bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate Strategy and Wealth Creation
Authors: St. John Caron H. , Balakrishnan Nagraj (Raju) , Fiet James O.
Published: May 2011

Corporate managers, business consultants, stock analysts, and academic researchers have long maintained that the strategic decisions of managers have a direct influence on firm performance. Although societal and economic trends, industry characteristics, and chance all influence performance, the strategic decisions made by managers are believed to play a decisive role in shaping financial performance. Even so, researchers investigating this relationship have reported largely ambiguous results (Rumelt, 1974; Ramanujam and Varadarajan, 1989; Hoskisson and Hitt, 1990; Robbins and Pearce, 1992; Markides and Williamson, 1994; Barker, 1994). Furthermore, attempts by analysts to forecast future financial performance by scrutinizing current strategy decisions have been plagued with problems. Can firm financial performance be predicted with accuracy from the corporate strategy decisions of the executive management team?
Neural Networks for Technical Forecasting of Foreign Exchange Rates
Authors: Yao Jing Tao , Tan Chew Lim
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes the application of neural networks in foreign exchange rate forecasting between American dollar and five other major currencies: Japanese yen, Deutsch mark, British pound, Swiss franc and Australian dollar. Technical indicators and time series data are fed to neural networks to mine, or discover, the underlying “rules” of the movement in currency exchange rates. The results presented in this chapter show that without the use of extensive market data or knowledge, useful prediction can be made and significant paper profit can be achieved for out-of-sample data with simple technical indicators. The neural-network-based forecasting is also shown to compare favorably with the traditional statistical approach.
The Non-Technical Side of Office Technology
Authors: Ruel Huub J.M.
Published: May 2011

Office work plays an important role in Western economies, and the use of office technologies in this type of work is inextricably linked. People employed in office environments are confronted with an almost continuous introduction of new office technologies, as decision-makers in companies believe that the market drives them towards being very attentive to the latest developments in the field of IT. Furthermore, IT in general has become a strategic factor in doing business (e.g., e-commerce), which has further increased the need for the newest office technologies. As a result, the number of projects in organizations to develop and implement new office technologies has unarguably increased. However, office technology projects are often confronted with problems. In our view, these problematic experiences are due to a lack of attention to the non-technical side of office technology development, implementation and use. Hence, in this chapter, we present a study based on a view of office technology project that stresses the non-technical side of office technology. We introduce the concepts of spirit of office technology and office technology appropriation. By testing three hypotheses based upon this view, it is shown that this concept can be helpful in contributing to an improvement in the understanding of office technology development, implementation and use. This is scientifically interesting and relevant since the outcomes of our study say something about the value of the theoretical framework applied. It is also of practical interest, as the results of the study can help in the everyday practice of office technology projects.
E-communication of Interdepartmental Knowledge
Authors: Kock Ned , McQueen Robert J.
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents a review of the organizational learning literature that points to process improvement (PI) groups as an appropriate tool for organizational knowledge communication. Based on this review, the impact of support provided by a class of e-communication systems, email conferencing (EC), on knowledge dissemination in organizations is examined in the context of PI groups. Data was collected through an action research project, where the researcher facilitated seven PI groups in two organizations with the support of an EC system implemented with Novell Groupwise, and using a group methodology for PI called MetaProi. The study suggests that, overall, EC support seems to have a positive impact on knowledge dissemination in organizations when used in combination with a group methodology for PI. EC support effects on PI groups can be summarized as: (a) a reduction of the influence of distance and other physical obstacles to the participation of members from different departments in PI groups, and of the disruption that group discussions are likely to cause for individual group members, particularly when these members are from different departments; (b) a reduction of interdepartmental conflict obstacles to the formation of PI groups; and (c) an increase or decrease in individual learning in PI groups, depending on the complexity of the issues being discussed and the clarity of electronic contributions by members. Organizational implications of these research findings are discussed.
Service-Learning Partnerships in the Information Systems Curriculum
Authors: Lazar Jonathan , Lidtke Dorijs
Published: May 2011

