Showing papers on "Information sharing published in 2003"

The Role of Trustworthiness in Reducing Transaction Costs and Improving Performance: Empirical Evidence from the United States, Japan, and Korea

Abstract: In this paper we investigate the relationship between supplier trust in the buyer and transaction costs and information sharing in a sample of 344 supplier-automaker exchange relationships in the United States, Japan, and Korea. Our findings indicate that perceived trustworthiness reduces transaction costs and is correlated with greater information sharing in supplier-buyer relationships. Moreover, the findings suggest that the value created for transactors, in terms of lower transaction costs, may be substantial. In particular, we found that the least-trusted automaker spent significantly more of its face-to-face interaction time with suppliers on contracting and haggling when compared to the most trusted automaker. This translated into procurement (transaction) costs that were five times higher for the least trusted automaker. Finally, we argue that trust is unique as a governance mechanism because it not only minimizes transaction costs, but also has a mutually causal relationship with information sharing, which also creates value in the exchange relationship. Other governance mechanisms (e.g., contracts, financial hostages) are necessary costs incurred to prevent opportunistic behavior, but do not create value beyond transaction cost minimization. Our findings provide empirical evidence that trustworthiness lowers transaction costs and may be an important source of competitive advantage.

Information sharing across private databases

Abstract: Literature on information integration across databases tacitly assumes that the data in each database can be revealed to the other databases. However, there is an increasing need for sharing information across autonomous entities in such a way that no information apart from the answer to the query is revealed. We formalize the notion of minimal information sharing across private databases, and develop protocols for intersection, equijoin, intersection size, and equijoin size. We also show how new applications can be built using the proposed protocols.

Nurturing interpersonal trust in knowledge-sharing networks

Abstract: Executive Overview In many organizations, informal networks are the primary means by which employees find information, solve complex problems, and learn how to do their work. Two forms of interpersonal trust—trust in a person's competence and in a person's benevolence—enable effective knowledge creation and sharing in these networks. Yet, though conceptually appealing, trust is an elusive concept that is often difficult for managers to influence. We conducted interviews in 20 organizations to identify ways in which interpersonal trust in a knowledge-sharing context develops. Based on this work, we summarize behaviors (e.g., discretion, consistency, collaboration) and practices (e.g., building shared vision, ensuring transparency in decision-making, holding people accountable for trust) for managers interested in promoting trust (and thereby knowledge creation and sharing) within their own organizations.

Information Sharing and Supply Chain Coordination

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the information pertaining to the downstream part of the supply chain and then reviews the upstream information. The chapter discusses the papers that investigate the consequences of imperfect transmission of information. All the papers adopt the perspective of a central planner whose goal is to optimize the performance of the entire supply chain. The chapter addresses the incentive issues in information sharing. Supply chains are composed of independent firms with private information. Information sharing in supply chains with independent players is tricky. When a player has superior information, two things may happen. He may withhold it to gain strategic advantage or he may reveal it to gain cooperation from others. If the former, the less informed players try to provide incentives for him to reveal his private information, then it is termed “screening.”

The Social Construction of Meaning: An Alternative Perspective on Information Sharing

Abstract: Research on information sharing has viewed this activity as essential for informing groups on content relevant to a decision. We propose and examine an alternate function of information sharing, i.e., the social construction of meaning. To accomplish this goal, we turn to social construction, social presence, and task closure theories. Drawing from these theories, we hypothesize relationships among the meeting environment, breadth and depth of information shared during a meeting, and decision quality. We explore these relationships in terms of the effects of both the media environment in which the group is situated and the medium that group memberschoose to utilize for their communication.Our study of 32, 5- and 6-person groups supports our belief that interpretation underlies information sharing and is necessary for favorable decision outcomes. It also supports the proposed negative effect of low social presence media on interpretation in terms of depth of information sharing; a low social presence medium, however, promotes information sharing breadth. Finally, the findings indicate that when in multimedia environments and faced with a relatively complex task,choosing to utilize an electronic medium facilitates closure and, therefore, favorable outcomes.

