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Conference
proceedings
Social Technologies '11: ICT for Social transformations,
Conference proceedings, 2011, ISBN 978-9955-19-378-4
Organizational committee
Prof. Dr. Aelita Skaržauskienė
Gintarė Paražinskaitė
Rūta Tamošiūnaitė
Scientific advisory committee
Chair person:
Prof. Dr. Aelita Skaržauskienė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
Committee members:
Prof. Dr. Arūnas Augustinaitis, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
Prof. Dr. Dalė Dzemydienė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Jorge Marx Gómez, Carl von Ossietzky Oldenburg
University, Germany
Prof. Dr. Mindaugas Kiškis, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
Prof. Dr. Aleksandras Krylovas, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ilidio Tomas Lopes, Polytechnic Institute of Santarem, Portugal
Prof. Dr. Joseph Mifsud, EMUNI University, Slovenia
Dr. Smbat Minasyan, Eurasia International University, Armenia
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saulius Norvaišas, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
Prof. Dr. Rimantas Petrauskas, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
Dr. Malgorzata Porada-Rochon, University of Szczecin, Poland
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Darius Štitilis, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Neven Vrček, Zagreb University, Croatia
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The Conference organised by:
The Conference partially
funded by
The Partners of the Conference:
3
Content
First day
Plenary session
(Moderator – Arūnas Augustinaitis, Mykolas Romeris
University, Lithuania)
SOCIAL TECHNOLOGIES AND HEALTH CARE: PUBLIC SECTOR
RECEDING, PATIENTS AT THE STEERING WHEEL?
Kim Normann Andersen (Copenhagen Business School, Denmark)
ASSESSING BUSINESS IDEAS FOR STARTING-UP SUCCESSFUL
SOCIAL ENTERPRISES IN ROMANIA: AN IT-SUPPORTED,
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Cezar Scarlat (University “Politehnica” of Bucharest, Romania)
INSPIRING TEACHING AND INNOVATIVE LEARNING: FUNECOLE
CREATIVE LEANING ENVIRONMENT
Chryso Charalambous Christodoulou (Digipro Computer Consultants &
FUNecole Research Institute, Cyprus)
ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF CLOUD COMPUTING
Neven Vrček (University of Zagreb, Faculty of Organization and
Informatics, Croatia)
TOUCH THE CLOUDS – FLIP THE CLASSROOM
Professor Helge Høivik (Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied
Sciences, Norway)
INTERTWINING COGNITIVE AND SOCIAL PROCESSES IN
BLENDED LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
Christan Stary (University of Linz, Austria)
13-15
ONLY CONNECT
Richard Ennals (Kingston University, United Kingdom)
27
16-17
18-20
21-22
23-24
25-26
4
Session 1
(Moderator – Cezar Scarlat, University “Politechnica” of
Bucharest, Romania)
BUSINESS MODEL FOR FEMTOCELLS
Tiago Carvalho Moreira, Michele Albano, Ayman Radwan, Jonathan
Rodriguez, Alvaro Gomes (Instituto de Telecomunicações, Portugal)
FROM
VISION
TO
ACTION:
A
COLLABORATIVE
ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATICS INITIATIVE
Anita Mirijamdotter, Mary M. Somerville (Linnaeus University, Sweden;
University of Colorado Denver, USA)
MODERN INFORMATION SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURES AND THEIR
IMPACT ON ORGANIZATIONS
Sandro Geric, Neven Vrcek, Lana Divjak (University of Zagreb Faculty of
organization and informatics, Croatia)
CREATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SAFE COMMUNITY
ASSESSMENT SYSTEM
Birutė Mikulskienė, Birutė Pitrėnaitė, Algirdas Astrauskas (Mykolas
Romeris University, Lithuania)
THE
USAGE
OF
INFORMAL
COMPUTER
BASED
COMMUNICATION IN THE CONTEXT OF ORGANIZATION’S
TECHNOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Agota Giedrė Raišienė, Steponas Jonušauskas (Mykolas Romeris
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN PHYSICAL AND VIRTUTAL FOUR APPROACHES
Jingru Høivik (National Library of Norway, Norway)
RESEARCHING INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL PRACTICES: USE
OF UP-TO-DATE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY FOR EXPLORING
IMPLICATIONS ON EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS
Sadaf Salavati, Anita Mirijamdotter (Linnaeus University, Sweden)
SOCIAL
TECHNOLOGIES:
AN
IMPORTANT
AID
IN
PSYCHOLOGISTS’ TRAINING
Rute F. Meneses (FCHS-Universidade Fernando Pessoa, Portugal)
PRIVACY AND HEALTH SYSTEM SOLUTION CASE
Ana Teresa Duarte (Higher School of Management and Technology at
Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, Portugal)
29-30
31-32
33-38
39-40
41-42
43-44
45-46
47-48
49-50
5
Session 2
(Moderator – Rimantas Petrauskas, Mykolas Romeris
VISIBILITY OF THE LITHUANIAN RESEARCHERS IN A WORLDWIDE ACADEMIC SOCIETY: IS THERE A NEED FOR SELFEXPRESSION?
