bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Factors Influence Suppliers Satisfaction of Green Supply Chain Management Systems in Taiwan
Authors: Ko Hsiu-Chia , Tseng Fan-Chuan , Yin Chun-Po , Huang Li-Chun
Published: February 2011

This study investigated user satisfaction when a new interorganizational information system (green supply chain management system; GSCMS) was introduced to a supplier by a leader in the Taiwan electronic industry. GSCMS providers, according to the requirements of the supplier network leader, trained the representatives of suppliers. All suppliers of two sample vendors (manufacturers of electronic products) were surveyed. Five putative influencing factors were considered: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, training, computer anxiety, and computer self-efficacy. We find four factors significantly affect user satisfaction. The results show that the training provided by focal vendors will influence the satisfaction of users. Next, the anxiety and uncertainty experienced by users decreases when they acquire more knowledge about the operation of the new GSCMS. Finally, user satisfaction can be increased by designing the functions and interfaces of a GSCMS in accordance with the user perceptions of usefulness and ease of use, moreover, implications and suggestions are also discussed.
Collecting Consumer Behavior Data with WLAN
Authors: Skogster Patrik , Uotila Varpu
Published: February 2011

Knowing consumers’ shopping paths is an essential part of successful retailing. Good space management requires accurate data about consumer behavior. Traditionally, these data have been collected through, for example, panel interviews, camera tracking, and in-store observation. Their nature is more or less subjective. Modern technology makes it possible to use more objective methods, such as wireless local area network (WLAN) and radio frequency identification (RFID). In this article we examine the possibilities WLAN provides information systems studies. The empirical data is collected from a large DIY (do-it-yourself) store. The results show that WLAN has great potential for accurate and objective data collection processes and modeling data in retailing.
Designing a Dynamic Buyer-Supplier Coordination Model in Electronic Markets Using Stochastic Petri Nets
Authors: Mahdavi Iraj , Mohebbi Shima , Cho Namjae , Paydar Mohammad M.
Published: February 2011

Functional relationship between supplier and buyer in an open market place leads to investigate the role of both quantifiable and non-quantifiable parameters in coordination mechanism with the aim of achieving higher performance in supply chain activities. Here, we develop a supply chain model and a new agent to analyze and simulate the players’ behavior in the network. A cooperative game theory framework is utilized between buyer and supplier in order to increase the supply chain performance. The study is supported by presenting SC Net Optimizer as a tool for implementing the proposed coordination mechanism and evaluates the performance of the chain by simulation using stochastic Petri nets (SPNs). The model provides a more realistic optimization process by taking into consideration the dynamic information flow in an uncertainty environment.
Facing the Challenges of RFID Data Management
Authors: Bose Indranil , Lam Chun Wai
Published: February 2011

Radio frequency identification (RFID) has generated vast amounts of interest in the supply chain, logistics, and the manufacturing area. RFID can be used to significantly improve the efficiency of business processes by providing automatic data identification and capture. Enormous data would be collected as items leave a trail of data while moving through different locations. Some important challenges such as false read, data overload, real-time acquisition of data, data security, and privacy must be dealt with. Good quality data is needed because business decisions depend on these data. Other important issues are that business processes must change drastically as a result of implementing RFID, and data must be shared between suppliers and retailers. The main objective of this article is focused on data management challenges of RFID, and it provides potential solutions for each identified risk.
The Strategic Implications of E-Network Integration and Transformation Paths for Synchronizing Supply Chains
Authors: Jun Minjoon , Cai Shaohan , Kim Daesoo
Published: February 2011

Streamlining information flows across the physical supply chain is crucial for successful supply chain management. This study examines different structures of e-networks (i.e., virtual supply chains linked via electronic information and communication technologies) and their maximum capabilities to gain e-network benefits. Further, this research explores four levels of e-network integration based on a 2x2 e-network technology and transaction integration matrix. Of the four levels, an e-network with high e-technology/high e-transaction integration appears to be most desirable for the companies that aspire to achieve the maximum benefits from their IT investments. Finally, this study identifies three alternative transformation paths toward a powerful high e-technology/high e-transaction integration network and discusses strategic implications of selecting those paths, in terms of e-network structures, availability of financial and technical resources, supply chain members’ collaborative planning, e-security mechanisms, and supply chain size.
Supply Chain Risk Management
Authors: Vanany Iwan , Zailani Suhaiza , Pujawan Nyoman
Published: February 2011

