Showing papers on "Information sharing published in 2000"

The Value of Information Sharing in a Two-Level Supply Chain

Abstract: Many companies have embarked on initiatives that enable more demand information sharing between retailers and their upstream suppliers. While the literature on such initiatives in the business press is proliferating, it is not clear how one can quantify the benefits of these initiatives and how one can identify the drivers of the magnitudes of these benefits. Using analytical models, this paper aims at addressing these questions for a simple two-level supply chain with nonstationary end demands. Our analysis suggests that the value of demand information sharing can be quite high, especially when demands are significantly correlated over time.

Information sharing in a supply chain

Abstract: Advances in information system technology have had a huge impact on the evolution of supply chain management. As a result of such technological advances, supply chain partners can now work in tight coordination to optimise the chain-wide performance, and the realised return may be shared among the partners. A basic enabler for tight coordination is information sharing, which has been greatly facilitated by the advances in information technology. This paper describes the types of information shared inventory, sales, demand forecast, order status, and production schedule. We discuss how and why this information is shared using industry examples and relating them to academic research. We also discuss three alternative system models of information sharing - the information transfer model, the third party model and the information hub model.

The use of collaborative electronic media for information sharing: an exploratory study of determinants

Abstract: This article reports an exploratory investigation of individual perceptions of factors that underlie the use of collaborative electronic media (electronic mail, World Wide Web, list serves, and other collaborative systems) for sharing information in a large state university in Australia. The model builds on the Constant et al.'s theory of information sharing. We propose that perceptions of information culture, attitudes regarding information ownership and propensity to share, as well as task and personal factors influence people's use of collaborative media. We found that task characteristics (task interdependence), perceived information usefulness and the user's computer comfort were most strongly associated with the person's use of collaborative media. Consistent with Constant et al.'s earlier findings, views of information ownership and propensity to share were significantly related to use. Interestingly, use of electronic media for sharing information and contacting people was weakly associated with a more structured, closed information culture. This implies that heavy users and sharers want more structured information flow in place, possibly due to their need to have reliable access to other individual's knowledge and information. Contrary to suggestions in the literature, a fully open, organic information culture may not always be most desirable. Implications for knowledge managers, practitioners and researchers are suggested.

System and method for selective information exchange

Abstract: A system and method for providing users with granular control over arbitrary information that allows for selective, real-time information sharing in a communications network such as the Internet is provided. In a network including a plurality of network devices operated by a plurality of users, a real-time information exchange system for sharing user profile information between respective users includes a database management system connected to the network. The database management system, which may be distributed across the network, stores the user profile information for a plurality of registered users of the information exchange system. The user profile information includes a plurality of data elements, each data element having an associated one of the plurality of registered users. Each data element has an associated group of users to whom access to the data element has been granted, and users not included in the associated group of users are denied access to the data element. Each registered user may selectively control the granting and denying of access to each of its associated data elements by other respective user, on an element-by-element, and user-by-user basis. Further, each registered user may dynamically create its own data fields.

Information sharing in a supply chain

Abstract: Advances in information system technology have had a huge impact on the evolution of supply chain management. As a result of such technological advances, supply chain partners can now work in tight coordination to optimise the chain-wide performance, and the realised return may be shared among the partners. A basic enabler for tight coordination is information sharing, which has been greatly facilitated by the advances in information technology. This paper describes the types of information shared inventory, sales, demand forecast, order status, and production schedule. We discuss how and why this information is shared using industry examples and relating them to academic research. We also discuss three alternative system models of information sharing - the information transfer model, the third party model and the information hub model.

