bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracting and Customizing Information Using Multi-Agents
Authors: Hamdi Mohamed Salah
Published: May 2011

Rapidly evolving network and computer technology, coupled with the exponential growth of the services and information available on the Internet, has already brought us to the point where hundreds of millions of people should have fast, pervasive access to a phenomenal amount of information, through desktop machines at work, school and home, through televisions, phones, pagers, and car dashboards, from anywhere and everywhere. The challenge of complex environments is therefore obvious: software is expected to do more in more situations, there are a variety of users (Power/Naive, Techie/ Financial/Clerical, ...), there are a variety of systems (Windows/NT/Mac/Unix, Client/Server, Portable, Distributed Object Manager, Web, ...), there are a variety of interactions (Real-time, Data Bases, Other Players, ...), and there are a variety of resources and goals (time, space, bandwidth, cost, security, quality, ...). To cope with such environments, the promise of information customization systems is becoming highly attractive. In this chapter we discuss important problems in relationship to such systems and smooth the way for possible solutions. The main idea is to approach information customization using a multi-agent paradigm.
eCRM Integration in E-Business
Authors: Evans Cain
Published: May 2011

Integrating an eCRM system in today’s business world is increasingly becoming the standard setting to the successful building of robust customer retention programs. However, integrating eCRM systems requires not only a technological perspective but a process perspective too. Developed in this work are several key phases that are integrated into the development of the CROSIT and CPR models. These two distinct models are developed to assist e-businesses in articulating eCRM through a combination of system, application, and process activities. The CROSIT model encompasses two central themes, with the centrifugal being the engine of the model. These attributes relate to the input and output of information flows: the customer and the e-business’s response to the eCustomer or traditional customer. The CROSIT model encapsulates a five-layered dimensional approach to integrating technologies, resources, strategy, and manageability of an eCRM system. The extension of CROSIT is the CPR model is used to gauge the readiness of the eCRM system, its applications, interrelated processes, and sub-systems and their integration into the e-business environment.
An E-Business System Development and Modernization Model to Improve the Profitability of Investment Decisions
Authors: Ghahramani Bahador
Published: May 2011

An Internet-based Systems Development and Modernization Model (SDMM) is an information technology (IT) method that system designers and developers (SD&Ds) can use to develop new systems, to modernize legacy systems, and to increase the net present worth of the systems. The SDMM is, therefore, implemented for three primary purposes: to design and develop leading-edge technology systems, to modernize legacy systems, and to increase profitability of the systems. The model satisfies SD&Ds’ specifications as well as user requirements from the concept phase to the operational phase of the development process. It is a structured approach through which users and SD&Ds interact before the system is designed; thus, the users can affect system development when it is most cost-effective to do so. The model uses online modules to develop products that are fully capable of bridging the design to the system development lifecycle phases. The SDMM implements IT principles to standardize system development throughout its lifecycle phases.
A Complementary Tele-Working Platform for Data and Voice Networks
Authors: Sotiriades Philip , Economou G. P.K.
Published: May 2011

Post, telephone, and telegraph (PTT) enterprises, due to the incessant advances of telecommunications, have to provide for novel value-added services and to be able to supply their customers with the means to reap the full advantages of new technology so both commercially survive (Kurland, 1988). On the other hand, the market trends that favored the birth of many dot.com companies asked for service providers (SPs) that lead PTTs to gradually extend their services towards e-business and become x-service providers (x-SPs); x-SPs mainly stand for Application (ASPs), Interactive Voice Response Systems (IVRSPs), email/Messaging (eMSPs), Network (NSPs), Management (MSPs), Storage (SSPs), Data Center (DCSPs), Hosting (HSPs), and e-Commerce (eCSPs) ones. This chapter introduces the premises, the implementation, and the evaluation performance of a tele-working platform that was put into operation in order to equip the Public Bureaus of Thessaly’s rural county (Hellas) with the resources to build and provide their citizens those services. This novel platform complies with x-SP specifications and is built on a distributed computing basis.
The USE IT Model Case Studies
Authors: Michel-Verkerke Margreet B. , Schuring Roel W. , Spil Ton A.M.
Published: May 2011