Service-learning partnerships involve students taking part in structured community service that relates to their academic course experience. Students who major in information systems are increasingly being provided with real-world experiences. These real-world experiences offer numerous benefits. Students can immediately apply their course knowledge to real-world situations. Students can gain the experience of grappling with political, social, and ethical issues in a workplace setting. In addition, students can develop a sense of civic responsibility, by contributing their skills to their communities. This chapter presents the issues involved in implementing the service-learning paradigm in an information systems curriculum. Examples of successful service-learning courses are presented, and new possibilities for service-learning courses are discussed.
Active Learning in Higher Education
Authors: Venkatesh Murali , Small Ruth V.
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we present lessons learned from 10 years’ instructional experience with active learning through our classes at Syracuse University. As reflective practitioners of active learning, we have refined our instruction over the years, in the process conceptually extending and augmenting extant theories of experiential learning and related approaches. Our model is built around four principles: client-centered work in natural settings, task design that is attentive to the motivational properties of the active learning stimulus, learning as social participation, and community service learning. Learning through prototyping, with its emphasis on design and the making of artifacts, functions as a background to the extended model and informs each of its principles. We then present a brief history of the Center for Active Learning and the Community and Information Technology Institute, both of which, in slightly different ways, implement our active learning method.
Building Educational Technology Partnerships Through Participatory Design
Authors: Carroll John M. , Chin Jr. George , Rosson Mary Beth , Neale Dennis C. , Dunlap Daniel R. , Isenhour Philip
Published: May 2011

Over more than five years, we worked with a group of public school teachers to define, develop, and assess network-based support for collaborative learning in middle school physical science and high school physics. From the outset, we committed to a participatory design approach, in part to explore what issues and possibilities arise when participatory design is pursued more extensively. The nature of our interactions, and in particular the nature of the roles played by the teachers, did change significantly through the course of the project. We suggest that there may be a long-term developmental unfolding of roles and relationships in participatory design.
Success Factors for Industry-University Collaboration Through IS Industry Boards
Authors: Navarrete Carlos , Pick James
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines the success factors for industry-university collaboration through IS industry boards. Based on an in-depth case of industry-academic collaboration in Mexico, the chapter addresses the following research questions: What are the critical success factors for achieving good outcomes from an IS industry board? What factors impede the achievement of good outcomes from such a board in a developing nation? What factors are distinctive and serve to differentiate IS industry boards of developing nations from those of advanced ones? In the case study, the IS industry board enhanced the IS academic program’s curriculum, the university’s computer labs, the student internship program, and faculty training. This case demonstrates that the critical success factors for the IS industry board were top management support, the department chair’s interpersonal skills, board member selection, proper board management, and appropriate university policies regarding industry-university collaboration. The experiences of developing and advanced nations for such boards are mostly similar, but differ due to lack of tenure track careers for IS faculty in the developing nation under study.
Service-Research Partnerships
Authors: Lazar Jonathan
Published: May 2011

The concept of service-research is described in this chapter. Service-research is the integration of community service with faculty research. It can benefit the researcher as well as community agencies. For organizations, such as non-profit agencies and schools, service-research can help provide free training, documentation, and help with systems development or management. For the researcher, service-research can provide inexpensive access to research subjects or data. This chapter discusses the data collection techniques that can be used with service-research, and how service-research can help bridge the digital divide, as well as the usability divide. Possible applications of service-research are presented, including user training, documentation, information systems management, systems design methodologies, and policy awareness. Two case studies of service-research are also discussed.
Teaching Teamwork in Information Systems
Authors: Wells Connie E.
Published: May 2011

Teamwork is very important in information systems development. Therefore, most courses in systems analysis and design and many programming courses require students to work on group projects. However, a project group is not the same thing as a team. Furthermore, for a group to become a team, there are several important characteristics that must be developed. These characteristics do not always develop automatically. This chapter discusses the requirements for effectively forming, building, managing, and evaluating teams in information systems courses. Students should be taught these concepts in addition to the regular course content. This chapter also addresses two special issues that deal with team development and team management: managing cultural diversity and managing “virtual” teams, where the team members are geographically separated.
Data Modeling
Authors: Atkins Clare
Published: May 2011

Despite extensive changes in technology and methodology, anecdotal and empirical evidence (e.g., Davis et al., 1997) consistently suggests that communication and problem-solving skills are fundamental to the success of an IT professional. As two of the most valued skills in an IT graduate, they should be essential components of an effective education program, regardless of changes in student population or delivery mechanisms. While most educators would concur with this view, significantly more emphasis is generally placed on teaching the tools and techniques that students will require in their future careers, and a corresponding amount of energy is expended in attempting to identify what those tools and techniques might be. In contrast, successful problem solving is often seen either as an inherent capability that some students already possess or as a skill that some will magically acquire during the course of their studies.
Delivering Course Material via the Web
Authors: Nantz Karen S. , Lundgren Terry D.
Published: May 2011

