Information Technology Transfer Research Articles

Managing Contaminated Sites and the Role of Domestic and International Forums

AbstractDomestic and international cooperation in the field of contaminated‐site management has increased dramatically in the past decade. The expected benefits of this cooperation include the reduction of duplication in remediation efforts, the coordination of contaminated‐site research, improved synergy between various stakeholders, enhanced policy development, and better information dissemination and technology transfer. This article identifies and briefly discusses key domestic and international collaborations, partnerships, and networks relating to contaminated‐site management and remediation. Also provided is information on how the forums can be accessed. Common themes identified across the forums discussed in this article include (1) the development and demonstration of innovative technologies, (2) the use of risk assessment, (3) the use of toxicology, bioavailability, and ecotoxicity testing, and (4) the increasing need to find holistic approaches for managing contaminated sites, such as guaranteed remediation programs and transfer of environment liability, and the need for understanding implications of remediation financing mechanisms. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals Inc. Reprinted from Remediation Volume 12, Number 1.

Managing contaminated sites and the role of domestic and international forums

AbstractDomestic and international cooperation in the field of contaminated‐site management has increased dramatically in the past decade. The expected benefits of this cooperation include the reduction of duplication in remediation efforts, the coordination of contaminated‐site research, improved synergy between various stakeholders, enhanced policy development, and better information dissemination and technology transfer. This article identifies and briefly discusses key domestic and international collaborations, partnerships, and networks relating to contaminated‐site management and remediation. Also provided is information on how the forums can be accessed. Common themes identified across the forums discussed in this article include (1) the development and demonstration of innovative technologies, (2) the use of risk assessment, (3) the use of toxicology, bioavailability, and ecotoxicity testing, and (4) the increasing need to find holistic approaches for managing contaminated sites, such as guaranteed remediation programs and transfer of environment liability, and the need for understanding implications of remediation financing mechanisms. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Transfer of Information Technology to the Arab World

The complex societal beliefs and values of the Arab world provide a rich setting to examine the hypothesized influence of culture on information technology transfer (ITT). Two research questions arise in this context: (1) Do cultural beliefs and values affect the transference of information technology in the Arab world? and (2) Does contact with technologically advanced societies impact ITT and systems outcomes? The present study addresses these research questions by conceptualizing and testing a cultural influence model of ITT. In this model, cultural beliefs and values are one major construct while a counterbalancing variable is the external influence of technologically advanced societies. These constructs along with the variable “national IT development” form the conceptual basis for the model. This study is the second part of a program of research investigating ITT. The setting of the study was Arab society, which allowed us to test our “cultural influence” model in, perhaps, one of the more complex cultural and social systems in the world. The program of research took place in several phases. In the early phases, Arab-American businessmen and women as well as Arabs studying in American universities were studied. In the latter phases, the cross-disciplinary research team gathered primary data in the Arab cultures of Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and the Sudan. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were used to explore the phenomenon of ITT. This paper reports quantitative findings from the latter phase. Findings suggest that the model has explanatory power. Arab cultural beliefs were a very strong predictor of resistance to systems and thus ITT; technological culturation was also a factor. These results have implications for future theory-testing and for technology policy-setting by responsible Arab leaders. Additionally, there are implications for transnational firms and managers charged with introducing IT in foreign ports, subsidiaries, offices, and plants.

Statewide Gerontology Education, Training, and Information Technology Transfer

The Geriatric Education Center of Pennsylvania (GEC/ PA)-a Collaborative among Temple University, Pennsylvania State University and the University of Pittsburgh-and the Pennsylvania Health Care Association (PHCA) formed a partnership to provide education and training in geriatrics and gerontology for students in the health care disciplines, faculty who teach the curricula, and practicing health care professionals, and to provide information about aging to the general population in Pennsylvania. To meet this goal, the development of an educational CD-ROM and on-line educational modules, the initiation of the Pennsylvania Aging Information System (PAIS), and the installation of computer videoconferencing systems were proposed to the Pennsylvania Department of Education in response to a request for proposal (Link2Learn Infrastructure Investment Program) issued in the fall of 1997. Training was proposed to be available to geographically remote providers on a regular basis, with follow-up consultation right at their locations. The creation of a standardized, user-friendly aging information network is essential to meet the information access needs of Pennsylvanians created by rapid developments in computerized information systems. This project aligned with the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Link-to-Learn goals in that it met the goals of the establishment of partnerships and collaboration among learning institutions, communities, and businesses to leverage technology resources and maximize educational benefits; increased access to technology-based education resources for technologically disadvantaged organizations or groups; effectively incorporated technology into educational curricula; promoted collaborative development and acquisition of shared educational applications and databases; and provided incentives and resources to improve professional development for educators.

