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Applied Research
1999 Capstone Abstracts
Using Smart Cards and the World Wide Web for Accessing Computer-based Patient Records: An Overview and Profile of Benefits from Two Emerging Technologies Developed by Medical Information Management Systems, Inc. and Microsoft Corporation
Deborah Bahlman
Timely access of health records is critical in today’s U.S. healthcare industry. New technologies provide quick access to these records. A selected review of literature, from 1995-1999, published by researchers and development companies, provides an overview of the technologies and a profile of benefits related to efficiency, effectiveness and competitive advantage. The benefit profile provides a tool for U.S. healthcare executives who are planning to implement new strategies for accessing computer-based patient records.
A Study of E-Mail Policies and Employees’ Rights to Privacy in the Workplace
Mary Bremen
In the last decade, electronic mail (e-mail) has grown dramatically, as the primary tool for business communications. A selective review of the literature published from 1995 through mid 1999 provides an overview of the complicated issues surrounding e-mail and employee privacy rights. The conclusion of this research is that a clearly stated company policy defining appropriate use of e-mail in the workplace may help avoid both litigation and intrusion on the employees’ rights to privacy.
A Study of Software Application Testing for Year 2000 Readiness and Recommended Test Dates
Dave Bublitz
The purpose of this paper is to explore a portion of the Year 2000 Readiness problem, specifically, the testing of software and appropriate dates to be used. Research includes a literature review of selected books and Internet sites. The result is a list of seven dates to be used to determine the date processing readiness of an application. This research suggests that proper testing procedures will help to minimize problems by eliminating incorrect software calculations.
Application Server Platforms Converging Middleware Solutions for Integration and Development
Cheryl Clark
The growth of e-business is driving the demand for middleware solutions that seamlessly integrate disparate systems into a unified value chain. A profusion of middleware categories complicates understanding and acquisition of solutions. A review of selected literature from January 1997 to June 1999 of the larger area of distributed computing identifies trends in the marketplace toward consolidation of solutions into value-added platforms. Conclusions are presented as recommendations for IT professionals and managers to guide decisions about middleware.
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Designing Effective Navigational Strategies for Interactive Virtual Environments
Jon Crowell
Three-dimensional, interactive virtual environments are increasingly employed in advanced computer interface design. While these interfaces are intended to capitalize on users’ abilities to work with three-dimensional objects, navigation techniques are often complex. Using literature review, this study examines research from 1995 to 1999 in the area of navigation. Guidelines are developed to assist interface designers to develop appropriate navigational metaphors within these environments. These guidelines are demonstrated through the development of a prototype three-dimensional interface.
A Study of Selected Organizational Behavior Theory on Trust and the Applicability to Virtual Organizations
Wendy Curry
The virtual organization is emerging as the most recent business model. Trust is a critical contributing factor to its success. A review of selected literature from 1985 to 1999 on organizational trust theory identifies factors that foster and maintain trust with traditional organizations. These factors are compared to the business model of virtual organizations. Findings are presented as steps that a virtual organization can take towards achieving and maintaining trust.
A Study of Information Requirements in Relationship to Outsourcing PWB Assembly Manufacturing
Charles Gault
This study provides identification of information used in the design, manufacture and potential outsourcing of Printed Wiring Board (PWB) assemblies. A Literature Review presents the analysis of over 200 selected references and publications from 1991 - 1999. A prototype questionnaire was designed for use by professionals working in Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and Electronic Manufacturing Service (EMS) companies who may need to outsource this work and identify only the specific manufacturing information required for success.
Components of a Global Information Infrastructure: An Overview of Conditions that Facilitate Global Electronic Commerce
Elizabeth Higgins
The development of a global information infrastructure may create electronic commerce opportunities in the United States for companies that seek to market their digital products or services to other countries. A selected review of literature published by global infrastructure organizations and individual researchers identifies components of infrastructure development that support a global exchange of digital information. A combined perspective of these conditions provides guidance to U.S. businesses that seek worldwide opportunities in electronic commerce.
Information Management on the Internet: A Study of Recent Advancements in Search Technologies
Dale LaFountain
Locating relevant electronic information on the Web has been complicated by the rapid growth of online resources. Providing better interfaces to locate relevant documents has become more important than returning the greatest number of matches. A review of selected literature from January 1997 through March 1999 identifies changes made by eight companies to improve query results. Conclusions are presented as recommendations and instructions to improve search engine selection, query construction and results refinement.
IA Review of Tools that Take the Users’ Perspective into Consideration in the Design of Business Applications that Support Strategic Goals
Laura Rooke
The full utilization of strategic software applications is dependent upon the users’ acceptance of the application. To identify aids to help applications designers understand the users’ perspective, the researcher conducted a review of literature published between 1984 and 1999. Literature was analyzed for techniques common to several types of businesses. Findings are presented as a list of techniques for use by applications designers to apply in understanding and incorporating the users’ perspective.
Design of a Virtual Help Desk Based on Factors that Support Successful Implementation
Erik Terrel
The implementation of an Intranet-based "virtual help desk" within a small organization carries a number of potential advantages for information systems staff and managers. To realize the full benefits of such a tool and avoid pitfalls common to the implementation of technology projects, design considerations and implementation strategies are suggested. A focus on design and implementation is highlighted in the findings of a targeted literature review. A demonstrative web-based pilot application is also provided.
Determining Effective Measurements of Output Levels for Groups Providing Support to Distributed Computing Environments
Steve White
This study examines the problem of determining appropriate methods to measure work outputs for groups that support computer hardware in distributed computing environments. Observational data was collected on the Distributed Systems Group at CNF Transportation’s AdTech center in Portland, Oregon, during June 1999. Five distinct work outputs were observed during the study, including "Server reliability enhanced", "Customer request for information/modification satisfied" ,"Reliable system backups", "Application returned to functionality", and "New server deployed". Outputs and recommended measurements of these outputs are presented in tabular and narrative form.
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