DOI: 10.3897/jucs.159191

Authors: Muhammad Saqlain, José M. Merigó, Keivan Amirbagheri, Hermann Maurer

Abstract: This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the Journal of Universal Computer Science (JUCS) covering the period 1994-2024, based on data retrieved from the Scopus database in April 2025. The analysis has been conducted following the scientific procedures and rationales for systematic literature reviews (SPAR-4-SLR) protocol and using mathematical and statistical methods, VOS viewer, and bibliometrix. The article investigates the journal’s publication trends, citation structures, collaboration networks, and thematic evolution over three decades. A comparative review with the study published in 2021 by Baloain and collaborators, shows improved journal metrics, enhanced global recognition, and alignment with emerging research trends. The co-citation and bibliographic coupling analyses highlight JUCS’s strong intellectual connectivity across key domains of computer science, particularly in interdisciplinary areas. Thematic mapping and keyword analysis show a clear transition from classical computing themes to modern topics like artificial intelligence, deep learning, big data, and blockchain, demonstrating the journal’s responsiveness to evolving scientific priorities. The study concludes with general findings, practical implications, and future research directions, emphasizing JUCS’s role as a durable, adaptive, and impactful platform for scholarly output in the global computer science research community.

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DOI: 10.3897/jucs.114513

Authors: Geová Junio da Silva Tavares, Nelson Souto Rosa

Abstract: Adaptive systems possess the remarkable capability to assess and modify their behavior in real-time, particularly when the software deviates from its programmed course or when opportunities for enhanced functionality or performance arise. This adaptability proves invaluable in highly dynamic environments, where rapid changes occur, and human oversight alone falls short in effectively managing applications. However, in certain system types, achieving optimal performance through adaptation may necessitate human input, be it as a sensor providing unique information beyond the system’s reach, an actuator driving adaptation, or a fallback mechanism in contingency scenarios. In this context, the concept of ’human-in-the-loop’ harnesses the innate capabilities of humans to execute tasks and make decisions with greater efficiency and precision, thereby ensuring the security and reliability of these systems. Our primary objective in this study is to present a comprehensive analysis of the key research and contributions in this field. Additionally, we aim to pinpoint potential research avenues and unresolved challenges within the realm of Human-in-the-loop.

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DOI: 10.3897/jucs.109788

Authors: Lojenaa Navanesan, Nhien-An Le-Khac, Yossi Oren, Kasun De Zoysa, Asanka P. Sayakkara

Abstract: The possession of smart devices has ingrained itself into daily life. Therefore, smart devices, such as IoT and smartphones, are crucial sources of evidence in instances where criminal activity occurs. Due to the challenges in traditional digital forensic techniques involving smart devices, it has been recently proposed in the literature to leverage electromagnetic side-channel analysis (EM-SCA) for the purpose. This paper identifies and discusses an important barrier that exists in the application of EM-SCA for digital forensics that hinders its successful use, namely, the issue of cross-device portability of machine learning (ML) models that are used for EM-SCA. Firstly, the paper empirically evaluates the possibility of using trained ML models to extract forensic insights from EM radiation data of IoT devices. During this empirical study, the inability to reuse a trained ML model across different devices is identified. Secondly, the paper surveys the literature in search of related work that has studied the use of EM-SCA to gather information from smart devices. The purpose of the survey is to identify whether any existing work has been able to introduce potential approaches to enable cross-device portability of ML models in EM-SCA. The findings of this survey point to the fact that the identified problem still exists and requires further studies opening the door to future research.

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DOI: 10.3897/jucs.109227

Authors: Binnu Paul, Dwijen Rudrapal, Kunal Chakma, Anupam Jamatia

Abstract: Multimodal machine translation (MMT) is a challenging task in the linguistically diverse Indian landscape. Machine translation refers to the task of automatically converting content from one language to another without human involvement. Within the realm of natural language processing, a significant challenge arises from the inherent ambiguity present in human language. Translation ambiguity is a cross-lingual phenomenon that can manifest itself for various reasons, including lexical ambiguity, the occasional need to impute missing words, the presence of gen-der ambiguity, and word-sense ambiguities. These factors can lead to a decrease in translation accuracy. The integration of multiple modalities, such as images, videos, and audio, in addition to text, plays a pivotal role in improving the robustness and precision of translation systems. Over the past five years, extensive research has been dedicated to incorporating secondary modalities alongside text to improve language translation and comprehension. In this comprehensive study, our objective was to identify and explore promising MMT approaches, available corpora, eval-uation metrics, research challenges, and the future direction of research specifically for Indian languages. We evaluated 81 papers, including MMT models, MMT dataset in Indian languages, survey on MMT approach, and the effects of multiple modalities in machine translation. The performance of the different proposed approaches has also been briefly analyzed on the basis of the claimed results and comparative evaluations. Finally, the challenges associated with the MMT task for India and some possible directions for future research in this domain are highlighted.

