Showing papers in "Internet Research in 1997"
TL;DR: It is concluded that the results of the survey indicate that people strongly desire an easier‐to‐use Internet, while nonusers have a decidedly different set of beliefs about the Internet’s value.
Abstract: Analyzes a national random telephone survey, carried out in October 1995, on the motivations for and barriers to Internet usage. Eight percent of the random sample reported being Internet users, while surprisingly another 8 percent reported being former users. In total, 85 percent of respondents reported having heard of the Internet. The survey showed evidence of a digital divide, Internet users being generally wealthier and more highly educated, and blacks and Hispanics disproportionately unaware of the Internet. Social and work networks appear to be important for stimulating interest in the Internet and providing users with support. As to reasons for using the Internet, socio‐personal development appears to be the key driver, while nonusers have a decidedly different set of beliefs about the Internet’s value. As to the barriers to Internet usage, even experienced users find it difficult to get started, which confirms other studies of this topic. Barriers include cost and difficulties in understanding how to use the Internet. Concludes that the results of the survey indicate that people strongly desire an easier‐to‐use Internet.
317 citations
TL;DR: Develops detailed marketing strategy recommendations for online commerce based on the general popularity of the Internet, the unique nature of doing business there, and how its attributes may be utilized for a successful marketing presence.
Abstract: Develops detailed marketing strategy recommendations for online commerce based on the general popularity of the Internet, the unique nature of doing business there, and how its attributes may be utilized for a successful marketing presence.
142 citations
TL;DR: The purpose of the identification phase (Phase I) is to identify the criteria that influence a particular user community’s use of the Web and to analyze these within the context of the users’ overall information‐gathering behavior.
Abstract: Reports on Phase I of a two‐part project to identify and implement user‐based design criteria in World Wide Web pages. The purpose of the identification phase (Phase I) is to identify the criteria that influence a particular user community’s use of the Web and to analyze these within the context of the users’ overall information‐gathering behavior. Data were gathered through a questionnaire and electronic focus group session with nine faculty from four business schools. Participants identified 49 Web page features which clustered into eight broad categories of criteria having a significant positive or negative impact on their use of WWW pages. They also identified types of information normally used in work activities; methods of finding this information within the current information service environment; likely changes in behavior if the information became available via the Web, including willingness to pay.
135 citations
TL;DR: Draws on some of Hyperion’s recent experience in helping to launch electronic commerce services on the Internet, reengineering of financial institutions and electronic cash, to suggest approaches for organizations wishing to participate in this new “marketspace.”
Abstract: Financial services is undergoing a period of unprecedented change ‐ new products, new entrants, mergers and acquisitions, downsizing … and now another new delivery channel: the Internet. The performance attributes of the Internet are related to both the needs of consumers and the nature of financial services products. Suggests loans, cross‐border services, payments and “knowledge/advice” as areas of opportunity in the early development of this new marketplace. Explores scenarios for the future development of “bancassurer” offerings and for electronic commerce as a whole. Draws on some of Hyperion’s recent experience in helping to launch electronic commerce services on the Internet, reengineering of financial institutions and electronic cash, to suggest approaches for organizations wishing to participate in this new “marketspace.” While businesses can now begin to develop strategies for exploiting cyberspace, argues that existing organizational structures may be inappropriate.
130 citations
TL;DR: It is found that companies in seven major industries lead in the business use of the Internet in Singapore: computer and information technology; hospitality; manufacturing; travel; retail; publications; and banking and finance.
Abstract: Focuses on business firms in Singapore, identifying the industries in which the Internet is being used for business. These firms are early adopters in the local environment where use of the Internet for business is a new phenomenon still, and they provide information about their Internet experience in terms of their use, perceptions, and the problems encountered. Finds that companies in seven major industries lead in the business use of the Internet in Singapore: computer and information technology; hospitality; manufacturing; travel; retail; publications; and banking and finance. Most of the survey respondents use the Internet for marketing and advertising, customer service and support, information gathering, and, to a lesser degree, electronic transactions. The respondents’ perception of the attributes of the Internet are largely positive. The problems encountered by the respondents include difficulty in locating information, rising costs of Internet use, and security.
