Showing papers on "Information sharing published in 2001"

Benefits of information sharing with supply chain partnerships

Abstract: The power of information technology can be harnessed to help supply chain members establish partnerships for better supply chain system performance. Supply chain partnerships can mitigate deficiencies associated with decentralized control and reduce the “bullwhip effect”. This study illustrates the benefits of supply chain partnerships based on information sharing. For a decentralized supply chain comprising a manufacturer and a retailer, we derive the members’ optimal inventory policies under different information sharing scenarios. We show that increasing information sharing among the members in a decentralized supply chain will lead to Pareto improvement in the performance of the entire chain. Specifically, the supply chain members can reap benefits in terms of reductions in inventory levels and cost savings from forming partnerships with one another. A case study is provided for illustration.

Exploring Perceptions of Organizational Ownership of Information and Expertise

Abstract: Beliefs of organizational ownership relate to whether information and knowledge created by an individual knowledge worker are believed to be owned by the organization. Beliefs about property rights affect information and knowledge sharing. This study explored factors that help determine an individual's beliefs about the organizational ownership of information and expertise that he or she has created. Four different situations of organizational ownership (information vs. expertise/internal vs. external sharing) were considered. The study found that a belief in self-ownership was positively associated with organizational ownership - suggesting a collaborative type of ownership situation for both information and expertise and for both internal (intraorganizational) and external (interorganizational) sharing situations. Organizational culture and the type of employee also influenced the beliefs of organizational ownership in all four scenarios. We conclude the paper with implications for practice and future research.

The GrADS Project: Software Support for High-Level Grid Application Development

Abstract: Advances in networking technologies will soon make it possible to use the global information infrastructure in a qualitatively different way--as a computational as well as an information resource. As described in the recent book The Grid: Blueprint for a New Computing Infrastructure, this Grid will connect the nation's computers, databases, instruments, and people in a seamless web of computing and distributed intelligence, which can be used in an on-demand fashion as a problem-solving resource in many fields of human endeavor--and, in particular, science and engineering. The availability of grid resources will give rise to dramatically new classes of applications, in which computing resources are no longer localized but, rather, distributed, heterogeneous, and dynamic; computation is increasingly sophisticated and multidisciplinary; and computation is integrated into our daily lives and, hence, subject to stricter time constraints than at present. The impact of these new applications will be pervasive, ranging from new systems for scientific inquiry, through computing support for crisis management, to the use of ambient computing to enhance personal mobile computing environments. To realize this vision, significant scientific and technical obstacles must be overcome. Principal among these is usability. The goal of the Grid Application Development Software (GrADS) project is to simplify distributed heterogeneous computing in the same way that the World Wide Web simplified information sharing over the Internet. To that end, the project is exploring the scientific and technical problems that must be solved to make it easier for ordinary scientific users to develop, execute, and tune applications on the Grid. In this paper, the authors describe the vision and strategies underlying the GrADS project, including the base software architecture for grid execution and performance monitoring, strategies and tools for construction of applications from libraries of grid-aware components, and development of innovative new science and engineering applications that can exploit these new technologies to run effectively in grid environments.

P2P networking: an information sharing alternative

Abstract: Peer-to-peer networking offers unique advantages that will make it a more effective alternative to several existing client-server e-commerce applications, if it can mature into a secure and reliable technology. The paper discusses the advantages of P2P networks: load balancing; dynamic information repositories; fault tolerance; content-based addressing and improved searches. It also considers the disadvantages of P2P.

Information Policy: Shaping the Value of Agency Relationships

Abstract: We evaluate how changes in information use affect agency relationships. Information asymmetry redistributes value, but imperfect monitoring also encourages agents to take inefficient actions to influence this redistribution, thereby reducing joint agency value. Changing focus, from minimizing principals' costs to maximizing joint agency value, we argue that more monitoring is nof always better, and we explore, through a six-sector framework, how more extensive use of information benefits (or damages) value creation and affects its distribution.

