bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Knowledge Management Frameworks
Authors: Lehaney Brian , Clarke Steve , Coakes Elayne , Jack Gillian
Published: May 2011

This research is concerned with developing a framework for the evaluation of an organisation’s potential to engage in knowledge management (an organisation’s ‘KM-readiness’, or KMR). To recap, Chapter 3 offered background information and empirical evidence of issues that need to be considered in organisations, Chapter 4 provided an overview of knowledge management, and Chapter 5 explored organisational structure, strategy, and culture in the context of knowledge management. Discussion thus far would not be sufficient to provide a robust and reasoned framework. This chapter is intended to accumulate some further and more focussed ideas as to what should be in a KMR framework, and to assist in the understanding of the material presented here and further on in this thesis. This chapter, therefore, provides a comprehensive review of published knowledge management frameworks that purport to address evaluation, implementation, and other connected areas. Before continuing, it is important to set this exercise in context. The review of frameworks is distinct from a review of literature in which the frameworks are presented. The latter is not intended here. For example, a review of a paper may involve a comprehensive critique, which includes exploration into the general area of research, clarification of the hypothesis, detailed examination of research methods and methodology, literature review, and comprehensive examination of data representation and quality. Such a review would consider the presentation of the paper, and it would critically reflect on the overall purpose of the paper and contribution made to new knowledge, either conceptual or practical. This review focuses solely on the frameworks presented in a paper and in particular those that may address evaluation of knowledge management in an organisation.
Mobile Commerce Systems
Authors: Hu Wen-Chen , Lee Chung-wei , Yeh Jyh-haw
Published: May 2011

The emergence of wireless and mobile networks has made possible the introduction of electronic commerce to a new application and research subject: mobile commerce. Understanding or constructing a mobile commerce system is an arduous task because the system involves a wide variety of disciplines and technologies. To facilitate understanding and constructing such a system, this chapter divides a mobile commerce system into six components: (i) mobile commerce applications, (ii) mobile stations, (iii) mobile middleware, (iv) wireless networks, (v) wired networks, and (vi) host computers. Elements in these components specifically related to the subject are described in detail and lists of technologies for component construction are given. Other important issues, such as mobile security, are also discussed.
Configuring M-Commerce Portals for Business Success
Authors: Dholakia Nikhilesh , Rask Morten
Published: May 2011

M-commerce entails transactions conducted via mobile telecommunications networks using communication, information, and payment devices such as mobile phones or palmtop units. Geographic positioning and location capabilities are also being added to such networks and devices. Rather than using general-purpose browsers, customers accessing mobile commerce applications often rely on specific mobile portals, or m-portals. These m-portals could be specific to the device that the user has, to the communications infrastructure provider, to the financial infrastructure provider, or to other service aggregators who act as gateways to a variety of mobile services. As the experience of the iMode platform of NTT DoCoMo has already shown, the ability to connect end customers and service providers through an m-portal is a key element for the success of m-commerce. To be commercially viable, such m-portals must attract and retain customers. Success in mobile portal markets will depend on dynamic strategies that blend elements of personalization, permission, and specification of content. This chapter reviews the key differences between traditional e-commerce and the emergent m-commerce. It reviews the core concepts of personalization, permission, and content specification as they apply to e-commerce and m-commerce. The chapter presents a framework for developing effective business strategies for developing and managing mobile portals.
Modeling the Dynamics of Emerging Mobile Data Services Markets
Authors: Gilbert Arthur Lee , Ian Hilda Han Mei
Published: May 2011

Like the Internet, a critical mass is essential in recovering the initial costs of development and deployment of mobile data services (MDS). Thus, MDS deployment must create new value and generate new behaviors in specific social contexts over time. Some behaviors of interest include making decisions to acquire the enabling technology, learning to use it, applying it, and then, by word-of-mouth, encouraging others to join in. This chapter examines the evolving MDS phenomenon and recommends a multimodal approach to research in emergent MDS markets based on recent findings. This work draws on field research by Nanyang Business School’s Information Management Research Center (IMARC) focused on the application of innovation diffusion theory to market segmentation. The authors also describe the enabling technology and applications, discuss the value propositions, and propose a model to segment the MDS market.
Agent-Based Secure E-Payment System in E-Commerce
Authors: Guan Sheng-Uei , Tan Sin Lip , Hua Feng
Published: May 2011

