Actual Information Technology Research Articles

Review on Molecular Modelling in Chemistry Education

Molecular models derived from results of quantum-chemical calculations present an important category of didactic instruments in chemistry education. These models can be used especially as tools for supporting the students’ understanding by visual learning, which can adequately address complexity of many chemical topics, incorporate appropriate didactic principles, as well as utilize the benefits brought up by the actual information technology. The proposed molecular models are non-trivial examples of didactic application of computational chemistry techniques in illustration of electron interactions in amidic group, namely the interaction of the free electron pair on the nitrogen atom with the carbonyl group and also the interaction of atoms in the amide group with other surrounding atoms in the molecule. By these molecular models it is possible to explain acid-base properties of amides applying knowledge of electron density distribution in the molecules and the resulting electrostatic potential. Presentation of the structure and properties of the amides within education is important also for the reason that amidic functions are involved in many important natural substances (e.g. proteins, peptides, nucleic acids or alkaloids), synthetic macromolecular substances (e.g. Silon) or pharmaceutical preparations (e.g. paracetamol). This paper investigated the effect of using different types of models while teaching organic chemistry on student understanding of new concepts and the spatial structure of new molecules, as well as preference of a particular model type and illustrates the possibilities of computer-assisted molecular modelling in supporting chemistry teaching and learning. Keywords: Molecular models, Acidity, Amides, Basicity, Electrostatic potential

Integration of basic and additional information technology education based on the training of students in digital education centers for kids

Today, the problem of integrating basic and additional information technology education is relevant. Integration is of particular importance for school informatics, which is significantly influenced by digitalization of modern society. Some areas of digitalization can be highlighted in particular: the expansion of the network of additional education institutions equipped with modern digital equipment for teaching children how to work with it; providing conditions for mastering new digital professions; developing basic digital competencies, etc. Modern school informatics has a number of shortcomings, which determines the need to reform content of the discipline and forms of content presentation. Such a reform involves a targeted integration of basic and additional information technology education, which allows to significantly enrich its educational and developmental potential. At the same time, the following conditions must be taken into account: providing access to modern equipment and technologies; continuity and consistency in the construction of programs and methods of basic and additional education; implementation of convergent solutions within the content and methodological support of school disciplines; symbiosis of technologies and programs of these disciplines.One of the ways for integrating basic and additional school education is the development of methodological support for programs of basic and additional education for “IT cube” kid’s digital education centers, “Point of Growth” education centers, “Quantorium” kid’s technoparks on the basis of educational organizations. In accordance with the project ideology, the educational areas (“Python programming”, “Mobile development”, “VR/AR development”, “Robot programming”, “System administration”, “Cyber hygiene and Big Data”, “Fundamentals of programming in Java”, “Fundamentals of algorithmics and logic”, etc.) were focused on supporting the most relevant and wanted competencies of kids in IT sphere, providing the possibility of integrated solutions both within the framework of the actual information technology education, and outside this framework.

Discussion and Analysis of Computer Information Data Security and Encryption Technology

With the continuous development of science and technology, Internet technology has become more and more mature, and the advantages of actual information technology have gradually emerged. In the development of such technologies, it can also provide new opportunities for the promotion of computer network technology. This article summarizes the security threats of computer information data based on previous work experience, and discusses the application form of encryption technology in computer information data includes seven aspects: data encryption technology, key management encryption technology, confirmation encryption technology, storage encryption technology, transmission encryption technology, message digest technology, and integrity authentication technology.