The trend toward the use of the Internet in academia is clear with the number of courses using the web for the delivery of course materials ever increasing. There are many positive reasons for using the web in a course, but this raises a number of new issues for faculty, including the time needed and salary concerns. We present a table of six levels of web site use and discuss the major problems associated with the creation and development of web courses. Practical suggestions are offered for dealing with problems from the authors’ experiences and the research literature. The final section covers global enrollment, the electronic university, and the trend toward use of the web for the delivery of course materials.
Curriculum Model of the Information Resource Management Association and the Data Administration Managers Association
Authors: Cohen Eli
Published: May 2011

Modern organizations recognize the need to maintain and manage information as an organizational asset. They also recognize the need for today’s managers to be well versed in information resources management. This document details an international information resources management curriculum for a four-year undergraduate-level program specifically designed to meet needs. The curriculum provides a model for individual universities to tailor to their particular needs. That is, the IRMA/DAMA Curriculum Model is a generic framework for universities to customize in light of their specific situations. This curriculum model prepares students to understand the concepts of information resources management and technologies, methods, and management procedures to collect, analyze, and disseminate information throughout organizations in order to remain competitive in the global business world. These are all aspects of managing information. It outlines core course descriptions, rationales, and objectives, and includes suggested specific course topics and the percentage of emphasis.
Information System Check-Up as a Leverage for SME Development
Authors: Ravarini Aurelio , Tagliavini Marco , Buonanno Giacomo , Sciuto Donatella
Published: May 2011

The widespread adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) has been involving both large companies and smaller ones. However, while large enterprises usually own the managerial competence and financial resources to face innovation, a lot of research has been highlighting the typical weakness related to small and medium enterprises1 (SMEs) (Burns, 1996; Raymond, 1985, 1992). In fact, their typical focus on production activities, together with their limited investment budget, very often lead SME entrepreneurs to exclude information systems (IS) issues whenever planning organizational development. As a result, SMEs usually devote minimal resources to the IS department and, whenever they do, IS staff competence are strictly narrowed to technical issues (Soh, 1994; Palvia, 1994; Zinatelli, 1996). The consequent lack of internal expertise limits ICT specification and selection policies (Monsted, 1993; Schleich, 1990), and inevitably leads SMEs to develop an IS which is inadequate to the organizational needs (Cragg, 1995; Lai, 1995; Lang, 1997).
ERP + E-Business = A New Vision of Enterprise Systems
Authors: Wang Betty , Nah Fui Hoon (Fiona)
Published: May 2011

Companies have invested billions of dollars collectively in enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems with the objective of attaining an important business promise — complete enterprise integration. For companies faced with incompatible information systems and inconsistent operating practices, ERP has been a dream come true. ERP presents companies with the opportunity to standardize and automate business processes throughout the organizations, thus increasing productivity and reducing cycle time. Although ERP systems have delivered value, it is becoming clear that the ERP model, which wraps organizational processes into one end-to-end application, may no longer be sufficient for today’s fast-moving, extended enterprises. With the rapid growth of the Internet, the business environment has changed dramatically. The world has become a global marketplace. According to Gartner Group, the worldwide business-to-business (B2B) market is forecasted to grow from 145 billion in 1999 to 7.29 trillion in 2004 (King, 2000).
Translating Advanced Integrity Checking Technology to SQL
Authors: Decker Hendrik
Published: May 2011

The main goal of this chapter is to arrive at a coherent technology for deriving efficient SQL triggers from declarative specifications of arbitrary integrity constraints. The user may specify integrity constraints declaratively as closed queries in predicate calculus syntax (i.e., sentences in the language of first-order logic, abbr. FOL), as datalog denials, as query conditions in SQL WHERE clauses, or in some other, possibly more user-friendly manner (e.g., via a dialog-driven graphical or natural language interface which internally translates to equivalent WHERE clause conditions). As we are going to see, the triggers derived from such specifications behave such that whenever some update event would violate any of the integrity constraints, one or several of the triggers derived from that constraint are activated in order to enforce the constraint. That is, the violation is either prevented by rolling back the update or repaired instantly by subsequent further updates.
Functional Dependencies For Value Based Identification In Object-Oriented Databases
Authors: Rasch Jochens , Klein Hans-Joachim
Published: May 2011