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DOI: 10.3897/jucs.98708

Authors: Anne Perera, Amitha Caldera

Abstract: Sentiment Analysis is the task of identifying and extracting the opinion expressed in a text to determine the writer's perception of an entity. Due to globalization, people often mix two or more languages and use phonetic typing and lexical borrowing in web communication. This concept is known as code-mixing. Although extracting the opinion of text written in monolingual languages is simple and straightforward, Sentiment Analysis of code-mixed text is challenging. Classifiers fail within the context of the code-mixed text as text may consist of creative writing, spelling variations, grammatical errors, and different word orders. Hence, SA of code-mixed text is an interesting, challenging, and popular research area. This paper presents the state-of-the-art in Sentiment Analysis of code-mixed text by discussing each concept in detail. The paper also discusses the focused areas, techniques used, limitations, and performances of the studies related to code-mixing.

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DOI: 10.3897/jucs.94929

Authors: Anderson Melo de Morais, Fernando Antonio Aires Lins, Nelson Souto Rosa

Abstract: While IoT systems are increasingly present in different areas of society, ensuring their data’s privacy, security, and inviolability becomes paramount. In this direction, Blockchain has been used to protect the security and immutability of data generated by IoT devices and sensors. At the heart of Blockchain solutions, consensus algorithms are crucial in ensuring the security of creating and writing data in new blocks. Choosing which consensus algorithms to utilise is critical because of a fundamental tradeoff between their security strength and response time. However, recent surveys of consensus mechanisms for IoT-based Blockchain focused on individually using and analysing these algorithms. Investigating the integration between these algorithms to address IoT-specific requirements better is a promising approach. In this context, this paper presents a literature review that explains and discusses consensus algorithms in IoT environments and their combinations. The review analyses eight dimensions that help understand existing proposals: ease of integration, scalability, latency, throughput, power consumption, configuration issues, integrated algorithms, and adversary tolerance. The final analysis also suggests and discusses open challenges in integrating multiple consensus algorithms considering the particularities of IoT systems.

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DOI: 10.3897/jucs.77029

Authors: Ani Vanyan, Hrant Khachatrian

Abstract: Semi-supervised learning is a branch of machine learning focused on improving the performance of models when the labeled data is scarce, but there is access to large number of unlabeled examples. Over the past five years there has been a remarkable progress in designing algorithms which are able to get reasonable image classification accuracy having access to the labels for only 0.1% of the samples. In this survey, we describe most of the recently proposed deep semi-supervised learning algorithms for image classification and identify the main trends of research in the field. Next, we compare several components of the algorithms, discuss the challenges of reproducing the results in this area, and highlight recently proposed applications of the methods originally developed for semi-supervised learning.

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DOI: 10.3897/jucs.66979

Authors: José Monteiro, Maria Bernando, Mafalda Ferreira, Tânia Rocha

Abstract: In democratic countries, government websites became an important channel for interaction with the public administration in the last few years. Nevertheless, several issues have an impact on the way users access to content and information. Lack of accessibility and usability or, in the broad sense, lack of concern with user needs, can still be found in many government websites. To address the problem, a previous literature review on e-government information delivery attributes was performed. Based on this review, a large set of attributes related to quality was obtained to evaluate these dimensions in the context of e-government. The purpose of this study is to better understand which of these attributes are the most valued, in the users’ perspective, for evaluating content delivered by government websites. A qualitative approach was adopted, using Focus Group interviews as a strategy to obtain data and Thematic Analysis to analyze such data. The main results highlighted the attributes related to content delivery, interaction, and emotional aspects. User Experience, accessibility, and usability were prioritized by Focus Group participants.

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DOI: 10.3897/jucs.66455

Authors: Fairouz Fakhfakh, Slim Kallel, Saoussen Cheikhrouhou

Abstract: Cloud and Fog computing have been widely recognized as attractive solutions in both academic and industrial sectors. Despite their benefits, the adoption of Cloud and Fog computing still have considerable challenges to be handled due to the increase of client requirements. A crucial issue, in this context, is how to verify the correctness of Cloud and Fog systems. The use of formal methods is an efficient mean which provides a real help for the designer to evaluate the behaviour of a system and prevent errors before its implementation. In this paper, we present a systematic literature review (SLR) on the current state of the art in this field. We collect the existing studies on the use of formal methods for proving the correctness of Cloud and Fog systems. The proposed approaches are compared based on some technical properties such as the verification methods, the verification tools, the considered properties, and the application domains. In addition, future directions which need more investigations are presented. We believe that our paper will be useful for industry and academic researchers to understand the existing contributions that deal with the cor- rectness of Cloud and Fog systems. Moreover, it helps them to address several gaps in the literature.

