Appropriate modeling of web use patterns may yield very relevant marketing and retailing information. We propose using a modelbased clustering approach for market segmentation based on website users’ search patterns. We not only provide a detailed discussion of technical issues such as the problem of the selection of the number of segments, but also a very interesting empirical illustration of ...

This paper deals with Cooperative Information Systems (CIS) which are complex systems allowing the use of heterogeneous information systems and conflict resolution. It describes a new approach based on pattern reuse that facilitates the engineering of these systems. Patterns are generic solutions to problems frequently occurring. Our patterns cover all the development stages (analysis, design a...

The task of designing software to support e-learning is complex. In particular, it requires careful consideration of social factors of adoption and use by communities. The tradition of engineering in America is too exclusively focused on the individual user; German philosophy provides a foundation for developing new methodologies oriented to groups of people learning collaboratively.

Engagement by the higher education sector in standardisation of the technology that supports e-learning is hardly a mainstream activity. For many stakeholders, processes associated with standardisation are both perceived as opaque and tedious. Reasons for a lack of engagement are canvassed; among them, the perception that ‘secret standards business’ is conducted only by those individuals and co...

This paper presents a method for increasing the level of formalization of the description of a problem situation and obtaining a “big picture” of the problem situation in order to be solved by TRIZ and OTSM instruments. The main output of the method is a list of problems to be turned into contradictions. Elements concerning computer support for this approach

Information technology (IT) benefits are often indirect and are not easy to demonstrate. Often the problem associated with IT investments magnifies because IT-enabled benefits tend to dissipate over time. In this paper we develop the concept of sustainable IT-enabled benefits. First we develop the concept of sustainability as it applies to IT. Following that, we base our conceptual framework to...

The continuous innovation process of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector shape the way businesses redefine their business models. Though, current drivers of innovation processes focus solely on a technical dimension, while disregarding social and environmental drivers. However, examples like Nokia, Yahoo or Hewlett-Packard show that even though a profitable business model ...