Molecular Models in Chemistry Education at University and Upper Secondary School - Structure of Amides

Abstract Molecular models derived from results of quantum-chemical calculations present an important category of didactic instruments in chemistry education in upper secondary school and, particularly, at university. These models can be used especially as tools for supporting the students’ understanding by visual learning, which can adequately address complexity of many chemical topics, incorporate appropriate didactic principles, as well as utilize the benefits brought up by the actual information technology. The proposed molecular models are non-trivial examples of didactic application of computational chemistry techniques in illustration of electron interactions in amidic group, namely the interaction of the free electron pair on the nitrogen atom with the carbonyl group and also the interaction of atoms in the amide group with other surrounding atoms in the molecule. By these molecular models it is possible to explain acid-base properties of amides applying knowledge of electron density distribution in the molecules and the resulting electrostatic potential. Presentation of the structure and properties of the amides within education is important also for the reason that amidic functions are involved in many important natural substances (e.g. proteins, peptides, nucleic acids or alkaloids), synthetic macromolecular substances (e.g. Silon) or pharmaceutical preparations (e.g. paracetamol). Molecular models then serve to support better understanding of the structure of these substances and, in relation to it, their properties.

Patterns underlying required HR and IT competencies: a content and cluster analysis of advertisements of HR manager positions

Despite the pervasiveness of Information Technology (IT) in organizations, IT competencies for non Information Systems professionals such as Human Resource (HR) managers have been overlooked and limited attention has been paid to the interrelationships between IT and non-IT competencies. Building upon signaling theory and the configurational approach, this study characterizes actual IT and HR competencies that firms signal when recruiting for HR manager positions. A content analysis of 207 online job advertisements of HR manager positions is first conducted. Using factor analysis, three bundles of competencies are unveiled: IT, strategy, and employee and workplace well-being. Then, a cluster analysis approach that combines hierarchical and non-hierarchical clustering algorithms is applied, followed by discriminant function analysis for validation. The study uncovers three strongly separated clusters of recruiting organizations based on required IT and HR competencies for HR manager positions. The clusters are labeled according to their dominant required competencies: (1) strategy proponents −10% (2) technology proponents −30%, and (3) basic proponents −60%. The proposed classification goes beyond the normative understanding of IT competencies for HR managers and the way they combine with HR competencies: it provides a well-structured and parsimonious lens that is useful for recruiters, applicants, and educators.

Typography in interactive spaces and the process of reading

New interactive communication approaches by using typography and graphics have become common in many places in recent years. The development of virtual tools reveals new expressions with regard to the typography and the use of space.New media and multimedia tools are vital parts of communication in the developed world and we can say that actual information technology based ways of communication have a significant effect on individuals for a variety of reasons. It is seen that different manners in the transfer of meaning can be created by using new media and multimedia tools which have an important role in our lives today. On the other hand, creating the meaning of the word can also be done by narrative simple methods. The use of digital trends related to typography can provide an intuitive, conceptual approach to the meaning of the word. Evolution of new media and multimedia tools has lead to different interactive solutions which are effective in art and design. The purpose of this study is to investigate existing experimental forms with regards to typography and evaluation of them in terms of readability and legibility. This article aims to finding out relations between the meaning and form approaches to the typographical creations in the design. Keywords: typography; interaction; communication; new media; multimedia

FAKTOR-FAKTOR PENERIMAAN INDIVIDU DALAM IMPLEMENTASI TI DI PEMERINTAH KOTA BOGOR

The use of Information Technology (IT) in public sector organizations cannot always be applied properly. This could lead to failure of Information Systems. Many literature states that successful implementation of an information system is very dependent on the acceptance level of the system by its users. The Government of Bogor City as a public sector organization in Indonesia has been active in the development of IT. From 2008 to 2013, the Government of Bogor City developed nine application, four of which has running with low utilization and the other five applications no longer operate as a result of very minimum user. This study analyzes the individual factors that influence the acceptance of implementation of IT in the Government Environment using TAM. This is quantitative Survey Research using sample of 410 employees of Bogor city. Data processing was performed using descriptive statistical techniques and PLS-SEM. The results prove that the Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use has a significant influence on the Behavioral Intention to use IT at Government of Bogor City. Behavioral Intention has a significant influence on the Actual IT Use and Perceived Ease Perceived Ease of Use had a significant effect on the Perceived Usefulness.

