DOI: 10.3897/jucs.112797

Authors: Lorenz Gillner, Ekaterina Auer

Abstract: In this paper, we describe the requirements for traceable open-source data retrieval in the context of computation of BRCA1/2 mutation probabilities (mutations in two tumor-suppressor genes responsible for hereditary BReast or/and ovarian CAncer). We show how such data can be used to develop a Dempster-Shafer model for computing the probability of BRCA1/2 mutations enhanced by taking into account the actual age of a patient or a family member in an appropriate way even if it is not known exactly. The model is compared with PENN II and BOADICEA (based on undisclosed data), two established platforms for this purpose accessible online, as well as with our own previous models. A proof-of-concept implementation shows that set-based techniques are able to provide better information about mutation probabilities, simultaneously highlighting the necessity for ground truth data of high quality.

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DOI: 10.3897/jucs.70369

Authors: Xabier Larrucea, Micha Moffie, Dan Mor

Abstract: Since the emergence of GDPR, several industries and sectors are setting informatics solutions for fulfilling these rules. The Health sector is considered a critical sector within the Industry 4.0 because it manages sensitive data, and National Health Services are responsible for managing patients’ data. European NHS are converging to a connected system allowing the exchange of sensitive information cross different countries. This paper defines and implements a set of tools for extending the reference architectural model industry 4.0 for the healthcare sector, which are used for enhancing GDPR compliance. These tools are dealing with data sensitivity and data hiding tools A case study illustrates the use of these tools and how they are integrated with the reference architectural model.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-024-03-0249

Authors: Hoon Ko, Seogchan Hwang, Libor Mesicek, Jongsun Choi, Junho Choi, Pankoo Kim

Abstract: This paper is to study how to provide smart services by analyzing each service history based on Cloud computing in smart cities. Normally, users use each smart device to receive their services while they stay in a place. In case they move and visit to other place, the system prepares the service based on their services history. At that time, although the users had visited and had services in past, this visiting may ask other services. Then the existing system usually generates new service, and next it provides the service to the user. However, this method is inefficient, because the system has to accept the number of process whenever all users request the service. In this paper, it suggests the smart service model that it keeps users' services history, which had used them while the user stays to a place. The system catches the user's visiting with the user's contexts in the smart device. The model considers their plan/purpose based on old services, and it decides if they modifies them by editing extra services. It calls the system optimization and the suggesting method shows better efficiency after experimenting.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-022-03-0340

Authors: Patricia Santos, Sebastian Dennerlein, Dieter Theiler, John Cook, Tamsin Treasure-Jones, Debbie Holley, Micky Kerr, Graham Attwell, Dominik Kowald, Elisabeth Lex

Abstract: Social learning networks enable the sharing, transfer and enhancement of knowledge in the workplace that builds the ground to exchange informal learning practices. In this work, three healthcare networks are studied in order to understand how to enable the building, maintaining and activation of new contacts at work and the exchange of knowledge between them. By paying close attention to the needs of the practitioners, we aimed to understand how personal and social learning could be supported by technological services exploiting social networks and the respective traces reflected in the semantics. This paper presents a case study reporting on the results of two co-design sessions and elicits requirements showing the importance of scaffolding strategies in personal and shared learning networks. Besides, the significance of these strategies to aggregate trust among peers when sharing resources and decision-support when exchanging questions and answers. The outcome is a set of design criteria to be used for further technical development for a social semantic question and answer tool. We conclude with the lessons learned and future work.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-021-11-1425

Authors: Hsing-Wen Wang, Yen-Chun Wu, Tse-Ping Dong

Abstract: Social networking websites have become increasingly popular, and have also become the main media not only to connect lives socially, but also to affect brand image and consumers' purchase intention. The purpose of this paper is to incorporate the Facebook fan page and e-journal provide over the Internet (cloud e-journal) with the uses and gratification theory to test the impact on brand image and purchase intention through the use of cloud learning. We used cloud learning material from the Ivy League in Taiwan in our case study. This paper also applied structural equation modeling to analyze the data collected from members of the Ivy League Facebook fan page and the Cloud users’ e-journal. The results of this study demonstrated that for the members of the Ivy League Facebook fan page, purchase intention was positively and significantly influenced, regardless of any use intention factors, based on the uses and gratification theory. In addition, using the Facebook fan page and Cloud e-journal would also positively and significantly affect the brand image for Internet users. Moreover, with the Ivy League fan page and the Cloud e-journal's improved brand image, there is an increase in intention to buy the journals and relevant services. This paper also demonstrated that six features of the Cloud e-journal did have a moderating effect on the purchase intention. Our results provide suggestions to those who attempt to build cloud learning solutions for customers, and are also helpful to those who wish to apply the Facebook fan page to customer relationship marketing platforms.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-020-11-1543

