Journal of International Technology and Information Management

Abstract

Volume 13, Number 1, 2004

 

 1. Building Relationships That Last: Integrating Public Relations Into Web Design

Richard V. McCarthy, Quinnipiac University

Jay E. Aronson, The University of Georgia

Robert Petrausch, Iona College

 

This paper explores the relationship between web site design, public relations strategy, and a consumer’s intention to return to a web site.  This relationship is defined through a model that explores the influence of information satisfaction, particularly when the web site design is congruent with the consumer’s expectations.  The public relations dimension extends the consumer web site design model by interjecting a long-term focus on relationship building that organizations will need to make electronic commerce a viable investment in information technology resources.  This is significant because it recognizes the importance of developing loyalty and trust online.

 

13. Measuring Online Students' Ability To Apply Programming Theory : Are Web Courses Really Working?

Kathryn A. Marold  and Wayne Haga,  Metropolitan State College of Denver

 

As a response to troubling doubts about the success of Web-delivered courses that include problem solving and critical thinking skills, the authors gathered data from two online sections of the CIS Application Programming with Visual Basic course at Metropolitan State College of Denver over two semesters and compared it with the data from classroom sections.  T-tests showed a significant difference in the means of student projects and tests that required application of theory learned. All sections of the course used the same syllabus and assignments and were taught by the same instructor.  Internet students scored significantly lower in theory portions of exams and in projects. The authors conclude that more study is needed, but design and delivery of problem solving courses via the Web needs careful attention.

 

21. Deciding On The Appropriateness Of B2b Reverse Auction Technology Adoption: An AHP Approach Combined With Integer Programming

Tobias Schoenherr, Indiana University

 

Although Business-to-Business online reverse auctions have emerged as a promising purchasing tool, no research has been found that provides a model to assess the reverse auction decision in a systematic way. This paper fills this gap by presenting an integrated approach, utilizing Analytic Hierarchy Process techniques and an Integer Programming Formulation, to decide whether Reverse Auction Technology (RAT) adoption is cost-effective and appropriate. The model developed is a practical decision support tool that allows for the consideration of both qualitative and quantitative decision factors, and for the adoption of multiple modes of RATs, which are contrasted to traditional purchasing.

 

33. A Genetic Algorithm Assisted Hybrid Approach to Web Information Integration

Jia-Lang Seng, National Chengchi University, Taiwan

Ming-Hsiung Ying, Chin Min Institute of Technology, Taiwan

 

Heterogeneity and interoperability of Web data sources represent the current key issue in Web information extraction and integration. Warehouse approach and virtual approach are the common approaches adopted to integrate heterogeneous Web data sources. However, few analytic model and cost model were developed to measure and assess the efficiency and effectiveness of either approach or a combination. Hence, a contingency model cannot be produced to assist the search engine to select and mix the warehouse method and the virtual method. In this study, we present a genetic algorithm assisted hybrid approach to aid the search engine to evaluate the cost and performance factors. We apply genetic algorithm technique to formulate a cost optimization model and compute and compare the cost of extraction and integration. The cost model is based on a collection and compilation of the property data of the query analysis and path expression of the involved Web data sources. Six property analyses are conducted and six evolution steps are created to formulate the genetic algorithm of optimization. Further, we conduct a preliminary experiment using 15 local and global Web bookstores to install and test the method. Our experimental results show that the cost optimization can be achieved with the genetic algorithm and factor analysis.

 

49. Studying The Value Of Information Sharing In E-Business Supply Chain Management

Aryya Gangopadhyay and Zhensen Huang, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

The supply chain management of goods and services involves multiple trading partners such as raw-material suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.  Every one of these trading partners need to determine their requirements, in terms of merchandise, and match them against availability, pricing, and cost of transportation.  At every step of the supply chain economics information retrieval is a crucial and recurring process.  In this paper we study information sharing as a strategy for improved decision making that can increase the profitability of the entire supply chain.  We describe various different models for information sharing and illustrate the benefits of information sharing using ordering relationships among the trading partners of a simple four-node supply chain. In order to examine the relationship between different variables and the well-known bull-whip effect, we develop a simulation system to quantify the variables and generate different results in different scenarios. These results are analyzed in this paper, and implications are presented.

 

61. Improving Workflow in Home Healthcare Industry: A Case Study

Mohan Rao, The University of Texas Pan American

Norma Teran, Cornerstone Rehabilitation Hospital

Michael Savard, Medtronic AVE

 

Home healthcare industry is facing increasing pressure to change business processes and manage information flow electronically. With the help of a case example, this paper describes how a web-based system could improve the workflow communication problems in home healthcare companies.  Every department of the case company has its own software to assist in everyday operations but is unable to communicate with one another electronically.  All documents necessary in the coordination of care have to move physically between departments. The proposed solution is a web-based electronic form management system that would improve regulatory compliance and operating efficiency.