bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Training in Preparing End Users to Learn Related Software Packages
Authors: Shayo Conrad , Olfman Lorne
Published: April 2011

The aim of this chapter is to determine what types of formal training methods can provide appropriate “mapping via training” of a new but related software application (in this case, a database management system [DBMS]), given that “mapping via analogy” is also taking place. To this end, trainees’ existing mental models were measured, and then the trainees were exposed to one of the three training methods. Training methods were varied in an experimental setting across two dimensions: the training task context (generic versus relevant), and the number of DBMSs demonstrated (one versus two). Outcomes were measured in terms of learning performance and perceptions of ability to transfer skills to a new but related DBMS. The results indicate that both task context and the number of software packages learned are important training variables that influence trainees’ mental models of the software, their transfer self-efficacy expectations, and their perceptions about the usefulness of the training.
The Effect of Individual Differences on Computer Attitudes
Authors: Orr Claudia , Allen David , Poindexter Sandra
Published: April 2011

Computer competency is no longer a skill to be learned only by students majoring in technology-related fields. All individuals in our society must acquire basic computer literacy to function successfully. Despite the widespread influx of technology in all segments of our society, the literature often reports high levels of anxiety and negative attitudes about using computers. Monitoring the computer attitudes and developing an understanding of the variables that affect computer attitudes will assist educators and adult trainers in providing appropriate learning experiences in which learners can succeed. This study examined the relationship between computer attitude and experience, demographic/educational variables, personality type, and learning style of 214 students enrolled in a university computer literacy course.
Computer Viruses
Authors: Westin Stu
Published: April 2011

It would be difficult to find a veteran end user who is unwilling to share at least one “war story” concerning a computer virus. Viruses are, and undoubtedly will continue to be, a fact of life in the end user computing community. Many tales of bouts with computer viruses contain a good measure of embellishment, and many computer mishaps attributed to viruses are truly due to “pilot error.” Regardless of these facts, computer viruses are a problem worth addressing. This paper considers the past and current status of computer viruses and “defensive computing,” and the degree to which the situation has been clouded by hype, misinformation, and misunderstanding. While the coining of the term computer virus is attributable to Fred Cohen in conjunction with his 1983 academic research on a DEC VAX platform (Cobb, 1998), the phenomenon and did not become a concern to users of application systems until almost ten years later. In 1987, occurrences first appeared in several universities, and shortly thereafter in corporate settings. In today’s environment, the computer virus threat clearly impacts every computer user in one way or another. The degree of impact is not as clear, however.
Success Surrogates in Representational Decision Support Systems
Authors: McHaney Roger , Cronan Timothy Paul
Published: April 2011

When corporate difficulties arise, technology and new software development are often embraced as part of the solution. The modern manager has a wide variety of decision making aids at his or her disposal. One such aid, classified as a representational decision support system, is discrete event computer simulation. In order to assess the organizational impact of discrete event computer simulation, an instrument capable of measuring success is required. The importance of such assessment cannot be overemphasized. While empirical measurement of various information system inputs or independent variables such as information system budget expenditures or user participation is relatively straightforward, the development of corresponding output or dependent variables has been difficult. In an attempt to overcome these difficulties, researchers have suggested a variety of measurable surrogates. Work in this area has paved the way for the development of instruments used to assess success.
Measuring the Impact of Information Systems on Organizational Behavior
Authors: Headrick R. Wayne , Morgan George W.
Published: April 2011

Information systems, like any other production-oriented system, have as their goal the transformation of raw materials (data) into finished goods (information) in an effective, efficient manner. In the context of information systems, this means meeting informational requirements with a minimum expenditure of available resources. To develop such information systems, design and development strategies ranging from the traditional top-down or bottom-up techniques to Joint Application Design (JAD) to object-oriented have been advanced.
Multilingual Electronic Commerce in a Global Economy
Authors: Gangopadhyay Aryya , Huang Zhensen
Published: April 2011

The purpose of this research is to further the knowledge required for building electronic commerce systems that operate in multiple languages in global settings. The issues in multilingual electronic commerce are presented in two parts. First we describe a bilingual electronic catalog that can be used by online retailers for selling products and/or services to customers interacting in either English or Chinese that was developed to investigate into the nature of user interactions in multilingual electronic catalogs. Second, we discuss issues in developing multilingual electronic catalogs.
The Integral Role of Information Technology in Achieving Business Strategy Success
Authors: Katz Jeffrey D.
Published: April 2011

