Michael W. Totaro

Using statistical design of experiments for analyzing mobile ad hoc networks

The performance of mobile ad hoc networks can be influenced by numerous factors, including protocol design at every layer; parameter settings such as retransmission limits and timers; system factors such as network size and traffic load; as well as environmental factors such as channel fading. In this work, we are concerned with understanding the functional relationship between these influential factors and performance of mobile ad hoc networking systems. We show how a systematic statistical design of experiments (DOE) strategy can be used to analyze network system and protocol performance, leading to more objective conclusions valid over a wide range of network conditions and environments. Using a DOE strategy and a 2k factorial design, we quantify the main and interactive effects of five factors (i.e., network density, node mobility, traffic load, network size, and medium access control scheme) on two response metrics (i.e., packet delivery ratio and end-to-end delay). Using these effects measures, we then develop two first-order linear regression models that define the functional relationship between the influential factors and two performance metrics.

Accounting Educators' Perceptions of Accounting Students' Preparation and Skills: A 10-Year Update

Abstract In recent years, educators have radically revised accounting programs to better prepare students for the challenges of the profession. This study surveyed accounting faculty perceptions of the skills and motivation of their students and compared those perceptions with results reported a decade ago by Tanner and Carruth (1985). The results indicate that accounting educators are dissatisfied with the written and verbal communications skills of their students, showing no clear evidence of improvement over the past 10 years.

Gender Differences in the Effects of Internet Access on Work Absenteeism in the US

Considerable debate has ensued over the effects technologies such as the Internet might have on society and culture. In the economics literature, the effect of technologies on the labor market has been the subject of substantial research. In this analysis, a large sample of respondents is stratified into males and females and gender differences in two related questions are addressed: First, does Internet access, and presumably use, affect absenteeism from work differently for males and females? Second, to what extent does the degree of Internet access affect male vs. female work absenteeism? Regression results indicate that greater Internet access increases workplace absenteeism and gender differences are present.

MIS students and the systems analysis and design course project: a proposed experiential approach

A challenge faced by many instructors of systems analysis and design courses is the selection or development of projects that provide challenging, yet suitable, learning experiences for students. Employing a use-cases approach in undergraduate management information systems (MIS) courses offers students a host of opportunities to experientially examine real-world problems that require real-world solutions. The purpose of this paper is to provide a systems analysis and design example case, show the progression of case development, and offer a generalised grading rubric that may be used when assessing the achievement of student learning outcomes and determining overall project success. Additionally, theoretical support for employing such a project, as well as benefits to students, is discussed.

The advanced database course and the information systems 2010 model curriculum: an experiential approach to learning

Employing a collaborative project-based pedagogical approach that presents ideas and situations that are reflective of real-world experiences provides a challenging learning experience for students, both as individuals and team members. The IS 2010 curriculum guidelines serve as a useful reference for defining the learning objectives of an undergraduate database course. In this paper, a portion of these guidelines also serves as the foundation for the development of a student project to be used in an undergraduate advanced database course at the authors’ institution. This paper provides the specifications for the project, examples of possible solutions to most elements of the project, and offers grading rubrics that may be used when assessing the achievement of student learning outcomes and determining overall project success.

The SOA platform for small businesses: a conceptual framework

The ever expanding service economy presents small businesses with unique challenges as well as new opportunities. Due to high development and maintenance costs, a sophisticated IT infrastructure is difficult to attain by small businesses. Through assessment of real-world use-cases, we have identified managerial and informational challenges facing small businesses. Moreover, from a synthesis of a single use-case, we propose an on-demand delivery of IT services to small businesses, the nature of which transcends both organisational and geographical boundaries. Our proposed on-demand IT services system involves a service-oriented architecture (SOA), which is structured to align business processes and information technology/systems. Moreover, our proposed SOA approach is supported by two underlying technologies: virtualisation and application service provider (ASP). The net result of our approach is one that offers small businesses access to a sophisticated IT infrastructure that might otherwise be unattainable. We conclude this paper with managerial implications and future research.