Abstract As Internet usage for both personal and professional purposes continues to increase, it is essential that e-based businesses keep a close eye and open mind on the evolvement of web-based technologies. E-business is booming, but without a strategic plan in place that provides flexibility, many companies will miss the E-business train. The author of this paper feels that the key to ensuring that a company will emerge stronger and more successful in the struggle for e-survival will come from its ability to use new Internet business tools, and not to completely abandon them. One of these tools is the many Internet surveys now available. They can provide organizations with the ability to monitor, analyze and identify trends as to where their customers are coming from (e.g., both geographically and intellectually), who they are in relation to demographics, and what their preferences are. This report reviews survey methodologies and results from the Graphics Visualization and Usability (GVU) Center of Georgia Institute of Technology, and from the Survey.Net of the InterCommerce Corporation.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Differences in Data Collection Methods
Strengths of GVU and Survey.Net's Methodology
Limitations to GVU and Survey.Net's Methodology
Overall Differences in Findings
Conclusion
Appendix A (Research Methodology Chart)
References
From the Paper "The latest GVU survey (Survey #10) was completed in May 1999, and the latest Survey.Net survey was completed in March 2001. Although the increase in time from one survey to the other undoubtedly has some effect to the results, for the purposes of this report, we will eliminate the date factor.
The GVU survey and the Survey.Net utilized the same basic data collection method. They both relied strictly on online responses. Survey.Net did not specify the criteria used to collect data, but GVU went into a little detail. The company placed announcements on Internet related newsgroups; it sponsored banners that were randomly rotated through high-exposure sites and advertising networks; it placed announcements in popular newspapers and trade magazines; and it distributed announcements of the survey to its survey mailing list. I?m guessing that although GVU used another form of media (i.e., newspapers and magazines) to advertise the survey, participants were still required to post their responses via the Internet."
A discussion on Voice and Video over, a relatively new communication technology that, though still in a development stage, is now sufficiently mature and available for use.
Abstract The following paper examines how well 'Voice and Video over IP' works and looks at what makes it different from the existing systems. The writer assesses whether it is real competition for other alternate services and examines what its advantages and limitations are. These are some of the key questions that this "technology report" examines and attempts to answer. Various other aspects and issues of this exciting new technology such as the history of its development, applications of the VoIP technology, the challenges facing VoiP and its future prospects are also discussed in this paper.
From the Paper "Voice and Video over the Internet Protocol is without doubt an important new technology with wide ranging and ever-expanding possibilities. As we have seen in this paper, the VoIP technology has some clear advantages over the competing technologies such as significant cost savings in long-distance (especially international) voice communication, the inherent efficiency of data transfer through packet switching as compared to circuit switching, and the possibilities of integrating data and voice applications. However, it would be premature to predict the complete demise of traditional telephone communication systems such as the PSTN. Due to its characteristic of compatibility with the existing systems, VoIP is likely to live side by side with other telecommunication technologies, at least in the foreseeable future."
Abstract This paper is a study of how students in elementary schools with widespread computer usage in the classroom exhibit improved motor skills, enhanced mathematical thinking, increased creativity and earn higher scores on tests that involve critical thinking skills and problem solving ability.
From the Paper "Over the last few years, technology has advanced rapidly and there have been hundreds of published studies investigating its effect on education and indicating the benefit of a variety of technology-rich educational environments for learners. Some of the current literature supports the idea that a variety of technologies can be powerful components in accomplishing educational goals, particularly for elementary school students. Students are able to "develop a broad, deep, and creative understanding of community, culture, economics and international politics, past and present, and acquire the social skills to work across differences and distances" (Riel, 1993) by providing "an array of tools for acquiring information and for thinking and expression [allowing] more children more ways to enter the learning enterprise successfully. "
Abstract This paper considers how computers have influenced the workplace environment and provides a competitive advantage to its users. The paper also examines how the value may not be as great as perceived by considering the productivity paradox. The author notes that the computer technology is only as good as the programmers running it.
From the Paper "The commercial environment has changed over the last few decades. One of the most influential factors has been the development of the computer. The technology has created a social and commercial revolution, increasing the speed and accuracy of communication reducing man hours for tedious tasks and creating new methods of analysis and business practice. However, there are many conflicting reports regarding the way that computers have been used and the benefits they may bring. Therefore, computers in the workplace may be seen as essential, but the value they add is sometimes questionable. In this paper we will consider the way that computer technology may be used and some of the problems we may find in seeking to assess the way it will adds to the value chain. However, when we look at computers, we must understand that it is not only computers that we need to consider, but the programmes that they run, as without these they have no value."