This chapter examines the impact of culture on the organizational and information technology infrastructures of global competitors while considering the role business strategy plays on both infrastructures. Information technology is increasingly becoming a focal point of the firm’s business strategy for internally derived competitive advantage, as well as a means for linking to the firm’s supply chain partners. Prior research has suggested that when managers consider how culture impacts the information flow and structure of the organization and its supply chain partners, a more effective “fit” between business strategies and performance results. A conceptual framework is proposed comparing national cultures and two important organizational factors—components of organizational structures and components of information systems. Specifically, the framework helps explain how organizational structures and information technology will vary based on national culture within the confines of the firm’s chosen competitive strategy. Examples from three cultures are used to demonstrate how international managers and researchers may better understand the impact of cultural differences on the operations of firms choosing to compete in international markets. Finally, propositions are offered for future empirical testing by information management researchers.
The New Realities of Online Trading in the New Global Marketplace
Authors: Allgood Bridget
Published: April 2011

Stock brokering services are available via the Internet, and investors in many countries can currently experience the benefits of Web-based share trading. Internet-based share trading is far more than completing the same transaction over the Internet. The Internet contains a wealth of information, and many sites provide sophisticated facilities that allow the investor to research and monitor investments. This paper examines how Internet based share trading differs from more traditional forms of share trading. It then explores how Internet-based share trading is changing investment practices of private individuals and goes on to discuss how (with reference to Michael Porter’s work on competition) the global nature of the Internet-based share trading will impact upon the players in the stock brokering competitive environment.
Ten Lessons that Internet Auction Markets Can Learn from Securities Market Automation
Authors: Westland J. Christopher
Published: April 2011

Internet auction markets offer customers a compelling new model for price discovery. This model places much more power in the hands of the consumer than a retail model that assumes price taking, while giving consumers choice of vendor and product. Models of auction market automation has been evolving for some time. Securities markets in most countries over the past decade have invested significantly in automating various components with database and communications technologies. This paper explores the automation of three emerging market exchanges (The Commercial Exchange of Santiago, The Moscow Central Stock Exchange, and Shanghai’s Stock Exchange) with the intention of drawing parallels between new Internet models of retailing and the older proprietary networked markets for financial securities.
The Place of ICT in Global Planning
Authors: Usoro Abel
Published: April 2011

There is a general agreement in the literature that social, technological, political, cultural, and economic factors encourage a greater number of businesses to globalize their operations and markets. To operate in more than one market or country involves complexity on a larger scale than to operate locally. The complexity is combined with increasing risks, a faster pace of change, and the difficulties of managing an organization in more than one country. Information and communication technologies (ICT) act not only as an imperative to globalize but also as a potential tool to help global managers to plan, and yet there is no conclusive study that these technologies are adequately providing assistance. Indeed, existing studies suggest that there is much room for improvement. At the same time, there is no coherent and well-tested theory to explain or predict the use of information and communication technologies for global planning. To bridge the knowledge gap, this paper presents a causal model that groups predictor variables of the use of ICT in global planning under organizational, ICT, personal, and infrastructural factors. It also reports on a pilot study in which one hundred questionnaires were distributed to multinational companies in the United Kingdom (UK) and in South Africa (SA) to collect information to examine the role of ICT in global planning using the model. The result suggested among others that the Internet forms the most popular platform for building global planning tools. Factors most important to managers include the provision of timely information, provision of report and presentation facilities, and support for group working and alternative (highly summarized and detailed) views of information. On the other hand, managers appear not to be very satisfied with the provision of technology for global planning, partly because it does not adequately provide for creativity needed in global planning. Recommendations are made based on the findings, and areas for further research to enhance the validity of the model are highlighted.
The Cultural Construction of Information Technology
Authors: Dirksen Vanessa
Published: April 2011

In this paper, I propose a research framework called the ‘“cultural construction of information technology.” It extends the more widely known concept of the social construction of technology (SCOT) and defines the concept of a cultural infrastructure for the application of information technology in other contexts than the one in which it is developed. Whether or not today’s economy is characterized best by the term globalization,1, the interweaving of economic processes and the growing number of internationally operating organizations in the world are matters of fact. The shaping of such a “global economy” is facilitated, among others, by information technology (IT) as it enables the crossing of both organizational as well as national borders. However, as in the case of so-called cultural universals, the universal applicability of IT is a myth also. It is therefore my contention that notwithstanding the blurring of borders, acknowledging the specificity of national cultures remains important, maybe even more than before, and should not be overlooked in the international application of IT. This is what we call the glocalization paradox2 of information technology. The paradox consists of both a global, border-crossing dimension of IT, as well as a local/national context dimension of IT thrust. Resolving this paradox is an important issue regarding the global application of IT. Thus, the application of IT across national boundaries stresses the growing awareness of cultural diversity, and ultimately, the need for the development of IT taking into account heterogeneous “target environments.”
Survey of IT Outstanding Experiences in US and UK Organizations
Authors: Lacity Mary Cecelia , Willcocks Leslie P.
Published: April 2011

