Appa Rao Korukonda

Personality, individual characteristics, and predisposition to technophobia: some answers, questions, and points to ponder about

Technophobia has been an enduring problem in industrial economies over the last 20 years. Though explanatory models have been proposed to explain the prevalence of technophobia, these efforts have been diffuse, contradictory, and lacking in consistency. Against this background, this paper investigates the role of individual characteristics including: (a) personality variables proposed by the big five theory of personality, (b) cognitive orientation, and (c) math and logic skills on technophobia. Data are gathered from 242 subjects at a private university in Western New York. The research hypotheses are tested using t-tests, and correlation analysis. Interpretation of results and potential directions for future research are presented.

An investigation of framing and scaling as confounding variables in information outcomes: the case of technophobia

Technophobia has been an enduring problem in industrial economies over the last 20 years. Though explanatory models have been proposed to explain the prevalence of technophobia, these efforts have been diffuse, contradictory, and lacking in integration and explanatory and predictive utility. Using technophobia as the background variable, this research examines the role of scaling and framing in organizational research. It is argued that these particular issues, though endemic to research in other areas of social sciences as well, are worthy of exploration in the context of technophobia particularly in light of contradictory findings.

Globalization, social development, and operations research: an exploration of strategies for success

This paper argues that in today’s world order, policy-making takes precedence over analytical and technical models that have historically formed the mainstay of Operations Research. The structural and human dimensions of this transition is discussed in the form of six Policy Imperatives aimed at the creation of a world order that makes it more humane and less vulnerable to failure. It is proposed that though OR occupies a prominent role in developmental initiatives, in order for its successful implementation in meeting social goals, the context in which it is invoked must be conducive to social transformation.

Social performance of free markets: issues, analysis and appraisal

The centralized, command models emphasized social welfare and equity, whereas in free market conditions, the market participants are primarily governed by the demand and supply factors and their objective of wealth maximization. The tension between these two approaches is most evident in the structure and organization of financial markets. This paper presents an analysis and examination of the feasibility of the commonweal principle in free market environments and offers a preliminary empirical approach to investigate this issue further.

Commonweal vs. free market capitalism: the case of India and China

Purpose - China and India, increasingly referred to as the worlds emerging giants among emerging economies, represent the second and fourth largest economies in the world, respectively. This paper seeks to provide a comparative assessment of these two countries on selected measures on economic growth and social development. Design/methodology/approach - The papers approach is a discussion, providing a brief introduction to the approach taken by India and China in pursuing economic growth and social welfare measures. The discussion then focuses on the relationship between economic liberalization and social development against a backdrop of relevant concepts and arguments from the literature. Comparative profiles of India and China on select dimensions using data from World Economic Indicators and other sources are provided. Findings - The paper finds that it is clear that there are areas where India can learn from China and vice versa. Originality/value - The paper illustrates that these two countries offer a potentially rich and useful canvas for exploring the social implications of free market capitalism.

Technique without theory or theory from technique? An examination of practical, philosophical, and foundational issues in data mining

In this paper, it is argued that although data mining (DM) is being touted as a solution to many business problems and is basking in the glory of electronic business environments of today, as practiced currently, it reflects a preoccupation with short-run commercial applications and a neglect of the underlying theoretical issues. Although an argument can be made that theoretical precedence is not a necessary prerequisite for practical application or for commercial success, it can also be argued that an exclusive reliance on data-driven and exploratory components of pattern recognition without a corresponding attention to the causal schemas underlying patterns is destined to limit the potential for DM to evolve into a long-term solution to business problems or into an intellectual discipline in its own right. This paper presents an overview of key features and assumptions in DM and examines some of the key practical, philosophical, and foundational issues in DM.

Information Systems and Computer Science and Engineering

Information systems, computer science, and engineering are distinct but related disciplines, each with a focus of its own (the term engineering is used here to refer to computer engineering and software engineering). This focus has been changing with technological trends of the times, and as a result, the boundaries of these discipline always have been fuzzy and in a state of constant evolution. This article discusses the current state of the disciplines in the context of their technological and historical evolution. Links among available technologies, accepted definitions of the discipline, professional practices, and paradigm changes are sketched out with the aid of examples. Models, methodologies, and areas of primary concern for each of the disciplines are presented from the academic and the practitioner perspectives. Ideological controversies and areas of ambiguity are sketched out in mapping the terrain of each field. It is posited that foundational questions as well as claims and counterclaims that concern domain boundaries have been endemic to each of the disciplines. It is argued that although to some extent, virtually all disciplines evolve over time, one must take explicit cognizance of the fluid nature of the disciplinary boundaries and foundational questions when it comes to information systems (IS), computer science (CS), or computer/software engineering. Although this state of flux continues to plague all of these disciplines, it also offers enormous opportunities for growth and interdisciplinary collaboration. Potential future directions and challenges are presented. Keywords: information systems; computer science; computer engineering; software engineering

Social Entrepreneurship and Corporate Social Responsibility: a discussion on disciplinary domains and strategic relevance

This paper is aimed at addressing two fundamental issues relating to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Social Entrepreneurship (SE). First is the issue of lack of conceptual clarity of the two terms. Second is the issue of strategic relevance. Towards this end, the first part of this paper aims to sketch out an operational definition and disciplinary boundaries for each of these two concepts. The second part of the paper is devoted to a discussion of how CSR and SE could be relevant for establishing a competitive advantage in times of financial hardship. Directions for future research are presented.

Jerry Hunt: my mentor and tormentor

Purpose – This paper aims to present a professional and personal tribute to Professor Jerry Hunt, one of the distinguished scholars in leadership and organization studies and to offer glimpses of many of his distinctly eminent qualities as a scholar, a teacher, and as a mentor.Design/methodology/approach – This paper draws on the authors personal experiences and observations to present a commentary on Professor Hunts style of work and his approach to mentoring doctoral students and resolving complex problems. Set against the backdrop of the evolution of the field over the last three decades, the paper addresses some of the human, cultural, and collegial aspects of life in academia.Findings – Professor Hunts dedication infused a new lease of life to the field of leadership at a time of declining interest in the field as an area of scholarly inquiry. His lifetime contributions as an editor, scholar, and mentor are as enduring as they deserve to be commended.Practical implications – The paper serves to il...