Early to Adopt and Early to Discontinue: The Impact of Self-Perceived and Actual IT Knowledge on Technology Use Behaviors of End Users

For organizations to achieve the benefits of new information technology (IT) systems, their users must adopt and then actually use these new systems. Recent models help to articulate the potentially different explanations for why some users will adopt and then continue using new technologies, but these models have not explicitly incorporated IT knowledge. This is particularly important in contexts where the user base may be non-IT professionals—i.e., the users may vary substantially in their basic IT knowledge. We draw on psychology to argue that in situations where there is a wide variance in actual IT knowledge, there will often exist a U-shaped relationship between actual and self-perceived IT knowledge such that the least knowledgeable believe themselves to be highly knowledgeable. We then draw on individual-level adoption theories to argue that users with high self-perceived IT knowledge will be more likely to adopt new technologies and do so faster. We also draw on individual-level continuance theories to argue that users with low actual IT knowledge will be more likely to discontinue using new technologies and do so faster. We test our expectations using a proprietary data set of 225 sales professionals in a large Indian pharmaceutical company that is testing a new customer relationship management system. We find strong support for our hypotheses.

Transforming local government by project portfolio management

PurposeAs public organizations strive for higher e‐government maturity, information technology (IT) Project Portfolio Management (IT PPM) has become a high priority issue. Assuming control is central in IT PPM, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how a Danish local government conducts control in IT PPM. The authors identify control problems and formulate recommendations to address these.Design/methodology/approachAdopting principles from Engaged Scholarship, the authors have conducted a case study using a wide variety of data collection methods, including 29 interviews, one workshop, and analyses of documents.FindingsIt is found that the local government relies vastly on informal control mechanisms and five control problems are identified: weak accountability processes between the political and administrative level; weak accountability between the director level and the IT executives; IT projects established on the basis of incomplete information about internal resources; lack of operational goals to hold IT projects accountable; and no account of actual IT project costs. The authors propose a model for highlighting how more formal control can be implemented and address the identified control problems.Research limitations/implicationsAs a single qualitative case study, the results are limited to one organization and subject.Practical implicationsThe paper has implications for IT PPM in Danish local governments and similar organizations in other countries. The paper shows that the lack of formal control mechanisms makes accountability between hierarchical levels difficult, which deprives organizations of the opportunity to pursue and display unambiguous value from their e‐government initiatives.Originality/valueThis paper fulfills an identified need to understand how local governments can improve IT PPM.

Impact of nontechnical leadership practices on it project success

AbstractThis article examines the leadership practices utilized by information technology (IT) project managers that contribute to project success. Specifically, technical and nontechnical leadership practices are contrasted. The importance of nontechnical leadership practices in IT project management has been largely ignored in research until recently. The article identifies key nontechnical leadership practices that are important for the success of IT projects. The article is based on a qualitative study that gathered data from actual IT projects conducted at U.S. companies across several different industry segments. Study results are analyzed to determine the relevance and value of Heifetz's adaptive leadership framework to the area of IT project management. Study findings indicate that nontechnical leadership practices are important to the success of IT projects. Findings also indicate that Heifetz's adaptive leadership framework is consistent with the key nontechnical leadership practices that are important for the success of IT projects. A framework for the development of IT project managers is also proposed.

Has information technology finally been adopted in Flemish intensive care units?

