bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dévots et fondations de couvents en Auvergne au xvii e siècle
Authors: Goudot Grégory
Published: January 2014

Si l’on souligne de longue date et à raison le rôle moteur joué au xvii e  siècle par les dévots dans la Réforme catholique, l’historiographie française du mouvement, obnubilée par les vedettes des cercles parisiens proches du pouvoir, n’a pas encore jeté à bas tous ses clichés sur l’unanimisme des élites zélées et le mythique « parti dévot ». En vérité, dans les provinces, les laïcs militants présentent partout des caractères originaux, dans leurs profils comme dans leurs préoccupations – qui évoluent d’ailleurs dans la durée. Ainsi dans le diocèse de Clermont : l’heure y est d’abord, lorsque prennent fin les guerres de religion, à une invasion conventuelle sans précédent, portée par des femmes et des veuves issues d’une vieille aristocratie peu compromise dans la Ligue ; mais elles s’effacent après 1640 devant les élites officières urbaines, qu’intéresse davantage l’enfermement des pauvres lorsque triomphe le mercantilisme hostile aux réguliers. Non contente d’infléchir le cours de la Réforme catholique, l’action dévote trahit dans ses mutations mêmes l’entrée dans la seconde modernité.
Les quatre crises de la Société générale (1886-2008). La crise d'un modèle économique au cœur des crises conjoncturelles
Authors: Bonin Hubert
Published: January 2014

La pérennité d’une société sur plusieurs demi-siècles constitue une sorte d’« exploit » historique sur l’arrière-fond d’une démographie des entreprises qui est riche en faillites, liquidations ou absorptions. Or la banque qu’est la Société générale a encore plus été soumise à cette réalité qu’elle œuvre dans un secteur fragilisé par des prises de risques pro-cycliques sans cesse renouvelées pendant les boums conjoncturels, d’où des krachs récurrents. Mais elle a réussi à résister aux tensions de son environnement bancaire et financier, alors même qu’elle a été confrontée à des erreurs de gestion et, surtout, à trois crises en interne qui l’ont fait vaciller au bord du gouffre. Les quatre crises (années 1880, 1905, 1913 et 2007-2010) endurées par la Générale sont ainsi révélatrices des dysfonctionnements d’une organisation de firme, ce qui fait s’interroger sur la qualité du management bancaire, des difficultés d’adaptation d’un mode de gestion aux mutations d’un modèle économique et stratégique, ce qui suscite des questions sur la réactivité et la lucidité des dirigeants, et enfin sur les processus de gestion des risques, ce qui induit de méditer sur les risques inhérents au métier bancaire et à leur spécificité.
A Systematic Map of Evaluation Criteria Applicable for Evaluating E-Portfolio Systems
Authors: McKenna Gary F. , Baxter Gavin J.
Published: January 2014

This chapter examines the literature on evaluation methods within e-learning with respect to their applicability to evaluate e-portfolio systems within higher education as evaluation criteria for reviewing e-portfolio provisions do not currently exist in the literature. The appr­oach taken is to initiate two extensive literature searches and reviews. The first search was undertaken in 2009 involved reviewing over 600 articles by abstract dating from 1995 to 2010 to develop evaluation criteria suitable for Blackboard LMS e-portfolio systems evaluation. The second search undertaken in 2013 involved extending the search criteria to include further terminology and databases and returned over 4107 articles, which were read by title and abstract dating from 2009 to 2013, in order to systematically map evaluation methods used within e-learning to assess their quality and applicability for evaluating e-portfolio systems. The implications of the research undertaken provide a starting-point for further research into the development of robust e-portfolio evaluation models and frameworks. The lack of evidence uncovered in the 2009 and 2013 searches of the literature justify the need for further research into the design, development, and testing of evaluation methods for the evaluation of e-portfolio systems.
Faculty and Chair Perceptions and Ratings about System-Wide Assessments in the Higher Colleges of Technology
Authors: Robby Matthew A.
Published: January 2014

This chapter examines use of System-Wide Assessments (SWAs) in the Higher Colleges of Technology of the United Arab Emirates. These end-of-course assessments were designed to ensure consistency of standards, to measure student learning outcomes, and to improve the quality and effectiveness of instruction, courses, and programs. The author reviews literature highlighting the importance of outcome assessments, the relevant issues and trends in higher education, the challenges with implementation, and the type of support necessary for enhancing best practices. The chapter primarily describes the design and use of SWAs among the 17 Federal Colleges. It summarizes 2013 survey findings from 232 randomly selected respondents about the level of satisfaction and agreement among faculty and academic chairs about the purpose, process, value, and impact of SWAs. Findings identify what is perceived to be working well including the challenges and issues to promote continuous improvement in SWAs. From experiences and research findings, recommendations are offered for applying best practices and enhancing the effectiveness of assessments in higher education.
The Infusion of Technology into Teacher Education Programs
Authors: Koch Anne S. , Kush Joseph C.
Published: January 2014