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DOI: 10.3897/jucs.2020.055

Authors: Dennis Beck, Leonel Morgado, Patrick Shea

Abstract: Advancing the field of research in Immersive Learning Environments requires avoiding the pitfalls of previous educational technologies. Studies must consider the actual use of these environments and the context where it occurs, not simply the technocentric perspectives on these environments. This paper provides an overview and analysis of surveys on this topic, in order to map the field and find out which information on actual uses of Immersive Learning Environments are reported, and hence which gaps need to be covered towards a robust, encompassing knowledge on their relationship with learning. Collected accounts of use were clustered via thematic analysis and contrasted with research areas in learning and technology, highlighting the gaps in the field and serving as a blueprint for research agendas on uses of immersive learning environments.

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DOI: 10.3897/jucs.2020.042

Authors: Damjan Fujs, Simon Vrhovec, Damjan Vavpotič

Abstract: Information systems are pervasive in organizations of all sizes. To use them securely, users must be properly trained. Because of the pervasiveness of information systems the number of scientific publications reporting on user training for secure use of information systems is increasing year by year. To overcome the issue of manually surveying such a vast body of knowledge and to keep up with research trends, we conducted bibliometric mapping of research on user training for secure use of information systems. A total of N = 1955 records published between 1991 and 2019 were retrieved from the Web of Science bibliographic database on 21 November 2019. Top contributing authors, organizations, countries and research field were identified with the Web of Science built-in results analysis tool. Additionally, keyword mapping was performed with VOSviewer software. The analysis of the network and overlay keyword maps revealed six clusters: healthcare, technology adoption, management, information security, technical solutions and physical security. The results of this study suggest attractive research directions to be pursued in the future, such as information security training in healthcare and individualized user training alternatives to one-size-fits-all user training approach.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-023-12-1113

Authors: Murat Topaloglu, Dilek Kırar

Abstract: The BYOD programme is a trend that aims to provide companies and workers with the next generation of security methods and flexible business models. These have been developed recently as a result of technological developments, especially in smart devices. Individuals from the "Y generation", who are also called the millennials, have a significant influence on shaping the present and future technology. Y generation employees want to use their own devices, including their own personal applications. Allowing employees to use their own devices does not mean that you will lose anything or have no control. For this reason, the BYOD policy, when implemented at a good level, significantly increases business performance and increases the productivity with the benefits provided by mobility. The BYOD tendency, which is difficult to avoid, increases the productivity of employees and the flexibility of the company in the eyes of the employees, by letting them use their own devices in the business environment. Moreover, it reflects positively on the employees' morale, with a subsequent increase in company loyalty. The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity and reliability analyses done during the development of the scale which aims to measure the effects of BYOD on workers and to assess its security components, benefits, applicability and sustainability. Our goal is to revise the previous research done and present objective values and findings obtained from the analyses. These values were based on the demographic information and the answers given by participants about to what extent BYOD is known and legal, its vulnerabilities in infrastructure and data security, the way it affects workers' perceptions individually and in general, and the benefits it provides. SPSS 20 program was used for descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), item analyses and correlation coefficients.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-020-15-1995

Authors: Chien-Wen Shen, Shih-Hsuan Chu

Abstract: Given the increasingly important role social networking services play as sources of information during disasters, this study aims to investigate how the municipal governments and their emergency agencies employed RSS or Atom, webcast, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and photo-sharing platforms in the major U.S. cities. Our findings show that the emergency agencies of San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Jose are the top 3 performers on the Web 2.0 services. Regarding the social networking services provided by municipal emergency agencies, New York, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia rank among the top 3 cities. While San Diego city government and its emergency agencies provide the most number of Web 2.0 channels, New York City and its emergency agencies have the highest number of services in Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and photo-sharing platforms (Flickr, Pinterest, and Instagram). Because big cities can support better collaboration and communication during crisis if they provide more services on social networking services, under-performing cities can enhance their services by learning from the top-performing cities such as San Diego or New York City.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-018-16-2334

