bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feral Systems and Other Factors Influencing the Success of Global ERP Implementations
Authors: Kerr Don
Published: May 2011

In this chapter we look at the factors that influence the successful implementation of a global enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. We identify 12 issues that need to be considered when implementing such systems. Each one of these issues is expanded upon with relevant literature and examples. In this chapter we also look at factors that lead to the development of information systems by employees in addition to or outside the implemented ERP. We introduce the concept of feral systems to explain this phenomenon. Other factors such as employee mistrust of the system are also discussed. Finally we look at future directions with respect to ERP implementations.
Next-Generation IT for Knowledge Distribution in Enterprises
Authors: Brena Ramón , Valerio Gabriel , Aguirre Jose-Luis
Published: May 2011

From the Knowledge Management perspective, Knowledge distribution is a critical process in organizations. As many of the other Knowledge-related processes, it has received basic support from Information Technologies in the form of databases and repositories, client-server systems and other standard IT. Nevertheless, most basic IT tools fail to provide the flexible environment Knowledge distribution needs to be effective in many organizations. In this chapter we review some very advanced IT that are being proposed for supporting Knowledge distribution processes. Even though they are not mainstream technologies nowadays, they show actual trends that are expected to materialize in future generations of IT for Knowledge distribution.
Investment in Transaction-Specific Assets and Opportunistic Behavior in a Chinese Supply Chain
Authors: Zhao Xiande , Liu Yi , Qian Liping , Flynn Barbara
Published: May 2011

This chapter addresses the relationship between a supplier and the manufacturers that it serves, from the perspective of transaction cost economics theory (TCE). TCE deals with relationships between organizations, such as customers, manufacturers and suppliers. It states that investment in transaction-specific assets opens the door for opportunistic behavior by an organization’s partners. Interpreted from the perspective of a supplier, the supplier’s investments in transaction-specific assets, such as dedicated plant and equipment, workforce with transaction-specific skills and the development of transaction-specific relationships, will lead to opportunistic behavior on the part of the manufacturers that they serve, providing an environment where behaviors intentionally designed to take advantage of the supplier will flourish. Because the supplier will not be able to redeploy those investments to a different manufacturer if the relationship is discontinued, manufacturers will be motivated to capitalize on this vulnerability by employing behaviors such as seeking unfair price concessions, sharing proprietary information with competitors or other unethical behaviors. This study advances the application of TCE to the context of supply chain management by breaking investments in transaction-specific assets into investments in transaction-specific tangible assets, such as plant and equipment, and transaction-specific intangible assets, such as relationships and the development of human resources, and examining their impact on opportunistic behavior separately. These relationships are examined using a survey of 230 suppliers in the household appliances industry in China. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that there was a positive relationship between suppliers’ investment in transaction-specific tangible assets and opportunistic behavior by the manufacturers that they serve, but that there was a negative relationship between suppliers’ investments in transaction specific intangible assets and opportunistic behavior by their manufacturers. The moderating role of contracts and relational norms was also examined.
Land Cover Change
Authors: Pérez-Hugalde Carlos , Delgado-Pérez Patricia , Romero-Calcerrada Raúl
Published: May 2011

The present chapter discusses an analysis of land cover change based on the enhanced transition matrix, and provides a detailed interpretation of the results of the case study chosen: a protected area in the region of Madrid (central Spain) between 1990 and 2000. The method adopted introduces concepts and indicators to study the statistical information contained in the transition matrix in greater depth than with the traditional approach. The chapter describes all the formal, theoretical and practical aspects of the method, along with the preparation of the data and the analysis of the results. The method proved to be useful for synthesizing the land changes observed and identifying systematic transitions.
Objective Sampling Estimation of Crop Area Based on Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Luiz Alfredo , Formaggio Antonio , Epiphanio José
Published: May 2011

Having the ability to estimate crop areas is a necessity ever more pressing for all the stakeholders of productive chains. For many scientists involved in agricultural research it is also important to know the location of crops and the area they occupy. With this information, considered together with data on soil, climate, availability of infrastructure for storage and transportation, among others, it is possible, for example, to build scenarios and fit models to attend multiple demands. In this chapter the authors propose a simple method combining the techniques of statistical sampling with the characteristics of images obtained by remote sensing, to construct estimates of acreage in a micro-region scale. The objective to be achieved is to produce an estimate of crop area in a defined territory, with estimated statistical error associated.
Seasonal Precipitation Forecast Based on Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Rolim da Paz Adriano , Uvo Cíntia , Bravo Juan , Collischonn Walter , Ribeiro da Rocha Humberto
Published: May 2011

