DOI: 10.3897/jucs.67050

Authors: Elisabet Arnó-Macià, Mary McCall, Daniel Kenzie, Suvi Isohella, Bruce Maylath

Abstract: This article draws on Trans-Atlantic and Pacific Project (TAPP) collaborations (e.g., [Arnó, 14] [Vandepitte, 16]) to show how students in already-existing technical communication classes can join other classes in realistic transnational projects through ICT and thereby acquire and enhance various types of transversal competences necessary to students’ future performance in a globalized workplace.

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DOI: 10.3897/jucs.2020.043

Authors: Caroline Moeckel

Abstract: In this extended and updated paper, the experimental construction of a new attacker typology grounded in real-life data is proposed, using grounded theory analysis and over 300 publicly available documents containing details of digital banking related cybercrime and involved attackers. Seven attacker profiles forming the typology specific to the case of digital banking are presented. An initial light-touch evaluation approach based on peer review feedback and basic heuristics is suggested. A short excursus on circumplex models is added to address this visualisation tool used across past categorisation efforts.

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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-023-03-0236

Authors: Klara Grčić, Marina Babac, Vedran Podobnik

Abstract: Social networks are nowadays an influential tool in the hands of the centres of political power because of their possibilities for direct and two-way communication with citizens in real time, dissemination of information, or a self-promotion and marketing. The use of social networks in the political context has become extremely important in the analysis and prediction of elections and generally in monitoring activities of politicians and public opinion. In this paper, we provide a content analysis of Facebook activities of leading European Union (EU) politicians to generate their extended individual profiles. Based on these profiles, a comparative analysis between the European Commissioners (i.e., EU ministers) and Croatian ministers is provided showing certain unexpected differences in their online behaviour. Summarizing these results, a model for prediction of online political behaviour is proposed.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-022-07-0921

Authors: Héctor Amado-Salvatierra, José Hilera, Salvador Tortosa, Rocael Rizzardini, Nelson Piedra

Abstract: The growth of education faces a constant evolution, and the adoption of new technologies for education is reflected in the inclusion of virtual courses in the educational process. However, accessibility in cloud-based applications, virtual platforms and online courses has not been widely taken into account in the educational process. In this sense, the inclusion of accessibility features for online applications and digital content represents a very important benefit for everyone, but in the context of e-learning, it is imperative for students with disabilities. The lack of interest and awareness in online accessibility for education is especially evident in developing countries that do not have legislation that encourages stakeholders to bear in mind accessibility features for web-based applications and contents. This paper proposes a methodological framework to take into account accessibility in the different processes of the life cycle of a virtual educational project. In this work, a semantic definition based on a conceptual model of the identified components for this methodology is presented. The proposed methodology has been prepared under an iterative design process, based on an international standard and complemented with online resources for dissemination. In order to validate and improve the methodological framework, seven accessible virtual training courses were prepared following the phases and components defined in the methodology. The seven courses were promoted in an open call for participation launched in Latin America with the support of a cooperation initiative between European and Latin American universities called ESVI-AL. At the end of the experience, a total of 748 teachers and 937 students from 150 different educational institutions were enrolled. The participants in the experience provided comments and suggestions for further improvement. The proposed work is intended to be used as a reference for educational institutions to identify the necessary changes needed to incorporate accessibility into their own production processes for virtual courses.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-022-03-0375

Authors: Georgios Lappas, Amalia Triantafillidou, Prodromos Yannas, Anastasia Kavada, Alexandros Kleftodimos, Olga Vasileiadou

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the use of social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube by candidates running for the 2014 Greek Municipal Elections by addressing the following questions: (1) which factors affect social media adoption by municipal candidates?, and (2) whether social media usage along with the popularity of candidates' social media pages influence candidates' vote share. Results indicate that social media are not very popular campaigning tools among municipal candidates in Greece. This implies that Greek candidates still rely on traditional ways to lure their voters. Furthermore, findings reveal that candidates running in large municipalities are more likely to utilize social media (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube) as means of political marketing. In addition, challengers seem to prefer Facebook and Twitter as campaign tools while males tend to focus on YouTube to attract voters. Despite the low adoption rate, results suggest that candidates who made use of social media won more votes compared to candidates who were not social media users. Moreover, it was found that a candidate's Facebook page and YouTube channel popularity are good indicators of the candidate's vote share.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-020-11-1564