120 citations
TL;DR: Investigates the importance of securing a company’s systems, its individual users, and its commercial transactions, and provides a checklist along with a brief discussion of available protection measures for these three primary security concerns.
Abstract: Looks at the growth and potential of the Internet in relation to security issues. Presently, lack of security is perceived as a major roadblock to doing business on‐line. Risks of system corruption, fraud, theft and viruses point companies to the need for enhanced security. Investigates the importance of securing a company’s systems, its individual users, and its commercial transactions, and provides a checklist along with a brief discussion of available protection measures for these three primary security concerns.
85 citations
TL;DR: Examines the revolutionary impact of the Internet on the discipline of marketing for the next decade and next century.
Abstract: The Internet has evolved into a dynamic source of information as well as an extraordinary marketing tool that is able to reach nearly any user. The Internet phenomenon has become a source for gathering timely information and converting data into profitable results at a faster rate for many firms and individuals in this revolutionary era of the twentieth century. Participants of the economy from households to foreign markets have found this dynamic phenomenal system to be a way to reach the masses with a large percentage of the Earth’s composite knowledge. Examines the revolutionary impact of the Internet on the discipline of marketing for the next decade and next century.
81 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that customer feedback must be managed in a disciplined way, by ensuring that feedback is representative of the customer population as a whole, not just of those with a propensity to comment.
Abstract: Presents a model which organizations can use to monitor Web site effectiveness. Argues that anecdotal evidence can be colorful but is not useful in structuring and managing an effective site. Suggests that traditional disciplines of composition and communication ‐ explicit purpose, coherent structure, relevant conclusion ‐ should be applied to Web site design. Concludes that customer feedback must be managed in a disciplined way, by ensuring that feedback is representative of the customer population as a whole, not just of those with a propensity to comment; and that the purpose and aims of a Web site must be thought through with the utmost care and attention to give a higher likelihood of creating an effective site.
79 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined current and planned practices and the major benefits of communication intensive information system applications and analyzed current use and impact of the Internet in a business setting and reported on the variety of expected values to be derived from use of the internet indicated by respondents.
Abstract: Examines current and planned practices and the major benefits of communication‐intensive information system applications The Internet, once a government‐controlled, tax‐supported endeavor, is no longer restricted to noncommercial traffic Contends that business use of the Internet has grown rapidly over the last several years, yet information technology managers still struggle to evaluate the contribution of this new technology in their organizations Surveys were sent to a random selection of 500 companies to analyze current use and impact of the Internet in a business setting Reports on the variety of expected values to be derived from use of the Internet indicated by respondents
74 citations
TL;DR: The Internet is seen as morally neutral technology, able to be utilized as a force for good or bad, education, propaganda and entertainment, and challenges the Church to embrace its utilization.
Abstract: Discusses the (primarily Catholic) Church in the “information society,” and explores the nature of communications in this context, and specifically the Internet Suggests that the Church must embrace today’s communications media and leverage its position as social and ethical advisor and counselor within the primarily capitalist social systems within which it operates Sees the Internet as morally neutral technology, able to be utilized as a force for good or bad, education, propaganda and entertainment, and challenges the Church to embrace its utilization
36 citations
TL;DR: The prime objective was to identify the frequency and type of use that academic staff were making of the Internet during 1995, with supplementary objectives being to record perceptions of users toward the Internet, and barriers to its effective use.
Abstract: It is widely assumed ‐ and frequently asserted ‐ that university communication practices are being radically transformed by the introduction of electronic communication. Explores the introduction of Internet access in a single university, the University of Canberra, located in the capital city of Australia. The prime objective was to identify the frequency and type of use that academic staff were making of the Internet during 1995, with supplementary objectives being to record perceptions of users toward the Internet, and barriers to its effective use. The principal finding is not unexpected: academics were making very varied use of the Internet. Some staff were utilizing some facilities on a daily basis; others were yet to begin exploring this new communication medium. A particular surprise was that at the time of this survey the Internet was being used very little for teaching.
TL;DR: It is concluded that the problem of accurate counting on the Web is a new manifestation of an old problem: old wine in new bottles.