In the previous two chapters, the determinants and theoretical background of the USE IT model is discussed. In this chapter, the application of the USE IT model in three cases are described to show the value and benefits of the USE IT model in practice. The USE IT model has four determinants: resistance, relevance, requirements, and resources. It can be used ex ante and ex post. The USE IT model is applied ex ante to find relevance and appropriate choices to overcome resistance for an ICT support of the multiple sclerosis (MS) healthcare chain and the rheumatism care guide, and as well ex ante as ex post in a local stroke service to measure the feasibility of a mobile device for general practitioners. The USE IT model proved to be very helpful not only in revealing the most urgent and relevant problems but also in discovering the crucial obstacles and prerequisites for implementing a solution to these problems. By that, the USE IT model served as a strong tool to decide whether healthcare processes should be supported by ICT and, if so, what processes should be used and how.
USE IT Interview-Protocol
Authors: Spil Ton A.M. , Schuring Roel W.
Published: May 2011

Interview questions.
E-Health Systems
Authors: Nykanen Pirkko
Published: May 2011

E-health refers to use of information and communication technologies to improve or enable health and healthcare. E-health broadens the scope of healthcare delivery; citizens are in the center of services and services are offered by information systems often via the Internet. In this chapter e-health systems are classified on the basis of their use and their functionality and the use is discussed from the viewpoints of citizens and health professionals. Citizens are increasingly using Internet and e-health systems to search for medicine or health-related information, and they become better informed and may take more responsibility of their own health. Health professionals are more reluctant to use the Internet and e-health systems in physician-patient communication due to the power and responsibility problems of decisions. In the future the sociotechnical nature of e-health should be considered and future systems developed for real use and user environment with user acceptable technology.
Web Services for Groupware
Authors: Dustdar Schahram , Gall Harald , Schmidt Roman
Published: May 2011

While some years ago the focus of many Groupware systems has been on the support of Web based information systems to support access with Web browsers, the focus today is shifting towards a programmatic access to software services, regardless of their location and the application used to manipulate those services. Whereas the goal of Web Computing has been to support group work on the Web (browser), Web services support for Groupware has the goal to provide interoperability between many Groupware systems. The contribution of this chapter is threefold: (1) to present a framework consisting of three levels of Web services for Groupware support, (2) to present a novel Web services management and configuration architecture with the aim of integrating various Groupware systems in one overall configurable architecture, and (3) to provide a use case scenario and preliminary proof -of-concept implementation. Our overall goal for this chapter is to provide a sound and flexible architecture for gluing together various Groupware systems using Web services technologies.
Building an Online Security System with Web Services
Authors: Wu Richard Y.R. , Subramanium Mahesh
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents a case study where Web services are used to build a user-centric online security system. It explores complex technical challenges encountered with the use of the Web services and online security technologies. Furthermore, the authors hope that their practical experiences and findings will shed some lights on how the online security system should and can be built in the approach of being user-centric instead of vendor-centric and on the implications of embracing Web services to conventional software engineering processes.
Peer-to-Peer Networks for Content Sharing
Authors: Ding Choon Hoong , Nutanong Sarana , Buyya Rajkumar
Published: May 2011

Peer-to-peer (P2P) systems are popularly used as “file swapping” networks to support distributed content sharing. A number of P2P networks for file sharing have been developed and deployed. Napster, Gnutella, and Fasttrack are three popular P2P systems. This chapter presents a broad overview of P2P computing and focuses on content sharing networks and technologies. It also emphasizes on the analysis of network topologies used in popular P2P systems. In addition, this chapter also identifies and describes architecture models and compares various characteristics of four P2P systems—Napster, Gnutella, Fasttrack, and OpenFT.
Personal Peer-to-Peer Collaboration Based on Shared Objects
Authors: Geyer Werner , Vogel Juergen , Cheng Li-Te , Muller Michael J.
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes the design and system architecture of a new peer-to-peer technology for personal collaboration based on the notion of shared objects. This approach allows users to collaborate in a rich but lightweight manner by organizing different types of shared artifacts into semistructured activities with dynamic membership, hierarchical object-relationships, and synchronous and asynchronous collaboration. This approach goes beyond simple peer-to-peer file sharing. It requires data replication and sophisticated consistency control to keep data consistent in a blended synchronous and asynchronous environment. The authors present the design of a prototype system and then develop an enhanced consistency control algorithm that is tailored to the needs of this new environment. Simulation results demonstrate the performance of this approach. This chapter aims at informing researchers about both the potential and the complexity of more advanced peer-to-peer applications and shows the trade-offs in the design and implementation of these systems.
Integrating Handheld Computer Technology into HR Research and Practice
Authors: Davies Scott A. , Calderon Robert F.
Published: May 2011

