Franz Lehner

Bio: Franz Lehner is an academic researcher from University of Passau. The author has contributed to research in topics: Cloud computing & Interactive video. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 52 publications receiving 264 citations.

Leave a Comment! An In-Depth Analysis of User Comments on YouTube

Abstract: User comments are the most popular but also extremely controversial form of communication on YouTube. Their public image is very poor; users generally expect that most comments will be of little value or even in thorough- ly bad taste. Nevertheless, heaps of comments continue to be posted every day. We propose an explanation for this contradiction in user attitudes and behaviour based on a new comment classification approach which captures salient aspects of YouTube comments. We show that, based on our new classification, we are able to perform very fast lightweight semantic video analysis. In addition, our results indicate that users' video perceptions (Likes and Dislikes) are indeed in- fluenced by the dispersion of valuable and inferior comments.

SIVA suite: authoring system and player for interactive non-linear videos

Abstract: In this paper, an intuitive authoring system and player for interactive non-linear video called SIVA Suite is presented for demonstration. Such videos are enriched by additional content. Possible forms of additional content are plaintext, richtext, images and videos. Interactivity is implemented based upon selection buttons which allow the user to follow different plotlines. Additional forms of interactivity are realized as clickable objects in the video and a table of contents for the video. The software provides a tool for manually cutting videos and an automated shot detection. The non-linear flow of the video can be designed using a scene graph with fork nodes. Editors for text and images support the user in adding information to the video. A finished video project is exported to an XML file with a specific schema and Flash video (flv) files. The player processes the XML file, plays the interactive video and shows additional contents. It can be customized to the requirements of the presentation of the video and the corporate design of the homepage the video is embedded in.

Differential cloud adoption: A comparative case study of large enterprises and SMEs in Germany

Abstract: Cloud computing is widely advertised as a technology-based service model and an emerging business model which is highly beneficial for the adopting organizations. But, academic landscape lacks sufficient empirical studies of cloud adoption at firm-level, and the existing cloud adoption factors are mostly anecdotal in nature. A multiple case study approach was used to extract and compare adoption characteristics of SMEs and large firms in Germany, based on the Technology-Organization and Environment (TOE) framework. The study shows that there exist important differences between SMEs and large enterprises regarding the cloud adoption factors. The results further show that large firms perceive characteristics of the cloud to be more complicated and not easy to implement compared to SMEs which contradicts the popular belief that large firms are forerunners in adopting innovations and, the widely publicized cost benefits of cloud services are perceived to be in favor of SMEs.

ICT Skills and Competencies for SMEs: Results from a Structured Literature Analysis on the Individual Level

Abstract: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) may be small, but they are very powerful and of great importance for the economy. The number of SMEs counts to 21.2 million in Europe or almost 67% of total employment and as many as 99.8% of all enterprises in the non-financial business sector. The knowledge, skills and abilities to handle IT systems have become an indispensable asset and success factor. Despite of the importance of IT in SMEs, the exploitation is not sufficient, as a result of skills and competence deficits within the workforce. This applies to companies of all sizes, although SMEs are known to be slower than large ones to adopt new information technologies. On the other hand, SMEs could benefit much more from using IT, but barriers and challenges in areas of management skills, technological capabilities and productivity hold them back instead of securing innovation, growth and profitability. The lack of qualified IT workforce therefore is a major problem in this context. In order to get an overview, an up-to-date analysis of scientific studies will be conducted and systematic approaches to these problems identified. The goal is the derivation of concepts for SMEs that could enable them to manage their specific challenges in a highly competitive environment.

Higher Education and the Opportunities and Challenges of Educational Technology

Abstract: Present educational technology creates a multitude of options for designing and delivering higher education courses – finding a proper set-up of teaching strategies and corresponding teaching and learning tools, i.e., interlinking them purposefully and meaningfully, however, presents a profound challenge to course instructors when (re-)designing their courses. Examples of technology-driven innovations in teaching higher education courses include the use of mobile and video technology in teaching strategies such as the inverted/flipped classroom and the use of collaboration technology in so-called ‘blended learning’ approaches which mix different modes of interaction between instructor and students, e.g., virtual and classroom interaction. Obviously, the students’ learning experience is readily enhanced by abundant online resources including educational videos on virtually every topic – and level of usefulness (whether guided by the course instructor or not).

Multimedia in Learning

Abstract: A wide variety of media can be used in learning, including distance learning, such as print, lectures, conference sections, tutors, pictures, video, sound, and computers. Any one instance of distance learning will make choices among these media, perhaps using several.

