8,382 research outputs found

    The role of Entrepreneurial Universities in interfacing Competitive Advantages: The Case of Beira Interior region (Portugal)

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    This paper reveals the importance of a local entrepreneurial university in interfacing competitive advantages, by assuming the condition of most influent and dynamic engine of regional development. The strategic diagnosis provides the identification of a dominant quadrant in the TOWS matrix application to the Beira Interior region, which is dominated by Mini-Maxi strategies. For improving the competitive positioning of that region, the transition from the dominant quadrant (Mini-Maxi) to the most desirable quadrant (Maxi-Maxi) is also proposed. In this sense, the University assumes a fundamental role in the design and in the promotion of the proposed set of strategic actions, which should be implemented in two critical areas: traditional activities and tourism; and entrepreneurship and innovation. In terms of future research, the same analytical tool could be applied to other regions with a similar competitive profile, in order to obtain comparative analyses and to better calibrate the TOWS Matrix.Entrepreneurship; Regional Development; Strategy

    A Model for Emergency Service of VoIP through Certification and Labeling

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    Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) will transform many aspects of traditional telephony service, including the technology, the business models, and the regulatory constructs that govern such service. Perhaps not unexpectedly, this transformation is generating a host of technical, business, social, and policy problems. In attempting to respond to these problems, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) could mandate obligations or specific solutions to VoIP policy issues; however, it is instead looking first to industry initiatives focused on the key functionality that users have come to expect of telecommunications services. High among this list of desired functionality is user access to emergency services for purposes of summoning fire, medical, and law enforcement agencies. Such services were traditionally required to be implemented (and subsequently were implemented) through state and federal regulations. An emergency service capability is a critical social concern, making it particularly important for the industry to propose viable solutions for promoting VoIP emergency services before regulators are compelled to mandate a solution. Reproducing emergency services in the VoIP space has proven to be a considerable task, mainly due to the wide and diverse variety of VoIP implementations and implementers. While technical and business communities have, in fact, made considerable progress in this area, significant uncertainty and deployment problems still exist. The question we ask is this: Can an industry-based certification and labeling process credibly address social and policy expectations regarding emergency services and VoIP, thus avoiding the need for government regulation at this critical time? We hypothesize that the answer is “yes.” In answering this question, we developed a model for VoIP emergency service compliance through industry certification and device labeling. This model is intended to support a wide range of emergency service implementations while providing users with sufficient verification that the service will operate as anticipated. To this end, we first examine possible technical implementations for VoIP emergency services. Next, we summarize the theory of certification as self-regulation and examine several relevant examples. Finally, we synthesize a specific model for certification of VoIP emergency services. We believe that the model we describe provides both short-term and long-term opportunities. In the short term, an industry-driven effort to solve the current problem of VoIP emergency services, if properly structured and overseen as we suggest, should be both effective and efficient. In the long term, such a process can serve as a self-regulatory model that can be applied to social policy goals in the telecommunications industry, making it an important tool to have as the industry becomes increasingly diverse and heterogeneous

    Full Information Product Pricing: An Information Strategy for Harnessing Consumer Choice to Create a More Sustainable World

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    Research and practice in the information systems (IS) field have been evolving over time, nourishing and promoting the development of applications that transform the relationships of individuals, corporations, and governments. Building on this evolution, we push forward a vision of the potential influence of the IS field into one of the most important problems of our times, an increasingly unsustainable world, which is traditionally considered the product of imperfect markets or market externalities. We describe our work in Full Information Product Pricing (FIPP) and our vision of a FIPP global socio-technical system, I-Choose, as a way to connect consumer choice and values with environmental, social, and economic effects of production and distribution practices. FIPP and I-Choose represent a vision about how information systems research can contribute to interdisciplinary research in supply chains, governance, and market economies to provide consumers with information packages that help them better understand how, where, and by whom the products they buy are produced. We believe that such a system will have important implications for international trade and agreements, for public policy, and for making a more sustainable world