Authors: Javier Melero, Davinia Hernández-Leo, Josep Blat

Abstract: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) engineering education is facing a decreasing interest by students. To deal with this issue, a need for shifting from traditional learning approaches to constructivist methods has been identified. Several pedagogical methodologies based on social and constructivist theories are being applied to engage students in ICT education. This paper presents a literature review of studies carried out from 2000 to 2010 that have applied constructivist learning methods with supportive tools to specific ICT areas. From the analysis of the literature review this paper identifies the most representative constructivist learning methods within the field of ICT education. In particular, we pay attention to the educational tooling used to support the learning process and the learning benefits of applying such methods. The analysis also reveals that different combinations of guidance approaches and tooling implementations are often adopted to scaffold the learning process. With the aim of understanding to what extent and how scaffolding is present in the studied learning scenarios, this document proposes a definition of different types of scaffolding techniques. Namely: social-guidance and system-guidance scaffolding, depending on whether an individual or a tool is the responsible for providing support to students; macro-scaffolding when pedagogical methods define activity flows, or micro-scaffolding when the support is provided to perform specific actions within activities; and tool-enveloped scaffolding, when a generic tool such a learning management system scaffolds the learning process by the integration of different supportive tools, and tool-embedded scaffolding when the scaffolding is applied within a specific-purpose tooling.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-018-03-0377

Authors: Paolo Ferri, Andrea Pozzali

Abstract: The current debate on the potential for change that the development of social media can bring to education seems to be based more on general and theoretical considerations than on systematic data. In order to contribute to the development of a more informed perspective, in this paper we present empirical evidence gathered from a 2008 and 2009 survey on undergraduate students at the University of Milan-Bicocca, concerning students' attitudes toward traditional and new media. In particular, we focus here on data concerning the diffusion of some specific tools and services that are commonly meant to represent the most important features of the "collaborative web". The comparison of the results obtained in the two surveys allows us to make some reflections on the path of diffusion of social media among young university students and to critically review their actual significance in an educational perspective.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-017-12-1673

Authors: Michele Brocco, Florian Forster, Marc Frieß

Abstract: Open Innovation is a new paradigm that suggests including actors from inside as well as outside a company's boundaries in the innovation process. Open creativity refers to the creative phase in this process. In this article we investigate on open creativity support. We conducted interviews within companies in the German ICT sector to analyze the status quo of open creativity and the tools currently used to support it. In a second step we derive design guidelines and an architecture for IT systems supporting open creativity that lead to a holistic, 360ffi support for open creativity.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-017-10-1367

Authors: Rainer Erne

Abstract: Experts in specific professional domains form the fastest increasing workforce in OECD countries. Since this fact has been realised by management researchers, they have focussed on the question of how to measure and enhance the productivity of said workforce. According to the author's cross-industrial research undertaken in five different knowledge-intensive organisations, it is, however, not productivity in the traditional meaning of the term which is to be regarded as the crucial performance indicator in expert work. There rather exist multiple performance indicators, each of which is, moreover, differently graded as to its importance by different stakeholders. These findings, firstly, indicate the need for an alternative definition and way of measurement of productivity when the term is applied to knowledge work, and, secondly, they indicate the need for alternative management strategies in order to generate an increase in the productivity of knowledge workers. This paper describes and summarises the key performance indicators for expert work as well as the major 'managing forces' and their general strategies in assessing knowledge workers' performance across five different business segments. It further delineates consequences for the management of knowledge workers - consequences affecting various 'knowledge-intensive' industries.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-016-13-1761

Authors: Kichan Nam, Nam Lee

Abstract: This study provides a conceptual framework with respect to service innovation, especially from a service-dominant logic (S-D logic) perspective. Even though innovation has been discussed as one of the most critical elements in enhancing the competitiveness of service industry, it was not clear how service innovation should be different from diverse types of existing innovation. The S-D logic provides a novel and valuable theoretical perspective that unifies the conventional literature on innovation. According to this new logic, four types of service innovation are presented based on two dimensions: the degree of co-creation and the degree of networked collaboration. We argue that service innovation can arise by the activity of value co-creation between firm and customer on the first dimension. On the second dimension, the firm needs to enhance their own capabilities for service innovation by applying the resources of all actors including suppliers and customers. Our framework indicates that it is critical for productive service innovation to make customers participate in value creation process and to integrate the dispersed resources held by participants. Examples are discussed with respect to different types of services innovation.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-016-09-1152