In this chapter, student achievement, the differentiation of instruction, and 21st Century Skills are examined along with their relationship to the use of technology in an educational setting. Characteristics of highly qualified teachers are also examined from multiple standpoints within the educational system. Standards from INTASC, NCATE, NCTAF, and NCLB point to the importance of the university faculty and quality teacher education programs to support the needs of preservice teachers. In addition, the joining of business and education across the nation and the world to infuse technology into education has shown positive results. This merger between business and education exemplifies the need for the acquisition of 21st century skills needed for all students to be a literate part of the 21st century workforce.
Virtual Prowess
Authors: Roy Shelly R.
Published: January 2014

With support from the research literature, this chapter argues that in order to lead effectively in virtual environments, and to achieve virtual prowess, the leaders of Virtual Teams (VTs) need (a) relationship building skills, which include (1) trust, (2) embracing diversity, (3) fostering a team spirit, and the ability to (4) motivate team members. The leaders of VTs must also possess (b) technical skills, which include the ability to use (1) video conferencing software, (2) Instant Messaging (IM) and chatroom software, (3) e-mail, (4) virtual worlds and avatars, and (5) be able to communicate effectively. In addition, leaders of VTs must use their (c) leadership skills and lead with (1) trait emotional intelligence, (2) be able to create an open and supportive environment, (3) lead by example, and (4) resolve conflicts. These four keys, their corresponding skills, as well as their practical applications, are discussed in this chapter.
Combining the TAM and IS Success Models to Validate E-Learning System Satisfaction and Continuance Intention
Authors: Lin Tung-Cheng
Published: January 2014

Many e-learning studies have evaluated learning attitudes and behaviors based on TAM. However, a successful E-Learning System (ELS) should take both system and information quality into account by applying ISM developed by Delone and McLean. In addition, the acceptance for information system depends on the perceived usefulness and ease of use according to TAM. This research combines TAM with ISM by introducing system quality, quality of platform information, and course information as an antecedent of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. These factors are crucial for understanding users’ intentions to continue their use of ELS. The research model was examined with data collected from 164 practicing students with ELS experiences. The results indicated that system quality, platform information, and course information had a significantly positive effect on users’ satisfaction and their intention to use ELS continuously.
Pattern Recognition and Robotics
Authors: Geethanjali P.
Published: January 2014

During the last few decades, there has been a considerable growth of interest in pattern recognition in the field of robotics. An application of pattern recognition in robotics includes mobile robots and service robots. Visual and signal recognition of patterns enables the robots to perform a variety of tasks such as object and target recognition, navigation, grasping, and manipulation, assisting physically challenged people. This chapter surveys trends in robotics with pattern recognition that focuses more on the interaction between robot assistive device and human with signal pattern recognition. This interaction helps to enhance the capability of people in rehabilitation and in the field of medicine. Finally, this chapter includes the application of pattern recognition in the development of a prosthetic hand.
Predictive Analytics and Data Mining
Authors: Chauhan Ritu , Kaur Harleen
Published: January 2014

High dimensional databases are proving to be a major concern among the researches to extract relevant information for futuristic decision making. Real world data is high dimensional in nature and comprises of irrelevant features, missing values, and redundancy, which requires serious concerns. Utilizing all such features can mislead the results for emergent prediction. Therefore, such databases are critical in nature to determine optimal solutions. To deal with such issues, the authors have developed and implemented a Cluster Analysis Study Behavior of School Children from Large Databases (CABS) framework to retrieve effective and efficient clusters from high dimensional human behavior datasets for school children in US. They have applied feature selection technique and hierarchical agglomerative clustering technique to discover clusters of vivid shape and size to retrieve knowledge from large databases. This study was conducted for Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) using Correlation-Based Feature Selection (CFS) technique to reduce the inconsistent data records and select relevant features that will eventually extract the appropriate data to merge similar data and retrieve clusters. However, predictive analytics can facilitate a more thorough extraction of knowledge to facilitate better quality and faster decisions. The authors have implemented the current framework in R language where the clustering was emphasized using pvclust package. The proposed framework is highly efficient in discovering hidden and implicit knowledge from large databases due to its accessibility to handling and discovering clusters of variant shapes.
Assessment of Technical Efficiency of Indian B-Schools
Authors: Sreekumar  , Patel Gokulananda
Published: January 2014

