Australian academic use of the InternetAndrelyn C. Applebee; Peter Clayton; Celina Pascoe
1997 Internet Research
doi: 10.1108/10662249710165217
It is widely assumed ‐ and frequently asserted ‐ that university communication practices are being radically transformed by the introduction of electronic communication. Explores the introduction of Internet access in a single university, the University of Canberra, located in the capital city of Australia. The prime objective was to identify the frequency and type of use that academic staff were making of the Internet during 1995, with supplementary objectives being to record perceptions of users toward the Internet, and barriers to its effective use. The principal finding is not unexpected: academics were making very varied use of the Internet. Some staff were utilizing some facilities on a daily basis; others were yet to begin exploring this new communication medium. A particular surprise was that at the time of this survey the Internet was being used very little for teaching.
Internet: the marketing challenge of the twentieth centuryPaul Herbig; Brian Hale
1997 Internet Research
doi: 10.1108/10662249710165226
The Internet has evolved into a dynamic source of information as well as an extraordinary marketing tool that is able to reach nearly any user. The Internet phenomenon has become a source for gathering timely information and converting data into profitable results at a faster rate for many firms and individuals in this revolutionary era of the twentieth century. Participants of the economy from households to foreign markets have found this dynamic phenomenal system to be a way to reach the masses with a large percentage of the Earth’s composite knowledge. Examines the revolutionary impact of the Internet on the discipline of marketing for the next decade and next century.
Internet: the ultimate reference tool?Brendan Devlin; Mary Burke
1997 Internet Research
doi: 10.1108/10662249710165235
Analyzes the Internet as a reference tool based on its ability to provide rapid access to authoritative information or sources of information. Reveals that the Internet provides no comprehensive mechanism for identifying quality information. Bibliographic structure is also disparate, making it impossible to adopt a coherent strategy for identifying quality information. A unified service interface would help alleviate this problem. An analysis of the use of the Internet by academic librarians reveals that existing bibliographic structure is not used to best advantage. Simple strategies which would limit these deficiencies, such as the use of electronic mail, are not used. Suitable training, from an introductory to advanced level, would alleviate this problem. Suggests the use of an amended version of Benson’s decision tree as a pedagogical tool. This model would help to decide when to use the Internet and suggest search paths for different question types.
A model for monitoring Web site effectivenessAbby Day
1997 Internet Research
doi: 10.1108/10662249710165244
Presents a model which organizations can use to monitor Web site effectiveness. Argues that anecdotal evidence can be colorful but is not useful in structuring and managing an effective site. Suggests that traditional disciplines of composition and communication ‐ explicit purpose, coherent structure, relevant conclusion ‐ should be applied to Web site design. Concludes that customer feedback must be managed in a disciplined way, by ensuring that feedback is representative of the customer population as a whole, not just of those with a propensity to comment; and that the purpose and aims of a Web site must be thought through with the utmost care and attention to give a higher likelihood of creating an effective site.
Financial services and the Internet ‐ what does cyberspace mean for the financial services industry?David Birch; Michael A. Young
1997 Internet Research
doi: 10.1108/10662249710165262
Financial services is undergoing a period of unprecedented change ‐ new products, new entrants, mergers and acquisitions, downsizing … and now another new delivery channel: the Internet. The performance attributes of the Internet are related to both the needs of consumers and the nature of financial services products. Suggests loans, cross‐border services, payments and “knowledge/advice” as areas of opportunity in the early development of this new marketplace. Explores scenarios for the future development of “bancassurer” offerings and for electronic commerce as a whole. Draws on some of Hyperion’s recent experience in helping to launch electronic commerce services on the Internet, reengineering of financial institutions and electronic cash, to suggest approaches for organizations wishing to participate in this new “marketspace.” While businesses can now begin to develop strategies for exploiting cyberspace, argues that existing organizational structures may be inappropriate.
Adult IT programs: a discourse on pedagogy strategy and the InternetR. William Maule
1997 Internet Research
doi: 10.1108/10662249710165271
Discusses strategies for implementing modern knowledge management curricula in academic programs for adult professionals. References the perspectives of multidisciplinary curricula covering information and society; multimedia and hypermedia; electronic information design and presentation; and infrastructure development and implementation. The analysis assumes the increasing involvement of highly trained professionals in adult education programs; the continuing growth of corporate universities in scope and breadth; the integration of corporate programs with traditional colleges and universities; and the increasing use of the Internet as a mechanism to coordinate, supplement, support, and integrate learning experiences. Advances historical and pedagogical methodologies as a means to provide perspective and structure for program development and future research. References an information technology (IT) program for mid‐career information managers in Northern California and serving the high‐technology area known as Silicon Valley.