Peer to peer information exchange for mobile communications devices

Abstract: The invention discloses various method whereby mobile communications devices, connected to a communications network can share data by acting as both clients and servers. Specifically contemplated is the sharing of GPS assistance data. Also disclosed is the formation and use of hierarchical groups of mobile communications devices for the purpose of information sharing.

Method of geometric information sharing and parametric consistency maintenance in a collaborative design environment

Abstract: A method for sharing geometric information and maintaining parametric consistency amongst different software applications in a collaborative environment is presented. The method is based on geometric information sharing via neutral files, and incorporates Internet based messaging mechanisms amongst applications to maintain the parametric control over the exchanged geometry. In a preferred embodiment the proposed method is applied to Heterogeneous Assembly Modeling (HAM). By means of the presently disclosed method, within the heterogeneous assembly model, the parametric control over part geometry is maintained, even though the parts are imported in the assembly via neutral files originated by other CAD applications.

System and method for sharing information via a virtual shared area in a communication network

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for information sharing via a virtual shared area (16) in a communication network. The system includes a virtual shared area (16) having a unique electronic identifier, the shared area being controlled by an owner (12) for permitting access to information in the shared area (16) by multiple users. The users are allowed to connect to the shared area and transfer at least a portion of the information to a user device. The owner initiates a control-sharing of the information and shares with all the users if the users maintain a communication link with the virtual shared area. Multiple users can control the shared area in a predetermined manner as well.

E‐knowledge networks for inter‐organizational collaborative e‐business

Abstract: Evaluates the increase in inter‐ and intra‐organizational knowledge sharing capabilities brought about by the Internet‐driven “new economy” technologies and the resulting managerial implications. Presents a framework for evaluating and deploying such technologies. Firms employing knowledge networks can also use e‐knowledge to improve organizational decision making, react more quickly to changes in the economic landscape, and create dynamic custom content and consumer intimacy. Builds on the extensive literature in knowledge management and inter‐organizational systems by identifying the opportunities of each in creating “e‐knowledge networks” to support organizational collaboration. This framework is applied to four industry case studies – supply chain management networks, adserver networks, content syndication networks, and business‐to‐business exchange networks. Analysis suggests that in the new economy, characterized by ubiquitous and often automated information sharing capabilities, the ability to create knowledge‐based networks of partners will be critical to maintaining competitive advantage.

Empowering Children and Families With Information Technology

Abstract: Patient empowerment is the enhanced ability of patients to actively understand and influence their health status. Information is the key to patient empowerment. Without information, children and families cannot engage in meaningful discussions or make thoughtful decisions regarding medical care. Information sharing is a model for patient interaction with the health care system that may significantly improve the care of children and families. This article focuses on information technologies that utilize user-centered design principles and interactive capabilities to facilitate information sharing and to empower children and families. Examples include electronic pediatric personal medical records, customized health information systems, and interactive physician offices with electronic mail (e-mail) and telemedicine capabilities. Ideally, these systems would all be integrated. Successful implementation of new technologies will require thoughtful attention and balanced solutions to tensions between information sharing vs security, and curatorship vs censorship. Issues related to access and the digital divide must also be addressed. Acceptance and usability of new technologies is predicated on close collaboration among physicians, researchers in informatics, librarians, educators, and other professionals with expertise in the human-computer interface. Child and family empowerment will be both the driving force and ultimate outcome of information-sharing technologies.

Information Sharing in Global Supply Chain Systems

Abstract: With increasing frequency the effective management and coordination of supply chains requires the sharing of a wide range of data. But the challenge, both technically and socially, to share information increases when customers and suppliers are spread throughout the geographic regions of the world. It is this challenge that is addressed here. First a conceptual framework is built. This framework classifies the stages of information sharing within a supply chain and proposes seven variables that affect the flow of information between customers and their suppliers. These variables include industry, market and competitive environment, national culture, corporate IT culture, size, IT infrastructure, and country IT support. The results are generalized and summarized in a Supply Chain IT Linkage Capability Model. Case studies of four organizations are presented and analyzed to validate the role of these variables in data sharing strategies. The paper concludes with several implications for global inform...

