New Trends in Informatics Research - NTIR
April 27, 2007 The University at Albany | State University of New York
Poster Presenters
Poster Session I
Namjoo Choi, Informatics
An Empirical Study of the Impact of Managerial Information Security Awareness on the Completeness of Information Security Policy in an Organization
Abstract:
Information security policies (ISPs) are becoming more widely perceived as a keystone of information security in an organization. It is not surprising nowadays to observe that most organizations have established ISPs. However, despite its apparent significance, very few studies and attention on ISP exist. Likewise, from a management perspective, even though managerial awareness on information security is perceived as critical to improve overall information security performance in an organization, it still appears to be insufficient (Knapp et al., 2004). As Higgins (1999) pointed out, the ISP is now generally perceived as the start of security management. Some studies have emerged to highlight the vital role of managerial awareness in information security (Choi et al., 2006; Loch et al., 1992; Parker 1981; Parker 1998; Perry 1985; Straub et al., 1998) , and they all emphasized if managers acknowledge that information is a critical organizational resource, why it is that managerial attention and awareness on information security is lower than it should be. With recognizing the significant roles of managerial information security awareness (MISA) and ISP in overall information security performance in an organization, the current study empirically examines the impact of MISA on the completeness of information security policy in an organization. The study also seeks to find the impact of the complete ISP on overall information security performance in an organization. Finally, the study hypothesizes the following two research questions: 1) higher MISA will lead to more complete ISP in an organization; 2) more complete ISP will lead to better information security performance in an organization.
Biography:
Namjoo Choi is a Ph.D. student at the department of Informatics, University at Albany , State University of New York (SUNY), New York , U. S. A. He specializes primarily in Business Information and Decision Systems (BIDS) and secondarily in Information in Organizational Environments (IOE). He published in the proceedings of the Americas Conference on Information Systems (AMCIS, 2006) and served as an ad hoc reviewer for AMCIS. In addition, he served as manager of the Planning and Public Relations Team at the Korea Cyber University and as a coordinator for World Economy Forum. His research interests are IT-related phenomena in societal, behavioral and organizational settings including e-Learning, information security management, IT driven organization change, m anagement of IT innovations in organizations. He has an MA in Telecommunication, Information Studies and Media from Michigan State University , Michigan , U. S. A. and a B.A. in Mass Communications from Yonsei University , Seoul , Korea .
Meg Fryling, Informatics
Beyond Financial Aid: The Search for Alternate Competitive Advantage Leverages in Higher Education
Abstract:
The System Dynamics (SD) methodology and tools have been extended to many fields in order to deal with the non-linear complexities of real-world problems; Higher Education (HE) is no exception. Decision makers in HE are becoming acutely aware of the dynamic challenges of enrollment management. This is evident by the creation of “enrollment manager” positions and the leveraging of financial aid in order to gain a competitive advantage.
It should come as no surprise that financial aid packages are an important factor in a prospective student’s decision to attend a particular HE institution. However, there has been much controversy over the fact that financial aid is increasingly being directed, via merit awards, to students that will likely enhance a school’s ranking and reputation; thus, decreasing the availability of aid for the neediest student populations. This research will explore various other influences, besides financial aid, that can not only help attract prospective students but reduce the attrition rate of existing students.
A number of articles have been published regarding the use of System Dynamics in a variety of higher education areas such as planning, teaching quality/practice and enrollment management. The intention of this research is to further explore existing literature and extend current enrollment management models to include additional complexities, such as degree requirements and course availability. Ultimately the goal of this research is to use SD as a tool to help determine if it is possible to gain a competitive advantage and increase an institution’s rankings without hurting the low income student
Biography:
Meg Fryling came to the University at Albany in 1998 as both a part-time graduate student and a full-time programmer-analyst in the department formerly known as University Business Systems. Shortly after completing her M.B.A. in 2002, Meg continued her studies at UAlbany as an Informatics Ph.D. student with a primary specialization in Decision and Policy Sciences and a secondary specialization in Business Information and Decision Systems. Many of Meg’s research interests stem from her work at the University, including information system implementations, project management and higher education enrollment management strategies.
