bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contributions of Social Capital Theory to HRM
Authors: Burakova-Lorgnier Marina
Published: May 2011

The philosophic premises of the social capital theory (SCT) number centuries of years. However, the term itself became explicit only in the second half of the 20th century. Emerged as a theoretical framework in sociology, it was soon adopted by community studies and management sciences. The concept of social capital (SC) has been criticized for recycling well-known fundamental theories and propounding a common sense truth. At the same time, more and more numerous testimonies stand for its recognition as a persuasive explanatory framework for various human resources (HR)-related issues. The present article outlines theoretical discussions around the SCT, as well as its quantifiability and contribution to the further improvement of human resources management (HRM).
E-HRM Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Mishra Alok
Published: May 2011

HR executives are looking to technology and the information it provides to help them drive decisions that will lead to success of the organization as a whole (Wilcox, 1997). Snell, Stueber, and Lepak (2002) observe that HR can meet the challenge of simultaneously becoming more strategic, flexible, cost-efficient, and customer-oriented by leveraging information technology (IT). They point out that IT has the potential to lower administrative costs, increase productivity, speed response times, improve decision-making, and enhance customer service all at the same time. The need for cost reduction, higher quality services, and cultural change are the three main forces that drive firms to seek IT-driven HR solutions (Yeung & Brockbank, 1995). The rapid development of the Internet during the last decade has boosted the implementation and application of electronic human resource management (e-HRM) (Strohmeier, 2007). According to Strohmeier (2007) e-HRM is the (planning, implementation and) application of information technology for both networking and supporting at least two individual or collective actors in their shared performing of HR activities. Virtual HR is emerging due to the growing sophistication of IT and increased external structural options (Lepak & Snell, 1998). Surveys of HR consultants suggest that both the number of organizations adopting e-HRM and the depth of applications within the organizations are continually increasing (CedarCrestone, 2005). IT is beginning to enable organizations to deliver state-of the- art HR services. Many experts forecast that the PC will become the central tool for all HR professionals (Kovach & Cathcart, 1999).
Electronic Monitoring in the Workplace
Authors: Panina Daria
Published: May 2011

Recent advances in technology have led to the rapid development of electronic monitoring in the workplace (Chen & Ross, 2007). Electronic monitoring is widely used in many industries, and there is no doubt that the size of the workforce subjected to it continues to grow (American Management Association, 2005; D’Urso, 2006). It is used by organizations due to its potential to optimize supervision and control processes, protect company assets, safeguard property information, and avoid costly litigation (Case & Young, 2002; Friedman & Reed, 2007). Electronic monitoring can become a central organizational tool for human resource management as well. It can have a profound impact on several HR functions. For example, an electronic monitoring system may be used as a source of data for performance management and performance evaluation and provide the basis for promotion, training, and development decisions (Wells, Moornan, & Werner, 2007). Due to these capabilities, electronic monitoring affects an array of work-related attitudes and behaviors of employees and management (Stanton, 2000b). Existing research is focusing on identifying the ways to make electronic monitoring acceptable to all stakeholders, by elucidating electronic monitoring designs that help maintain the motivation and well-being of individuals. However, we are only beginning to address the issue of the effects of organizational culture and human resource strategy on the role of electronic monitoring and its effectiveness within specific organizational contexts (Chen & Ross, 2005). These contextual factors may determine the role that electronic monitoring plays in managing human resources, from being one of the technology-enhanced human resource management practices devolved to line managers, to being a central part of the overall human resource strategy that supports various HR functions within an organization. The purpose of this article is to present a model of electronic monitoring effectiveness that combines the major electronic monitoring characteristics, their individual and organizational outcomes, and contextual variables that affect electronic monitoring acceptance and use.
An Exploration of the Perceived Value of Information Technology Certification between Information Technology and Human Resources Professionals
Authors: Cegielski Casey G. , Hall Dianne
Published: May 2011

During the decade of the 1990s, many firms engaged in widespread internal dissemination of information technology (IT) in an effort to leverage the capabilities of IT into greater organizational efficiencies. Information technologies such as electronic mail, office automation applications, and enterprise resource planning systems, are a few of the most popular examples of organizational IT initiatives from the past decade. Today, the use of information technology is an integral part of the ordinary course of business and provides technologically progressive firms with heretofore-unseen opportunities. For example, Dell Computers developed and maintains a competitive advantage in the retail technology sector based partly upon the use if information technology that did not exist 10 years ago. Although business applications of information technology present firms with vast opportunity, there is a myriad of complexities associated with organizational IT usage. Generally, this paper examines one critical area: the human resource aspect of organizational IT usage. Specifically, the research presented herein answers the question “Do human resource and information technology professionals perceive information technology certification differently?” The question is of practical relevance when examined, as in this study, within the context of the candidate selection process for a firm evaluating potential hires for an information technology-related position. Initially, the current paper presents a comprehensive overview of the theoretical foundations of certification. From theory, we construct a testing methodology that utilizes, as subjects, practicing human resource and information technology professionals. An analysis of the collected data revealed a marked difference in the perception of information technology certification among the subject groups. Based on the results of structured interviews with the study participants, we present concluding explanations regarding the statistically significant differences among groups.
Human Resources as Manager of the Human Imprint
Authors: Härtel Charmine E.J.
Published: May 2011

