Metaphoric competence and communicative language ability

Recent developments in cognitive linguistics have highlighted the importance as well as the ubiquity of metaphor in language. Despite this, the ability of second language learners to use metaphors is often still not seen as a core ability. In this paper, we take a model of communicative competence that has been widely influential in both language teaching and language testing, namely Bachman (1990), and argue, giving a range of examples of language use and learner difficulty, that metaphoric competence has in fact an important role to play in all areas of communicative competence. In other words, it can contribute centrally to grammatical competence, textual competence, illocutionary competence, sociolinguistic competence, and strategic competence. Metaphor is thus highly relevant to second language learning, teaching and testing, from the earliest to the most advanced stages of learning

Local Area Network Operations: A Security, Control and Audit Perspective

This paper provides a framework for the review of security and control within a local area network environment. Network operations are subdivided into several functional areas or components for further review. Each component or area is briefly explained and the security risks, issues and concerns highlighted. Controls and security measures are proposed as guidelines to counter these threats. An approach to the audit of each major area of network operations is proposed. This suggested framework provides guidance to information system security officers, auditors, communications and network administrators, consultants and information systems management for the review of local area network security during network operations

Uncertainty and the Consqeuences of Technological Innovation

Technological innovation is frequently a means for reducing uncertainty in organizational activities. At the same time, uncertainty also arises about the potential consequences of introducing the innovation. Innovation involving complex new information systems (IS) often carries uncertainty about consequences, particularly when goals or expectations are unclear. Previous research has reinforced the significance of the problem whereby anticipated consequences have less impact, no impact or the opposite impact to that anticipated. Unanticipated consequences, particularly when also undesirable, emerge to frustrate organizations’ innovation efforts. A process research framework is proposed for examining the linkages between uncertainty and consequences. The contribution of this paper is an explanation of theory and method for developing a model linking the management of uncertainty to knowledge of consequences. A case study in an Australian healthcare organization and the case methodology are described. The research is work in progress in the organization, tracking through nine months of implementation period and three months of routine use

The labour of learning: a framework for understanding knowledge barriers in IT innovation

In recent years the metaphor of knowledge barriers in organisational learning has gained currency to help analyse and explain innovation with complex information technology (IT) in organisations. Despite ongoing research, it is argued that the central concept of a ‘knowledge barrier’ remains under-conceptualised. It is important to address this gap to further our understanding of IT innovation processes in organisations. This paper proposes a framework that clarifies the concept of a knowledge barrier, and integrates two research approaches to explain sources of knowledge barriers. Support for the model is provided using a case study of complex technology innovation in the Australian healthcare sector

Factors Affecting the Buy vs Build Decision in Large Australian Organisations

When developing an information system, organisations are faced with a fundamental choice: to buy a pre-developed package (potentially customise it or redesign/reengineer the business processes of the company concerned to fit the package), or to build the system in-house. Past literature has indicated the importance of the buy vs build decision to the organisation even suggesting that correctly managing the choice could be the key to managing IT. This research aims to identify the factors that an organisation should consider when making an information systems buy vs build decision. Interviews were conducted with 10 organisations across a spread of industries, involving key strategic IT decision-making personnel at the senior IT executive level. By examining the operational approaches adopted in each of these organisations and the key drivers behind these approaches, we identify the core factors that affect real-world buy vs build decisions in large Australian organisations with a turnover in excess of $750 million. We found that a number of core factors - strategy, commodity and competitive advantage, maturity, cost and requirements fit - critically affect buy vs build, while peripheral factors - risk, time and timing, political factors, and ongoing support - are secondary considerations

Improving the Effectiveness of End-User Training Outcomes

End-user training (EUT) does not deliver the expected value to the organisations when end users do not transfer the skills learned to their workplace. Training effectiveness occurs when end users not only have the ability but are willing to transfer the skill learned to improve their job. This study proposes a model of EUT effectiveness which explicitly considers training effectiveness outcomes and incorporates attitude and motivation as two key antecedents. We propose a longitudinal field experiment to examine the influence of persuasive communication and goal-matching on EUT effectiveness. The proposed theoretical framework is based on a thorough review of literature from multiple disciplines such as Psychology, Education, Organisational Behaviour and Information Systems

Cyclone: A close air support aircraft for tomorrow

To meet the threat of the battlefield of the future, the U.S. ground forces will require reliable air support. To provide this support, future aircrews demand a versatile close air support aircraft capable of delivering ordinance during the day, night, or in adverse weather with pin-point accuracy. The Cyclone aircraft meets these requirements, packing the 'punch' necessary to clear the way for effective ground operations. Possessing anti-armor, missile, and precision bombing capability, the Cyclone will counter the threat into the 21st Century. Here, it is shown that the Cyclone is a realistic, economical answer to the demand for a capable close air support aircraft