In the present economy, both at national and international front service sector, is playing a pivotal role as a major contributor towards the GDP. The importance of service sector necessitates the efficiency measurement of various service units. The opening of Indian economy (Liberalisation – Privitisation – Globalisation) has affected every segment of Indian industry and service sector, education being no exception. Today, management education is one of the most sought after higher education options for Indian students. Management education in India has also undergone many changes in the last decade or so, meeting the need of industries. Meeting this growing demand has lead to proliferation of management institutions, and in many a cases the quality of education is compromised. Some popular Indian magazines and journals started ranking the Indian B-Schools intending to give information to all the stake holders involved. All these methods either use weighted average or clustering method to rank the institutes. This chapter proposes an alternative method based on efficiency analysis using Data Envelopment Analysis to rank the Indian B-Schools. The B-schools are observed over multiple periods of time, and the variations of efficiency are used to draw a conclusion about the performance of B-schools. Window analysis is used to compare the performance of B-schools over the period of time.
Detection of Non-Technical Losses
Authors: Guerrero Juan I. , Monedero Íñigo , Biscarri Félix , Biscarri Jesús , Millán Rocío , León Carlos
Published: January 2014

The MIDAS project began in 2006 as collaboration between Endesa, Sadiel, and the University of Seville. The objective of the MIDAS project is the detection of Non-Technical Losses (NTLs) on power utilities. The NTLs represent the non-billed energy due to faults or illegal manipulations in clients’ facilities. Initially, research lines study the application of techniques of data mining and neural networks. After several researches, the studies are expanded to other research fields: expert systems, text mining, statistical techniques, pattern recognition, etc. These techniques have provided an automated system for detection of NTLs on company databases. This system is in the test phase, and it is applied in real cases in company databases.
Heuristic Resource Allocation Algorithms for Dynamic Load Balancing in Heterogeneous Distributed Computing System
Authors: Sahoo Bibhudatta , Jena Sanjay Kumar , Mahapatra Sudipta
Published: January 2014

Distributed heterogeneous computing is being widely applied to a variety of large-size computational problems. These computational environments consist of multiple heterogeneous computing modules; these modules interact with each other to solve the problem. The load balancing problem in the Heterogeneous Distributed Computing System (HDCS) deals with allocation of tasks to computing nodes, so that computing nodes are evenly loaded. The complexity of dynamic load balancing increases with the size of HDCS and becomes difficult to solve effectively. Due to the complexity of the dynamic load balancing problem, the majority of researchers use a heuristic algorithm to obtain near optimal solutions. The authors use three different type of resource allocation heuristic techniques, namely greedy heuristic, simulated annealing, and genetic algorithm, for dynamic load balancing on HDCS. A new codification suitable to simulated annealing and the genetic algorithm has been introduced for dynamic load balancing on HDCS. This chapter demonstrates the use of the common coding scheme and iterative structure by simulated annealing and genetic algorithms for allocating the tasks among the computing nodes to minimize the makespan. The resource allocation algorithm uses sliding window techniques to select the tasks to be allocated to computing nodes in each iteration. A suitable codification for simulated annealing and genetic algorithm for dynamic load balancing strategy are explained along with implementation details. Consistent Expected Time to Compute (ETC) matrix is used to simulate the effect of the genetic algorithm-based dynamic load balancing scheme compared with first-fit, randomized heuristic, and simulated annealing.
Conjugate Gradient Trained Neural Network for Intelligent Sensing of Manhole Gases to Avoid Human Fatality
Authors: Dutta Paramartha , Ojha Varun Kumar
Published: January 2014

Computational Intelligence offers solution to various real life problems. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) has the capability of solving highly complex and nonlinear problems. The present chapter demonstrates the application of these tools to provide solutions to the manhole gas detection problem. Manhole, the access point across sewer pipeline system, contains various toxic and explosive gases. Hence, predetermination of these gases before accessing manholes is becoming imperative. The problem is treated as a pattern recognition problem. ANN, devised for solving this problem, is trained using a supervised learning algorithm. The conjugate gradient method is used as an alternative of back propagation neural network learning algorithm for training of the ANN. The chapter offers comprehensive performance analysis of the learning algorithm used for the training of ANN followed by discussion on the methods of presenting the system result. The authors discuss different variants of Conjugate Gradient and propose two new variants of it.
Artificial Neural Network Modeling for Electrical Discharge Machining Parameters
Authors: Das Raja , Pradhan M. K.
Published: January 2014