Authors: Giansalvatore Mecca, Michele Santomauro, Donatello Santoro, Enzo Veltri

Abstract: We discuss deployment solutions for e-Government Interoperability Frameworks (GIFs). We concentrate on middleware-oriented GIFs, i.e., those in which middleware modules act as intermediaries among information systems that need to exchange data and services. A prominent example is the Italian SPCoop interoperability framework. We review the SPCoop architecture, and two popular open-source implementations of its core modules, called OpenSPCoop and freESBee. We argue that the comparison of these two solutions is relevant since they obey to radically different philosophies, both in terms of the relationship to the underlying J2EE container, and of their internal module organization. Then, we discuss one of the main problems in large-scale deployment of SPCoop-like GIFs, namely the need to quickly deploy a large number of middleware instances over a relatively small number of servers. We report a number of experiments to discuss how the different design choices impact performance. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first large-scale test of the framework, from which a number of important lessons can be learned.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-020-06-0907

Authors: Rui Rijo, Catarina Silva, Luis Pereira, Dulce Gonçalves, Margarida Agostinho

Abstract: Clinical decision support systems play an important role in organizations. They have a tight relation with the information systems. Our goal is to develop a system to support the diagnosis and the classification of epilepsy in children. Around 50 million people in the world have epilepsy. Epilepsy diagnosis can be an extremely complex process, demanding considerable time and effort from physicians and healthcare infrastructures. Exams such as electroencephalograms and magnetic resonances are often used to create a more accurate diagnosis in a short amount of time. After the diagnosis process, physicians classify epilepsy according to the International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision (ICD-9). Physicians need to classify each specific type of epilepsy based on different data, e.g., types of seizures, events and exams' results. The classification process is time consuming and, in some cases, demands for complementary exams. This work presents a text mining approach to support medical decisions relating to epilepsy diagnosis and ICD-9-based classification in children. We put forward a text mining approach using electronically processed medical records, and apply the K-Nearest Neighbor technique as a white-box multiclass classifier approach to classify each instance, mapping it to the corresponding ICD-9-based standard code. Results on real medical records suggest that the proposed framework shows good performance and clear interpretations, albeit the reduced volume of available training data. To overcome this hurdle, in this work we also propose and explore ways of expanding the dataset.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-020-06-0826

Authors: Maral Mayeh, Thurasamy Ramayah, Simona Popa

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to model the relationship between absorptive capacity and intention to use in the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) environment in Iran. This research is a correlation study where a field survey was employed for data collection. The unit of analysis is Iranian individuals who are ERP user in organizations using ERP systems. The questionnaires were sent to the selected organizations. Using a structural equation modeling analysis we tested the hypothesized relationship using AMOS version 16.0. The results indicate that all three absorptive capacity measures to be good predictors of intention to use. Absorptive capacity for applying was the strongest predictor followed by absorptive capacity for understanding and absorptive capacity for assimilating. When implementing complex information systems, managers must also look at the absorptive capacity of the users in order to successful implementation of the system and to ensure continued usage. Previous researchers have not looked at the role of absorptive capacity in system usage at the same rate as those related to technology acceptance research which only focuses on the ease of use and usefulness. Thus this research adds on to the existing literature where future researchers may want to expand on the factors that may influence absorptive capacity for further policy implications.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-019-12-1854

Authors: Leonardo Lezcano, Brigitte Jörg, Brian Lowe, Jon Corson-Rikert

Abstract: Institutional repositories (IR) and Current Research Information Systems (CRIS) store and manage information on the context in which research activity takes place. Several models, standards and ontologies have been proposed to date as solutions to provide coherent semantic descriptions of research information. These present a large degree of overlap but also present very different approaches to modelling. This paper introduces a contrast of two of the more widespread models, the VIVO ontology and the CERIF standards, and provides guidance for mapping them in a way that enables clients to integrate data coming from heterogeneous sources. The majority of mapping challenges have risen from the representation of VIVO sub-hierarchies in CERIF as well as from the representation of CERIF attributes in VIVO. In addition, the paper illustrates features for linking data across the Web, for querying of geographically distributed data stores and for aggregating data described using different data models in a common store. These features are supported by semantic web technologies including RDF, OWL and SWRL.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-018-17-2452