BackgroundInformation technology (IT) may improve the quality, safety and efficiency of medicine, and is especially useful in intensive Care Units (ICUs) as these are extremely data-rich environments with round-the-clock changing parameters. However, data regarding the implementation rates of IT in ICUs are scarce, and restricted to non-European countries. The current paper aims to provide relevant information regarding implementation of IT in Flemish ICU's (Flanders, Belgium).MethodsThe current study is based on two separate but complementary surveys conducted in the region of Flanders (Belgium): a written questionnaire in 2005 followed by a telephone survey in October 2008. We have evaluated the actual health IT adoption rate, as well as its evolution over a 3-year time frame. In addition, we documented the main benefits and obstacles for taking the decision to implement an Intensive Care Information System (ICIS).ResultsCurrently, the computerized display of laboratory and radiology results is almost omnipresent in Flemish ICUs, (100% and 93.5%, respectively), but the computerized physician order entry (CPOE) of these examinations is rarely used. Sixty-five % of Flemish ICUs use an electronic patient record, 41.3% use CPOE for medication prescriptions, and 27% use computerized medication administration recording. The implementation rate of a dedicated ICIS has doubled over the last 3 years from 9.3% to 19%, and another 31.7% have plans to implement an ICIS within the next 3 years. Half of the tertiary non-academic hospitals and all university hospitals have implemented an ICIS, general hospitals are lagging behind with 8% implementation, however. The main reasons for postponing ICIS implementation are: (i) the substantial initial investment costs, (ii) integration problems with the hospital information system, (iii) concerns about user-friendly interfaces, (iv) the need for dedicated personnel and (v) the questionable cost-benefit ratio.ConclusionsMost ICUs in Flanders use hospital IT systems such as computerized laboratory and radiology displays. The adoption rate of ICISs has doubled over the last 3 years but is still surprisingly low, especially in general hospitals. The major reason for not implementing an ICIS is the substantial financial cost, together with the lack of arguments to ensure the cost/benefit.

How big is the elephant in the room? Estimated and actual IT costs in an online behaviour change trial

BackgroundThe practical and methodological challenges inherent in online behaviour change studies are both novel and complex. We relate our experiences of estimating and managing information technology (IT) research and intervention costs in an ongoing internet trial in the hope that others will find this information useful.FindingsActual IT costs were approximately twice those that had been originally estimated by external contractors. These original estimates for IT costs allowed little scope for the identification of new needs, which was intrinsic to the iterative nature of the research enterprise.ConclusionsMaking greater provision for the uncertain nature of these costs in future studies is a key practical lesson for the planning of future online behaviour change studies.

The customer care IT tools as a competitive advantage factor in the Brazilian retail industry

The fast growing of e-commerce proceeded in profits for many companies. Its application associated to well-designed workflows, i.g., the virtual customer care procedures, can benefit the companies by building long term competitive advantages. This study analysed the virtual customer care of ten big Brazilian retail companies, through the identification and evaluation of the actual Information Technology applied tools in their sites. We stated that Ponto Frio had the highest performance. An intermediate group was composed by Pao de Acucar, Bom Preco, Sonae, Lojas Americanas and Casas Bahia. The bottom line was filled by Pernambucanas, Sendas, Wal-Mart and Carrefour.

Budgeting for information technology

This paper examines patterns in the budgeting of information technology (IT). Using an econometric time-series model of budgeted versus actual spending, the paper explores, in the context of healthcare settings, the relationship between past, present, and future budgets with past, present and future spending for IT and non-IT variables. The results show a distinct difference in the patterns of budgeted and actual spending across IT and non-IT variables. Notably, actual IT capital spending does not correlate significantly with past or budgeted IT spending. These results signal a need for more research in the design of IT budgets.

Information technology diffusion in higher education

This project examines information technology (IT) planning, implementation, and diffusion in an academic environment, that of Portland Community College (PCC), the largest college in Oregon. PCC tries to keep pace with the latest technologies by anticipating and implementing new technology solutions in efficient and effective deployments. IT managers and employees at PCC were asked to complete a survey that included questions about IT planning, implementation, and diffusion. This paper proposes a conceptual framework based on previous models of technology adoption. The integrated, three-stage framework involves IT planning, actual IT implementation, and IT diffusion. The study identified adequate training and resistance to change as leading obstacles to IT deployment processes.

