Heikki Topi

Computing Curricula 2005: The Overview Report

In 2001, the ACM and the IEEE-CS published Computing Curricula 2001 which contains curriculum recommendations for undergraduate programs in computer science. That report also called for additional discipline-specific volumes for each of computer engineering, information systems, and software engineering. In addition, it called for an Overview Volume to provide a synthesis of the various volumes. The Computing Curricula 2004 Task Force undertook the job of fulfilling the latter charge. The purpose of this session is to present the recently completed work of that Task Force, now known as Computing Curricula 2005 (CC2005), and to generate discussion among, and feedback from SIGCSE members about ongoing and future work.

Human Factors Research on Data Modeling: A Review of Prior Research, An Extended Framework and Future Research Directions

This study reviews and synthesizes human factors research on conceptual data modeling. In addition to analyzing the variables used in earlier studies and summarizing the results of this stream of research, we propose a new framework to help with future efforts in this area. The study finds that prior research has focused on issues that are relevant when conceptual models are used for communication between systems analysts and developers (Analyst – Developer models) whereas the issues important for models that are used to facilitate communication between analysts and users (User – Analyst models) have received little attention and, hence, require a significantly stronger role in future research. In addition, we emphasize the importance of building a strong theoretical foundation and using it to guide future empirical work in this area.

Form and function: The impact of query term and operator usage on Web search results

Conventional wisdom holds that queries to information retrieval systems will yield more relevant results if they contain multiple topic-related terms and use Boolean and phrase operators to enhance interpretation. Although studies have shown that the users of Web-based search engines typically enter short, term-based queries and rarely use search operators, little information exists concerning the effects of term and operator usage on the relevancy of search results. In this study, search engine users formulated queries on eight search topics. Each query was submitted to the user-specified search engine, and relevancy ratings for the retrieved pages were assigned. Expert-formulated queries were also submitted and provided a basis for comparing relevancy ratings across search engines. Data analysis based on our research model of the term and operator factors affecting relevancy was then conducted. The results show that the difference in the number of terms between expert and nonexpert searches, the percentage of matching terms between those searches, and the erroneous use of nonsupported operators in nonexpert searches explain most of the variation in the relevancy of search results. These findings highlight the need for designing search engine interfaces that provide greater support in the areas of term selection and operator usage.

The effects of task complexity and time availability limitations on human performance in database query tasks

Prior research on human ability to write database queries has concentrated on the characteristics of query interfaces and the complexity of the query tasks. This paper reports the results of a laboratory experiment that investigated the relationship between task complexity and time availability, a characteristic of the task context not investigated in earlier database research, while controlling the query interface, data model, technology, and training. Contrary to expectations, when performance measures were adjusted by the time used to perform the task, time availability did not have any effects on task performance while task complexity had a strong influence on performance at all time availability levels. Finally, task complexity was found to be the main determinant of user confidence. The implications of these results for future research and practice are discussed.

A Review of Software Packages for Data Mining

We present to the statistical community an overview of five data mining packages with the intent of leaving the reader with a sense of the different capabilities, the ease or difficulty of use, and the user interface of each package. We are not attempting to perform a controlled comparison of the algorithms in each package to decide which has the strongest predictive power, but instead hope to give an idea of the approach to predictive modeling used in each of them. The packages are compared in the areas of descriptive statistics and graphics, predictive models, and association (market basket) analysis. As expected, the packages affiliated with the most popular statistical software packages (SAS and SPSS) provide the broadest range of features with remarkably similar modeling and interface approaches, whereas the other packages all have their special sets of features and specific target audiences whom we believe each of the packages will serve well. It is essential that an organization considering the purchase of a data mining package carefully evaluate the available options and choose the one that provides the best fit with its particular needs.

The Effects of Personality and Media Differences on the Performance of Dyads Addressing a Cognitive Conflict Task

Prior information systems research has found that numerous contextual factors, including individual differences, can influence which communication technologies are chosen for various situations. Because the adaptability of information and communication technologies to individual preferences and different environments is continuously improving, it has become increasingly feasible and important to investigate the relationships between individual characteristics (such as personality) and features of technology. In this study, the communication environment (face to face vs. synchronous computer mediated) and partners’ personality types (extraversion-introversion) in two-person groups were contrasted in a laboratory experiment. Dyads addressed a cognitive conflict task—allocation of limited funds to controversial social causes. Contrary to the hypotheses, introverts exerted influence over extraverts. As expected, extraverts were more satisfied with the process than introverts, and face-to-face dyads required less time, were more satisfied, and perceived less conflict than computer-mediated dyads. Given the ease with which some modern technologies can be melded to each individual’s preferences and that prior research has shown that individual differences influence the selection of technologies, these results have important implications for future information systems researchers and technology designers.

Supporting Telework: Obstacles and Solutions

Abstract Recent advances in telecommunications technology and transportation have freed many workers from the traditional model of fixed place of work in two major ways. First, many Americans have become telecommuters – spending at least a part of their regular business hours either in home offices, satellite offices or neighborhood work centers close to their homes, at customer sites, or on the road. Second, it has become increasingly common for work to be performed by virtual teams – where the membership of the team is not limited by the physical location of an employees primary workplace or a team members functional unit within the organization. The author first describes common obstacles that organizations and employees face when implementing these types of telework arrangements, and then presents both technological and managerial solutions to alleviate them.

Using informal notes for sharing corporate technology know-how

Corporate and academic communities have focused a great deal of attention on formalized approaches for creating, capturing, and propagating knowledge. Far less attention has been paid to the informal mechanisms that individuals share and employ to help them navigate complex processes in order to ‘get things done.’ In this paper, we examine the creation, use, and content of informal documents for supporting users of an enterprise resource planning system in a Fortune 500 company. We contend that such notes, which are commonly used for supporting information systems-related work, are an overlooked source of knowledgeability about organizational practices. This study is a first but necessary step in analyzing the types of information that can be derived from informal notes so that organizations can more fully utilize this largely untapped resource.

Searching the web: operator assistance required

This study examines the effects of the search interface and Boolean logic training on user search performance and satisfaction. We compared the use of an assisted search tool to that of a simple search interface like those typically found at commercial search engine sites. We found that the assisted search tool had a significant, positive effect on performance, satisfaction, and confidence. Promoting the use of advanced search features is therefore in the best interest of both Web search providers and users. In the absence of an assisted interface, a simple interface coupled with Boolean logic training was also an effective means for improving user performance. Given that most searchers choose to use the simple search box, it is important to provide them with applicable training to promote the effective use of the search tool. Interestingly, coupling the assisted interface with Boolean training was no more effective than either treatment alone.

The computing ontology project: the computing education application

An ontology of computing has been attempted with the intention of supporting, among other things, the development of curriculum. Computing is unusual in having 40 years of curriculum recommendations that have been very influential in determining what is taught in a large number of programs. The ontology offers an objective base on which to build a curriculum recommendation. The ontology is still evolving and the use in curriculum development is entering its first experiments. This paper describes the challenges of developing the ontology and the plans for its application in curriculum development.