• Journal of Intelligence and Information Systems
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.97-116
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• 2012

Conceptual modeling is an important step for successful system development. It helps system designers and business practitioners share the same view on domain knowledge. If the work is successful, a result of conceptual modeling can be beneficial in increasing productivity and reducing failures. However, the value of conceptual modeling is unlikely to be evaluated uniformly because we are lack of agreement on how to elicit concepts and how to represent those with conceptual modeling constructs. Especially, designing relationships between components, also known as part-whole relationships, have been regarded as complicated work. The recent study, "Representing Part-Whole Relations in Conceptual Modeling : An Empirical Evaluation" (Shanks et al., 2008), published in MIS Quarterly, can be regarded as one of positive efforts. Not only the study is one of few attempts of trying to clarify how to select modeling alternatives in part-whole design, but also it shows results based on an empirical experiment. Shanks et al. argue that there are two modeling alternatives to represent part-whole relationships : an implicit representation and an explicit one. By conducting an experiment, they insist that the explicit representation increases the value of a conceptual model. Moreover, Shanks et al. justify their findings by citing the BWW ontology. Recently, the study from Shanks et al. faces criticism. Allen and March (2012) argue that Shanks et al.'s experiment is lack of validity and reliability since the experimental setting suffers from error-prone and self-defensive design. They point out that the experiment is intentionally fabricated to support the idea, as such that using concrete UML concepts results in positive results in understanding models. Additionally, Allen and March add that the experiment failed to consider boundary conditions; thus reducing credibility. Shanks and Weber (2012) contradict flatly the argument suggested by Allen and March (2012). To defend, they posit the BWW ontology is righteously applied in supporting the research. Moreover, the experiment, they insist, can be fairly acceptable. Therefore, Shanks and Weber argue that Allen and March distort the true value of Shanks et al. by pointing out minor limitations. In this study, we try to investigate the dispute around Shanks et al. in order to answer to the following question : "What is the proper value of the study conducted by Shanks et al.?" More profoundly, we question whether or not using the BWW ontology can be the only viable option of exploring better conceptual modeling methods and procedures. To understand key issues around the dispute, first we reviewed previous studies relating to the BWW ontology. We critically reviewed both of Shanks and Weber and Allen and March. With those findings, we further discuss theories on part-whole (or part-of) relationships that are rarely treated in the dispute. As a result, we found three additional evidences that are not sufficiently covered by the dispute. The main focus of the dispute is on the errors of experimental methods: Shanks et al. did not use Bunge's Ontology properly; the refutation of a paradigm shift is lack of concrete, logical rationale; the conceptualization on part-whole relations should be reformed. Conclusively, Allen and March indicate properly issues that weaken the value of Shanks et al. In general, their criticism is reasonable; however, they do not provide sufficient answers how to anchor future studies on part-whole relationships. We argue that the use of the BWW ontology should be rigorously evaluated by its original philosophical rationales surrounding part-whole existence. Moreover, conceptual modeling on the part-whole phenomena should be investigated with more plentiful lens of alternative theories. The criticism on Shanks et al. should not be regarded as a contradiction on evaluating modeling methods of alternative part-whole representations. To the contrary, it should be viewed as a call for research on usable and useful approaches to increase value of conceptual modeling.

• Archives of design research
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.191-202
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• 2002

As family types have been diverse, patterns of living and living space became diverse as much as users are. Therefore, it is needed to provide various remodeled design of living space corresponding to changes of users'living patterns, and to provide these remodeling process to users directly on the web. In this paper, use scenario for the Internet-based Virtual Apartment Remodeling Simulator is researched as an export system to remodel space in accordance with users diverse lifestyle paradigm and the website is developed. The study consists of four parts. First, the general concept of remodeling, including the range and types of remodeling, are defined, and the misleading terms in this field are reviewed and organized by secondary research Second, fixed factors and variable factors are differentiated in the complex building for residence and business that was decided as a basic building type in this study. Third, there needed a database for consulting, final material, pre-estimation real estimation for simulation of remodeling. This database was introduced along with floor plan and elevation. Finally, the remodeling simulator is presented by the case study developed on the web. The system structure and use scenario are also presented. In order to present and inspect design alternatives, prototype was produced. The Final simulator was enhanced by defeating problems regarding interface efficiency and missing information of existing online site.