Knowledge is the currency of the new economy and consequently information is power. For this reason, it is a business imperative to grow and shape intellectual capital. Human resource management (HRM) plays a pivotal role in creating and growing intellectual capital and embedding it within organizational systems. Previous studies in HRM have demonstrated the connection between technological innovation and HRM in two conspicuously different ways. Specifically, some have illustrated how HR strategies can enhance technological innovation in organizations (Gloet & Terziovski, 2004; Jiménez-Jiménez & Sanz-Valle, 2005) while others have shown ways in which HR functions can be aligned and made more efficient by the effective use of technology (Ashbaugh & Miranda, 2002; Broderick & Boudreau, 1992; Bussler & Davis, 2001/2002). In this article, a more holistic approach is taken in viewing technology as both an input and an outcome of effective HRM. To this end, the aim here is to provide a description of some of the key ways in which HRM can enhance the development, implementation, and success of new technologies as well as how HRM can enhance its own value through the use of new technologies.
Kaleidoscope Careers and Evolving HRM Issues
Authors: Sullivan Sherry E. , Mainiero Lisa A. , Terjesen Siri
Published: May 2011

The quotations from Isobel and Jackie illustrate the very real problems that individuals encounter when trying to combine work, family, and lifestyle activities. In the course of our research, we interviewed thousands of men and women, who like Isobel and Jackie, were enacting nontraditional careers; careers based on their personal values, relationships, and life priorities rather than careers dominated by corporate values. Like many others, both Isobel and Jackie later left their corporate jobs to start their own companies. This growing phenomenon of individuals, especially women, leaving established, “plum” corporate jobs was highlighted in recent media stories regarding the “opt-out revolution” which emphasized women’s desire to focus on family rather than career. Similarly, there was a shift in the academic literature away from models that focused on describing careers as a linear sequence of hierarchical promotions in one or two organizations to concepts that reflect nonlinear career structures and view careers as having “multidirectional” patterns (Baruch, 2004). This new, nontraditional, flexible career model has been described as “boundaryless,” “protean,” “post-corporate,” “intelligent,” and “customized” (Arthur & Rousseau, 1996; Arthur Inkson & Pringle, 1999; Hall, 1996; Peiperl & Baruch, 1997; Valcour, Bailyn, & Quijada, 2005). Many of these newer models, however, fail to fully recognize workplaces changes due to increased globalization and technological advances and fail to fully capture the differences in how men and women enact their careers (Powell & Mainiero, 1992, 1993).
Managing the New Psychological Contract
Authors: Akinyemi Benjamin Oyegoke
Published: May 2011

Employees have other expectations as an extension of what is usually expressly stated in formal, written or legally binding employment contracts. They (employees) develop perceptions about certain obligations which employers should fulfill in response to their contributions. This informal but normal employee expectation is known as the psychological contract. The effective management of the psychological contract in modern organizations has never been more crucial for managers. This is essentially because of the subjective and fluid nature of this concept, differences in personal values, and an accelerated pace of change in the operating environment of organizations. A good employment relationship creates an enabling environment for employees enhancing performance and productivity. It is also the bedrock of job satisfaction, motivation, commitment, citizenship behaviour, and employee retention. These factors are key determinants of organizational success and sustainability. A perceived breach or violation results in negative attitudinal and behavioral responses, whereas a positive psychological contract boosts employees’ morale. In this article, we explore the concept of the psychological contract, its changing nature, and effective management. Insight is given on managing the psychological contract to enhance the commitment, performance, and productivity of employees as well as continued organizational success in a constantly volatile environment.
Shared-Time Work and E-HRM in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises
Authors: Vilette Marc-André
Published: May 2011

Many authors and journalists underline the dominate place of small and medium sized enterprises (SME) in the economy, especially in France: 60% of employment, 53% of added value, 41% of investment, and 30% of exportation for business with less than 250 people (Insee source in Savajol, 2003). As others kinds of business, SME encounter some problems concerning human resource management (HRM). The perspective positive aspects which foresee e-HRM in this area are not exempted from other more delicate consequences in others areas. These ones identify another practice which is relatively recent and unknown: shared-time work (STW). After returning to the notion of SME and the speci- fications of their HRM, more particularly the development of e-HRM, we will examine converging points of this one with STW.
Transferring Knowledge in a Knowledge-Based Economy
Authors: Henry Lauren Edelstein , Lee Doris
Published: May 2011