521 The Effects of Privatization of British and Scottish Public Extension Programs on Agricultural Information Delivery and Technology Transfer

The British and Scotish public extension programs are currently “privatized,” after a decade-long process aimed at this objective. While the British system is owned by a private corporation, the Scotish one is still operated by a public entity. In both situations, information is not freely dispensed, but sold through a subscription process. For a fee, a basic level of service, including newsletters, production/marketing/farm management bulletins, and a limited amount of telephone time with disciplinary/commodity experts, is provided. For an additional fee, farm visits or problem diagnostic services can be secured. The government is one of the largest customers in both systems, funding major “public good” natural resource projects, rural reviatization projects, and agricultural sector job re-training programs. This has significantly impacted the way that information is obtained and delivered to primary producers. These issues, and their implications, will be discussed in this presentation.

Telecommunications technology transfer and the development of institutional infrastructure: the case of Cuba

The objective of this study is to describe the institutional infrastructure for the adaptation and transfer of telecommunications and other information technologies in Cuba. The origins and evolution of Cuban science and technology policy are reviewed. Institutional and managerial aspects of the Cuban telecommunications infrastructure are identified and the authors formulate suggestions for future telecommunications policy research on regional integration.

Information technology transfer to African nations: An economic development mandate

The global revolution caused by the advancement and deployment of information technology (IT) demands the full involvement of the entire international community if the technology is to be ultimately effective. IT which continues to revolutionize all facets of life in the developed world has the potential to affect African countries in historic proportions. IT presents several opportunities and challenges for developing African countries, including Africa. There are opportunities for fostering technological capabilities, and thus enhancing the prospect of economic development. This paper highlights the opportunities facing African countries in the information age. The challenges that African countries must face in order to experience the full impact of the technology are discussed. A policy framework for the transfer of IT to African countries is presented and several Internet resources relating to IT transfer in Africa are provided.

Information Resources and Technology Transfer Management in Developing Countries

Information Resources and Technology Transfer Management in Developing Countries

Donor‐funded information technology transfer projects: Evaluating the life‐cycle approach in four Chinese science and technology projects

Information technology (IT) forms an increasingly important component of donor‐funded development projects, yet there has been very little structured analysis of the IT transfer process. This paper presents and evaluates a structured framework for analysis of IT transfer ‐ the information technology transfer life‐cycle ‐ based on a study of four Chinese technology projects. The life‐cycle framework helps to structure both data‐gathering and analysis, and it is used to highlight a number of shortcomings within the Chinese projects. However, several broader project and environmental issues are also identified that impinge on the technology transfer process. The life‐cycle framework must therefore be viewed within a broader contextual model, which is presented in the paper.

Time and the patient-physician relationship.

Being a physician always has been a busy job. This is especially true for primary care physicians who set as their goal the delivery and coordination of comprehensive care for patients. Achieving such a goal requires availability, a broad spectrum of medical knowledge, effective use of the local health care system, and attention to both the “big picture” and the details of a patient's life and health. The technical resources that go into the delivery of health care have been studied extensively. Major advances are frequent in the arenas of diagnostic testing, therapeutics, and pharmaceuticals. Modern information transfer technology has made physicians' ability to access information about these advances easier and contributed to patients being more aware of changes in many aspects of health care. At the same time, physicians may be called on to limit utilization of health care resources to services that are judged to be “medically necessary.” There has been relatively little study of physician time as a resource.1 Yet both as a contribution to health care costs and as a key element in patient-doctor relationships, there is reason to believe that it deserves more attention. Furthermore, with an increasing emphasis on value and efficiency in health care delivery, quality time between physician and patient is an increasingly valuable resource. Physicians spend time in face-to-face contact with patients gathering information, and developing a relationship, doing administrative work related to visits, and maintaining their knowledge base. Importantly, time is always finite: no matter what demands a physician faces, there are only 24 hours in a day. In the current practice environment, physicians face mounting demands on their time. Increasing administrative requirements for health care delivery (e.g., service and authorization requests, utilization review processes) encroach on time spent with patients. The 1995 Commonwealth Fund survey found that 41% of physicians noted a decline in the amount of time spent with patients and 43% noted a decline in the amount of time spent with colleagues between 1992 and 1995.2 Because of social and demographic changes in the physician workforce, many physicians have family responsibilities that reduce their time available for work. These factors have moved time management for physicians, in their practices and in their lives, to the forefront as a critical issue. In this article we examine the effects of limiting time on the patient-doctor relationship. We review the effects that are attributable to managed care. Finally, we offer recommendations for teaching medical students and residents skills that will help establish and maintain their patient-doctor relationships in the face of time pressure.

Book Review: Information resources and technology transfer management in developing countries

Book Review: Information resources and technology transfer management in developing countries

A model of institutional network dynamics and a comparative case analysis of information technology transfer

This paper examines the institutional network dynamics of information technology transfer with particular emphasis on the roles of publicly-funded centers for research and development at the national and regional policy-making levels. The conceptual model serves as a basis for qualitative case analysis and comparison of research management structures in two Canadian research centers located in Quebec Province. Conclusions are formulated regarding the complementarity of program and project dominant structures as well as the comparison of hierarchies and markets as technology transfer control mechanisms. Program dominant management appears appropriate to development of national innovation infrastructures, while project dominant management facilitates problem solving in regional innovation networks. The consequences of these conclusions for research management in global technological markets are discussed.

