We provide a computational study of two of the more commonly distributed processing environments using a robust parallel multiperiod assignment branch and bound im£1ementation running in the Parallel Virtual Machine (PYM) environment. We describe the multiperiod assignment problem (an np-hard, combinatorial, network-based integer programming problem), an efficient parallel algorithm for its sol ution, and implementation details. The algorithm is designed for a large-grain computing environment and uses a Master /Slave (or monitor) configuratio n. Minimal communication among the processes is used. We then describe the PYM software system and the computational platforms being analyzed. We provide a computational comparison of runs on an IBM SP-2 and a cluster of IBM RISC 6000 POWERStations. The results indicate that losses in efficiency occur when employing parallelism in a cluster, but some gains in efficiency can be obtained by a single processor with multiple processes running in a time-shared mode. However, in general, the cluster provides poor parallel performance when compared to the dedicated IBM SP-2 for which linear and superlinear speedups can be routinely obtained. Tbe results may be generalized to any branch and bound method that utilizes a similar tree search strategy.

This paper provides an overview of the concept of people-to-people (P2P) lending, a relatively new e-commerce phenomenon that has the potential to radically change the structure of the loan segment of the financial industry. P2P lending creates a marketplace of individuals and a social fabric through which these individuals interact. It provides efficient information transfer, thus perhaps creating more perfect markets. P2P lending requires information systems support to make it function, and to provide a social network mechanism that may be crucial for its success. We discuss different P2P lending marketplace models, and how information systems support the creation and management of these new marketplaces, and how they support the individuals involved. We conclude by providing some important research questions and directions, and issues for which further investigation is called.

We provide a theoretical model for testing the adoption of information technology during the prediffusion stage (research and development and early trials) of an innovation. The model was tested using Linux based applications of Open Source Software (OSS). The results of surveying 1000 members of the Linux User Groups WorldWide (LUGWW) are presented. This study is significant because it provides empirical evidence that attributes of innovations correlate with adoption during the prediffusion stage (research and development) of an innovation. This extends diffusion of innovations research and has important implications for DOI theory and practice.

This paper uses a laboratory experiment to examine the effect of DSS use on the decision maker’s error patterns and decision quality. The DSS used in our experiments is the widely used Expert Choice (EC) implementation of the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Perhaps surprisingly, our experiments do not provide general support for the often tacit assumption that the use of a DSS such as EC improves decision quality. Rather, we find that, whereas a DSS can help decision makers develop a better understanding of the essence of a decision problem and can reduce logical error (especially if the information load is high), it is also susceptible to introducing accidental effects such as mechanical errors. In some cases, as in our study, the accidental errors may outweigh the benefits of using a DSS, leading to lower quality decisions.

Assessing the success of knowledge management systems within organizations is vital. To understand if this is a viable technology that will have lasting value, we propose and test a model to measure the success of knowledge management systems within knowledge-based organizations based on the widely accepted DeLone and McLean [14][15][16] IS Success Model. We adopted the generic framework of the IS Success Model and customized it to the context of knowledge management systems.This research provides an empirical study by constructing a set of questionnaire items to measure knowledge management system success and to answer the following questions: (1) What are the appropriate dimensions for evaluating the success of KMS? (2) Is there any relationship between these dimensions? (3) Does the extent of KMS use vary greatly according to the KMS' system quality, its knowledge quality and its service quality? Eighteen organizations were surveyed and the results are presented here in.

The ability to leverage knowledge has become a core competence of organizations to compete in the contemporary economy. Knowledge management systems using knowledge repositories capture valuable knowledge assets for future reuse. How knowledge can be presented in these systems to support effective knowledge reuse becomes a critical challenge. Knowledge transfer is an essential knowledge reuse process which involves adopting knowledge from its original problem-solving context to a different context, and adapting the knowledge to solve new problems. Adaptation is vital, yet challenging. This problem was explored from the individual knowledge worker’s perspective. Integrating the research from the educational psychology and learning literatures, this study posits that a knowledge worker’s flexible understanding of the knowledge has a positive impact on the transfer (as in the sense of application) of that knowledge; and that a knowledge worker’s flexible understanding of specific knowledge content can be improved through knowledge presentations that emphasize cognitive flexibility. Further, it was purported that in an effective, successful knowledge management system, knowledge should be presented to enhance flexible understanding, and consequently, improve knowledge transfer. The principles of knowledge presentation that promote flexible understandings were explored and used in an experiment. The empirical findings partially confirmed the effect of knowledge presentation on developing flexible understandings. It was found that the effect of knowledge presentation depends on individuals’ cognitive traits. This interaction effect and the implications to research and practice are discussed. INDEX WORDS: Knowledge management, knowledge transfer, cognitive flexibility, knowledge presentation, storytelling, cognitive trait Enhancing Knowledge Transfer through Nurturing Cognitive Flexibility