Knowledge is considered a major asset for companies competing in today’s knowledge-based economy. Management and retention of this knowledge is a critical task in keeping companies ahead of the game. This article will focus on one component of knowledge management, that is, the creation of a successful knowledge transfer process by using an integrative literature review method (Torracco, 2005). An integrative literature review is a form of research where the pertinent literature on a topic was systematically reviewed, analyzed, and synthesized in hopes of reaching a new and better understanding of the topic. Multiple databases were used in gathering literature for this article. Common themes that serve as findings of the study were through the processes of independent analysis of each researcher and joint discussion of the two researchers of the study. In the following sections, background information and definitions concerning knowledge transfer are presented followed by the identified themes. Finally, pertinent discussions regarding trends of knowledge transfer are discussed.
The Agile and Virtual University
Authors: Cunha Maria Manuela , Putnik Goran D. , Miranda Eva
Published: May 2011

The convergence of information technology developments, together with instructional and pedagogical developments, is creating opportunities for new paradigms of learning and teaching. New concepts of postgraduated university education and of university continuing education will emerge, where new roles for individuals and institutions will be available and where new requirements will shrink.
Agile Holonic Network Organizations
Authors: Kidd Paul T.
Published: May 2011

Enterprises have been radically altered since the 1980s, so much so that people talk about a new paradigm, which is referred to by different names such as post- Fordism, post-industrial era, mass customization, information society, etc. However, awareness of this paradigm shift is not a new phenomenon since it has been extensively discussed in the literature since the 1970s (e.g., see Kidd, 1994; Piore & Sable, 1984; Savage, 1996; Toffler, 1971). That the world of enterprise is undergoing a paradigm shift is not of great interest anymore. Of more importance are the details of the new and advanced concepts that are required in the longer-term to deal with an ever-changing business environment.
Classes of Collaborative Networks
Authors: Camarinha-Matos Luis M. , Afsarmanes Hamideh
Published: May 2011

A collaborative network (CN) is an alliance constituted by a variety of entities (e.g., organizations and people) that are largely autonomous, geographically distributed, and heterogeneous in terms of their operating environment, culture, social capital, and goals but that collaborate to better achieve common or compatible goals, and whose interactions are supported by computer network. Some authors see the roots of this paradigm in early works of economists like Oliver Williamson in the 1970s. Along his vast work, Williamson established the study of transaction cost economics (Williamson, 1975) and defended that manufacturing firms should make much greater use of externally purchased goods and services, rather than those internally supplied. These ideas had a more evident impact with the booming of the “outsourcing” wave in the 1980s. Outsourcing became very attractive when managers had to reduce the organization overheads and eliminate the internal inefficient services, the so called lean organization, as it transfers the problem to the outside, namely to other efficient service providers. In this line of developments, the idea of virtual enterprise/virtual organization was not “invented” by a single researcher but rather it is a concept that has matured through a long evolution process. Some of the early references first introducing the terms like virtual company, virtual enterprise, or virtual corporation go back to the early 1990s, including the work of Jan Hopland, Nagel and Dove, and Davidow and Malone (Davidow & Malone, 1992; Introna, More, & Cushman, 1999; Walton & Whicker, 1996). Since then, a large but disjoint body of literature has been produced mainly in two communities: the information and communications technology (ICT) community and the management community.
Comparing ZigBee, Bluetooth, UWB, and Wi-Fi
Authors: Sol Teixeira Gonçalo Nuno , Rodríguez Peralta Laura Margarita
Published: May 2011

In this article, we compare four distinct protocols for different wireless communication solutions. ZigBee, Bluetooth, and Ultra Wideband (UWB) represent some of IEEE standards for wireless personal area network (WPAN). WPAN applications transmit information over a short distance between a group of devices and are usually self contained with little or no need of connecting directly with devices outside the group. Wi-Fi is a wireless local area network (WLAN) standard. WLAN applications need to connect with external devices outside the group. Our goal is to provide a better understanding of these emergent technologies, highlighting their characteristics and the critical issues of their protocol designs. All four wireless technologies presented here have their physical layer (PHY) and medium access control layer (MAC) defined as an IEEE standard. This article is organized as follows: the first section introduces each one of these protocols. A comparison of these protocols is presented in the second section, mainly focusing on transmission range, operating frequency, data rate, modulation scheme, interference and coexistence mechanisms, network size, security, authentication, and QoS. Lastly, the article is concluded with some final remarks.
Concept of Collaboration
Authors: Camarihna-Matos Luis M. , Afsarmanesh Hamideh
Published: May 2011

