Michael A. Erskine

Business Decision-Making Using Geospatial Data: A Research Framework and Literature Review

Organizations that leverage their increasing volume of geospatial data have the potential to enhance their strategic and organizational decisions. However, literature describing the best techniques to make decisions using geospatial data and the best approaches to take advantage of geospatial data’s unique visualization capabilities is limited. This paper reviews the use of geospatial visualization and its effects on decision performance, which is one of the many components of decision-making when using geospatial data. Additionally, this paper proposes a comprehensive model allowing researchers to better understand decision-making using geospatial data and provides a robust foundation for future research. Finally, this paper makes an argument for further research of information-presentation, task-characteristics, user-characteristics and their effects on decision-performance when utilizing geospatial data.

Geospatial Reasoning Ability: Definition, Measurement and Validation

An understanding of geospatial reasoning ability (GRA) is essential to human–computer interaction research, as many recent consumer and commercial technologies require an ability to interpret complex geospatial data. Individuals, as well as government, commercial, and military organizations, use such technologies regularly. For instance, consumer technologies including online mapping services and in-vehicle navigation systems are increasingly prevalent. Business leaders rely on geospatial data when making strategic and operational decisions. Military strategists leverage geospatial systems during mission planning and battlefield operations. Although there has been research into the significance of user characteristics when making decisions using geospatial data, there is conflicting evidence on the impact of GRA on the decision-making process. This article suggests applying a multidimensional measure of GRA to facilitate a better understanding of such interactions. Furthermore, this article proposes a new measurement instrument developed through a rigorous scale development procedure and validated through an exploratory (n = 300) analysis.

The critical mass in collaborative digital business ecosystems for innovation: A case exploration of readiness and willingness

The application of Web 2.0 concepts and technologies across departments as well as across corporate boundaries is enjoying increasing popularity. By their innovative and light-weight nature, those concepts and technologies are being applied for information- and knowledge exchange as well as for supporting and enhancing the innovation capability. Grounded on the critical mass theory, the current paper deals with the methodological approach applied to implement Web 2.0 concepts and technologies and focuses on the startup phase of such a digital business ecosystem. Moreover, the central project outcome in form of the implemented innovation network is described in detail and strategies for reaching the critical mass are discussed.

Perceptions and Attitudes toward Online Mapping Services

ABSTRACT Online mapping services, such as Google Maps and Bing Maps, have become increasingly popular. In addition to providing map, navigation, and directory information, such services provide third-party applications with a technology framework including geospatial-visualization capabilities. For instance, consumers often use location-based services and spatial decision support systems (SDSS) to locate the nearest restaurants, search for ideal homes, navigate specific routes, and effectively participate in car and bike sharing programs. Organizations utilize SDSS to perform retail site selection, manage global assets, and optimize supply chains. While geospatial-visualization is a vital capability of online mapping services, little is understood about how it impacts the acceptance of technology. Through a partial least squares analysis of 577 subject responses, this paper demonstrates that the user-acceptance of geospatial-visualization is influenced by utilitarian, hedonic, and cognitive measures. This paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of these results to research and practice.

Enhancing Emergency Response Management using Emergency Description Information Technology EDIT: A Design Science Approach

This paper presents a novel approach toward facilitating the effective collection and communication of information during an emergency. Initially, this research examines current emergency response information workflows and emergency responder dispatch criteria. A process for the optimization of these workflows and criteria, along with a suggested method to improve data collection accuracy and emergency response time using a mobile device application, are suggested. Specifically, a design-science approach incorporating the development of an expert system designed to facilitate efficient and effective sharing of emergency information is applied. The resulting benefits could improve emergency communications during large-scale international gatherings, such as sporting events or festivals, as well as the sharing of industry-specific safety incidents. A process model for conducting analyses of additional emergency response processes is also presented. Finally, future research directions are discussed.

Building a Faculty-Centric Virtual Community of Practice (vCoP) Within the Post-secondary Education Environment: A Systems Approach Framework

This chapter describes the process used to design, develop and assess a faculty-centric virtual Community of Practice (vCoP) within the environment of post-secondary educational. The primary goals for developing a faculty-centric vCoP were to provide: on-demand, multi-modal learning opportunities for globally-distributed faculty with diverse abilities, a forum for faculty members to share their ideas and best practices, and a self-supported, sustainable and scalable learning community, while increasing social capital. To guide the development of the resulting community artifact, the systems approach model was applied (Dick in The systematic design of instruction. Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 2005). Further guided by the empirical work of Chiu (Decis Support Syst 42(3):1872–1888, 2006) regarding knowledge sharing and the development of social capital in vCoPs, as well as the 21 typology elements outlined by Dube (Interdiscip J Inf Knowl Manag 1(1):69–93, 2006), this study extends the understanding of effective vCoP implementations. In an ever-expanding realm of instruction and the digitization of instruction within post-secondary education, a supportive Community of Practice is deemed critical to the effective dissemination of skills, techniques and information. Thus, to address this gap, a faculty-centric vCoP development framework is proposed and examined in detail. This chapter provides a comprehensive literature review, presents a theoretical framework, discusses challenges and goals of a faculty-centric vCoP, explains the framework development methodology used, highlights key findings and discusses benefits and limitations of the findings. This chapter examines a suggested development framework and processes to develop a vCoP in the post-secondary educational setting with the goal of fostering knowledge creation and knowledge sharing among participants.

eImage: Elements and Effects of Positive Organizational Online Identity

Businesses and individuals must appear both capable and trustworthy in order to be successful in the online environment, including electronic commerce transactions. This chapter presents recent findings and implications of these findings on the eImage paradigm first suggested by Gregg and Walczak (MIS Quarterly 32:653–670, 2008). Perceptions of capability and trustworthiness are formed using a variety of digital signals including the aesthetic and informational quality of an individual’s or organization’s website, third-party evaluations, and electronic communications, among others. Knowledge of the various factors that influence perceptions of capability and trustworthiness will enable individuals and businesses to improve their eImage or online identity. Suggestions are made for future research needed in this domain.