PlanetP: using gossiping to build content addressable peer-to-peer information sharing communities

Abstract: We introduce PlanetP, content addressable publish/subscribe service for unstructured peer-to-peer (P2P) communities. PlanetP supports content addressing by providing: (1) a gossiping layer used to globally replicate a membership directory and an extremely compact content index; and (2) a completely distributed content search and ranking algorithm that help users find the most relevant information. PlanetP is a simple, yet powerful system for sharing information. PlanetP is simple because each peer must only perform a periodic, randomized, point-to-point message exchange with other peers. PlanetP is powerful because it maintains a globally content-ranked view of the shared data. Using simulation and a prototype implementation, we show that PlanetP achieves ranking accuracy that is comparable to a centralized solution and scales easily to several thousand peers while remaining resilient to rapid membership changes.

The value of private sector business credit information sharing: The US case

Abstract: This paper investigates the value added by private information exchanges that share information on business payment performance. We discuss how this information is collected and disseminated by the worlds largest private information broker, Dun & Bradstreet. We provide the first empirical examination of the importance of this information at the lending decision level. Our findings indicate that exchange-generated information provides significant explanatory power in failure prediction models controlling for other credit information that is easily available to lenders. Our study complements the work of Jappelli and Pagano [Information sharing, lending and defaults; Cross country evidence, Centre for Economic Policy Research, Discussion Paper 2184, 1999] who find in cross-country macro level tests that information exchanges add value. � 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Managing and sharing servants' reputations in P2P systems

Abstract: Peer-to-peer information sharing environments are increasingly gaining acceptance on the Internet as they provide an infrastructure in which the desired information can be located and downloaded while preserving the anonymity of both requestors and providers. As recent experience with P2P environments such as Gnutella shows, anonymity opens the door to possible misuses and abuses by resource providers exploiting the network as a way to spread tampered-with resources, including malicious programs, such as Trojan Horses and viruses. We propose an approach to P2P security where servants can keep track, and share with others, information about the reputation of their peers. Reputation sharing is based on a distributed polling algorithm by which resource requestors can assess the reliability of perspective providers before initiating the download. The approach complements existing P2P protocols and has a limited impact on current implementations. Furthermore, it keeps the current level of anonymity of requestors and providers, as well as that of the parties sharing their view on others' reputations.

The impact of increasing demand visibility on production and inventory control efficiency

Abstract: Information sharing practices such as vendor‐managed inventory (VMI) give manufacturers access to more accurate demand information, e.g. customer sales data, than before. The value of this type of information sharing has been established in many studies. However, most of the research has focused on the ideal situation of the manufacturer having access to information from all downstream parties. In practice, this is rarely the case. In this paper, discrete‐event simulation is used to examine how a manufacturer can combine traditional order data available from non‐VMI customers with sales data available from VMI customers in its production and inventory control and what impact this has on the manufacturer's operational efficiency. The simulation model is based on a real‐life VMI implementation and uses actual demand and product data. The key finding is that even for products with stable demand a partial improvement of demand visibility can improve production and inventory control efficiency, but that the value of visibility greatly depends on the target products’ replenishment frequencies and the production planning cycle employed by the manufacturer.

Evaluating the information sharing capabilities of supply chain partners

Abstract: Competitive advantage is often determined by the effectiveness of an organization's supply chain, and as a result, the evaluation and selection of suppliers has become an increasingly important management activity. But the evaluation process is complex. The data that must be considered are both technical and social/organizational. Much of the data are difficult to obtain and ambiguous or vague to interpret. In addition, the dynamic global environment of changing exchange rates, economic conditions, and technical infrastructure, demand that the pool of potential suppliers be re‐evaluated periodically. Nonetheless, a rational process of evaluation must exist to select the most appropriate suppliers. This paper addresses one dimension of the evaluation process, the information sharing capability of potential supply chain partners. It is an especially important dimension since information technology is necessary to horizontally integrate geographically dispersed operations. Fuzzy logic, a subset of artificial intelligence, together with analytical hierarchy process is used to model this process and rank potential suppliers. It is an appropriate methodology to use for this application and has the potential to be used with other supply chain design decisions since it explicitly handles vague, ambiguous, and imprecise data.