Current theory, applications, and future opportunities for the utilization of handheld computer technology in HR research and practice are presented in this chapter. Empirical research findings on the use of handheld computers for passive collection of workplace data and as a platform for electronic diaries are presented. Potential applications of handheld computers for HR practice are also presented. Finally, current issues and opportunities concerning integration of handheld computer technology into HR research and practice are discussed.
Employee Self-Service HR Portal Case Study
Authors: Stein Andrew , Hawking Paul
Published: May 2011

A number of Australian companies have realized the relative quick gains with low associated risks that can be achieved through the business-to-employee (B2E) model. Employee Self Service (ESS) is a solution based on the B2E model and it enables employee access to the corporate human resource information system. This chapter looks at the development of a human resources (HR) ESS portal and presents the findings of a case study of three Australian organizations that have implemented an ESS portal. A model depicting portal maturity is presented and analysis shows that ESS portals can be categorized as first generation with an “Access Rich” focus, second generation with a “Collaboration Rich” focus, or third generation with an “Application Rich” focus. The information and process focus of the ESS portal of three organizations will be presented and will be used to place the organization into the portal development model proposed by Brosche (2002).
Evolving Tool Support for Digital Librarians
Authors: Nichols David M. , Bainbridge David , Marsden Gary , Patel Dynal , Cunningham Sally J. , Thompson John , Boddie Stefan J. , Witten Ian H.
Published: May 2011

Usability in digital libraries is often focussed on end-user interactions such as searching and browsing. In this chapter, we describe usability issues that face the digital librarian in creating and maintaining a digital library. The Greenstone digital library software suite is used as an example to examine how to support digital librarians in their work.
Sharing Digital Knowledge with End-Users
Authors: Ramos Mila
Published: May 2011

This chapter portrays how resources of the International Rice Research Institute Library and Documentation Service are harnessed to develop its collection of technical rice literature and other information sources by searching, selecting and organizing print and electronic resources for addition to its Web page or the online catalog. With the acquisition of an integrated library system in 1996, the creation of its home page, at http://ricelib.irri.cgiar.org, became a major concern. Links to digital resources, like Web sites, databases, full-text electronic journals and newspapers, and reference materials are now available through this page. The Library operates on the principle that electronic resources must supplement rather than replace printed sources. The author intends to share the mechanics of linking digital knowledge with users, the problems embedded in this activity, and possible ways of dealing with them.
Usability of Digital Libraries in a Multicultural Environment
Authors: Borgman Christine L. , Rasmussen Edie
Published: May 2011

Usability is a critical issue for digital libraries, complicated by the fact that users have varying levels of knowledge of library systems and subject knowledge and may be novices or experts and frequent or occasional users of specific digital libraries. Usability is further complicated by multicultural issues, as digital library users may come from many cultures and nations, or it may be necessary to orient a digital library toward the needs of users from one or more specific localities or cultures. Usability evaluation may be formative, summative, iterative or comparative and is usually specific to a particular digital library context. The four papers in this section, illustrating formative, iterative and summative approaches, cover a variety of contexts—education, music, cultural heritage and a national digital library.
Tales of Resistance in an Australian University
Authors: Goodwin Matt
Published: May 2011

Many universities have taken the expensive path of ERP implementation. It is a worrying thought to hear staff comments such as “we have bought a system that never met our needs in any way … we have had to change almost everything in the university to fit a system instead of having a system to fit us.” Organizational fit and system success have been well covered in the literature. This chapter brings to the discussion resistance and how power can be used to perpetuate resistance. The chapter also discusses that not all resistance is bad and that it can actually represent business issues which need addressing. This chapter has focussed on the perceptions of the administration staff local to the academic elements and how they have reacted to the sweeping changes of an ERP.
Implementation Factors that Affect ERP System Success
Authors: Chatfield Craig
Published: May 2011

This chapter identifies valuable lessons about implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems into universities and contains a warning about cutting implementation costs and the impact on the system’s success. In the case study described, many incorrect assumptions were made regarding the organization and users. These led to ineffective change management and support strategies, and ultimately reduced both the system’s quality and its benefit to the organization. This study found that an ERP system’s quality can be improved by effectively tailoring the user training, change management, and support strategies to the organization’s culture and users.
Academic and Business Users
Authors: Mayer Nicole
Published: May 2011

