Human Interaction in Learning Ecosystems based on Open Source Solutions

Technological ecosystems are software solutions based on the integration of heterogeneous software components through information flows in order to provide a set of services that each component separately does not offer, as well as to improve the user experience. In particular, the learning ecosystems are technological ecosystems focused on learning and knowledge management in different contexts such as educational institutions or companies. The ecosystem metaphor comes from biology field and it has transferred to technology field to highlight the evolving component of software. Taking into account the definitions of natural ecosystems, a technological ecosystem is a set of people and software components that play the role of organisms; a series of elements that allow the ecosystem works (hardware, networks, etc.); and a set of information flows that establish the relationships between the software components, and between these and the people involved in the ecosystem. Human factor has a main role in the definition and development of this kind of solutions. In previous works, a metamodel has been defined and validated to support Model-Driven Development of learning ecosystems based on Open Source software, but the interaction in the learning ecosystem should be defined in order to complete the proposal to improve the development process of technological ecosystems. This paper presents the definition and modelling of the human interaction in learning ecosystem

An assessment of technology-based service encounters & network security on the e-health care systems of medical centers in Taiwan

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Enhancing service efficiency and quality has always been one of the most important factors to heighten competitiveness in the health care service industry. Thus, how to utilize information technology to reduce work load for staff and expeditiously improve work efficiency and healthcare service quality is presently the top priority for every healthcare institution. In this fast changing modern society, e-health care systems are currently the best possible way to achieve enhanced service efficiency and quality under the restraint of healthcare cost control. The electronic medical record system and the online appointment system are the core features in employing e-health care systems in the technology-based service encounters.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This study implemented the Service Encounters Evaluation Model, the European Customer Satisfaction Index, the Attribute Model and the Overall Affect Model for model inference. A total of 700 copies of questionnaires from two authoritative southern Taiwan medical centers providing the electronic medical record system and the online appointment system service were distributed, among which 590 valid copies were retrieved with a response rate of 84.3%. We then used SPSS 11.0 and the Linear Structural Relationship Model (LISREL 8.54) to analyze and evaluate the data.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The findings are as follows: (1) Technology-based service encounters have a positive impact on service quality, but not patient satisfaction; (2) After experiencing technology-based service encounters, the cognition of the service quality has a positive effect on patient satisfaction; and (3) Network security contributes a positive moderating effect on service quality and patient satisfaction.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>It revealed that the impact of electronic workflow (online appointment system service) on service quality was greater than electronic facilities (electronic medical record systems) in technology-based service encounters. Convenience and credibility are the most important factors of service quality in technology-based service encounters that patients demand. Due to the openness of networks, patients worry that transaction information could be intercepted; also, the credibility of the hospital involved is even a bigger concern, as patients have a strong sense of distrust. Therefore, in the operation of technology-based service encounters, along with providing network security, it is essential to build an atmosphere of psychological trust.</p

Digitale Transformation eines Traditionshauses im Luxusmodesegment : Fallstudie Zimmerli of Switzerland

Die Fallstudie des Traditionsunternehmens Zimmerli of Switzerland zeigt einen Ansatz zur digitalen Transformation des Geschäftsmodells eines KMU im Luxusmodesegment. Zusammenfassend kristallisieren sich folgende Erkenntnisse heraus: Die Eigentümerschaft bzw. das Management, im Falle geschichtsträchtiger KMU oftmals eher getrieben von Leidenschaft und Verpflichtung als von kurzfristigem Gewinndenken, muss gewillt sein, das Unternehmen für den Wandel zu öffnen und die Kontrolle in einem gewissen Masse abzugeben. Weiter ist die starke, über Jahrzehnte gepflegte Unternehmenskultur zu berücksichtigen. Es empfiehlt sich, die oftmals langjährigen Mitarbeitenden frühzeitig in den Veränderungsprozess einzubeziehen und eine offene Kommunikations- und Feedbackkultur zu etablieren. Ihre Expertise und Kooperationsbereitschaft ist gerade im Luxussegment angesichts der hohen Qualitätsansprüche an Produkte, Dienstleistungen und Erlebnisse besonders wichtig. Schließlich sollte neues Know-how nicht in Form eines „Digitalisierungs-Silos“ in bestehende Strukturen gezwängt, sondern durch den Einbezug externer Experten und den internen Aufbau von Wissen und Fähigkeiten organisch in die sich wandelnde Organisation einfließen. Und nicht zuletzt sollten, neben der Bewahrung der wertvollen Marke, vor allem die Kundinnen und Kunden mit ihren veränderten Bedürfnissen und Erwartungen im Zentrum der Veränderung stehen und physische wie digitale Berührungspunkte zu einem konsistenten und einzigartigen Markenerlebnis zusammenfließen