Authors: James Decraene, Thomas Hinze

Abstract: All processes of life are controlled by networks of interacting biochemical components. The purpose of modelling these networks is manifold. From a theoretical point of view it allows the exploration of network structures and dynamics, to find emergent properties or to explain the organisation and evolution of networks. From a practical point of view, in silico experiments can be performed that would be very expensive or impossible to achieve in the laboratory, such as hypothesis-testing with regards to knock-out experiments or overexpression, or checking the validity of a proposed molecular mechanism. The literature on modelling biochemical networks is growing rapidly and the motivations behind different modelling techniques are sometimes quite distant from each other. To clarify the current context, we review several of the most popular methods and outline the strengths and weaknesses of deterministic, stochastic, probabilistic, algebraic and agent-based approaches. We then present a comparison table which allows one to identify easily key attributes for each approach such as: the granularity of representation or formulation of temporal and spatial behaviour. We describe how through the use of heterogeneous and bridging tools, it is possible to unify and exploit desirable features found in differing modelling techniques. This paper provides a comprehensive survey of the multidisciplinary area of biochemical networks modelling. By increasing the awareness of multiple complementary modelling approaches, we aim at offering a more comprehensive understanding of biochemical networks.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-016-08-1056

Authors: Manuel J. Fernández Iglesias, Luis M. Álvarez Sabucedo

Abstract: Europe is currently transitioning to digital terrestrial television and isaimed to replace all analog infrastructures by 2012. Besides replacing all broadcasting networks in Europe, the transition requires updating household televisions andantennas. As with any major change, public administrations must keep citizens informed and provide support, especially when dealing with a communication mediumexpected to support a new portfolio of services and information. State-of-the-art technologies enable universal coverage in locations where television services are currentlyunavailable. This paper evaluates the transition to digital television in several European regions and analyzes novel approaches and solutions to achieving universal accessto digital television and citizen awarenes.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-014-16-2599

Authors: Toni Granollers, Cesar Collazos, María González

Abstract: Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is a challenging discipline that is currently concerned with the design, implementation and evaluation of interactive systems for human use, as well as the study of major phenomena surrounding them. Indeed, interdisciplinary communities formed by scientists, university teachers and students, people coming from the industry and customers related to HCI are emerging in different parts of the world. In particular, this article overviews the HCI community in the Ibero-American context, which involves hundreds of millions of people working or studying in HCI, whose cultural background is primarily associated with the Spanish and Portuguese languages and cultures, regardless of ethnic and geographical differences. Our final goal is to improve the visibility of this particular HCI community, enhancing the self awareness of its members and their individual motivation and future exchanges.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-014-04-0526

Authors: Claudia Müller, Benedikt Meuthrath, Anne Baumgraß

Abstract: Increasingly wikis are used to support existing corporate knowledge exchange processes. They are an appropriate software solution to support knowledge processes. However, it is not yet proven whether wikis are an adequate knowledge management tool or not. This paper presents a new approach to analyze existing knowledge exchange processes in wikis based on network analysis. Because of their dynamic characteristics four perspectives on wiki networks are introduced to investigate the interrelationships between people, information, and events in a wiki information space. As an analysis method the Social Network Analysis (SNA) is applied to uncover existing structures and temporal changes. A scenario data set of an analysis conducted with a corporate wiki is presented. The outcomes of this analysis were utilized to improve the existing corporate knowledge processes.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-011-04-0526

Authors: Valentina Janev, Sanja Vraneš

Abstract: Knowledge technologies, the software products that support all aspects of knowledge processing and exchange, are the subject of permanent interest for software engineers at research organizations, as well as, for market analysts in commercial organizations. In order to clarify the role of knowledge management solutions in an enterprise business process, in this paper we survey the market of knowledge management solutions and analyze their functionalities from operational and strategic business perspective. Although knowledge flows are identified on an operational level, discussion will show that knowledge management solutions here serve to utilize the enterprise knowledge in an efficient performance of daily work. We argue that data and information collected on the operational level are processed by knowledge management solutions on a strategic level thus creating new knowledge that is used for strategic management of customers, suppliers and partners. This paper gives an insight into knowledge management market that can help the strategic planners to easily begin a knowledge management initiative.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-011-03-0394