Supply chain risk management has increasingly becoming a more popular research area recently. Various papers, with different focus and approaches, have been published since a few years ago. This paper aims to survey supply chain risk management (SCRM) literature. Paper published in relevant journals from 2000 to 2007 are analysed and classified into five categories: conceptual, descriptive, empirical, exploratory cross-sectional, and exploratory longitudinal. We also looked at the papers in terms of the types of risks, the unit of analysis, the industry sectors, and the risk management process or strategies addressed. The literature review will provide the basis for outlining future research opportunities in this field.
Suppliers Selection in Volume Discount Environments in the Presence of Both Cardinal and Ordinal Data
Authors: Saen Reza Farzipoor
Published: February 2011

With the widespread use of manufacturing philosophies such as Just-In-Time (JIT), emphasis has shifted to the simultaneous consideration of cardinal and ordinal data in supplier selection process. Traditionally, many optimization models of supplier selection assume that the average prices of related expenditures are constant. This is far beyond the real situation. In fact, suppliers usually offer quantity discounts to encourage the buyers to order more. To select the best suppliers in volume discount environments in the presence of both cardinal and ordinal data, this paper proposes an innovative approach. A numerical example demonstrates the application of the proposed method.
Measuring the Impact of Supplier-Customer Information Sharing on Production Scheduling
Authors: Rodríguez-Verjan Gloria , Montoya-Torres Jairo R.
Published: February 2011

Nowadays, implementing collaboration strategies between the members of the supply chain has been an important research topic to obtain a more reactive and flexible supply chain in the highly competitive markets. However, few studies have been done on the impact of such collaboration strategies at one of the lower short-term decision levels: production scheduling. This article is devoted to the study of information sharing between the members of a supply chain in a dynamic context. We consider a typical make-to-order direct sell supply chain without finished products inventory, similar to the one implemented by Internet PC sellers. We compare various scheduling algorithms implemented to study different scenarios of information sharing among the members of the chain. We have considered scenarios where no information is shared and scenarios where some or all information is shared. A simulation study is developed in order to get some insights about the impact of information sharing on the performance of the chain. Our results suggest improvement in the performance that shows the importance of collaboration and information sharing between the members of the chain.
Managing Risk in Supply Chain
Authors: Borgman H.P. , Rachan Wilfred
Published: February 2011

This article resulted from our study of 3 manufacturing centric supply chain operations in Singapore through 4 iterations of Action Research (AR) guided by Gowin’s V (Rachan, 2007). Although, there is substantial volume of literature on the topic of Supply Chain Management, it came to our attention during the literature review stage of research process, that major concentration of literature was in SCM design and optimization or supply chain performance benchmarking. Almost all of the literature on Risk issues was found to be focused on Security matters. This study was conducted to identify the main process flows in a Supply Chain. Key characteristics were derived from these process flows. From these key characteristics of the process flow, constraints were identified as a “class” to categorize all potential threats and problems. Thus the potential threats and problems classified are actionable and within the span of control, of the member supply chain network entities. This Model for classification will enable an integrated approach to (i) problem structuring, (ii) problem solving and (iii) learning on potential threats and problem to efficient supply chain operations. In today’s intense competitive market environment, efficient supply chain operations make the difference between profit and growth vs. Loss and closure.
Supplier Selection by the Pair of AR-NF-IDEA Models
Authors: Saen Reza , Gershon Mark
Published: February 2011

Supplier selection is the process by which suppliers are reviewed, evaluated, and chosen to become part of a company’s supply chain. To select the best suppliers in the presence of cardinal data, ordinal data, nondiscretionary factors, and weight restrictions, this paper proposes a new model considering all of these assumptions. A numerical example demonstrates the application of the proposed method.
Information Technology Implementation Prioritization in Supply Chain
Authors: Mahalik Debendra , Patel Gokulananda
Published: February 2011

The increasing rate of technology growth has resulted in decrease in cost of information. These technologies are helpful in coordinating the activities resulting in effective management of the supply chain. Literature shows that the use of Information Technology (IT) plays an important role in managing the processes of SCM. This has resulted in increasing use of IT in SCM. The computerization of SCM processes, if implemented in one go may result in failure. IT implementation prioritization in supply chain is a major issue before the planner as there is no clear cut formula to solve this problem. This paper considers components of SCM like material management, purchase management, production management, logistics and distribution and customer interface for IT implementation prioritization. Two multi-criteria decision making methods (MCDM) viz. analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and a technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) are used in this paper. The novelty of the paper lies in integration of AHP and TOPSIS methods for IT implementation prioritization. The weights of the criterions and the alternatives are calculated using AHP method which is used as an input for TOPSIS analysis for prioritization of IT implementation.
Relational Attributes in Supply Chain Relationships
Authors: Law Sweety , Verville Jacques , Taskin Nazim
Published: February 2011