From arms‐length to collaborative relationships in the supply chain: An evolutionary process

Abstract: Buyer‐supplier relationships play an important role in an organization’s ability to respond to dynamic and unpredictable change. If the relationship is too restrictive, flexibility will be difficult to achieve and, if it is too lenient the risk of opportunism will be present. This paper provides a framework for understanding how buyer‐supplier relationships have evolved over the past two decades from transaction processes based on arms‐length agreements to collaborative processes based on trust and information sharing. To achieve this objective, buyer‐supplier relationships are reviewed from the perspectives of transaction cost theory, strategy‐structure theory and resource‐based theory of the firm. Findings from early supply chain research are contrasted with the findings of more current research to provide a better understanding of how these relationships have changed. Current theory is extended by offering two proposals that test the influence of trust and information sharing and a third proposal that rejects the notion that supply chain alliances lead to monopolistic practices.

System method and article of manufacture for creating collaborative application sharing

Abstract: not available for EP1185965Abstract of corresponding document: WO0067227A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a training opportunity to understand and solve optimally. The technique establishes a collaborative training session, including the steps of establishing a network connection between a plurality of users, selecting a mode for the network connection between the plurality of users, establishing a network connection mode between the plurality of users, and synchronizing the mode between the plurality of users. Modes of operation include application sharing, whiteboarding, media sharing, newsgroup information sharing, chatroom initiation and discussion group initiation.

Information Sharing in Credit Markets: A Survey

Abstract: Information sharing about borrowers' characteristics and their indebtedness can have important effects on credit markets activity. First, it improves the banks' knowledge of applicants' characteristics and permits a more accurate prediction of their repayment probabilities. Second, it reduces the informational rents that banks could otherwise extract from their customers. Third, it can operate as a borrower discipline device. Finally, it eliminates borrowers' incentive to become over-indebted by drawing credit simultaneously from many banks without any of them realizing. Understanding the effects of information sharing also helps to shed light on some key issues in the design of a credit information system, such as the relationship between public and private mechanisms, the dosage between black and white information sharing, and the "memory" of the system. Merging the insights from theoretical models with the lessons of experience, one can avoid serious pitfalls in the design of credit information systems.

Providing Security and Interoperation of HeterogeneousSystems

Abstract: Interoperation and information sharing among databases independently developed and maintained by different organizations is today a pressing need, if not a practice. Governmental, military, financial, medical, and private institutions are more and more required to become part of a distributed infrastructure and selectively share their data with other organizations. This sharing process inevitably opens the local system to new vulnerabilities and enlarges the space of possible threats to the data and resources it maintains. As a complicating factor, in general, data sources are heterogeneous both in the data models they adopt and in the security models by which protection requirements are stated. We present a modeling and architectural solution to the problem of providing interoperation while preserving autonomy and security of the local sources based on the use of wrappers and a mediator. A wrapper associated with each source provides a uniform data interface and a mapping between the source's security lattice and other lattices. The mediator processes global access requests by interfacing applications and data sources. The combination of wrappers and mediator thus provides a uniform data model interface and allows the mapping between restrictions stated by the different security policies. We describe the practical application of these ideas to the problem of trusted interoperation of health care databases, targeted to enforcing security in distributed applications referring to independent heterogeneous sources protected by mandatory policy restrictions. We describe the architecture and operation of the system developed, and describe the tasks of the different components.

Method for online information sharing for completing electronic forms

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for gathering information from different sources to be used to automatically fill in online forms. The information is collected using a persona of an individual. A persona is created by filtering a larger set of raw data for that user so that only certain fields are allowed to be seen and used by others. An individual can have several personas, each assigned to a particular other individual, such as a family member or a friend. The individual allowing one of his personas to be shared is the information provider and the user requesting the information is the information requester. The information is taken from both the provider and requester, and used by a vendor in a form, filled out by the information requester. In one embodiment, the information requester is a “gift giver” and the provider is a “gift receiver.” The gift giver is requesting shipping and other information from the gift receiver, who can grant one of his personas to the particular gift giver. The information, along with billing information from the gift giver, is used to fill out a vendor online form.