do more transparent government govern better

Abstract: Islam explores the link between information flows and governance or institutional quality. Economic theory expounds on the importance of information on economic outcomes either through its direct effect on prices and quantities or through its effect on other factors such as institutions and the quality of governance. She shows that countries with better information flows also govern better. Two kinds of indicators are used to assess better information flows. One index is based on the existence of freedom of information laws. A second index called the "transparency" index measures the frequency with which economic data are published in countries around the world. Empirical analysis shows that countries which have better information flows as measured by both indicators have better quality governance. This paper - a product of the Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Division, World Bank Institute - is part of a larger effort in the institute to disseminate its work on institutions and governance.

The value of information sharing in a two-stage supply chain with production capacity constraints

Abstract: We consider a simple two-stage supply chain with a single retailer facing i.i.d. demand and a single manufacturer with finite production capacity. We analyze the value of information sharing between the retailer and the manufacturer over a finite time horizon. In our model, the manufacturer receives demand information from the retailer even during time periods in which the retailer does not order. To analyze the impact of information sharing, we consider the following three strategies: (1) the retailer does not share demand information with the manufacturer; (2) the retailer does share demand information with the manufacturer and the manufacturer uses the optimal policy to schedule production; (3) the retailer shares demand information with the manufacturer and the manufacturer uses a greedy policy to schedule production. These strategies allow us to study the impact of information sharing on the manufacturer as a function of the production capacity, and the frequency and timing in which demand information is shared. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 50: 888 -916, 2003.

Multimedia fliers: information sharing with digital community bulletin boards

Abstract: Community poster boards serve an important community building function. Posted fliers advertise services, events and people's interests, and invite community members to communicate, participate, interact and transact. In this paper we describe the design, development and deployment of several large screen, digital community poster boards, the Plasma Posters, within our organization. We present our motivation, two fleldwork studies of online and offline information sharing, and design guidelines derived from our observations. After introducing the Plasma Posters and the underlying information storage and distribution infrastructure, we illustrate their use and value within our organization, summarizing findings from qualitative and quantitative evaluations. We conclude by elaborating socio-technical challenges we have faced in our design and deployment process.

Information sharing as enabler for the virtual team: an experimental approach to assessing the role of electronic mail in disintermediation

Abstract: This paper is an attempt to document empirically the relation between information sharing accomplished via electronic mail and the performance of teams. We report on an experimental study of the role of electronic mail in the operation of supply chains. A variation of the well known 'Beer Game' role-playing simulation game was computerized and implemented in an internet-based envi- ronment to study the information-sharing behaviour of teams. A total of 76 teams of four players each competed to achieve best net team profit. Results of the sim- ulation game permit a detailed examination of email use in an organizational con- text. Findings indicate the expected significant correlation between email use to share information up the supply chain and net team profit. In other words, sharing information in the team has a positive impact on performance. The recorded behaviour of managers in the online simulation indicates that team members use electronic mail successfully to attempt disintermediation of the supply chain. When information is shared online, teams perform significantly better.

The Plasma Poster Network: Posting Multimedia Content in Public Places.

Abstract: Much effort has been expended in creating online meeting spaces and information resources to foster social networks, create synergies between collocated and remote colleagues, and enhance social capital within organizations. Following the observation that physical corkboards serve an important community building and maintenance function, in this paper we describe a network of large screen, digital, interactive, bulletin boards, the Plasma Posters. The Plasma Posters bridge the gap between online, asynchronous, community-based, content sharing using personal devices, and sharing of content in physical spaces using public displays. We describe our design motivation, a fieldwork study of online and offline information sharing practices, and an internal deployment of Plasma Posters.

