bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Architecture and Protocols for Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting in the Future Wireless Communications Networks
Authors: Zaghloul Said , Jukan Admela
Published: May 2011

The architecture, and protocols for authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) are one of the most important design considerations in third generation (3G)/fourth generation (4G) telecommunication networks. Many advances have been made to exploit the benefits of the current systems based on the protocol remote authentication dial in user service (RADIUS)protocol, and the evolution to migrate into the more secure, robust, and scalable protocol Diameter. Diameter is the protocol of choice for the IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) architecture, the core technology for the next generation networks. It is envisioned that Diameter will be widely used in various wired and wireless systems to facilitate robust and seamless AAA. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the major AAA protocols RADIUS and Diameter, and we discuss their roles in practical 1xEV-DO network architectures in the three major network tiers: access, distribution, and core. We conclude the chapter with a short summary of the current and future trends related to the Diameter-based AAA systems.
Trust Management and Context-Driven Access Control
Authors: Bellavista Paolo , Montanari Rebecca , Tibaldi Daniela , Toninelli Alessandra
Published: May 2011

The increasing diffusion of wireless portable devices and the emergence of mobile ad hoc networks promote anytime and anywhere opportunistic resource sharing. However, the fear of exposure to risky interactions is currently limiting the widespread uptake of ad hoc collaborations. This chapter introduces the challenge of identifying and validating novel security models/systems for securing ad hoc collaborations, by taking into account the high unpredictability, heterogeneity, and dynamicity of envisioned wireless environments. We claim that the concept of trust management should become a primary engineering design principle, to associate with the subsequent trust refinement into effective authorization policies, thus calling for original and innovative access control models. The chapter overviews the state-of-theart solutions for trust management and access control in wireless environments by pointing out both the need for their tight integration and the related emerging design guidelines, that is, exploitation of context awareness and adoption of semantic technologies.
Extensible Authentication (EAP) Protocol Integrations in the Next Generation Cellular Networks
Authors: Adibi Sasan , Agnew Gordon B.
Published: May 2011

Authentication is an important part of the authentication authorization and accounting (AAA) schemes and the extensible authentication protocol (EAP) is a universally accepted framework for authentication commonly used in wireless networks and point-to-point protocol (PPP) connections. The main focus of this chapter is the technical details to examine how EAP is integrated into the architecture of next generation networks (NGN), such as in worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), which is defined in the IEEE 802.16d and IEEE 802.16e standards and in current wireless protocols, such as IEEE 802.11i. This focus includes an overview of the integration of EAP with IEEE 802.1x, remote authentication dial in user service (RADIUS), DIAMETER, and pair-wise master key version (2PKv2).
Heritage Tourism Portal Web Page Design with Factor and Correlation Analysis
Authors: Ahmed Shamsuddin , Amagoh Francis
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents the design of a heritage tourism Web portal. Factor analysis is used to identify how the navigation tools are to be grouped. Correlation analysis additionally identifies methods of grouping the navigation functionalities to substantiate the decision. Statistical analysis lends support to the reliability of the data used in the study. Examples are given about how heritage portal navigation functionality can be developed as hierarchical layered portal pages. Additionally, the perceptual map shows the layout and proximity of the portal functionalities.
The Relationship Between Internet Entrepreneurs, Idea Generation, and Porter's Generic Strategies
Authors: Sanders John , Galloway Laura , Keogh William
Published: May 2011

The chapter discusses the use of business strategies for pure Internet firms. It separates the strategic choices and directions used for idea generation, during start-up, and beyond business or brand establishment. Corroborating much of the literature, it argues that traditional notions of strategy might be inappropriate for some dotcom firms due to the high level of complexity, speed of change and competitiveness characteristic of the Internet environment. As has been observed by research, idea generation on the Internet can involve prospecting and reacting quickly to markets to a greater extent than amongst traditional businesses. Likewise, start-up strategies often appear to involve flexibility and an openness to strategic change in response to the fast dynamic nature of the online market. The chapter suggests alternative strategy models that might be useful in our understanding of Internet business creation and development.
Trust in Organizations
Authors: Saeed Muhammad Mohtsham
Published: May 2011

Recent changes in the overall global business atmosphere, for example, opening of economies, increase in exchange relations, volatility of the business environment, innovative products and services, rapidly changing markets, and knowledge-based firms and information-based systems all demand quick sharing of quite sensitive information. This swift sharing of sensitive information is a major source of competitive advantage in today’s age and is not possible without trustworthy relationships of top management with external as well as internal customers (employees) of a business. Islam is the second biggest religion in the world with over 1/4th of the world’s population as its followers. Where traditional literature believes that long-term relationships result in trust development, Islam considers that trust development results in building and maintaining long-term relationships. This chapter is specifically meant to highlight the role of trust from an Islamic perspective in a leader-followers relationship as well as a leader-customers relationship.
Supporting Innovation Through Knowledge Management in the Extended Enterprise
Authors: Sorli Mikel , Stokic Dragan
Published: May 2011