Information Sharing in an Interorganizational GIS Environment

Abstract: The increased acceptance and use of computerized GIS and digital data sets in private and public organizations in the United States has been in recent years further encouraged by the Federal initiatives which promote sharing of geographic data. In spite of the obvious benefits in terms of efficiency and effectiveness to be derived from sharing geographic information both within and between organizations, the idea continues to be resisted, leading to inefficiencies from duplication of data collection and storage. Using case-study methodology, we examine in this research the mechanisms and behavioral factors that can facilitate or inhibit the willingness of organizations to share GIS and databases. Five cases, including organizations with varied levels of joint GIS and database activities, were studied to determine the characteristics underlying successful interorganizational GIS. Our findings offer a number of suggestions for organizations seeking to derive maximum benefits from the interorganizational GIS...

A distributed multi-agent system for collaborative information management and sharing

Abstract: In this paper, we present DIAMS, a system of distributed, collaborative agents to help users access, manage, share and exchange information. A DIAMS personal agent helps its owner find information most relevant to current needs. It provides tools and utilities for users to manage their information repositories with dynamic organization and virtual views. Flexible hierarchical display is integrated with indexed query search-to support effective information access. Automatic indexing methods are employed to support user queries and communication between agents. Contents of a repository are kept in object-oriented storage to facilitate information sharing. Collaboration between users is aided by easy sharing utilities as well as automated information exchange. Matchmaker agents are designed to establish connections between users with similar interests and expertise. DIAMS agents provide needed services for users to share and learn information from one another on the World Wide Web.

A template-based methodology for disaster management information systems

Abstract: Timely and accurate processing of crisis information and effective communication have been documented as critical elements of disaster relief operations. Despite the lessons learned from previous crises, preparing information for humanitarian assistance and ineffective information sharing remain a recurring and almost impossible task for relief agencies. The purpose of the paper is to propose a template based methodology to archive past disaster relief operations, create "descriptive" templates for advanced preparedness, and design "normative" templates for fast execution of assistance operations, while reducing miscommunications among aid agencies.

Web-based Supply Chain Management

Abstract: A key constituent of supply chain management strategies is information sharing. Software component technology facilitates information sharing by providing a means for integrating heterogeneous information systems into virtual information systems. Extranet technology facilitates information sharing between an enterprise and its business partners as well as its customers through the Internet. These two technologies enable new strategies that integrate information systems and improve supply chain networks. We discuss the application of these strategies to supply chain processes.

On the advantages of information sharing.

Abstract: During the evolution of life, there have been several transitions in which individuals began to cooperate, forming higher levels of organization, and sometimes losing their independent reproductive identity. For example, multicellularity and insect societies evolved independently multiple times. Several factors that confer evolutionary advantages on higher levels of organization have been proposed. In this paper we highlight one additional factor: the sharing of information between individuals. Information sharing is not subject to the intrinsic conservation laws that characterize the sharing of physical resources. A simple model will illustrate how information sharing can result in aggregates in which the individuals both receive more information about their environment and pay less for it. This may have played a role in the evolution of higher levels of organization.

Information sharing in an online community of journalists

Abstract: Informal groups of professional workers are forming online communities to create and share information with each other. This paper offers an analysis of an online community of news reporters. Through participant observation in the group electronic discussion, and analysis of archival copies of the group conversation, the authors explore the ways in which this group requests and offers assistance to each other. The types of information created are examined and the temporal characteristics of the group are explored. The analysis revealed a vibrant online community of professionals who use the online communication medium to compliment professional face to face meetings and other forms of communication such as newsletters and journals.

Integrating agent-based mixed-initiative control with an existing multi-agent planning system

Abstract: Explores the impact of the role(s) that people play in large-scale multi-agent systems. We must develop strategies for coordinating not only the problem-solving behavior of autonomous agent communities, but also their information sharing and mixed-initiative human interaction behavior. In this paper, we describe our experience with combining two interactive agent systems: TRIPS (The Rochester Interactive Planning System) and CAMPS-MP (Constraint-based Airlift Mission Planning Scheduler-Mission Planner), an interactive airlift scheduling tool developed for the US Air Force. This revealed requirements for effective multi-agent mixed-initiative interactions, including the role of explanation and the need for contextual information sharing among the agents.