Authors: Eric Ras, Gabriela Avram, Patrick Waterson, Stephan Weibelzahl

Abstract: There are various Knowledge Management Systems available currently and designed to support knowledge sharing and learning. An example of these are Experience-based Information Systems in the domain of Software Engineering, i.e., Information Systems designed to support experience management. Lately, these have become more and more sophisticated from a technical point of view. However, there are several shortcomings that appear to limit the input, the content of these systems and their usage. The problems identified in this paper relate to knowledge acquisition, learning issues, as well as to the users' motivation and trust. We introduce an approach meant to enhance the content of the experience base and improve learning from experiences within information spaces, namely weblogs that are maintained during daily work and serve as input for both an experience base and for an information element base. In order to enhance learning, a pedagogical information agent is envisaged for retrieving suitable experiences to be further enriched with additional information elements and produce micro-didactical learning arrangements. In addition we consider the relevance of motivation and trust issues. An empirical study demonstrates that using weblogs for such an approach is feasible.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-010-06-0702

Authors: Jon Rodríguez, Arturo Castellanos, Stanislav Ranguelov

Abstract: In Higher Education and Research Organisations (HEROs), one of the most important activities in the R & D process is the effective management of knowledge transference. A correct analysis and diagnosis of that process through knowledge management methodology is essential for the correct orientation of organisation strategy. The aim of this paper is to describe the analysis carried out in order to diagnose the research & development & transference (R & D & T) activities at a public university in Spain. The diagnosis analyses the key phases in the knowledge transference process, because these different stages define important implications for the monitoring of the intellectual capital and the organisation s performance. Also with in the diagnostic analysis preformed here an methodological innovation is introduced related with the cause and effect relations of the knowledge collaboration and a process witch deals mainly with intangibles.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-010-06-0691

Authors: Tobias Mueller-Prothmann, Ina Finke

Abstract: In many organisations, conservation of specialised expertise is picked out as a central theme only after experienced members have already left. The paper presents the SELaKT method, a method for Sustainable Expert Localisation and Knowledge T ransfer based on social network analysis (SNA). It has been developed during a project co-operation between the Department of Information Science at the Institute for Media and Communication Studies, Free University Berlin, and the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology IPK, Berlin. The SELaKT method uses recent insights into network analysis and pragmatically adapts SNA to suit organisational practice. Thus it provides a strategic tool to localise experts, to identify knowledge communities and to analyse the structure of knowledge flows within and between organisations. The SELaKT method shows its advances and increasing relevance for practical use by integration of specific organisational conditions and requirements into the process of analysis.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-010-03-0294

Authors: Jennifer Preece

Abstract: Creating online communities of practice involves much more than creating software. Software houses online communities of practice activities but social interactions also depend on who is involved, what their goals are, their personalities and the community's norms and policies. By paying attention to these sociability issues, community members can influence how their community develops. Norms that lead to good online etiquette, empathy and trust between community members provide stepping-stones for social capital development.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-010-03-0284

Authors: Georg Droschl

Abstract: It has been observed that for a Community of Practice (CoP) to be successful, a significant amount of time shall be devoted to understanding the needs of community members. Furthermore, a tool to support the CoP shall be selected based on the kind of activities that are most important for that CoP. Since many of the tools available today place emphasis on a single type of application such as e-learning or document management, unplanned selection may rise unwanted barriers. In this paper, we examine the benefits of integrating some of the following types of technologies into one single technological platform and their impact on CoP: (1) content- and document Management, (2) collaboration / groupware, (3) web conferencing, and (4) e-learning.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-010-03-0162

Authors: Matteo Bonifacio, Pierfranco Camussone, Chiara Zini

Abstract: KM is more an archipelago of theories and practices rather than a monolithic approach. We propose a conceptual map that organizes some major approaches to KM according to their assumptions on the nature of knowledge. The paper introduces the two major views on knowledge -objectivist, subjectivist - and explodes each of them into two major approaches to KM: knowledge as a market, and knowledge as intellectual capital (the objectivistic perspective), knowledge as mental models, and knowledge as practice (the subjectivist perspective). We argue that the dichotomy between objective and subjective approaches is intrinsic to KM within complex organizations, as each side of the dichotomy responds to different, and often conflicting, needs: on the one hand, the need to maximize the value of knowledge through its replication, on the other hand, the need to keep knowledge appropriate to an increasingly complex and changing environment. Moreover, as a proposal for a deeper discussion, such trade-off will be suggested as the origin of other relevant KM related trade-offs that will be listed. Managing these trade-offs will be proposed as a main challenge of KM.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-009-12-1372

Authors: Kai Reinhardt, Klaus North

Abstract: The present state of research on competence management does not provide any suitable model that can be used in practice. Neither results from organizational nor from cognitive and social sciences meet the requirements for an application-oriented competence management completely as yet. An integrative competence management must be able to synchronise individual with organisational competencies. This linking is still neglected in research. A convenient solution has not been described yet. This article presents a model for an integrated competence management model, which gives approaches from both cognitive science and organizational science a practical framework of action.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-009-07-0592