Managing of knowledge for innovation in an extended enterprise (EE) environment is a key issue. This in turn requires effective utilization of information and communication technologies (ICT). This chapter addresses the application of ICT for knowledge management (KM) needed for innovation in industry. An ICT-based KM system to support innovation process in EE environment (i.e., to support mastering of the innovation process) is presented. The main objective of the new AIM system is to provide the means of stimulating the creation of innovative ideas in general, and specifically on potential product/process improvements and on problem solving. The AIM system supports collection of such ideas throughout EE from people involved with the products and processes, as well as a development of the collected ideas into innovations.
E-Learning and Knowledge Management in the Global Context
Authors: Creed Andrew , Zutshi Ambika , Ross Jane
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses how the independent nature of entrepreneurs, combined with the enabling features of digital information technology (IT), may lead to a situation where paper-based and campus-specific classroom education is at best uncomfortable and at worst almost meaningless. It describes how IT literacy preconditions the current generation of learners toward acceptance of e-learning technologies as they are currently emerging. The management of industry knowledge rests on an IT platform, which responds to individual needs in specialized roles in disparate parts of the world. The purpose of the chapter is to define and capture the latest thinking in applied education and relate this to the mindset of the emerging generation of entrepreneurs. To this end, industry and business education cases are drawn upon to illustrate key points, and a framework is provided for better understanding knowledge management in the emerging global context of e-learning technologies.
Enhancing Social Security through Appropriate Cybercafé Security Policy in Nigeria
Authors: Utulu Samuel Chiedu Avemaria
Published: May 2011

The crucial role cybercafés play in the use of the Internet for business necessitates the development of appropriate cybercafé security policy in Nigeria. This chapter looks at how cybercafé security policy can be used to reduce criminal activities perpetrated in Nigerian cybercafés against individuals and organizations who use the Internet for various business transactions. The chapter proposes that, if Nigeria and Nigerians are to benefit from the highly electronized modern business environment, developing and implementing an all-encompassing cybercafé security policy has become a must. It was therefore concluded that such a policy should be a part of National Information Policy and should cover both technical security needs and social security needs.
Malware
Authors: Furnell Steven , Ward Jeremy
Published: May 2011

In the two decades since its first significant appearance, malware has become the most prominent and costly threat to modern IT systems. This chapter examines the nature of malware evolution. It highlights that, as well as the more obvious development of propagation techniques, the nature of payload activities (and the related motivations of the malware creators) is also significantly changing, as is the ability of the malware to defeat defences. Having established the various facets of the threat, the discussion proceeds to consider appropriate strategies for malware detection and prevention, considering the role of modern antivirus software, and its use alongside other network security technologies to give more comprehensive protection. It is concluded that although malware is likely to remain a significant and ever-present threat, the risk and resultant impacts can be substantially mitigated by appropriate use of such safeguards.
Viruses and Virus Protection in Cybercafés
Authors: Obuh Alex Ozoemelem
Published: May 2011

The objective of this chapter is to give an insight to virus, virus infection, and prevention in cybercafés. Specifically, it gives the meaning of virus, types of viruses, classification of viruses, sources of viruses in cybercafés, why cybercafé systems are vulnerable to attacks or infections, how to detect virus infections or symptoms of virus infection in cybercafé systems or networks, virus prevention and control, and future trends. It is argued that with the advent of WiFi technologies, virus writers can launch their dubious malcode from just about anywhere in the world, and as such there exist a form of cyber-terrorism that cannot be easily stopped.
Cyber Laws and Cybercafés
Authors: Dina Yemisi
Published: May 2011

This chapter will discuss the existing cyber laws in some commonwealth countries and the United States. It compares the various definitions accorded to cyber crimes in these countries. It examines and discusses when cyber crime occurs in the various jurisdictions regardless of where it originates, the laws that apply to pornography, the significance of jurisdiction for Internet criminals in all these countries, as well as when cybercafé operators are liable in cyber related crimes.
Cybercafés and Cyber Crime in Nigeria
Authors: Tiemo Pereware Aghwotu , Charles-Iyoha Christina Uyoyou
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses cybercafés and cyber crime in Nigeria. It also identifies the various cyber criminals in Nigeria. The working groups set up by the government to redeem the image of Nigerians by monitoring cybercafés and handling cases of cyber criminals and cyber victims are also discussed. Some major factors affecting the rise in cyber crime in Nigeria and methods of preventing cyber crimes (scam mail) are outlined. It was recommended that there is need to educate the populace on café fraud and in fighting cyber crime, the working group established by the government needed to be adequately equipped with ICT knowledge and facilities.
NAM
Authors: Ghandeharizadeh Shahram , Papadopoulos Christos , Cai Min , Zhou Runfang , Pol P.
Published: May 2011