The objective of this research paper is to examine the relational attributes underpinning supply chain networks, which linked firms need to manage on an ongoing basis. In examining the connections, which are different from transaction-based connections, this study measures the effects of face-to-face communication, trust, involvement, job title, and sales volume on performance. The hypothesized relationships are mostly supported and provide nuanced insights into relational attributes that affect supply-chain relationships and performance. These attributes are the basis for creating relationship intensity, magnitude, and history, described as collaborative facilitators that can enhance performance. All levels of management have a role to play in how the relational attributes are applied and managed. Senior leadership such as CEOs may need to play a larger role in trust development and involvement maintenance, while mid-level and line managers may need to engage in more face-to-face communication in maintaining trust and collaboration intensity.
Supply Chain Partner’s Perceptions of Trust & Risk
Authors: Laeequddin Mohammed , Sahay B. S. , Sahay Vinita , Waheed K. Abdul
Published: February 2011

Over many years, researchers from social science and management have argued that to develop sufficient trust between potential supply chain partners, a useful starting point is to develop strategies for encouraging perceptions of trustworthiness. Conversely, marketing theorists and practitioners have called for strategies by industry that aims to reduce risk perceptions for successful relationships. However, it is not clear in the literature which perception is more significant; trust or risk and from which perspective. Identification of such factors plays an important role in supply chain design and operation to decide whether the supply chain members should strive to develop trust perceptions or reduce risk perceptions in relationship. This paper has identified the common perspectives of trust and risk perception to address the issue of which perception is more significant from each perspective. Results of a survey of supply chain member’s trust and risk perceptions of the printing and packaging industry in the United Arab Emirates are presented.
A Survey of Development Methods for Semantic Web Service Systems
Authors: Wahl Terje , Sindre Guttorm
Published: February 2011

Semantic web services (SWS) hold the promise of enabling dynamic discovery of candidate web services fitting a particular specified need. One interesting question is what impact this will have on software and systems engineering methods – will mainstream methods like RUP still be suitable, or will new or adapted methods be needed? This article surveys the state-of-the-art in methods specifically tailored for the engineering of SWS systems, looking at development methods trying to cover the entire lifecycle as well as methods covering only one or two phases. Some of the surveyed methods are specifically meant to deal with semantics, others are for the engineering of service-oriented systems in general. The survey reveals that there are many proposals being made in this area, some extensions of mainstream methods like RUP, others more experimental.
A Service Science Perspective on Human-Computer Interface Issues of Online Service Applications
Authors: Pinhanez Claudio
Published: February 2011

This paper proposes a framework for online service applications based on Service Science which identifies and enables a better understanding of the different issues faced by online service designers, engineers, and delivery personnel. The application of the Service Science framework is made possible by carefully distinguishing online service applications not only from traditional personal software applications but also from online information applications, such as the ones used by news and entertainment websites, through a process of specializing Pinhanez’s definition of customer-intensive systems (Pinhanez, 2008) to online applications. To demonstrate the utility of the framework, we consider the six basic characteristics of services, as traditionally defined in Service Science — customer-as-input, heterogeneity, simultaneity, perishability, coproduction, and intangibility — and derive from these characteristics a list of 15 different issues that are highly important for the design and evaluation of the human-computer interface of online services.
Toward an Integrated Conceptualization of the Service and Service System Concepts
Authors: Mora Manuel , Raisinghani Mahesh S. , O’Connor Rory , Gelman Ovsei
Published: February 2011

Service and service systems concepts are fundamental constructs for the development of the emergent SSME, ITSM, and Service Oriented Software (SOS) knowledge streams. A diversified literature has provided a richness of findings, but at the same time, the lack of standardized conceptualizations is a source of confusion to IT practitioners and academics. Given this problematic situation, we pose that a systems approach is useful to address it. In this article, we review and synthesize key studies in these knowledge streams to design: (i) a framework to characterize both concepts under a system view and, (ii) harmonized definitions (e.g. identification of shared and essential properties) for such fundamental concepts. Our main contribution is scholastic, but we are confident that the posed conceptual artifacts can be further used to elaborate standardized definition for the IT service and IT service system constructs, as well as analysis tools for describe real service systems.
Creativity & Innovation
Authors: Kim Soo
Published: February 2011

This special section contains extended versions of selected papers from the 10th International Conference for Global Business and Development: Creativity & Innovation: Imperatives for Global Business and Development, Kyoto, Japan, August 8-11, 2007. The set includes two articles with both theoretical and empirical content that were chosen articles because they cover a wide range of issues, promote cross-learning, and contribute to the present understanding and the existing body of knowledge in Information Systems in the Service Sector.
Online Services Delivered by NTO Portals
Authors: Papa Marco , Avgeri Marina
Published: February 2011

