Applications of Data Mining in Diverse Business Domains

Today, Computers have become the most integral part of human life. Computers are used for various purposes in different business domains which generate huge volume of data related to different business processes. This leads to many challenging problems and issues for computer science and engineering, which includes data storage, data mining, knowledge management, security etc. Various organizations face the challenges in handling the operational data and effective use of these data to generate the knowledge. This knowledge can be used to improve the business processes as well as achieving the customer satisfaction. Data mining can be used to achieve these goals. Different data mining techniques can be used to identify the different patterns in the data. These patterns can be used to understand the outcome of existing business process. In this paper we have briefly discussed the data mining techniques and usefulness of datamining in marketing, education, pharmaceutical and health care and travels and tourism sectors

Problem Solving Approach at Organizational Development Activities: A Research at Karabuk University

AbstractHence rapid change and extensive competition, organizations have to ensure the persistence of their organizational development (OD) activities. The goal of this study is to inquire OD activities devoted to solving problems at organizational e-learning processes. The study consists of two sections. While the first section includes the literature about OD and Problem Solving Approach, the second includes the field research on students’ subjective perceptions about the Karabuk University's relatively new online distance education (DE) program. To overcome the difficulties based on affordability, number of instructors, infrastructure etc., Karabuk University management has strategically decided limited number of classes which have already been part of formal education so far, to be offered by distance education method. This study especially focuses on determining the students’ perceptions on efficiency, infrastructure, problems, practicality and acceptance level of this new process. Direct survey has been implemented at this study and the datas obtained have been analyzed by using frequency and one-sample t tests. The results show that there is no overall negative perception against DE, students perceive DE as a practical, economic and innovative method, students are inclined to computer use, related departments interfere in problem solving in time, it is still believed that the in-class education is the best learning method and students’ capability of computer access causes problems in the DE system. Increasing interactivity in DE programs, noticing the importance of face-to-face communication, promoting activities out of virtual classroom and raising the number of computers offered to students’ use may be beneficial for DE system efficacy and consistent improvement. It is aimed to find out present and possible problems in distance education system from the students’ point of view and use this information in problem solving and process improvement efforts

Health Information Literacy Outreach: Meeting the Needs of the Latino Community in Providence, Rhode Island and Rural Seniors in Western Maine

Purpose: To guide decisions related to a new approach to health information outreach and set in motion partnerships with community-based organizations and agencies. Audience: Providence Rhode Island’s Latino community and rural residents in the Western Maine Health District (Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties). Methodology: Social Cognitive Theory informed the development of a semi-structured key informant interview protocol. Questions were designed to determine confidence in using the Internet to find health information and the availability community resources that support access to computers and the Internet, including possible role models. Interviews were conducted in person and at a time and place convenient to the interviewee. All questions were open-ended, followed by probes to elicit greater detail. Interview data were coded and organized into major themes and sub-themes. It is within the sub-themes and direct quotes that patterns emerge. Results: Nine key informants, service providers in CBOs, libraries, and schools were interviewed in Western Maine. Data were organized into six major themes and 24 sub-themes. From these data we learned that communities in Western Maine have a growing senior population and that community-based organizations are important to supporting public health efforts. Health topics of concern include chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, and cancer. The public school system, adult education programs, and public libraries offer access to computers, and opportunities for training and support. Ten key informants, service providers in CBOs, libraries, and health care were interviewed in Providence, Rhode Island. Data were organized into six major themes and 23 sub-themes. From these data we learned that Latinos in this community begin looking for health information by asking the people they know and trust. Health topics of concern include issues related to health insurance and access to care, chronic diseases like diabetes, and family and childhood health and that the radio is an important source of health information. Adult education programs, public libraries, and a network of minority health centers offer access to computers, and opportunities for training and support. These findings led the NN/LM – NER to tailor their health information outreach efforts in Western Maine to seniors and to work with public health coalitions and agencies directly serving seniors to increase awareness and use of NIHSeniorHealth. In Providence, Rhode Island these findings led us to develop a train-the-trainer health information outreach model working with foreign trained health professionals to teach others in the community about reliable health information resources including MedlinePlus in Spanish and to work with local radio. Discussion: An intensive community assessment effort is critical to developing a focused health information literacy outreach program. These data and the process of gathering these data helped the program tailor efforts to meet the needs of the community and identified community leaders, local organizations, and other potential partners to improve community access to reliable health information. While the results of this community assessment are not generalizable, the approach provides a much needed practical understanding of the community and how best to address the needs and utilize available resources. Presented at the Institute for Healthcare Advancement\u27s Health Literacy Conference, Irvine, California, May 5, 2011

