A neo-aristotelian perspective on the need for artificial moral agents (AMAs)

We examine Van Wynsberghe and Robbins (JAMA 25:719-735, 2019) critique of the need for Artifcial Moral Agents (AMAs) and its rebuttal by Formosa and Ryan (JAMA 10.1007/s00146-020-01089-6, 2020) set against a neo-Aristotelian ethical background. Neither Van Wynsberghe and Robbins (JAMA 25:719-735, 2019) essay nor Formosa and Ryan’s (JAMA 10.1007/s00146-020-01089-6, 2020) is explicitly framed within the teachings of a specifc ethical school. The former appeals to the lack of “both empirical and intuitive support” (Van Wynsberghe and Robbins 2019, p. 721) for AMAs, and the latter opts for “argumentative breadth over depth”, meaning to provide “the essential groundwork for making an all things considered judgment regarding the moral case for building AMAs” (Formosa and Ryan 2019, pp. 1–2). Although this strategy may beneft their acceptability, it may also detract from their ethical rootedness, coherence, and persuasiveness, characteristics often associated with consolidated ethical traditions. Neo-Aristotelian ethics, backed by a distinctive philosophical anthropology and worldview, is summoned to fll this gap as a standard to test these two opposing claims. It provides a substantive account of moral agency through the theory of voluntary action; it explains how voluntary action is tied to intelligent and autonomous human life; and it distinguishes machine operations from voluntary actions through the categories of poiesis and praxis respectively. This standpoint reveals that while Van Wynsberghe and Robbins may be right in rejecting the need for AMAs, there are deeper, more fundamental reasons. In addition, despite disagreeing with Formosa and Ryan’s defense of AMAs, their call for a more nuanced and context-dependent approach, similar to neo-Aristotelian practical wisdom, becomes expedient

How Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) works? A theoretical review and an analysis of its main drivers and effects

Since the mid-1990’s, the concept of Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) has come to the fore and attracted considerable attention in the literature. The main purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) to explore IMC by delimitating its conceptual boundaries and identifying its main dimensions and (2) to develop a whole theoretical model of its antecedents and consequences. To achieve this goal, this study analyzes the conceptual framework around IMC and its dimensions and it presents an extensive literature review. Moreover, a new definition is presented and the main dimensions of the concept are highlighted. A systematic literature review is carried out to identify IMC antecedents and consequences and the research hypotheses are formulated. Following the obtained results, a conceptual model has been developed and the most relevant findings are discussed. Finally, the main academic and managerial implications are described. This model will help academics and marketers to better understand the role that this new marketing paradigm plays within modern management, in identifying the key variables that promote or hinder IMC and the benefits derived from its implementation

Proceedings of the Conference on Human and Economic Resources

The global marketplace consists of an increasingly complex arena of competitors within a rapidly changing international environment. New companies are formed on a daily basis, from small businesses to Internet-based operations, to expanding global conglomerates originating from major takeovers and mergers. In the face of these sophisticated and cluttered market conditions, firms try to be heard. They attempt to speak with clear voices about the natures of their operations and the benefits associated with the firm’s goods and services. With so many choices available, and so many media bombarding potential customers with messages, it is vital that what should be communicated is reaching buyers in a clear and consistent manner. External customers are influenced by the internal promise deliverers: the employees, channel partners, customer service personnel, packing and delivery people. Marketing can help by working with human resources departments to identify the key elements in employee motivation, including the effect of incentives and the development of training and improvement programs. This paper explores the impact of integrated marketing communications (IMC) programs in enhancing manager and employee performance and so productivity. From a managerial context, response to this apparently cluttered and amorphous marketing environment has led many organizations to desirable integration of their communications efforts under the umbrella of one strategic marketing communications function - namely integrated marketing communications. The logic of this strategic move would seem to rest partly on assumptions concerning the desire for organizational influence of consumer perceptions. Manager performance and development is possibly an overlooked part of an IMC program. Effective marketing departments and advertising agencies must develop pipelines of new, talented creatives, media buyers, promotions managers, database Web masters, and others in order to succeed in the long term. Also, new people must be trained and prepared for promotions for more important roles over time. Employee performance attitudes reflect morale within the marketing department and also relations with other departments and groups. An effective IMC plan consists of building bridges with other internal departments so that everyone is aware of the thrust and theme of the program. Satisfied and positive employees are more likely to help the firm promote its image.Integrated Marketing Communications Programs, Manager and Employee Performance