This study compares the online services currently delivered by the official National Tourism Organizations (NTO) portals of the 25 European Union states, to assess their capability in evolving into powerful marketing communication tools. A conceptual framework that identifies 129 online service quality attributes is developed based on the 2QCV3Q model (Mich et al., 2003) and on four different perspectives: marketing, customer, technical and information for the destination (So and Morrison, 2004). The 25 portals are compared by means of content analysis. Our rankings provide a first time assessment of the NTO online offerings and indicate high variability in their performance. Surprisingly, Greece and Italy, two of the most popular tourism destinations, underperformed with respect to all four perspectives examined. We provide out-of-sample evidence that affluence levels explain the variation in the observed scores, while e-readiness, popularity of tourism destination and cultural richness are not statistically significant.
A Mashup Application to Support Complex Decision Making for Retail Consumers
Authors: Walczak Steven , Kellogg Deborah L. , Gregg Dawn G.
Published: February 2011

Purchase processes often require complex decision making and consumers frequently use Web information sources to support these decisions. However, increasing amounts of information can make finding appropriate information problematic. This information overload, coupled with decision complexity, can increase time required to make a decision and reduce decision quality. This creates a need for tools that support these decision-making processes. Online tools that bring together data and partial solutions are one option to improve decision making in complex, multi-criteria environments. An experiment using a prototype mashup application indicates that these types of applications may significantly decrease time spent and improve overall quality of complex retail decisions.
Service Management of Special Care Units
Authors: Vitner Gad , Bar-Lev Shirly , Nadir Erez , Feldman Michael , Yurman Shmuel
Published: February 2011

Special care units express an increasing interest in adopting methods for quality management, previously developed and implemented in manufacturing firms. The paper examines the analogy between service management in special care units and the management of manufacturing processes. This paper is based on the authors’ implementation of ISO 9001:2000 in a neonatal intensive care unit. It maps the major processes and entities that create the treatment outcome, conducting a focused comparison between healthcare organizations/special care units and manufacturing organizations. To verify the performance of various major processes in healthcare the authors recommend the use of the Yield performance measurement. The literature review shows that a comparison between manufacturing and service organizations is both useful and valid even though service organizations differ from manufacturing organizations. Despite the complexities of treating humans and the level of uncertainty that goes hand in hand with health care decision making, strict product and/or customer treatment identification and specifications can raise the level of success in achieving positive results.
Aligning IT/IS with Business Strategy Re-Visited
Authors: Grant Kevin , Hackney Ray , Edgar David
Published: February 2011

This paper explores the co-relational process activities of information technology and systems (IT/IS) and business strategy alignment. The notion of “process” as being strategy and strategic alignment has been observed but not examined. Organizations are both complex and adaptive, and these attributes create significant challenges for managers when assessing strategic requirements. A need exists to further understand alignment as a process and embrace this concept when aligning business IT/IS with the strategic goals of the organisation. This highlights an important distinction of “process” that recasts the nature of congruence and reassesses the appropriateness and usefulness of current practice. The authors propose the use of principles underpinning complex adaptive systems as a way to re-orientate IT/IS alignment in a meaningful and more appropriate manner. The context for the study is the UK Health Service, and informed by a case analysis of 26 senior members from a Scottish Health Board.
The Viable Governance Model
Authors: Lewis Edward , Millar Gary
Published: February 2011

Empirical studies into the governance of Information Technology (IT) have advanced our understanding of the mechanisms used to control the management of IT. However, there has been relatively little research into the formulation of a theoretical model of IT governance that explains and organises the growing collection of mechanisms into a coherent whole. To further advance the concept of the corporate governance of IT, the Viable Governance Model (VGM) is proposed. The VGM is a theoretical model of governance based on the laws and principles of cybernetics as embodied in Stafford Beer’s Viable System Model (VSM). The VGM is used to formulate a series of design propositions or principles that may be used to guide the design and implementation of specific IT governance arrangements. The study draws on empirical studies or professional standards to establish how these theoretical design propositions may be satisfied in practice.
Improving the Organizational Integration of IT Governance Tools
Authors: Heier Hauke , Borgman Hans P.
Published: February 2011