• Management & Information Systems Review
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.293-314
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• 2011

The current study investigated the position of future strategy analyzed from the perspective of design management in relation to 10 strategic industries implemented through 3 steps based on promising growth and advancement of Busan industries and evidence provided from a study on the development program of design industry in Busan. It elucidated the role of design industry as a key role from the perspective of design management in an age of creative revolution of futures values. It analyzed the associations between composition of future strategy and design industry in 10 strategic industries of Busan, and explained the relationships with the strategic industries. The perspective of design management involves that design as a ground of values is an industry of the future values, which performs a key strategic function and role, and a theoretical investigation examined the relationships between main functions of design management and business management. Chapter 3 organized items proposed in the design development program in Busan and examined goals and systems which become basic formation of establishment of design strategy in Busan and conditions for design industry in the associations with strategic industry. Chapter 4 described priorities of practicability by step through analyzing and grouping top 30 projects in Busan industry including meanings as key strategy, position relations, and policy priorities by analyzing elements of design management of strategic industry and describing and analyzing the concept of promoting Busan design. The theme of the present study is to change perception of design management as a key value and a condition to decide creativity industry into future industry and to evaluate vision of Busan design industry and meanings proposed as proceeding strategy. The early 21st century is an age when agrarian society has changed into industrial society is dominated by knowledge economy of the information revolution and one should prepare for the growth phase of creative innovation based on creative revolution of the 4th wave of creative society by design management which has become a center in 2000s on the whole. With the advent of creative paradigm and based on the function and role of the current creative economy age new innovation DNA of design management will be created. Design process has changed through information and knowledge-oriented trends of digital through convergence between industries from industrial design to convergence of industries, and it is expected that integrated design of value creation using information and technology will play a key role in Busan design industry development and top 10 strategic industries.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.41-52
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• 2015

Purpose - Given globalization, the new niche market of medical tourism is likely to experience sustainable growth for various reasons, such as aging populations and a shift in the medical consumerism paradigm toward prevention. Importantly, understanding medical customers' behavior is necessary to benefit from a competitive advantage in this industry. The existing research primarily accessed the key factors of medical quality and costs to explain health customers' behavior but is limited in terms of enabling an understanding of the decision process. This limitation exists because, given the intangibility and greater associated risks in the highly professional industry of international medical tourism, most customers lack the knowledge and experience needed to evaluate the central factors-such as the medical competence of health care countries-before purchases. Therefore, they actively search for useful information through various distributions to reduce uncertainty and to make better choices. Interestingly, most of these information channels are associated with word-of-mouth (WOM). However, no evidence is found in the literature to estimate the effect of WOM in the medical tourism field. Thus, this study focuses on WOM to explore its interaction with key medical characteristic factors and the attractiveness of destinations referred to by sources. This study also affects customers' evaluations and, in turn, influences their intention to seek health care services abroad. Research design, data, and methodology - The literature review addressed an interesting research model for estimating the relations among WOM, medical characteristics, attractiveness, and customers' choice intention regarding international health care. In the key economic regions in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Shandong, and Guangdong, 2,500 survey questionnaires were distributed to potential customers of different ages, education, and income levels. A resulting 1,717 (68.68 percent of the original 2,500) usable surveys were obtained for analysis. Moderated regression analysis was used to determine the effects of WOM in the decision process regarding international health care destinations. Results - The results indicate that WOM is a good moderator of the relationships between the factors evaluated by sources and customers. More importantly, the WOM effects reflect the factors of tie strength, credibility, and vividness. The results also reveal that, given the moderating role of WOM, the intention of potential Chinese customers to seek the referred health care country varies according to the medical characteristics of medical competency and reputation as evaluated by customers. In contrast, the travel attractiveness of the attractions, facilities, accessibility, and social environment are critical determinants of destination choice intention. Conclusions - The moderating role of WOM has been confirmed through the international healthcare destination selection process. Medical tourism managers should user WOM as an effective marketing tool for industry development. Specially, marketers should consider the effects of WOM determinants, such as tie strength, credibility, and vividness, to develop an effective strategy. Furthermore, this study estimates the factors that affect customers' selection of medical tourism destinations. Health care managers or policy makers should consider a broad variety of variables that may attract more Chinese customers to international health care.