The Entity-Relationship (ER) model (Chen, 1976) is frequently used for the specification of conceptual database schemas. Entity types and relationship types are the building blocks provided by this data model. A major objective of conceptual database design (see e.g. Batini, Ceri, & Navathe, 1992) is to define entity types and relationship types in such a way that they represent meaningful units of information with respect to the semantics of the modeled application domain. Object types in object-oriented data models are comparable to entity types as far as structural aspects are concerned. However, the ER model explicitly supports relationship types, whereas different approaches are found in object-oriented data models: On the one hand, relationship types may be represented by reference attributes, which means that they are part of the object type itself. This approach, for example, is often found in programming languages. On the other hand, they may be represented explicitly by means of a separate concept as in the ER model. In the latter case there is a close resemblance between entity types and object types. Object types represent sets of objects which are of relevance in the application domain, while relationship types represent relationships between objects.
Knowledge Management and New Organization Forms
Authors: Malhotra Yogesh
Published: May 2011

The concept of knowledge management is not new in information systems practice and research. However, radical changes in the business environment have suggested limitations of the traditional information-processing view of knowledge management. Specifically, it is being realized that the programmed nature of heuristics underlying such systems may be inadequate for coping with the demands imposed by the new business environments. New business environments are characterized not only by rapid pace of change, but also discontinuous nature of such change. The new business environment, characterized by dynamically discontinuous change, requires a re-conceptualization of knowledge management as it has been understood in information systems practice and research. One such conceptualization is proposed in the form of a sense-making model of knowledge management for new business environments. Application of this framework will facilitate business model innovation necessary for sustainable competitive advantage in the new business environment characterized by dynamic, discontinuous and radical pace of change.
The Knowledge-Based View (KBV) of the Virtual Web, the Virtual Corporation and the Net-Broker
Authors: Franke Ulrich J.
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes virtual organization from an inter-organization perspective. The virtual web is a network of equal and independent companies from which virtual corporations derive. Virtual corporations are temporary partnerships, which are only established in response to market opportunities or customer needs. The net-broker manages and administrates the virtual web and configures virtual corporations. Since knowledge has been identified as a key resource to gain competitive advantage, the knowledge-based perspective of the virtual web / corporation concept is used to argue why virtual corporations have theoretically the potential to build core know-how and therefore to gain competitive advantage. The chapter finalizes with a discussion of whether virtual corporations might be in a better position to achieve competitive advantage than other forms of inter-organizational partnerships.
Implementing Virtual Organizing in Business Networks
Authors: Klueber Roland , Alt Rainer , Österle Hubert
Published: May 2011

Virtual organizations and knowledge management have been discussed on a very broad scale in literature. However, a holistic view and methods that support implementation of these concepts are rare. Based on the understanding derived from literature and the experience of many action research-based projects, a method is described that addresses these issues for business networks. This includes the dimensions of strategy, process and IS required for establishing and managing business networks. By providing a systematic and documented procedure model, techniques and results, this method aims to improve the efficiency of setting up business networks, thus improving a company’s networkability. In order to illustrate why this method is needed and how it can be applied, a project for implementing a business-networking solution for electronic procurement is described. It shows how a structured approach helps to identify the scenarios, aids implementation and applies previously as well as newly created knowledge. The outlook describes areas for future research and new developments.
The Glue That Binds Creative Virtual Teams
Authors: Nemiro Jill E.
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes an exploratory, qualitative research project that investigated the work environment necessary for virtual teams to be creative. Nine different virtual teams, with a total of 36 virtual team members (33 of which completed the full study), participated in this study. Three teams were organizational consulting firms, two teams were educational consortiums, three teams were on-line service provider teams, and one team was a product design engineering team. One semi-structured, telephone interview was conducted with each participant. Team members also completed a background survey. Grounded theorizing was used to generate an in-depth understanding of the phenomena under investigation. Connection, defined as the elements that need to be in place for a team to develop and maintain identity and a sense of community, emerged as a key category important to the realization of creativity in virtual teams. Connection was further subdivided into task connection (made up of dedication/commitment, and goal clarity); and interpersonal connection (made up of information sharing, trust, and personal bond). Suggestions for how team designers, team leaders, or managers can establish and develop connection in their own virtual teams are offered.
Becoming Knowledge-Powered
Authors: Pollard Dave
Published: May 2011