The objective of the chapter is to present the application of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) modelling of the Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) process. It establishes the best ANN model by comparing the prediction from different models under the effect of process parameters. In EDM, the motivation is frequently to get better Material Removal Rate (MRR) with fulfilling better surface quality of machined components. The vital requirements are as small a radial overcut with minimal tool wear rate. The quality of a machined surface is very important to fulfilling the growing demands of higher component performance, durability, and reliability. To improve the reliability of the machine component, it is necessary to have in depth knowledge of the effect of parameters on the aforesaid responses of the components. An extensive chain of experiments has been conducted over a wide range of input parameters, using the full factorial design. More than 150 experiments have been conducted on AISI D2 work piece materials using copper electrodes to get the data for training and testing. The additional experiments were obtained to validate the model predictions. The performance of three neural network models is discussed in the evaluation of the generalization ability of the trained neural network. It was observed that the artificial neural network models could predict the process performance with reasonable accuracy, under varying machining conditions.
The Promise and Limitations of Assistive Technology Use among Children with Autism
Authors: Andersen Kari , Levenson Lauren , Blumberg Fran C.
Published: January 2014

The use of assistive technology to enhance skill development among children with autism continues to expand. To date, this technology has been primarily used to remediate deficits in language, social skills, and, to a lesser extent, academic skills. Despite the growing body of literature examining the use of these technologies among children with autism, the success of these interventions has been mixed. The authors review findings concerning available forms of assistive technology and the factors that impact their efficacy among children with autism such as developmental level and severity of impairments.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication for Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Pirtle Jody M. , West Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2014

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a prominent component in the development of support services for learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). In this chapter, the authors provide parents, educators, researchers, academics, and other professionals with the most up to date and innovative information as well as practical resources regarding AAC for learners with ASD. Emphasis will be on school-age children diagnosed with ASD. Features of AAC systems as well as the benefits and challenges are presented to provide the reader with information on the current state of the field. The chapter concludes with directions for future research and provides a comprehensive list of resources and organizations.
Using Handheld Applications to Improve the Transitions of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Ben-Avie Michael , Newton Deborah , Reichow Brian
Published: January 2014

While the knowledge that has been gained from previous studies has accelerated the understanding of the difficulties facing individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), there is concern regarding the speed with which and the overall lack of translation of research into interventions that make differences in the everyday lives of individuals with ASDs (Gresham, et al., 2001; Volkmar, et al., 2004; Volkmar, Reichow, & Doehring, 2011). For example, the symptoms of ASDs can greatly impair an individual’s ability to navigate independently through everyday events. Translating this knowledge into instructional practice requires, then, the design of methods for easing students’ transitions within the school, home, and community. While research has validated the use of low-tech visual supports (e.g., National Autism Center, 2009), little has been done to analyze the utility and appropriateness of high-tech assistive technology, such as those interventions administered through smartphones, tablets, and other handheld devices, which are devices that are being used more frequently in education settings (Gray et al., 2010). This chapter presents the results of federally funded research to determine whether the use of iPrompts—a software application for iOS and Android-based smartphones and tablet computers—assists teachers and other educational professionals as they help students with ASD transition from one activity to the next or from one setting to another.
Improving Socialization and Emotion Recognition for Children with Autism Using a Smartphone App
Authors: Lamm Cassidy , Lambert Lauren , Wolfe Joshua , Gray Jeff , Barber Angela , Edwards Gary
Published: January 2014

Smartphone apps are used with increased frequency to teach children a variety of skills and to supplement more traditional forms of instruction. In particular, children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) could benefit from applications suited to help them build social emotional skills that could contribute to more successful social interactions. In the study, the authors first investigated and compiled a list of existing apps to see where gaps exist in topic coverage. From this survey of existing smartphone apps for children with ASD, they developed a new app called LEA (Learning Emotions with Autism) that challenges children to interact in a social setting by responding to emotional cues, and having other children determine the emotion that is expressed. This app provides a new context to help children focus their attention on facial cues in order to recognize and interpret emotions through supported peer interaction. In this chapter, the authors discuss how this app was designed and implemented. They also provide a tutorial on how to develop smartphone apps that can be used for ASD research.
A Viable Option?
Authors: Irish Julie E. N.
Published: January 2014