Eleonora Dagienė (The Association of Lithuanian Serials, Vilnius
Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania)
CIVIL SOCIETY TECHNOLOGIES: COMMUNICATION APPROACH
Arūnas Augustinaitis, Rimantas Petrauskas (Mykolas Romeris University,
Lithuania)
PERSPECTIVES OF INTEGRATION OF WEB 2.0 TECHNOLOGIES IN
UNIVERSITY EDUCATION
Vilhelmina Vaičiūnienė (Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania)
DEVELOPMENT OF INFORMATION SOCIETY AND SOME
ASPECTS OF THE POSSIBLE UK, NORDIC AND BALTIC
COUNTRIES COOPERATION
Antanas Keras, Valerijus Keras (Mykolas Romeris University, Kaunas
University of Technology, Lithuania)
PECULIARITIES OF DESIGNING HOLISTIC ELECTRONIC
GOVERNMENT SERVICES INTEGRATION MODEL
Tadas Limba (Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania)
VIRTUAL GUIDE: COMMUNICATION OF SOCIAL FUNCTIONS
AND CREATION OF TECHNOLOGICAL OPTIONS (THE CASE OF
APPLICATION IN UNIVERSITY ENVIRONMENT)
Rytė Žiūrienė, Rasa Levickaitė (Vilnius Gediminas Technical University,
Lithuania)
IMPLEMENTATION OF PUBLIC CONVEYANCE PRINCIPLES IN
ADMINISTRATIVE JUSTICE
Tatjana Bilevičienė, Eglė Bilevičiūtė (Mykolas Romeris University,
Lithuania)
ACCESS TO LEGISLATION IN EUROPE: OVERVIEW AND FUTURE
TRENDS
Martynas Mockus (Mykolas Romeris Univeristy, Lithuania)
52-53
54-55
56-57
58-60
61-62
63-64
65-84
85-86
6
APPLICATION OF SOCIAL TECHNOLOGIES IN KNOWLEDGE
MANAGEMENT
Aelita Skaržauskienė (Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania)
METHODOLOGY AT STUDYING WEB VISIBILITY OF KEY
POLITICAL FIGURES
Bulent Ozel, Han Woo Park (Istanbul Bilgi University, Turkey;
Webometrics Institute, South Korea)
EXPLORING TWEET PATTERNS TO IDENTIFY AND ANALYSE
ONLINE POLITICAL DEBATES
Bülent Özel, Savaş Yıldırım, Arda Eren (Bilgi Üniversity Computer
Science, Turkey)
“GOVERNMENT TO EMPLOYEE” (G2E ) PARTNERSHIP MODEL:
REASONABLE LITERATURE GAP OR NEW FIELD FOR
RESEARCH?
Gintarė Paražinskaitė, Alvydas Baležentis (Mykolas Romeris University,
Lithuania)
87-88
89-90
91-92
93-94
Session 3
(Moderator – Dalė Dzemydienė, Mykolas Romeris
HETEROGENEOUS SERVICE SUPPORT AND PERSPECTIVES IN
VEHICULAR COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
Dalė Dzemydienė, Mindaugas Kurmis, Arūnas Andziulis (Mykolas Romeris
University, Vilnius University, Klaipėda University, Lithuania)
REVIEW OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOLS
Martynas Kabalinskas (Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania)
APPLICATION
OF
INTEROPERABLE
INTERACTION
OF
INTELLECTUAL AGENTS FOR ANALYSIS OF PHYSIOLOGICAL
PARAMETERS
Dalė Dzemydienė, Gediminas Gricius, Antanas Andrius Bielskis (Mykolas
Romeris University, Vilnius University, Klaipėda Universitety, Lithuania)
ANALYSIS OF AUTOMATED EVALUATION METHODS OF
COMPUTER PROGRAMS DESIGNED BY STUDENTS
Jūratė Skūpienė, Bronius Skūpas (Mykolas Romeris University, Vilnius
96-98
99
100-101
102-103
7
PERSPECTIVES OF SESION INICIALIZATION PROTOCOL AS
UNIVERSAL COMMUNICATION BUS IN MOBILE NETWORKS
Dalė Dzemydienė, Ramūnas Dzindzalieta (Mykolas Romeris Universitety,
Vilnius University, Lithuania)
INDICATORS INFLUENCING THE USABILITY OF PUBLIC
E-SERVICES
Ramute Naujikienė (Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania)
WIKIPEDIA AS SPACE FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBLE ACTIVITY
Mykolas Okulič-Kazarinas (Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania)
PRIVACY AND PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION IN CLOUD BASED
COMPUTER SYSTEMS. CHALLENGES AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
Marius Kalinauskas (Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania)
ASPECTS OF USING OPEN SOURCE ENTERPRISE RESOURCE
PLANNING (ERP) SYSTEMS IN THE BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Eugenijus Jasiunas (Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania)
104-105
106-107
108-109
110-112