The global IT outsourcing market is estimated to exceed $121 billion by the year 2001. To assess current market practices and experiences, a survey was distributed to 600 US and UK CIOs. The 101 US and UK respondents are generally pleased with information technology (IT) outsourcing. In particular, respondents rated overall supplier performance as “good,” respondents mostly realized the benefits they expected from IT outsourcing, and respondents characterized the majority of problems/issues as only “minor” in nature. The healthy IT outsourcing report card is likely explained by the scope and type of IT outsourcing practiced by responding organizations. The vast majority of respondents pursue selective outsourcing which is less risky than total outsourcing. Most respondents also use multiple suppliers rather than a single supplier, which allows for best-of-breed supplier selection. The healthy report card may also be explained by the types of IT activities selected for outsourcing. Respondents generally targeted IT infrastructure activities—such as disaster recovery, mainframe operations, network management, midrange operations, PC support, and help desk operations—rather than IT development or IT strategy. UK and US practices and outcomes were very similar, although a few exceptions are noteworthy. On average, UK organizations (30%) totally insourced IT more frequently than US organizations (8%). US organizations (29%) more frequently used a single supplier than UK organizations (9%). UK organizations (50%) use only one stakeholder to negotiate/define contracts compared to US organizations (9%). Differences may be explained by a more matured approach to outsourcing in the USA together with the higher preponderance of larger deals and organizations studied. Findings are compared to prior survey and case study research.
Management Integration through Software Applications
Authors: Kidd John , Yau Tessa Yuk Lan
Published: April 2011

Through the 1970’s to the present time the governance of the Japanese firm overseas has changed, moving towards a more international form of operation rather than operating as a peripheral organization based solidly on the Japanese headquarters office. Notwithstanding the evolution of their formal and informal management structures this research questions in detail the nature of computer software that may have been imported from Japan to the UK to control imported production systems and/or to control management data flows. These research questions stem from evidence noted in the 1980’s that imported Japanese production machines contained Japanese language instructions beneath their cover plates: so when maintenance was to take place, the UK engineers became baffled and then frustrated at their inability to translate the “instructions.” In the research reported here, we are essentially asking if the computer programs used to control this imported machinery carry embedded Japanese documentation which may prove difficult to interpret by software engineers in the UK? As an adjunct to this question, we note the origin of their control software (and other software used by the Japanese production subsidiaries in the UK), its modification in the UK (by whom), and the natural language used to communicate with the HQs in Japan. As an emergent finding, we report on the tensions arising at that time from the data-integration of the Japanese firms’ operations in Europe through the use of Enterprise Resource Planning software.
Contract, Control and 'Presentation' in IT Outsourcing
Authors: Kern Thomas , Willcocks Leslie
Published: April 2011

Information technology (IT) outsourcing continues to experience phenomenal growth, with an estimated market size of over $100 billion in 2000. Its adoption by some of the largest international corporations has seen outsourcing become considered a key component of the information management agenda. Critical to this agenda is the formulation of comprehensive contracts. For this, legal experts and/or advisors can be consulted, but enforcement depends very much on client and vendor account managers. A theoretical analysis of the contract contrasted with empirical data from client and vendor post-contract management practice revealed that the contract has a number of purposes beyond its sole legal nature, outlining a number of control dimensions both parties aim to enforce. This paper presents findings from 13 UK-based organizations on the role of the outsourcing contract and its purpose for ensuring control over the client’s outsourcing destiny.
A Systematic Model to Integrate Information Technology into Metabusinesses
Authors: Joia Luiz Antonio
Published: April 2011

This article presents a framework to link effectively different information technologies in order to coordinate a metabusiness, an innovative organizational model. The information technologies needed to create this new organizational environment are presented, as well as a systemic model based on a technology-service-process-production taxonomy. A case study addressing a major engineering company in Brazil, now playing the role of an integrator within a metabusiness, is analyzed, in order to validate the proposed model. Some conclusions in this realm are presented addressing the main obstacles and hurdles to accomplish a metabusiness, as well as the solutions to overcome them.
Facial Social Risks in IT Development in South Africa - Learning from Scandinavia
Authors: Scheepers Helana , Mathiassen Lars
Published: April 2011