Conflicts and Common Interests in Committees

Abstract: Committees improve decisions by pooling members' independent information, but promote manipulation, obfuscation, and exaggeration of private information when members have conflicting preferences. Committee decision procedures transform continuous data into ordered ranks through voting. This coarsens the transmission of information, but controls strategic manipulations and allows some degree of information sharing. Each member becomes more cautious in casting the crucial vote than when he alone makes the decision based on own information. Increased quality of one member's information results in his casting the crucial vote more often. Committees make better decisions for members than does delegation.

Focused Sharing of Information for Multidisciplinary Decision Making by Project Teams

Abstract: Today's electronic and paper-based approaches to the sharing of project information do not scale to the information sharing and interaction challenges of multi-disciplinary project team meetings The inability to share and interact with information easily and effectively is one of the biggest bottlenecks in using electronic (online) information for collaborative decision-making Through scenarios from recent construction projects, this paper summarizes existing approaches to the sharing of information and assesses their effectiveness in supporting multi-disciplinary decision-making by project teams It then discusses recent research into interactive information workspaces where, with minimal software overhead, participants can share information that is relevant to a particular context to establish a common focus We believe that the construction community can make significant progress quickly in leveraging existing and future investments in information infrastructure if it not only pursues information sharing through the use of product models but also formalizes the focused sharing of information and separates information interaction and view control from software services and underlying data as outlined in this paper

The Collective Preference for Shared Information

Abstract: Decision-making groups prefer to discuss shared information that all members know instead of unshared information that a single member knows. This bias toward discussing shared information can lead groups to make suboptimal decisions when unshared information is critical for good decision making. This preference for discussing shared information may stem from group members' positive evaluations of each other's task capabilities when shared information is communicated. Members who already are perceived as capable (i.e., those high in status, experts, and leaders) need not bolster their image by communicating shared information. Instead, they discuss unshared information more than members perceived as less capable. As members low in status gain respect by communicating shared information, they may risk mentioning unshared information later during discussion. Assigning group leaders, informing members of their expert roles, and allowing ample time for discussion may increase groups' discussion of unshared in...

Dynamic information sharing based on unique individual ID

Abstract: InfoID system enables a user to dynamically share his/her information (such as address, electronic business card, documents, records, schedules, etc.) with others by using his/her unique information ID. A user can create or update his/her information (data), use this information multiple times without reentry of the data, and share this information with others instantly (or dynamically). The user has the full control of how his or her information can be accessed by other people. The main application is a database-driven, Internet-based application. A complementary desktop application will be created to allow users to retrieve information off line by using the local database. A wireless hand-held device will be created to allow users exchange their information or information ID between these devices. They can also use this device to communicate with the web-base application, as well as to synchronize with the desktop application.

Collaboration and information sharing in global contract manufacturing networks

Abstract: In the semiconductor and telecommunications industry original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) outsource manufacturing to contract manufacturers who are specialist electronic manufacturing service providers. There are a large number of such specialists in existence who collaborate with the original equipment manufacturers at one end and the component suppliers at another end and provide engineering, manufacturing and distribution services. But there do not exist good theoretical developments supporting these real world operations. We consider a global manufacturing system consisting of the contract manufacturer, logistics provider, and OEM and study the influence of sharing scheduling and demand information over the Internet. More specifically, we consider an OEM operating an Internet-based private exchange as a channel master with its contract manufacturers and their suppliers participating by sharing information. We develop a linear program based optimization model for this environment. Specifically, our LP model calculates the quantity of raw materials that is to be procured in each time period from each of the suppliers in order to meet the given demand. We compare these results with traditional make-to-stock linear supply chains with sequential order flow. Our numerical experiments show that information sharing results in cost and inventory reduction.