With the explosive growth of the Internet, mobile commerce (m-commerce) is an increasingly important segment of commercial activities on the Web. The secure agent fabrication, evolution and roaming (SAFER) architecture was proposed to further facilitate m-commerce using agent technology. In this paper, the electronic payment aspect of SAFER will be explored. The secure electronic transaction (SET) protocol was selected as the basis for the electronic payment system implementation due to its wide acceptance. The various modules of the payment system and how they interface with each other are shown. An implementation done using Java will also be elaborated. This application incorporates agent roaming functionality and the ability to conduct m-commerce transactions and carry out corresponding e-payment procedures.
Global Heterogeneity in the Emerging M-Commerce Landscape
Authors: Dholakia Nikhilesh , Dholakia Ruby Roy , Lehrer Mark , Kshetri Nir
Published: May 2011

Mobile phones, mobile Internet access, and mobile commerce (m-commerce) are growing much faster than their fixed counterparts. Several characteristics of mobile networks make them more attractive than fixed networks for less-developed countries and for those countries that want to “leapfrog” the leading IT nations. To exploit the new mobile communications infrastructures, companies from developed as well as developing countries are rapidly integrating m-commerce technology into their business models. Countries around the world, however, exhibit considerable heterogeneity in their adoption of mobile phones and m-commerce technology. Examined in this chapter is the current stage of mobile technology and m-commerce diffusion across the world, and analyzed are factors influencing the diffusion process. In this chapter, the ways in which the m-commerce landscape of a nation—defined by the penetration rate of mobile phones, the specific combinations of different generations of mobile technology, and the blending of various standards within a given generation—is shaped by politicoeconomic, sociocultural, and policy-related factors are reviewed.
Mobile E-Commerce and the Wireless Worldwide Web
Authors: Raisinghani Mahesh S.
Published: May 2011

Telecommunications, the Internet, and mobile computing are merging their technologies to form a new business called mobile commerce or the wireless Internet. As more companies make their Web sites accessible to wireless devices and offer services and software to support wireless connections, they urgently need to consider how well the existing infrastructure will support their applications. A well-thought-out strategy is key to any major network change, especially a wireless one, which can touch many different aspects of a business organization. Provided in this chapter is an overall description of mobile commerce, the Internet’s emerging model, and examination of its current state-of-the-art, opportunities and challenges, and future trends. It explains the requirements for operating mobile commerce and the numerous ways of providing this wireless Internet business. While the Internet is already a valuable form of business that already transformed the way the world is doing business, it is about to change again. This change is being driven by consumer demand for wireless devices and the desire to be connected to information and data available through the Internet. There are many new opportunities that have only begun to be explored, and this will become a large revenue source for those who capitalize upon this new form of technology. However, like other capital ventures, these new opportunities have their drawbacks, which may limit growth of the mobile commerce market if not dealt with. Mobile electronic commerce technology is changing our world of business, just as the Internet has changed business today.
Understanding Emergent M-Commerce Services by Using Business Network Analysis
Authors: Pelkonen Tommi , Dholakia Nikhilesh
Published: May 2011

Successful m-commerce business models depend on complex networks of business relationships, comprising telecommunications service providers, mobile device makers, financial linkage providers, and various third-party value-adding companies. In this chapter, we will discuss such business relationship networks in the context of Finland, and offer general guidance for the formation and sustenance of effective business networks for m-commerce players worldwide.
Wireless Middleware
Authors: MacGregor Ken , de Wet Nico , Lam Bonnie , Yazdani Nadim
Published: May 2011

Introduced in this chapter is wireless middleware as a means of writing distributed applications for mobile environments. The concepts of middleware and the additional challenges that arise from wireless communications are introduced, in particular, low bandwidth and unreliability. Then described are the commercial wireless products currently available, with particular emphasis on the manner in which they solve challenges. The authors hope that greater appreciation of the capabilities of wireless middleware will enable future developers of applications for mobile environments to produce more efficient systems and researchers to produce better wireless middleware products.
Smart Card Applications and Systems
Authors: Maradan Gerald , Cotte Pierre , Fornas Thierry
Published: May 2011

Securing data is becoming of the utmost strategic importance in today’s digital environment. Open wide networks such as the Internet and inter-dependencies of modern systems have reshaped security requirements of smart card platforms. Smart card chips have been designed for 20 years to protect data and resist against attacks. Design mechanisms, cryptography, software implementation and certification process have all been introduced to provide efficient tamper resistant techniques against piracy. These techniques are re-used by a semiconductor industry demanding even more security. At the same time, smart card industry tries to address this demand and modify its positioning. This global convergence slightly impact new modern integrated systems.
A Flexible Authorization Framework
Authors: Wijesekera Duminda , Jajodia Sushil
Published: May 2011