South Africa is undergoing a number of changes, which has an effect on every aspect of society from the workplace to everyday life. South Africans need to reflect on this situation and determine how to proceed. The purpose of this article is to consider the development and implementation of information technology, one particular problem area, in this broader context. The article draws an analogy between the trade unionist systems development tradition in Scandinavia and the possible application it might have in South Africa. The article describes the situation in South Africa, presents the trade unionist approach to systems development, and describes the underlying principles that have been identified by Scandinavian researchers. It then evaluates these principles from a South African perspective and discusses the possible uses they might have in the South African situation.
IS Project Characteristics and Performance
Authors: Aladwani Adel M.
Published: April 2011

Empirical research on project-level success of systems development in developing regions is lacking. Managers cannot rely on prescriptions suggested by IS projects research in developed countries to understand IS projects in developing countries without empirical evidence supporting the applicability of these guidelines. We collect data from 61 IS project leaders to test eight research hypotheses tapping the relationship between IS project characteristics and performance in a developing country. Our analyses reveal that adequacy of development tools, formal planning, management support, and participation are positively related to IS project performance. However, the data find no support for a significant relationship between members’ abilities, project uncertainty, and conflict and performance. Contrary to previously reported findings, our data highlight the possible damaging effect of increased horizontal coordination in IS projects. We discuss these results and suggest directions for future research.
Information Systems Leadership Roles
Authors: Gottschalk Petter
Published: April 2011

Information systems (IS) leadership roles have undergone fundamental changes over the past decade. Despite increased interest in recent years, little empirical research on IS managers has been done. This article presents results from a survey in Norway. The survey collected data on general leadership roles such as informational role, decisional role, and interpersonal role, as well as on specific IS leadership roles such as chief architect, change leader, product developer, technology provocateur, coach, and chief operating strategist. The empirical analysis indicates that strategic responsibility as well as network stage of growth influence the extent of informational role, while the extent to which the chief executive uses IT influences the extent of decisional role, and the extent to which subordinates use IT influence the extent of interpersonal role. IS managers with greater operating responsibility will be chief architects. The role of a change leader is positively influenced by the number of years in IT, the extent of IT use, the extent of strategic responsibility, and the organization’s revenue, while it is negatively influenced by the number of years in the current position. Product developer can be predicted by strategic responsibility and chief executive’s IT use, while technology provocateur can be predicted by the extent of IT use. Coach can be predicted by the extent of subordinates’ IT use, and chief operating strategist can be predicted by the extent of strategic responsibility. Although several significant predictors of IS leadership roles were identified in this research, the search for more significant explanations should continue in future research.
Generic Attributes of IS Graduates
Authors: Snoke Robert , Underwood Alan
Published: April 2011

This chapter describes the final phase of a study that validates a group of generic attributes of graduates of Australian undergraduate degree programs with majors in Information Systems (IS). The study, sponsored by the Australian Computer Society (ACS), involved 105 academics from all Australian universities that offer IS undergraduate degree programs of study and 53 industry representatives. A three-round Delphi questionnaire was used in the study. The results of this study are compared with a previous study of generic attributes conducted by the authors in Queensland, Australia. Differences between academe and industry are identified. The top three attributes in each study are the same, although the order is reversed in the national study. Some of the differences include the higher ranking of interpersonal skills, teamwork, and knowledge of the IS discipline by academics compared with the higher ranking by industry of self-motivation and the ability to learn independently. Other major findings include the high ratings of the attributes of team participation and the commitment to further learning and intellectual development. Oral and written communications are significantly rated as more important than a comprehensive knowledge of IS. This study has a very strong overall correlation with the previous Queensland study.
Knowledge Management and New Organization Forms
Authors: Malhotra Yogesh
Published: April 2011