Web Services is an emerging software technology that is based on the concept of software and data as a service. Binary and XML are two popular encoding/decoding mechanisms for network messages. A Web Service may employ a loss-less compression technique (e.g., Zip, XMill, etc.) in order to reduce message size prior to its transmission across the network, minimizing its transmission time. This saving might be outweighed by the overhead of compressing the output of a Web Service at a server and decompressing it at a client. The primary contribution of this paper is NAM, a middleware that strikes a compromise between these two factors in order to enhance response time. NAM decides when to compress data, based on the available client and server processor speeds and network characteristics. When compared with today’s common practice to transmit the output of a Web Service uncompressed always, our experimental results show NAM either provides similar or significantly improved response times (at times, more than 90% improvement) with Internet connections that offer bandwidths ranging from 80 to 100 Mbps.
A Framework Supporting Context-Aware Multimedia Web Services Delivery
Authors: Zhang Jia , Zhang Liang-Jie , Quek Francis , Chung Jen-Yao
Published: May 2011

As Web services become more and more popular, how to manage multimedia Web services provisioning and delivery remains challenging. This chapter presents a componentization model to support quality of service (QoS)-centered, context-aware multimedia Web services delivery, which seamlessly incorporates cutting-edge technologies relating to Web services. A multimedia Web service is divided into control flow and data flow, each being delivered via different infrastructures and channels. We also propose enhancements to Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) and Composite Capability/Preference Profiles (CC/PP) protocols to improve their flexibility to serve multimedia Web services. In addition, we present a set of experiments to show how our service-oriented componentization model can support efficient delivery and management of multimedia Web services.
COMPETISOFT
Authors: Oktaba Hanna , Alquicira Claudia , Pino Francisco J. , Ruiz Francisco , Piattini Mario , Martinez Tomás , Garcia Félix
Published: May 2011

From the beginning of the 21st century onwards, the software engineering community (industry and researchers) has expressed a special interest in software process improvement (SPI) for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This growing interest is due to the fact that the software industry in most countries has an industrial backcloth, made up mainly of small and medium software organisations which favour the growth of their national economies. In order to fortify these kind of organisations, efficient strategies, practices, or guides to tailor SPI to their size and type of business are needed. Therefore, in this chapter, the COMPETISOFT project is presented. The COMPETISOFT project’s main aim is to provide the software industry in Latin America with a reference framework for software process improvement and certification, which will enable it to be more competitive in the global market.
An Incremental Functionality-Oriented Free Software Development Methodology
Authors: Terán Oswaldo , Alvarez Johanna , Abraham Blanca , Aguilar Jose
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents a methodology used as reference model for a free software factory that is part of the National Centre for Free Technologies in Venezuela. This centre is oriented at promoting free software development for serving mostly the public sector in order to promote endogenous development and technologic autonomy. Under this strategy, strengthening the software small and medium size enterprises and cooperatives, by allowing them to participate in different projects (improving their know-how) and providing them with a methodology for increasing their capabilities and software quality, is necessary and urgent. This methodology plans the development process incrementally, based on a prioritisation of the software functionalities development in accordance to the functionalities risks, development urgency, and dependencies. It combines aspects of the two styles of free software development, namely cathedral and bazaar. The development process is centralised, in essence collaborative, and continuously allows source code release.
Information Technology and Administrative Reform
Authors: Kraemer Kenneth , King John Leslie
Published: May 2011

This article examines the theoretical ideal of information technology as an instrument of administrative reform and examines the extent to which that ideal has been achieved in the United States. It takes a look at the findings from research about the use and impacts of information technology from the time of the mainframe computer through the PC revolution to the current era of the Internet and e-government. It then concludes that information technology has never been an instrument of administrative reform; rather, it has been used to reinforce existing administrative and political arrangements. It assesses why this is the case and draws conclusions about what should be expected with future applications of information technologies—in the time after e-government. It concludes with a discussion of the early evidence about newer applications for automated service delivery, 24/7 e-government, and e-democracy.
If You Build a Political Web Site, Will They Come? The Internet and Political Activism in Britain
Authors: Norris Pippa , Curtice John
Published: May 2011