Authors: Marc Kuhn

Abstract: A knowledge oriented culture is often considered as a basic infrastructure for successful Knowledge Management. Decentralized knowledge activities at Bosch follow the given company culture and do not try to affect cultural aspects at short notice. The internal analysis of knowledge culture bases on a Bosch-specific three-level model. This model is used for research activities on Bosch internal knowledge markets . As result, a specific Knowledge Culture Index can be defined. This Index helps to show the potentials of knowledge management solutions in one single organizational context.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-009-06-0571

Authors: Lilia Efimova, Janine Swaak

Abstract: Companies are starting to recognise synergies between knowledge management, training and e-learning programs, but a closer look reveals that these integration ideas are rarely implemented in practice. The goal of this paper is to provide a starting point for collaboration between corporate KM and HR/learning teams by mapping existing practices of linking KM, training and e-learning efforts. We provide an overview of experiences and future ideas of collaboration derived from several studies, group them in three themes and then illustrate each theme with a scenario. The first theme gives examples of using HR and training instruments to support knowledge management. The second theme represents cases of using KM methods (namely a community of practice) to support HR learning management efforts. The last theme describes how KM and HR/learning teams could work on joint initiatives. Then we discuss the added value of the scenarios and propose further practical steps and research directions.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-009-06-0491

Authors: Matteo Bonifacio, Alessandra Molani

Abstract: The goal of this article is to explore some of the main reasons that sustain a distributed approach to Knowledge Management, and this will be done, first, showing how, according to very different theoretical disciplines, knowledge diversity is proposed as the very source of organizational innovation and adaptability, second providing some evidence coming from major applicative domains, third proposing some considerations on the role of technology.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-009-04-0349

Authors: Robert Stubenrauch, Daniela Camhy, Jennifer Lennon, Hermann Maurer

Abstract: Systems supporting new forms of communication and archiving of dynamic visual information have a range of potential applications, some of which are described in this paper on a conceptual basis. We present a visual language for dynamic (historic) maps, applications of pictorial lexicons, concepts for interactive support systems for assembly and repair, and a platform for abstract movies.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-009-04-0309

Authors: Hermann Maurer, Robert Stubenrauch, Daniela Camhy

Abstract: Research in neurosciences, cognitive psychology and media sciences indicates that "visual thinking" carries a potential of the human mind that is generally still neglected today but could heavily be fostered by novel types of communicating and archiving information. Computer technology (information systems, telecommunication and visual tools) in turn promises to provide a wide range of highly effective tools to support visual, dynamic communication. MIRACLE treads new paths to address a crucial issue: In what way and to what extent can and should current and future systems support new ways of communicating and archiving information using dynamic, visual information? This paper gives a survey of the numerous attempts that have been made so far to overcome language barriers by introducing artificial languages (both on a spoken/text and on a visual basis). It also analyzes the general status of technology (computer hardware and software) to support such efforts as well as a number of specific projects. From this overview we draw the conclusion that computer-based systems designed to support communicating and archiving dynamic visual information should focus on the following features: Support dynamic language elements on a structural level in addition to traditional animated icons, Incorporate gestural language elements (inspired by natural sign languages) anticipating future ways of human-computer interaction, Allow evolutionary development of the language in a group-dynamic and interactive process involving large international groups of participants. In a final section we give a brief outline of the cluster of specific projects carried out under the heading of MIRACLE.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-008-05-0536

Authors: Rüdiger Reinhardt, Beate Stattkus

Abstract: The loss of an employee - voluntarily or involuntarily - represents a great risk of losing information and know how as well as breaks the natural knowledge flow. We developed the Knowledge Transfer Meeting Methodology in order to reduce the "brain drain" through a systematic hand-over. The Knowledge Transfer Meeting consists of five modules that support the retrieval and sharing of knowledge systematically and explicitly. The approach promotes a mentorship or partnership philosophy, motivating the leaving employee to share his or her knowledge and experience with a successor. For the implementation of the Knowledge Transfer Meeting Methodology in the company, we identify and train so-called "facilitators" who lead the participants through the process and hence support and spread the methodology within the company.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-008-05-0526