Although everybody has an intuitive notion of what collaboration is, this concept is often confused with cooperation. For many people, the two terms are indistinguishable. Even when a distinction is made, there are many different uses of the term collaboration in the current literature. The ambiguities reach a higher level when other related terms are considered such as networking, communication, and coordination (Denise, 1999; Grosz, 1996; Himmelman, 2001; Pollard, 2005). Although each one of these concepts is an important component of collaboration, they are not of equal value; neither one is equivalent to it.
Critical Success Factors and Core Competencies
Authors: Rodrigues Helena Santos , Dorrego Pedro Figueroa
Published: May 2011

To effectively compete, the company needs to adjust their internal strengths to the environmental opportunities. Considering the “intangible” support of virtual organizations, it point out the importance of intangible resources. So, managers need to identify, combine, recombine, and manage their resources, competencies and capability to explore their potential and perform better than the competitors on the costumer needs, preferences, and desires satisfaction. So, the advantage of an organization consists in the identification of the internal: core competences, mainly based on knowledge assets and intellectual capital, that align with the key success factors of the market gives: competitive advantage, better performance and better market position.
Strategic QCD Studies with Affiliated and Non-Affiliated Suppliers Utilizing New JIT
Authors: Amasaka Kakuro
Published: May 2011

This paper proposes “New JIT”, a new principle of next generation management technology that contributes to corporate management. New JIT consists of a hardware system founded on three core elements (TMS—Toyota Marketing System, TDS—Toyota Development System, and TPS—Toyota Production System), and a software system (TQM-S) (total quality management utilizing scientific statistical quality control (SQC)) that enables the application of scientific TQM. In previous studies, the effectiveness of New JIT was successfully proven through its application in a leading Japanese company, Toyota Motor Corporation. In developing “global marketing” to win the global competition in quality and cost, the key for domestic and foreign companies is to successfully achieve “global production” that enables simultaneous production start-up (the same quality and production at optimal locations) all over the world.
Trust and its Impersonal Nature
Authors: Kosonen Miia , Blomqvist Kirsimarja , Ellonen Riikka
Published: May 2011

In the knowledge-based network economy, trust is becoming an increasingly important issue. Both economists (Arrow, 1974) and sociologists (Luhmann, 1979) have pointed at the role of trust as a lubricant in managing uncertainty, complexity, and related risks. Trust reduces transaction costs, and increases spontaneous sociability (see Creed & Miles, 1996; Kramer, 1999). Trust can also have a critical role in enhancing knowledge creation and transfer within the organizational context (Kogut & Zander, 1992; Grant, 1996). Trust is an intriguing and paradoxical issue: in the modern society we need trust more than ever, yet we have less natural opportunities for trust to evolve (Lahno, 2002; Blomqvist, 2005).
Trust in Networks and Clusters
Authors: Braun Patrice
Published: May 2011

It is widely accepted that technological change underpins a global economy and that geographic location and concentration is of foremost importance for regional development and competitive advantage. The realities of global competition require an understanding on the local level of global markets and the complexities of interactions with multiple stakeholders along global supply and value chains. There is increasing evidence that the performance of existing enterprises is significantly improved by networking and clustering. Especially for small- to medium-size enterprise (SME) owners, which play an important role in the economy of countries, local networks represent a potentially complementary response to insecurity arising from global economic developments. In the new economy, networks and clusters are regionally driven with local communities seeking to maintain their social, environmental and economic agendas in a global economic climate. The geographic scope of clusters can vary from a single city, state or region to a network of companies across state borders or even country borders. As industry clusters become more accepted, their definition, boundaries and composition become more complex, which has led some cluster researchers to focus on clustering activities rather than on clusters as such. This article focuses on clustering activities with an emphasis on network relationships.
Agile Method Fragments and Construction Validation
Authors: Tran Q. N.N. , Henderson-Sellers B. , Hawryszkiewycz I.
Published: May 2011

Method fragments for work units and workflows are identified for the support of agile methodologies. Using one such situational method engineering approach, the OPEN Process Framework, we show how the full set of these newly identified agile method fragments, each created from the relevant powertype pattern as standardized in the Australian Standard methodology metamodel of AS 4651, can be used to recreate four of the currently available agile methods: XP, Scrum, and two members of the Crystal family—thus providing an initial validation of the approach and the specifically proposed method fragments for agile software development.
On the Design of Multiagent, Context-Aware, and Mobile Systems
Authors: Gasmelseid Tagelsir M.
Published: May 2011