This study focuses on the capacity of the Internet for strengthening political activism. The first part summarizes debates about these issues in the previous literature. This study starts from the premise that political activism is a multidimensional phenomenon and that we need to understand how different channels of participation relate to the social and political characteristics of the online population. We predict that certain dimensions of activism will probably be strengthened by the rise of the knowledge society, particularly cause-oriented forms of political participation, reflecting the prior social and political characteristics of the online population. By contrast, we expect the Internet to have far less impact upon conventional channels of political participation, exemplified by election campaigns. The second part summarizes the sources of data and the key measures of political activism used in this study, drawing upon the British Social Attitudes Survey from 2003. The third part examines the evidence for the relationship between use of the Internet and patterns of civic engagement in the British context. The conclusion summarizes the results and considers their broader implications.
Citizen's Deliberation on the Internet
Authors: Monnoyer-Smith Laurence
Published: May 2011

Within the frame of the deliberative democratic theory, development of ICT has been proposed as a solution to enhance discussion in large groups and foster political participation among citizens. Critics have however underlined the limits of such technological innovations which do not generate the expected diversity of viewpoints. This article highlights the limits of a Habermassian conception of deliberation which restrains it to a specific type of rational discourse and harnesses citizen’s expression within strict procedural constraints. Our case study, the DUCSAI debate, i.e. the French public debate about the location of the 3rd international Parisian airport, shows that the added value of Internet-based deliberation rests in that it offers, under specific conditions, another arena of public debate. The article shows that hybrid forms of debate can widen participant’s profile, the nature of their argumentation and their means of expression if it provides them with the opportunity to voice their concern the way they choose to do so.
Service, Security, Transparency and Trust
Authors: Roy Jeffrey
Published: May 2011

The objectives of this article are twofold: first, to examine the main conceptual dimensions of electronic government (e-government); and secondly, to critically assess both the current responses and future prospects of Canada’s public sector. The first sections of the paper are primarily conceptual as they delve into e-government’s meaning and scope by presenting a set of major thematic challenges driving public sector reform. The paper then provides a critical assessment of recent reforms and new initiatives undertaken by the Government of Canada. Building on this analysis, the article aims to sketch out the major issues and challenges likely to confront Canadian governance. Of particular interest is whether or not a sufficient balance exists in focusing on dimensions of both e-government and e-governance in order to adapt effectively to a more informational, digital and interdependent world.
Generational Differences in Informational Technology Use and Political Involvement
Authors: Shelley II Mack C. , Thrane Lisa E. , Shulman Stuart W.
Published: May 2011

A structural equation model analysis of data from a 2003 national random sample survey (n = 478) on informational technology (IT) reveals important direct and indirect effects of generational demographic and attitudinal differences on electronic forms of political participation. Younger respondents reported more support for IT and fewer technological disadvantages, compared to older respondents. Younger respondents showed more desire for public IT availability and e-political participation, whereas older respondents preferred traditional electoral involvement. The more educated held more favorable views of IT generally and of public IT access more specifically. Better-educated respondents were more active civically, in both traditional and electronic forms of participation. Supportive technological views led to greater e-political participation and stronger interest in e-elections. Respondents with less concern and fear about IT were more likely to act as digital citizens and were more involved in e-politics and e-elections. Proponents of public IT access were more supportive of e-elections. Our model suggests that e-citizenry will compound existing social divisions as non-electronic voices are marginalized and electronic voices are amplified.
Leveraging Current Experiences for Future Actions
Authors: Chua Alton Y.K. , Lam Wing
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes how the Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) has developed a unique, institutionalized knowledge reuse process. The paper highlights several issues related to knowledge reuse, including the collection, distillation and dissemination of knowledge, the role of subject experts in the knowledge reuse process and how technology facilitates knowledge reuse.
The Pattern at the Root of it All
Authors: Mitra Amit , Gupta Amar
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes the concept of a Pattern, and describes why patterns are the basis of knowledge. It establishes the semantics of Pattern, and describes the concept of “information space”, an abstract arena in which patterns of information create meanings. It shows how the concept of measurability is the basis of all meaning, and how meanings are structured by patterns in information space. It also distinguishes a meaning from its physical representation and establishes the identity between objects and patterns. It shows how joining and constraining meanings creates new patterns of information, which lead to new meanings, and hence the ability to configure meanings from other meanings. This is the basis on which components of knowledge are derived in this book, and also in its companions in the series.
Object Aggregation
Authors: Mitra Amit , Gupta Amar
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes the information and meanings that emerge from aggregates. It shows how the concepts like containment and subtyping are configured from the concept of location.
Leveraging the IT Balanced Scorecard as Alignment Instrument
Authors: van Grembergen Wim , De Haes Steven
Published: May 2011