This chapter considers whether a computer-aided technology, single-user virtual environments, can provide a viable option to teach social skills to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Viability is discussed in terms of key themes found in the literature: evidence-basis, generalizability, cost effectiveness, appropriateness for children with ASD, user experience, teacher’s contribution, and usefulness for caregivers. A matrix is developed to provide a viability rating for each theme. The chapter concludes that evidence-basis and generalizability for single-user virtual environments as an intervention to teach social skills to children with autism spectrum disorder is weak but that cost effectiveness, appropriateness to teenage children with ASD, positive experience of the user, and potential usefulness for caregivers is strong, whilst the teacher’s contribution is a mixed rating between ease of use for the teacher and the high one-on-one time commitment required.
A Task Assistant for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Tan Joo
Published: January 2014

This chapter introduces the use of software technology that is used to create a Web application system called iPAWS to help individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) accomplish simple tasks. These individuals can repeatedly access tasks for assistance or learning through a mobile tablet. For post-school employment, the use of this software technology can help lessen the burden of supervision needed for individuals with autism. For school age children at different levels, iPAWS can serve as training or as a learning tool. This chapter starts with a review of computer-based interventions that have been used in the past. Next, the overall design of the Web application system is introduced. Sample cases that are suitable for children and post-secondary employment are then discussed. Two case studies that were conducted with individuals on the autism spectrum, follow. Finally, possible future improvements to iPAWS are presented.
Video Games as a Form of Therapeutic Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Mehl-Schneider Toby , Steinmetz Shimon
Published: January 2014

The use of video games as a therapeutic intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has steadily increased over the past years. Children with ASD tend to show a great interest in and affinity for playing video games for leisure. This chapter explores how researchers have sought to determine if this inherent motivation could be utilized to assist children with autism spectrum disorders in increasing beneficial skills needed for daily life. Video games have, therefore, been used to assist these children in improving social competence for communicative purposes, improve executive functioning skills, and increase a variety of personal performance skills. Although the variety of research studies in this subject area is expanding, there continues to be a lack of empirical research in this area, and small sample numbers of participants in the majority of the existing research. A lack of longitudinal studies, moreover, is problematic as the studies cannot demonstrate if a learned and mastered skill on a video game can carryover and transfer from the video gaming setting to everyday activities.
Influence and Leadership
Authors: de Stricker Ulla
Published: January 2014

Innumerable conversations have been held over the decades, with increasing frequency, about the future of the library, information, and knowledge profession. The profession of librarianship was once well defined by describing library and information professionals as custodians of and guides to content; that description is no longer adequate, and the profession is perceived to be fragmenting. Furthermore, the rapid extension of the domains in which professionals with library and information credentials are active—information architecture, knowledge and collaboration management, social media—has led to the suggestion that the library profession is losing its identity in society. The chapter considers the profession's status and asks whether a focus on leadership and influence may have a role in securing a productive occupational future for its members: What single umbrella term could bind library and information professionals together, give them a cohesive identity, and tell the world why they are worth their pay?
The Code of Ethics and Workplace Behaviors
Authors: Kendrick Kaetrena Davis , Leaver Echo
Published: January 2014

An investigative study was performed to better understand the practical influence of the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics on the workplace behaviors and decisions of academic librarians. Participants in this investigative study were credentialed academic librarians working in North American college and university libraries, and this chapter focuses on academic librarians who hold leadership positions in management and administration. Study results show no significant results between COE familiarity and effects on ethical behaviors in the workplace; however, these results have implications for the debate surrounding enforcement of the COE and offer some insight into the links between the challenges of succession planning, leadership, and ethical behaviors in academic library environments.
The Role of Professional Protocols
Authors: Deards Kiyomi D. , Graybill Jolie O.
Published: January 2014

The cultivation of professionalism is a necessary part of training the academic and research library leaders of the future. By incorporating professionalism into succession planning efforts, individuals acquire skills that will serve them across institutions as they transition between positions of power. For the purposes of this study, the aspects of professionalism were divided into four main categories: etiquette, professional behavior, personal presentation, and space (how people fill and use it). This chapter examines existing literature and contains the results of a survey of how library employees feel about professional protocols. It argues that the observance of professional protocols can impact student satisfaction as well as create a more positive work environment. Results of the survey indicate that libraries value professionalism with an emphasis on professional behavior.
Succession Planning and the Talent Management Toolbox
Authors: Simpson Katherine , West Patricia J.
Published: January 2014