The concept of knowledge management is not new in information systems practice and research. However, radical changes in the business environment have suggested limitations of the traditional information-processing view of knowledge management. Specifically, it is being realized that the programmed nature of heuristics underlying such systems may be inadequate for coping with the demands imposed by the new business environments. New business environments are characterized not only by rapid pace of change but also discontinuous nature of such change. The new business environment, characterized by dynamically discontinuous change, requires a reconceptualization of knowledge management as it has been understood in information systems practice and research. One such conceptualization is proposed in the form of a sense-making model of knowledge management for new business environments. Application of this framework will facilitate business model innovation necessary for sustainable competitive advantage in the new business environment characterized by dynamic, discontinuous and radical pace of change.
Theoretical Justification for IT Infrastructure Investments
Authors: Kayworth Timothy R. , Chatterjee Debabroto , Sambamurthy V.
Published: April 2011

The strategic importance of building highly capable information technology (IT) infrastructure has become a crucial management issue of the 1990s and beyond. However, in spite of the numerous benefits attributed to IT infrastructure, these claims remain unsubstantiated. This problem is due, in part, to inadequate conceptualizations of IT infrastructure and its measurement as well as a lack of theoretical frameworks for explaining its impacts. To address these problems, this paper proposes a theoretical framework to justify the value-creating potential of IT infrastructure investments. First, we provide a conceptual framework that describes the nature of IT infrastructure and its related components. Next, we discuss the role of IT infrastructure as a competitive weapon and identify three areas where it may create strategic value for the firm: responsiveness, innovativeness, and economies of scope. For each area, specific theories are used and research propositions are developed to guide future infrastructure research.
Technology Acceptance and Performance
Authors: Marshall Thomas E. , Byrd Terry Anthony , Gardiner Lorraine R. , Rainer Jr. R. Kelly
Published: April 2011

Organizations expend large amounts of educational and training resources to improve employee task and job performance. These resources must be allocated efficiently and effectively to increase the probability of organizational success. Information technology (IT) is one organizational area in which education and training are particularly important, largely because IT has redefined the requisite skills for functional competency in the workplace. Through an empirical study, this research investigates how knowledge bases contribute to subjects’ attitudes and performance in the use of a CASE tool in database design. The study identified requisite knowledge bases and knowledge base interactions that significantly impacted subjects’ attitudes and performance. Based upon these findings, alternatives are provided to management that may help organizations increase the performance benefits of technology use and promote more positive attitudes towards technology innovation acceptance and adoption. By structuring education and training efforts to increase performance and enhance positive attitudes, organizations will be better able to optimize their investments in information technology innovations.
Key Issues in IS Management in Norway
Authors: Gottschalk Petter
Published: April 2011

Information systems (IS) departments face many challenges in today’s rapidly changing environment. One approach to understanding these challenges is to survey IS managers to elicit what they consider are key issues. Studies of key IS management issues have been conducted for some years in many nations and regions. However, most of these surveys lack a theoretical basis for the selection of key issues. Furthermore, most studies have used a single-round or a multi-round Delphi method. This paper provides an overview of research approaches to key issues studies combined with key issues results from previous research. The paper presents methodological issues and choices for a survey on key issues in IS management which was conducted in Norway. A three-step procedure for key issues selection is introduced, and a Q-sort analysis is adopted. The paper presents results from the Q-sort survey and analysis. The highest ranked key issue in Norway, according to the survey, is concerned with improving links between information systems strategy and business strategy.
The Collaborative Use of Information Technology
Authors: Doll William J. , Deng Xiaodong
Published: April 2011

Building upon the work of behavioral scientists who study participative decision making, Doll and Torkzadeh (1991) present a congruence construct of participation that measures whether end users participate as much as they want in key systems analysis decisions. Using a sample of 163 collaborative and 239 non-collaborative applications, this research focuses on three research questions: (1) Is user participation more effective in collaborative applications? (2) What specific decision issues enhance user satisfaction and productivity? and (3) Can permitting end users to participate as much as they want on some issues be ineffective or even dysfunctional? The results indicate that user participation is more effective in collaborative applications. Of the four decision issues tested, only participation in information needs analysis predicts end-user satisfaction and task productivity. Encouraging end users to participate as much as they want on a broad range of systems analysis issues such as project initiation, information flow analysis, and format design appears to be, at best, a waste of time and, perhaps, even harmful. These findings should help managers and analysts make better decisions about how to focus participatory efforts and whether end users should participate as much as they want in the design of collaborative systems.
User Satisfaction with EDI
Authors: Jones Mary C. , Beatty Robert C.
Published: April 2011

