Jurisdiction in B2C E-Commerce Dispute within European Union
Authors: Eang Ong Chin
Published: May 2011

E-commerce jurisdiction has always been an issue because e-commerce exists in a borderless environment, and this e-environment diminishes the importance of physical location and locality. This imposes a great concern over which country’s jurisdiction to engage when disputes occur between business and consumer in the e-environment. This is crucial when the consumer is seeking “redress” as there is always the question as to where a court action should be brought in. The current jurisdictions by the European Commission (EC) within the European Union (EU), The E-Commerce Directive—Country of Origin, and Rome II are still in the drafting process. These legislations are not the total solution. This paper reviews the issue of current jurisdiction, whether there is a need to call for a single jurisdiction, and what complications arise when seeking redress in this borderless e-environment. This paper also raises important issues that relate to the gaps and loopholes that exist in Country of Origin and Rome II.
Investigating the Impact of Customer Relationship Management Practices of E-Commerce on Online Customer's Web Site Satisfaction
Authors: Lee Su-Fang , Jih Wen-Jang ("Kenny") , Fang Shyh-Rong
Published: May 2011

This study addresses the effect of customer relationship management (CRM) practices on online customers’ satisfaction with their experience in interacting with the company Web sites. Recognizing the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with customers, companies are actively seeking ways to enhance the customer value of their offerings through relationship marketing. Since effective managing of customer relationships essentially involves managing customer information flow, Internet technologies have become an important element of a firm’s CRM program. The company Web site is functioning as the focal point of contact for interacting with existing and prospective customers. An important concern is how the company Web site affects customers’ overall perception of the Web site. Using the concepts of Internet-mediated market orientation in marketing and user satisfaction in information systems, this study formulated and validated a theoretical model to analyze causal relationships between CRM practices, customers’ perception of a Web site’s online customer orientation and online customer Web site satisfaction. Based on the structural equation modeling analysis of the primary data collected in Taiwan, the study found that CRM practices positively impact online customers’ Web site satisfaction through their perception of the Web site’s customer orientation.
E-Business Models in B2B
Authors: Raisinghani Mahesh , Melemez Turan , Zou Lijie , Paslowski Chris , Kikvidze Irma , Taha Susanne , Simons Klaus
Published: May 2011

The business models in the business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce and their effectiveness have been a major topic of research in the recent years. Due to the variety of existing models, it seems difficult to find a widely accepted categorization that can be analysed and assessed. An in-depth study that provides a process-based approach to B2B e-commerce is presented and illustrated with examples from industry. A comparative examination of both the buy and the sell side based on a process-related approach provides extensive insights for further comparative research and evaluation of products/services and models. Selling services and e-procurement using Web-electronic data interchange (EDI) as sub-models are clarified using real-world examples. Problems and trends in the B2B area form the conclusion of the examination with suggestions for further research.
Contextualized Learning
Authors: Specht Marcus
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents an overview of research work for contextualized learning, integrating the background of adaptive hypermedia, ubiquitous computing, and current research on mobile learning systems that enable support for contextualized learning. Several examples for new learning paradigms are analyzed on their potential for mobile learning and contextualization. In the second part, examples for systems that integrate mobile learning solutions in existing learning systems for schools and working context are presented. The RAFT project realizes application for computer-based field trip support and shows an integration of m-learning tools in an established teaching method of school field trips. The SMILES prototype shows the integration of e-learning services and its stakeholders with mobile learning technology.
Architecture, Specification, and Design of Service-Oriented Systems
Authors: Kral Jaroslav , Zemlicka Michal
Published: May 2011

Service-oriented software systems (SOSS) are becoming the leading paradigm of software engineering. The crucial elements of the requirements specification of SOSSs are discussed as well as the relation between the requirements specification and the architecture of SOSS. It is preferable to understand service orientation not to be limited to Web services and Internet only. It is shown that there are several variants of SOSS having different application domains, different user properties, different development processes, and different software engineering properties. The conditions implying advantageous user properties of SOSS are presented. The conditions are user-oriented interfaces of services, the application of peer-to-peer philosophy, and the combination of different technologies of communication between services (seemingly the obsolete ones inclusive), and autonomy of the services. These conditions imply excellent software engineering properties of SOSSs as well. Service orientation promises to open the way to the software as a proper engineering product.
Combining Tailoring and Evolutionary Software Development for Rapidly Changing Business Systems
Authors: Eriksson Jeanette , Dittrich Yvonne
Published: May 2011

This article reports on a case study performed in cooperation with a telecommunication provider. The telecom business changes rapidly as new services are continuously introduced. The rapidly changing business environment demands that the company has supportive flexible software. The company’s continuous evolution of the IT-infrastructure makes it necessary to tailor the interaction between different applications. The objective of the case study was to explore what is required to allow end-users to tailor the interaction between flexible applications in an evolving IT-infrastructure. The case study followed a design research paradigm where a prototype was created and evaluated from a use perspective. The overall result shows that allowing end-users to tailor the interaction between flexible applications in an evolving IT infrastructure relies on, among other things, an organization that allows cooperation between users and developers that supports both evolution and tailoring.
Importance of Interface Agent Characteristics from End-User Perspective
Authors: Serenko Alexander
Published: May 2011