In Chapter I, the IT balanced scorecard was introduced as a possible measurement and management tool to support the achievement of strategic alignment. In this chapter, the application of the balanced scorecard is illustrated in more detail through a case study of a major Canadian financial group, where the balanced scorecard was adopted in its full scope. This chapter is based on the publication “Linking the IT balanced scorecard to the business objectives at a major Canadian Financial Group” (Van Grembergen, Saull, & De Haes, 2003).
Adaptation of an Agile Information System Development Method
Authors: Aydin Mehmet N. , Harmsen Frank , van Hillegersberg Jos , Stegwee Robert A.
Published: May 2011

Little specific research has been conducted to date on the adaptation of agile information systems development (ISD) methods. This chapter presents the work practice in dealing with the adaptation of such a method in the ISD department of one of the leading financial institutes in Europe. The chapter introduces the idea of method adaptation as an underlying phenomenon concerning how an agile method has been adapted to a project situation or vice versa in the case organization. In this respect, method adaptation is conceptualized as a process or capability in which agents holding intentions through responsive changes in, and dynamic interplays between, contexts and method fragments determine an appropriate method for a specific project situation. Two forms of method adaptation, static adaptation and dynamic adaptation, are introduced and discussed in detail. We provide some insights plus an instrument that the ISD department studied uses to deal with the dynamic method adaptation. To enhance our understanding of the observed practice, we take into account two complementary perspectives: the engineering perspective and the socio-organizational perspective. Practical and theoretical implications of this study are discussed.
On the Use of Object-Role Modeling for Modeling Active Domains
Authors: van Bommel Patrick , Hoppenbrouwers Stijn , Proper Erik , van der Weide Theo
Published: May 2011

This chapter is about how the object-role modeling (ORM) language and approach can be used for the integration, at a deep and formal level, of various domain modeling representations and viewpoints, with a focus on the modeling of active domains. The authors argue that ORM is particularly suited for enabling such integration because of its generic conceptual nature; its useful, existing connection with natural language and controlled languages; and its formal rigor. They propose the logbook paradigm as an effective perspective in active domains modeling and for the derivation of domain grammars. They show how standard ORM can be extended to an object-role calculus (ORC), including temporal concepts and constraints that enable the modeling of active domains. A suggestion for graphical representation is also provided. The authors hope to contribute to the integration of domain models and viewpoints in an academic and educational context rather than proposing ORM and ORC as new modeling tools in an industrial setting.
Lost in Business Process Model Translations
Authors: Recker Jan , Mendling Jan
Published: May 2011

Often, different process models are employed in different phases of the BPM life cycle, each providing a different approach for capturing business processes. Efforts have been undertaken to overcome the disintegration of process models by providing complementary standards for design and execution. However, this claim has not yet been fulfilled. A prominent example is the seemingly complementary nature of BPMN and BPEL. The mapping between these process modeling languages is still unsolved and poses challenges to practitioners and academics. This chapter discusses the problem of translating between process modeling languages. We argue that there is conceptual mismatch between modeling languages stemming from various perspectives of the business-process management life cycle that must be identified for seamless integration. While we focus on the popular case of BPMN vs. BPEL, our approach is generic and can be utilized as a guiding framework for identifying conceptual mismatch between other process modeling languages.
Metaphor Use in Knowledge Management
Authors: Andriessen Daniel
Published: May 2011

Knowledge management is about the management of knowledge. Therefore many texts on knowledge management (KM) start with trying to explain or define what knowledge is (Nonaka & Takeuchi, 1995; Krogh, Ichijo, & Nonaka, 2000; McKenzie & Van Winkelen, 2004). As the history of epistemology shows, this debate is over 2000 years old. Some claim the debate is crucial for knowledge management, and they make a clear distinction between data, information and knowledge (Butler, 2006). Others state that it is “not essential to the fundamental mission of knowledge management” (Schwartz, 2006, p. 10). This article argues that for KM it is not important how knowledge is defined but how it is conceptualized.
Task-Based Knowledge Management Approach
Authors: Burstein Frada , Linger Henry
Published: May 2011

In modern organizations, the major role of knowledge management is supporting knowledge work. The concept of knowledge work assumes not only task performance, but also the review and evaluation of the work done in order to understand and learn from the experience. Knowledge work relies on a body of knowledge to support processes that address both the performance of work and the intellective aspects of the work activity (Zuboff, 1988). In this sense knowledge management becomes one of the most important mechanisms in implementing such support. In this article we present task-based knowledge management (TbKM) as an alternative approach to knowledge management (KM).
Enhancing Performance Through Knowledge Management
Authors: Massey Anne P. , Rames V. , Montoya-Weiss Mitzi M.
Published: May 2011