Meg began teaching in 2003 and currently teaches a Management Information Systems undergraduate course at Siena College and a Database Development graduate course at UAlbany. In addition, Meg continues her full-time employment at the University as a Technical Team Lead in the University Applications Development division of ITS. Meg expects to finish her degree in 2009 and plans to complete her dissertation work on the dynamics of information system implementation success.
Sung Jae Park, Informatics
How to Measure the Economic Value of Public Libraries?
Abstract:
Like other public institutions facing today's conservative fiscal climate, tax-supported public libraries are increasingly subject to fiscal scrutiny. Many libraries get caught in demands for measures of their success. However it is not easy to measure the each side of contributions and provide quantitative data on the value of public libraries to taxpayers. How to measure library’s value? There are some economic models for public libraries: optimization model, Benefits generated model, stock on loan model, and cost-benefit analysis model. Based on these models, this study will focus on providing a better understanding of the value of Albany public libraries and information services in economic terms. Especially Albany Public Library plans to construct and renovate the branch libraries. New public library is going to built in Arbor Hill/West Hill in City of Albany . I will conduct a survey and interviews in these areas. It is interesting to study the change in the public library’s value before and after constructing and renovating.
Biography:
Sung Jae Park is a first year Ph.D. student in Informatics in the Department of Informatics, University at Albany . Sung Jae’s primary specialization is Decision and Policy Science (DAPS) and secondary specialization Knowledge Organization and Management (KOM). His research interests are a decision making under management of information agencies and information seeking behavior of users. Sung Jae is a graduate of Yonsei University in Korea with a Masters and a B.A. in Library and Information Science. He was a lecturer at Anyang University and Dealim College in Korea in 2005.
Devendra Potnis, Informatics
Learning Objectives of E-Governance
Abstract:
Learning objectives of e-Governance, portrayed in this generic poster will act as important source of information helping academic research community, students, and managers from private as well as public agencies and organizations understand concepts of e-Governance in better ways. Clearly, e-government draws on and reflects a range of values, skills, and knowledge. Important values include those of public service, efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, privacy, democratization, equity, diversity, accountability and responsiveness. Students need to be introduced to the applicability of these values to the development and management of e-government. It is unlikely that a single course can successfully covers technical, managerial, and policy dimensions of e-government. Academic institutes’ settings, academic resources, cultural, social and political background of academic institutes, and faculty competencies influence the design perspectives of e-governance curricula offered all over the world. It is also likely to be shaped by the broader social, economic, and political environments from which students and programs operate. The stage of e-government development in the country is likely to make a difference, although we can also hope that training offered through e-governance curricula will also shape e-government’s development.
Biography:
Devendra is a first year doctoral student in the College of Computing and Information, University at Albany . Dynamics of Policy crafting, Technologies in Public and Private sectors, and e-Governance are some of his key research interests developed over a period of time while working on various projects and courses offered in Masters in Public Administration, his former degree from Rockefeller College, University at Albany. His dreams to serve poor people and bring smiles on billions of oppressed people in the world using technology in the government brought him to this program.
Due to his fast assimilation and adaptation to new concepts and technologies, he has developed a strong understanding of concepts from diverse areas ranging from Policy, Business, Technology, Management including e-Governance and Public Administration. In summer 2005, he demonstrated his capability to work both as an individual as well as in a team during an internship with United Nations and Karnataka state government, India . Due to his excellent communication and presentation skills, and empathetic nature, he can connect easily to people from diverse cultural backgrounds and achieve deliverables in self-created comfortable working atmosphere.
Currently, he is working under the guidance of Dr. Theresa Pardo, Deputy Director, CTG, on a poster titled, ‘Learning Objectives of e-Governance’ which will be presented at Dg.O, a conference at Philadelphia in May 2007. He is in the process of publishing a research paper titled, ‘The ways IT enables developing nations: A case study on Microfinance in India ’, under the guidance of Dr. Lakshmi Mohan, Associate Professor, School of Business .
He holds a Master degree in Computer Science from University of Louisiana and has worked as a research associate for University of Louisiana at Lafayette .