Using electronic media for information sharing activities: a replication and extension

Abstract: This article reports a replication and extension of a study that explored individual perceptions of factors that underlie the use of electronic media (electronic mail, world-wide-web, list serves, and other collaborative systems). The original study was conducted in a single Australian university. The study was replicated in a Canadian university. The replication allowed testing of the enlarged research model that involves organizational culture variables as well as attitudes toward information policies. Overall, the expanded research model includes culture variables, task and technology related variables, as well as individual attitudes and beliefs. We found that task and technology related variables explained more of the use of electronic media for sharing than culture related variables or the individual attitudes and beliefs. Specifically, task interdependence, perceived information usefulness and the user’s computer comfort were most strongly associated with the person’s use of electronic media. Two dimensions, employee orientation and need for achievement, of organizational culture had a significant influence on the use of electronic media for information sharing activities although less strongly than the task and technology related variables. Of the individual attitudes and beliefs, attitudes about information policies had a significant influence on the use of electronic media for information sharing activities. Besides the value of replication of a research model in another culture, the study contributed to the information systems literature by developing initial scales for two new constructs: attitudes about information policies and information culture.

Working together for environmental management : the role of information sharing and collaborative learning : a dissertation presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Massey University, New Zealand

Abstract: Resource management issues continually change over time in response to eo-evolving social , economic and ecological systems. Under these conditions adaptive management, or ' learning by doing' , offers an opportunity for more proactive and collaborative approaches to resolving environmental problems. Effective collaborative management requires different stakeholders associated with environmental problems to develop and enact solutions co-operatively, as opposed to acting as advocates purely in their own interest. However, because environmental issues are generally characterised by conflicting social perceptions, it is often difficult to ensure adequate stakeholder participation in developing and managing information to support collaborative decision making and subsequent change 'on-the-ground' . An initial framework for a collaborative approach to managing information within an adaptive management approach is outlined at the beginning of this study. This is the Integrated Systems for Knowledge Management (ISKM) approach. This thesis is developed through a six-year action research inquiry into its implementation. This involves one main case study (tussock grasslands) and two smaller, but related, ones (black stilt; Tb vector control) . Consistent with an action research approach, the inquiry developed as it was influenced by the different organisational and social issues that emerged during the case studies and by the subsequent analyses that were made. These included how to manage: forums that support constructive community dialogue; environmental conflict; evaluation processes that meet the needs of the different parties involved; multi-stakeholder information networks ; and the integration of both ' soft' and 'hard' inquiry processes within research and development initiatives. The thesis concludes by showing how these different process issues are linked in practice . A final version of ISKM is outlined, but i t is suggested that this wil l only work if it i s implemented in an environment characterised by high social capital. Action research is seen as a process that both helps the development of this social capital , and provides lessons into how it can be expanded. Moreover, building capacity for the use of participatory learning processes should be part of the method: that capacity cannot be assumed to be there. The role of evaluation in building capacity for participation, and measuring process success is highlighted. Finally, it is suggested that further insights should be drawn across action research case studies so that more valuable and robust lessons in supporting collaborative environmental approaches can be gained.

Object organization on parallel broadcast channels in a global information sharing environment

Abstract: The multidatabase system has proven to be efficient in managing information sharing and data integration from multiple preexisting heterogeneous databases. Furthermore, advances in technology and communication have made the realization of a mobile-(nomadic-) computing environment a reality. Superimposing the mobile computing environment onto the multidatabase system allows anywhere anytime access to the information resources. Broadcasting has been suggested as a possible solution for several limitations within this new environment. In this work, and learning from our past experiences in objects' organization on parallel-disk environment, a scheme for object organization along parallel broadcast channels is proposed. The goal of the proposed scheme is to provide load balancing among different channels and to cluster related objects along all channels. The proposed scheme is simulated and analyzed.