Abstract: Explores the problems of “counting” hits and visits to Web sites on the World Wide Web. Nominally, cyberspace offers unrivalled monitoring and tracking potential when compared with other marketing media. However, further inspection reveals some complicating factors. Identifies the phenomenon of cache memory, the use of proxy servers and trawler software and explores their influence on under‐ and over‐counting. Drawing on the hierarchy of effects model developed by Berthon et al. (1996), presents a series of correction factors. Concludes that the problem of accurate counting on the Web is a new manifestation of an old problem: old wine in new bottles.
TL;DR: Of these methods, the dynamic Domain Name System and directory service look‐up appear to be the best for resolving dynamic IP addressing.
Abstract: Knowledge of the Internet Protocol (IP) address is essential for connection establishment in certain classes of synchronous distributed applications, such as Internet telephony and video‐conferencing systems. A problem of dynamic IP addressing arises when the connection to the Internet is through an Internet service provider, since the IP address is dynamically allocated only at connection time. Proposes and draws a contrast between a number of generic methods that can be classified as online and offline methods for the resolution of dynamic IP addressing. Online methods, which include the World Wide Web, exchange server and the dynamic Domain Name System, are only effective when both the caller and recipient are logged on to the Internet. On the other hand, offline methods, which include electronic mailing and directory service look‐up, provide an additional means to allow the caller to leave messages when the recipient is not logged on to the Internet. Of these methods, the dynamic Domain Name System and directory service look‐up appear to be the best for resolving dynamic IP addressing.
TL;DR: An analysis of the use of the Internet by academic librarians reveals that existing bibliographic structure is not used to best advantage and an amended version of Benson’s decision tree as a pedagogical tool is suggested.
Abstract: Analyzes the Internet as a reference tool based on its ability to provide rapid access to authoritative information or sources of information. Reveals that the Internet provides no comprehensive mechanism for identifying quality information. Bibliographic structure is also disparate, making it impossible to adopt a coherent strategy for identifying quality information. A unified service interface would help alleviate this problem. An analysis of the use of the Internet by academic librarians reveals that existing bibliographic structure is not used to best advantage. Simple strategies which would limit these deficiencies, such as the use of electronic mail, are not used. Suitable training, from an introductory to advanced level, would alleviate this problem. Suggests the use of an amended version of Benson’s decision tree as a pedagogical tool. This model would help to decide when to use the Internet and suggest search paths for different question types.
TL;DR: The analysis assumes the increasing involvement of highly trained professionals in adult education programs; the continuing growth of corporate universities in scope and breadth; the integration of corporate programs with traditional colleges and universities; and the increasing use of the Internet as a mechanism to coordinate, supplement, support, and integrate learning experiences.
Abstract: Discusses strategies for implementing modern knowledge management curricula in academic programs for adult professionals References the perspectives of multidisciplinary curricula covering information and society; multimedia and hypermedia; electronic information design and presentation; and infrastructure development and implementation The analysis assumes the increasing involvement of highly trained professionals in adult education programs; the continuing growth of corporate universities in scope and breadth; the integration of corporate programs with traditional colleges and universities; and the increasing use of the Internet as a mechanism to coordinate, supplement, support, and integrate learning experiences Advances historical and pedagogical methodologies as a means to provide perspective and structure for program development and future research References an information technology (IT) program for mid‐career information managers in Northern California and serving the high‐technology area known as Silicon Valley
TL;DR: Warns that as an increasing number of children get online, solutions to these controversial issues must be discussed openly.
Abstract: Considers that, in addition to all the positive attributes of the Internet, negatives are bound to emerge. Negative influences include the ability of children to access information that is not suitable for their age and the absence of laws or legal legislation to limit this access to the material. Laws are in existence prohibiting young people under the age of 18 years from accessing sexually explicit or sexually deviant materials. The problem with the Internet is the fact that there is no sanction limiting people from posting material of this kind. Warns that as an increasing number of children get online, solutions to these controversial issues must be discussed openly.
TL;DR: The apparent escalation in computer‐abuse incidents is highlighted, as illustrated by a number of recent surveys, and the effects that these may have on the public perception of technology and the smooth transition to the information society are examined.