Why are many information technology (IT) governance software implementations challenged and what are the critical success factors (CSFs) for the rollouts? This question has recently gained importance, as IT governance is high on the corporate agenda and software tools have become available that promise to enforce and streamline IT governance mechanisms. However, early research has shown some of the difficulties surrounding the implementations of these applications. This article presents and discusses several implementation case studies based on a comprehensive research framework, and concludes with a discussion of implementation practices. Three major factors can overcome most common failure points: careful project planning, top management support, and tight organizational integration.
Interdisciplinarity in Telecommunications and Networking
Authors: Powell Steven R.
Published: February 2011

The interdisciplinary approach can be beneficial to researchers, educators, and practitioners for solving complex problems and synthesizing knowledge. While a great deal has been written about interdisciplinary activity in relation to the humanities and the natural and social sciences, it has been important in the telecommunications and networking field as well. This article investigates the subject of interdisciplinarity, especially as it relates to telecommunications and networking research and education. Among the questions examined are: What exactly is meant by “interdisciplinary”? Why is the interdisciplinary approach important in telecommunications and networking research and education and what are some examples of how is it being utilized? How does the International Journal of Interdisciplinary Telecommunications & Networking differ from other telecommunications and networking publications in its treatment of interdisciplinary research and what does the journal hope to accomplish?
Analysis of the Forces Reshaping the Mobile Internet Business
Authors: Verkasalo Hannu
Published: February 2011

This article studies the emergence of the mobile Internet business from six strategic perspectives, highlighting the ongoing transformations of the mobile industry. The article suggests that companies of the mobile industry can reconstruct their business models with six different kinds of choices: 1. Positioning differently in the value network, involving both vertical and horizontal movements. 2. Acquiring and developing critical assets and competencies to build sustaining and dynamic competitive strategies. 3. Inventing new mobile business models by utilizing the lessons from the Internet. 4. Integrating end-users in making and redefining services, optimizing pricing logic, introducing new business models with end-user originated content creation in mind, and making services easy to adopt by end-users. 5. Leveraging and focusing on disruptive, winning technologies that are changing the rules of the business. 6. Adapting to relevant policy schemes, and proactively planning and reconsidering business decisions under a dynamic regulatory environment.
Strategic Technology Options in the Wireless Industry
Authors: Kim Hak j. , Weiss Marin B. , Morel Benoit
Published: February 2011

The major U.S. wireless operators already have announced their plans for the evolution of their networks towards 3G, but some uncertainties remain, such as emergence of new technologies (WiMAX and WLAN) and the consolidation among operators (AT&T Mobile and Sprint Nextel). The article discusses a real option based model for technology decisionsand applies it to the U.S. wireless industry as a case study. We also discuss what decisions must be made, what the outcomes are, and how the options model is validated. The preliminary results show that the evolution of wireless network technologies between generations (inter-generations migration scenario) is desirable (a positive net option value), but not desirable (a negative net option value) within generations (intra-generation migration scenario), in the U.S.
A Ranging Process in IEEE 802.16 Relay System
Authors: Lee Doo Hwan , Morikawa Hiroyuki
Published: February 2011

With the introduction of relay networks in IEEE 802.16 systems, modifications of the conventional system configuration are necessary. Although the standardization work of IEEE 802.16 relay systems is ongoing by the IEEE 802.16 relay task group, a few problems to be solved and optimized still exist. Among them, this article addresses a problem of ranging processes in the existing draft standard, and provides the solution. First, a thorough study of IEEE 802.16 relay systems and ranging processes is provided. Second, a problem of the existing ranging algorithm is stated, which considers the ranging transmit power control algorithm and the effect of the interference between MS-BS ranging (i.e. ranging between mobile station and base station), and MS-RS ranging (i.e. ranging between mobile station and relay station). Third, a solution of the described problem is provided, and modifications of the existing draft standard are proposed. Fourth, the performance of both existing and proposed ranging algorithms are analyzed and evaluated. A benefit of this article will be the provision of a guideline for the design of IEEE 802.16 relay systems.
User-Based Channel Assignment Algorithm in a Load-Balanced IEEE 802.11 WLAN
Authors: Haidar Mohamad , Al-Rizzo Hussain , Chan Yupo , Akl Robert
Published: February 2011

A new load balancing algorithm is presented based on power management of Access Points (APs) to reduce congestion at hot spots in Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) and to assign channels to APs The algorithm first finds the Most Congested Access Point (MCAP), then decreases its transmitted power in discrete steps, and the process continues until the users’ assignment which leads to a high balance index is reached. A new mathematical programming formulation is then applied to assign channels to the APs such that the Signal-to-Interference Ratio (SIR) at the users’ level is maximized. Results show that the algorithm is capable of reducing the overall congestion at hot spots in a WLAN and increases the SIR significantly for cases involving relatively large WLANs. In the process, network throughput is increased.
Multi-Layer Network Performance and Reliability Analysis
Authors: Oikonomou Kostas N. , Sinha Rakesh K. , Doverspike Robert D.
Published: February 2011