Abstract This paper discusses how use of a retinal scan is the latest in a series of new security measures to ensure a person's identity. It shows that by using a low level infrared light a picture can be taken of the retina of the eye. This infrared light then reflects back to the camera the distinctive patterns making up the corneal area of the individual's eye. The author evaluates how with the use of iris recognition to identify the pattern of the iris, security personnel are using a technique that is as unique to each individual as are fingerprints and how the accuracy and integrity of this method is by far the most accurate of its kind.
From the Paper "The technology of iris recognition was the brainstorm of Leonard Flom and Aran Safir. These two ophthalmologists working with the company IriScan in New Jersey first determined in the 1980's that "the iris's complex pattern of striations, freckles and fibrous structures offered a considerably more precise means of identification than the relatively simple loops and whorls of a fingerprint. The human iris has some 260 independent variables; fingerprints have roughly 35" (Economist, 1998, 80)."
From the Paper "The ability to return to a specific location or to know the exact position of where one is has been a major dilemma since our evolution into a bipedal organism. Prior to the introduction of sophisticated navigational systems, humans found their way around the planet using the stars, recognizable landforms, or by marking trails so that the return to an initial location is possible.
The necessity of a more precise system of navigation began to appear as a result of military interventions throughout the world. This need to know where soldiers were located on a battlefield or where a ship was headed to led to the development of our modern Global positioning system (GPS) system."
From the Paper "On a national level, several trends have emerged which affect emergency management, and which emphasize the importance of fire inspections as a pre-planning tool. There has been, for example, a shift from a federal to a local focus. This has resulted from cutbacks at the federal level. While state and local governments are not necessarily equipped to fill all of the gaps left by these cutbacks, there has been an increase in the level of effectiveness of the state and local emergency management services. There has also been a shift in demographics. As the nation ages, the elderly are settling in areas which have traditionally been sparsely populated, and which now must cater to a population with higher than normal emergency needs. In addition, the increasingly litigious environment means that emergency managers ..."
From the Paper "What effect violent video games may have on children is important for us as a society to determine simply because children (along with adults, who are, after all, supposed to serve as role models for children) spend so many hours playing them. The electronic-games industry posted sales of $5.5 billion in the U.S. in 1998, and was the second-most popular form of home entertainment after television. According to one survey, nine out of ten U.S. households with children have rented or owned a video or computer game. And a lot of what children are playing when they turn to video games is pretty gory. Nearly a third of the Top 100 video-console games for the first quarter of 1999 had at least some sort of violent content. And among video and computer games, bloody titles like Quake and GoldenEye 007 rank..."
Abstract This paper discusses whether the monopoly of Microsoft in the software business is detrimental for consumers. The paper presents the government's case against Microsoft and examines whether the government's actions are justified. The impact on the marketplace is described and differing opinions are offered, regarding the positive and negative aspects of the monopoly.
From the Paper "Most everyone knows the history of Microsoft. Founded by two college students, Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975, it now is the world's largest software company. Its Windows operating system is standard on most desktop computers and together with Intel, supplies the operating systems and computer chips to approximately ninety percent of the world's computers. Microsoft has made thousands of people very wealthy, especially its founder, Bill Gates, who has remained on the top of the list of the world's richest people. Microsoft has used its dominance to induce PC makers, which survival depends on its operating system, into using other Microsoft products, especially its Web browser."
Abstract Discusses benefits of ethanol as a renewable fuel & valuable resource. Fuel Cell technology. Internal combustion engine & exhaust problems of air pollution. Expansion of ethanol use. "Flex-fuel" vehicles. How fuel cells work. Effect on environment. Need to use ethanol as a fuel resource, not as a waste product.
From the Paper "Ethanol, once considered a hazardous waste product of many industrial processes is no longer viewed in that light. Now, it is a valuable resource, much sought after, particular in fuel cell technology (Ethanol as a renewable fuel, 2000). The internal combustion engine gains its energy from the heat released during the combustion of the non-reacted working fluids, the oxidizer-fuel mixer (Britannica, 2000). The process occurs within the engine, and is a part of the thermodynamic cycle of the device. Useful work generated by the internal combustion engine results from the hot, gaseous products of combustion acting on moving surfaces of the engine, such as the face of a piston, a turbine blade, or a nozzle.
The most common example of the internal combustion engine, the intermittent combustion engine, is characterized by periodic..."
Abstract This paper describes, compares and contrasts manual and automatic transmissions, defending the thesis that manuals are better than automatics in several aspects including efficiency, expense and pleasure. The paper argues that manual transmission is better than automatic because it is more pleasant to drive, giving one full control of the vehicle (about 62% of the sports cars sold in the U.S. are manual), it is more efficient and safe because it requires the driver's full attention and is cheaper because it requires less gas.