Authors: Ajantha Dahanayake, Bernhard Thalheim

Abstract: Although services are developed, used, applied and intensively discussed in nowadays IT practice, the concept of an IT service has not yet been introduced. Services are IT artifacts that can be used by many users in different context at different points of time in different locations and serve a certain purpose. They provide the data and functionality at the best point of time, in the agreed format and quality for the right user with the right location and context. We generalize some of the introduced notions such as the REA framework (resource-event-agent) and introduce a framework for conceptual modeling of IT service systems that is based on the classical rhetorical frame introduced by Hermagoras of Temnos (Quis, quid, quando, ubi, cur, quem ad modum, quibus adminiculis (W7: Who, what, when, where, why, in what way, by what means)). Services are primarily characterized by W4: wherefore (end), whereof (source), wherewith (supporting means), and worthiness ((surplus) value). Additionally, the purpose can be characterized by answering the why, whereto, when, and for which reason W4 questions. The secondary characterization W14H is given by characterizing user or stakeholder (by whom, to whom, whichever), the application domain (wherein, where, for what, wherefrom, whence, what), the solution they are providing (how, why, whereto, when, for which reason), and the additional context (whereat, whereabout, whither, when).

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-018-15-2187

Authors: María Ibáñez, David Maroto, José Jesús García Rueda, Derick Leony, Carlos Delgado-Kloos

Abstract: 3D virtual worlds are recognized as collaborative learning environments. However, the underlying technology is not sufficiently mature and the virtual worlds look cartoonish, unlinked to reality. Thus, it is important to enrich them with elements from the real world to enhance student engagement in learning activities. Our approach is to build learning environments where participants can either be in the real world or in its mirror world while sharing the same hybrid space in a collaborative learning experience. This paper focuses on the system architecture and a usability study of a proof-of-concept for these hybrid learning environments. The architecture allows the integration of the real world and its 3D virtual mirror; the exchange and geolocalization of multimodal information, and also the orchestration of learning activities. The results of the usability evaluation show positive engagement effects on participants in the mirror world and, to a lesser extent, on those in the real world.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-018-11-1432

Authors: David Griffiths, Mark Johnson, Kris Popat, Paul Sharples, Scott Wilson

Abstract: Apache Wookie (incubating) has generated considerable interest within the context of Technology Enhanced Learning where it was developed, as well as in mobile applications. The origins of the system in providing services for IMS Learning Design are described, together with an introduction to the system's design and functionality. However, the areas where it has had success are distinct from the application area for which it was designed and developed. The implications of this for understanding user needs is analysed by using ideas drawn from sociology. The complexity of the relationship between the context of use and user needs, and the feedback loops between them is discussed, and the role of technological interventions as an element in a discourse is considered. It is proposed that this understanding of users needs, together with the experience of the development and use of Wookie, argues in favour of an interoperability strategy which focuses on relatively small sets of functional requirements, and avoidance where possible of specifications developed for particular application domains: an approach which may be characterised as piecemeal rather than Utopian.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-018-10-1238

Authors: Robert Bucki, Petr Suchánek

Abstract: Rapidly changing business environment requires new approaches and methods for supporting management systems in all types of companies. Modern companies doing business use e-commerce systems by default. One of the key areas of e-commerce systems is logistics and the supply chain. The optimal way to ensure the success of logistics and supply chains is to use the methods of modeling and simulation based on appropriate models and especially its mathematical representation. In this paper, authors highlight the customer-oriented model of the e-commerce system and deal with logistic optimization and simulations. As an example, a sample logistic structure which requires the adequate control approach is presented. This is realized by means of heuristic algorithms which are responsible for meeting the set criterion. Moreover, the criteria to either maximize the production output or minimize the lost flow capacity of the logistic system or minimize the tool replacement criterion are introduced. Equations of state are given in order to represent the flow of material through the logistic system.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-018-06-0816

Authors: Raimundas Matulevičius, Haralambos Mouratidis, Nicolas Mayer, Eric Dubois, Patrick Heymans