This chapter addresses the software engineering dimensions associated with the development of mobile and context-aware multiagent systems. It argues that despite the growing deployment of such systems in different application domains little has been done with regards to their analysis and design methodologies. The author argues that the introduction of mobility and context awareness raises three main challenges that deserve a paradigm shift: the challenge of information integrity, service availability on mobile devices, and the complexity of decision modeling. Because they reflect different operational and procedural dimensions, the author argues that the conventional software engineering practices used with intelligent systems that possess other agency qualities need to be “re-engineered.” The chapter emphasizes that the envisioned methodology should reflect a thorough understanding of decision environments, domains epresentation, and organizational and decision-making structures. Furthermore, the chapter provides a description for the appropriate enablers necessary for integrated implementation.
Patients on Weaning Trials Classified with Neural Networks and Features Selection
Authors: Giraldo B. , Garde A. , Arizmendi C. , Jane R. , Diaz I. , Benito S.
Published: May 2011

One of the challenges in intensive care is the process of weaning from mechanical ventilation. We studied the differences in respiratory pattern variability between patients capable of maintaining spontaneous breathing during weaning trials, and patients that fail to maintain spontaneous breathing. In this work, neural networks were applied to study these differences. 64 patients from mechanical ventilation are studied: Group S with 32 patients with Successful trials, and Group F with 32 patients that Failed to maintain spontaneous breathing and were reconnected. A performance of 64.56% of well classified patients was obtained using a neural network trained with the whole set of 35 features. After the application of a feature selection procedure (backward selection) 84.25% was obtained using only eight of the 35 features.
History of Electronic Resources
Authors: Hawthorne Dalene
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes the history of the development and use of electronic resources in libraries in the United States. It provides an overview of the major developments in the field with a focus on library catalogs, electronic databases, e-books and e-serials. The chapter is intended to convey the broad sweep of change that has characterized these electronic resources from the 1960’s to the early 2000’s, as well as a sense of the underlying issues that remain the same. The author hopes that an understanding of the history of the development and use of these resources may lead to a better understanding of the current environment and provide inspiration for the future.
Tactics and Terms in the Negotiation of Electronic Resource Licenses
Authors: Brown Kincaid C.
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces the reader to the realm of electronic resource license agreements. It provides the reader with an overview of basic contract law as it relates to electronic resource licensing. The chapter then discusses the electronic resource license negotiation process as well as license agreement term clauses. The aim of this chapter is to provide librarians with an understanding of basic licensing concepts and language in order to aid librarians in the review and negotiation of their own license agreements. The author hopes to impart lessons and tips he has learned in reviewing and negotiating license agreements with a number of publishers to further the awareness and understanding of licensing in the library community.
Cultural Implications of Collaborative Information Technologies (CITs) in International Online Collaborations and Global Virtual Teams
Authors: Olaniran Bolanle A. , Edgell David A.
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces and explains some critical issues regarding Cultural Implications of Collaborative Information Technologies (CITs) in International Online Collaborations and Global Virtual Teams. This chapter attempts to addresses some of the cross-cultural issues in international online collaboration, which include but are not limited to language, culture, trust, and technology along with the implications for organizational virtual collaboration. The chapter also provides useful recommendations and strategies for improving international online virtual collaboration with CMC.
The Perceptions of Collaborative Technologies Among Virtual Workers
Authors: Jones Frankie S.
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses the findings of a qualitative research study which explored how collaborative technologies facilitate or inhibit the work of 12 virtual workers. Overall, participants perceived collaborative technologies as helpful to facilitating their work but mentioned a number of challenges inherent in each. For example, asynchronous technologies afford the ability to respond at one’s leisure, but this affordance may generate misconceptions when time lags occur. Synchronous technologies such as online meeting tools with video enhance meetings by affording the communication of visual cues but pose the challenge of coordinating the schedules of virtual team members or clients dispersed across global time zones. Participants also revealed that certain technologies were more appropriate for certain tasks. Finally, the chapter relates the results of this study to previous research on technology-enhanced work and lists implications for future research and practice.
Employee Privacy in Virtual Workplaces
Authors: Sprague Robert
Published: May 2011

This chapter addresses the legal aspects of employee privacy in virtual workplaces. The body of law regarding employee workplace privacy that has evolved over the years establishes a minimal expectation of privacy on the part of the employee (meaning employers have been found guilty of violating employee privacy only in rare and extreme cases). No one has yet examined whether virtual workplaces alter the fundamental assumptions underlying employee privacy rights. By reviewing the current status of employee privacy law and juxtaposing it with virtual workplace environments, with a particular focus on communication technologies, this chapter seeks to provide guidance for the privacy issues that are sure to arise with the growth and development of virtual workplaces.
An International Virtual Office Communication Plan
Authors: Lei Meng Lei , Schafer Robert
Published: May 2011