This study was undertaken to identify antecedents of user satisfaction with EDI systems by surveying key end-users of EDI in a variety of firms across the United States. Although there is much empirical evidence about factors underlying EDI adoption and implementation, there is little information from the perspective of the end user. The vast majority of what we know about EDI success (or failure) is based on the EDI manager’s or IT perspective. However, there is evidence that suggests if users are not satisfied with a system, they will not use it. Thus, a study of user satisfaction with EDI can provide firms seeking to better leverage their EDI investment with a different and useful perspective on factors that underlie EDI. Two findings indicate that the greater the perceived benefits of EDI, the greater the user satisfaction; and the more compatible EDI is with existing organizational practices and systems, the more satisfied the users are with the system. Although EDI managers may have suspected this was true, empirical support of heretofore largely anecdotal evidence has several implications for successfully managing EDI adoption and integration. These implications hold not only for the adopting firm, but also for firms that may require, or are considering requiring, trading partners to implement EDI. Finally, implications for future EDI research are discussed.
Corporate Intranet Infusion
Authors: Eder L. B.
Published: April 2011

Using intranets to connect heterogeneous systems enables information sharing between existing information systems without major changes to existing applications. Corporate intranets provide the supporting infrastructure for Web publishing, collaborative applications, and line of business applications. This study examined organizational, contextual, and technical variables that are associated with intranet infusion in organizations. A survey was mailed to 1,000 senior-level computer executives in the United States. Six independent variables were examined using an ordered probit analysis to explain the likelihood of occurrence for different levels of intranet infusion. Results indicate that top management support, IT infrastructure, and competition positively influence high levels of intranet infusion. Organizational size is negatively associated with high levels of intranet infusion. Implications and areas for further research are discussed.
Dynamics of Information in Disseminating Academic Research in the New Media
Authors: Ho James K.
Published: April 2011

Much academic research on information technology (IT), systems (IS), and management (IM) has been branded by practitioners in business as unusable, irrelevant, and unreadable. Consequently, it is highly unlikely that conventional outlets for such work, e.g., scholarly journals and conference proceedings, can receive significant real-world exposure. By reversing the push-pull dynamics of information dissemination and retrieval in the new media, alternative approaches are emerging. This article presents the history of a case in point with data recorded over a period of 15 months. It is shown that the Internet in general and the World Wide Web in particular will be significant resources in bridging the gap between practice and relevant research.
Some Evidence on the Detection of Data Errors
Authors: Klein Barbara D.
Published: April 2011

Data stored in organizational databases have a significant error rate. As computerized databases continue to proliferate, the number of errors in stored data and the organizational impact of these errors are likely to increase. The impact of data errors on business processes and decision making can be lessened if users of information systems are able and willing to detect and correct data errors. However, some published research suggests that users of information systems do not detect data errors. This paper reports the results of a study showing that municipal bond analysts detect data errors. The results provide insight into the conditions under which users in organizational settings detect data errors. Guidelines for improving error detection are also discussed.
Integrating Knowledge Process and System Design for Naval Battle Groups
Authors: Nissen Mark E. , Oxendine Elias
Published: April 2011

Interest in and attention to knowledge management have exploded recently. But integration of knowledge process design with information system design has long been missing from the corresponding literature and practice. The research described in this paper builds upon recent work focused on knowledge management and system design from three integrated perspectives: 1) reengineering process innovation, 2) expert systems knowledge acquisition and representation, and 3) information systems analysis and design. With this work, we now have an integrated framework for knowledge process and system design that covers the gamut of design considerations from the enterprise process in the large, through alternative classes of knowledge in the middle, and on to specific systems in the detail. We illustrate the use and utility of the approach through an extreme enterprise example addressing Navy carrier battle groups in operational theaters, which addresses many factors widely considered important in the knowledge management environment. Using this integrated methodology, the reader can see how to identify, select, compose and integrate the many component applications and technologies required for effective knowledge system and process design.
A Case Study of Project Champion Departure in Expert Systems Development
Authors: Sipior Janice C.
Published: April 2011

Research on project champions has focused on the characteristics of this individual and how to provide encouragement and support. An understanding of the role of project champion is shortsighted, however, without a realization of what can happen to an expert system (ES) project and what can be done, should this individual depart. This paper discusses the ES project champion by examining the experiences of Ciba-Geigy Corporation with an ES project impeded by the departure of the project champion. The OpBright expert system, developed to support the identification of appropriate optical brightener products by sales representatives, was intended to provide a competitive advantage through superior customer service. With the promotion and transfer of the vital force committed to the project’s success, the ES encountered a stalemate. The difficulties in maintaining momentum for the ES without a project champion are discussed. Finally, suggestions are presented to guide organizations away from the same fate.
Organizational Commitment in the IS Workplace
Authors: Tu Qiang , Raghunathan Bhanu , Raghunathan T. S.
Published: April 2011