Knowledge management (KM) has gained increasing attention since the mid-1990s. A KM strategy involves consciously helping people share and put knowledge into action. However, before an organization can realize the promise of KM, a fundamental question needs to be asked: What performance goal(s) is the organization trying to achieve? In this paper, we develop and offer a framework that provides a holistic view of the performance environment surrounding organizational knowledge work. We illustrate the KM framework using two organizational case studies. Then, based on the KM framework and further insights drawn from our case studies, we offer a series of steps that may guide and assist organizations and practitioners as they undertake KM initiatives. We further demonstrate the applicability of these steps by examining KM initiatives within a global software development company. We conclude with a discussion of implications for organizational practice and directions for future research.
Understanding Organizational Memory
Authors: Jasimuddin Sajjad M. , Connell Con , Klein Jonathan H.
Published: May 2011

It is generally recognized that Walsh and Ungson (1991) “provided the first integrative framework for thinking about organizational memory” (Olivera, 2000, p. 813). Within the field of knowledge management (KM), there has been interest in a variety of issues surrounding organizational memory (OM), which is understood to involve processes of storage and retrieval of organizational knowledge of the past for use in both the present and the future. The recognition of the importance of OM has implications for practice. For example, Argote, Beckman, and Epple (1990) suggest that the effective use of OM can protect an organization from some of the negative effects of staff loss, while Stein (1995, p. 19) asserts that an appreciation of OM can facilitate the solution of problems associated with the retention and utilization of knowledge within organizations.
Information Technology Assessment for Knowledge Management
Authors: Sharma Sushil K. , Gupta Jatinder N.D. , Wickramasinghe Nilmini
Published: May 2011

New technologies, increasingly demanding customers, new aggressive competitors, and innovations in products and value now characterize our current competitive environment. Organizations of the 21st century have no choice but to invest in new technologies, especially knowledge management tools to enhance their services and products in order to meet the demands of today’s information-driven, globally competitive marketplace. Knowledge embedded in systems, brains and technology has always been the key to economic development. However, knowledge management is increasingly being viewed as a strategy to leverage a firm’s knowledge and best practices to serve customers and to be competitive. Several organizations have already started experimenting with knowledge management initiatives to capture and capitalize on knowledge assets and thereby claim the enormous benefits afforded by such endeavors, including improved profitability and transformation of their businesses into new generation businesses. This chapter develops a technology assessment model for knowledge management indicating what kinds of computing and communication systems any organization needs in order for it to have a sound knowledge management approach.
A Model of Knowledge Management Success
Authors: Jennex Murray E. , Olfman Lorne
Published: May 2011

This article describes a knowledge management (KM) success model that is derived from observations generated through a longitudinal study of KM in an engineering organization and KM success factors found in the literature, which were modified by the application of these observations and success factors in various projects. The DeLone and McLean (1992, 2003) IS Success Model was used as a framework for the model, since it was found to fit the observed success criteria and provided an accepted theoretical basis for the proposed model.
KAFRA
Authors: Okunoye Adekunle , Bertaux Nancy
Published: May 2011

Multiple case studies in India, The Gambia, and Nigeria are the background for an empirically grounded framework of knowledge management (KM). Cultural diversity and gaps in the provision of infrastructure make managing knowledge challenging but necessary in developing countries. These cultural and infrastructural issues are also related to governmental, educational, political, social, and economic factors. These environmental factors interact with organizational variables and information technology to enable or constrain knowledge management processes in the creation and protection of knowledge resources. The framework can help organizations to prepare their KM projects, to reveal problems during the project, and to assess its outcomes.
The Role of Organizational Trust in Knowledge Management
Authors: Ribiere Vincent M. , Tuggle Francis D.
Published: May 2011

The discipline of knowledge management (KM) is no longer emerging, but some organizations are still struggling to find the right approach that will allow them to fully take advantage of their intellectual assets. Having the proper organizational culture remains an important barrier to knowledge management success. This empirical research project, conducted with data from 97 organizations involved in KM, explores relationships between the level of organizational trust and the use of KM methodologies, in particular the use of codification KM methodologies and personalization KM methodologies. The presence of trust can also be used as an indicator of KM initiative success. The contribution of this research may help organizations seeking to launch or adapt a KM initiative to choose which KM tools and technologies to deploy in order to maximize their chance of success. Finally, a rank-ordered list of KM methodologies in descending order of usefulness is reported.
Web-Based Knowledge Management Model
Authors: Shen Pei-Di , Tsai Chia-Wen
Published: May 2011