In this article, Dave Pollard, Chief Knowledge Officer at Ernst & Young Canada since 1994, relates the award-winning process his firm has used, and which many of the corporations that have visited the Centre for Business Knowledge in Toronto are adapting for their own needs, to transform the company from a knowledge-hoarding to a knowledge- sharing enterprise. The article espouses a five-phase transformation process: • Developing the Knowledge Future State Vision, Knowledge Strategy and Value Propositions • Developing the Knowledge Architecture and Determining its Content • Developing the Knowledge Infrastructure, Service Model and Network Support Mechanisms • Developing a Knowledge Culture Transformation Program • Leveraging Knowledge into Innovation The author identifies possible strategies, leading practices, and pitfalls to avoid in each phase. He also explores the challenges involved in identifying and measuring intellectual capital, encouraging new knowledge creation, capturing human knowledge in structural form, and enabling virtual workgroup collaboration.
Integrated Analysis and Design of Knowledge Systems and Processes
Authors: Nissen Mark E. , Kamel Magdi , Sengupta Kishore
Published: May 2011

Although knowledge management has been investigated in the context of decision support and expert systems for over a decade, interest in and attention to this topic have exploded recently. But integration of knowledge process design with knowledge system design is strangely missing from the knowledge management literature and practice. The research described in this chapter focuses on knowledge management and system design from three integrated perspectives: 1) reengineering process innovation, 2) expert systems knowledge acquisition and representation, and 3) information systems analysis and design. Through careful analysis and discussion, we integrate these three perspectives in a systematic manner, beginning with analysis and design of the enterprise process of interest, progressively moving into knowledge capture and formalization, and then system design and implementation. Thus, we develop an integrated approach that covers the gamut of design considerations from the enterprise process in the large, through alternative classes of knowledge in the middle, and on to specific systems in the detail. We show how this integrated methodology is more complete than existing developmental approaches and illustrate the use and utility of the approach through a specific enterprise example, which addresses many factors widely considered important in the knowledge management environment. Using the integrated methodology that we develop and illustrate in this chapter, the reader can see how to identify, select, compose and integrate the many component applications and technologies required for effective knowledge system and process design.
An Overview of Virtual University Studies
Authors: Barjis Joseph
Published: May 2011

This chapter provides an overview of virtual university studies pertaining to issues, concepts and trends. Although numerous papers, reports and booklets are published with respect to that, there is still lack of an overview of virtual universities. In this chapter, the author tries to draw basic directions of the virtual university studies and developments. These basic directions grasp virtual universities’ issues, concepts and trends in general, model, definition and basic characteristics of virtual universities in particular. The author goes on giving some educational and financial features of future higher education. It is discussed that virtual universities and distance learning are currently lacking in some areas that need to be paid attention to in the future. The chapter concludes with some recommendations for the future designers of virtual universities and distance learning programs.
Strategies for Improving Instructor-Student Communication in Online Education
Authors: Freedman Stuart C. , Tello Steven F. , Lewis David
Published: May 2011

This chapter identifies potential communication barriers between instructor and students in an online educational environment, and suggests ways to reduce or eliminate them. There are at least five such barriers—social distance, conceptual confusion, fear and mistrust, isolation and disconnectedness, and lost efficacy—which, when present, are likely to diminish the effectiveness of an online course. Several approaches to structuring online lecture notes and composing individual student messages are proposed that are hypothesized to increase the likelihood that student satisfaction and learning goals will be achieved. It is assumed that the application of these communication tactics will enhance the attractiveness of online courses, particularly among students who would not otherwise have access to higher education. Suggestions for future research are proposed.
Managing Process Compliance
Authors: Cheung Larry Y.C. , Dawson Ray J.
Published: May 2011

The current best practice of providing reliable systems is to embody the development process in recent industry standards and guidelines, such as IEC61508 for safety and ISO9001 for quality assurance. These standards are generic, but every application is different because of the differences in project details. While current workflow systems have been used successfully in managing “administrative” process for some time, current products lack the ability to ensure that a process is planned and performed such that it complies with an industry standard that is necessary to support particular engineering processes. This chapter presents a Compliance Flow Workflow System for managing processes. Model-based reasoning is used to identify the compliance errors of a process by matching it against the model of standards used. Some examples drawing on a draft version of IEC61508 are used to illustrate the mechanism of modeling and compliance checks.
Activity Theory as a Theoretical Foundation for Information Systems Research
Authors: Ditsa George
Published: May 2011