Online Communication and Information Technology Education

Blended Learning, a learning facilitation that incorporates different modes of delivery, models of teaching, and learning styles, introduces multiple media to the dialog between the learner and the facilitator. This paper examines online communication as the link between established theory of learning and literature on e-learning in order to better understand the appropriate use of blended learning in an actual Information Technology course. First, previously defined theoretical constructs that utilize communication as a facilitator for learning are considered. Then, using the Interpretivist standpoint, we examine data gathered from focus groups and interviews to gauge the experience of staff and students who were participants in a Blended Learning course. There are four previously defined theoretical constructs of greatest relevance to blended learning. Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development highlights the importance of communication with capable peers who can provide stimuli and feedback to a learning individual. Wegner’s Communities of Practice are groups of individuals who share a common practice interest and rely on a dialogue to facilitate learning. Laurillard’s Conversational Framework includes a pragmatic 12- step model that teachers can use to structure their learning facilitation. Finally, Salmon’s EModeration considers five stages of online communication in terms of how the moderator might facilitate dialogue among learners. These four theoretical models form the basis for understanding the implementation of blended learning discussed here. The course studied was a part-time Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology (IT), delivered using Blended Learning. Students were required to attend one evening per week and make substantial use of Web based learning over a period of five years. Students were mature, some already working in the IT field. Forty students in a first cohort and eighteen students in a second cohort were studied during the first year of their course. While students in the first cohort who succeeded in the course often found the discussion boards to be of considerable value in discussing assignments and sharing learning, the boards also could discourage those with less technical backgrounds. There is data to suggest that a high rate of dropouts and failures among the first cohort after just one year may have been influenced by discouragement felt by those who could not keep up with the technical level of the discussion board posts. As a result of this data, for the second cohort, the number of online communications was reduced to one assessed online discussion that was closely monitored. As a result, discussions were more on-topic; however students reported significantly less sense of community. Again, a high dropout rate resulted. Our results suggest that communication is both a challenge and an enabler for facilitating a successful blended learning course. Blended learning is not simply a matter of the combination of face-to-face and online instruction, but it has to have elements of social interaction. It appears to be important to allow students to bond together and to socialize. Knowing each other eases the communication barriers and reduces the fear of posting messages into an open forum. At its best, online communication can provide study help, social interaction, and a sense of community. We have evidence that when students are required more frequently to cooperate online, they share a common problem and on some level create their own “problem solving” community. However, our data from the first cohort indicates that unguided communication of a Community of Practice can lead to undesirable effects. At the same time, our data from the second cohort indicates that a very structured approach is also undesirable. The ideal situation, it seems, is somewhere in the middle. However, the middle is not easily defined. Because the community depends on the individuals who are the main components of it, it is difficult to predict how the same environment would influence different individuals or different cohorts. Thus, the ultimate responsibility is on the lecturer to listen to the students and engage in continuous dialogue.

A Comparison of Baccalaureate Programs in Information Technology with Baccalaureate Programs in Computer Science and Information Systems

An international association advancing the multidisciplinary study of informing systems. Founded in 1998, the Informing Science Institute (ISI) is a global community of academics shaping the future of informing science.

Non-Implementation of an IS Strategy Within A UK Hospital: Observations From a Longitudinal Case Analysis

The paper presents an in-depth longitudinal case analysis of the nonimplementation of an information technology (IT) strategy within a UK hospital. The analysis covered the period from 1991 to the present day. The contents of the IT strategy are described and compared to the proposed systems and schedule is contrasted with the actual IT systems delivered. Because the case deals with the national health arrangements within the UK, we begin with a brief description of information management (IM) within the National Health Service (NHS) to provide background for readers outside the UK. This discussion is extended to consider the specific context of IS development. It notes the experience of a single patient being transported through medical procedures to illustrate the relevant systems which are enabled. The case documents the ambitions and achievements of the managers involved and concludes with the observation that their decisions did actually generate added-value to the IS implementation process even though, in the circumstances, no recognised strategy emerged.