The authors describe a methodology for evaluating the performability (combined performance and reliability) of large communications networks. Networks are represented by a 4-level hierarchical model, consisting of traffic matrix, network graph, “components” representing failure modes, and reliability information. Network states are assignments of modes to the network components, which usually represent network elements and their key modules, although they can be more abstract. The components can be binary or multi-modal, and each of their failure modes may change a set of attributes of the graph (e.g. the capacity or cost of a link). Their methodology also captures the effect of automatic restoration against network failures by including two common rerouting methods. To compute network performability measures, including upper and lower bounds on their cumulative distribution functions, we augment existing probabilistic state-space generation algorithms with our new “hybrid” algorithm. To characterize the network failures of highest impact, we compute the Pareto boundaries of the network’s risk space. The authors have developed a network analysis tool called nperf that embodies this methodology. To illustrate the methodology and the practicality of the tool, they describe a performability analysis of three design alternatives for a large commercial IP backbone network.
Why Mobile Wireless Carriers Share Networks and Services Provisioning
Authors: Sabat Hemant K.
Published: February 2011

This paper provides a theory that empirically examines why mobile wireless carriers share the costs of building networks and provisioning wireless services. Of the cost drivers of network operators, the most influential on the industry’s dynamics are capital investments, which include network infrastructure investments. As the industry evolves, players strive to streamline their services, applications, revenue, and business models to revive this industry. In this regard, one model in particular is the network operators’, which shares network investments and service provisioning expenses to reduce their total expenditures while strengthening their financial liquidity. In this paper, the authors integrate research results to provide a new theory on network sharing with concepts and viewpoints that have been developed based on extensive studies of network sharing adopted by network operators and service providers across the world during the past decade.
Performance Analysis of Optimum Interleaver based on Prime Numbers for Multiuser Iterative IDMA Systems
Authors: Shukla M. , Gupta Ruchir
Published: February 2011

In recently proposed multiple access techniques like IDMA and OFDM-IDMA, the user separation is done by user specific interleavers in contrast to the conventional CDMA scheme, where user separation is assured with user-specific signature sequences. The user specific interleavers must demonstrate minimum probability of collision amongst each other in addition to other merits, including minimal consumption of bandwidth, least hardware for their generation, and least memory requirement. In this paper, the authors propose an interleaver based on prime numbers for the generation of user specific interleavers to remove the problem of high consumption of bandwidth. The simulation results demonstrate the optimal performance of prime interleaver (PI), which is based on prime numbers, apart from other merits in comparison to random and other interleavers.
Optimizing the Traffic of Voice Core Domain in UMTS Network through RNC Re-homing
Authors: Ouyang Ye , Fallah Hosein
Published: February 2011

The past few years have seen mobile operators transition to next-generation mobile networks, specifically from third-generation networks (3G) to long term evolution (LTE). This paper describes the basic architecture and topology of UMTS R4 core network and introduces two options in network planning, i.e., flat structure or layered structure. This paper introduces the re-homing of radio network controller (RNC) and base station controller (BSC) and studies the impact on the performance of voice core of UMTS networks. The proposed RNC re-homing models are created and analyzed for voice core of UMTS networks. The paper concludes that the appropriate RNC re-homing optimizes the traffic of voice core in UMTS network.
A Mobile Service Recommendation System Using Multi-Criteria Ratings
Authors: Shao Zhuang , Chen Zhikui , Huang Xiaodi
Published: February 2011

With the rapid advancement of wireless technologies and mobile devices, mobile services offer great convenience and huge opportunities for service creation. However, information overload make service recommendation become a crucial issue in mobile services. Although traditional single-criteria recommendation systems have been successful in a number of personalization applications, obviously individual criterion cannot satisfy consumers’ demands. Relying on multi-criteria ratings, this paper presents a novel recommendation system using the multi-agent technology. In this system, the ratings with respect to the three criteria are aggregated into an overall service ranking list by a rank aggregation algorithm. Furthermore, all of the services are classified into several clusters to reduce information overload further. Finally, Based on multi-criteria rank aggregation, the prototype of a recommendation system is implemented. Successful applications of this recommendation system have demonstrated the efficiency of the proposed approach.
An Analysis of the Latin American Wireless Telecommunications Market Portfolios of Telefonica and America Movil
Authors: Powell Steven R.
Published: February 2011