Advances in application areas such as Internet-based transactions, cooperating coalitions, and workflow systems have brought new challenges to access control. In order to meet the diverse needs of emerging applications, it has become necessary to support multiple access control policies in one security domain. This chapter describes an authorization framework, referred to as the Flexible Authorization Framework (FAF), which is capable of doing so. FAF is a logic-based framework in which authorizations are specified in terms of a locally stratified rule base. FAF allows permissions and prohibitions to be included in its specification. FAF specifications can be changed by deleting and inserting its rules. We also describe FAF’s latest additions, such as revoking granted permissions, provisional authorizations, and obligations.
Secure Data Dissemination
Authors: Berino Elisa , Carminati Barbara , Ferrari Elena
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we present the main security issues related to the selective dissemination of information (SDI system). More precisely, after provided an overview of the work carried out in this field, we have focused on the security properties that a secure SDI system (SSDI system) must satisfy and on some of the strategies and mechanisms that can be used to ensure them.  Indeed, since XML is the today emerging standard for data exchange over the Web, we have casted our attention on Secure and Selective XML data dissemination (SSXD).  As a result, we have presented a SSXD system providing a comprehensive solution to XML documents. In the proposed chapter, we also consider innovative architecture for the data dissemination, by suggesting a SSXD system exploiting the third-party architecture, since this architecture is receiving growing attention as a new paradigm for data dissemination over the web. In a third-party architecture, there is a distinction between the  Owner  and the Publisher of information. The Owner is the producer of the information, whereas Publishers are responsible for managing (a portion of) the Owner information and for answering user queries. A relevant issue in this architecture is how the Owner can ensure a secure dissemination of its data, even if the data are managed by a third-party. Such scenario requires a redefinition of dissemination mechanisms developed for the traditional SSXD system. Indeed, the traditional techniques cannot be exploited in a third party scenario. For instance, let us consider the traditional digital signature techniques, used to ensure data integrity and authenticity. In a third party scenario, that is, a scenario where a third party may prune some of the nodes of the original document based on user queries, the traditional digital signature is not applicable, since its correctness is based on the requirement that the signing and verification process are performed on exactly the same bits.
Multimedia Security and Digital Rights Management Technology
Authors: Fernandez-Medina Eduardo , De Capitani di Vimercati Sabrina , Damiani Ernesto , Piattini Mario , Samarati Pierangela
Published: May 2011

Multimedia content delivery applications are becoming widespread thanks to increasingly cheaper access to high bandwidth networks. Also, the pervasiveness of XML as a data interchange format has given origin to a number of standard formats for multimedia, such as SMIL for multimedia presentations, SVG for vector graphics, VoiceXML for dialog, and MPEG-21 and MPEG-7 for video. Innovative programming paradigms (such as the one of web services) rely on the availability of XML-based markup and metadata in the multimedia flow in order to customize and add value to multimedia content distributed via the Net. In such a context, a number of security issues around multimedia data management need to be addressed. First of all, it is important to identify the parties allowed to use the multimedia resources, the rights available to the parties, and the terms and conditions under which those rights may be executed: this is fulfilled by the Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology. Secondly, a new generation of security and privacy models and languages is needed, capable of expressing complex filtering conditions on a wide range of properties of multimedia data. In this chapter, we analyze the general problem of multimedia security. We summarize the most important XML-based formats for representing multimedia data, and we present languages for expressing access control policies. Finally, we introduce the most important concepts of the DRM technology.
Do ERP Implementations Have to be Lengthy? Lessons from Irish SMEs
Authors: Adam Frédéric , O’Doherty Peter
Published: May 2011

The ERP software market has been growing at a very fast pace over recent years and has been predicted to keep growing rapidly in the long term. However, there is now clear evidence of a slow down in this market and some suppliers of ERP packages have reported poor results. Nevertheless, the abundance of media reports on the subject of ERP has led many managers to wonder whether their companies should implement ERP systems. In order to separate the reality of the ERP phenomenon from the hype that surrounds it, we studied 14 ERP implementation projects in Irish organizations and focused on the key relationships between organizations that attempt to implement ERP systems and their implementing partner. We found that the ERP implementations in Ireland at the moment are different to the projects that have been reported elsewhere in two key respects. Firstly, the organizations interested in ERP software are, on average, far smaller than the case studies reported in the literature and the majority of the cases we reviewed were small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Secondly, the durations of implementation were far shorter than reported elsewhere. These results are not surprising if one considers the smaller average size of Irish organizations, but they indicate that the ERP movement is truly ready for an extension towards the SME market. They also indicate that the duration of the implementation of ERP software may be related to the size and complexity of the client organization and that SMEs can expect to have an easier time implementing ERPs than the current literature suggests. We also found that software implementers play a key role not only in technical terms, but also in managerial and political terms because they can help their clients to correct their expectations and perceptions of ERP systems and ERP implementations.
Examining the Influence of ERP Systems on Firm-Specific Knowledge Assets and Capabilities
Authors: Butler Tom , Pyke Aidan
Published: May 2011