This chapter proposes a model of ERP user acceptance, performing a qualitative assessment of a university implementation in terms of two distinctive user groups: business users and academic users. The model examines areas of system and information quality, attitudes and perceptions, training quality, user ability, and user’s situational and personal factors. Through conduction of a field study and subsequent analysis, it is concluded that the user groups, while experiencing a similar implementation process, are demonstrated as being so different and undergoing different forces that it cannot be stated which user group has the overall best level of acceptance of and satisfaction with the new ERP system. Factors such as personal and cultural background and workplace influences have proven to be extremely strong for both groups. Training is shown as having the greatest impact on the business user group, as the techniques used created favorable impressions of the new system, and it is possible such an effect could be extended to academic users, given different training circumstances.
Continuous Planning for Virtual Environments
Authors: Avradinis Nikos , Panayiotopoulos Themis
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses the application of intelligent planning techniques to virtual agent environments as a mechanism to control and generate plausible virtual agent behaviour. The authors argue that the real world-like nature of intelligent virtual environments (IVEs) presents issues that cannot be tackled with a classic, off-line planner where planning takes place beforehand and execution is performed later, based on a set of precompiled instructions. What IVEs call for is continuous planning, a generative system that will work in parallel with execution, constantly re-evaluating world knowledge and adjusting plans according to new data. The authors argue further on the importance of incorporating the modelling of the agents’ physical, mental and emotional states as an inherent feature in a continuous planning system targeted towards IVEs, necessary to achieve plausibility in the produced plans and, consequently, in agent behaviour.
Planning with Concurrency, Time and Resources
Authors: Cesta Amedeo , Fratini Simone , Oddi Angelo
Published: May 2011

This chapter proposes to model a planning problem (e.g., the control of a satellite system) by identifying a set of relevant components in the domain (e.g., communication channels, on-board memory or batteries), which need to be controlled to obtain a desired temporal behavior. The domain model is enriched with the description of relevant constraints with respect to possible concurrency, temporal limits and scarce resource availability. The paper proposes a planning framework based on this view that relies on a formalization of the problem as a Constraint Satisfaction Problem (CSP) and defines an algorithmic template in which the integration of planning and scheduling is a fundamental feature. In addition, the paper describes the current implementation of a constraint-based planner called OMP that is grounded on these ideas and shows the role constraints have in this planner, both at domain description level and as a guide for problem solving.
Constructing Geographic Areas for Analysis of Homicide in Small Populations
Authors: Wang Fahui , O’Brien Van
Published: May 2011

The rate estimates for rare events like homicide in small populations are very susceptible to data errors, and thus compromise the validity of inferences. This chapter discusses two geographic information systems (GIS)-based methods for constructing geographic areas with sufficiently large base populations to permit reliable estimates of homicide rates to be obtained. One is the spatial order method, and the other is the ISD method (after the Information & Statistics Division of the Health Service in Scotland, where it was devised). Both methods construct new analysis areas based on spatial proximity of basic units. For demonstration, the methods are applied to testing the herding-culture-of-honor hypothesis proposed by Nisbett and Reaves, and the result shows that the herding-culture-of-honor proposition is merely an artifact of unreliable estimate of homicide rates. The methodology, in general, is applicable to analysis of any rates with small base populations.
Geographic Profiling for Serial Crime Investigation
Authors: Rossmo D. Kim , Laverty Ian , Moore Brad
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes the technique and application of geographic profiling, a methodology for analyzing the geographic locations of a linked series of crimes to determine the unknown offender’s most probable residence area. The process focuses on the hunting behavior of the offender within the context of the crime sites and their spatial relationships. Rather than pinpointing a single location, it provides an optimal search strategy by making inferences from the locations and geometry of the connected crime sites. Geographic profiling can therefore be thought of as a spatially based information management tool for serial crime investigation. Tools based on geographic information systems (GIS), such as the Rigel geographic profiling system, allow the rapid computation and visualization of the geographic profile as a three-dimensional probability surface, which can then be combined with other geographically based information to narrow the offender search parameters for the criminal investigator.
Integrating GIS and Maximal Covering Models to Determine Optimal Police Patrol Areas
Authors: Curtin Kevin M. , Qui Fang , Hayslett-McCall Karen , Bray Timothy M.
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents a new method for determining the most efficient spatial distribution of police patrols in a metropolitan region, termed the police patrol area covering (PPAC) model. This method employs inputs from geographic information systems (GIS) data layers, analyzes that data through an optimal covering model formulation, and provides alternative optimal solutions for presentation to decision makers. The goal of this research is to increase the level of police service by finding more efficient spatial allocations of the available law enforcement resources. Extensions to the model that incorporate variations in the priority of calls for service based on the type of crime being committed, and the need for an equitable distribution of workload among police officers are discussed. Examples of the inputs from – and outputs to – GIS are provided through a pilot study of the city of Dallas, Texas.
Routine Activities of Youth and Neighborhood Violence
Authors: Roman Caterina Gouvis
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses how a geographic information system (GIS) and spatial analysis are used to model the relationship between the daily routine activities of youth and rates of violence, and provides an example of how these techniques can be applied to analytical studies examining violence in places. Most research informing hotspots and related crime prevention efforts focuses on the contribution of places and the physical environment to crime levels. Yet very little is known about how time influences patterns of crime across places and environments. This chapter discusses how time of day, week and year can be incorporated into spatial analysis of crime patterns to further inform crime prevention. A model of opportunity factors is developed to predict the spatial and temporal relationship among violence, schools, youth hangouts, retail properties and neighborhood disorganization across census blocks. Instrumental variables regression is used to estimate spatial lag models of violence.
Beyond Privacy and Fairness Concerns
Authors: Zweig David
Published: May 2011