Agriculture is vulnerable to the interannual climate variability and to its unpredictability, in such a way that most agricultural decisions taken within the time horizon of several months are made in a conservative manner, supposing a near-pessimist scenario. The improvement of climate prediction may help the strategic view, mitigating unwanted impacts and taking advantage of favorable conditions. This chapter presents the development of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model for seasonal precipitation forecast based on climate indices, focusing on the practical aspects of selecting the best predictors, defining ANN architecture, data handling and ANN training and validation. The study case is the Pardo/Mogi-Guaçu rivers watershed in Brazil, which is characterized by intense sugarcane plantation for both ethanol and sugar industries. The results demonstrate how the methodology for seasonal precipitation forecast based on ANN can be particularly helpful, with the use of available time series of climate indices.
International Organizations as Fora for International Bioethical Debate
Authors: Kuppuswamy Chamundeeswari
Published: May 2011

The role of international bodies as the place where international debates on bioethical issues take place is investigated. In theory these international venues are supposed to be neutral in that they do not favor any particular traditions or belief systems. As a neutral venue for debates, these international arenas should recede to the background, so to speak, and let all the voices from among all parties involved in the debate and discussion be heard. However, in practice such a scenario scarcely happens, as these fora and venues are often criticized as being dominated by the West and their claim of universal values. In order for the international venues to be a really just place where all the voices are given due prominence, the roles and arrangements of these international organizations need to be scrutinized.
Biotechnological Patents and Morality
Authors: Kuanpoth Jakkrit
Published: May 2011

The chapter deals with ethical aspects of patent law and how the global patent regime helps or hinders the development of a developing country such as Thailand. More specifically, it discusses Article 27.3 of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), which states that countries may exclude methods of medical treatment, plants and animals (but not micro-organisms) from patent protection. It also provides legal analysis on the issue of whether developing countries can maximize benefits from the TRIPS morality exception (Article 27.2) in dealing with biotechnological patenting.
Genetic Testing and Protection of Genetic Privacy
Authors: Romeo-Malanda Sergio , Nicol Dianne , Otlowski Margaret
Published: May 2011

Progress in the field of biomedical science has made it possible to obtain greater knowledge of the human genome and the nature of genetic disorders. Thanks to these advances, doctors now have the tools to diagnose certain disorders, and to carry out genetic tests to determine increased risks of developing other illnesses and of passing them on to future generations. In addition to the classic single gene disorders (like hemophilia and sickle cell anaemia), susceptibility genes are also being identified for genetically complex diseases, including many types of cancer, Alzheimer‘s disease, diabetes and other illnesses (House of Lords, 2009, p. 8). We can look toward a future where genetic test results are an important part of every healthy person’s medical file.
Affect-Sensitive Computing and Autism
Authors: Welch Karla Conn , Lahiri Uttama , Sarkar Nilanjan , Warren Zachary , Stone Wendy , Liu Changchun
Published: May 2011

This chapter covers the application of affective computing using a physiological approach to children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) during human-computer interaction (HCI) and human-robot interaction (HRI). Investigation into technology-assisted intervention for children with ASD has gained momentum in recent years. Clinicians involved in interventions must overcome the communication impairments generally exhibited by children with ASD by adeptly inferring the affective cues of the children to adjust the intervention accordingly. Similarly, an intelligent system, such as a computer or robot, must also be able to understand the affective needs of these children - an ability that the current technology-assisted ASD intervention systems lack - to achieve effective interaction that addresses the role of affective states in HCI, HRI, and intervention practice.
Insuring Self-Direction and Flexibility in Distance Learning for Adults
Authors: Ware Mary C.
Published: May 2011

Distance learning via the internet has become the key to reaching adult learners globally. Adult learners have been shown to benefit from such qualities as: provisions for self-directed learning, flexibility, and frequent communication with the instructor in order to achieve success. Contract learning and contract grading are two innovations popularized during the “individualized instruction” movement of the 1970s which are being used to assist instructors of twenty-first century on-line learning courses in providing for self-direction, flexibility and frequent communication. The chapter which follows will provide an overview of contract learning and contract grading as it can be used with adult learners in distance learning courses (e.g., courses supported by WebCT, Blackboard). The chapter will examine adult learning theories which support contract learning/grading as well as provide information on designing learning contracts and grading contracts which are appropriate for adult learners.
Mobile Technology
Authors: Cragg Paul , Chapman Prue
Published: May 2011