Abstract: Examines the damaging effects that malicious computer abuse, such as hacking and viruses, can have on the development of an information‐based society Computing and telecommunications technologies are a key ingredient in the realization of this society, but are increasingly the targets of criminals and mischief makers Highlights the apparent escalation in computer‐abuse incidents, as illustrated by a number of recent surveys, and examines the effects that these may have on the public perception of technology (and, hence, the smooth transition to the information society) Also presents some broad recommendations regarding what can be done to address the problem This considers both technical measures to help safeguard systems and revised attitudes to computer abuse, to insure that incidents can be dealt with more effectively
TL;DR: The significance of information equivalence in the information age as a basis for setting concrete goals for Internet research policy is discussed including a description of X‐DEX, an Internet indexing standard based on the US Library of Congress cross‐reference system.
Abstract: Notes that until the advent of the Internet, major libraries and text repositories were considered by all as bastions of information, but the Internet has opened up a treasure‐trove of information for researchers and seekers of knowledge throughout the world. It has become common practice by researchers of all kinds to turn to the Internet as a convenient source of information. Asks how effectively does the Internet really present these researchers with a representative picture of the state of human knowledge? Identifies the potential misuse of the Internet as a source of biased information. Defines biased information as information not representative of the state of human knowledge. In order to provide a basis for comparison, begins by defining the concept of a representative subset, which is used as a basis for comparing the nature of different information resources. This is followed by a presentation of the use of the knowledge‐comparison function in evaluating different information resources. Then discusses the significance of information equivalence in the information age as a basis for setting concrete goals for Internet research policy. Concludes by presenting a number of courses of action including a description of X‐DEX, an Internet indexing standard based on the US Library of Congress cross‐reference system.
TL;DR: Arguing that VR has potential applications but that these applications may prove to be more limited than some proponents would suggest, points to a significant opportunity for VR technology to be used in strategic partnership marketing and supply chain management.
Abstract: Discusses some of the limitations of virtual reality (VR) with reference to socio‐technical systems ‐ the interaction of people with technology. Argues that VR has potential applications but that these applications may prove to be more limited than some proponents would suggest. Points to a significant opportunity for VR technology to be used in strategic partnership marketing and supply chain management.
TL;DR: It is concluded that the Internet certainly has potential for becoming an information highway and places some emphasis on the IP next generation protocol, IP version 6 (IPv6).
Abstract: Examines the Internet’s potential for becoming an information highway. Defines the information highway and the Internet. Describes the characteristics of an information highway. The concept of an information highway puts some requirements on the infrastructure. The users of an information highway, who are located in the residential and business environment, have their share of requirements as well, but they focus on the requirements put forward by the services or applications they will use on an information highway. Checks whether the Internet has implemented these properties and how, or if work is going on to develop them. The framework for this discussion is the TCP/IP reference model. Places some emphasis on the IP next generation protocol, IP version 6 (IPv6). Provides an overview showing all the properties with an indication of how well the posed requirements are met. Concludes that the Internet certainly has potential for becoming an information highway.
TL;DR: Forecasts that in the next few years, physical cash will be replaced as a main medium for transactions by “e‐cash,” which is cheaper to manufacture, more portable, and more versatile.
Abstract: Discusses “smart cards” as electronic cash carriers. Examines technological innovations such as the Mondex “electronic purse” in the UK, where card values can be topped up by telephone. Forecasts that in the next few years, physical cash will be replaced as a main medium for transactions by “e‐cash,” which is cheaper to manufacture, more portable, and more versatile.
TL;DR: Show how to make Internet a pedagogical tool to leverage the cognitive skills of the pupils and to be an enabler to reengineering the productive processes within the schools, considering the Brazilian educational scenario.
Abstract: Internet is a real phenomenon. This technology is being spread out in all fields of our society, including education. But Internet does not come alone; a new modus operandi is being deployed in the productive segments of our world. Presents a framework to implement Internet in K‐12 Brazilian Schools. Shows how to make Internet a pedagogical tool to leverage the cognitive skills of the pupils and to be an enabler to reengineering the productive processes within the schools. Outlines the main obstacles to implement Internet, considering the Brazilian educational scenario. Presents conclusions about the need of a new educational paradigm for the schools and how the Internet can be useful in defining it.
TL;DR: Describes two categories of scholarly Internet resources: peer‐reviewed electronic journals and academic discussion lists, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each in turn.
Abstract: Describes two categories of scholarly Internet resources: peer‐reviewed electronic journals and academic discussion lists. Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each in turn.
