Cyberstalking: a new challenge for criminal law

Cyberstalking has recently emerged as a new and growing problem and is an area that will probably receive a higher profile within criminal law as more cases reach court (see Griffiths, 1999; Griffiths, Rogers and Sparrow, 1998; Bojic and McFarlane, 2002a; 2002b). For the purposes of this article we define cyberstalking as the use of information and communications technology (in particular the Internet) in order to harass individuals. Such harassment may include actions such as the transmission of offensive e-mail messages, identity theft and damage to data or equipment. Whilst a more comprehensive definition has been presented elsewhere (Bocij and McFarlane, 2002), it is hoped that the definition here is sufficient for those unfamiliar with this field. The stereotypical stalker conjures up images of someone harassing a victim who is the object of their affection. However, not all stalking incidents are motivated by unrequited love. Stalking can also be motivated by hate, a need for revenge, a need for power and/or racism. Similarly, cyberstalking can involve acts that begin with the issuing of threats and end in physical assault. We also make distinctions between conventional stalking and cyberstalking. Whilst some may view cyberstalking as an extension of conventional stalking, we believe cyberstalking should be regarded as an entirely new form of deviant behaviour

OVIAR: Towards a Model for Cyberstalking Intervention and Reduction

Despite more than two decades of research, relatively little is known about cyber stalking and similar phenomena. In particular, the existing literature tells us little about how cases unfold, how they can be managed or how we can work towards reduction. This paper presents a model depicting the dynamics and lifecycle of a cyber stalking episode. While primarily concerned with cyberstalking, the model may also be relevant to other forms of victimisation and is accordingly titled the Online Victimisation Intervention & Reduction (OVIAR) Model. Cyberstalking is shown as an iterative cycle made up of discrete stages. It is argued that each stage provides opportunities to deter the cyberstalker allowing the model to offer guidance about which interventions may be effective at a given point in the lifecycle. In proposing the model, the work draws upon a number of areas including information systems, criminology and psychology. A key part of the discussion involves the decision behaviour of the cyberstalker. It is argued that cyberstalking incidents involve a number of decision points that may serve to curtail or escalate the cyberstalker’s activities. The decisions made by the cyberstalker will be influenced by several factors, including the feedback he receives from his actions. Understanding how cyberstalkers make decisions can provide opportunities to prevent discourage further acts of harassment against victims. It may also benefit attempts to reduce or prevent victimisation in the first place. In discussing these areas, we draw upon areas such as rational choice theory, victim coping responses and the notions of intrinsic and extrinsic feedback.The model is intended to be understandable by a wide range of stakeholders, including law enforcement, technology professionals and victims themselves. For those involved in dealing with cyberstalking, it provides a tool that can be used to inform the management of cases. For academics, it is intended to provide a framework for further discussion and research

A review of the use of business simulation to enhance students' employability (WIP)

This paper investigates the potential use of business simulation games in enhancing employability skills of undergraduate business students in UK higher education institutions. It identifies the meaning of employability to different stakeholders in order to generate a list of skills that are considered important to various stakeholders as employers, government and academics. The benefits and learning outcomes as well as perceived limitations of business simulation games are then defined. Employability skills that can be improved using business simulation games and the importance of mapping and testing employability skills developments in simulation business environment are recognised

Compulsive sexual behaviour as a behavioural addiction: the impact of the internet and other issues

Commentary to: Should compulsive sexual behavior be considered an addiction? "The issue of sex addiction as a behavioural addiction has been much debated. However, there is little face validity for co-occurring behavioural addictions, and more emphasis is needed on the characteristics of the internet as these may facilitate problematic sexual behaviour"

Forensic Investigation of Cyberstalking Cases using Behavioural Evidence Analysis

Behavioural Evidence Analysis (BEA) is, in theory, useful in developing an understanding of the offender, the victim, the crime scene, and the dynamics of the crime. It can add meaning to the evidence obtained through digital forensic techniques and assist investigators with reconstruction of a crime. There is, however, little empirical research examining the application of BEA to actual criminal cases, particularly cyberstalking cases. This study addresses this gap by examining the utility of BEA for such cases in terms of understanding the behavioural and motivational dimensions of offending, and the way in which digital evidence can be interpreted. It reports on the forensic analysis of 20 cyberstalking cases investigated by Dubai Police in the last five years. Results showed that BEA helps to focus an investigation, enables better understanding and interpretation of victim and offender behaviour, and assists in inferring traits of the offender from available digital evidence. These benefits can help investigators to build a stronger case, reduce time wasted to mistakes, and to exclude suspects wrongly accused in cyberstalking cases

Does Medical Students' Preference of Test Format (Computer-based vs. Paper-based) have an Influence on Performance?

