Centered on the impact of information and communication technology in socio-technical environments and its support of human activity systems, the study of information systems remains a distinctive focus in the area of computer science research. Information Systems Research and Exploring Social Artifacts: Approaches and Methodologies discusses the approaches and methodologies currently being used in the field on information systems. This reference source covers a wide variety of socio-technical aspects of the design of IS artifacts as well as the study of their use. This book aims to be useful for researchers, scholars and students interested in expanding their knowledge on the assortment of research on information systems.

The small business is an often underestimated asset of both the modern economy and the commercial workforce. Those employed by small businesses make up a large percentage of both the U.S. and Canadian populations, and with the internet and other technologies connecting us like never before, the opportunity is present for even the smallest company to reach a global scale. Strategic Utilization of Information Systems in Small Business explores the possibilities not just in expanding a business, but in assisting a business in meeting its full potential, no matter its size. Including a variety of perspectives on what it means to be a small business and how to bring that business to maturity, this book is an essential reference source for small business owners, managers, and employees, as well as students, researchers, and aspiring entrepreneurs. This publication features chapters on the different aspects of management processes, e-commerce, and e-businesses, including the characteristics of a smart entrepreneur, success vs. failure, longevity, technology adoption, the types of different information systems and how to implement them, data and decision making, theories for investigating small businesses, business strategy, and competitive advantage.

Across a variety of disciplines, data and statistics form the backbone of knowledge. To ensure the reliability and validity of data, appropriate measures must be taken in conducting studies and reporting findings. Research Methods: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications compiles chapters on key considerations in the management, development, and distribution of data. With its focus on both fundamental concepts and advanced topics, this multi-volume reference work will be a valuable addition to researchers, scholars, and students of science, mathematics, and engineering.

As financial systems migrate to a pervasive, online environment, business leaders and layman investors alike must adapt to changes in the market brought about by this new age of business. Strategic E-Commerce Systems and Tools for Competing in the Digital Marketplace advances the body of knowledge on electronic business and commerce with an in-depth look at the opportunities and concerns surrounding online business and finance. This cutting-edge reference aids business leaders, financial managers, investors, and consumers looking to build their portfolios and thrive in modern digital business environments.

This book is concerned with the importance of Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Usability, user participants, and Sustainability in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) industry throughout the world. ICTs have become a crucial instrument for communication, entertainment, commerce and research and this increased usage is presenting new environmental and sustainability issues as we try and meet the ever-growing needs of both businesses and individuals. Sustainability and sustainable design must become central to the design of new technologies to make a concerted effort to tackle the environmental concerns we face now and in the future. Development frameworks, tools and models are used and explored, and the New Participative Methodology for Sustainable Design (NPMSD) is introduced as a way of identifying key factors needed in developing more sustainable systems including new smart technology and portable devices. In this book, the sustainable step in the design stage is evaluated and assessed by 11 countries: namely, Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, India, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, UK, and USA. The new results are generated confirming that sustainable design awareness should be considered by designers, and users to minimize and reduce the carbon emissions, raw materials usage, and global warming, since these problems should be tackled soon, otherwise, it will be too late to solve it. Further research is needed in the future to implement and assess the sustainable design step with large IT companies to ensure compliance with environmental standards and rules for sustainable systems. Sustainable Design is an invaluable resource for students and researchers, designers and business managers who are interested in the human-centered, environmental concerns of sustainable technologies.

In recent years, our world has experienced a profound shift and progression in available computing and knowledge sharing innovations. These emerging advancements have developed at a rapid pace, disseminating into and affecting numerous aspects of contemporary society. This has created a pivotal need for an innovative compendium encompassing the latest trends, concepts, and issues surrounding this relevant discipline area. During the past 15 years, the Encyclopedia of Information Science and Technology has become recognized as one of the landmark sources of the latest knowledge and discoveries in this discipline. The Encyclopedia of Information Science and Technology, Fourth Edition is a 10-volume set which includes 705 original and previously unpublished research articles covering a full range of perspectives, applications, and techniques contributed by thousands of experts and researchers from around the globe. This authoritative encyclopedia is an all-encompassing, well-established reference source that is ideally designed to disseminate the most forward-thinking and diverse research findings. With critical perspectives on the impact of information science management and new technologies in modern settings, including but not limited to computer science, education, healthcare, government, engineering, business, and natural and physical sciences, it is a pivotal and relevant source of knowledge that will benefit every professional within the field of information science and technology and is an invaluable addition to every academic and corporate library.