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Applied Research
2005 Capstone Abstracts
Selecting an Enterprise Architecture Model to Support Alignment of Information Technology Efforts with Strategic Business Goals
Linda Ballas, Software Architect, Standard Insurance Company
Waddington (2004) and Bloomberg (2005) believe that organizational characteristics should help determine the choice of an enterprise architecture model. This paper examines key existing models and aligns these with variations in organizational maturity level, including business process definition, system development life cycle and enterprise data warehouse (Phillips, 2004). Outcomes are provided for enterprise architects and systems analysts who seek to model both technical and business components to support strategic planning efforts (Baker and Janiszewski, 2005).
How Internet Access Affects Minority Students in Secondary Public Schools
Erica Banks, Technical Analyst
This paper examines Internet access as a factor to the limited numbers of qualified minorities, African Americans and Hispanic Americans, eligible for employment in corporations throughout the United States (Bennett, 2005). Selected literature published between 1995 to 2005 is analyzed to examine access and success rates in schools. Content analysis results in textual and graphical displays designed for diversity coordinators, working in corporations, who want to incorporate a diverse pool of employees in the workplace.
The Relationship between Selected Sources of Computer Anxiety Experienced by Beginning Computer Users and Approaches to Computer-based Training
Norm Combs, Manufacturing Engineering Manager, Parker Hannifin
As dependence upon computers becomes more prevalent in the workplace, providing effective computer-based training to workers is vital to employee success. However, many workers suffer from various forms of computer anxiety. This study examines the relationship between the successful design of computer-based instruction and five sources of computer anxiety including age, gender, instructional method, general psychological factors and previous exposure to computers. Four cases are compared to Kolb's Learning Cycle (Harb & Terry, 1992).
Computer Instruction and Andragogy: Best Methods to Teach the Elderly E-mail as a Communication Tool
J. Michael Cuciti, Owner/Systems Integrator, CBM Computer Solutions
Each year 351,000 people become senior citizens (U.S. Census Bureau, 2004). As families disperse geographically, there is a need for older adults to learn to use technology as a communication tool to remain connected to family. This study examines age-related barriers that hinder learning and identifies strategies and design considerations best suited to the elderly. Guidelines, grounded in andragogy (Knowles, in Bean, 2003) are provided to assist instructors who teach the elderly in face-to-face environments.
Improving the Data Warehouse with Selected Data Quality Techniques: Metadata Management, Data Cleansing and Information Stewardship
Brian Evans, IT Business Systems Analyst, Mentor Graphics Corporation
The corporate data warehouse provides strategic information to support decision-making (Kimball, et al., 1998). High quality data may be the most important factor for data warehouse success (Loshin, 2003). This study examines three data management techniques that improve data quality: metadata management, data cleansing, and information stewardship. Content analysis of 14 references, published between 1992 and 2004, results in lists of themes, synonyms, and definitions for each technique, designed for data warehouse analysts and developers.
The author of this study is a recipient of the AIM Director's Distinguished Capstone Award.
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Aligning Selected Systems Thinking Tools to Mitigate Key Challenges Encountered During the Initial Stage of Organizational Change
Meghan Fallenstein, Sr. Human Factors Engineer, Intel Corporation
This paper examines the potential for systems thinking tools to provide ways for organizational leaders (Senge, 1999) to address challenges within the organizational change process. Literature published after 1990 is reviewed concerning challenges encountered in the initiating phase of organizational change (Senge, 1999) and selected systems thinking tools: Causal Loop Diagram, Behavior Over Time graph ("Basic" 2004), The Iceberg (Kim, 1999), and Action-to-Outcome (Jones and Seville, 2003). Conclusions are presented for organizational change leaders.
The author of this study is a recipient of the AIM Director's Distinguished Capstone Award.
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The Digital Divide in K-8 Education: Contributing Factors and Mitigating Teaching Strategies
Kel Farley, Support Center Specialist, University of Nevada, Reno
Lynch (2002) defines the Digital Divide as "the gap between those who have access to and can effectively use information technologies and those who cannot" (Lynch, 2002 p.2). This paper examines a primary factor, socio-economic status (Chen and Wellman, 2003), along with Internet access (Birdsall, 2000) and teacher technological skills (Castells, 2002) in K-8 education. Literature published between 1995 and 2005 is analyzed to suggest ways to successfully mitigate the Digital Divide in the classroom.
Benefits of Using Automated Software Testing Tools to Achieve Software Quality Assurance
Michael T. Grater, Intermediate Methods Analyst, UPS
The increasing complexity of software development demands that developers use automated software testing tools. This study analyzes selected literature published between 1997 and 2005 to provide an analysis of benefits of automated software testing tools to increase software quality assurance. Benefits are presented for software engineers and business analysts and classified in relation to five quality factors (in reference to web applications) described by QA Labs, including quality, reliability, recoverability, security, usability and performance.
Sorting Out Card Sorting: Comparing Methods for Information Architects, Usability Engineers and Other Practitioners
Steve Hannah, Associate Director Instructional Technology Center, University of Minnesota, Crookston
This study examines open and closed card sorting methods used by information architects and usability engineers. A hybrid data analysis strategy, combining conceptual analysis (Palmquist et. al., 2005) and constant comparative method (Glaser and Strauss, 1967) is employed to review 14 references. Characteristics of card sorting methods and their properties are organized into twelve emergent categories. Results are presented in a hypertext table, designed to be extended by others and supported with explanations of each category.