Knowledge is a limitless resource in the knowledge-based economy; therefore, organizations should learn, store, transfer and apply knowledge to add value or gain competitive advantage (Sveiby, 1997). Knowledge management (KM) refers to identifying and leveraging the collective knowledge within the organization for competitive advantage (von Krogh, 1998). However, it is usually discussed and implemented in high-tech industries (e.g., TI, TSMC and Winbond) and the software industry (e.g., Microsoft and Oracle). In Taiwan, the upstream firms or suppliers of the electronics industry (e.g., Winbond and UMC) implement KM in their organizations. As well as the suppliers, the downstream firms or manufacturers (e.g., Quanta and ASUS) also put KM into practice. However, in the intermediaries or distributors, only a meager number of firms really implement KM in their companies. Therefore, we have neglected whether KM is still suitable to implement in the distribution industry. The IC distributors in Taiwan evolved from partnerships or intra-family enterprises into the overall arrangement in Asia, with output value in 2004 beyond $38.7 billion (United States dollars). IC distribution industry outsiders may consider that distributors just transact business, but don’t have their own products, even though the scale of IC distributors has expanded. So an inaccurate notion exists that it isn’t necessary to innovate or put KM into practice therein. In fact, IC distributors have to face not only the rapidly changing upstream firms, but also the variable requirements of downstream customers. Therefore, distributors have to adapt and learn even faster than their suppliers and customers to face the drastically changing and intensely competitive environment.
Technical Aspects of Knowledge Management
Authors: Patel Nanya , Hlupic Vlatka
Published: May 2011

One of the repercussions of the ever-rising popularity of knowledge management is a sudden increase in the number and range of knowledge management tools available on the software market. This can present a problem for organisations that are required to sift through the vast number of tools in the hope of finding one that meets their requirements. Moreover, guidelines describing how to go about selecting a commercial knowledge management tool do not currently exist. Therefore, the aim of this chapter is to present a set of guidelines to aid the evaluation and selection of a commercial knowledge management tool. In order to achieve this, a methodology is proposed that outlines factors and issues that could be taken into consideration during the selection of a knowledge management tool. Furthermore, an overview of criteria specific to knowledge management tools that can be used to evaluate and ascertain the features present in a knowledge management tool are also suggested.
A Qualitative Study of the Characteristics of a Community of Practice for Knowledge Management and Its Success Factors
Authors: Stein Eric W.
Published: May 2011

A Community of Practice (CoP) is an organizational form receiving increasing attention as a structure for sense making, knowledge management and learning. The central question addressed in this article is how and why these communities form and grow over time. These questions are explored through a qualitative analysis of a CoP formed to help knowledge management practitioners. In this case study, a description of how the organization formed, survived, grew and matured over a five-year period (1999-2004) is given. Several practices and structures related to CoP development are identified; for example, operations, roles and responsibilities, communications, sub-group structures, use of information technologies and other aspects of organizing. Using data from several sources (e.g., membership surveys, interviews with key informants, document analysis), four sets of factors that have helped this organization succeed are identified: Individual, Content, Meeting and Organizational. These factors are arranged into a preliminary descriptive model of the function and structure of CoPs over the life cycle. To practitioners, the work sheds light on how to set up and successfully grow a community of practice.
A Social Network Perspective on Knowledge Management
Authors: Nelson Reed E. , Hsu HY Sonya
Published: May 2011

Social networks—the sets of relations that link individuals and collectives—have implications for the speed and effectiveness with which knowledge is created and disseminated in organizations Both social networks and knowledge management (KM) are complex, multifaceted phenomena that are as yet imperfectly understood. Not unsurprisingly, our understanding of the interface between the two is similarly imperfect and evolving. There are, however, a number of foundational concepts upon which existing thought converges as well as a body of emerging research that offers practical and conceptual guidance for developing the kind of network best suited for managing different kinds of knowledge. In this article, we introduce rudimentary network concepts, briefly recapitulate KM and organizational learning concepts related to networks, and then explore some of the interfaces between social networks and KM.
The Readiness of IDSC to Adopt Knowledge Management
Authors: Krader Hussein Ahmed Abdel , Wahba Khaled
Published: May 2011