This case study in progress compares two stages of usage of a Course Management System at a private university: before a major functionality upgrade, and after. Here, we report the initial study of usage before the upgrade. It extends current research by taking into account prior use, and noting features (whether in the previous system or not) that attract new implementers. The focus of the study is on Perceived Characteristics of Innovations and management behaviors that facilitate effective implementation of system features. The instrument used by Van Slyke, Lou and Day will be used to study secondary adoption both before and after the upgrade, as described by Gallivan (2001). Results of the first phase of research will be available for presentation at the conference.

We are not only in a new millennium, but also in a new era: the knowledge era. Sustainable competitive advantage is dependent on building and exploiting core competencies. The resource-based view (RBV) of the firm defines a strategic asset as one that is rare, valuable, imperfectly imitable and non-substitutable. Knowledge is seen as a strategic asset with the potential to be a source of competitive advantage for an organization. In this paper, we provide a model that examines how and why knowledge management (KM) can be used to create competitive advantage from the RBV of the

Since the dawn of computerization the adoption of information technology has been an area of substantial research; but efforts to date have led to mixed outcomes. Many social theories have been used in these studies. Some include the theory of reasoned action, Ajzen & Fishbein (1975); diffusion of innovations, Rogers (1983); economics of technology, Arthur (1985), social cognitive theory, Bandura (1986) and technology acceptance model, Davis, Bogozzi & Warshaw (1989). However, investigations to date have been inconclusive about the ability of any of these theories to be conclusive about all the complexities found in the innovation decision-making process of adoption of information technology within an organization. In this study we further investigate one heretofore unapprised aspect of the theory of diffusion of innovations. We re-present Everett M. Rogers’ theoretical model and test his perceived characteristics of innovations (PCIs) along with others more recent contributions to this area at pre-diffusion stage to explore the theories fuller predictive ability for developing rates of acceptance of innovations. We select innovative licensing agreements developed by extreme social groups known as “Free Software or Open Source Software projects,” e.g. GPL, LGPL, BSD and MIT agreements. We conduct a survey of Linux Users Groups for perceptions with the same instrument used for testing other innovations by Moore & Benbasat (1991), Agarwal & Prasad (1997) and Van Slyke, Lou & Day (2002). We include in our instrument the validated intention to use (ITU) measure developed by Van Slyke, Lou & Day, (2000). We conduct a pilot study. We make adjustment to the instrument for clarity and presentation. Then we conduct a final survey. This research in process study identifies our theoretical foundation and the methodology of our research for re-presenting Rogers (1983), Moore & Benbasat (1991), Agarwal & Prasad (1997) and Van Slyke, Lou & Day enhanced model at pre-diffusion stage of innovations.

This paper explores the relationship between web site design, public relations strategy, and a consumer's intention to return to a web site. This relationship is defined through a model that explores the influence of information satisfaction, particularly when the web site design is congruent with the consumer's expectations. The public relations dimension extends the consumer web site design model by interjecting a long-term focus on relationship building that organizations will need to make electronic commerce a viable investment in information technology resources. This is significant because it recognizes the importance of developing loyalty and trust online.

We discuss an initial research concept for the application of the task-technology fit model to measure the factors that influence the utilization of interactive simulation for executive and managerial training. Interactive simulation is widely used by the military for senior leadership and managerial tasks. Simulation is also used commercially for training similar skills. We propose measuring the task-technology fit of simulation applied to training executive and managerial tasks such as strategy development, decision-making, and operational procedures. This research will empirically test which task and individual characteristics provide a task-technology fit for simulation systems. It will assist in the validation of prior information technology investment and ideally stimulate continued investment. We focus on the use of interactive simulation in the military. We feel that our results can be readily extended to commercial executive and managerial training.

Knowledge management is the active transfer of knowledge throughout an organization. Such organizations may be corporations, nonprofit organizations, governments, or international agencies. It involves the capture, refinement, storage, and dissemination of knowledge. Essentially, the goal of knowledge management is to enable the successful transfer of the right knowledge to the right people, in the right format, at the right time. Methodologies for knowledge management can and should be utilized by international organizations. We describe how General Electric Corporation (GE) has implemented knowledge management to enable technology transfer in an international organization. GE has demonstrated that knowledge management systems can have an immediate impact, and financial benefit to international organizations that have a willingness to embrace a knowledge sharing culture. They were able to leverage their knowledge, in a global sense, to create significant returns. We conclude with an evaluation of how other firms can utilize the GE approach.