The author of this study is a recipient of the AIM Director's Distinguished Capstone Award.
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Internet-Based Collaboration: Using an Application Service Provider to Facilitate Project Coordination between Utilities and State DOTs
Ron Howard, Senior Application Architect, NW Natural
The lack of adequate communication and coordination with utility companies are measurable contributors to cost overruns on highway construction projects (U.S. DOT, 2002). This study examines the viability of an Internet based Application Service Provider (ASP) (Chen, Frolick & Soliman, 2000) as a tool to alleviate communication and coordination obstacles. Selected literature published between 1999 and 2004 is analyzed. The analysis is framed by Bruck's (2000) methods of online collaboration.
Web Conferencing and Enterprise Information Portal Functions in Support of the Four Modes of Knowledge Conversion
Christine Jarrell, Research Coordinator, CNET Networks
The purpose of this study is to explore ways that web conferencing and enterprise information portals, two collaborative technologies, support the four modes of knowledge conversion described by Takeuchi and Nonaka (2004). Modes include Socialization, Externalization, Internalization, and Combination. Content analysis is conducted on selected literature published between January 2004 and December 2004. Outcomes are intended for use in organizations seeking to improve knowledge sharing, with the goal to leverage information into knowledge.
Change Management and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Implementations: Planning for Success
Nicholas Kanellakis, Systems Analyst, Sage Software
This paper identifies change management practices that facilitate Customer Relationship Management (CRM) (Nykamp, 2001) implementations. Selected literature published between 1994 and 2004 is subjected to grounded theory and constant comparison analysis (Strauss and Corbin, 1990). Results are grouped by four change management areas from Kale (2005): training, leadership, infrastructure change, and performance metrics. The outcome is presented to CIOs and CRM steering committee members, as a decision support tool in planning a CRM implementation.
The author of this study is a recipient of the AIM Director's Distinguished Capstone Award.
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Contract Management Techniques: Managing the Progress, Quality and Coordination of Outsourced Software Development
Lorena Lambert, Senior Project Manager, Oregon Department of Transportation
As society's reliance on technology spreads, a growing number of organizations have turned to software development outsourcing to augment their available resources. Using the Capability Maturity Models for Software Engineering and Software Acquisition as a framework, this study identifies practical contract management techniques based on recommendations in selected literature (1990-2005). These techniques are intended for application by project managers to effectively manage the progress, quality and coordination of work in outsourced software development projects.
The author of this study is a recipient of the AIM Director's Distinguished Capstone Award.
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Identification of Unique ePortfolio System Features: Benefits to Students, Faculty and Educational Institutions
Mark McKell, Document Production Manager, IMS Global Learning Consortium, Inc.
Electronic portfolios (ePortfolios) have become an important tool for student-centered learning in higher education. Literature published between 2002 and 2004 is analyzed using content analysis, to identify a set of unique system feature descriptions for campus technology directors. Features are framed as benefits to key constituencies, including students, faculty, and the educational institution (Jafari, 2004). This outcome is intended to prepare technology directors for future ePortfolio implementation within the larger campus information system.
Doing Business in China: Factors for Consideration by Product Managers when Developing Global Business Strategy
Tim Quinlan
As China's economy grows and government restrictions decrease, the opportunities presented to multinational corporations change. By comparing selected elements of Chinese relationship networks (work and business relationships; personal relationships) from Jiang (2003) with selected corporate organizational dynamics (architecture; routines; culture) from Saloner (2001), a set of practical considerations is produced for product managers when developing business strategy in China. Examples of relationship networks and organizational dynamics are derived from selected literature, published between 1994-2005.
Wireless Local Area Network Security Protocols: Compliance with the IEEE 802.lli Standard
Bob Reilly, Manager of Network Technology, Federated Systems Group
As Government regulations become more stringent, corporate responsibility to ensure data privacy increases. This study analyzes selected literature published between 1997 and 2005 to provide an analysis of wireless local area network security protocols based on compliance with criteria in the IEEE 802.lli standard. Capabilities, vulnerabilities and components are compared to help IT executives form corporate security policy. Three protocols examined are Wired Equivalent Privacy, Wi-Fi Protected Access and Extensible Authentication Protocol-Transport Layer Security.
The author of this study is a recipient of the AIM Director's Distinguished Capstone Award.
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Quantitative Data Graphics: Best Practices for Designing Tables and Graphs Used in Not-for-Profit Evaluation Reports
Ruta Stabina, Freelance Information and Graphics Designer
Graphical presentation of quantitative data greatly improves information perception, absorption, and retention. This literature review study analyzed 16 sources published between 1990 and 2005, addressing the three most frequently used quantitative business data presentation types: tables, graphs, and charts (Tufte, 2001) and graphics design. Results are presented in four tables, providing a set of factors for consideration by not-for-profit organization program managers when creating quantitative graphical data visualizations for use in program evaluation reports.
The author of this study is a recipient of the AIM Director's Distinguished Capstone Award.
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Applying Lean Thinking Principles to Software Development
Ray Tatum, Program Manager, Hewlett-Packard
Lean thinking principles, based on the Japanese concept muda, have been successfully applied in manufacturing and product development organizations since the 1940s. The software development community can realize similar benefits, with potential to eliminate wasted efforts inherent in the serial and structured traditional software development process. This study defines the seven basic principles of lean thinking (Poppendieck and Poppendieck, 2003), examines how they relate to the software development process and suggests techniques for their application.
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