This chapter aims to define a plan for an international virtual office by exploring the problems that hamper communication within a virtual office. Four factors that contribute to miscommunication are explored: linguistics, culture, laws and regulations, and technology. Policies of practice are then offered to mitigate these factors, help increase the productivity, and avoid communication problems, personnel conflicts, and legal liability. Last, different stages of office evolution are discussed and the future trend of office is explored. The purpose of this chapter is to help establish a successful international virtual office as the virtual office is becoming the future trend of the business environment.
Blogging and Academic Writing Development
Authors: Bloch Joel , Crosby Cathryn
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses the use of blogging in a beginning level academic writing course. Blogging was used in this writing course both as a means of interacting with the other students and as a means of discussing the issues the students were to write about in their classroom assignments, all of which dealt with issues related to the nature of plagiarism and what policies towards plagiarism should the university adopt. The chapter analyzes the blogs of an African immigrant student. It is argued that the use of blogs allows the students to develop a variety of rhetorical strategies outside the confines of the course that could then be transferred into the student’s academic writing assignments.
Pedagogy Meets Technology in the Somatically-Enhanced Approach
Authors: Buranapatana Maliwan , Zhang Felicia
Published: May 2011

This chapter reports on a study which evaluates the effect of a language teaching approach called the Somatically-Enhanced Approach (Zhang, 2006)in the teaching of Thai to Vietnamese learners in Vietnam. The teaching methodology deals with training students’ pronunciation in Thai from the beginning. Innovations include: the using relaxation techniques to relax students; the use of humming, clapping and physical gestures to emphasize the rhythm of Thai; the use of a Speech comparison tool (Sptool) (Zhang & Newman, 2003) and the provision of all learning materials on CD-ROMs. Results show that after 12 face-to-face hours, Vietnamese students who undertook an intensive course in SEA achieved the same level of fluency in spoken Thai, in limited contexts, as their fellow students who studied Thai for 1 year using the traditional approach. Both quantitative and qualitative results of the study will be briefly reported including an evaluation of the Speech comparison tool.
The Role of Error Correction in Online Exchanges
Authors: Vinagre Margarita , Lera Maria
Published: May 2011

In this chapter we analyze the role that error correction plays in fostering language development via e-mail tandem exchanges. In order to do so, we present the findings of a year-long e-mail exchange between specialist learners of English at Nebrija University in Madrid and non-specialist learners of Spanish at Trinity College Dublin during the academic year 2005-2006. Using the results of qualitative research, we present data from the students’ e-mail content regarding different aspects of error correction, such as type of corrections, conventions and use of metalanguage. The findings of this study suggest that corrective feedback, especially when it takes the form of remediation, can lead to language development in on-line exchanges since it encourages recycling of errors in later e-mail messages.
The Texture of Inefficiently Self-Regulating ESL Systems
Authors: Murphy Terence Patrick
Published: May 2011

This chapter addresses the question of how to measure the student’s English as a second language (ESL) textual sophistication. It suggests that the second language text is an inefficiently self-regulating system, at the levels of grammar, lexis and logico-rhetorical structure. Learner texts use a narrow or even fixed set of key lexical phrases; they deploy cohesive ties that bind the text incorrectly, they omit cohesive ties altogether, or redundantly retain items that are easily recovered from the situational context. Following a review of some typical second language cohesion problems, the chapter offers an analysis of the emergent texture of four versions of the same paper, each written by a different ESL student. The results suggest that a learner text-maker is unable to perceive the ineffective choices in texts written at levels of sophistication higher than those he or she is capable of creating.
Applying TTS Technology to Foreign Language Teaching
Authors: Azuma Junichi
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes how the synthesized English speech sound generated by a commercial TTS engine (Pentax “VoiceText”) is utilized within a CALL room environment as well as within the Moodle-based e-Learning environment for an EFL class in an average-level Japanese private university. It also argues that a TTS synthesized speech material will open a completely new horizon in foreign language teaching, implementing a ubiquitous multimedia learning environment at a significantly low cost.
Malicious Software in Mobile Devices
Authors: Chen Thomas M. , Peikari Cyrus
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines the scope of malicious software (malware) threats to mobile devices. The stakes for the wireless industry are high. While malware is rampant among 1 billion PCs, approximately twice as many mobile users currently enjoy a malware-free experience. However, since the appearance of the Cabir worm in 2004, malware for mobile devices has evolved relatively quickly, targeted mostly at the popular Symbian smartphone platform. Significant highlights in malware evolution are pointed out that suggest that mobile devices are attracting more sophisticated malware attacks. Fortunately, a range of host-based and network-based defenses have been developed from decades of experience with PC malware. Activities are underway to improve protection of mobile devices before the malware problem becomes catastrophic, but developers are limited by the capabilities of handheld devices.
Privacy-Enhancing Technique
Authors: Langendörfer Peter , Maaser Michael , Piotrowski Krzysztof , Peter Steffen
Published: May 2011