After Broadband: A Study of Organizational Use of Broadband in Southwest Alaska

The purpose of this research was to gain a preliminary understanding of how organizations including large and small businesses, Native corporations and organizations, and local and regional governments are using broadband that is now available in much of southwest Alaska. To learn about community access to broadband, interviews were also conducted with library and school staff in communities where broadband had been installed under the OWL (Online with Libraries) program. Further, the study identifies research from other sources that could help to predict what socio-economic impacts the availability and adoption of broadband may have in rural Alaska. Financial institutions use online connections for teller services and credit and debit card processing, and stated that more people in rural communities now have debit cards that they can use for online purchases and bill paying. Large retailers use online services for payroll, for pointof-sale (POS) transactions, and online ordering. Seafood processors rely heavily on connectivity with their head offices (generally in the lower 48) for administrative services including payroll, accounting, shipping and receiving, purchasing, and ERP (enterprise resource planning), and access data base software to track fish tickets. Seafood processors also provide Internet access for their employees, most of whom are seasonal and from other states or countries. Tourism businesses use broadband for online reservation systems and for guests, who increasingly demand connectivity even for remote vacations. Village corporations and tribal councils use online services to help their residents obtain hunting and fishing licenses and fishing permits, to learn about funding opportunities, and to file reports on grants. Local Governments connect online for interoffice communications and for payroll and other administrative functions. Other online applications and services include providing remote desktop access from other agency sites, use of online tools for land management and mapping, training including webinars for workforce development, and providing access to social services for clients. An economic development organization sends newsletters to communities electronically and packets of documents to its board members rather than relying on fax or courier. Websites are important for tourism-related businesses to advertise and promote their businesses and for nonprofits and local governments to provide information about their services. 5 Broadband now plays many roles in rural education. Most students are required to use the Internet for class assignments. High school students can connect to classes in advanced subjects in other communities, and may complete online courses for college credit. Libraries remain important locations for community access, with residents going online to connect with friends on Facebook, as well as to download content for e-books, file income tax, and apply for jobs and government benefits. School and library Wi-Fi provides access inside and near the buildings for residents with smartphones. Despite enthusiasm for broadband and the adoption of many broadband-based applications and services, most organizations interviewed identified problems with broadband, particularly with the pricing, stating that the terrestrial broadband network is too costly for them to take full advantage of online services and applications. While the scope of this study was too limited to estimate long-term benefits, it found that broadband is highly valued and increasingly important to businesses and nonprofit organizations and local governments in southwest Alaska. Broadband helps businesses to be more efficient in their operations and to extend their reach to new customers and suppliers. It also helps to improve the effectiveness of public sector services such as those provided by borough and city governments and extends access to education and training. Broadband is also likely to be an important component of strategies to develop ecotourism and other ecosystem services.Support for this research came from Connect Alaska with funding from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for the work of the State of Alaska Broadband Task Force, with additional support from GCI.Executive Summary / Introduction / Research Methodology / Technologies and Technical Support / Broadband Applications / Education and Community Access / Health Care / Benefits of Broadband in Southwest Alaska / Problems and Limitations / Potential Long-Term Social and Economic Impacts / Conclusions and Recommendations / Referemce

Accessible IT for People with Disabilities: HR Considerations

Human resource (HR) representatives were interviewed regarding their organizations use of Web technology in HR processes and computer accessibility issues in the workplace. The survey addressed: the organizations use of Web technology in HR processes; knowledge and perceptions of barriers to the use of computer/Web technology to employees with disabilities; and familiarity with assistive technology (equipment to improve functionality for people with disabilities) and resources. The respondents represented a wide variety of industries and organizational sizes

Information Technology and the Workplace: Implications for Persons with Disabilities

The Internet improves access to employment and community for many people. However, there is growing concern that many Web sites are inaccessible to people with certain disabilities. This article examines the impact on people with disabilities of online human resources processes used for employee recruitment, benefits, and training. In 2002, Cornell University staff reviewed the accessibility of 10 Job boards and 31 corporate e-recruiting Web sites. Human resource (HR) professionals are well positioned to report on key issues regarding these processes. A survey of 433 HR representatives was conducted regarding their organizations\u27 use of information and Web technology in HR processes; knowledge of computer/Web barriers to employees with disabilities; and familiarity with assistive technology and resources. The authors summarize current literature and legislation relevant to Web accessibility, and discuss implications of their findings for businesses and people with disabilities in the workplace

California Wellness Foundation - 2001 Annual Report

Contains board chair and president's message, profiles of grantees of the Work and Health Initiative, grant guidelines, grants list, and lists of board members and staff

Learning For Life: The Opportunity for Technology to Transform Adult Education - Part l: Interest In and Aptitude for Technology

In fall 2014, Tyton Partners (formerly Education Growth Advisors), with support from the Joyce Foundation, conducted national research on the role and potential of instructional technology in the US adult education field. The objective was to understand the current state of the field with respect to technology readiness and the opportunities and challenges for increasing the use of technology-based instructional models within adult education. Through two publications, we will present the findings from our research and propose key questions and ideas to catalyze conversations among adult education leaders and practitioners, policy makers, education suppliers and entrepreneurs, and foundations and funders regarding the gaps in the adult education system and opportunities for leveraging technology to better meet the needs of underprepared adult learners. The briefs will address both demandside and supply-side dynamics.This initial publication focuses on the demand side and addresses adult education administrators' and practitioners' perspectives on the role and potential of technology to support their students' needs and objectives

A descriptive review and classification of organizational information security awareness research

Information security awareness (ISA) is a vital component of information security in organizations. The purpose of this research is to descriptively review and classify the current body of knowledge on ISA. A sample of 59 peer-reviewed academic journal articles, which were published over the last decade from 2008 to 2018, were analyzed. Articles were classified using coding techniques from the grounded theory literature-review method. The results show that ISA research is evolving with behavioral research studies still being explored. Quantitative empirical research is the dominant methodology and the top three theories used are general deterrence theory, theory of planned behavior, and protection motivation theory. Future research could focus on qualitative approaches to provide greater depth of ISA understanding