This chapter defines succession planning as a key component of talent management and explains its relevance for academic libraries. With a combination of unique human capital challenges and the current higher education environment, academic libraries are now facing risks that require special considerations as they plan for the future. In this chapter, the authors define talent management and succession planning and review the major models that are currently in use. They then discuss the “decision-science” framework, which they propose is best suited for addressing future talent needs in academic libraries. Such elements as resources and processes, organization and talent, and sustainable strategic success are highlighted as avenues to linking overall decisions around impact, effectiveness, and efficiency. The final aspect of the chapter includes techniques for developing the talent pipeline, identifying “pivotal” positions, and developing strategies and practices. Assessing progress against talent management goals, including identifying specific metrics, is also outlined.
Strategic Planning in Special Libraries and Information Centers
Authors: Ruan Lian , Sykes Jan
Published: January 2014

The strategic planning process in special libraries and information centers is described, with emphasis given to the importance of planning efforts being tightly aligned with the business goals of the parent organization. Success in executing the strategic plan is strongly dependent on developing and polishing skill sets needed by persons active in the workforce today, while concurrently growing leadership and technical talent to meet future challenges. Following a discussion of general characteristics that distinguish special libraries and information centers from academic and public libraries, key concepts related to the strategic planning process in an organizational context are presented. A case study of the strategic planning efforts at a special library, the Illinois Fire Service Institute Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, illustrates the process and benefits gained from following the goals and strategies highlighted in the plan. The authors offer insightful recommendations to those involved in the planning process and suggest future research directions.
Succession Planning and the Library
Authors: Kundanis Barb
Published: January 2014

This chapter focuses on the strategic planning aspects of succession planning in libraries. The idea of succession planning needs to be included in the long-range plan. Strategic planning grows from a strong mission and vision and, in this case, implementing succession planning as a value. By employing some foresight in the development of policy, an environment supporting succession planning is created. Becoming part of the process and gaining a support network with resources are important aspects of this discussion. Assessment of the current situation and considering the structure of the library also come into play. Creating a strategic plan that involves succession planning is the goal.
The Application of BIM-Enabled Facility Management System in Complex Building
Authors: Wang Jun , Li Shirong , Wang Xiangyu , Mao Chao , Guo Jun
Published: January 2014

Facility Management (FM) is well known for its interdisciplinary knowledge and along with the growing number of green buildings and low-carbon buildings, the FM system become increasingly complex. Many practitioners consider Building Information Modeling (BIM) as the most important technology to bring about improvements. The purpose of this paper is to develop a BIM-enabled FM system which integrates FM, BIM and building management system to improve information sharing and monitoring, FM system control, and equipment management. A case study is implemented to validate the feasibility of the BIM-enabled FM system. Four functionalities are demonstrated in detail: Equipment Information Monitoring (EIM), Dynamic Data Display and Warning (D3W), Energy-Saving Analysis (ESA), and Intelligent Fire Escape Route (IFER). The results show that BIM-enabled FM system facilitates the FM more accurate, timely, safe and efficient.
Enhancing Construction Processes Using Building Information Modelling on Mobile Devices
Authors: Nader Soussou , Aziz Zeeshan , Mustapha Munir
Published: January 2014

This paper reviews existing construction processes of a Leading International Engineering Contracting firm in the Middle East and investigates the potential of improving existing processes using mobile Building Information Technology and processes. Qualitative data was captured through detailed interviews with key personnel, site observations and existing site processes that are mapped from site mobilisation to practical completion stage. Industry practitioners whom were involved in the project have validated the to-be process maps. The paper identifies non-adding value activities in the existing processes and highlights the potential of using mobile technologies in addressing limitations of the as-is processes. The paper also highlights the potential of enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of existing processes using readily available technologies.
Drivers and Barriers to the Use of Building Information Modelling in India
Authors: Sawhney Anil , Singhal Prateek
Published: January 2014