This chapter explores the possibility that electronic performance monitoring violates the basic psychological boundary between the employer and employee. Once this boundary has been violated, a host of negative implications are likely, ranging from dissatisfaction and stress to resistance and deviance. This chapter outlines research investigating the implications of electronic performance monitoring and discusses the potential consequences if organizations continue to opt for electronic methods of monitoring to maximize employee performance. Furthermore, it offers suggestions for future research and the practice of electronic performance monitoring in an effort to define the boundaries around its use and limit the negative consequences experienced by electronically monitored employees in organizations.
Establishing Boundaries
Authors: Brien Christopher
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines workplace monitoring in Australia. Competing interests between those of employees and employers are outlined. Recent decisions by courts and tribunals in Australia are considered. Information technology or acceptable use policies that are part of the contract of employed are identified as a means of establishing boundaries. The relevant reports of both the New South Wales Law Reform Commission and the Victorian Law Reform Commission are also discussed. The idea that Commonwealth legislation could be enacted to simplify the process of establishing boundaries is noted. This activity should be viewed more generally as strengthening the protection of privacy in Australian law. Management and workers both have responsibilities in establishing boundaries with regard to workplace monitoring. Effective communication between employers and employees is an essential part for creating a culture of respect and trust within an organization.
How to Start or Improve a KM System in a Hospital or Healthcare Organization
Authors: Rubenstein A. H. , Geisler E.
Published: May 2011

One of the key factors that distinguishes enterprises of the 21st Century is the emphasis on knowledge and information. Knowledge management is an important means by which organizations can better manage information, and more importantly, knowledge. Unlike other techniques, knowledge management is not always easy to define, because it encompasses a range of concepts, management tasks, technologies, and practices, all of which come under the umbrella of the knowledge management. This chapter deals with two aspects of knowledge management systems: (a) why KM systems are needed, and (b) how to get started on designing and rolling out a new or improved KM system. The inferences are drawn from the direct experiences the authors have had during their academic and consulting activities in many health sector organizations.
Engineering Dependable Health Information Systems
Authors: Win Khin Than , Croll Peter
Published: May 2011

Effective and appropriate implementation of health information systems assists with an organization’s knowledge management. To enhance a user’s trustworthiness and full adoption, a health information system needs to be dependable. This chapter reviews the different development methodologies available for engineering dependable solutions and their application by citing two case studies as an example. Health information systems cover a diverse set of applications. The focus in this chapter is on the development of electronic health record systems, the importance of dependability, and the relationship between dependability and data quality of the health record systems.
e-Health with Knowledge Management
Authors: Sharma Sushil K. , Wickramasinghe Nilmini
Published: May 2011

The main purpose of this chapter is to bring out and discuss the central facts pertaining to the importance of incorporating knowledge management in the area of e-health. This is accomplished by focusing on the application of knowledge management in e-health and its effects.
Using the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Criteria to Enable KM and Create a Systemic Organizational Perspective
Authors: Engelkemeyer Susan West , Muret-Wagstaff Sharon
Published: May 2011

