Volume V, Number 1
Spring/Winter 2003
CONTENTS
Articles
A Preliminary Study of eEducation Using Three Case Studies: Key Factors for
Successful Implementation……………………………………………………………. 1
Wayne Huang, Theresa Lienhart and David C. Yen
R&D Support Programs in Hong Kong……………………………………………… 14
Kam-Fai Wong
Vehicle Travel Time Estimation in a Unidirectional AGV System…………………. 23
Robert Y. Huang and Pengzhu Zhang
An Exploratory Study of the Adoption of Data Mining Technologies in Hospitals:
A Case Study in Taiwan………………………………………………………………... 35
Yi-Chang Li, I-Chiu Chang and Hsin-Ginn Hwang
Electronic Prescription Systems (EPS): Is This One More Critical Technology
Piece in the E-Health Puzzle?…………………………………………………………. 48
Joseph Tan, Chuan Xiao, Huigang Liang and Kumar Narasimha
A Preliminary Study of eEducation Using Three Case Studies:
Key Factors for Successful Implementation
Wayne Huang
Department of Management Information Systems, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, USA
Theresa Lienhart and David C. Yen
Department of Decision Sciences & MIS, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio 45056, USA
ABSTRACT
Increasingly universities are providing education supported by and delivered through the
Internet. This emergence of eEducation creates opportunities for positive changes centering on improved
learning. Learning that takes place in this environment has unique characteristics. Some of these
characteristics include the demographics of learners, the medium of education, and the teaching
strategies used. In addition there are challenges inherent to this new learning/teaching medium that are
not present in physical classrooms. This paper will discuss these issues with a brief discussion on the
history and evolution of eEducation. Three case studies of various universities are analyzed to summarize
and illustrate key factors of successfully implementing eEducation.
Keywords: Distance Learning, Educational Policy, Internet, Online Courses, Online Learning, World
Wide Web
R&D Support Programs in Hong Kong
Kam-Fai Wong
Centre of Innovation and Technology (CINTEC)
The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
ABSTRACT
To prepare itself for the steep competition from the surrounding economies, the Hong Kong
Government is determined to transform itself from a labor-intensive economy to a knowledge-intensive
one. Strategically, the Government has established R&D infrastructure to facilitate advancement of
innovation and technology. In the paper, an overview of the said infrastructure is outlined.
Keywords: I.T. management, Innovation management, R&D programs
Vehicle Travel Time Estimation in a Unidirectional AGV System
Robert Y. Huang
Chain Engineering, Tucson, AZ 85716, U.S.A.
Pengzhu Zhang
Management School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200052, P.R. China
ABSTRACT
We develop procedures to estimate the automated guided vehicle's expected travel time on a
monorail network in this paper. We first estimate travel time along a length of track between two adjacent
pickup or dropoff points, which is defined as a pure segment. Travel time along a sequence of pure
segments is estimated by summing pure segment travel times and factoring in an expected delay due to
congestion. Simulation results are included to validate the procedures. Based on the expected travel time
and the priority level of a move request, we can select an appropriate path for a vehicle to move from one
location to another.
Significance: The estimation of the vehicle travel time in an AGV system enables us to select an
appropriate path for a vehicle to move from one location to another with shortest travel time. Thus, the
network traffic can be reduced.
Keywords: AGV system, Monorail network, Vehicle travel time, Simulation
An Exploratory Study of the Adoption of Data Mining Technologies
in Hospitals: A Case Study in Taiwan
Yi-Chang Li, I-Chiu Chang and Hsin-Ginn Hwang
Department of Information Management, National Chung Cheng University, Ming-Hsiung, Chia-Yi,
Taiwan, R.O.C.
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to propose a theoretical framework of context variables based on
innovation diffusion theory. Hospital executives can use the framework to analyze the adoption of data
mining technologies at the strategic level. The framework contains fourteen propositions derived from
technical, organizational, environmental, economical, legal, and ethical perspectives. Furthermore, a
single case study is used to enhance the validity of this framework. The results indicate five variables: 1)
staffs with sufficient expertise and experiences in domain knowledge, database, and data analysis; 2)
support from top management and physicians; 3) the existence of internal champions; 4) the internal
needs of the organization; and 5) the cooperation between functional departments and IS department
have a noticeable influence in the adoption of data mining technologies in the subjective hospital.
Although one case study may not extend the generality of the analysis framework, this study can help
practitioners to adopt data mining technologies in hospitals. Further, this study will help with further
empirical studies of planning or implementing data mining technologies in hospitals.
Keywords: Data mining technologies, Adoption, Hospitals, Case Study
Electronic Prescription Systems (EPS):
Is This One More Critical Technology Piece in the E-Health Puzzle?
Joseph Tan
Department of Information Systems & Manufacturing, Wayne State University, USA
Chuan Xiao
Department of HealthCare & Epidemiology, University of British Columbia, Canada
Huigang Liang
Department of Pharmacy Care Systems, Auburn University, USA
Kumar Narasimha
Department of Information Systems & Manufacturing, Wayne State University, USA
ABSTRACT
Effective development of electronic prescription systems requires the bridging of many
stakeholders, the instituting of a robust and secure network and communications infrastructure, as well
as the planning, redesigning and implementing of large databases and knowledge-bases. In this paper, we
review basic functions and requirements of existing and emerging e-prescribing technologies and discuss
why an enterprise view of such a system is needed and can be beneficial to efficiently and effectively
transform current prescribing and dispensing practices. Challenges for implementing future electronic
prescription systems in an e-Health context to increase patient safety and mobility are also examined.
Keywords: E-Prescribing, EMR (Electronic Medical Records), EPS (Electronic Prescription System),
Enterprise Network Infrastructure, E-Prescribing Technologies, Patient Safety and Mobility