    The mechanics of trust: a framework for research and design

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    With an increasing number of technologies supporting transactions over distance and replacing traditional forms of interaction, designing for trust in mediated interactions has become a key concern for researchers in human computer interaction (HCI). While much of this research focuses on increasing users’ trust, we present a framework that shifts the perspective towards factors that support trustworthy behavior. In a second step, we analyze how the presence of these factors can be signalled. We argue that it is essential to take a systemic perspective for enabling well-placed trust and trustworthy behavior in the long term. For our analysis we draw on relevant research from sociology, economics, and psychology, as well as HCI. We identify contextual properties (motivation based on temporal, social, and institutional embeddedness) and the actor's intrinsic properties (ability, and motivation based on internalized norms and benevolence) that form the basis of trustworthy behavior. Our analysis provides a frame of reference for the design of studies on trust in technology-mediated interactions, as well as a guide for identifying trust requirements in design processes. We demonstrate the application of the framework in three scenarios: call centre interactions, B2C e-commerce, and voice-enabled on-line gaming

    Increasing Equity through B Corp Certification in the Coffee Commodity Supply Chain

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    The coffee industry is a cornerstone of Nicaragua’s economy. Coffee production shapes communities and is a major factor in the development of the country. Coffee cooperatives in Nicaragua are often Fairtrade and Organic certified, yet their farmers continue to struggle to secure stable livelihoods. In this inquiry, I sought to understand whether becoming a Certified B Corp and interacting with the B Corp network could improve farmer livelihoods for production cooperatives. B Corp Certification seeks to redefine success in business with the unifying goal of creating a more inclusive economy. B Corps, for-profit businesses which have passed the rigorous B Impact Assessment, are certified by the nonprofit B Lab. B Corp certification may increase access to the market through the B Corp network and may thereby increase farmers’ incomes. B Corp Certification may also be a means to redistribute value in the commodity’s supply chain. Most importantly, the B Corp movement could promote sustainable change in the coffee value chain by joining like-minded companies in the global north and south. I argue that B Corp certification within the coffee industry could help to redistribute value in the supply chain by working within the B Corp network and will ultimately improve the livelihoods of farmers

    Inventory of novel approaches to seed quality assurance mechanisms for vegetatively propagated crops (VPCs) in seven African countries