• Asia pacific journal of information systems
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.43-72
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• 2009

Recently, user-created content (UCC) have emerged as popular medium of on-line participation among users. The Internet environment has been constantly evolving, attracting active participation and information sharing among common users. This tendency is a significant deviation from the earlier Internet use as an one-way information channel through which users passively received information or contents from contents providers. Thanks to UCCs online users can now more freely generate and exchange contents; therefore, identifying the critical factors that affect content-generating activities has increasingly become an important issue. This paper proposes a set of critical factors for stimulating contents generation and sharing activities by Internet users. These factors were derived from the theories of folklores such as tales and songs. Based on some shared traits of folklores and UCC content, we found four critical elements which should be heeded in constructing UCC contents, which are: context of culture, context of situation, skill of generator, and response of audience. In addition, we selected three major UCC websites: a specialized contents portal, a general internet portal, and an official contents service site, They have different use environments, user interfaces, and service policies, To identify critical factors for generating, sharing and transferring UCC, we traced user activities, interactions and flows of content in the three UCC websites. Moreover, we conducted extensive interviews with users and operators as well as policy makers in each site. Based on qualitative and quantitative analyses of the data, this research identifies nine critical factors that facilitate contents generation and sharing activities among users. In the context of culture, we suggest voluntary community norms, proactive use of copyrights, strong user relationships, and a fair monetary reward system as critical elements in facilitating the process of contents generation and sharing activities. Norms which were established by users themselves regulate user behavior and influence content format. Strong relationships of users stimulate content generation activities by enhancing collaborative content generation. Particularly, users generate contents through collaboration with others, based on their enhanced relationship and specialized skills. They send and receive contents by leaving messages on website or blogs, using instant messenger or SMS. It is an interesting and important phenomenon, because the quality of contents can be constantly improved and revised, depending on the specialized abilities of those engaged in a particular content. In this process, the reward system is an essential driving factor. Yet, monetary reward should be considered only after some fair criterion is established. In terms of the context of the situation, the quality of contents uploading system was proposed to have strong influence on the content generating activities. Among other influential factors on contents generation activities are generators' specialized skills and involvement of the users were proposed. In addition, the audience response, especially effective development of shared interests as well as feedback, was suggested to have significant influence on contents generation activities. Content generators usually reflect the shared interest of others. Shared interest is a distinct characteristic of UCC and observed in all the three websites, in which common interest is formed by the "threads" embedded with content. Through such threads of information and contents users discuss and share ideas while continuously extending and updating shared contents in the process. Evidently, UCC is a new paradigm representing the next generation of the Internet. In order to fully utilize this innovative paradigm, we need to understand how users take advantage of this medium in generating contents, and what affects their content generation activities. Based on these findings, UCC service providers should design their websites as common playground where users freely interact and share their common interests. As such this paper makes an important first step to gaining better understand about this new communication paradigm created by UCC.

• Journal of KIISE:Software and Applications
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.716-727
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• 2004

Component-based software development (CBD) technology has been widely accepted as a new effective paradigm for building software systems with reusable components, consequently reducing efforts and shortening time-to-market. Hence, components should provide standard or common functionalities in a domain, yielding a higher level of reusability. Especially, micro-level variability within the commonality should also be modeled so that a product member-specific business logic or requirement can be supported through component tailoring or customization The importance of commonality and variability (C&V) analysis has been emphasized in several CBD methods, but they lack of well-defined systematic process, detailed instructions, and standard artifact templates. As the result, the development of components has been carried out in ad-hoc fashion, depending on developer's experience. In this paper, we propose a systematic process and work instructions to design components. The process consists of phases and their activities and each activity is specified with detailed instructions and artifact templates in order to facilitate effective development of components. To verify a feasibility of the propose method, a case study in a banking domain and comparison and assessment between the proposed method and other methods are additionally provided. With proposed processes and instructions, reusability and efficiency of developing components can be better supported.

• Journal of the Korea Fashion and Costume Design Association
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.73-84
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• 2020