Management von Netzwerkorganisationen — Zum Stand der Forschung

Abstract: Dieser Beitrag stellt Netzwerke als Form der Primarorganisation vor, von der sich Unternehmungen selbst in turbulenten Umwelten eine dauerhafte Sicherung strategischer Wettbewerbsvorteile versprechen. Diese Form ist mit der jungeren organisatorischen Forderung nach einer konsequenten Prozessorientierung nicht nur vereinbar, sondern kann geradezu als logische Konsequenz der Umsetzung dieses Organisationsprinzips gelten. Obwohl es zweckmasig erscheint, verschiedene Netzwerktypen zu unterscheiden, konnen dieser Organisationsform okonomischer Aktivitaten generell bestimmte Chancen und Risiken zugeschrieben werden. Zudem konnen vier basale Managementfunktionen identifiziert werden, deren kompetente Wahrnehmung einem Netzwerkversagen vorbeugen kann. Die Problematik des Managements von Netzwerkorganisationen wird dabei mit Blick auch auf die erforderlichen Managementkompetenzen und -instrumente, aber auch mit Blick auf das Verhaltnis von Netzwerkmanagement und Netzwerkentwicklung einerseits sowie von Unternehmungs-und Netzwerkorganisation andererseits analysiert. Abschliesend werden Stand und Perspektiven der Managementforschung zur Netzwerkorganisation resumiert.

Advanced Analysis Cognition: Improving the Cognition of Intelligence Analysis

Abstract: : A prior effort, State of Knowledge Relative to Intelligence Analysis, was initially motivated by the fact that seemingly little change had resulted from numerous studies of the intelligence community. Starting with Pearl Harbor, the U.S. intelligence community has often faced criticism for failing to predict or warn of future events. Though the criticisms have come from different groups, a certain commonality exists among the proposals for change in the intelligence community. The other noteworthy feature of these proposals is how little their content has changed over time. A thorough analysis of the intelligence literature was accomplished. This analysis provided an answer to the question of whether the existing literature on intelligence analysis contains the requisite knowledge to inform the development and application of both the mechanistic and cognitive activities to support doing intelligence analysis. A dominant finding was how little the practice of intelligence analysis had been informed by the findings in related scientific disciplines. The primary objective of this research effort was to understand the research findings in relevant scientific disciplines and to relate these findings to the practice of intelligence analysis. This research effort was based on the full text of over 5,800 documents consisting of nearly 172,000 pages. Our analysis of the current intelligence literature showed a continuation of previously observed trends. The number of publications dealing with intelligence analysis has decreased since 2007; in 2012 publication was at the level observed in 1996-1997. Also, we observed that the literature places less emphasis on the improvement of the quality of intelligence analysis. During the effort described in this report we conducted research syntheses for the topics of critical thinking, thinking dispositions, epistemological beliefs, practice based training, and various facets of cognition.

Exploratory Study of Hong Kong Teacher Education Students' Epistemological Beliefs: Cultural Perspectives and Implications on Beliefs Research

Abstract: This paper reports a study of epistemological beliefs of Hong Kong teacher education students in which such four belief dimensions have been identified. The result is similar to that found by Schommer with North American university students in that the number of dimensions is the same but the nature of the dimensions is different. The paper hypothesizes that these differences can be accounted for in terms of differences in cultural context. In particular, the difference in dimensions concerned with authority–expert knowledge and effort and learning reported in this study might be explained by value differences between Western (North American) and non-Western (Hong Kong Chinese) culture. From a methodological perspective, the interview data also imply difficulties in measuring knowledge beliefs and one finding from the study is that in-depth interviews to complement quantitative data are necessary for trustworthy study of epistemological beliefs.

Persuasiveness of a mobile lifestyle coaching application using social facilitation

Abstract: In a field study we compared usage and acceptance of a mobile lifestyle coaching application with a traditional web application. The participants (N=40) documented health behaviour (activity and healthy nutrition) daily, trying to reach a defined goal. In addition, health questionnaires and social facilitation features were provided to enhance motivation. Acceptance of the system was high in both groups. The mobile application was perceived as being more attractive and fun to use. Analysis of the usage patterns showed significant differences between the mobile and the web-based application. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of task compliance and health behaviour. The effectiveness of mobility and social facilitation was confounded by other variables, e.g. gender and age. Initial motivation for lifestyle change was related to the overall compliance and goal achievement of the participant. Implications show ways to strengthen the persuasiveness of health applications on mobile devices.