Mobile Technology (MT) is a small/medium sized electronics manufacturer that has been very successful and grown rapidly in recent years. Its innovative products are exported to many parts of the world. The firm relies heavily on information technology and has many staff with very sophisticated computer expertise, yet it has no IS department and has only just appointed an IS manager. The firm’s IS staff are part of an EDP team that provides IS services to all parts of MT. However, the firm is soon to be restructured into nine separate business units. The case focuses on where the firm should place its IS staff following this restructuring. The main alternatives facing management are for either a centralised or decentralised IS department.
Norwel Equipment Co. Limited Partnership (L.P.) Internet Upgrade
Authors: Walsh Kenneth R.
Published: May 2011

Norwel Equipment Co. Limited Partnership (L.P.) is a Louisiana business retailer of construction equipment specializing in John Deere heavy-equipment and has secured exclusive John Deere rights for most of the State of Louisiana. Founded in 1972, Norwel is the sixth largest John Deere construction equipment dealer in the United States. This case illustrates business and technology issues facing Norwel. In mid-1999, the October 1st deadline for John Deere’s requirement to communicate by email was approaching and the response time of the Norwel’s primary computers system, an AS/400, was increasing to the point where users were not satisfied with performance. Also users were requesting new computing services such as email, document sharing, and Internet access. For example, the Parts Operations Manger suggested selling parts online and the Manager of the Used Equipment Division suggest supporting the sales staff through Internet connections. Managing Partner, Richard Hevey decided an upgrade to the networks and a connection to the Internet were needed. He is faced with both short term and long term decisions about Norwel’s infrastructure.
The Semiotics of Smart Appliances and Pervasive Computing
Authors: Andersen Peter Bøgh , Brynskov Martin
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents digital habitats, a conceptual and methodological framework for analyzing and designing smart appliances in the context of pervasive computing. The concrete topic is a project in pervasive gaming for children. The framework consists of a set of theoretical concepts supplemented by diagrams for representing semiformal models. We give a short overview of selected theories of play and gaming and apply the framework to an implemented simple pervasive game. Finally, we use the framework in a constructive manner to produce a concrete design of a new game. The result is discussed and compared to other approaches. The main points are the following: (a) it can describe communicative as well as material acts plus the way they hang together; (b) it provides an explicit link between human activities and their spatial context; (c) it has an explicit dynamic model that precisely describes the conditions for executing actions; and (d) it offers a typology of participant roles based on linguistic theory, which supports design processes.
Analyzing the Factors Influencing the Successful Design and Uptake of Interactive Systems to Support Social Networks in Urban Neighborhoods
Authors: Foth Marcus
Published: May 2011

In urban residential environments in Australia and other developed countries, Internet access is on the verge of becoming a ubiquitous utility like gas or electricity. From an urban sociology and community informatics perspective, this article discusses new emerging social formations of urban residents that are based on networked individualism and the potential of Internet-based systems to support them. It proposes that one of the main reasons for the disappearance or nonexistence of urban residential communities is a lack of appropriate opportunities and instruments to encourage and support local interaction in urban neighborhoods. The article challenges the view that a mere reappropriation of applications used to support dispersed virtual communities is adequate to meet the place and proximity-based design requirements that community networks in urban neighborhoods pose. It argues that the key factors influencing the successful design and uptake of interactive systems to support social networks in urban neighborhoods include the swarming social behavior of urban dwellers; the dynamics of their existing communicative ecology; and the serendipitous, voluntary, and place-based quality of interaction between residents on the basis of choice, like-mindedness, mutual interest and support needs. Drawing on an analysis of these factors, the conceptual design framework of a prototype system — the urban tribe incubator — is presented.
The Think Aloud Method and User Interface Design
Authors: Jaspers M.W.M.
Published: May 2011

Daily use of computer systems often has been hampered by poorly designed user interfaces. Since the functionality of a computer system is made available through its user interface, its design has a huge influence on the usability of these systems (Carroll, 2002; Preece, 2002). From the user’s perspective, the user interface is the only visible and, hence, most important part of the computer system; thus, it receives high priority in designing computer systems. A plea for human-oriented design in which the potentials of computer systems are tuned to the intended user in the context of their utilization has been made (Rossen & Carroll, 2002). An analysis of the strategies that humans use in performing tasks that are to be computer-supported is a key issue in human-oriented design of user interfaces. Good interface design thus requires a deep understanding of how humans perform a task that finally will be computersupported. These insights then may be used to design a user interface that directly refers to their information processing activities. A variety of methodologies and techniques can be applied to analyze end users’ information processing activities in the context of a specific task environment among user-centered design methodologies. More specifically, cognitive engineering techniques are promoted to improve computer systems’ usability (Gerhardt-Powels, 1996; Stary & Peschl, 1998). Cognitive engineering as a field aims at understanding the fundamental principles behind human activities that are relevant in the context of designing a system that supports these activities (Stary & Peschl, 1998). The ultimate goal is to develop end versions of computer systems that support users of these systems to the maximum in performing tasks in such a way that the intended tasks can be accomplished with minimal cognitive effort. Empirical research has indeed shown that cognitively engineered interfaces are considered superior by users in terms of supporting task performance, workload, and satisfaction, compared to non-cognitively engineered interfaces (Gerhardt-Powels, 1996). Methods such as the think aloud method, verbal protocol analysis, or cognitive task analysis are used to analyze in detail the way in which humans perform tasks, mostly in interaction with a prototype computer system.
On the Cognitive Processes of Human Perception with Emotions, Motivations, and Attitudes
Authors: Wang Yingxu
Published: May 2011