This chapter provides a survey of privacy-enhancing techniques and discusses their effect using a scenario in which a charged location-based service is used. We introduce four protection levels and discuss an assessment of privacy-enhancing techniques according to these protection levels.
Security in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Lu Bin
Published: May 2011

Mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is a self-configuring and self-maintaining network characterized as dynamic topology, absence of infrastructure, and limited resources. These characteristics introduce security vulnerabilities, as well as difficulty in providing security services to MANETs. Up to date, tremendous research has been done to develop security approaches to MANETs. This work will discuss the existing approaches that have intended to defend against various attacks at different layers. Open challenges are also discussed in the chapter.
Localization Security in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Wei Yawen , Yu Zhen , Guan Yong
Published: May 2011

Localization of sensor nodes is very important for many applications proposed for wireless sensor networks (WSN), such as environment monitoring, geographical routing, and target tracking. Because sensor networks may be deployed in hostile environments, localization approaches can be compromised by many malicious attacks. The adversaries can broadcast corrupted location information; they can jam or modify the transmitting signals between sensors to mislead them to obtain incorrect distance measurements or nonexistent connectivity links. All these malicious attacks will cause sensors not able to or wrongly estimate their locations. In this chapter, we summarize the threat models and provide a comprehensive survey and taxonomy of existing secure localization and verification schemes for wireless sensor networks.
Survivability of Sensors with Key and Trust Management
Authors: Seigneur Jean-Marc , Moraru Luminita , Powell Olivier
Published: May 2011

Weiser (1991) envisioned ubiquitous computing with computing and communicating entities woven into the fabrics of every day life. This chapter deals with the survivability of ambient resource-constrained wireless computing nodes, from fixed sensor network nodes to small devices carried out by roaming entities, for example, as part of a personal area network of a moving person. First, we review the assets that need to be protected, especially the energy of these unplugged devices. There are also a number of specific attacks that are described, for example, direct physical attacks are facilitated by the disappearing security perimeter. Finally, we survey the protection mechanisms that have been proposed with an emphasis on cryptographic keying material and trust management.
Security in WLAN
Authors: Badra Mohamad , Hecker Artur
Published: May 2011

The great promise of wireless LAN will never be realized unless there is an appropriate security level. From this point of view, various security protocols have been proposed to handle wireless local-area network (WLAN) security problems that are mostly due to the lack of physical protection in WLAN or because of the transmission on the radio link. The purpose of this chapter is (1) to provide the reader with a sample background in WLAN technologies and standards, (2) to give the reader a solid grounding in common security concepts and technologies, and (3) to identify the threats and vulnerabilities of WLAN communications.
Computer Virus Phenomena in Cybercafé
Authors: Garuba Abdul Rahman
Published: May 2011

The chapter examines the concepts, history, sources, spread, detection, and removal of computer viruses. The increase in the number of computers and accessibility to Internet has made it easy for hackers to invade systems all over the world. Computer viruses have reached epidemic numbers in many computer environments resulting in computer security vulnerabilities. Cybercafés systems/networks are potential objects of virus attacks due to the fact that they are connected to the Net. Cybercafé managers should have a good understanding of the risk and controls associated with various security technologies. It is the hope of the author that adequate awareness and understanding of the destructive devices by cybercafé managers and computer users generally will help secure their systems. It is recommended that cybercafé administrators develop a security policy for both employees and users.
Dynamic, Flow Control-Based Information Management for Web Services
Authors: Tari Zahir , Bertok Peter , Simic Dusan
Published: May 2011

Information Flow Control (IFC) is a method of enforcing confidentiality by using labels, data structures for specifying security classifications. IFC is used in programming languages to monitor procedures in an attempt to detect and prevent information leakage. While it ensures greater security, IFC excessively restricts flow of information. This chapter presents a model of information flow control using semi-discretionary label structures. We propose a set of rules that not only increase the flexibility of IFC, but also define labels as a practical component of a security system. We propose a dynamic approach using a centralized model for dynamic label checking, and verify the proposed model using theoretical proofs.
Practical Experience in Customization for a Software Development Process for Small Companies Based on RUP Process and MSF
Authors: Fernandes del Maschi Valerio , Souza Luciano S. , de Mesquita Spínola Mauro , Vendramel Wilson , Costa Ivanir , Pirola Jorge , de Lima Esteves Alexandre
Published: May 2011