There is a paucity of in-depth research on the effects that enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems have on firm-specific intangible assets, such as knowledge, and associated capabilities. Accordingly, this chapter explores the implementation of SAP in two operational units of the Boxit Group—a global player in the manufacture of chapter and packaging. Leonard-Barton’s (1995) theory of knowledge creating activities, knowledge sets, and core and non-core capabilities is employed as a conceptual framework to examine the implementation and use of SAP modules in the firm studied. The findings of this in-depth exploratory case study illustrate that the introduction of SAP-specific business routines can threaten established core, enabling and supplemental capabilities and related knowledge sets. The integration of SAP’s embedded business routines and reporting functionality contributed to the creation of (a) highly rigid reporting structures; (b) inflexible managerial decision-making routines; and (c) reduced autonomy on the factory floor in the firm studied. SAP thus endangered the firm-specific knowledge creating activities that underpinned operational core capabilities in this organization. Finally, Leonard-Barton’s conceptual framework is extended to incorporate insights into the manner in which ERP systems such as SAP affect the various aspects of organizational knowledge sets.
Re-Examining the ERP Concept
Authors: Sammon David , Adam Frédéric
Published: May 2011

In this chapter we use the concept of discourse to provide an insight into the current structure of the ERP market, from the perspective of an organisation adopting ERP. We propose that the ERP market is characterised by a subtle but pervasive conflict between two fundamental orientations: the arguments, methodologies and software products put forward by ERP vendors on the push side and the perceptions and goals of managers in the organisations implementing ERP on the pull side. We content that there is a mismatch between the rationale emphasised by the vendors and the goals pursued by managers and that the push side has been overly dominating the ERP agenda. This unbalance needs to be addressed, in part, through an analysis of the discourses that characterise the ERP Community. As far as the authors are aware, we are the first to approach the study of the ERP market from this perspective, attempting to facilitate the empowerment and enlightenment of the managers in charge of the organisations implementing these systems. This chapter reports on one element of a larger ongoing research study, the objective being to lay the foundations for a new research agenda in the area of ERP adoption.
A Framework for Defining E-Business IT Skills Portfolio
Authors: Chan Susy , Mirza Abdulrahman A.
Published: May 2011

When a firm moves from an e-commerce to an e-business enterprise, the technology-driven transformation generates new demand on their IT services and capability. Successful deployment of e-business solutions requires business process change and Internet-based enterprise systems to support inter-enterprise collaboration. These directions challenge firms to re-evaluate their IT skills portfolio. This chapter examines current demand on IT workforce, IT skills portfolio management, changing skill requirements for e-business, and gaps between industry demand and academic preparation. It also addresses trends shaping IT skills for an e-business in terms of architecture, implementation, organizational change, application development, and tools and technology. Based on the review of these issues and trends, a framework is proposed to guide the development of a desired skills portfolio for e-business transformation. The chapter concludes with a research agenda.
Human Factors in the "System Selection" Stage of Library Automation
Authors: Olson Nasrine
Published: May 2011

The aim of this study was to gain further insight into the suitability of a couple of different methods for investigating the possible human factors that have a significant bearing on the system selection of an automated library system. The two methods tested in this study included first a set of interviews whereby a number of people involved in library automation were asked to identify the factors that they perceived as having a significant bearing on the selection of an automated library system. The second interview method tested was the story telling approach, whereby a librarian was asked to tell her story of how and why the library that she worked for had chosen a particular library system. The results of this study showed that although both methods involved interviews, their outcomes varied somewhat where the story telling method highlighted the social interactions in a more noticeable way. A major point learned from this study was that particular attention should be paid to extracting information about more complex issues where the informants may not be able to easily identify or convey the required information.
The Role of Group Learning in Implementation of a Personnel Management System in a Hospital
Authors: Bondarouk Tatyana , Sikkel Klaas
Published: May 2011