An interactive motivation-attitude theory is developed based on the Layered Reference Model of the Brain (LRMB) and the object-attributerelation (OAR) model. This paper presents a rigorous model of human perceptual processes such as emotions, motivations, and attitudes. A set of mathematical models and formal cognitive processes of perception is developed. Interactions and relationships between motivation and attitude are formally described in real-time process algebra (RTPA). Applications of the mathematical models of motivations and attitudes in software engineering are demonstrated. This work is a part of the formalization of LRMB, which provides a comprehensive model for explaining the fundamental cognitive processes of the brain and their interactions. This work demonstrates that the complicated human emotional and perceptual phenomena can be rigorously modeled and formally treated based on cognitive informatics theories and denotational mathematics.
User Interface Formalization in Visual Data Mining
Authors: Catarci Tiziana , Kimani Stephen , Lodi Stefano
Published: May 2011

Despite the existence of various data mining efforts that deal with user interface aspects, very few provide a formal specification of the syntax of the interface and the corresponding semantics. A formal specification facilitates the description of the system properties without being concerned about implementation details and enables the detection of fundamental design issues before they manifest themselves in the implementation. In visual data mining, a formal specification can enable users to decide which interaction/operation to apply to get a desired result; help users to predict the results of their interactions/operations with the system; and enable the development of a general interaction model that designers/developers can use to understand the relationships between user interactions and their compositions. In this work, we describe an approach for formalizing the visual interface of a core data mining system, which has been employed in the development of a visual data mining system named VidaMine.
How Technology Can Support Culture and Learning
Authors: Fuschi David Luigi , Ong Bee , Crombie David
Published: May 2011

From the authors’ perspective, technology is both a tool and a developing factor that can foster culture and learning development. This chapter focuses on the interrelations that interleave education, technology, content accessibility, and intercultural issues. With an introduction and related background, language learning is used as an example further to explain these issues. This chapter then discusses authoring and content development for e-learning applications (including authoring tools, virtual communities, and forums), and examines technology and accessibility issues in this context. The current state of e-learning is introduced along with a description of different tools and approaches. The chapter concludes with an overview of e-learning and the marketplace.
Portals in Consumer Search Behavior and Product Customization
Authors: Michael Ian
Published: May 2011

A portal is defined as an entrance point to online content. The portal concept has evolved across a number of markets and applications. Customer portals focus on individual customer and offer a one-stop Internet access. By providing a number of services, such as searches, shopping, e-mail, and games, portals allow individuals to avoid browsing the Web but to in-fact rely and stay at one Web site like a one-stop shop. Accordingly, portals drive eyeballs, and hence create and drive advertising revenue and alliances. The concept of a single public port to given content on the Internet is used as a means of pulling in a large number of users. As an example, America Online (AOL) acts as a portal site to general Web content. It is a specialized portal created by AOL and also has content from partners such as Time Warner (Kleindl, 2003). This article reviews the role of portals in consumer search behavior and certain aspects in marketing.
Global Culture and Computer Mediated Communication
Authors: Fussell Susan R. , Zhang Qiping , Setlock Leslie D.
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, we discuss how culture influences computer mediated communication (CMC). We use an Input-Process-Output (I-P-O) model as a theoretical framework to analyze relationships between culture and CMC. We describe three dimensions of cultural variability—individualism/ collectivism, low vs. high context of communication, and task- vs. relationship-orientation—and describe how these dimensions influence people’s reliance on features of CMC. A review of the literature to date suggests that cultural factors do indeed shape how people use CMC. More specifically, auditory and visual cues appear to have more importance for members of collectivistic, high-context, relationship-oriented cultures than they do for members of individualistic, lowcontext, task-oriented cultures. However, further research is needed to clarify relationships between cultural dimensions and CMC, to understand the role of moderating variables such as gender of participants, task, and group composition, and to provide design guidelines for new tools to support intercultural communication and CMC in developing regions.
Developing Web Pages as Supplements to Traditional Courses
Authors: Maddux Cleborne D. , Cummings Rhoda
Published: May 2011