Theoretical models from social psychology have been widely used by information systems (IS) researchers as theoretical foundations to explain and predict information systems use. Unfortunately, most of these models used ignore the social context in which IS is used, but rather focused mainly on the individual and the technology. History and time are as well ignored in most cases. The set of philosophical concepts presented by Activity Theory makes it possible to marry the human aspects and the technological aspects of information systems into a more holistic research approach in information systems. This chapter presents the basic concepts of Activity Theory and its potential as a theoretical foundation for information systems use research.
Electronic Journalism in Peru
Authors: Diaz Antonio , Santana Martin
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces electronic journalism as a new trend in the news services that have recently been boosted by Internet diffusion. It makes a presentation of electronic media pioneers in the world and the challenges they faced to deliver news to their traditional and Internet-based customers. Mainly, the chapter focuses on the description of the beginnings, evolution, strategies, and current state of Peruvian information media, focusing on Web-based journalism. Finally, the authors offer some conclusions about the approaches to develop Web news services adopted by traditional and virtual media, and suggest the need for future research in different countries in order to compare results and define the media trends in the Internet era.
Information Resources Development Challenges in a Cross-Cultural Environment
Authors: Law Wai K.
Published: May 2011

Organizations in the Western world devote much attention to the development of information systems as strategic resources. The transfer of this management practice to a different cultural environment generates new challenges as reported in the experience of a Pacific Basin public institution with Western affiliation, while under strong influence of local cultures and practices. The value of the investment in information resources is judged not only on technical merits, but also on the ability of the organization to properly address the cultural and organizational issues related to information usage.
Evaluating the Factors Affecting Decision Support Systems Usage by Strategic Decision Makers in Egypt
Authors: Elbeltagi Ibrahim
Published: May 2011

This chapter draws on a survey of CEO and IT managers in local authorities in Egypt to explain the key factors affecting their use of DSS in making strategic decisions. This chapter proposes and tests a Structural Equation Model (SEM) that extends the generally accepted Technology Acceptance Model to assess relationships between an extensive range of constructs and their relation with DSS usage via Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Usefulness. The SEM approach has enabled the development of a framework that will support a sustainable approach towards the adoption and use of DSS in developing Middle Eastern countries.
Information Technology Project Management to Achieve Efficiency in Brazilian Companies
Authors: de Carvalho Marly M. , Laurindo Fernando J.B. , de Paula Pessoa Marcelo
Published: May 2011

This chapter focuses on applying the best practices in Information Technology (IT) project management in Brazil. The theoretical models adopted to discuss this issue are the Capability Maturity Model - CMM (Humphrey, 1989; Paulk et al., 1995), Project Management Maturity Model – PMMM (Kerzner, 2000 and 2001); the Project Management Body of Knowledge - PMBoK (PMI, 2000), and Quality Systems for software - ISO9000-3 (2001) and ISO 12207 (1995). Several problems have been discussed regarding the efficiency of IT projects. Evaluation of efficiency is a controversial issue, and meeting project efficiency goals involves balancing scope expectations and the available resources. This chapter presents IT project cases in Brazilian companies and a comparative analysis of their IT projects management models. The study is based on multiple cases: financial services, telecommunications and building materials companies. Interviews with the main actors from different levels of the organisational hierarchy have been done.
Reputation, Reputation System and Reputation Distribution - An Exploratory Study in Online Consumer-to-Consumer Auctions
Authors: Lin Zhangxi , Li Dahui , Huang Wayne
Published: May 2011

Reputation is an important organization asset, particularly in the era of e-commerce. In an online consumer-to-consumer (C2C) auction market, a trader’s reputation sends an important signal to his/her trading partners in their decision-making on C2C transactions, due to the nature of the anonymous transaction process. While prior research has shown that reputation systems, such as eBay’s Feedback Forum, facilitated buyer-seller transactions, several fundamental issues with the transaction mechanism remained unclear. Based on the empirical reputation data directly collected from eBay.com, we find that the distribution of reputation scores can be approximated in a geometric function. We analyze the formation of the distribution with a stochastic process model. The computer simulation using the Monte Carlo approach further validates the findings of the empirical study.
Privacy Perspective from Utilitarianism and Metaphysical Theories
Authors: Abbas Hasan A. , Al-Fadhly Salah M.
Published: May 2011

The Internet is a hot issue nowadays because of its important role at different levels. The topic of privacy is a debatable issue: we read in the research field scholars for and against applying this concept in real life and how to deal with it. Most researchers mainly focus on this subject from a social studies perspective. This chapter takes a new approach and discusses this issue from a philosophical perspective where we use two ethical theories (Mill & Kant) to raise the important relevant points regarding this subject.
Extension to UML Using Stereotypes
Authors: Riesco Daniel , Martellotto Paola , Montejano German
Published: May 2011