A new HR system was introduced in a Dutch hospital. The system implied collaborative work among its users. The project planning seemed to be reasonably straightforward: the system’s introduction was intended to take place gradually, including pilots in different departments and appropriate feedback. After some time, the system was successfully adopted by one group of users, but failed with another. We conceptualize the implementation process of groupware as group learning to frame the adoption of the system, and analyze the qualitative data collected during the longitudinal case study. We found that in the user group with strong group learning, adoption of the system occurred effectively and on time. In another user group with rather weak group learning, the use of the system was blocked after a short time. The results provided a first confirmation of our assumption about the importance of group learning processes in the implementation of groupware.
Data Hiding in Document Images
Authors: Chen Minya , Memon Nasir , Wong Edward K.
Published: May 2011

With the proliferation of digital media such as images, audio, and video, robust digital watermarking and data hiding techniques are needed for copyright protection, copy control, annotation, and authentication of document images. While many techniques have been proposed for digital color and grayscale images, not all of them can be directly applied to binary images in general and document images in particular. The difficulty lies in the fact that changing pixel values in a binary image could introduce irregularities that are very visually noticeable. Over the last few years, we have seen a growing but limited number of papers proposing new techniques and ideas for binary image watermarking and data hiding. In this chapter we present an overview and summary of recent developments on this important topic, and discuss important issues such as robustness and data hiding capacity of the different techniques.
Text Processing by Binary Neural Networks
Authors: Beran T. , Macek T.
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes a rather less traditional technique of text processing. The technique is based on the binary neural network Correlation Matrix Memory. We propose using the neural network for text searching tasks. Two methods of coding input words are described and tested. Further, we discuss the problems of using this approach for text processing.
Using Dynamically Acquired Background Knowledge for Information Extraction and Intelligent Search
Authors: El-Baltagy Samhaa R. , Rafea Ahmed , Abdelhamid Yasser
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents a simple framework for extracting information found in publications or documents that are issued in large volumes and which cover similar concepts or issues within a given domain. The general aim of the work described is to present a model for automatically augmenting segments of these documents with metadata, using dynamically acquired background domain knowledge to help users easily locate information within these documents through a structured front end. To realize this goal, both document structure and dynamically acquired background knowledge are utilized. A real life example where these ideas have been applied is also presented.
Teaching Computer Graphics and Multimedia
Authors: DiMarco John
Published: May 2011

This chapter defines and examines situations, problems, and processes faced by teachers of technology. Based on experience teaching at three colleges with different economic, academic, ethnic, and financial attributes, this chapter provides stable and practical approaches to solving common issues. Each school environment and student population presents different technical and interpersonal challenges. Real experiences involving set up of college laboratories, development of digital curriculum, and creation of accredited programs are highlighted and transferred into tangible strategies. If you are new to teaching digital subjects, this text may help you get started. If you are an experienced teacher, this may bring you a new strategy or perspective. Ultimately, this chapter aims to assist student teachers, experienced teachers, artists, information technologists, and computer scientists in becoming stronger in transferring knowledge and skills in the digital realm. In addition, the chapter hopes to invite scholars and educators to explore teaching computer graphics and multimedia within the context of their own disciplines.
Screenspace
Authors: Jones Kevin H.
Published: May 2011

From tiny interactive cellphone screens (keitai) to supersized jumbo LED displays, Tokyo’s urban landscape is changing drastically. A corner that once displayed billboards that occasionally flipped has now become lit-up and is in constant motion. Keitai, with their built-in cameras, now allow images to be sent from one to another and have become essential to urban life. As these screens become architectural and fashion statements, Tokyo’s nomadic high-tech culture is commuting even greater distances, living in more compact housing, and allowing for “cellspace” and “screenspace” to merge.
Adaptive Narrative Virtual Environments
Authors: Steiner Karl
Published: May 2011

Narratives are an important method of human-to-human communication. Combining the power of narrative with the flexibility of virtual environments (VEs) can create new and innovative opportunities in education, in entertainment, and in visualization. In this chapter, we explore the topic of narrative VEs. We describe the characteristics and benefits of narrative VEs, review related work in VEs and in computer-generated narrative, and outline components of an architecture for managing narrative VEs. We present the current status of our work developing such an architecture and conclude by discussing what the future of narrative VEs may hold.
The Use of Intranets
Authors: Vaast Emmanuelle
Published: May 2011

This chapter examines how members of local Communities of Practice (CoPs) have appropriated intranet systems and how their use of these systems has contributed to the emergence of more broadly based Networks of Practice (NoPs). CoPs are groups of interacting agents who share common activities and knowledge. NoPs are composed of people who are geographically separate but who still share work-related practices. This chapter argues that intranet systems provide the means by which members of local CoPs can overcome geographical distance and connect with other CoPs to create NoPs. This argument is based on four case studies that relate how individual CoPs have implemented, managed and used specific intranet sites and how this use has strengthened their local Community of Practice (CoP) as well as fostered links with a wider Network of Practice (NoP).
Helping SMEs to Engage in Electronic Commerce
Authors: Iacob Maria-Eugenia , Boekhoudt Piet , Ebeling Freek
Published: May 2011

