Developing Ontological Theories for Conceptual Models using Qualitative Research

Conceptual modelling is believed to be at the core of the IS discipline. There have been attempts to develop theoretical foundations for conceptual models, in particular ontological models as axiomatic reference systems. Although the notion of ontology has become popular in modelling theories, criticism has risen as to its philosophical presuppositions. Taking on this criticism, we discuss the task of developing socially constructed ontologies for modelling domains and outline how to enhance the expressiveness of ontological modelling theories by developing them via qualitative research methods such as Grounded Theory

The Faculty Notebook, March 1998

The Faculty Notebook is published periodically by the Office of the Provost at Gettysburg College to bring to the attention of the campus community accomplishments and activities of academic interest. Faculty are encouraged to submit materials for consideration for publication to the Associate Provost for Faculty Development. Copies of this publication are available at the Office of the Provost

Faculty concert: a concert in celebration of the 200th birthday of Franz Schubert

This is the concert program of the Faculty Concert: A Concert in Celebration of the 200th Birthday of Franz Schubert performance on Tuesday, February 18, 1997 at 8:00 p.m., at the Tsai Performance Center, 685 Commonwealth Avenue. Works performed were Adagio in E-flat major, D. 897 ("Notturno"), Der Fischer, D. 225, Selige Welt, D. 743, Auf dem See, D. 543, Der Jungling and der Quelle, D. 300, Wie Ulfru fischt, D. 881, Der Jungling am Bache, D. 638, Fischerweise, D. 881, Erlafsee, D. 586, Der Schiffer, D. 536, Auf dem Wasser zu Singen, D. 774, Der Fluss, D. 693, Die Forelle, D. 550, and Piano Trio in E-flat major, D. 929, all by Franz Schubert. Digitization for Boston University Concert Programs was supported by the Boston University Humanities Library Endowed Fund

Microbiota, Oral Microbiome, and Pancreatic Cancer

Only 30% of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive one year post-diagnosis. Progress in understanding the causes of pancreatic cancer has been made, including solidifying the associations with obesity and diabetes, and a proportion of cases should be preventable through lifestyle modifications. Unfortunately, identifying reliable biomarkers of early pancreatic cancer has been extremely challenging, and no effective screening modality is currently available for this devastating form of cancer. Recent data suggest the microbiota may play a role in the disease process, but many questions remain. Future studies focusing on the human microbiome, both etiologically and as a marker of disease susceptibility, should shed light on how to better tackle prevention, early detection, and treatment of this highly fatal disease

The various and conflicting notions of information

There are identified within the discourse a number of notions regarding the term information. This paper sets out to explore these sometimes-conflicting notions of information. The reason why conflicting notions occur is the result of different perspectives and understanding of the term information. Within the discourse two camps are identified, firstly, those who identify information as a resource and those who identify information as a processual approach enacted by individuals. The former is not uncommon within the business environment given the relationship seen between information and technology; this view simplifies information as merely structured data. The latter approach requires the involvement of individuals or more succinctly human understanding and interpretation. By viewing information as a processual process enacted by humans one is identifying an alternative view of how information is created, managed, used and developed. The aim is to discuss both views to gain clarity and understanding in terms of why the various and conflicting notions of information impact on its use within organisations. What is highlighted within this paper is that information is a complex and ambiguous term. There is no easy ‘off-the shelf’ solution to managing information. One potentially successful approach is to view information from an epistemological perspective. This requires those having to deal with this complex and ambiguous term a starting point from which to build and gain both an individual and an organisational understanding in terms of the use of information. This allows individuals to set direction, decide where to focus their effort and ultimately how to gain some control over this vital and important issue of ‘information’

From Neologisms to Social Practice: An Analysis of the Wanding of America

In this article I discuss how individuals and communities in the United States re-present themselves in the context of the September 11 tragedy and its complex aftermath. My aim is to explore the American discourse on inclusion and discrimination by examining the neologisms and social practices that were amplified by the attack in local and national debates. This document file contains both a page-image version and a text version of the essay