Health care leaders face an intensifying array of changes and challenges that heighten the need for systematic approaches to knowledge management at the organizational level. Healthcare costs are rising, biomedical science and technological advances are burgeoning, and recent reports indicate that medical errors are widespread. In its report on strategies for achieving improvement in the quality of healthcare delivered to Americans, the Institute of Medicine recommends building organizational supports for change such as the redesign of care based on best practices, use of information technologies to capture and use clinical information, and incorporation of performance and outcome measurements for improvement and accountability (Institute of Medicine, 2001). The Baldrige National Quality Program and its Healthcare Criteria for Performance Excellence (Baldrige National Quality Program, 2003) offer both the framework and the tools to guide organizations in building these critical supports. This chapter describes the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and its framework, criteria, and scoring system. It provides insight into the pitfalls that stand between an organization and successful KM, as well as examples of ways in which healthcare groups and institutions are becoming learning organizations — successfully employing cycles of learning and effective knowledge management systems in order to enhance performance and better meet the needs of their patients and other customers. The Baldrige Healthcare Criteria for Performance Excellence offer a useful framework for developing a knowledge management system at the organizational level in an increasingly complex environment. Use of the Baldrige Criteria will enhance the knowledge assets of your organization and enable your organization to deliver more value to patients and other customers. These criteria will also improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness through the management of individual, team, and organizational knowledge.
Deriving Safety-Related Scenarios to Support Architecture Evaluation
Authors: Lu Dingding , Lutz Robyn R. , Chang Carl K.
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces an analysis process that combines the different perspectives of system decomposition with hazard analysis methods to identify the safety-related use cases and scenarios. It argues that the derived safety-related use cases and scenarios, which are the detailed instantiations of system safety requirements, serve as input to future software architectural evaluation. Furthermore, by modeling the derived safety-related use cases and scenarios into UML (Unified Modeling Language) diagrams, the authors hope that visualization of system safety requirements will not only help to enrich the knowledge of system behaviors but also provide a reusable asset to support system development and evolution.
Rapid Pattern-Oriented Scenario-Based Testing for Embedded Systems
Authors: Tsai Wei-Tek , Paul Ray , Yu Lian , Wei Xiao
Published: May 2011

Systems change often, and each change requires reverification and revalidation. Modern software development processes such as agile process even welcome and accommodate frequent software changes. Traditionally, software reverification and revalidation are handled by regression testing. This chapter presents a pattern-oriented scenario-based approach to rapidly reverify and revalidate frequently changed software. Key features of this approach are (1) classifying system scenarios into reusable patterns; (2) application of a formal completeness analysis to identify missing scenarios; (3) identifying scenario patterns (SPs) and corresponding verification patterns (VPs) and robustness patterns (RBPs); (4) rapid test script generation by reusing test script templates. This approach is also compatible with formal approaches such as model checking. This approach has been used at industrial sites to test safety-critical medical devices with significant savings in cost and effort. The chapter presents several examples to illustrate the effectiveness and efficiency of this approach.
ERP Systems and Competitive Advantage
Authors: Kalling Thomas
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes the processes that firms and managers go through in their quests to create and sustain competitive advantages based on so-called Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. It is based on resource-based theory, combined with the strategy process perspective and with existing literature on information technology and ERP. The theoretic framework is extended through a detailed case study of a specific in-house ERP venture in a European multinational manufacturing company in the paper packaging industry. The emergent resource management framework describes cognitive and cultural factors that support or hamper progress, including uncertainty, knowledge gaps, knowledge transfer issue, and the problems of ensuring that ERP usage is converted into competitive advantage. The framework also addresses managerial implications and potential solutions to such obstacles throughout the process.
The Role of Interactive and Synchronized Multimedia Content in E-Learning
Authors: Zhang Dongsong , Zhou Lina
Published: May 2011

Multimedia-based e-learning systems have become increasingly available. Many of them, however, do not provide sufficient interactivity to learners. E-learners have little control over learning content and process to meet their individual needs. Therefore, the challenges include how to integrate instructional material in different media, and how to provide flexible process control in an e-learning environment to enable personalized knowledge construction and improve learning effectiveness. We propose an e-learning system with interactive multimedia that can help learners better understand learning content and achieve comparable learning performance to that of classroom learning. The results from an empirical study provide significant evidence to support our proposition. The chapter also discusses several important issues towards building effective and sharable multimedia-based e-learning systems.
Information and Communication Technologies in Supply Chain Management
Authors: Modrák Vladimír , Kiss Imrich
Published: May 2011