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    This paper provides an inventory of novel approaches to and mechanisms for quality assurance of the seeds of vegetatively produced crops (VPCs). It explores to what extent seven African countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia) are decentralising and integrating VPC seed systems, in terms of regulations governing the sector, methods of seed production, and methods of seed inspection and certification. It consolidates existing data and presents new data on decentralised seed quality assurance (SQA) approaches for VPCs in these seven selected countries. It makes relevant information readily available for policy dialogue on appropriate and inclusive SQA approaches, by providing an assessment of (i) the extent to which SQA has been decentralised, i.e., the extent to which third-party accredited inspectors have been deployed; (ii) countries’ use of e-certification platforms; (iii) the involvement of seed producer groups and cooperatives in SQA; and (iv) any novel approaches to disease diagnostics or other relevant aspects of SQA. The paper uses different, appropriately sequenced methods to ensure the different methods complement each other to offset the disadvantages of each method. These include a comprehensive literature review, an online survey, and key informants’ virtual interviews. These are complemented by expert interviews, especially with both IITA and CIP experts based in Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia plus one CIP expert with overall knowledge of the project countries in Africa. Based on an online survey completed by officials from regulatory agencies from eight countries, and follow-up interviews with seed certification officials and researchers in the seed sector, the paper finds that almost all studied countries have some sort of decentralised seed production system in place, allowing large-scale companies, medium-semi-commercial companies and small holder farmers opportunities to produce both quality declared and certified seeds. These decentralised seed production systems may be regarded as novel, in that they deviate from the standard seed system practices proposed at international level, which focus on enforcing certified seed production. Further, the novelty is based on different countries adopting different processes because of different local constraints and different government/political structures. Such novelty is necessary in the African context of, inter alia, poor infrastructure for transporting VPC seeds long distance and limited technical skills for certifying seed. The innovative approaches chosen by these African countries are suitable for VPC seeds like those of cassava, sweetpotato, bananas, yams and potato – all of which have bulky and perishable planting materials. The paper shows that it is possible to make decentralised VPC seed systems a reality in the right circumstances, and that in some cases countries have already made strides in doing so. However, several gaps exist in different countries, all of which need to be addressed. They include problems such as (i) legislation and regulations not specifically considering the quality assurance requirements of VPCs; (ii) shortages of trained staff throughout the system, but especially in far-flung areas; (iii) unavailable or inadequate training materials and handbooks; (iv) inadequate resources at local level, including support for inspection equipment and resources (e.g., vehicles); (v) poor monitoring and administration capacity in farmers’ cooperatives/associations; and (vi) poor consideration given to gender empowerment. Each of these and other issues are discussed throughout the report and in the recommendations at the end of the document. Stakeholders in the VPC sectors need to address key challenges facing VPC seed producers and users such as the lack of specific regulations for VPCs and standards, especially in the countries which are either still developing such standards and regulations, or entirely do not have such tools in place. The absence of crop specific guidelines and standard operating procedures result in (i) low capacity to produce quality VPC seed, (ii) poor storage and handling facilities for seed and (iii) inadequate experience, technical skills and training among the seed inspectors and certifying officials from state seed regulatory agencies, especially lack of staff specialised in certifying VPCs. Simple, flexible and less bureaucratic systems are much more desirable for developing countries, even while countries must maintain a focus on quality control and quality assurance mechanisms within the legal provisions of seed laws, including those of novel approaches (Loch and Boyce, 2001). Quality control and quality assurance are important preconditions for ensuring the availability of planting materials and for piloting novel approaches such as decentralised seed production and quality control approaches. It is thus important for countries to mainstream and scale up sustainable quality assurance systems that work by establishing context-appropriate seed regulatory frameworks. While individual farmers, farm-based associations, farmer cooperatives and private companies have invested and continue to invest in production of VPC seeds, public investments in this sector are needed to realise wider system change and impact. Because VPC seeds are bulky, perishable and have high disease risks, many seed companies are not interested in these crops. Therefore, is important to secure political buy-in for decentralised VPC production and devolved VPC seed inspection so that states are encouraged to invest in supporting regulatory agencies and decentralised offices to deliver their services efficiently and effectively. In turn, this will allow farmers to secure the extension services they require. To ensure scalability and sustainability of novel approaches like the decentralisation of seed production and quality assurance, piloted initiatives must be sustained, including (i) for capacity development; (ii) providing adequate resources (competent personnel, funding and the necessary technologies like electronic platforms); and (iii) more importantly, the presence of an entrenched policy, legal and institutional framework that is implemented on the ground. As part of the remedy for these challenges, the paper recommends that engaged stakeholders in the VPCs sector provide targeted training of seed inspectors. In many countries, seed standards for VPCs and provisions in the law were designed based on the experiences of grain (maize) seeds, which have significant differences with VPCs. Therefore, seed inspectors need training for inspection of VPCs (i.e. varietal identification, crop specific pests and diseases). This can be complemented by capacity development efforts at different levels; for example, (i) training extension officers to undertake inspections and how to use relevant equipment (including any ICT devices); (ii) training seed producer associations on technical and governance/administrative aspects for ensuring equity, accountability and monitoring; and (iii) training seed producers to inspect their own seed and fields. Countries need to establish and scale up seed producers’ associations. In countries where seed producer associations are in place, they have shown to be cost-effective by mobilising fellow seed producers who need seed inspections to pay inspectors as a group instead of as individuals. This has in turn also driven the demand for inspection from the relevant authorities, because inspection activities such as these generate income for government agencies. With associations in place, it is possible to help seed producers and farmers to identify markets for both seed and produce, to create a virtuous cycle whereby producers buy improved seed because they have a market for their improved produce. Finally, stakeholders need to implement or scale up e-certification platforms like SeedTrackerTM to reduce the burden and costs associated with manual and physical activities related to seed inspection and certification. Where ICT systems such as SeedTrackerTM have not been implemented, roll these out in all countries, ensuring both that they are suitable for each country’s specific needs, and that they align with regional and international seed policy. In countries like Nigeria and Tanzania where SeedTrackerTM is in place, it is imperative that most of these tools are improved to address the current limitations. Meanwhile, achievements – including the use of successful ICT tools – need to be promoted through regular communication and dialogue at all levels, including between farmers, seed producers and breeders (about the preferred traits for improved varieties and any challenges farmers are facing), and between stakeholders (to ensure alignment on the goals of seed quality assurance, how to ensure quality, and how to address problems)

    Electronic security - risk mitigation in financial transactions : public policy issues