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a remarkable development that has recently engulfed the construction sector globally. It has provided a catalytic means for “rethinking” the design, construction, and operation of our built environment. Fundamentally a technology driven concept, BIM when entwined with issues pertaining to people, processes and organizations has the potential to significantly impact the industry. Considering global adoption of BIM, a clear divide between developed economies and emerging economies can be seen. Significantly low adoption of BIM in the developing world has been reported. Paradoxically the need for BIM in the developing world is far more than the developed world. With this backdrop, this paper reports on the adoption of BIM in India. Finding the adoption rate in India low, this research aimed at finding out the drivers and barriers to the use of BIM. The research has been divided into two phases. The first phase involved interaction with industry professionals by conducting semi structured interviews so as to gather deeper and actual understanding of the subject under study. In the second phase, on the basis of this interaction and the literature review, a questionnaire was prepared and an online survey was conducted. As per the analysis of the collected data, it surfaced that the use of BIM is still in its nascent stage in India, although its adoption has seen an upward trend in the past three to four years. BIM adoption has still not reached a stage where the users can comment on the savings in cost due to BIM implementation as the majority of the respondents have not seen full cycle of successful implementation. Stakeholders remain sceptical about BIM adoption and its perceived benefits. However a majority of the users are intuitively convinced that there is savings in time and significant improvement in final quality. Moving forward a meaningful impact can be made on the state of education, research and practice pertaining to BIM in India via a meaningful collaboration between industry, government, and academia. Findings of this study can be compared and collated across other emerging economies to develop implementation strategies.
Theory Y Embedded in Theory X
Authors: Wallgren Lars Göran
Published: January 2014

Using the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, this cross-sectional study tests whether the direct effects and interaction effects of job demand and motivators affect the level of perceived stress among information technology (IT) consultants. A web-based questionnaire survey was conducted among 380 IT consultants at ten IT consultancy companies in Sweden. The results showed that job demands, autonomy, and motivators are important factors that explain perceived stress among the IT consultants. Those consultants with a high level of job demands and a low level of autonomy had a four times higher risk of perceived stress than the consultants with the theoretically lowest level of strain. However, the interaction effect of job demands/autonomy and the interaction effect of job demands/motivators on perceived stress were non-significant. It is suggested that IT consultants’ autonomy exists within the demands dictated by others - Theory Y embedded in Theory X. Future avenues for research are suggested.
Attitudes and Work Environment Factors Influencing the Information Technology Professionals’ Work Behaviors
Authors: Newton Sandra K. , Nowak Linda I.
Published: January 2014

This study aims to explore individual factors that moderate the relationship between fulfillment of the psychological contract and work behaviors. Two such work behaviors, innovative work (IWB) and organizational citizenship (OCB), impact organizational performance. A sample of 258 information technology (IT) professionals across the U.S. responded to the web-based survey. Research hypotheses were evaluated using multiple regressions. Findings indicated that moderators (self-efficacy, affective commitment, trust, and job satisfaction) significantly affected the relationship between the IT professional’s fulfillment of their psychological contract and their innovative work and organizational citizenship behaviors. Managerial implications for more informed decisions concerning policy and work environment issues are provided and avenues for further research are suggested.
Successful Implementation of a Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning System in Teaching E-Commerce
Authors: Ngai E. W. T. , Lam S. S. , Poon J. K. L.
Published: January 2014

This paper describes the successful application of a computer-supported collaborative learning system in teaching e-commerce. The authors created a teaching and learning environment for 39 local secondary schools to introduce e-commerce using a computer-supported collaborative learning system. This system is designed to equip students with additional knowledge and skills in e-commerce. In this paper, the authors focus on the practical implications of the project-based learning approach on the teaching and learning of introductory e-commerce in the business context. Results indicate that students are interested in the proposed approach, particularly in learning by doing. In conclusion, the authors describe in this paper the successful development of a project-based teamwork game environment for the teaching and learning of e-commerce in schools. This environment can enrich learning and the pedagogical use of development tools in the academe. Finally, the paper puts forward two propositions that can guide hypothesis generation in future research.
Users’ Acceptance and Use of Moodle
Authors: Baytiyeh Hoda
Published: January 2014

The open source course management system Moodle, which a great number of organizations worldwide have adopted, is designed to help instructors deliver course materials to their students from a social constructivist perspective. The aim of this research is evaluate the acceptance and use of Moodle as an open source application from the viewpoint of both professors and students at the American University of Beirut. The theoretical framework for this study is drawn from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to investigate user intentions toward Moodle. The participants were 189 professors and 1,867 students who completed an online survey, evaluating a set of 30 items on a scale of five that reflected the UTAUT constructs applied to Moodle. An exploratory factor analysis was employed and generated five factors: community influence, satisfaction, service quality, learnability and technical quality. Repeated measures ANOVA showed community influence as the highest rated by participants, followed by satisfaction, service quality, learnability and technical quality. Also, two open-ended questions were included to solicit comments from users about various features that should be integrated into this free open source application.
Nigeria’s Core Values and the Use of Social Media to Promote Cultural Values
Authors: Asemah Ezekiel S. , Ekhareafo Daniel O. , Olaniran Samuel
Published: January 2014