There has been a recent explosion of interest in distance education. On college and university campuses, this interest owes much of its life and vigor to (a) a belief by university faculty that technology may be able to improve instruction, and (b) the sudden realization by university administrators that distance education is producing large sums of money and has the potential to produce much more. In higher education, the World Wide Web (WWW) has come to be one of the most popular service delivery vehicles for distance education efforts. At first, most sites were created primarily for courses delivered entirely over the Web. More recently, many Web sites are being created by individual instructors as supplements to their more traditionally delivered, on-campus courses. Currently, many thousands of Web sites are dedicated to higher education courses, and the number of such sites is increasing rapidly. This rapid increase has resulted in publication of many course-related pages that are less than ideal in both pedagogical and technical terms. This problem is especially acute for those pages that are supplementary to traditional courses, since there are seldom support services available for instructors who wish to design, create, and maintain such pages. Consequently, individual instructors are typically “on their own” with regard to planning, producing, and maintaining such pages. In contrast, institutional technical and pedagogical support is often provided for developers of Web sites intended for use in courses delivered primarily or exclusively by distance education, since such efforts are often assigned to a special unit such as an extension department or a department of continuing education. These units often employ or retain both technicians and subject matter specialists to assist in the development of course-related Web pages. Although this does not guarantee a quality product, some of the more obvious problems faced by individual instructors are sometimes avoided.
Asynchronous Learning Tools - What is Really Needed, Wanted and Used?
Authors: Novitzki James E.
Published: May 2011

The concept of distance learning, where the instructor and student remain geographically separated, has been used for almost 150 years, since Sir Isaac Pitman came up with the idea of delivering instruction through the use of correspondence courses (Phillips-Vicky, 1998). Despite this history, the move toward more open learning has been not much more than a trend, and it is unlikely that a teaching professional from 100 years ago would feel uncomfortable in the classroom of today (Papert,1992). Yet, distance learning and asynchronous learning (ASL) in particular are areas of rapid growth. Morse, Glover, and Travis (1997) conducted a survey of 205 schools in 1994-1995. Of the respondents only 26% were involved in distance learning. Three years later Phillips-Vicky (1998) reported that 180 accredited graduate schools and more than 150 undergraduate colleges and universities were supporting distance learning programs, and most schools surveyed would have some form of distance learning programs available in the next one to two years. Distance learning is still not a mainstream educational method, and few institutions have the knowledge and experience to successfully offer full programs in this format. Even the University of Phoenix, which advertises on-line degrees, has only 7,000 on-line students out of a total student body of more than 53,000 (University of Phoenix, 1999). Considering the large numbers of Web-based distance learning products being marketed and the combinations of features offered, it is a monumental task for a school to make an educated decision on which, if any, of these products can meet their requirements. This chapter has several objectives. First, it discusses significant issues for consideration by any institution planning to develop a Web-based distance learning program and identifies the attributes necessary for effective ASL. Second, it identifies some current development tools and what they provide the instructor to develop and administer a course in an asynchronous format using the World Wide Web. Third, it discusses how some of these Web-based tools were employed in a graduate business program, and how students responded to and used them. Fourth, it ends with general observations about the use of the tools from both faculty and student standpoints and recommendations for institutions planning on moving into ASL distance education using Web-based tools.
Web Learning with Nestor
Authors: Esnault Liliane , Zeilinger Romain
Published: May 2011