Using cognitive artifacts to understand distributed cognition

Abstract: Studies of patient safety have identified gaps in current work including the need for research about communication and information sharing among healthcare providers. They have also encouraged the use of decision support tools to improve human performance. Distributed cognition is the shared awareness of goals, plans, and details that no single individual grasps. Cognitive artifacts are objects such as: schedules, display boards, lists, and worksheets that form part of a distributed cognition. Cognitive artifacts that are related to operating room (OR) scheduling include: the availabilities sheet, master schedule, OR graph, and OR board. All provide a "way in" to understand how teams in the acute care setting dynamically plan and manage the balance between demand for care and the resources available to provide it. This work has import for the way that information technology supports the organization, management, and use of healthcare resources. Better computer-supported cognitive artifacts will benefit patient safety by making teamwork processes, planning, communications, and resource management more resilient.

A Metadata Model for Semantics-Based Peer-to-Peer Systems

Abstract: Peer-to-Peer systems are a new paradigm for information sharing and some systems have successfully been deployed. It has been argued that current Peer-to-Peer systems suffer from the lack of semantics. The SWAP project (Semantic Web and Peer-to-Peer) aims at overcoming this problem by combining the Peer-to-Peer paradigm with Semantic Web technologies. In the course of our investigations it turned out that the nature of Peer-to-Peer systems requires some compromises with respect to the use of semantic knowledge models. In particular, the notion of ontology does not really apply as we often do not find a shared understanding of the domain. In this paper, we propose a data model for encoding semantic information that combines features of ontology (concept hierarchies, relational structures) with a flexible description and rating model that allows us to handle heterogeneous and even contradictory views on the domain of interest. We discuss the role of this model in the SWAP environment and describe the model as well as its creation and access.

System and method for creating and selectively sharing data elements in a peer-to-peer network

Abstract: A system and method are provided for sharing information in a distributed peer-to-peer network wherein an information owner invites one or more trusted users to participate in information sharing and wherein the information owner designates permission levels for each of one or more trusted users. Upon accepting the invitation, the one or more trusted users may be granted with complete access, read only access, or blocked access to the shared information. The one or more trusted users may selectively decide to accept or decline to share information on a folder-to-folder basis. Any modifications made to the shared information may be disseminated to all the trusted users in real-time, upon log-in to a central server, or after a predetermined time delay.

iClouds – Peer-to-Peer Information Sharing in Mobile Environments

Abstract: The future mobile and ubiquitous computing world will need new forms of information sharing and collaboration between people. In this paper we present iClouds, an architecture for spontaneous mobile user interaction, collaboration, and transparent data exchange. iClouds relies on wireless ad hoc peer-to-peer communications. We present the iClouds architecture and different communication models, which closely resemble familiar communication forms in the real world. We also design a hierarchical information structure for storing the information in iClouds. We present our prototype implementation of iClouds which runs on wireless-enabled PDAs.

An investigation of the factors that influence electronic information sharing between state and local agencies

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that influence local government participation in electronic information sharing with state agencies. Information technologies can help government agencies to increase productivity and performance, improve policy-making and provide better public services to the citizens. Although extensive amount of information sharing among agencies is important for effective IT management in government, there is still little information available about the factors that antecede electronic information sharing between local and state agencies. Synthesizing well-established theories such as diffusion of innovations, critical mass theory and social exchange theory, I propose that local government participation in electronic information sharing with state agencies will be determined by system characteristics, agency characteristics, collaboration factors and external factors. The proposed study will include both qualitative and quantitative techniques. In the first phase of my study, I will conduct multiple case studies of local agencies that are participating/not participating in an electronic information sharing initiative with state agencies in a southeastern state of the United States. I will also interview key decision makers from the state agencies. In the second phase of my study, I will administer a survey to randomly selected local government agencies from across the United States. Based on my findings, I will identify a preliminary set of strategies that could be used to increase electronic information sharing between local and state agencies.