Information systems (IS) technology has become a strategic resource for most organizations to compete successfully in today’s highly uncertain marketplace. One critical component of this strategic resource is the IS human resource. Unlike many other professions, IS professionals historically displayed a much higher rate of turnover due to rapid technological changes, job stress and emerging employment opportunities. Such excessive turnover can be very costly to the organization in terms of costs of recruiting and retraining and the loss of systems development productivity. Therefore, maintaining a qualified and stable body of IS staff has been continually ranked among the most important issues for the successful functioning of IS departments. However, this important IS human resource management issue has not received enough empirical research attention within the IS management literature. The current study attempts to fill this gap by empirically examining the relationships among a set of organizational and psychological factors (i.e., management support, degree of IS control, IS strategic significance, role stressors) and the organizational commitment of IS managers. Empirical data was collected through large-scale questionnaire survey. The rigorous statistical method of LISREL path analysis was used. Results show that these variables are closely related to each other, which provides valuable insights for organizations to more effectively manage their IS human resource.
Impact of Cardiac Computed Tomographic Angiography Findings on Planning of Cancer Therapy in Patients with Concomitant Structural Heart Disease
Authors: Daher Iyad N. , Banchs Jose , Yusuf Syed Wamique , Mouhayar Elie , Durand Jean-Bernard , Gladish Gregory
Published: April 2011

Background. Exclusion of underlying coronary artery disease (CAD) is essential in the diagnosis of chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy. Presence and severity of CAD can also impact the choice of therapy in cancer patients. The value of cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) in this setting has not been reported.Methods. We collected data on the clinical presentation and indications for CCTA performed from January to December 2008 at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC). All examinations were performed using a 64-detector scanner. CCTA results and subsequent treatment decisions were examined.Results. A total of 80 patients underwent CCTA during the study period for the following indications (not mutually exclusive): cardiomyopathy of unknown etiology in 33 pts (41.3%), chest pain in 32 (40.0%), abnormal stress test in 16 (20.0%), abnormal cardiac markers in 8 (10.0%), suspected cardiac mass or thrombus in 7 (8.8%). Chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy was diagnosed in 18 pts (22.5%). Severe CAD was detected in 22 pts (27.5%); due to concomitant advanced cancer or patient refusal, only 12 underwent coronary angiogram. Of these, 4 pts (5% of total) underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. A total of 41 pts (51.3%) had their cancer management altered based on CCTA findings.Conclusion. CCTA is useful in evaluating cancer pts with structural heart disease and can have an impact on the management of cancer and cardiac disease.
Cardiac Differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Rajala Kristiina , Pekkanen-Mattila Mari , Aalto-Setälä Katriina
Published: April 2011

The ability of human pluripotent stem cells to differentiate towards the cardiac lineage has attracted significant interest, initially with a strong focus on regenerative medicine. The ultimate goal to repair the heart by cardiomyocyte replacement has, however, proven challenging. Human cardiac differentiation has been difficult to control, but methods are improving, and the process, to a certain extent, can be manipulated and directed. The stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes described to date exhibit rather immature functional and structural characteristics compared to adult cardiomyocytes. Thus, a future challenge will be to develop strategies to reach a higher degree of cardiomyocyte maturationin vitro, to isolate cardiomyocytes from the heterogeneous pool of differentiating cells, as well as to guide the differentiation into the desired subtype, that is, ventricular, atrial, and pacemaker cells. In this paper, we will discuss the strategies for the generation of cardiomyocytes from pluripotent stem cells and their characteristics, as well as highlight some applications for the cells.
The Association of the Metabolic Syndrome with PAI-1 and t-PA Levels
Authors: Coffey Christopher S. , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Hebert Patricia R. , Hillege Hans L. , Li Qing , Moore Jason H. , van Gilst Wiek H.
Published: April 2011

Background. We used a random sample (n=2,495) from the population-based Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-stage Disease (PREVEND) study population to examine the association of the metabolic syndrome (Met S) with plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) antigen levels.Results. The overall prevalence of the Met S was 18%, was dependent on age and gender, and was positively associated with higher antigen levels of both PAI-1 and t-PA. These significant effects were maintained after adjustment for age, gender, BMI, elevated C-reactive protein, smoking status, urinary albumin excretion, and insulin levels. We found no significant interactions between the Met S and other covariates on PAI-1 and t-PA levels.Conclusions. Our study demonstrates that those with the Met S have significantly higher levels of PAI-1 and t-PA antigen, factors known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The Effectiveness of Exercise Interventions for the Management of Frailty: A Systematic Review
Authors: Theou Olga , Stathokostas Liza , Roland Kaitlyn P. , Jakobi Jennifer M. , Patterson Christopher , Vandervoort Anthony A. , Jones Gareth R.
Published: April 2011