Abstract: The need to consider security from the early stages of the development process of information systems has been argued by academics and industrialists alike, and security risk management has been recognised as one of the most prominent techniques for eliciting security requirements. However, although existing security modelling languages provide some means to model security aspects, they do not contain concrete constructs to address vulnerable system assets, their risks, and risk treatments. Furthermore, security languages do not provide a crosscutting viewpoint relating all three - assets, risks and risk treatments - together. This is problematic since, for a security analyst, it is difficult to detect what the potential security flaws could be, and how they need to be fixed. In this paper, we extend the Secure Tropos language, an agentand goal-oriented security modelling language to support modelling of security risks. Based on previous work, where we had observed some inadequacies of this language to model security risks, this paper suggests improvements of Secure Tropos semantics and syntax. On the syntax level we extend the concrete and abstract syntax of the language, so that it covers the security risk management domain. On the semantic level, we illustrate how language constructs need to be improved to address the three different levels of security risk management. The suggested improvements are illustrated with the aid of a running example, called eSAP, from the healthcare domain.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-018-01-0062

Authors: Jesus Boticario, Alejandro Rodriguez-Ascaso, Olga Santos, Emmanuelle Raffenne, Lydia Montandon, David Roldán, Félix Buendía

Abstract: The EU4ALL project (IST-FP6-034778) has developed a general framework to address the needs of accessible lifelong learning at Higher Education level consisting of several standards-based interoperable components integrated into an open web service architecture aimed at supporting adapted interaction to guarantee students' accessibility needs. Its flexibility has supported the project implementation at several sites with different settings and various learning management systems. Large-scale evaluations involving hundreds of users, considering diverse disability types, and key staff roles have allowed obtaining valuable lessons with respect to "how to adopt or enhance eLearning accessibility" at university. The project was evaluated at four higher education institutions, two of the largest in Europe and two medium-sized. In this paper, we focus on describing the implementation and main conclusions at the largest project evaluation site (UNED), which was involved in the project from the beginning, and thus, in the design process, and a medium-sized university that adopted the EU4ALL approach (UPV). This implies dealing with two well-known open source learning environments (i.e. dotLRN and Sakai), and considering a wide variety of stakeholders and requirements. Thus the results of this evaluation serve to illustrate the coverage of both the approach and developments.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-017-07-1060

Authors: Valentina Gatteschi, Fabrizio Lamberti, Andrea Sanna, Claudio Demartini

Abstract: Nowadays, one of the main issues discussed at the Community level is represented by the mobility of students and workers across Europe. During the last years, in order to deal with the above picture, several initiatives have been carried out: one of them is the definition of the European Qualification Framework (EQF), a common architecture for the description of qualifications. At the same time, several research activities were established with the aim of finding how semantic technologies could be exploited for qualifications comparison in the field of human resources acquisition. In this paper, the EQF specifications are taken into account and they are applied in a practical scenario to develop a ranking algorithm for the comparison of qualifications expressed in terms of knowledge, skill and competence concepts, potentially aimed at supporting European employers during the recruiting phase.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-017-02-0296

Authors: Jianming Yong

Abstract: This paper systematically discusses the security and privacy concerns for e-learning systems. A five-layer architecture of e-learning system is proposed. The security and privacy concerns are addressed respectively for five layers. This paper further examines the relationship among the security and privacy policy, the available security and privacy technology, and the degree of e-learning privacy and security. The digital identity attributes are introduced to e-learning portable devices to enhance the security and privacy of e-learning systems. This will provide significant contributions to the knowledge of e-learning security and privacy research communities and will generate more research interests.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-017-02-0261

Authors: Gustavo Carvalho, Adriana Vivacqua, Jano Souza, Sérgio Palma J. Medeiros

Abstract: Decision-making involves choosing between one ore more alternatives, to achieve one or more goals. To support this process, there are decision support systems that employ different approaches, supporting groups or not. Generally, however, these systems do not have great flexibility; their users have to follow preestablished decision methods. This paper, after exposing some decision-making processes, describes a system, LaSca (from Large Scale), to support decisions in large-scale groups. This system, besides allowing effective achievement of the benefits of deciding in large groups through the proper structuring of the group, also allows its users to define themselves how this structuring will happen, based or not in the existing theories on the subject. So, in addition to facilitate the decision-making process, LaSca also allows its users to decide how to decide.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-016-13-1776