This article reports on an empirical investigation of user perceptions of the importance of several characteristics of interface agents. Interface agents are software entities that are incorporated into various computer applications, including electronic mail systems. As evidenced by the growing body of empirical studies and the increasing number of interface agent-based applications on the software market, there is a strong need for the development of this technology. According to a meta-review of agent-related literature by Dehn and van Mulken (2000), there are several characteristics of interface agents that require special attention from agent developers. However, prior to this study, the importance of these characteristics from the end-user perspective remained unclear. In order to identify the significance of these characteristics, a group of actual users of an e-mail interface agent was surveyed. The results indicate that information accuracy and the degree of the usefulness of an agent are the most salient factors, followed by user comfortability with an agent, the extent of user enjoyment, and visual attractiveness of an agent. The implications of the findings for both theory and practice are discussed.
Mobility and Multimodal User Interfaces
Authors: Pavlovski Christopher J. , Mitchell Stella
Published: May 2011

In this article we discuss multimodal technologies that address the technical and usability constraints of the mobile phone or PDA. These environments pose several additional challenges over general mobility solutions. This includes computational strength of the device, bandwidth constraints, and screen size restrictions. We outline the requirements of mobile multimodal solutions involving cellular phones. Drawing upon several trial deployments, we summarize the key designs points from both a technology and usability standpoint, and identify the outstanding problems in these designs. We also outline several future trends in how this technology is being deployed in various application scenarios, ranging from simple voice-activated search engines through to comprehensive mobile office applications.
The Technology Acceptance Model
Authors: Ma Qingxiong , Liu Liping
Published: May 2011

The technology acceptance model proposes that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness predict the acceptance of information technology. Since its inception, the model has been tested with various applications in tens of studies and has become the most widely applied model of user acceptance and usage. Nevertheless, the reported findings on the model are mixed in terms of statistical significance, direction, and magnitude. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis based on 26 selected empirical studies in order to synthesize the empirical evidence. The results suggest that both the correlation between usefulness and acceptance, and that between usefulness and ease of use are somewhat strong. However, the relationship between ease of use and acceptance is weak, and its significance does not pass the fail-safe test.
Examining User Perceptions of Third-Party Organizations Credibility and Trust in an E-Retailer
Authors: Wakefield Robin L. , Whitten Dwayne
Published: May 2011

Despite the fact that over half of U.S. residents are now online, Internet users hesitate to enter into transactions with e-retailers in the absence of certain assurances. Recent IS research shows that institution-based assurance structures, such as Web seals, are drivers of online trust. We extend the research in online trust to include the effect of third-party organization (TPO) credibility on both Internet users’ perceptions of assurance structures and purchase risk. Findings indicate that TPO credibility is positively related to the value that Internet users assign to assurance structures and negatively related to perceptions of purchase risk. Furthermore, perceptions of TPO credibility are strongly associated with users’ trusting attitudes toward the e-retailer. For some online consumers, trust may have less to do with privacy and security and more to do with the reputation of the TPO. These findings have important implications for the design of Web sites, the selection of assurance providers and services, and the reputation of both e-retailers and providers.
Super Users and Local Developers
Authors: Asand H. H.
Published: May 2011

The article presents a case study following the activities of super users and local developers during the adoption of a new business application by an accounting firm in Scandinavia (referred to as the Company). The Company launched a program to train super users to help with this process because of the complexity of the new system, a generic multipurpose application system replacing several older nonintegrated systems. The system, Visma Business (VB), is a comprehensive financial and accounting application delivered as a set of components that need to be configured for domain-specific tasks, depending on the clients the accountants will interact with. The super users and the local end user developer (also called the application coordinator) were asked to take part in this study. We documented their activities empirically and analytically, using interviews to gather data and draw on aspects of Activity Theory for the conceptual framework for analysis. Our findings provide insight into end-user development (EUD) activities with VB: what roles were created by the Company, what roles emerged spontaneously during the process, what the various user groups (regular users, super users, and the application coordinator) did, and how EUD was coordinated between super users and the application coordinator. Our findings show that super users fill an important niche as mediators between regular users and local developers and can make a significant contribution to the success of EUD efforts in a nontechnical application domain.
Dominant Meanings Approach Towards Individualized Web Search for Learning Environments
Authors: Razek M. A. , Frasson C.
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes how we can use dominant meaning to improve a Web-based learning environment. For sound adaptive hypermedia systems, we need updated knowledge bases from many kinds of resource (alternative explanations, examples, exercises, images, applets, etc.). The large amount of information available on the Web can play a prominent role in building these knowledge bases. Using the Internet without search engines to find specific information is like wandering aimlessly in the ocean and trying to catch a specific fish. It is obvious, however, that search engines are not intended to adapt to individual performance. Our new technique, based on dominant meaning, is used to individualize a query and search result. By dominant meaning, we refer to a set of keywords that best fits an intended meaning of the target word. Our experiments show that the dominant meanings approach greatly improves retrieval effectiveness.