Authors: Mauricio Solar, Fernando Daniels, Roberto López, Luis Meijueiro

Abstract: This paper presents a model to diagnose maturity and capabilities of Public Agencies (PAs) in pursuing the open data principles and practices. The open data maturity model, called OD-MM, was piloted in ten PAs from three Latin American countries, validating in this way the web tool that operationalizes the model. This web tool is a valuable diagnostic tool for PA's, since it shows all weaknesses and provides the instrument (a roadmap) to progress in the implementation of open data. We also propose a guide to implement open data in PAs. This guide is the result of the OD-MM application in Latin American PAs. The guide is simple and orients decision makers so that PAs following the actions of the guide can see their improved capacities when facing a diagnosis of their institutional maturity in the implementation of open data.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-019-12-1703

Authors: Habib Fardoun, Abdulfattah Mashat, Sebastián López

Abstract: In a world where the most used sentences is: "I haven't got the time..." Information Technologies (IT) plays an important role in supporting our daily work, including in everyday educational settings. Such technologies can aid a complete educational system to function successfully so to help the whole school educational life. For this to prove, we present the "Coaching for Teacher" system, a personal technological conversational coach; it aims to provide solutions to overcome difficulties that teachers face during their teaching and learning process. In real time, a teacher can appeal and seek advice rapidly by comfortably talking to an agent. In this paper, we present the steps we followed to design and develop this agent-based application, and a case study conducted in an educational centre for proof that the concept works in an authentic educational environment.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-019-11-1500

Authors: Ángel Fidalgo, María Sein-Echaluce, Dolores Lerís, Oscar Castañeda

Abstract: The education project presented in this paper endeavors to study the feasibility of incorporating adaptive systems into LMS systems, by using them both in training & learning process and at work. This case study is aimed at employability and job post improvement. For this purpose, we have created a process that is flexible both to the student pattern (and to the job pattern. The developed process is adaptable both to the student (via the incorporation of an adaptable system with an LMS system) and to the job model (via an adaptable system to the knowledge management). The evaluation was qualitative and measured the process (feasibility to apply adaptive systems) and the efficiency of the method (applicability and employability). The functionality of the specific developed tools allowed us to grade the degree of adaptability in the training process, to dynamically vary the training plan from the student's actions and to identify the resources that best met the job needs.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-019-07-0950

Authors: Habib Fardoun, Bassam Zafar, Abdulrahman Altalhi, Antonio Paules

Abstract: The design of an educational system involves a good understanding of the whole school environment in order to find the correct approach to develop a comprehensive educational system that will meet real educational needs in their operation. This article describes a design model for an educational system based on the teaching methods applied in the Spanish classrooms, which takes into account new advances in technology, while preserving the current teaching methods in the classroom to ensure a quality teaching and learning process. This development has been achieved by combining technological components such as Cloud Computing, Web Services and Distributed User Interfaces. The proposed system is based on a systematic approach where different phases are implemented, containing workflows and stages.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-019-07-0894

Authors: Felix Marco, Victor Penichet, José A. Gallud Lázaro

Abstract: e-Learning platforms allow users to collaborate with one other. Moodle, as one of the main e-Learning platforms, provides tools to perform collaborative tasks. With these tasks, students are able to share documents and information. The means provided by Moodle are not enough to perform some collaborative tasks, such as sharing documents in real-time. In this scenario users must be aware of what is happening in the system effectively. We propose the use of Drag & Share within Moodle, a collaborative tool that allows users to synchronously share resources in real-time. Through this tool, teachers are able to easily provide a shared workspace for students and be able to create groups. With such a tool, students can share all kind of resources and be aware of what is going on in the system in which they are participating and of what they are doing. All these features use standard technologies, such as HTML5.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-018-19-2625