In this chapter we present an overview of the approach taken by the Dutch government regarding the development of the information society and in particular the diffusion of electronic commerce in small and medium organisations. Our analysis also includes an assessment of the current situation of SMEs with respect to the adoption of electronic commerce and their position with respect to the governmental policies. Furthermore, we refer to active policy implementation instruments (“iMPact” and “ASPect” projects). Finally, the last part of the chapter is devoted to a benchmarking of European e-business policies, so that meaningful comparison of the Dutch initiatives with other similar programs could be achieved.
Creating Positive Attitudes in Virtual Team Members
Authors: Staples D. Sandy , Cameron Ann Frances
Published: May 2011

Patterns of what is required to enhance a virtual team member’s satisfaction with their work and with being part of the team, their commitment to the team, and their motivation with the project were identified via case studies of six employee virtual teams. Positive patterns were found between two or more of these outcome attitudes and the following input variables: significance of the task, task autonomy, interpersonal skills, team potency, and team spirit. Managing these input variables well would be important for organizations with virtual teams, because doing so could positively affect the team members’ attitudes toward the work, leading to enhanced productivity and effective behavior. Implications for practitioners and researchers are offered.
Virtual Teams in an Executive Education Training Program
Authors: Reeves Martha , Furst Stacie
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this chapter is to explore the experiences of 15 different teams from two Fortune 500 companies: a food distribution company and a financial services company. The objectives of the virtual teams for these two companies were twofold: first, to learn how to work in virtual teams, and second, to complete a business project critical to their respective companies. We begin this chapter with a brief explanation of how the teams were organized and for what purpose. Then, the focus is more specifically on the factors that made some teams more successful than others, including the impact of geography, the problem of free-riding, top-level support, and gender differences.
Understanding Decision-Making in Data Warehousing and Related Decision Support Systems
Authors: Wells John D. , Hess Traci J.
Published: May 2011

Many businesses have made or are making significant investments in data warehouses that reportedly support a myriad of decision support systems (DSS). Due to the newness of data warehousing and related DSS (DW-DSS), the nature of the decision support provided to DW-DSS users and the related impact on decision performance have not been investigated in an applied setting. An explanatory case study was undertaken at a financial services organization that implemented a particular type of DW-DSS, a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. The DSS-decision performance model has provided some theoretical guidance for this exploration. The case study results show that the decision-making support provided by these systems is limited and that an extended version of the DSS-decision performance model may better describe the factors that influence individual decision-making performance.
Data Mining and the Banking Sector
Authors: Felsõvályi Àkos , Courant Jennifer
Published: May 2011

Banking has changed rapidly over the last decades due to the ability to capture massive data sets easily and the availability of new tools for analysis. The new, commonly used expressions to describe these phenomena are data warehousing and data mining. The changes have transformed traditional banking activities such as extending loans and given birth to new businesses. For example, the credit card business would simply not exist today, or not in today’s form, without the use of high powered computers and new statistical methods.
Toiling in the Media Data Mines
Authors: Young Robert
Published: May 2011

At PHD Canada, we deal in “time and space” — a phrase used when the term “media management” draws blank stares at cocktail parties. There are thousands of people like us, in hundreds of companies like ours, responsible for managing advertising media budgets. We all go to great lengths to create crisp target group definitions for consumer brands. We determine which media channels should be employed in support of our clients’ messages — time and space channels such as TV, radio, magazines, Internet, and newspapers. We recommend when our clients should run the media weight afforded by their budgets. And finally, we recommend how the weight should be distributed throughout the country, in which cities and which regions.
Architecture Issues
Authors: Oliva Lawrence M.
Published: May 2011

This chapter is focused on building the information architecture: what is important to consider, how to align the security, application and infrastructure architectures for maximum benefit, constructing multiple protection barriers, determining internal security threats and performing disaster planning in worst case scenarios.
Wireless Information Security
Authors: Poole Clifton
Published: May 2011