When designing a new computer-supported course, special attention has to be devoted to the design of human-computer interaction (HCI). When the course is Web-based and thus takes the form of an hypermedia, then navigation issues are some of the main concerns in the course HCI design : Special attention should be given to the design of the course structure and to the navigation features which very often come as an outcome. This is even more important in the educational domain where learners are novices in the domain to be learned, and thus, efficient navigational aids cannot be based on their knowledge of the domain structure. This is a key recommendation when the course is a stand-alone closed hypermedia corpus. But more and more often, new Web-based courses take advantage of interesting resources which can be found on the Web and tend to let the learner free to wander on the open Web. Then a smart design of the course navigation model, although still crucial, is not sufficient. New navigation aids have to be incorporated in the browser itself. For this purpose, we have developed NESTOR, a new Web browser which provides learners with means allowing them to organize their navigational experience. NESTOR’s approach is to provide an interactive, stimulating environment where the learner’s expertise is deployed, rather than drawing on knowledge held in some expert model as in a knowledge-based system. In that view, we suggest that NESTOR promotes a constructivist approach to Web navigation support. Experimentation of NESTOR at EM-Lyon has been conducted during the last school-year in the domain of information and IT management in network companies with a population of a hundred graduate students. A specific Web-based course called “The Net Comp@ny” has been developed for this purpose. Both the constructivist approach which underlies the NESTOR software, and the pedagogical approach which was chosen to teach the domain combine and lead to the building of a new Web-based pedagogical process. As coined by Kaptelinin with much soundness, the design of a new software tool ultimately amounts to the design of a new activity.
Web-Based Collateral Support for Traditional Learning
Authors: Hill Tim , Chidambaram Laku
Published: May 2011

The emergence of the Web and the growth of multimedia technologies offer new mechanisms to support and enhance traditional classroom instruction. This chapter reports on a field study in the use of a Web-based distance learning tool. Students enrolled in traditional classroom courses were provided with asynchronous distance learning support consisting of anytime/anyplace access to classroom lectures via the World Wide Web. The traditional classroom lectures were audio-recorded and the audio transcripts digitized, compressed and stored, along with the synchronized lecture slides, for accessing and viewing via the Web. Usage patterns were unobtrusively monitored and correlated with performance. Additionally, participants’ perceptions were collected, compiled and analyzed. The results showed that repeated use of the Web-based supplement was correlated with better overall performance in the class. They also provided some clues to the motivations of users who seek out and explore collateral Web-based support for their own individual learning. This study provides a foundation for further research and application by: 1) helping to assess the utility of collateral support for traditional instruction using Web-based media, 2) shedding light on user adoption behaviors and attitudes, and 3) identifying practical considerations in the implementation of Web-based support for distance learning.
The Use of Artificial Intelligence Techniques and Applications in the Medical Domain
Authors: Armoni Adi
Published: May 2011

In recent years we have witnessed sweeping developments in information technology. Currently, the most promising and interesting domain seemed to be the artificial intelligence. Within this field we see now a growing interest in the medical applications. The purpose of this article is to present a general review of the main areas of artificial intelligence and its applications to the medical domain. The review will focus on artificial intelligence applications to radiology, robotically-operated surgical procedures and different kinds of expert systems.
Bottom-Up Management and System Design
Authors: Hutchinson W.
Published: May 2011

Development techniques almost always use top-down approaches to develop software and business systems. Humans need to simplify the external world by using cognitive models to build a boundary around a problem. These necessary, but artificial, boundaries help us cope with the complexity of the problem at hand. However, this deductive process produces dilemmas, as it leads to misconceptions about the real behavior of systems and the people in them. This chapter will look at system design using the system elements (and their interactions) as the starting point of design, that is an inductive approach. Whilst this will not replace the top- down approach, its use will enhance problem solutions. In a contemporary world of loosely coupled organisational elements, it is necessary to view the system from this perspective to fully understand it. This chapter will offer a preliminary methodology to approach system design using ‘bottom up’ thinking. This view is not the opposite of top-down thinking but a supplement to it. It results in asking questions about the desired system, which are fundamentally different in nature to conventional techniques
Enabling Technology for Collaborative Working
Authors: Willis Dianne , Coakes Elayne
Published: May 2011

This chapter looks at the use of enabling technology, in particular the Internet, to share experiences of socio-technical thinking and practice. From an idea of gathering an international perspective on socio-technical practices was born a collaborative venture between three members of the Sociotechnical group of the British Computer Society (BCS). The aim of the venture was to gather together a series of modern socio-technical experiences in book format. As none of the three participants lived close to the other in geographical terms and the basis of the book was to be international experiences, some method of communication was needed that took no account of international timelines and geographical boundaries. Major options considered for the project were the telephone, fax or electronic mail (e-mail). Each communication method has its advantages and disadvantages, but for a truly international perspective, e-mail was considered to be the best option. Whittle (1997) argues that the rapid communication, convenience and economy of e-mail promotes efficiency. The eventual choice of e-mail was influenced by the fact that it takes no account of time differences and people can deal with e-mail as and when they have time. According to Harris (1996), communicating by e-mail is very inexpensive compared to telephone communication, as messages and even files can be exchanged around the world for the cost of a local phone call. This aspect was also highlighted when contributors were asked to send disc and hard copy which proved very expensive, though was undoubtedly more reliable as problems with compatibility of systems disappeared.
A Measuring of Task-Technology Fit for Computer-Mediated Communication
Authors: Wilson E. Vance , Morrison Joline P.
Published: May 2011