Authors: Heiko Thimm, Karsten Rasmussen

Abstract: Companies in collaborative networks require intermediation to perform. The collaborative network forms the breeding environment for the configuration of a Virtual Enterprise that can handle a business request. This configuration task can be supported by IT services. For collaborative networks such as production networks focused on non-digital services and products we propose to assign specific intermediation tasks to a human network moderator supported by these IT services. The obvious support is targeted for the configuration of the Virtual Enterprise i.e. the search and selection from the available products, services, and competences found among the network participants. The configuration decision can jeopardize the network performance by harming the trust necessary to build new Virtual Enterprises. Through a further intermediation task trust can be inspired and promoted in the network. This article shows how the configuration is supported by a Decision Support Service and how a Transparency Support Service supports the downloading and acceptance of decisions in collaborative networks. The article outlines the IT supportive service system and exemplifies the use by a scenario example. Results on intermediation in collaborative networks can prove helpful for general service science problems.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-015-11-2196

Authors: Paulo Barbosa, Franklin Ramalho, Jorge Figueiredo, Aniko Costa, Luis Gomes

Abstract: In a previous work we have proposed an extension to the four-layer MDAarchitecture promoting formal verification for semantics preserving model transformations. We analyzed semantics equivalence in transformations involving Platform Specific Models (PSM s). In this paper, considering concurrent systems domain, we show how this extended MDA architecture copes with the correctness verification of horizontal model transformations involving Platform Independent Models (PIM s). Our approach is supported by four formal techniques: behavioral equivalence relation, category the-ory, bisimulation and model-checking. This set of techniques allows the analysis of semantics equivalence between system model before and after transformation enablingthe decomposition of the system model into a set of concurrent sub-models, considered as components. The validation of our approach occurs in a net splitting operation,where PIM s are defined as Petri nets models according to the PNML metamodel with transformations representing formal operations in this domain.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-015-03-0692

Authors: Niels Bjørn-Andersen, Leif Rasmussen, Soley Rasmussen

Abstract: This paper presents findings from the development process of a general innovation framework for an ongoing Nordic R&D project on e-business and media. It focuses on the current state of the Danish news media sector and the conclusions we can draw from the "Web 2.0 activity" of the Danish newspapers. The paper concludes that the Web 2.0 implies the need for fundamental re-thinking of the business models of the news media sector and for developing a new framework for business modelling for this sector.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-014-17-2859

Authors: Jesus Boticario, Olga Santos

Abstract: One of the key problems in developing standard based adaptive courses is the complexity involved in the design phase, especially when establishing the hooks for the dynamic modelling to be performed at runtime. This is particularly critical when the courses are based on adaptation-oriented learning scenarios, where the full eLearning cycle (design, publication, use and auditing) is considered. Based on the problems we experienced in developing such scenarios with a reusable, platform independent, objective-based approach in the aLFanet project we have established an alternative framework in the ADAPTAPlan project, which focuses on dynamically generating learning design templates with the support of user modelling, planning and machine learning techniques. In particular, in this paper we describe the problems we are tackling and how we are relaxing the design work by automatically building the IMS learning design of the course from a simplified set of data required from the course authors.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-014-16-2720

Authors: Gitte Lindgaard, Catherine Pyper, Monique Frize, Robin Walker, Craig Boutilier, Bowen Hui, Sheila Narasimhan, Janette Folkens, Bill Winogron, Peter Egan, Colin Jones

Abstract: Decision Support Systems are proliferating rapidly in many areas of human endeavour including clinical medicine and psychology. While these are typically based on rule-based systems, decision trees, or Artificial Neural Networks, this paper argues that Bayes’ Theorem can be applied fruitfully to support expert decisions both in dynamically changing situations requiring the system progressively to adapt, and when this is not the case. One example of each of these two types is given. One provides diagnostic support for human decision makers; the other, an e-health mental intervention system provides decision rules enabling it to respond and provide the most appropriate training modules to input from clients with changing needs. The contributions of psychological research underlying both systems is summarized.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-014-14-2381