In response to slowing growth, intensifying competition in their traditional wireless voice, text markets with an eye toward increasing revenues from offering a bundle of mobile and fixed-line voice, data, text, and video services to subscribers, management at Telefonica and America Movil have restructured their companies and reconsidered their internationalization strategies. This paper focuses on the two companies’ Latin American wireless market portfolios, providing background on why these reorganizational and strategic actions were taken. In particular, the paper compares the portfolios with respect to their market attractiveness and competitive positions in 2008 relative to 2002 on both an overall average and degree of variance basis across the markets in the portfolios. The portfolio analysis technique employed in the paper may have wider applicability for formulating corporate strategy.
Half-Life of Learning Curves for Information Technology Project Management
Authors: Badiru Adedeji B.
Published: February 2011

Learning curves are used extensively in business, science, technology, engineering, and industry to predict system performance over time. Although most of the early development and applications were in the area of production engineering, contemporary applications can be found in all areas of applications. Information technology project management, in particular, offers a fertile area for the application of learning curves. This paper applies the concept of half-life of learning curves to information technology project management. This is useful for predictive measures of information technology system performance. Half-life is the amount of time it takes for a quantity to diminish to half of its original size through natural processes. The approach of half-life computation provides an additional decision tool for researchers and practitioners in information technology management. Derivation of the half-life equations of learning curves can reveal more about the properties of the various curves with respect to the unique life-cycle property of information technology.
Critical Behavioral Competencies for IT Project Managers
Authors: Taylor Hazel , Woelfer Jill Palzkill
Published: February 2011

What behavioral competencies do experienced IT project managers apply when facing critical situations in their projects, and how have they developed those competencies? In this paper, the authors answer these questions. The authors interviewed 23 experienced IT project managers from 11 organizations, focusing on critical situations that they now managed differently from their earlier, novice, practices, and on how they had learned to develop these different approaches. The authors discuss a variety of management development and training interventions. They use a thematic analysis to identify the key competencies being applied and learning methods experienced by this set of managers. Results suggest that IT project managers are drawing on a different set of competencies from those required for project management in other industries. Additionally, this paper reveals the importance of informal learning channels, often involving project experiences, for the development of IT project management competencies.
Performance Management in Software Engineering
Authors: Ilg Markus , Baumeister Alexander
Published: February 2011

Performance measurement in software engineering has to meet a multiplicity of challenges. Oftentimes, traditional metrics focus on sequential development instead of using incremental and iterative development. Output is measured on a pure quantitative (e.g., SLOC), quality-disregarding basis. A project’s input is hard to assign properly using enterprise-unspecific forecasting tools which have to be calibrated at first and which do not account for time preferences. Requirements necessary for behaviourally adjusted project management and control are rarely discussed. Focusing on these shortcomings, this paper proposes an enterprise-specific approach which combines lifecycle and activity based costing techniques for software development following the incremental and iterative Unified Process model. Key advantages are calibration effort can be avoided, project management decisions are supported by a clear managerial accounting emphasis, precise milestone-depending cost objectives can be determined as the basis for personnel management and control of development teams, and cost and time variance analysis can be supported in a sophisticated way.
Multicultural Software Development
Authors: Aramo-Immonen Heli , Jaakkola Hannu , Keto Harri
Published: February 2011

Productivity management is a challenge for software engineering companies and, in this regard, there is a current trend toward globalization. Via acquisitions and mergers, business has become international and employs different national cultures. Therefore, the focus of this article is on the understanding of cultural differences affecting productivity in globalized software production. The relation between productivity and non coding activities in software development projects has not been proven. Software development is expert work, typically made in closely collaborating local teams and global distribution of expert work increases the degree of difficulty. In this paper, the authors analyze multicultural ICT companies from their productivity perspective through the lens of cultural differences. The purpose of this study is to report findings based on general cultural studies and reported experiences that seem to affect productivity in the software industry. Some company cases are also described and analyzed.
Optimizing the Configuration of Development Teams Using EVA
Authors: Baumeister Alexander , Floren Alexander
Published: February 2011

Resource constrained software development projects are likely to exceed the planned duration as well as the originally planned budget. As variances arise, the revision of team-task-assignments and a resource reallocation might be advisable to avoid a project escalation. In doing so, the development management has to consider the impact on team expertise and possible productivity losses if team members are shifted to other work packages than originally planned. This paper proposes the use of a modified Earned Value Analysis based on new resource-based performance measures, which provides information on the performance effects of adjustment alternatives. Furthermore, it will be demonstrated how these figures can support the decision which human resources should be shifted if a delay exists in one work package that belongs to the critical chain. In this regard, the idea of the knapsack problem is transformed into the challenging task of shifting resources to find the work package that should release the resources to minimize an overall performance decrease. A case study clarifies the implementation.
Fuzzy Logic in Medicine
Authors: LaBrunda Michelle , LaBrunda Andrew
Published: February 2011