A key determinant in the success of computer-mediated communication systems (CMCS) and group support systems (GSS) is the task they are used for (Huber, 1984; DeSanctis & Gallupe, 1987). Task models and theories exist in the domain of non-mediated groups (e.g., McGrath, 1984; Wood, 1986) but application of these to GSS and CMCS has been spotty and the results equivocal (Zigurs & Buckland, 1998). Although research findings repeatedly suggest that the fit between task and computer-mediated communication technology is important, researchers have not yet been able to comprehensively describe or measure the dimensions of appropriate fit. This chapter describes the development and initial testing of an instrument to measure the perceived effectiveness of CMCS based on task type (hereafter PE measure). The PE measure extends prior research in several ways. First, it operationalizes the four major dimensions of McGrath’s task circumplex (McGrath, 1984; McGrath & Hollingshead, 1994), a model which frequently is used as a conceptual framework for studying GSS and CMCS (Dennis & Gallupe, 1993). Thus, it will be straightforward to integrate findings from studies that use the PE measure into the existing literature. Second, all four task types are incorporated into the PE measure, where prior research has focused primarily on generation tasks and, to a lesser extent, choice tasks. This comprehensive view of the overall task construct should benefit the process of theory-building as well as prediction in practical applications. Third, the PE measure has been tested successfully within heterogeneous task domains, suggesting that the instrument has validity and is relatively robust.
The Metaphorical Implications of Data Warehousing
Authors: Davidson Elizabeth J.
Published: May 2011

Metaphors have long pervaded the discourse around information technology (IT) design (Johnson, 1994), helping developers to conceptualize technological features and functions, to design human-computer interfaces (Rechtin, 1997; Golovchinsky and Chignell, 1997; Rauch, Leone, and Gillinhan, 1997), and to articulate application requirements (Boland and Greenburg, 1992; Davidson 1996a). Metaphors also play an important role in conveying what Swanson and Ramiller (1997) call the organizing vision for IT innovations. An organizing vision, which develops through the discourse of a community of technology producers, information systems (IS) professionals, business managers, and other stakeholders, provides an interpretation of the applications of an IT innovation and the rationale for its use. Buzzwords are labels or names that come to be identified with an organizing vision and “may serve as a potent metaphor” (Swanson and Ramiller, 1997, p. 463) for conceptualizing the roles, relationships, control mechanism, and work processes associated with the IT innovation.
Transforming Legacy Systems into a Valuable Heritage
Authors: Korpela Mikko , Mykkänen Juha , Räsänen Mika , Ruonamaa Hellevi , Sormunen Marko
Published: May 2011

A migration strategy can turn legacy systems into a valuable heritage. In Finland, most hospital information systems are based on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs FileMan/Kernel technology. By the mid-1990s, the user interface and system architecture had become obsolete. The University of Kuopio together with a consortium of vendors and hospitals developed a migration strategy and toolkit, Delphi-FixIT, to move the viable systems to the client/server architecture and graphic user interface. An alternative toolkit, Web-FixIT, was developed in 1998–99 to allow a further migration to the Web browser interface and Java applets. The next step in 2000–01 will be to encapsulate existing functionality into components. This will make it possible to replace even the FileMan database by an object database at some later time. The migration strategy will thus keep the systems always abreast with technological progress without major disruptions. The technological solution developed is argued to be scalable down to very small setups in Nigeria, and up to quite large setups in the USA.
A Decision Technology System to Advance the Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer
Authors: Gorgionne Guisseppi A. , Gangopadhyah Aryya , Adya Monica
Published: May 2011

Geographical variations in cancer rates have been observed for decades. Described spatial patterns and trends have provided clues for generating hypotheses about the etiology of cancer. For breast cancer, investigators have demonstrated that some variation can be explained by differences in the population distribution of known breast cancer risk factors such as menstrual and reproductive variables (Laden, Spiegelman, and Neas, 1997; Robbins, Bescianini, and Kelsey, 1997; Sturgeon, Schairer, and Gail, 1995). However, regional patterns also may reflect the effects of Workshop on Hormones, Hormone Metabolism, Environment, and Breast Cancer (1995): (a) environmental hazards (such as air and water pollution), (b) demographics and the lifestyle of a mobile population, (c) subgroup susceptibility, (d) changes and advances in medical practice and healthcare management, and (e) other factors. To accurately measure breast cancer risk in individuals and population groups, it is necessary to singly and jointly assess the association between such risk and the hypothesized factors. Various statistical models will be needed to determine the potential relationships between breast cancer development and estimated exposures to environmental contamination. To apply the models, data must be assembled from a variety of sources, converted into the statistical models’ parameters, and delivered effectively to researchers and policy makers. A Web-enabled decision technology system can be developed to provide the needed functionality. This chapter will present a conceptual architecture for such a decision technology system. First, there will be a brief overview of a typical geographical analysis. Next, the chapter will present the conceptual Web-based decision technology system and illustrate how the system can assist users in diagnosing and treating breast cancer. The chapter will conclude with an examination of the potential benefits from system use and the implications for breast cancer research and practice.
Web-Enabled Integration of Patient Data and Clinical Guidelines for Coordinated Care
Authors: Warren James R. , Noone Joseph T.
Published: May 2011