The proliferation of wireless local area networks in the enterprise and home domains has increased dramatically within the past several years as the 802.11b protocol has emerged as the standard of choice for wireless communication (Al-Saleh, 2002). A host of wireless networking products is now available to complete your home or enterprise wireless network. Since 2001, the product selection for the home user has multiplied ten-fold since that time. There are entire sections of the consumer electronics dedicated to the sale of products for the small office/home office (SOHO).
Online Shopping Experience
Authors: Guo Yi M.
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, a model of online shopping experience is proposed to unify previous works of online consumer experience. Online shopping experience (OSE) is the interaction between shoppers and commercial web sites. It consists of physical, cognitive, and affective activities, and in-progress responses. Factors influencing shopping experience include individual characteristics of shoppers, characteristics of stores and commercial web sites, characteristics of products and shopping task, and other contextual factors. The outcomes of shopping experience have been studied in many ways. Based on this model, series of research questions can be asked to examine relationships between components of shopping experience and influencing factors, and between shopping experience and shopping outcomes. Preliminary results of a study are reported to illustrate the usefulness of the concept of online shopping experience.
E-Government Scottish Style
Authors: Li Feng
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses issues involved in the development of e-government, using recent empirical evidence gathered in Scotland. The research suggests that public sector organisations in Scotland recognize the importance of e-government, but there is a gap between the rhetoric about the potential of e-government and the reality on the ground. In particular, most public sector organisations appear to be more skeptical about the ability of information and communications technologies (ICTs) to break down barriers within and between organisations than those who advocate e-government as a solution to this problem. The current development and some emerging issues will be explored in the Scottish context, and some generic lessons will be highlighted. Finally, a number of themes for future research will be highlighted.
Novice's Performance and Satisfaction Improvement Through Expert Decision Support Usage
Authors: Perez Lucila , Plaisent Michel , Bernard Prosper , Maguiraga Lassana
Published: May 2011

Decision support technology, Expert Systems, Executives Information Systems, and Artificial Neural Networks, have been reported to be useful tools to enhance the performance of managers as they helped them to gain more knowledge, experiences, and expertise and consequently enhance the quality of the decision-making. They can also be used as a training tool to transfer the knowledge of the expert to middle and top management and thus improve the performance of new employees. This communication reports the conclusions of a study conducted to verify the impact of the use of the EDSS technology (Expert Decision Support Systems) on the performance and satisfaction of new employees in the business world. A laboratory experiment using control groups and treatment groups was held to test the research model. The results indicate that EDSS technologies do have a positive impact on the performance of the users.
Corporate Memories
Authors: Handzic Meliha , Bewsell Glenn
Published: May 2011

This chapter explores the nature of corporate memories in enhancing individual working knowledge and performance in a decision-making context. Our findings from a series of experiments indicate that people tended to use effectively up to two-thirds of the encoded knowledge, missing at least one-third of its maximum potential. Our findings also indicate that the effectiveness of knowledge repositories was highly contingent upon quantity, quality and diversity of their knowledge content. Finally, our study suggests that individuals can potentially benefit from additional knowledge management initiatives such as analytical and procedural knowledge, learning histories, guidance or interactive social environments. Future research may look at the impact of these initiatives independently, or at the possibility of a synergistic effect when combined and integrated.
Workplace e-Collaboration in Practice
Authors: Mayrhofer David , Back Andrea
Published: May 2011

This chapter delivers results of ongoing research activities regarding workplace e-collaboration and is based on theoretical findings, analysis of software tools, as well as findings from a research project at the University of St. Gallen. The main objective of this chapter is to present theoretical foundations as well as practical implications for implementing workplace e-collaboration in organizations. After providing an overview of the state-of-the-art, background and need for action, a holistic model for e-collaboration is presented. Based upon this model, technological functionalities to be found in software tools for e-collaboration will be elaborated, described and categorized. Additionally, cultural and organizational aspects to be taken into consideration for e-collaborating team leaders and members will be defined and analyzed, both from a theoretical as well as from a practical point of view. Finally, findings from evaluating the elaborated model will be presented and the chapter concludes with a general discussion and future trends.
Peer-to-Peer Corporate Resource Sharing and Distribution with Mesh
Authors: Subramanian Ramesh , Goodman Brian
Published: May 2011

Peer-to-peer (or “P2P”) computing has aggressively moved to the center-stage of the computing field in recent years. “P2P computing” emphasizes the shift away from centralized and client/server models of computing to a fully decentralized, distributed model of computing and content distribution. In the P2P mode of thinking, a “peer” system can be almost any computing device connected to a network – whether it is a computer, a printer, a facsimile machine, a video camera or an e-mail server. This idea has great ramifications in the way people work, learn, collaborate and share resources in organizations. In this chapter we present the design and architecture of Mesh, which is a centrally enhanced peer-to-peer resource sharing grid. Mesh is a prototype hybrid resource sharing system. It encompasses and advances the currently available solutions in the areas of “pure” P2P computing. The chapter describes a complete implementation of Mesh with directions for future work.
Successful Virtual Organizations as Collaboration Networks
Authors: Frick Jan
Published: May 2011