Alexis Wichowski, Informatics & Jen Stromer-Galley, Communication
Visualizing Equality in Deliberation
Abstract:
Group political deliberations provide rich grounds for analyzing communication. Of particular interest in the group deliberation setting is the issue of equality, or how balanced the flow of conversation progresses amongst its participants. For this poster session, we propose to investigate the research question: what are the best ways to measure equality in group political deliberations? We will review existing literature on why equality matters for effective deliberation, as well as previous attempts for measuring equality. We will also consider why visual methods might be a useful tool for measuring equality over more traditional representations. Current computer visualization techniques will be presented and assessed for their analytical value, followed by a proposal of what additional visualization techniques might be employed to represent the issue of equality in group political deliberations.
Biography:
Alexis Wichowski is a first year doctoral student in the Informatics program at the University at Albany . She received her undergraduate degree in Chinese from Connecticut College , graduating magna cum laude in her major and completing the degree in three years. Following graduation, she studied at Zhongshan University in Guangzhou China , sponsored by a State Education Council of China / Fulbright-Hayes Committee scholarship. After China , she worked in New York City as a Disaster Relief worker for the American Red Cross, co-produced several small-scale plays with award-winning theater company Inverse Theater, and indexed academics books. Her research interests include information in public spaces, ambient and accidental exposure to information, and the negotiation between information expression and protection against invasion of privacy
Jennifer Stromer-Galley is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at the University at Albany , SUNY. Her research interests include: the uses of communication technology and its implications for democratic practice; mediated political campaign communication; and, deliberative democracy. Publications can be found in the Journal of Communication, Javnost/The Public, PS: Political Science and Politics, and Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication.
Tung-Mou Yang, Informatics
Overview of Current Research Trend in Information Sharing across Organizations
Abstract:
The possession of information has become an important organizational property in this knowledge economy era. Therefore, the quality, the timeliness, and the accuracy of information sharing among organizations could also determine organizational effectiveness and efficiency which lead to organizational success. This poster would like to review the current research trend in information sharing across organizations. Information sharing frameworks in organizations and government agencies will be discussed. In addition, few frameworks regarding knowledge sharing will be discussed as well. The purpose of the poster is to understand what current outstanding research questions in information sharing may be, what the most relevant theories are to answer those questions, and what the current theories or frameworks are used to study information sharing across organizations and government agencies. Furthermore, the poster also seeks for possibility of future research in integrating different frameworks or generates new research questions. The data collection will mainly rely on literature reviews and discussions with relevant faculty members in the field.
Biography:
Tung-Mou Yang comes from Taiwan . He is a first year Ph.D. student in information science program at the University at Albany . He got both his undergraduate and master degrees in Management Information Systems. He is also a certified Java programmer. He worked as an information systems developer in Taiwan for several years. He has participated in large-scale information system developments such as accounting information system, network information system, and bio-informatics laboratory information system. He enjoyed the processes of system analysis, design, and programming. His current research interest is in E-Government. He is interested in understanding the impact and interactions that information technology brings to government and public sector. He is preparing himself for a career in research. His future career objective is to go back to Taiwan and work in a research institution or university. He hopes to conduct research that can benefit society and disadvantaged minorities and to share his knowledge and experience with the younger generation.
Poster Session II
Stephen Buerle, Informatics
Techniques for Assessing and Mitigating Risks Affecting Multimodal Supply Chains
Abstract:
This poster session will provide an overview of security challenges affecting international multimodal supply chains. The poster session will include an abbreviated literature review of contemporary risk analysis methodologies, a process model for a typical international multimodal supply chain and an analysis of security threats affecting multimodal supply chains. Finally, the poster session will conclude with some findings from a recent federally funded multimodal supply chain risk analysis project. The risk analysis methodology used, assessment components, key findings, risk mitigation strategies and future research directions will be discussed.
Biography:
Stephen Buerle is a Ph.D. student at the University at Albany 's College of Computing and Information Sciences specializing in Information Assurance. His research interests include risk analysis, threat and vulnerability assessment techniques, auto-identification technologies, integrated threat management systems, knowledge-based systems, policy compliance networks and (CIP) sensor technologies.