From the Paper "Ever since the automotive revolution began, there has been a battle between manual and automatic transmissions. Many differences can be pointed out, and when the two are objectively compared, one can easily see that manuals are superior to automatics. One of the strongest impressions that foreigners get when they first visit the USA is the fact that so many Americans prefer to drive automobiles with automatic instead of manual transmissions. In Europe, where the average cost of gas is $4 per gallon, most people, almost without exception, drive manuals because automatics need more fuel. Driving a manual there is an axiom ? no one questions it, and everyone believes it is better. However, blind belief is not right. That is why a few arguments will be stated in defense of manual transmissions. Although cars with automatic transmissions may appear appealing to the customers, the truth is that manually operated automobiles are superior. Automatic cars are so easy to operate that they deprive the driver of the delight of feeling in control of the car. That ease also allows the driver to have a quick cup of coffee or a nice talk on his or her cellular phone while driving. In addition, when a driver has only one pedal and the steering wheel to worry about, he or she is more apt to fall asleep. These distractions make them dangerous on the road."
Abstract Dell Computers, founded in 1984, has a core competency of direct-selling built-to-order computers. By following this path, Michael Dell, the founder, grew the company from an underfunded start-up in college to a multi-billion dollar sales organization. The paper examines organizational structure of the company. It focuses on the 'counter corporate culture' which has been adopted by Dell which leans toward a liberal and loose attitude with excellent corporate benefits. Finally, the paper offers a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis of the company.
From the Paper "Research before the call suggested that Dell is watching dozens of "copycat" companies forming online companies and systems designed similarly to Dell's system. As opposed to IBM, which is "inventory heavy", Dell, by building "to-order boxes" faces lower inventories, which translate to lower costs and higher margins. Lower inventories also allow the company to offer the latest technologies. Both phone calls were well handled, and there was very little "hard selling" done. In fact, the counselor asked a series of questions designed to help focus the discussion into the type of computing power that was needed."
Abstract Over the last few years, the number of reported cases of identity theft has skyrocketed, from 86,000 reported cases in 2001 to over 700,000 in 2002. It is by far the fastest growing crime in the United States. Perhaps what is even scarier than the crime itself is the ease with which the crime can be pulled off. Discusses the crime of identity theft, ways in which it occurs, ways to prevent it and what to do if it does occur. The paper also investigates the way in which the internet has contributed to the rise in identity theft.
From the Paper "Experts have suggested many different ways to reduce the risk of being a victim of identity theft. Many of these suggestions are extremely easy and worth the trouble. The first suggestion is to tear up all credit card bills, bank statements, and any other sort of document that has personal information on it. The next suggestion is that social security numbers should be kept as private as possible. They stress that the social security card should not be carried around, and that social security and drivers license numbers not be written on checks. They also say that social security numbers, along with all personal information should never be given out unless the person asking for it has a good reason to need it. Another way to prevent possible identity theft is to always be on the look out for people that may be eavesdropping on conversations or watching what is being written down. This prevents the "shoulder surfing" technique. The next tip is to never respond to suspicious E-mails or phone solicitors. This is especially true of E-mails and solicitations that request identifying information."
Abstract This paper examines the phenomenon of computers being used in almost every sphere of today's society. It discusses how they are being used at home, business, and leisure and how this could impact values and society.
From the Paper "In today's modern world, Americans have very specific attitudes toward technology which can improve their lives. One characteristic very strong within many Americans is communication and the freedom of speech as guaranteed to all within the Bill of Rights. Another characteristic of the American people is the continuous strive to learn and become more educated. As time progresses, the personal computer is becoming more widespread and much more important to the everyday lives of many Americans."
Abstract This paper looks at how Google has revolutionized the search engine market around the world. It presents a case study to discuss the success of the Google phenomenon, its business model, competitors, alliances, technologies and recommendations for the future.
Introduction
Business Model
Technologies
Competitors
Acquisitions and Alliances
Customer Protection
SWOT Analysis
5 Force Analysis
Recommendations
Summary
Bibliography
From the Paper "Google, named after the mathematical term googol (one followed by 100 zeros), began in 1998 after two Ph. D. students from Stanford University, Larry Page and Sergey Brit, decided to merge their graduate projects together on search technology. When the search engine was first developed, 10,000 students and professors at Stanford University started using it regularly. Larry Page and Sergey Brit knew they were onto a winner product. Google will be celebrating its fifth anniversary on September 7 and currently handles 200 million search requests per day (Graham, 2003). Analysts estimate revenues from $940 million to $1.25 billion this year from advertising and licensing fees (Graham, 2003). This case study will examine some of the key factors in Google's business."