A variety of forces are encouraging change in the healthcare systems of developed countries. Chief among these is perception of high (and rising) cost. The arsenal of tests, medications and procedures at the hands of Western medicine is ever-increasing. This, in concert with an aging population, has brought the health expenditures in the U.S., EU, Japan and Australia edging to just under 10% of GNP. Furthermore, there is concern about waste of resources, principally through lack of coordination between healthcare facilities resulting in redundant investigations. A more subtle force comes from the rise of evidence-based medicine (EBM), as illustrated, for instance, by the extensive consolidated clinical reviews of the Cochrane Collaboration. EBM highlights that typical medical practice is not necessarily efficient or effective in all cases as compared to well-established findings of randomized controlled trials (e.g., Sydney GPs have been observed to over-prescribe antibiotics, which is both a waste and a community health hazard [Bolton et al., 1996]). Happily, as motivations for change rise, we see the emergence of technologies with great promise for implementing solutions. The most obvious of these is of course Web technology. Cimino et al. (1995) illustrated (at a time that can now be considered early in the brief history of the Web) that intranet-based Web technology could provide a breakthrough in ease of integration of legacy information systems within a hospital environment, and thus be the basis for innovative clinical workstations within the hospital walls. More recently Cimino et al. (1998) have illustrated technical solutions to control the security and confidentiality risks associated with external access to the hospital intranet data. Moreover, as one uses an intranet for integration of patient data, they can simultaneously access internal (intranet) and/or external (Internet) decision support resources (such as access to Medline illustrated by Cimino et al., 1995).
Using Web-Enabled Technology to Promote the Adoption of Practice Guidelines
Authors: Anderson James G. , Casebeer Linda L , Kristofco Robert E. , Carillo Angela S.
Published: May 2011

The rapid expansion of scientific knowledge brings increased physician uncertainty in clinical decisionmaking. Clinical practice guidelines have been developed to reduce physician uncertainty. The broad movement to develop and disseminate clinical practice guidelines is rooted in evidence-based medicine. Although the development and dissemination of evidence-based guidelines has increased dramatically over the past decade, studies indicate serious deficiencies in the adoption of guidelines into practice. Developments such as client/server networks, the Internet, and the World Wide Web are rapidly expanding potential educational applications for information and communications technologies and the capacity for introducing strategies to promote guideline adoption. Web-enabled computer technology can enhance the capability of healthcare information systems to reduce variation in clinical decisionmaking.
National Library of Korea
Authors: Lee Ook
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents the result of an action research conducted by an IS scholar who was involved in establishing and running a digital library which was government initiated in South Korea. The lessons from the national digital library’s case include the issue of the relationship between national IT infrastructure and the success of the national digital library. As a part of building the national IT infrastructure, a digital library that combines all digital libraries which already existed in various universities and that can provide overseas information such as journal articles instantly to every Korean researcher for free was established. An empirical survey was done as a part of the action research which included identifying the user satisfaction rate of the newly established national digital library. After obtaining results out of the survey, the action researcher recommended to go ahead with the current way of running a nationwide government-owned digital library.
Towards the People's Network
Authors: Baigent Helen , Moore Chris
Published: May 2011

This chapter explores Web-based public library networking developments within the context of the United Kingdom. The political context in recent years has led to plans to deliver a national Public Library Network, promising innovative new services to combat social exclusion and facilitate lifelong learning. The road to realizing the vision of a People’s Network is still far from a reality and many of the issues currently facing the sector demand enormous amounts of coordination and cooperation in order to ensure that public libraries remain at the heart of the political agenda. It is suggested that the work of the EARL Consortium, its achievements and approach to library networking present an important model to shape the roll-out of the national network. Once delivered, the United Kingdom will arguably hold a place amongst the world leaders in the global information society.