This systematic review examines the effectiveness of current exercise interventions for the management of frailty. Eight electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials that identified their participants as “frail” either in the title, abstract, and/or text and included exercise as an independent component of the intervention. Three of the 47 included studies utilized a validated definition of frailty to categorize participants. Emerging evidence suggests that exercise has a positive impact on some physical determinants and on all functional ability outcomes reported in this systematic review. Exercise programs that optimize the health of frail older adults seem to be different from those recommended for healthy older adults. There was a paucity of evidence to characterize the most beneficial exercise program for this population. However, multicomponent training interventions, of long duration (≥5 months), performed three times per week, for 30–45 minutes per session, generally had superior outcomes than other exercise programs. In conclusion, structured exercise training seems to have a positive impact on frail older adults and may be used for the management of frailty.
The balance between work and home: The relationship between work and home demands and ill health of employed females
Authors: Mostert Karina
Published: April 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between work and home demands, work-home interference (WHI), home-work interference (HWI), and ill health of 500 employed females from various occupations. A structural model was tested with structural equation modelling. The results indicated that work demands (work pressure and work overload) are related to ill health (physical ill health, anxiety, depression) via WHI. On the other hand, home demands (home pressure and home overload) are directly related to HWI and to ill health.
Projections of air pollutant emissions and its impacts on regional air quality in China in 2020
Authors: Xing J. , Wang S. X. , Chatani S. , Zhang C. Y. , Wei W. , Hao J. M. , Klimont Z. , Cofala J. , Amann M.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Anthropogenic emissions of air pollutants in China influence not only local and regional environments but also the global atmospheric environment; therefore, it is important to understand how China's air pollutant emissions will change and how they will affect regional air quality in the future. Emission scenarios in 2020 were projected using forecasts of energy consumption and emission control strategies based on emissions in 2005, and on recent development plans for key industries in China. We developed four emission scenarios: REF[0] (current control legislations and implementation status), PC[0] (improvement of energy efficiencies and current environmental legislation), PC[1] (improvement of energy efficiencies and better implementation of environmental legislation), and PC[2] (improvement of energy efficiencies and strict environmental legislation). Under the REF[0] scenario, the emission of SO2, NOx, VOC and NH3 will increase by 17%, 50%, 49% and 18% in 2020, while PM10 emissions will be reduced by 10% over East China, compared to that in 2005. In PC[2], sustainable energy polices will reduce SO2, NOx and PM10 emissions by 4.1 Tg, 2.6 Tg and 1.8 Tg, respectively; better implementation of current control policies will reduce SO2, NOx and PM10 emission by 2.9 Tg, 1.8 Tg, and 1.4 Tg, respectively; strict emission standards will reduce SO2, NOx and PM10 emissions by 3.2 Tg, 3.9 Tg, and 1.7 Tg, respectively. Under the PC[2] scenario, SO2 and PM10 emissions will decrease by 18% and 38%, while NOx and VOC emissions will increase by 3% and 8%, compared to that in 2005. Future air quality in China was simulated using the Community Multi-scale Air Quality Model (CMAQ). Under REF[0] emissions, compared to 2005, the surface concentrations of SO2, NO2, hourly maximum ozone in summer, PM2.5, total sulfur and nitrogen depositions will increase by 28%, 41%, 8%, 8%, 19% and 25%, respectively, over east China. Under the PC[2] emission scenario, the surface concentrations of SO2, PM2.5, total sulfur depositions will decrease by 18%, 16% and 15%, respectively, and the surface concentrations of NO2, nitrate, hourly maximum ozone in summer, total nitrogen depositions will be kept as 2005 level, over east China. The individual impacts of SO2, NOx, NH3, NMVOC and primary PM emission changes on ozone and PM2.5 concentrations have been analyzed using sensitivity analysis. The results suggest that NOx emission control need to be enhanced during the summertime to obtain both ozone and PM2.5 reduction benefits. NH3 emission controls should also be considered in order to reduce both nitrate concentration and total nitrogen deposition in the future.