The SWAP Data and Metadata Model for Semantics-Based Peer-to-Peer Systems

Abstract: Peer-to-Peer systems are a new paradigm for information sharing and some systems have successfully been deployed. It has been argued that current Peer-to-Peer systems suffer from the lack of semantics. The SWAP project (Semantic Web and Peer-to-Peer) aims at overcoming this problem by combining the Peer-to-Peer paradigm with Semantic Web technologies. In this paper, we propose a data model for encoding semantic information that combines features of ontologies (concept hierarchies, relational structures) with a flexible description and rating model that allows us to handle heterogeneous and even contradictory views on the domain of interest. We discuss the role of this model in the SWAP environment and describe the model as well as its application.

Flat Hierarchical Structure, Bundles of New Work Practices and Firm Performance

Abstract: In the last decade a growing economic literature has been devoted to the relationship between firm organisation and performance. Empirical analyses mainly focus on the relationship between human resources management and firm performance, neglecting the role played by organisational designs. The aim of this paper is to integrate the analysis of this relationship and verify the extent to which it is relevant for Italian firms. The data set, for a sample of manufacturing firms located in Lombardy, is composed of a cross-section survey information on workplace organisation and a balance sheet panel. We confirm the major results of studies carried out in other countries, namely: practices appear in clusters, have positive effects on productivity and are favoured by high skills. Moreover we find that a flat hierarchical structure is a condition "sine qua non" for some practices to be implemented and become productive; however, practices like the degree of autonomy of the team, consultation, information sharing, selective hiring and cognitive training are productive only if the horizontal structure is accompanied by good industrial relations. The latter appears to be one of the complementary conditions for radical reorganisation leading to a flat structure and a consequent empowerment of human resources. The road of internal firm flexibility appears to be a strong source of productivity, able to fully exploit the potential of new, more complex and versatile equipments based on investments in advanced manufacturing and in the so-called "general purpose technologies". Policy implications in terms of diffusion of workplaces re-engineering are derived and discussed.

Leveraging Information Sharing to Increase Supply Chain Configurability

Abstract: As supply chains evolve beyond the confines of individual organizations, collaboration has become the Holy Grail in supply chain technology. It plays a key role in achieving flexibility and responsiveness. Information sharing between partners is a key determinant of collaboration. This paper investigates information sharing in four different supply chains—3PL, VMI, CPFR, and supply networks—and compares their information sharing structures, shared data objects, and information flow models. The results show how the various parameters of an information flow model constrain the level of collaboration. Further, the modeling exercise provides insights on how to configure a collaborative supply chain by leveraging information sharing.

Sharing and Stealing

Abstract: The purpose of copyright is to encourage the creation and mass dissemination of a wide variety of works. Until recently, most means of mass dissemination required a significant capital investment. The lion's share of the economic proceeds of copyrights were therefore channeled to publishers and distributors, and the law was designed to facilitate that. Digital distribution invites us to reconsider all of the assumptions underlying that model. We are still in the early history of the networked digital environment, but already we've seen experiments with both direct and consumer-to-consumer distribution of works of authorship. One remarkable example of the difference consumer-to-consumer dissemination can make is seen in the astonishing information space that has grown up on the world wide web. The Internet has transformed information and the way we interact with it by creating an easily accessible, dynamic, shared information space. Its success derives from the fact that information sharing on the Web is almost frictionless; individuals are free to post information they learned from others without having to secure their permissions. This paper proposes that we look for some of the answers to the vexing problem of unauthorized exchange of music files on the Internet in the wisdom intellectual property law has accumulated about the protection and distribution of factual information. In particular, it analyzes the digital information resource that has developed on the Internet, and suggests that what we should be trying to achieve is an online musical smorgasbord of comparable breadth and variety. It proposes that we adopt a legal architecture that encourages but does not compel copyright owners to make their works available for widespread sharing over digital networks, and that we incorporate into that architecture a payment mechanism, based on a blanket or collective license, designed to compensate creators and to bypass unnecessary intermediaries.