A Qualitative Assessment of Arab Culture and Information Technology Transfer

Information technology transfer is not an easy task, and seems to be particularly daunting for developing countries. As most technology is designed and produced in developed countries, it is culturally-biased in favor of those developed countries’ social and cultural systems. This bias creates cultural and social obstacles for developing countries to transfer technology into practice. Based on focus groups, interviews of Arab-American business people, and a field study conducted in five Arab countries, this paper presents the findings of a qualitative progressive study to systematically examine the linkage between information technology transfer and sociocultural factors that support or impede a successful transfer.

Technology transfer in schools: from research to innovation

Technology transfer should be a central objective of research into educational information technology, as it is generally acknowledged that the quality of this process is a critical factor in effectively bringing about innovation. The central focus of this paper is on this problem. In particular, we discuss the peculiarity of information technology transfer in schools as opposed to the transfer of technology in companies; we indicate some central problems of this transfer and discuss a typology of approaches to the transfer of educational information technology from research to school.

Information systems' approaches and designs and facility information: survey of acute care hospitals in the United States.

These survey results are based on a national survey of acute care hospitals. A random sample of 813 hospitals was selected with 115 responding and 33 incorrect address returns resulting in a 15% response rate. The purpose of the study was to measure the extent of information systems integration in the financial, medical, and administrative systems of the hospitals. The rate of adoption of information technology or technology transfer is discussed. Facility demographics are presented. Characteristics of information systems' approaches and designs are reviewed and their implications discussed. This information will provide benchmarks for hospitals to determine their information systems position and to set goals.

Evaluation of Donor-Funded Information Technology Transfer Projects in China: A Lifecycle Approach

Information technology forms an increasingly important component of donor-funded development projects, yet evaluation of such projects has been comparatively-rarely reported. This paper presents an evaluation of the information technology component within four Chinese technology projects, each of which is both described and evaluated. The evaluation is structured around a framework: the information technology transfer life-cycle. Using this life-cycle approach, a number of shortcomings are identified within the various technology projects. More general issues are also identified, for example, around training and the role of donor agencies. Two recommendations follow. First, some ideas about the way in which IT transfer projects are managed. Second, that the life-cycle approach be used more widely in both the evaluation and planning of technology transfer projects.

Impact of information systems on acute care hospitals: results from a survey in the United States.

These results are from a survey of acute care hospitals in the United States. A random sample of 813 hospitals was selected with 115 responding and 33 incorrect addresses resulting in a 15% response rate. The purpose of the study was to measure the impact and future potential of information systems integration in the financial, medical, and administrative systems of the hospitals. Impact of Information Systems is measured in many ways. Questions about employee moral, reductions in employees, goals being met and overall satisfaction with the systems are asked and results analyzed. This information will provide a benchmark for hospitals to determine their information systems position and technology transfer planning. These analyses will lead to setting goals.

Erratum

This article has been withdrawn as it was published elsewhere and accidentally duplicated. The original article can be seen here: 10.1108/09593849610129095. When citing the article, please cite: Melih Kirlidog, (1996), “Information technology transfer to a developing country: Executive information systems in Turkey”, Information Technology & People, Vol. 9 Iss: 3, pp. 55 - 84.

Meeting student teachers' information technology needs in partnership schools

This article dscusses the transfer of Information Technology (IT) resources from a university School of Education to secondary schools, following the revision of regulations for Initial Teacher Education (ITE) in 1992. An innovatory secondary Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) course, with novice teachers based in a cluster of schools at some distance from the university, is described. The implications of distance, and of partnership between schools and the School of Education, in delivering the required competencies in IT and in supporting IT provision are explored and recommendations made.

Coordinating the technology transfer and transition of information technology: a phenomenological perspective

Legislation mandates that America's national laboratories share their expertise in developing and commercializing technological innovations. Similarities and differences between the new-product development process (NPDP), as practiced by corporations, versus processes involved in movement, as practiced by the national labs, are discussed. The major stages within each and the activities key to the success of each stage are identified. The emphasis is on the need to coordinate the transition and transfer processes within the laboratory organizations affiliated with the Department of Defense (DoD). Data were collected from one of the of the best DoD labs. Personal interviews and mail questionnaires were used to gather the perceptions of employees involved with developing and refining 22 innovative information technologies. The phenomenological approach to data collection and analysis was used. The findings suggest that movement embodies seven stages that parallel NPDP. When viewed over all seven, transfer is perceived to be more reflective of technology push, while transition is more like market pull. The NPDP embraces elements of both transfer and transition. The implications of coordinating both are discussed, as well as ways to enhance communication among all parties involved.