Steve is currently the Director for Enterprise Security at Unisys Corporation where he conducts research and intellectual property development in the areas of risk analysis, policy compliance networks, supply chain vulnerability assessment, AutoID technologies and sensor networks. In this role Steve has conducted funded R&D for the Department of Homeland Security's Operation Safe Commerce (OSC) program and was instrumental in the development of proprietary 802.11/WiFi assessment and security implementation standards for the Transportation Security Agency (TSA).
Steve holds an M.B.A. with a concentration in Decision Sciences and Engineering Systems from RPI and a Masters in Design Studies (MDesS) from Harvard University concentrating in Design Computation and Knowledge-based CAD Systems. In addition, Steve has been certified by ISC2 as a Certified Information Security Systems Professional (CISSP), by ISACA as a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and by the NSA in their Information Assessment Methodology (IAM).
Carrie Chang, Informatics
E-Government and the Surge of Web 2.0
Abstract:
E-Government substantially changes the business of government and their interactions with citizens (Abramson & Means, 2001). The surge of Web 2.0 potentially increases people’s expectations for e-Government services. Gartner’s (2006) recent report asserted that “Web 2.0 technologies dominate emerging technologies.” With Web 2.0 technologies, people have the potential for an enormous stage to freely express their opinions and manipulate their rights to be heard. “Governments have the opportunity to make life easier for their constituents by recognizing how the role of ‘consumer’ and ‘citizen’ are complementary” (Balmer, 2002). However, key findings of Accenture annual global e-Government maturity reports from 2003-2006 represent areas for improvement for individual countries on learning about the consumers the governments have, not to mention offering them citizen-centric online services . This study aims to discover the main idea behind Web 2.0 and to understand the status quo of e-government. Besides, this study not only identifies the particular aspects of different Web 2.0 applications that assist in e-government by reviewing real cases around the globe but also discusses the barriers that might constrain their effective implementation. Last, but not least, this study concludes with observations on the feasibility of leveraging Web 2.0 in e-Government.
Biography:
Carrie Chang is a first year Ph.D. student. She got a M.S. in Information Science at the University at Albany and a M.A. in Public Policy (concentrating on Urban Policy) at Taipei University (in Taiwan ). Her primary specialization is KOM (Knowledge Organization and Management) and secondary specialization is IGDS (Information, Government, and Democratic Society). She currently serves as a TA for Fundamentals of Information Technology course and a GA doing research in information retrieval field.
Valentino DeMarco, Informatics
Technology, Social Embeddedness and Disintermediation in Real Estate Sales Transactions
Abstract:
The rapid growth of electronic information systems and the world wide web have made it very easy to gather, store, and manipulate multiple types of data. Further, local, state and federal governments have collected, stored and provided a multitude of data that due to the advancement of computer technology have become very easy, quick and cheap, to access. This combination of data availability and the rapid increase in computer technology have created an environment where business models, communication, negotiation and typical business channels, are increasingly difficult to define and manage and therefore to predict.
While the extent to which businesses are impacted by these technological changes is constantly under review, the real estate industry do to its complex nature, is an example of an industry that is very difficult to define and analyze when considering the impact of technology. Other brokerage businesses like travel agencies and (stock) investment brokerage houses are more easy to define when considering the impact of technology on communication, negotiation and disintermediation. On the other hand, the real estate market with its large transaction values, multiple relationships, and other complexities, is much more difficult to interpret especially with the rapid growth of computer technologies and thus, is more difficult to predict future changes.
This poster presentation is designed to: 1) expose the complexities that technology has posed (good, bad or indifferent) in this market place, 2) consider some of the technological changes with regard to the purchase and sale of real property (business model, communication, negotiation etc.) in this new environment, and 3) to solicit ideas from conference participants regarding this research.
Biography:
Tino is in his first year of the INF Ph.D. program at the University at Albany . This multidisciplinary program offers the opportunity to meet and to learn from many different faculty members while providing the structure and deadlines to complete the process in four years. Further, this is a perfect time for him to enter the program, as he has many interests in information science, business, and geographic information systems that he may be able to write/research about and thus, to contribute to a body of literature. He is hopeful that the combination of the INF program design and faculty and his desire to work hard and learn how to design research will get him through this program.