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    This paper builds on a previous series of papers (see Claessens, Glaessner, and Klingebiel, 2001, 2002) that identified electronic security as a key component to the delivery of electronic finance benefits. This paper and its technical annexes (available separately at http://www1.worldbank.org/finance/) identify and discuss seven key pillars necessary to fostering a secure electronic environment. Hence, it is intended for those formulating broad policies in the area of electronic security and those working with financial services providers (for example, executives and management). The detailed annexes of this paper are especially relevant for chief information and security officers responsible for establishing layered security. First, this paper provides definitions of electronic finance and electronic security and explains why these issues deserve attention. Next, it presents a picture of the burgeoning global electronic security industry. Then it develops a risk-management framework for understanding the risks and tradeoffs inherent in the electronic security infrastructure. It also provides examples of tradeoffs that may arise with respect to technological innovation, privacy, quality of service, and security in designing an electronic security policy framework. Finally, it outlines issues in seven interrelated areas that often need attention in building an adequate electronic security infrastructure. These are: 1) The legal framework and enforcement. 2) Electronic security of payment systems. 3) Supervision and prevention challenges. 4) The role of private insurance as an essential monitoring mechanism. 5) Certification, standards, and the role of the public and private sectors. 6) Improving the accuracy of information on electronic security incidents and creating better arrangements for sharing this information. 7) Improving overall education on these issues as a key to enhancing prevention.Knowledge Economy,Labor Policies,International Terrorism&Counterterrorism,Payment Systems&Infrastructure,Banks&Banking Reform,Education for the Knowledge Economy,Knowledge Economy,Banks&Banking Reform,International Terrorism&Counterterrorism,Governance Indicators

    A Model for Emergency Service of VoIP Through Certification and Labeling

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    Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) will transform many aspects of traditional telephony service including technology, the business models and the regulatory constructs that govern such service. This transformation is generating a host of technical, business, social and policy problems. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) could attempt to mandate obligations or specific solutions to the policy issues around VoIP, but is instead looking first to industry initiatives focused on key functionality that users have come to expect of telecommunications services. High among these desired functionalities is access to emergency services that allow a user to summon fire, medical or law enforcement agencies. Such services were traditionally required (and subsequently implemented) through state and federal regulations. Reproducing emergency services in the VoIP space has proven to be a considerable task, if for no other reason then the wide and diverse variety of VoIP implementations and implementers. Regardless of this difficulty, emergency service capability is a critical social concern, making it is particularly important for the industry to propose viable solutions for promoting VoIP emergency services before regulators are compelled to mandate a solution, an outcome that often suffers compromises both through demands on expertise that may be better represented in industry and through the mechanisms of political influence and regulatory capture. While technical and business communities have, in fact, made considerable progress in this area, significant uncertainty and deployment problems still exist. The question we ask is: can an industry based certification and labeling process credibly address social and policy expectations regarding emergency services and VoIP, thus avoiding the need for government regulation at this critical time?1 We hypothesize that it can. To establish this, we developed just such a model for VoIP emergency service compliance through industry certification and device labeling. The intent of this model is to support a wide range of emergency service implementations while providing the user some validation that the service will operate as anticipated. To do this we first examine possible technical implementations for emergency services for VoIP. Next, we summarize the theory of certification as self-regulation and examine several relevant examples. Finally, we synthesize a specific model for certification of VoIP emergency services. We believe that the model we describe provides both short term and long-term opportunities. In the short term, an industry driven effort to solve the important current problem of emergency services in VoIP, if properly structured and overseen as we suggest, should be both effective and efficient. In the long term, such a process can serve as a model for the application of self-regulation to social policy goals in telecommunications, an attractive tool to have as telecommunications becomes increasingly diverse and heterogeneous

    Technical alignment

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    This essay discusses the importance of the areas of infrastructure and testing to help digital preservation services demonstrate reliability, transparency, and accountability. It encourages practitioners to build a strong culture in which transparency and collaborations between technical frameworks are valued highly. It also argues for devising and applying agreed-upon metrics that will enable the systematic analysis of preservation infrastructure. The essay begins by defining technical infrastructure and testing in the digital preservation context, provides case studies that exemplify both progress and challenges for technical alignment in both areas, and concludes with suggestions for achieving greater degrees of technical alignment going forward

    Trust on the Web: Some Web Science Research Challenges

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    Web Science is the interdisciplinary study of the World Wide Web as a first-order object in order to understand its relationship with the wider societies in which it is embedded, and in order to facilitate its future engineering as a beneficial object. In this paper, research issues and challenges relating to the vital topic of trust are reviewed, showing how the Web Science agenda requires trust to be addressed, and how addressing the challenges requires a range of disciplinary skills applied in an integrated manner
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