Daniela Popescul

Social Media – The New Paradigm of Collaboration and Communication for Business Environment

Abstract We are currently witnessing a phenomenon of constant and quick growth in the use of the Internet for communication and collaboration between people. The 2.0 version of World Wide Web has become the medium for collaborative projects, blogs and microblogs, virtual communities, socializing networks, group games – all united under the so called “Social Media” concept. The high level of use and interaction of Social Media influences greatly the business environment which is thus exposed to a paradigm shift, where hierarchies fall apart and the communication and colaboration create wider and wider networks for the employees and all the partners of the organisations. In this spirit, the purpose of this article is to briefly review the impact of the Social Media on business, based on the analysis of the relevant literature in the field. There is mentioned the creation of virtual proximities which rely on the transfer of knowledge, production of positive network externalities, increase of business information capital as well as the social and ethical implications related to Social Media.

Social Networks Security in Universities: Challenges and Solutions

Abstract Nowadays, information flows are powerfully augmented by Social Media. This situation brings along the adjustment of the traditional information security threats to this new environment, as well as the emergence of new characteristic dangers. The purpose of this study is to learn about Generation Y students’ attitude to risks and security measures when using Social Networks (SN). The correct identification of their behavior is, in our opinion, essential for the academic community. Firstly, we need to understand what their real knowledge in the field is. Then, a serious and consistent adaptation of our courses in Information Security and other subjects and a redefinition of universities’ security policies and procedures is necessary. On this basis, in an empirical study, we try to determine how much our students know about security threats and subsequent protection measures in SN.

Social Media Literacy in Romanian Universities – Are we Ready Yet?

Abstract Nowadays, we all witness a process of transformation of universities from ivory towers into collaborative networks. Cooperation and interconnectivity become more and more important in the research-and-development and educational areas. In this trend, while the potential of Social Media seems immense, some inherent risks create uncertainty in using them in an appropriate way. There seems to be a mismatch between the logic of participatory media and the still-reigning centralized-reminiscent model of Romanian universities, with its emphasis on inflexible processes and control. By its nature, Social Media encourages horizontal collaboration and more relaxed conversations that travel in random paths across professors and students. It there by short-circuits established power dynamics and traditional lines of communication and may affect the traditional image of the university. This article discusses some challenges and opportunities that emerge from the contemporary Social Media evolution for universities, and provides structure to better understand the benefits and pitfalls of using Social Media in this field. We begin by focusing on some relevant traits in the profiles of the innovating and performer employees from Romanian universities, in order to approximate their Social Media readiness. After that, we analyze profoundly, in a study based on a questionnaire, the new dimensions added by Social Media to these traits – as noticed in a very recent McKinsey study, which looks at the individual as a producer, distributor, recipient, advisor architect and analyst in order to consider him a Social Media–literate. Based on this analysis, we then derive a set of observations about Social Media literacy in Romanian academic environment.

The Importance of Internet of Things Security for Smart Cities

The purpose of this chapter is to provide an extensive overview of security-related problems in the context of smart cities. The impressive heterogeneity, ubiquity, miniaturization, autonomous and unpredictable behaviour of objects interconnected in Internet of Things, the real data deluges generated by them and, on the other side, the new hacking methods based on sensors and short-range communication technologies transform smart cities in complex environments in which the already-existing security analyses are not useful anymore. Specific security vulnerabilities, threats and solutions are approached from different areas of the smart cities’ infrastructure. As urban management should pay close attention to security and privacy protection, network protocols, identity management, standardization, trusted architecture, etc., this chapter will serve them as a start point for better decisions in security design and management.

Students in Social Media: Behavior, Expectations and Views

The purpose of this study is to learn about Generation Y students’ traits, habits, needs and expectations when using Social Media (SM). The correct identification of their behavior is, in our opinion, essential for the academic community. Firstly, we need to understand what their real profile is. Then, a serious and consistent adaptation of our attitudes, teaching materials and ways of providing information and a redefinition of universities’ policies and procedures are necessary. On this basis, in an empirical study, we try to determine why do Generation Y students use SM, what are their preferences for one media or another, how/for how long/from where do they use SM tools, and what do they expect from universities and professors.

Projects as Knowledge Swirls in the Technological Innovation Romania’s Situation

The present paper uses as research basis a new way of thinking regarding the relation between innovation and knowledge - the Knowledge Flow Percolation Model (KFPM). In this model’s center, human beings are seen as thinking electrons, both consuming and generating knowledge flows. Through the interdependent actions of individuals, knowledge circulates inside organizations, allowing them to innovate in order to obtain competitive advantages. But there is a wide range of barriers which impede the creation and movement of flows in the model grid and consequently, hinder their change into innovation. The solution proposed by this paper as one of the most adequate instruments to make KFPM more spreadable is the project. On this basis, in an empirical study, we try to demonstrate the hypothesis of the positive influence of projects, as knowledge swirls, on the development of innovative skills which will help solving problems in the organization, creating and widening of knowledge and reducing the barriers in knowledge transfer.

The Uncertainty of Using Web 2.0 Technologies in E-Government Development. Romania's Case

Abstract This paper aims to analyze the degree in which Web 2.0 related technologies are used in the Romanian local public administration. We have mirrored, on the one hand, the positive connotation unanimously credited to ICT technologies and, on the other hand, the blames of bureaucracy and enclosure traditionally addressed to local public agencies (normally regarded as non-innovator). Starting from this apparent set, we have analyzed the modification of ICT technologies brought to the 41 City Halls which are now present virtually, focusing on the use of Web 2.0 technologies ate the year 2012 level. The importance of the analyzed web-pages derives from the width of their target audience: they are addressed, directly or indirectly (indirect estimates include minors), to approximately 7,872,986 people, which amounts to 37% of the total population of Romania. In completing this study, the used research methods were observation, desk review and open interview. The main scientific aim is to conduct the analysis of the theoretical assumptions leading up to changing technological trends in the development of the Romanian public administration, based on own elaborated knowledges from research field, as well as an empirical testing of the Web 2.0 presence of the Romanian City Halls.