The objective of this chapter is to first present the basic extension mechanisms proposed by UML. We then propose an extension to facilitate the modeling of specific applications. UML provides three extension mechanisms to allow the modelers to make some common extensions without having to modify the language of modeling underlying “Tag Values,” “Restrictions,” and “Stereotypes.” There are several adaptations of UML, which occasionally exceed the extension mechanisms of UML. In this chapter, we present our proposal of “Evolutionary Stereotypes.” We also present a tool that incorporates evolutionary stereotypes within two modules: the model checker and the dynamic semantics. A case study about time restrictions in a real-time system is shown. The reason for this proposal is that UML provides mechanisms for doing extensions; but, UML does not assure incorporation of new elements to the meta-model with dynamic semantics.
The CORAS Methodology
Authors: den Braber Folker , Dimitrakos Theo , Gran Bjorn A. , Lund Mass S. , Stolen Ketil , Aagedal Jan O.
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces the CORAS methodology in which Unified Modeling Language (UML) and Unified Process (UP) are combined to support a model-based risk assessment on security-critical systems. The hypothesis is that modeling techniques like UML contribute to increased understanding for the different stakeholders involved during a risk assessment. In the CORAS methodology, a traditional risk management process is integrated with UP, which is a well-accepted system development process. CORAS tries to show how UML can contribute to better understanding, documentation, and communicating during the different phases of the risk management process. CORAS addresses both systems under development and systems already in use.
A Framework for Research into Business-IT Alignment
Authors: Tan Felix B. , Gallupe R. B.
Published: May 2011

Contemporary empirical research into business-IT alignment is almost entirely behavioral in its focus. It explores the alignment issue by examining the ways in which organisations behave. In contrast, few studies have attempted to investigate the issue from a cognitive perspective. Managerial cognition is an area of growing interest and importance in strategic management. This chapter proposes a framework to guide research into business-IT alignment. It reviews alignment research and also considers some of the cognitive theories and methodologies that may be appropriate for the study of alignment.
Explaining Information Systems Strategic Planning (ISSP) Behavior
Authors: Cohen Jason F.
Published: May 2011

Contingency theory suggests that various environmental, organizational and managerial factors will influence an organization’s approach to IT management. This chapter discusses the contingent nature of information systems strategic planning (ISSP) practices and presents the results of an empirical study of ISSP and the role of IS within 90 leading companies in South Africa. Results of a partial least squares analysis demonstrate the significant effect that perceptions of the future strategic role of IS within an organization have on ISSP behavior. Moreover, it was found that those organizations in the strategic quadrant of the McFarlan grid emphasized ISSP activities, committed more resources to the ISSP process and attributed greater importance to ISSP-business strategic planning integration mechanisms, than those organizations in the other quadrants of the grid. The relationship between ISSP and IS function performance was also significantly higher for firms in the strategic IS environment.
Healthcare Information
Authors: Kraft M. R. , Desouza K. C. , Androwich I.
Published: May 2011

This chapter defines and discusses healthcare data and various healthcare databases as resources for knowledge discovery that can support effectiveness research, quality improvement, and resource allocation. Privacy and confidentiality of health records are addressed along with the dimensions and complexity of information retrieval from healthcare databases and patient health records. The Veterans’ Health Administration (VHA) data and databases are specifically addressed. Issues and methods of data preparation for a data mining exploration of a VHA Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) clinical database are presented from a nursing perspective. The potential of using healthcare databases for research is noted.
Lean, Light, Adaptive, Agile and Appropriate Software Development
Authors: Mendonca John , Brewer Jeff
Published: May 2011

Historically, the approach to software engineering has been based on a search for an optimal (ideal) methodology — that is, the identification and application of a set of processes, methods and tools that can consistently and predictably lead to software development success. This chapter presents the basis for pursuing a more flexible and adaptive approach to methodology. Less methodical methodologies, under a variety of names, take a contingency-oriented approach. Because of the limitations in the nature of methodology, the high failure rate in software development, the need to develop methodology within an environmental context and the pressures of fast-paced “e-development,” the authors argue that further exploration and definition of an adaptive, contingency-based approach to methodology is justified.
Strategic Knowledge Sharing for Improved Public Service Delivery
Authors: Wright Gillian , Taylor Andrew
Published: May 2011