Prior to joining this program, Tino was a banker with Key Bank of New York . He was also a member of the New York Army National Guard where he served as both a Personnel and later as a Public Affairs Officer. It was his desire to earn an M.B.A. in 1997 that brought him back to the university and in a round about way into academia. He is also very interested in rebuilding older and historic properties. It is his goal to develop waterfront property in the local area on the Hudson River , Adirondack lakes, and/or the Erie Canal .
Currently he is interested in how technology is impacting the communication and negotiation processes. One area he has considered is the impact that information and geographic systems have had on the consumer real estate marketplace. It was once thought that the web and computer systems would cause disintermediation and the end of realtors as we know them. While this is not true today the impact that computers and information availability and rapidity have had on this industry is surprising.
Dawit Demisse, Informatics
Technology Acceptance across Cultures: A Three Country Comparative Study and Test of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)
Abstract:
In the past two decades, several technology acceptance models (TAMs) have been tested extensively. Even though TAM is widely tested and applied in North America and Europe , there has been little attempt to extend this model to other parts of the world, particularly to Africa . This study aims to identify factors that influence Internet penetration rate in Ethiopia , South Africa , and the United States . Furthermore, the study will compare how the model fits sample data from these three countries with low, medium, and high levels of economic development and technology (the Internet) usage, respectively. Identification of these underlying factors would help policy makers, IT practitioners, donor organizations, private investors, and others devise meaningful policies that would help the sub-Saharan region. The study will employ both quantitative survey and qualitative ( Delphi ) research methods. This investigator believes that while the three factors added to TAM (cultural and behavioral beliefs, normative belief, and subjective norms) will all have some influence on actual Internet use (dependent variable); cultural beliefs will have greater influence in the countries where there is a low and medium level of economic development. What is more, the modified TAM will fit sample data from all three countries.
Biography:
Dawit Demisse is a student in the Information Science Ph.D. (INF Ph.D.) Program at the College of Computing and Information (CCI), University at Albany. He received a B.S. in Computer Science from the State University of New York at Oswego, and an M.S. degree in Telecommunications & Network Management (TNM) from Syracuse University . His primary and Secondary Specialization areas in the INF Ph.D. program are: Business Information & Decision Systems (BIDS), and Information, Government, and Democratic Society (IGDS), respectively.
Before joining the INF Ph.D. program, he had been a Software Test Engineer mainly designing system test plans based on functional specifications, requirement specifications, as well as designing test cases, scripts, and regression test case for new enhancements using automated software testing tools such as Test Director 7.5 and Quick Test Professional. Prior to that, he served as a System Consultant to the University community on computing issues at SUNY-Oswego. Currently, Dawit Demisse is an IT Instructor at Bryant & Stratton College , and has previously taught IT courses at SUNY-Oswego, Le Moyne College and Onondaga Community College and is scheduled to teach at Hudson Valley Community College in fall 2007.
His research interests include empirical testing of models and theories of information technology (IT) use, acceptance, and adoption; human technology interactions; IT issues in cross-cultural environments; knowledge management; and E-governance.
Andy Whitmore, Informatics & Eliot Rich, Business
Understanding the Dynamics of IT Project Escalation and Abandonment
Abstract:
This poster will describe a long-term attempt to modernize a critical IT application in the U.S. government. The modernization of the IT application has been in a repeating process of escalation and abandonment over a decade. The research evaluates this process of escalation and abandonment through several lenses including Organizational Behavior literature, MIS literature and a system dynamics perspective. A simulation is presented to develop and analyze this problem within the context of a simple project model.
Biography:
Andy Whitmore is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Informatics at the University at Albany . Andy’s current research focuses on an analysis of IT issues through formal modeling and simulation.
Eliot Rich is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Information Technology Management of the School of Business . Much of his current work examines IT-enabled organizational change and its effects through the lens of systems thinking. During the last few years, this path has included stops in Knowledge Management, Information Security and Decision Analysis.