One of the important fields of application of the modern information and communication technology (ICT) has been the Supply Chain Management (SCM). Despite the fact that ICT is the determining element in SCM automation and rationalization, practical use of ICT in SCM is in its starting rather than progressive phase. The present philosophy of logistics is characterized as coordinated cooperation between companies in supply chains, through which it is possible to achieve higher productivity than in any other way. These cooperation activities represent a typical content of logistical centers, which provide a wide range of services for their clients. This chapter focuses on designing a multi-integral logistical center and analyzing it from the aspect of its effectiveness. Also, other aspects, such as the impact of ICT on the development of virtual logistical centers and the development stages of SCM are presented. Moreover, the chapter outlines pitfalls of this development trend in an effort to provide practitioners in SCM with a more complex view of this issue.
Technology-Infused Instruction
Authors: Mautino Rose M. , Biancaniello Stefan L.
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces a model of technology-infused literacy instruction that implements a constructivist approach to teaching and learning that defines a new paradigm for the classroom of the twenty-first century. It argues that in the face of the constant change process that is redefining literacy instruction today, it will be necessary to rethink our curriculum and redesign our instruction to infuse new technologies. In this new paradigm it will be necessary to not only ask different questions, but also to redefine the context in which the questions are posed. Students learning must focus on exploration, investigation, paradoxes, and inquiries. We must teach students to start their inquiries with “essential questions” in mind, and to seek not answers but rather new questions, new theories, and new ideas. The technologies of literacy in the future will need to function as cognitive tools that guide students in the generation of the concentric circles of lifelong learning.
Integrating Technology Literacy and Information Literacy
Authors: Sharkey Jennifer , Brandt D.S.
Published: May 2011

Information technology literacy can be seen as an integration of what are commonly two separate literacies—technology literacy and information literacy. This chapter defines them, reviews issues related to both, and argues that both must be acquired and functionally utilized for students and workers to achieve success in our heavily technology-oriented society and workplace. The authors address learning outcomes and design components that should be considered in training and instructional settings, and give examples of instructional strategies for achieving them.
Understanding the Role of Type Preferences in Fostering Technological Literacy
Authors: Nantz Karen S. , Kemmerer Barbara E.
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines the relationship between learning preferences and technological literacy. Based upon the work of Carl Jung, Myers-Briggs proposed a framework for understanding personality differences. The chapter suggests that applying this framework to the study of technological and information literacy can increase organizational effectiveness, particularly with respect to training, delivery methods, and information and knowledge acquisition.
The Distance from Isolation
Authors: Weller Martin
Published: May 2011

This chapter argues that the Internet is built around key technology design featuresof openness, robustness, and decentralization. These design features have trans-formed into social features, which are embodied within the cultural values of theInternet. By examining applications that have become popular on the net, theimportance of these values is demonstrated. If e-learning is considered as a subsetof Internet activity, then the types of approaches that will be popular and mean-ingful for students will be those that appeal to these three core values. An exami-nation of online communities reveals that these approaches are indeed in keepingwith these values and provide a valuable learning experience. The community canbe seen as a natural conclusion in e-learning driven by the expectations of a gen-eration of learners who have been enculturated into the values of the Internet.
Revisiting Mason
Authors: Freeman Lee A. , Peace A. Graham
Published: May 2011

Richard Mason’s seminal paper describing the four ethical issues of the information age has guided the field of Information Ethics for almost 20 years. However, much has changed with regard to information technology since 1986, and perhaps Mason’s four ethical issues — Privacy, Accuracy, Property, and Accessibility — have become dated. To set the stage for the following chapters, and to provide the reader with some context, this chapter takes a retrospective look at Mason’s issues and discusses how they remain salient in today’s information-rich and technology-driven society. Additional issues that have emerged since Mason’s publication are also discussed, with a discussion of “justified” hacking as a focused and critical analysis of Mason’s four issues. While no firm conclusions are reached regarding the ethics of specific actions, the chapter reinforces the continued use of the four ethical issues in future research, and it prepares the reader for the more detailed discussions that follow in the remaining chapters.
Intellectual Property Rights, Resources Allocation and Ethical Usefulness
Authors: de Vuyst Bruno , Fairchild Alea M.
Published: May 2011

Intellectual property rights (IP) are established through the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement (part of the Uruguay Round Agreements creating the WTO) as global and uniform. This absolute IP may provide such opportunities for rent-seeking that misallocations may occur, resulting in a perception of IP as ethically unuseful.
Web-Based Technologies, Technology Literacy, and Learning
Authors: Ng Wan
Published: May 2011

This chapter consolidates information regarding the role of technology in K-12 education, including policies related to it at a global level, the current status of its use in the classroom, and its impact on student learning. Its main focus is on the World Wide Web where its rich source of information and educational tools remains largely untapped in many K-12 classrooms. The chapter provides an illustration of how some Web-based technologies can be used to promote constructivist learning and foster the development of technology literacy in K-12 students. It also informs researchers and educators of issues and challenges faced by teachers and students in the classrooms in using these Web-based technologies and resources as pedagogical tools for concept development and promoting technology literacy.
The Complexities of Measuring Technological Literacy
Authors: Bober Marcie J.
Published: May 2011