Authors: Jaegeol Yim, Ilseok Ko, Jaesu Do, Jaehun Joo, Seunghwan Jeong

Abstract: Location-based service is one of the most popular buzzwords in the field of U-cities. Positioning a user is an essential ingredient of a location-based system in a U-city. For outdoor positioning, GPS based practical solutions have been introduced. However, the measurement error of GPS is too big for it to be used for U-campus services, because the size of a campus is smaller than that of a city. We propose the Relative-Interpolation Method to improve the accuracy of outdoor positioning. However, indoor positioning is also necessary for a U-campus because the GPS signal is not available inside buildings. For indoor positioning, various systems including Cricket, Active Badge, and so on have been introduced. These methods require special equipment dedicated to positioning. Our method does not require such equipment because it determines the user’s position based on the received signal strength indicators (RSSIs) from access points (AP) which are already installed for WLAN. The algorithm we use for indoor positioning is a kind of fingerprinting method. However, our algorithm builds a decision tree instead of a look-up table in the off-line phase. Therefore, the proposed method is faster than the existing indoor positioning methods in the real-time phase. We integrated our indoor and outdoor positioning methods and implemented a prototype indoor-outdoor positioning system on a laptop. The experimental results are discussed in this paper. In implementing the prototype, we also implemented a C# library function which can be used to read the RSSIs from the APs.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-013-07-0924

Authors: Daniel Burgos, Colin Tattersall, Martin Dougiamas, Hubert Vogten, Rob Koper

Abstract: Mapping the specification IMS Learning Design and the Course Management System Moodle is a logical step forward on interoperability between eLearning systems and specifications in order to increase the best acceptance of the specifications into the widespread world of the eLearning systems and to ensure the standardization of the outputs from the systems to be used in others. IMS Learning Design and Moodle look for a common understanding focused on the integration of information packages modelled by each part in the other. The final goal aims at Moodle playing an IMS LD package. A second step will map a Moodle course to be used in any IMS LD complaint tool. The Unit of Learning in IMS LD and the course in Moodle become the perfect couple where to find several elements that should match each other. This paper shows how to make this understanding, mapping related elements in both to get a list of pairs easy to translate from one to another, and to define also a list of requirements for this protocol.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-012-09-1393

Authors: Tibor Tóth, Ferenc Erdélyi

Abstract: Introduction of the multi-degree linear education system consisting of BSc, MSc and PhD programs in the Hungarian higher education, according to the goals and requirements of the Bologna Process, necessitates reviewing, enhancing and changing the three-level subject-structures consisting of fundamental, foundation enlarging and special subjects. In the course of the last 50 years the quantity of the number of subject areas and the number of engineering branches have been increasing in technological faculties around the world and they have already reached the limits of rationality. Recently there is an increasing demand for integrated and interdisciplinary special branches such as Systems Engineering. After having surveyed the paradigm changes in the progress of engineering sciences, the paper gives a brief summary on the concept, formation and significance of Systems Engineering. The paper also deals with Production Information Engineering as a characteristic field of Systems Engineering, which offers important application possibilities for IT-based system integration.

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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-010-03-0227

Authors: Roberta Cuel, Matteo Bonifacio, Mirko Grosselle

Abstract: In our work a new approach, the Distributed Knowledge Management (DKM) approach, is used and organizations are seen as constellations of communities, which "own" local knowledge and exchange it through meaning negotiation coordina_ tion processes. In order to reify communities within a DKM system, the concept of Knowledge Node (KN) is used and then applied in a case study: a complex Italian national firm, the Impresa Pizzarotti [and] C. S.p.A. All communities of practices are un_ veiled and reified as KNs within a high level architecture of a DKM system. In this paper it is argued that, even if knowledge has to be organized and made useful to the whole organization, there are types of knowledge that must be managed in an autonomous way, and the DKM approach is a good system to deal with coordination/negotiation processes.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-006-11-1109

Authors: Laurent Allain, Pascal Yim

Abstract: In this paper we highlight three main qualities for a processing model: processing abstraction, dynamic behavior and graphical representation. We define a model closely related to high-level Petri Nets. Dynamic Relations Nets (DRN) allow the specification of data, processing, events and constraints within a unique graphical representation. Annotations of the net use a set based abstract language. Constraints arise from three levels: from places (related to the notion of abstract type), from markings (we can then express global constraints between places), and from transitions (in order to specify processing as state transformations). The DRN formalism has been successfully applied to a number of case studies. In this paper, we develop the standard `IFIP case , which has been handled with a lot of modeling methods. A DRN specification has a well defined operational semantics. Therefore a DRN can also be viewed as an executable specification of information systems. We briefly introduce a tool designed to operate an application developed with DRNs, namely NetSpec, based on the use of an active database management system. This tool allows an automated code generation (C/SQL) from a DRN specification.

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