Authors: George Giaglis, Diomidis Spinellis

Abstract: Research in virtual teams and distributed work argues that the lack of collocation places an overhead on the performance potential of large, globally distributed teams. In this paper, we revisit this tenet through a case study of Free/Libre Open Source Software (FLOSS) development to demonstrate how globally dispersed FLOSS communities manage to overcome the problem of geographic separation of their members. Our results show that successful FLOSS teams demonstrate a truly global distribution of members, who perform different types of work so as to achieve consistent round-the-clock development, without any apparent ill effects on team productivity and the quality of the resulting outcomes. Cooperation between team members is abundant, especially at more complex work items, and does not seem to be affected by distance; only mentoring relationships appear in some cases to be easier to cultivate between individuals living closer together. These findings challenge the conventional wisdom of research in distributed work, in cases where virtual teams consist of highly skilled and motivated individuals, who leverage the power of communication technologies to overcome problems associated with physical distance.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-018-08-1048

Authors: Victor Ströele, Geraldo Zimbrão, Jano Souza

Abstract: Social networks are dynamic social structures consisting of individuals or organizations, usually represented by nodes tied by one or more relationship type. Analyzing these structures enables us to detect several inter and intra connections between people in and outside their organizations. In this context, we construct a multi-relational scientific social network where researchers may have four different types of relationships with each other. We adopt some criteria such as relationship age in order to assign a weight to relationships and to enable the modeling of a scientific social network as close as possible to reality. Using clustering techniques with maximum flow measure, we identify the social structure and research communities in a way that allows us to evaluate the knowledge flow in the Brazilian scientific community.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-017-14-1951

Authors: Victor Ströele, Ricardo Silva, Moises De Souza, Carlos Eduardo R. De Mello, Jano Souza, Geraldo Zimbrão, Jonice Oliveira

Abstract: Social networks are social structures consisting of individuals or organizations, usually represented by nodes tied by one or more types of relationships. Although these structures are often complex, analyzing them enables us to detect several inter and intra connections amongst people in and outside their organizations. In this context, we present an approach using data mining techniques in order to identify intra and inter organizational linkages amongst groups of people with similar profiles. Using clustering techniques, we identify groups of people in a way that allows us to evaluate how researchers collaborate in the Brazilian scientific scenario of Computing Science. Besides this, we are able to understand how research flows amongst the best universities and research centres in Brazil. Understanding the Scientific Brazilian scenario can help the development of research in other scenario or even in other Social Network Types.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-017-12-1659

Authors: Rory Sie, Marlies Bitter-Rijpkema, Peter Sloep

Abstract: Several studies have shown that connecting to people in other networks foster creativity and innovation. However, it is often difficult to tell what the prospective value of such alliances is. Cooperative game theory offers an a priori estimation of the value of future collaborations. We present an agent-based social simulation approach to recommending valuable peers in networked innovation. Results indicate that power as such does not lead to a winning coalition in networked innovation. The recommendation proved to be successful for low-strength agents, which connected to high-strength agents in their network. Future work includes tests in real-life and other recommendation strategies.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-017-09-1329

Authors: Mark Johnson, Dai Griffiths, Mi Wang

Abstract: The concept of social role is a fundamental underpinning of the design and implementation of a wide range of learning technologies. However, the roles that are designed into technologies often ill-fit the real roles of teachers, learners and other stakeholders in educational institutions. This can exacerbate problems in adoption as stakeholders do not recognise the roles described for them in the technology. In this paper, Positioning Theory is used to explore the relationship between role, social context and communication drawing on specific examples of IMS Learning Design, Virtual Learning Environments, and Personal Learning Environments. With insights gained from this analysis, recommendations are made for theoretical focus on understanding the particulars of practice and identification of specific technical issues of interoperability rather than designing technologies based on idealisations of the roles of stakeholders within institutions.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-017-04-0548

Authors: Marco Bertoni, Koteshwar Chirumalla

Abstract: The paper explores the application of Web 2.0 technologies to support product development efforts in a global, virtual and cross-functional setting. It analyses the dichotomy between the prevailing hierarchical structure of CAD/PLM/PDM systems and the principles of the Social Web under the light of the emerging product development trends. Further it introduces the concept of Engineering 2.0, intended as a more bottom up and lightweight knowledge sharing approach to support early stage design decisions within virtual and cross-functional product development teams. The lessons learned collected from a cross-company study highlight how to further developblogs, wikis, forums and tags for the benefit of new product development teams, highlighting opportunities, challenges and no-go areas.