Recently, there has been a change in consumer culture. The paradigm is changing from a consumption model that used to emphasize rationality to an ethical consumption model that focuses on sustainability. Such a change in consumption patterns has also been seen in the cosmetics industry, but studies to empirically assess this trend are incomplete. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to empirically identify the impact of ethical consumption proprieties on attitudes and purchasing intentions for ethical cosmetics. To achieve the aim of this study, 506 adult women residing in Korea were selected as subjects and surveyed. To identify the demographic characteristics of the study participants, a technical statistical analysis and frequency analysis were conducted. To check the validity and reliability of the measuring tools, an exploratory factor analysis was performed, and the Cronbach's α factor was calculated. The analysis method was analyzed using the SPSS 25.0 and the Amos 25.0 statistical analysis programs. The results of this study are as follows. First, ethical spending tendencies had a positive impact on attitudes toward ethical cosmetics. Specifically, interest in ethical issues, altruism, and business ethics perception have had a positive impact on attitudes toward ethical cosmetics. However, consumer effectiveness had no significant impact on attitudes toward ethical cosmetics. Second, attitudes toward ethical cosmetics had a positive effect on purchasing intentions. This study found that for the spread of ethical cosmetics and ethical consumption trends varied according to the age and that attitudes toward ethical cosmetics and differences in purchasing intentions should be kept in mind. It also showed that attitudes toward ethical cosmetics affect purchasing intentions. The results of this study suggested that the analysis of adult women, the main consumers of cosmetics, by age was meaningful for finding the factors for growth in the macroscopic ethical cosmetics industry and that the industry could raise its ethical awareness. If such tasks are systematically established, ethical cosmetics are thought to be able to actively solve social problems and lead a mature cosmetics industry.

• Archives of design research
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• v.19 no.2 s.64
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• pp.31-42
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• 2006

This study originates from the following critical mind; what will the office of the future be like? and what technology will we rely upon most to communicate with colleagues or to access business information. In the office environment today, new technology has compelled new work paradigm and has greatly affected the capabilities of the individual to work in a more productive and efficient manner. However, even though new computer technology has changed the business world so rapidly, it is very difficult to see the changes that have been taken place. As an aim of the study, creating a mobile tool for office workers that successfully supports their work and communication was explored, and this study explored future work environment with a 5 years technological and social perspective. As a result of this study, the bON brings new visions to the mobile professionals via various interfaces. The bON, a mobile device, is both a system of work and of communication for office workers. The bON, as an integrated tool for working and communicating, forms the basis for a mobile information gateway that is equally capable of functioning as a mobile desk. The basic underlying idea is that all formal meeting places and hallways in the office are equipped with large wall-mounted screens. The bON collaborates with these media in various ways to enhance productivity and efficiency. The main challenge for the bON to enhance both mobility and quality of information is using new technology including bendable and flexible display and soft material display and sensors. To answer for the strong needs for mobility, the whole size of the device is fairly small while the screen is rolled inside the device. For Graphical User Interface, moreover, a new technique called Multi-layering Interface was adopted to stretch user's visual limits and suggests new direction in designing mobile device, equipped with small size display.

• Information Systems Review
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.49-70
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• 2008

The increase in demand for e-learning has created a need to explore the implications of the emerging paradigm shift on the learning environment. To utilize information technology to improve learning processes, the pedagogical assumptions underlying the design of information technology for educational purposes must be understood. However, little theoretical development or empirical research has examined the learning effectiveness in web-based distance learning. In this regard, the primary purpose of this study is to investigate which factors of E-learning influence the effectiveness of education and expectation. Based on the prior studies of the education and business training field, research model and research hypotheses were developed. Factors studied in this paper were student characteristics, system environment and teacher characteristics. The result showed that the student characteristics has the significant effect on the effectiveness of education and expectation. However, the system characteristics and the teacher characteristics have the partial significant effects. This result is partially due to the subject characteristics of this study, because the subjects of this study are the students and they have already the experiences in IT and e-learning.

• Journal of KIISE:Software and Applications
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• v.37 no.11
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• pp.812-825
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• 2010

Service-Oriented Computing (SOC) is a reuse paradigm for developing business processes by dynamic service composition. Service consumers subscribe services deployed by service providers only through service interfaces. Therefore, services on server-side are perceived as black box to service consumers. Due to this nature of services, service consumers have limited knowledge on the quality of services. This limits utilizing of services in critical domains hard. Therefore, there is an increasing demand for effective methods for monitoring services. Current monitoring techniques generally depend on specific vendor's middleware without direct access to services due to the technical hardship of monitoring. However, these approaches have limitations including low data comprehensibility and data accuracy. And, this results in a demand for effective service monitoring framework. In this paper, we propose a framework for efficiently monitoring services. We first define requirements for designing monitoring framework. Based on the requirements, we propose architecture for monitoring framework and define generic patterns for efficiently acquiring monitored data from services. We present the detailed design of monitoring framework and its implementation. We finally implement a prototype of the monitor, and present the functionality of the framework as well as the results of experiments to verify efficiency of patterns for transmitting monitoring data.