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Computer-based examinations (CBE) ensure higher efficiency with respect to producibility and assessment compared to paper-based examinations (PBE). However, students often have objections against CBE and are afraid of getting poorer results in a CBE.</p> <p>The aims of this study were (1) to assess the readiness and the objections of students to a CBE vs. PBE (2) to examine the acceptance and satisfaction with the CBE on a voluntary basis, and (3) to compare the results of the examinations, which were conducted in different formats.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Fifth year medical students were introduced to an examination-player and were free to choose their format for the test. The reason behind the choice of the format as well as the satisfaction with the choice was evaluated after the test with a questionnaire. Additionally, the expected and achieved examination results were measured.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Out of 98 students, 36 voluntarily chose a CBE (37%), 62 students chose a PBE (63%). Both groups did not differ concerning sex, computer-experience, their achieved examination results of the test, and their satisfaction with the chosen format. Reasons for the students' objections against CBE include the possibility for outlines or written notices, a better overview, additional noise from the keyboard or missing habits normally present in a paper based exam. The students with the CBE tended to judge their examination to be more clear and understandable. Moreover, they saw their results to be independent of the format.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Voluntary computer-based examinations lead to equal test scores compared to a paper-based format.</p

E-grocery challenges and remedies: Global market leaders perspective

The purpose of the study is to identify logistic elements germane to e-grocery businesses, and to reveal the challenges collateral with each logistic element. Further, it strives to create a better understanding of specific remedies that have been employed by top e-grocery retailers to overcome existing challenges while aligning identified challenges with Turban’s framework. Extensive semi-structured interviews were conducted with management staff in three of the top ten global online grocery retailers and another that was a market leader in a European country. The qualitative data collected was transcribed and coded using a non-hierarchical axial coding to identify emerging themes in content analysis. The results expose a range of challenges that could be compartmentalised into three broad categories, in harmony with the different stages of the order fulfilment process. Interestingly, the study found that most challenges were operational rather than tactical or strategic in nature. While the study expands existing knowledge, its revelation that most challenges lie in the management of roles and responsibilities domain is instructive. This makes it imperative for practitioners to focus on this specific area if meaningful improvement in e-grocery retailing performance is to be realised. This research offers a systematic understanding of supply and distribution challenges, including remedies utilised to ameliorate the effect of the challenges from the perspectives of the top companies in the industry. These remedies can be invaluable for existing and emerging e-grocers

DEVELOPMENT ALTERNATIVES OF EQUESTRIAN TOURISM IN THE AREA OF MOSLAVINA

Osnovni cilj rada je utvrditi trenutno stanje ponude konjičkog turizma na području Moslavine, njegove probleme i identificirati mogućnosti proširenja ponude te utvrditi ima li konjički turizam u Moslavini perspektivu za razvoj. Svrha rada je naglasiti potrebu za razvojem cjelokupnog turizma na području Moslavine te ukazati na mogućnosti razvoja konjičkog turizma koji će pridonijeti povećanju potražnje i stvoriti imidž Moslavine kao tradicionalne i ekološki osviještene destinacije. Rad započinje podjelom konjičkog turizma na segmente koji se u Hrvatskoj najčešće susreću, a to su različita konjička natjecanja, rekreativno jahanje, terapijsko jahanje te događaji i manifestacije u kojima konji mogu biti glavni motivi ili sporedni sadržaj. Nakon toga slijedi analiza trenutnog stanja konjičkog turizma u Hrvatskoj, iako se kao takav pojam vrlo rijetko koristi. Zatim slijedi analiza ponude koja bi se mogla uvrstiti pod ponudu konjičkog turizma na području regije Moslavina. Na analizu ponude nadovezuju se i rezultati istraživanja provedenog na prigodnom uzorku ispitanika, odnosno ponuđača usluga konjičkog turizma s područja Moslavine. Na temelju dobivenih rezultata istraživanja predlažu se alternative razvoja konjičkog turizma na području Moslavine uz primjere programa kao jedinstvenog turističkog proizvoda koji će potaknuti potražnju te razvoj cjelokupnog turizma i cijele regije. Konji u ponudi kao sastavni dio Moslavine proširili bi svijest ljudi o njihovoj važnosti i pozitivnim učincima, te sporadično potaknuli razvoj konjičkog turizma