This chapter describes two successful virtual organizations and tries to extract features that may have a role in their success. The first, TESA, is the oldest and was on the height of activity in the 80s. The second, RKK, is still increasing its activities. The chapter describes the lifecycle and recognized conditions for both cases. TESA is a network of private companies working for enhancing the competitiveness of the members, where RKK is a network of public schools working as a virtual vocational training vendor and enterprise. These cases seem to suggest that a “change agent” combined with a strategy of “open door” policy, relationship building, and shared benefit is important. ICT was never an issue with TESA but has an increasing importance for RKK, enabling a higher frequency of collaboration. Both cases seem to have an extensive relationship with surrounding infrastructure and mutual benefits.
Internet Voting
Authors: Woolley Trisha , Fisher Craig
Published: May 2011

When designing information systems, it is important to consider the needs of users with disabilities, including those with visual impairment, hearing impairment, or color-blindness. This is especially important for designing Websites. It takes time and money to create or redesign Websites for easy access for users with disabilities. This is also known as Web accessibility. This chapter will discuss the ethical implications involved with Web accessibility. An ethical analysis of Web accessibility will be performed using a partial combination of two structured analysis approaches. It is the position of the authors of this chapter that Website development should consider accessibility for users with sensory and motor disabilities as an ethical requirement.
Cryptography
Authors: Leong Leslie , Jarmoszko Andrzej T.
Published: May 2011

The emphasis and increased awareness of information security require an understanding and knowledge of the technology that supports it. As the risks and complexity of security keep growing along with the development of the Internet and e-commerce, securing information has become of utmost importance. With the worries about cyber-terrorism, hackers, and white-collar crimes, the demand for a stronger security mechanism in cryptography becomes apparent. Although wireless cryptography is still in its infancy, there are encryption technologies that may support the limitations of a mobile device.
Metrics Based Security Assessment
Authors: Goldman James E. , Christie Vaughn R.
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces the Metrics Based Security Assessment (MBSA) as a means of measuring an organization’s information security maturity. It argues that the historical (i.e., first through third generations) approaches used to assess/ensure system security are not effective and thereby combines the strengths of two industry proven information security models, the ISO 17799 Standard and the Systems Security Engineering Capability Maturity Model (SSE-CMM), to overcome their inherent weaknesses. Furthermore, the authors trust that the use of information security metrics will enable information security practitioners to measure their information security efforts in a more consistent, reliable, and timely manner. Such a solution will allow a more reliable qualitative measurement of the return achieved through given information security investments. Ultimately, the MBSA will allow professionals an additional, more robust self-assessment tool in answering management questions similar to: “How secure are we?”
An Off-Line Optical Music Sheet Recognition
Authors: Bellini Pierfrancesco , Bruno Ivan , Nesi Paolo
Published: May 2011

The optical music recognition is a key problem for coding music sheets of western music in the digital world. The most critical phase of the optical music recognition process is the first analysis of the image sheet. In optical processing of music or documents, the first analysis consists of segmenting the acquired sheet into smaller parts in order to recognize the basic symbols that allow reconstructing the original music symbol. In this chapter, an overview of the main issues and a survey of the main related works are discussed. The O3MR system (Object Oriented Optical Music Recognition) system is also described. The used approach in such system is based on the adoption of projections for the extraction of basic symbols that constitute graphic elements of the music notation. Algorithms and a set of examples are also included to better focus concepts and adopted solutions.
Key Performance Indicators and Information Flow
Authors: Berler Alexander , Pavlopoulos Sotiris , Koutsouris Dimitris
Published: May 2011

It is paradoxical that, although several major technological discoveries such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Nuclear Medicine and Digital Radiology, which facilitate improvement in patient care, have been satisfactorily embraced by the medical community, this has not been the case with Healthcare Informatics. Thus, it can be argued that issues such as Data Management, Data Modeling, and Knowledge Management have a long way to go before reaching the maturity level that other technologies have achieved in the medical sector. This chapter proposes to explore trends and best practices regarding knowledge management from the viewpoint of performance management, based upon the use of Key Performance Indicators in healthcare systems. By assessing both balanced scorecards and quality assurance techniques in healthcare, it is possible to foresee an electronic healthcare record centered approach which drives information flow at all levels of the day-to-day process of delivering effective and managed care, and which finally moves towards information assessment and knowledge discovery.