Over the last two years Knowledge Management has become the latest hot topic in the business world. Companies are realizing that their competitive edge is mostly the brain power or intellectual capital of their employees and management. Many organizations are drowning in information, but starving for knowledge. In order to stay ahead of the pack, organizations must leverage their knowledge internally and externally to survive. Knowledge management is believed to be the current savior of organizations. Creative and innovative people form the core of any organization. In turn, those people form the corporate memory. The Information Decision Support Center for the Cabinet of Ministers for the Egyptian Government (IDSC) faces a problem of employees’ high turnover rate (17%), which threatens to cause IDSC to lose its memory. One common mistake many organizations make when they implement KM initiatives is to place too much emphasis on the technological aspect of KM and ignore the human resources aspects. IDSC developed a knowledge management system called the Organizational Memory (http://www.home.idsc.gov.eg/), but ignored the human factor of KM. The purpose of this chapter is to test the readiness of employees and managers working at IDSC to adopt knowledge management. Human issues were clearly shown to outweigh any technology constraints, and views of managers and employees differed to some extent. It is recommended that these human and managerial concerns be addressed if KM is to be successful in organizations.
Effects of Knowledge Management Implementation in Hospitals
Authors: Jih Wen-Jang Kenny , Chen Cheng-Hsui , Chen Ying-Hsiou
Published: May 2011

From the knowledge management point of view, the fundamental mission of hospital management is the delivery of quality medical services, utilizing highly specialized knowledge to solve healthcare problems within various resource constraints. Similar to other knowledge-intensive industries operating in highly challenging business environments, hospitals of all sizes must view the creation, organization, distribution, and application of knowledge as a critical aspect of their management activities. Knowledge management represents a viable strategy as hospitals strive simultaneously to provide quality medical services, improve operational efficiency, and conform to the government’s documentation and reporting regulations. This study examines the correlation as well as the causal relationships among knowledge characteristics, knowledge acquisition strategy, implementation measures, and performance of knowledge management implementations in the context of hospital management. Using primary data collected in Taiwan, our analyses show that the characteristics of knowledge affect the ways in which knowledge management is implemented, and the implementation measures, in turn, have a significant impact on the results of knowledge management implementations.
Knowledge Management
Authors: McManus Denise Johnson , Snyder Charles A.
Published: May 2011

This chapter provides a new perspective for Knowledge Management applications within organizations. The relevance of knowledge management components in disaster planning has been underscored by the large-scale terror attacks of September 11, 2001. The objective of the chapter is to provide a different perspective on the risk management category of business continuity planning or disaster recovery. Specifically, the authors show how most plans ignore or downplay the essential requirement for the organization to preserve its critical knowledge resources in the event the possessors of that knowledge are killed. Most proponents of Knowledge Management have neglected this important facet of the field. At the same time, the risk management and disaster recovery fields have ignored the important contributions of Knowledge Management to a viable business continuity plan.
The Contribution of Communities of Practice to Project Management
Authors: Ragsdell Gillian
Published: May 2011

More and more organisations are using projects as a means of managing their business; increasingly, ‘new initiatives’ are the focus of organisational life. Such initiatives could include cultural change programmes, organisation redesigns, or process improvements. Tackling the sociological and psychological aspects of the project is a great enough challenge, but there is often a requirement to develop a technological dimension too. Accelerating technical advancements brings an extra level of complexity to the projects so that, in general, projects have become more complex—not only do they tend to have a wider variety of customers to satisfy, but they also tend to utilise more sophisticated technology and have more far-reaching implications than ever before. It is not too surprising that some projects ‘fail’; the increased complexity of projects brings an obvious rise in the associated risks. However, the increased complexity of projects also brings a rise in the opportunities for learning through the management of knowledge therein. These are opportunities that are not being fully exploited at present, as illustrated by the continuation of the ‘failure-to-learn’ and ‘learning-to-fail’ themes in the literature (e.g., Lyytinen & Robey, 1999; Cannon & Edmondson, 2004); a more active stance would consciously draw lessons from projects, from ‘successes’ and ‘failures’ alike. Parallel to the growing emphasis on projects in organisational life and their changing nature, there is growing recognition of the interplay between the fields of project management (PM) and knowledge management (KM). Reference has already been made to the opportunities for more effectively managing knowledge within a project setting. This article operates at a finer level of detail and draws attention to the potential synergy between project teams and a much popularised social network derived from the KM arena—that of communities of practice (CoP). In doing so, the disciplines of PM and KM are explicitly bridged and, it is put forward, the prospect of breaking the ‘learning-to fail’ and ‘failing-to learn’ loops is raised.
Assessing Knowledge Management Success
Authors: Jennex Murray E. , Olfman Lorne
Published: May 2011

This article proposes a framework for assessing knowledge management system (KMS) success models. The framework uses three criteria: how well the model fits actual KMS success factors, the degree to which the model has a theoretical foundation, and if the model can be used for both types of KMSs. The framework is then applied to four KMS success models found in the literature and is determined to be a useful framework for assessing KMS success models.