Authors: Shantha Liyanage

Abstract: The process of knowledge and intellectual capital management aims to improve organisational performance and efficiency. Knowledge is a distinct capability that contributes to the improvement of this efficiency. Learning is an integral part of the knowledge system and can be identified by deconstructing available organisational knowledge. This paper offers an interpretative perspective of knowledge and intellectual capital development, it also examines previously fractured contextual approaches to organisational management research, which often fail to include learning as a significant factor for both absorbing and recognising the knowledge capabilities of a firm. Based on the results from a study conducted across 140 companies as well as selected case studies, this paper investigates learning mechanisms and their role in building a firm s knowledge capabilities. This paper argues that learning is an integral part of the knowledge process in which learning acts as an endogenous factor for the development, absorption and utilisation of knowledge. The search continues for an appropriate epistemological framework in the area of management research under which organisational learning theories can be analysed while simultaneously remaining relevant and useful to the pragmatics of organisational knowledge development.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-006-03-0367

Authors: Jessie Lennertz

Abstract: This study investigated the self-reported effects of Internet use on faculty at small Christian colleges and universities by age, years of Internet use, academic field, and on faculty communication style, teaching style, personal productivity, fulfillment of the organization s mission, social networks, research, and professional development. Findings: Faculty believed that their communication had changed and that they can communicate with others more quickly, get faster replies to questions, and obtain more relevant data. Faculty disagreed that their teaching style had changed and that they had changed the way they conduct a class. Faculty believe that their productivity has changed. Most faculty disagreed that the Internet has made them more comfortable sharing their feelings about God. Faculty believe that the Internet has changed the type of jobs and the way students look for jobs, that there are fewer barriers to joining an electronic group, and that the volume of people they keep in frequent touch with has increased. Most faculty agreed that the way they do research has changed and that the Internet makes it easier to get information about advances in their fields. Faculty disagreed that the Internet could be substituted for conferences and that the Internet has made it possible for them to serve on boards. Key Words: Internet, faculty, communication, professional development, personal productivity, research, social networks, teaching, mission.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-006-03-0289

Authors: William Schindel, Gloria Rogers

Abstract: Continuous improvement of hard technology (software, electronic, mechanical, chemical, biological, etc.) systems and institutional (mixed human and technology based) systems is examined from a system perspective, applying system engineering and assessment methodologies and tools. Class and containment hierarchies are used to simplify the modeling of complex systems and their dynamic processes, particularly system families with both shared standardized content and necessary diversity, resolving addressing an historical tension. The engineering concept of _embedded system_ is formalized as modeled patterns of embedding management intelligence in both hard technology systems and human institutions. Embedded intelligence models describe intelligent performance, human learning, technical system life cycle improvement, and institutional improvement of all systems. The resulting models describe situationally aware, conscious systems, whether adaptive man_made systems or continuously improving institutions. Models include system requirements, design, verification, and change management. Assessment of system performance against goals determines priority for continuing system improvement. After treating human and hard technology systems on a unified basis, their significant differences are recognized through knowledge worker educational processes, personal reflection on performance, and use of electronic portfolios exhibiting best work. Tools supporting these methodologies are Intranet infrastructure providing computer support of the collaborative work of specifying institutional and technical system requirements, design, assessment, and improvement change management. This approach originates from integrating methodologies and tools of a collegiate educational institution and a commercial engineering enterprise, applied to educational and industrial client systems, environments, technologies, and markets. The resulting approach creates a unified framework for continuous improvement of systems.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-004-06-0604

Authors: Samuel Rebelsky, Fillia Makedon, P. Metaxas, Peter Gloor

Abstract: Abstract: In this paper, we discuss the design and development of a particular type of electronic publication that has gained recent popularity: electronic conference proceedings. We suggest that modern electronic proceedings should provide a high degree of interactivity. To support such interactivity, proceedings should include an extensive collection of features and diverse multimedia components. Features appropriate for electronic proceedings include annotation, presentation, and retrieval mechanisms. Conference papers and multimedia reproductions of conference presentations with features that allow readers to manipulate these reproductions particularly enhance the interactivity of electronic proceedings. Experience from interactive proceedings the authors have designed is also discussed. Special attention is given to the multiple roles video elements can and should play in interactive proceedings.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-003-08-0835

Authors: Uwe Borghoff, Remo Pareschi

Abstract: Knowledge has been lately recognized as one of the most important assets of organizations. Can information technology help the growth and the sustainment of organizational knowledge? The answer is yes, if care is taken to remember that IT here is just a part of the story (corporate culture and work practices being equally relevant) and that the information technologies best suited for this purpose should be expressly designed with knowledge management in view. This special issue of the Journal of Universal Computer Science contains a selection of papers from the First Conference on Practical Applications of Knowledge Management. Each paper describes a specific type of information technology suitable for the support of different aspects of knowledge management.

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