A swarm with an effective information sharing mechanism for unconstrained and constrained single objective optimisation problems

Abstract: We present an effective multilevel information sharing strategy within a swarm to handle single objective, constrained and unconstrained optimization problems. A swarm is considered as a collection of individuals having a common goal to reach the best value (minimum or maximum) of a function. The success of a swarm is attributed to the identification of a set of competent leaders and a meaningful information sharing scheme between the leaders and the rest of the individuals that enables the swarm to collectively attain the common goal. The proposed algorithm mimics the above behavioral processes of a real swarm and maintains unique individuals at all time instants. The uniqueness among the individuals result in a set of near optimal solutions at the final phase that is useful for sensitivity analysis. The benefits of the effective information sharing strategy is illustrated by solving two unconstrained problems with multiple equal and unequal optima and a constrained optimization problem.

Digitizing Consumer Research

Abstract: How will the widespread diffusion of information technology change consumer research? I argue that information technology will profoundly change the way knowledge is generated and disseminated. In generating knowledge, consumer researchers will see the diminishing use of student subjects, an increase in the use of global samples, panels, secondary data, and information acquisition techniques. In disseminating knowledge, I suggest the possibility of self-organizing journals that would use the ratings of selected readers to determine the status of submitted research.

Online organizing method

Abstract: Game apparatuses 10 of a number of users A, B, C, D, . . . are connected to a server 50 through a network. The respective users A, B, C, D, . . . have a purpose X or a purpose Y. The server 50 obtain on line from the gate apparatuses 10 personal information of the respective users A, B, C, D, . . . connected to the network to structure a database 52 of the personal information. The organizing means 54 selects the users A, B, C, D, . . . , based on information of the respective users registered in a database 52 and organizes the users. The game apparatuses of the organized users A, B, C are interconnected by the information sharing means 56 and share the information. The online organizing method can quickly and suitably organize a plurality of participants connected to a network.

Trade Secrets and Information Sharing

Abstract: If trade secrets are weakly protected by law, firms risk losing their valuable information when employees are hired by competitors. It may therefore be optimal to limit the number of employees who share the trade secrets even if it reduces the firm's productive efficiency. The benefits of limited information sharing are greatest if the efficiency cost is low and the competition in the market is neither very tough nor very weak. It is shown that it is more profitable to reduce the information sharing by giving the employees different information than by giving some employees more information than others.

The effects of information sharing strategies on supply chain performance

Abstract: This paper studies the effects of information sharing strategies on supply chain performance. We first consider four common types of information sharing strategies for a supply chain of a single product: (1) order information sharing where every stage of the supply chain only knows the orders from its immediate downstream stage; (2) demand information sharing where every stage has full information about consumer demand; (3) inventory information sharing where each stage shares its inventory levels and demand information with its immediate upstream stage; and (4) shipment information sharing where every stage shares its shipment data with its immediate upstream stage. Our results indicate that information sharing improves supply chain performance of overall inventory cost and fill rate when demand variability is low. We also show that different information sharing strategies affect different performance measures differently and may worsen some performance metrics when demand variability is high. We then find that a hybrid information sharing strategy, which uses the demand information sharing policy in the distribution network while using the inventory information sharing policy in the supplier network, is a better strategy to improve the overall performance of a supply chain of customizable products when the variability of demand mix is high. Index TermsInformation sharing, supply chain management, value of information, stochastic demand, product mix variability.

myPlanet: an ontology driven Web based personalised news service

Abstract: In this paper we present myPlanet, an ontology-driven personalised Web-based service. We extended the existing infrastructure of the PlanetOnto news publishing system. Our concerns were mainly to provide lightweight means for ontology maintenance and ease the access to repositories of news items, a rich resource for information sharing. We reason about the information being shared by providing an ontology-driven interest-profiling tool which enable users to specify their interests. We also developed ontology-driven heuristics to find news items related to users' interests. This paper argues for the role of ontology-driven personalised Web-based services in information sharing.