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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-014-04-0508

Authors: Ronald Maier, Stefan Thalmann, Florian Bayer, Michael Krüger, Hendrik Nitz, Alexander Sandow

Abstract: Even though knowledge management has been around for more than a decade, so far concrete instruments that can be systematically deployed are still rare. This paper presents an optimization solution targeted at flexible management of office space considering knowledge management criteria in order to enhance knowledge work productivity. The paper presents the Flexible Office conceptual model and optimization solution. It discusses the theoretical foundation, assumptions and reasoning. A corresponding prototype was field-tested, successfully introduced, evaluated with the help of a series of interviews with users and improved according to their requirements. The paper also reflects on the organizational impact and lessons learned from field test and practical experience.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-012-09-1358

Authors: Robert Sinka

Abstract: This study represents a survey approach in order to analyse the information society in a regional setting. The first part deals with a current problematic issue: the human resources of the information society, which is a neglected research area of the information society. The second part of the paper will point out the main characteristics of the human adaptation of the information society. My aim is to accentuate the importance of the 'human-interface gap’. These days the accessibility is strongly connected to the education and to the fact that several jobs do not require competence in digital or information literacy. Focusing on the human aspect has become a central issue of the higher education, and one of its prominent tasks, besides others, is to prepare the next generation for the challenges of the information society.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-010-03-0186

Authors: Björn Decker, Jörg Rech, Klaus-Dieter Althoff, Andreas Klotz, Edda Leopold, Angie Voss

Abstract: In software engineering, the quality of development and business processes and their models is of utmost importance for (a) the quality of the software products developed and (b) the operational success of the organization. Nevertheless, many organizations neglect these processes and leave the knowledge about them in the heads of their experts. In this paper, we present the indiGo method and platform for eParticipative Process Learning. Furthermore, we present the results of a three case studies for the evaluation of these methods. The results indicate that processes introduced and modeled with process user participation result in process models with higher acceptance and better perceived quality.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-010-03-0176

Authors: David Fuhr, Frank Fuchs-Kittowski

Abstract: Communities of Practice (CoPs) are among the most promising concepts to promote the genesis, evolution and exchange of knowledge in organizations. However, there is a gap between CoP theories and their implementation in companies. Our case studies of four attempts to introduce CoP-related structures show that the different underlying management principles can systematically be analyzed in at least two dimensions, technology "vs." the social and exchange "vs." production. We argue that the choice is not contingent, but that emphasis on the social and the creative production of new knowledge leads to more productive structures in the area and in the sense of knowledge intensive services. For the conception of such approaches we show that it is useful to think in terms of another structure between "teams" and "communities", which we call "nets of experts".

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-009-12-1428

Authors: Cord Hockemeyer, Owen Conlan, Vincent Wade, Dietrich Albert

Abstract: Several approaches for formalising prerequisite structures on skills or competencies based on the psychological theory of knowledge space have been suggested and applied for adaptive eLearning. In this paper, we will discuss how these structures may be applied in skill management in a broader sense. After introducing some formal structures for prerequisite relationships between competencies, we will briefly present an example of an adaptive eLearning system based on this approach (APeLS). Several other aspects of the system which promise to be useful for advanced skill management are discussed. In the final part of this paper, we will discuss such broader applications of the model with respect to personal as well as to organisational skill management.

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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-008-05-0506

Authors: Jacqueline Reich, Peter Brockhausen, Thorsten Lau, Ulrich Reimer

Abstract: Establishing electronically accessible repositories of people s capabilities, experiences, and key knowledge areas is key in setting up Enterprise Knowledge Management. A skills repository can be used for e.g. finding people, staffing, skills gap analysis, and professional development. The ontology based skills management system developed at Swiss Life uses RDF schema for storing ontologies. Its query interface is based on a combined RQL and HTML query engine.

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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-002-10-0679

Authors: Tomasz Müldner, Robin Nicholl

Abstract: Recently, there has been growing excitement over the use of electronic classrooms. This paper provides a carefully balanced view of the advantages of using various technological facilities to improve teaching and learning, while recognizing the continuing need for a human teacher who coordinates and controls the learning process. In particular, our view is that technology should not be intrusive and should serve as a "means" towards specific educational goals, not as an "end" in itself. To illustrate this view we offer as a "case study" our vision of a course that uses electronic classrooms to assist teachers and students.

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