TL;DR: The results indicate that NCF users are not a specialized group in the community, but are comparable to the local regional population in age, education, and income and use of the system.
Abstract: The National Capital FreeNet (NCF) in Ottawa, Canada is one of the largest and most successful community online services in the world. A sample of 1,073 National Capital FreeNet (NCF) users were surveyed about their demographic characteristics, their access methods, and their levels of satisfaction. The results indicate that NCF users are not a specialized group in the community, but are comparable to the local regional population in age, education, and income. NCF users most often connect from home using modems, often using equipment and telephone lines purchased specifically for this service. NCF users connect to the system regularly, and usage of the system was not strongly related to demographic factors. NCF users are very satisfied with the system and satisfaction and donations were not strongly related to demographic factors or use of the system. These results suggest that this community network has a broad appeal and that current and future online services may have significant widespread impacts on individuals and society.
TL;DR: The sequence of steps taken in setting up a cross‐cultural management course, and making extensive use of the Internet to add to the reality of the experience for fourth‐year and MBA students who, like most university students, have access to the Internet.
Abstract: Documents the sequence of steps taken in setting up a cross‐cultural management course, and making extensive use of the Internet to add to the reality of the experience for fourth‐year and MBA students who, like most university students, have access to the Internet, a communication medium that allows inexpensive contact with other cultures
TL;DR: It is pointed out that increasing interest in the environment and in marine life has led to significant economic success for aquariums and this is part of a trend in “entertainment and recreation involving animals” which also includes theme parks and zoos.
Abstract: Aquariums include exhibits and enclosures of freshwater and marine plant and animal species. Notes that a rapid expansion in the number of aquariums has occurred over the last ten years and in addition the complexity of exhibits and activities is also expanding in an aquarium “explosion.” Points out that increasing interest in the environment and in marine life has led to significant economic success for aquariums. This is part of a trend in “entertainment and recreation involving animals” which also includes theme parks and zoos. Similar in many ways to museums and galleries, aquariums display species within restricted conditions. Lists various Internet addresses of aquariums using the Internet to take advantage of presentation techniques and wider audiences.
TL;DR: World Thai Expert Link is proposed, to exploit new Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), or telematics, as a main means of creating social groups and thus task‐oriented workgroups in terms of motivational advantage and in a context of the psychology of interpersonal relations in a new geography of virtual space.
Abstract: Proposes World Thai Expert Link (WorldTEL), to exploit new Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), or telematics, as a main means of creating social groups and thus task‐oriented workgroups in terms of motivational advantage and in a context of the psychology of interpersonal relations in a new geography of virtual space Introduces the concept of “diaspora” communications in terms of the widespread distribution of special interest groups (eg experts, managers), highlighting related corporate communication issues, while concentrating on the Thai Expert diaspora Touches on the critical philosophical issues and introduces a new relativity of space arising from the idea that, already, ICTs can enable spaces to move and people stay
TL;DR: Current descriptions of some of the major directories; namely, LibWeb and WWW Library Directory which list and link to library homepages as well as Hytelnet and WebCats which are devoted to listing and linking to the library OPACs are given.
Abstract: Several articles in the journal Campus‐Wide Information Systems have been devoted to describing the different directories which link to library catalogs on the Internet and the World Wide Web. Some of the directories reviewed in this ongoing series on OPACs were Hytelnet and Libgopher for telnet based catalogs as well as WebCats, Libweb, LC Z39.50 Gateway and the WWW Library Directory‐Framed Edition for the web‐based OPACs. Gives current descriptions of some of the major directories; namely, LibWeb and WWW Library Directory which list and link to library homepages as well as Hytelnet and WebCats which are devoted to listing and linking to the library OPACs. In addition, summarizes the techniques used in finding new directories.
TL;DR: The correct role of the European Commission in the light of its dependency on information from all European Union institutions is considered.
Abstract: Considers the correct role of the European Commission in the light of its dependency on information from all European Union institutions.
TL;DR: Discusses two online directories, Hytelnet and Libgopher, which allow users to connect to a library catalog on the Internet.
Abstract: Discusses two online directories, Hytelnet and Libgopher, which allow users to connect to a library catalog on the Internet.