The quality in software projects is related the deliveries that are adjusted to the use, and that they take care of to the objectives. In this way, Brazilian organizations of software development, especially the small and medium ones, need to demonstrate to future customers whom an initial understand of the business problem has enough. This chapter has as objective to demonstrate methodology, strategy, main phases and procedures adopted beyond the gotten ones of a small organization of development of software in the implantation of a Customized Software Engineering Process and of a Tool of Support to the Process in the period of 2004 to 2006 on the basis of rational unified process (RUP) and in the Microsoft solutions framework (MSF).
E-Government for an Inclusive Society
Authors: Millard Jeremy
Published: May 2011

This paper examines the role of eGovernment in supporting an inclusive society by focusing on how government and eGovernment services are used, and who uses them. In this context, the socio-economic and other characteristics of users and non-users of eGovernment services are examined, as is the importance of the different user access channels, including the digital channel, and the consequences this has. The focus is also on user experiences of eGovernment and the role of human intermediaries in delivering services. In each case, the benefits and challenges of eGovernment for an inclusive society are documented and analyzed. Finally, conclusions are drawn concerning appropriate inclusion policy.
The Evolution of Web Governance in the Federal Government
Authors: Mahler Julianne , Regan Priscilla M.
Published: May 2011

Over the last 10 years, federal agencies have undergone a major transformation in the way they manage programs and internal administration, in their relations with Congress, and in their dealings with clients and citizens. Agencies now work in electronic environments of e-mail, electronic documents and filings, intranets, and the Internet. This article seeks to describe and to account for the emergence of what is now being termed Web governance. Briefly, Web governance is concerned with the control of content and design for agency Web sites. We explore the evolution of the process by which Web governance decisions are being made government-wide and at individual federal agencies. We look to changing patterns of administrative process in order to help account for the emergence of controls, and we find evidence of the importance of networking and of disbursed, self-designing processes.
The Impact of Culture and Context on Knowledge Management
Authors: Jennex Murray E.
Published: May 2011

Jennex (2005) used an expert panel to generate the definition of knowledge management as the practice of selectively applying knowledge from previous experiences of decision-making to current and future decision making activities with the express purpose of improving the organization’s effectiveness. This was a consensus definition from the editorial review board that tells us what we are trying to do with knowledge management. However, knowledge management is being applied in multinational, multicultural organizations and we are seeing issues in effectively implementing knowledge management and transferring knowledge in global and/or multicultural environments. Chan and Chau (2005) discuss a failure of knowledge management that was in part caused by organizational culture differences between the home office (Hong Kong) and the main work location (Shanghai). Jennex (2006) discusses Year 2000, Y2K, knowledge sharing projects that were not as successful as expected due to cultural and context issues. These projects involved organizations that performed the same functions just in different nations, however, problems caused by culture and context were not expected. Other research in review with the International Journal of Knowledge Management explores issues of culture with respect to social capital and implementing knowledge management. None of these are far reaching studies that we can generalize issues from, but they do provide anecdotal and case study support that culture and context are issues we need to address.
Inprovement of Software Engineering Processes by Analyzing Knowledge-Intensive Activities
Authors: Fröeming Jane , Gronau Norbert , Schmid Simone
Published: May 2011

The Knowledge Modeling and Description Language (KMDL®) analyzes knowledge intensive business processes which lead towards improvements. After modeling the business processes, knowledge and process potentials in daily business tasks in knowledge generation and handling can be unleashed. The following contribution presents the current state of specification of KMDL®. A real-life example in software engineering is used to explain the advantages of this approach.
Defining Knowledge
Authors: Geisler Eliezer
Published: May 2011

In virtually every aspect of our lives, we deal with knowledge. From the moment of birth, we are a sieve through which data is constantly feeding and knowledge is created. We are told that “knowledge is power” and the gateway to prosperity (Allee, 2002; Burke, 1999; Leonard, 1998). Since antiquity, people with inquisitive minds have attempted to define, classify, and measure this illusive notion of knowledge. It is definitely not an easy task.
Crucible of Synthesis
Authors: Geisler Eliezer
Published: May 2011

Why is the search for the basic unit of knowledge possible and necessary, even when separated from larger philosophical and scientific questions? There are three main reasons. First, one such problem deals with the process by which knowledge is gained about the external world and rational beings interact with their external environment. A second problem examines the existence or ontology of this external world: is it real or an artifact of the mind? Thirdly, another area of inquiry concerns the degree to which we can trust our senses. Are the inputs we receive from the external world “true” representations of the external reality?