This article examines how Nigeria’s core values are being redefined in the face of the new media and cultural globalisation era; it identifies Nigeria’s core values to include age, greeting, dressing, among others. The questionnaire was used as an instrument to elicit data from the sampled population (Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State). Findings show that the Internet, especially, is changing Nigeria’s core values. Based on the findings, the paper concludes that Nigerians, especially the youths no longer have regards for their culture; rather, they value foreign culture. Also, the paper concludes that globalisation and global culture is gradually eroding Nigeria’s core values as people no longer have regards for their local culture; rather they value the foreign culture. The paper, among others, recommends that the media in Nigeria should adequately transmit local programmes in order to genuinely reflect indigenous culture. The media no doubt, plays a significant role in projecting and reflecting culture. In doing so, indigenous culture should be adequately reflected through sufficient airing of programmes with local content to prevent dominance of Western values over indigenous values and the local languages be instituted in Nigerian school system and monitored to ensure local dialects are learnt and spoken. In this way, the youths will learn to attach value to their culture right from their formative years.
Uses and Gratification of the Internet among Mass Communication Students in Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
Authors: Olise Festus , Makka Emotongha Job
Published: January 2014

This study investigates the uses and gratification of the Internet among students in the Department of Mass Communication, Delta State University (DELSU) Abraka. The study became necessary following the influx of and increase in the use of the Internet in education, which portends functional as well as dysfunctional roles on students if not properly handled. Hence, the need to empirically evaluate uses and gratification of the Internet by students. Findings show that students in the Department of Mass Communication, DELSU Abraka, are heavy users of the Internet despite their low level of technological knowledge in the use of the Internet. Also, it was found that the students use the Internet to send e-mails, gather information for educational purposes and to chat despite being occasionally hampered by network failure. Therefore, the study concludes that students are not affected by dysfunctional roles of the Internet. Hence, the programme curriculum of the Department of Mass Communication, DELSU, Abraka, be reviewed to incorporate a broader study of the Internet in order to boost the technical knowledge of the students. Nevertheless, the study recommends that Nigerian government should work out a workable framework that would ensure that Internet Service Providers in Nigeria tackle the incessant network failure so that users of the Internet get value for the subscription of Internet services.
Business and Technology Educators
Authors: Donne Vicki , Hansen Mary A.
Published: January 2014

Business educators face the challenge of operationalizing the global converging initiatives of technology integration and inclusion of students with a disability in K-12 education. A survey of business educators was conducted to ascertain how they were implementing these initiatives in the United States. Results indicated that business educators received little training and felt moderately prepared to teach students with a disability. Inclusion occurred in all courses taught and some differentiated instructional activities and assessments were utilized. Findings indicated additional training in the use of technology and assistive technology are needed.
A Revised Knowledge Pyramid
Authors: Jennex Murray E. , Bartczak Summer E.
Published: January 2014

The knowledge pyramid has been used for several years to illustrate the hierarchical relationships between data, information, knowledge, and wisdom. This paper posits that the knowledge pyramid is too basic and fails to represent reality and presents a revised knowledge-KM pyramid. One key difference is that the revised knowledge-KM pyramid includes knowledge management as an extraction of reality with a focus on organizational learning. The model also posits that newer initiatives such as business and/or customer intelligence are the result of confusion in understanding the traditional knowledge pyramid that is resolved in the revised knowledge-KM pyramid.
Effective Implementation of Knowledge Management Strategies and the Key Roles of Knowledge Ambassadors in Strategy Integration
Authors: Aagaard Annabeth
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this study is to examine how knowledge management strategies can be implemented effectively across divisions and what role change agents in the shape of so called ‘knowledge ambassadors’ can play in actively supporting knowledge sharing and effective integration of knowledge management strategies. Through a three year longitudinal participative case study the implementation of a knowledge management strategy is examined within the Danish Road Directorate and its seven geographically dispersed divisions. The results of the study reveal different steps and key activities in effective implementation of a knowledge management strategy and how knowledge ambassadors play a vital role in effective integration of knowledge management tools, continuous support of knowledge sharing practices and in developing a knowledge culture within the organisation. The contributions of this paper lie in the participative and longitudinal examination of effective knowledge management strategy implementation across geographically dispersed divisions and the introduction of knowledge ambassadors as a key success factor in knowledge management strategy integration.