This article explores the use of fuzzy logic in the medical field. While giving a comparison of classic and fuzzy logic we present the various uses of the applications made possible by fuzzy logic, focusing on diagnosis and treatment. The ever evolving technology making the line between medicine and technology thinner every year, is helping to make the treatment of disease and the mending of injury easier for medical professionals. We also propose several questions that arise from, and may by answered by, fuzzy logic and its applications.
Crisis Compliance
Authors: Lally Laura
Published: February 2011

This article develops the concept of crisis compliance (CC)—defined as making appropriate use of IT, and non-IT methodologies to predict, prevent, and prevail over disasters. CC emerges from Lally’s Target Shield and Weapon Model, which is grounded in the theories of crisis management, normal accident theory, and high reliability organizations. CC is then applied to a case study involving Hurricane Katrina, with examples drawn from other recent disasters. Emerging IT-based crisis management initiatives will be examined with an emphasis on how the impacts of Hurricane Katrina could have been mitigated. Recommendations for predicting, preventing, and prevailing over future disasters will emerge from the analysis.
The FIFTH Perspective
Authors: Goyal Preeti , Metri Bhimaraya A.
Published: February 2011

Today, alliances, collaborations, and networks are synonymous with strategy. Business process outsourcing (BPO) is one such type of alliance. With increasing reliance on outsourcing, the organizational boundaries are blurring. The implications for the client organization can be tremendous, as it now relies on an outside organization to fulfill its operational objectives. Currently, there is no single framework that can effectively measure performance for BPO arrangements. In its present form, the balanced scorecard (BSC) only addresses the performance measurement needs of a single enterprise and any perspective on any external relationships is completely missing. The traditional BSC does not suffice as a performance measurement framework for BPO. While both the client and the vendor can use a BSC for their respective organizations, the strategic objectives of the organizations may not be met. In this article the authors propose a new perspective as an extension to the BSC, namely, the goals alignment perspective. Goals alignment of the two organizations will enable creation of performance measures that will help participating organizations to achieve their respective goals.
Information Technology/Systems Offshore Outsourcing
Authors: Raisinghani Mahesh S. , Starr Brandi , Hickerson Blake , Morrison Marshelle , Howard Michael
Published: February 2011

The operation of information technology and information systems (IT/IS) offshore outsourcing is being increasingly practiced among firms that are focusing on core competencies and cost effectiveness. With the increase in offshore IT/IS operations, a growing number of companies are encountering negative experiences and unpredicted results. The analysis performed in this article reveals the possible risks and perceived success factors of companies outsourcing IT/IS operations offshore. The major points of interest are operational and strategic risks; legal contracts; cultural, security, and financial issues; and noted success factors by companies that participate in offshore outsourcing. The research indicates the importance of risk identification and the formulation of strategic plans that include preventive, detective, and corrective control methods of implementation and evaluation. Effective methods and metrics for measuring the success or failure of IT/IS offshore outsourcing operations is expected to be a continuing development with the increasing growth of this phenomenon.
Leveraging Knowledge Reuse and Systems Agility in the Outsourcing Era
Authors: Crk Igor , Sorensen Dane , Mitra Amit
Published: February 2011

Collaborative work groups that span multiple locations and time zones, or “follow the sun,” create a growing demand for creating new technologies and methodologies that enable traditional spatial and temporal separations to be surmounted in an effective and productive manner. The hurdles faced by members of such virtual teams are in three key areas: differences in concepts and terminologies used by the different teams; differences in understanding the problem domain under consideration; and differences in training, knowledge, and skills that exist across the teams. These reasons provide some of the basis for the delineation of new architectural approaches that can normalize knowledge and provide reusable artifacts in a knowledge repository.
Experiences in Ethical Usability Testing with Children
Authors: Ellis Kirsten , Quigley Marian , Power Mark
Published: February 2011

This article describes the issues in conducting ethical usability testing with children including experiences in developing and testing sign language software on Kindergarten, Prep and Grade five, and Grade six children. It considers the unique requirement of researching with children and the process of gaining university approval to conduct research with children. It discusses the difficulties in gaining informed consent from teachers, parents, and children, protection of the research subject from harm and the difficulty in empowering children to instigate their right to refuse to participate in the research project. The article also discusses practical issues such as age appropriate practice, the duration of testing and recruitment of participants. Each issue is disused in theory and an example is given from a resent research project Auslan Children.