Information Sharing in Banking: A Collusive Device?

Abstract: We show that information sharing among banks may serve as a collusive device. An informational sharing agreement is an a-priori commitment to reduce informational asymmetries between banks in future lending. Hence, information sharing tends to increase the intensity of competition in future periods and, thus, reduces the value of informational rents in current competition. We contribute to the existing literature by emphasising that a reduction in informational rents will also reduce the intensity of competition in the current period, thereby reducing competitive pressure in current credit markets. We provide a large class of economic environments, where a ban on information sharing would be strictly welfare enhancing.

The politics of information management

Abstract: INTRODUCTION Developing, sharing, and working with information in today’s environment is not an easy task. With today’s technological advancements, the management of information appears to be deceivingly easier. However, building and maintaining an infrastructure for information management involves complex issues, such as group consensus, access and privileges, well-defined duties, and power redistribution. Furthermore, higher education institutions are continuously faced with the need to balance the politics of information sharing across departments, whether the administration operates in a centralized or decentralized manner. The need to develop, share, and manage information in a more effective and efficient manner has been proven to require a challenging shift in the norms and behavior of higher education institutions as well. This shift does not have as much to do with the actual use of technology as it does with the cultural environment of the institution. Davenport (1997) notes:

A document workspace for collaboration and annotation based on XML technology

Abstract: With increasing numbers of users, the World Wide Web has demonstrated its success in information sharing and exchange on the Internet. The Web also has a high potential as a platform for distributed groupware systems. However, cooperation among a smaller workgroup members generally requires more powerful interaction than what the basic Web system can support now. To support cooperative users in a workgroup with an easy and effective working environment for document processing, we design a document collaboration and retrieval system (DCRS) based on XML technology, which is an emerging technology for data presentation. The system can support users in an environment to exchange and share documents and to make annotations in an easy and effective way. We propose an information object based on XML technology in the system design. The model can facilitate the system design and provide good extensibility for future development.

Web-based Global Supply Chain Management

Abstract: A key constituent of supply chain management strategies is information sharing. Software component technology facilitates information sharing by providing a means for integrating heterogeneous information systems into virtual information systems. Extranet technology facilitates information sharing between an enterprise and its business partners as well as its customers through the Internet. These two technologies enable new strategies that integrate information systems and improve supply chain networks. We discuss the application of these strategies to supply chain processes.

Augmenting paper to enhance community information sharing

Abstract: Paper is traditionally considered as a major gap between the physical and electronic worlds, especially after the many attempts that have failed to attain a completely digital world. Paper based artifacts have many affordances that people want to continue to exploit.The work presented here is part of the Campiello project. It describes how the existing paper artifacts in use during the visits to cultural and tourist towns as well as artefacts used for local communities can be extended in order to become a bridge instead of a barrier to the richness of the digital world.After an introduction that describes the Campiello system and the principles that have driven its functionality, a complete design and the current implementation is presented. Finally, we discuss Paper Interface issues and survey the existing approaches in the field.

Innovation Spillovers and Technology Policy

Abstract: — We examine a model of RD between information sharing and research coordination; between each of the latter and cooperation; between substitute and complementary research paths; between firms being located in the same industry or in different industries. These distinctions matter because, as we show, coordination can arise without cooperation (different industries, complementary research, research design) while cooperation need not induce information sharing (same industry, substitute research, information sharing). In many cases, however, allowing cooperation is sufficient to induce full infonnation sharing/research coordination, in which case the justification, if any, for a technology policy that takes the form of an R&D subsidy lies in encouraging firms to undertake more R&D. Our analysis suggests that cooperative arrangements between firms may often produce too little R&D, and therefore that R&D subsidies can be justified — but not to correct information problems, but other market failures in the amount of R&D firms choose to do.