AEMI: The Actuated Embedded Musical Instrument

This dissertation is a combination of acoustic and electronic musical creation, acoustic instruments and digital instruments, and a combination of all of these areas. Part I is an original composition for orchestra with the new instrument set as soloist. Part II is an examination of the development and influences of creating a new electronic musical instrument. Part I is a composition for AEMI (the Actuated Embedded Musical Instrument) and orchestra, entitled “Meditation on Solids, Liquids, and Gas.” This composition is a dialogue between the orchestra and instrument, set as an exchange of ideas; sometimes ideas lead to conflict, others lead to resolution. This also serves as a way to feature some of the musical capabilities of this new instrument. Part II is an examination of AEMI and its influences. Chapter 1 includes a discussion of existing instruments whose similar features influenced the development of AEMI: the Theremin, Manta, JD-1, Buchla controller, EVI and EWI, and Chameleon Guitar. While AEMI instrument does not have the same performance mechanics as the Theremin, Evi, or Ewi, understanding the physicality issues of an instrument, like the Theremin, provided insights into creating a versatile instrument that can be easily learned yet have virtuosic character. Ultimately, embedding expressivity, such as subtlety and nuance into the instrument, would be one of the most difficult aspects of creating an instrument and would demand the largest amount of work. Chapter 2 describes the aesthetics, technical aspects, difficulties, and musical abilities of the instrument. Attempts to combine acoustic and electronic music are not novel, the incorporation of acoustically driven resonance by electronic embedded instruments is new. The electroacoustic nature of this instrument is different than most electronic instruments. The controller and user interface is electronically driven, and its speakers/acoustic drivers are embedded within the instrument. This discussion may provide insights to musicians, composers, and instrument makers involved in the finding of new avenues of musical expression

Instrument Design and Mimetic Theory

This paper will explore mimetic principles relevant for music performance and instrument design. It will describe elements important for understanding basic interaction between visual, sounding and gestural aspects of experiencing instrument performance and illustrate how music controllers may be enhanced through devising specific design concepts based on mimetic theory. Example instruments designed according to these principles will be presented, specifically the BazerBow and its various prototypes

Challenges and Prospects of Information and Communication Technologies Application Among Mass Communication Students of Tertiary Institutions in Lagos, Nigeria

This paper assesses the challenges and prospects of the application of information and communication technologies by mass communication students of tertiary institutions, focusing on three educational institutions in Lagos, Nigeria. Survey research method through a questionnaire as an instrument was applied in collecting data for the study. A sample size of 300 respondents drawn from the three institutions was used. Findings revealed that students’ use of these technologies have steadily risen in recent years due to the derivable utilitarian and gratifying values, among which are accessibility, versatility, speed, cost effectiveness and entertainment. Indeed, the application of these tools, according to the findings, is a necessity if the students must cope with the current demands of their studies. The outcome of the study also revealed that students’ use of ICTs in their studies is not without some inherent difficulties. These include inadequate information and communication technology literacy, epileptic power supply, high costs and negative application by unscrupulous users. Following the inevitability of the use of information and communication technologies by mass communication students and media practitioners, some useful recommendations made include, among others, stepping up of comprehensive ICTs appreciation training for students, improved accessibility, qualitative service delivery by communication service providers and constant public power supply. Key Words: challenges, prospects, technology application, mass communication,                           tertiary institutions

The Sequence of electronic service quality on customer satisfaction: Theoretical study

This study investigates the impact of electronic service quality dimensions on customers’ satisfaction. Finding indicates that customers are satisfied in three dimensions: information, ease of use and security/privacy while they answer with “Neutral” for the other dimensions: design, reliability and interactivity/personalization which in turns did affect the overall satisfaction. Furthermore, the recommendations of this research were as follows: Organization should give more attention to its e-service quality especially in the three dimensions which did not meet its customer’s expectation which are: interactivity/personalization, design and reliability. However, as the users become more mature, they know exactly what they expect to be e-service quality factors. Therefore, It will be valuable to find out the solutions to reduce failures in firm electronic service quality and fill the gap between what is perceived by the customers view through in depth qualitative inquiry. The solution will include the integration of internal functional departments and external integrations of channel. Nowadays, called customer relationship management (CRM) and supply chain management have become the main factors

#any use? What do we know about how teachers and doctors learn through social media use?

This scoping literature review describes the landscape of recent publications (2007-2016) about how teachers and doctors learn through social media to identify whether learning was being considered and, if so, how evidence was collected (N=162). Sixty-seven percent (N=108) were teacher-related and thirty-three percent (N=54) doctor-related, covering empirical studies, literature reviews, position articles and letters to academic journals. Empirical studies were dominant – ninety-one percent (N=98) of teacher-related and sixty-one percent (N=33) of doctor-related – with both fields dominated by in-course evaluations and use/attitude studies. Although doctor-related articles focused on professional online behaviour, rather than professional learning, conference communication and information evaluation were interesting areas of enquiry. Despite professional interest in social media in these professions, there is a dearth of academic studies about their benefits for teacher and doctor learning

Quality of civic education materials to promote democracy in context of a market-led education system: Conceptual and pedagogical issues, existing materials and gaps

This study shares the concerns of professional educators and international education agencies UNESCO, the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), and the Teacher Education in Sub Saharan Africa (TESSA) that in order for the developing world to achieve the Jomtien 1990 and Dakar 2000 declarations about access and quality of education, it is necessary to go beyond conventional methods of delivery. While it acknowledges the inevitability of adopting Open and Distance Learning (ODL) approaches as well as the design, development and sharing of Open Educational Resources (OERs) within and across countries and educational institutions, this article critically examines the impact of market-led education policy on the availability and quality of civics school texts. The author recommends for concerted efforts of local and international professional agencies in building capacity for developing and sharing of OERs for the benefit of teachers and students in Tanzania. Keywords: Civic education, Instructional Design, Open and Distance Learning, Open Educational Resources, Pre-service teachers, Tanzania