Management and virtual decentralised networks: The Linux project

Abstract: This paper examines the latest of paradigms - the Virtual Network(ed) Organisation - and whether geographically dispersed knowledge workers can virtually collaborate for a project under no central planning. Co-ordination, management and the role of knowledge arise as the central areas of focus. The Linux Project and its development model are selected as a case of analysis and the critical success factors of this organisational design are identified. The study proceeds to the formulation of a framework that can be applied to all kinds of virtual decentralised work and concludes that value creation is maximized when there is intense interaction and uninhibited sharing of information between the organisation and the surrounding community. Therefore, the potential success or failure of this organisational paradigm depends on the degree of dedication and involvement by the surrounding community.

Intellectual Property Rights and the Third World

Abstract: Issues of generation, protection and exploitation of intellectual property (IP) are assuming increasing importance. The new IP regimes will have wide ranging socio-economic, technological and political impact. As per the obligations under the Traderelated Aspects of Intellectual Property Systems (TRIPS), all the members of World Trade Organization (WTO) are supposed to implement national systems of intellectual property rights following an agreed set of minimum standards. However, there is an increasing feeling that harmonization is demanded from those that are not equal, either economically or institutionally. The major concerns of the Third World about such harmonization and the new challenge it faces in diverse areas of intellectual property protection are discussed and some suggestions about the way ahead are made. The discussion includes the need for a fair play in technology transfer, creation of 'favourable economics' of essential medicines from the point of view of the Third World, protection of traditional knowledge, etc. The creation of Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (an essentially Indian initiative) and linking it to the International Patent Classification System (IPC) through a Traditional Knowledge Resource Classification System is an important conceptual step forward. The possible models for material transfer and benefit sharing when products are created based on community knowledge are also discussed. Other discussions include the challenge of bridging the divide between the Third World and other developed nations, with special emphasis on intellectual property information sharing, capacity building with creation of appropriate physical and intellectual infrastructure and awareness building. It is argued that the Third World should negotiate a new 'TRIPS plus' which means 'TRIPS plus equity and ethics'.

Overview of Content Management Approaches and Strategies

Abstract: The volume of information being published on intranet, extranet and Internet websites continues to grow at a rapid pace. Therefore, website content management is emerging as a mission-critical business problem that must be resolved and where controlling complexity is key. The purpose of this study is to provide a major overview of content management approaches, strategies, benefits and challenges. The paper is written for both practitioners and academic readers. Interviews were conducted with industry leaders and software vendors, with research analysts at GartnerGroup and with website and Intranet managers at the Vanguard Group. A literature search was also undertaken. Three common approaches to content management are detailed: Centralized Approach, Distributed Approach, and Hybrid Approach. The following major benefits of content management are highlighted: enriched information sharing and collaboration; improved data security; standardization and lower web publishing costs; and 're-usability' of the co...

Building an Infrastructure for Law Enforcement Information Sharing and Collaboration: Design Issues and Challenges

Abstract: With the exponential growth of the Internet, information can be shared among government agencies more easily than before. However, this also poses some design issues and challenges. This article reports on our experience in building an infrastructure for information sharing and collaboration in the law enforcement domain. Based on our user requirement studies with the Tucson Police Department, three main design challenges are identified and discussed in details. Based on our findings, we propose an infrastructure to address these issues. The proposed design consists of three modules, namely (1) Security and Confidentiality Management Module, (2) Information Access and Monitoring Module, and (3) Collaboration Module. A prototype system will be deployed and tested at the Tucson Police Department. We anticipate that our studies can potentially provide useful insight to other digital government research projects.

Monitoring and adaptive management: resolving social and organisational issues to improve information sharing in natural resource management

Abstract: Adaptive, or ‘learning by doing’, approaches are often advocated as a means of providing increased understanding within natural resource management. However, a number of organisational and social issues need to be resolved if these approaches are to be used successfully. A case study in the South Island high country of New Zealand is used to review what is needed to support an ongoing community-based monitoring and adaptive management programme. First, the case study is described, paying attention to the social context of the resource management problem. The results of a workshop that explored this problem are then outlined, along with a proposed information flow suggested by participants. Requirements for future steps to resolve these problems (such as information protocols and a multi-stakeholder information system) are discussed. Finally, some broad lessons are drawn from this exercise that could help others developing similar approaches.