This chapter considers inter-organizational knowledge sharing in the delivery of public services. While public services represent a significant economic sector in most countries, there is little published research of its implementation of knowledge sharing to improve service performance. The chapter highlights potential barriers to effective knowledge sharing in public service partnerships and introduces a second-order regression model to guide managers in their development of an effective knowledge sharing environment. Based on research incorporating participant observation, document analysis, 30 interviews and a survey (n=132), the chapter identifies six antecedent factors to effective knowledge sharing, the most significant of which is an innovative culture.
Media Selection and End-User Satisfaction
Authors: Lee Sang-Gun , Yoo Sangjin , Lee Zoonky
Published: May 2011

In this paper, we investigate the relationship between the use of different media and customer satisfaction in help desk service. Different dimensions of customer satisfaction were derived based on SERVQUAL: reliability, empathy, assurance, tangibles, and responsiveness. The results support our hypotheses that the use of conventional media (face-to-face and telephone) is related to help desk satisfaction, through reliability and empathy and electronic media (e-mail and Internet), users show higher satisfaction in tangibles and assurance. Also, hybrid media users (multi-media users by task) show a higher level of satisfaction in reliability and responsibility. The results suggest automating help desks should be considered as a way to provide more options to end-users.
Role of Behavioral Factors in Strategic Alliances
Authors: Kim Chong , Mandal Purnendu , Shao Dale H.
Published: May 2011

The number of strategic alliances formed between organizations has increased dramatically and are projected to continue increasing over the next few years. Behavioral and cultural factors play a major role in the success (or failure) of a strategic alliance between partners, but many managers pay little attention to this aspect while in the process of negotiations. This paper highlights a number of human and organizational culture issues, which played a major role in the process of developing a strategic alliance between a major telecommunications organization and several retail electricity organizations. A framework for strategic alliance was developed for this new market situation, which helped the organizations involved understand the future informational requirements and dependence of the partners on one another.
Developing Graduate Qualities
Authors: Monday Ann , Barker Sandra
Published: May 2011

For some time, universities have endeavored to address the shortfall in skill requirements that have been identified by prospective employers of graduates. The University of South Australia (UniSA) numbers itself among these universities and has identified a number of “graduate qualities” that are required to be developed within the curriculum. This chapter explores a case-study and role-play approach to embedding graduate qualities in an undergraduate business course that is delivered to a diverse student body studying either internally or externally, in Australia or in Hong Kong. It highlights a range of issues for successful implementation and assessment of these qualities.
Supporting Informal Interaction in Online Courses
Authors: Contreras-Castillo Juan , Favela Jesús , Perez-Fragoso Carmen
Published: May 2011

Informal interaction has proven to be useful in supporting collaboration in office and educational environments. Online courses, however, provide limited opportunities for informal interaction, which might put them at a disadvantage when compared with traditional courses. This lack of opportunities could obstruct collaboration among students, a key aspect for successful instruction. To provide students with opportunities for informal interaction, we designed and developed a system named CENTERS. It is an instant messaging and presence awareness system that supports lightweight communications within the group. CENTERS provides awareness of the presence of members of the distributed community and allows them to interact easily and navigate together through the course’s materials, share insights, resolve doubts, and collaborate in course related activities. To evaluate the use of CENTERS in an online learning environment, a study was designed to assess interaction from a socio-academic perspective. Results showed that CENTERS helped reduce the students’ feelings of isolation and facilitated a greater degree of interpersonal interaction within the course participants.
The Orientation and Disorientation of E-Learners
Authors: Garrett Bernard Mark , Francis Richard
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we will explore how students may be orientated and disorientated to online learning, examining some of the methods that can be implanted to make life easier for the student and facilitate learning, and also some of the pitfalls to be avoided if students are to study effectively in an online learning environment. The argument is also presented that the disorientation experienced by students in online learning is part of a positive transformative experience leading to greater learner independence.
Precursors to Web-Based Methodologies
Authors: Owen Robert S. , Aworuwa Bosede
Published: May 2011

Many of us are using the World Wide Web in ways that are similar to the teaching machines and automatic tutoring devices of the 1950-1960s, yet we are moving ahead without building upon a base of knowledge that already exists from that era. This chapter reviews the basic ideas of the original automatic teaching and tutoring machines of those two decades — a linear programmed learning model and a programmed branching model — and compares these to hypermedia methods that are now enabled via web technology. Some classic ideas in assessing the cognitive and affective learning outcomes of teaching — somewhat analogous to usability issues of utility and likability — are reviewed. Greater emphasis on considering the educational outcomes is advocated when we use new online teaching technologies in programmed instruction.