Evaluating the impact of technology infusion is fraught with challenges. In this chapter, the author argues that the variance in evaluation rigor and quality about which so many complain depicts definitional confusion about technological literacy—the central premise underlying nearly all technology initiatives. She offers strategies for improving how we operationalize technological literacy as a construct—in part by drawing on the best of the many standards systems proffered by well-respected professional associations and educational agencies. She closes the discussion with a brief examination of other evaluative complications that exacerbate measurement/assessment—to wit, the criticality of engaging stakeholders; timely evaluator selection; and robust, up-front evaluation design and planning,
Teaching and Learning with Tablet PCs
Authors: Hin Leo Tan Wee , Subramaniam R.
Published: May 2011

This study explores the experiences of a secondary school in Singapore which was the first to introduce Tablet PCs to the entire cohort of its Secondary One (Grade 7) population. Except for physical education, the workshop aspects of design and technology, and the laboratory aspects of home economics, all other subjects are taught and learned using Tablet PCs. The implementation issues, including the business model which enabled 95% of the students to own their Tablet PCs, and the students’ perceptions of this new technology for learning are explored. Results show that the use of Tablet PCs for education is viewed very positively by both students and teachers. Being among the very first (and very few) studies investigating the effectiveness of Tablet PCs for educational use, it is suggested that the findings from this study have some implications for other educational institutions considering the use of Tablet PCs for their students.
Teachers and Technology
Authors: Cadiero-Kaplan Karen
Published: May 2011

This chapter focuses on the pedagogy necessary in critically considering technology development for K-12 teachers and their students’. Three key questions frame this analysis: First, what literacies are necessary in the learning and use of technology? Second, what methods or processes are most effective in developing and implementing such technological literacy? Third, how do teachers best develop skills in using computers which ultimately ensure the development of skills and knowledge for students in classrooms? The chapter will illustrate, through the author’s work in professional development settings, pedagogical techniques and strategies that have been implemented successfully in building capacity among new and experienced teachers in using technology for lesson planning, teaching enhancement, and portfolio development. Finally, Pailliotet and Mosenthal’s (2000) four “I’s” of media literacy—identity, intermediality, issues, and innovations—are utilized to analyze the case studies and provide a framework for implementing student-centered processes for technology use and literacy development.
Demystifying Constructivism
Authors: Adams Paul
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces constructivism as a pedagogical construct from which educational professionals might begin to analyse new technology exploiting learning-teaching interactions. Following a brief history of constructivism as both epistemology and pedagogy it presents an overview of published literature through an analysis of the characteristics of constructivist learning and learning environments and the characteristics of constructivist teachers. Finally, seven principles by which teachers might begin to analyse practice are proposed and discussed via the deconstruction of three fictional, new technology exploiting, learning-teaching vignettes. In this way it is hoped that educators in a variety of contexts will be able to engage in reflection concerning the theory and practice of constructivist pedagogy as related to personally held professional positions.
Designing an Online Formative Assessment that Helps Prepare Students and Teachers for a Summative Assessment
Authors: Gertz Stephanie JL , Askman Sally
Published: May 2011

Across the nation, even prior to the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act in 2001, many states had instituted statewide assessment programs. In response to these initiatives, school systems were interested in how to better prepare their students and teachers for the statewide assessment. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, founded in January 2000, was, and is, committed to exploring the ways in which the improved technology in the 21st century can be utilized to improve educational processes and programs. Based in Seattle, the foundation was interested in working closely within its home state. So the Washington State Education Department, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), and the foundation worked together on funding and managing an online formative assessment system. From 2000 to 2002, a classroom online assessment system was piloted in several districts in the state of Washington. The goals were threefold: 1. To determine the effectiveness of classroom online assessment 2. To give teachers a tool to help them assess student competency during the course of the year toward meeting or exceeding state-required standards 3. To increase teacher knowledge of the state standards
Feasibility Studies on Transitioning Assessment Programs from Paper to Pencil to CBT Delivery
Authors: Greenburg Sandra , Smith I. Leon
Published: May 2011

A wide range of decision points is described in determining if, how, and when an assessment program should be transitioned from paper and pencil administration to computer-based delivery. The key factors in making effective strategic policy decisions regarding a transition are described on the basis of experiences gained in conducting feasibility studies over the past decade. The feasibility study is conceptualized as a five-phase, partially sequential process in which information learned in one phase can trigger reinterpretation of previous understandings and impact directions taken in subsequent phases. No claim is made that the conduct of a feasibility study will guarantee a seamless transition; instead, a strategic roadmap is provided for navigating bumps in the transition road.