113-114
Session 4
(Moderator – Natalja Kosareva, Vilnius Gediminas
Technocal University, Mykolas Romeris University,
Lithuania)
QUALITATIVE COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF EMPLOYMENT IN 116-129
CIS AND SOME EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
Dzhonona Mukhiddinova, Natalja Kosareva (Technological University of
Tajikistan, Tajikistan, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania)
ANALYSIS OF EXPERIENCE IN EMPLOYING THE NETWORKED 130-131
TEACHING/LEARNING
METHOD
IN
THE
APPLIED
MATHEMATICS
(Joana Kastickaitė, Aleksandras Krylovas, Saulius Norvaišas, Tadas
Laukevičius, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania)
STUDENTS SCHOOL’S MATH KNOWLEDGE INFLUENCE OF 132-133
APPLIED MATHEMATICS COURSE STUDY
Rima Kriauzienė, Aleksandras Krylovas, Tadas Laukevičius (Mykolas
Romeris University, Lithuania)
8
SCHOOL TO ACQUIRE KNOWLEDGE ON MATHEMATICS
EDUCATION AND TEACHER EVALUATION OF THE SUCCESS OF
THE ANALYSIS OF SUBJECTIVITY
Laura Gudelytė, Aleksandras Krylovas, Tadas Laukevičius (Mykolas
Romeris Universitety, Lithuania)
WHEN IS EFFECTIVELY TO TEACH MATHEMATICS: IN THE
FIRST OR THE SECOND COURSE?
Olga Navickienė, Aleksandras Krylovas (Mykolas Romeris University,
Lithuania)
MODELING OF REAL ESTATE PRICE USING THE METHODICS OF
DICHOTOMOUS TEST
Aleksandras Krylovas, Natalija Kosareva, Laura Gudelyte, Tadas
Laukevičius (Mykolas Romeris University, Vilnius Gediminas Technical
COMPARISON OF THE STUDENTS’ ACTIVITY DURING
PRACTICAL MATHEMATICS SESSIONS EVALUATION METHODS
Olga Navickienė, Aleksandras Krylovas (Mykolas Romeris University,
Lithuania)
134-135
136-137
138
139-140
Second day
Session 5
(Moderator – Antanas Keras, Mykolas Romeris
SOCIAL TECHNOLOGIES IN PREPARATION FOR THE 6TH SOCIO- 143-145
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT “K-WAVE”
Dobilas Kirvelis (Vilnius University, Lithuania)
THE PROBLEM OF THE BALANCE OF LITHUANIAN SOCIAL 146
INSURANCE FUND
Gediminas Davulis (Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania)
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF TEACHING LEGAL 147-157
ENGLISH VOCABULARY AND PRONUNCIATION ONLINE
Rūta Navickaitė, Eglė Selevičienė (Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania)
9
USAGE OF NEW SOCIAL TECHNOLOGIES IN ČESKÝ ROZHLAS
Kristýna Kostihová, Dagmar Čámská (University of Economics, Prague,
Czech Republic)
INTELLECTUAL DATA ANALYSIS TECHNIQUE FOR VIRTUAL
TEAMWORK COLLABORATION SYSTEMS
Sandra Strigunaite, Dalia Kriksciuniene (Vilnius University, Lithuania)
SEMANTIC TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION FOR COLLECTIVE
KNOWLEDGE
AND
INFORMATION
MANAGEMENT:
PROSPECTIVE CONSUMERS NEEDS IDENTIFICATION
Ilma Pranciulyte – Bagdziuniene, Monika Petraite (Kaunas university of
technology, Lithuania)
E-GOVERNMENT AND COMPETITIVENESS OF A COUNTRY:
THEORETICAL POINTS OF CONTACT
Vanda Višnevska (Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania)
RESEARCH OF FACTORS, AFFECTING PENSION FUNDS
EFFICIENCY
Marius Liutvinavičius, Virgilijus Sakalauskas (Vilnius University,
Lithuania)
EXPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY AND ECONOMY OF
LITHUANIA: THE QUALITATIVE APPROACH
Ignas Dzemyda, Artūras Jurgelevičius (Mykolas Romeris University,
Lithuania)
POSSIBILITIES OF COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE TECHNOLOGIES
IN LITHUANIA’S PUBLIC SECTOR
Rūta Tamošiūnaitė (Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania)
LEGAL SUBJECTIVITY FOR VIRTUAL AGENTS: FICTION OR
INEVITABILITY?
Marius Kalinauskas (Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania)
THE ASPECTS OF SOCIAL NETWORK SITES APPLICATION IN
MARKETING ACTIVITIES
Monika Skaržauskaitė (Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania)
158-159
160-161
162-164
165-166
167-168
169-193
194-195
196-197
198-199
10
First day
11
Plenary session
Moderator – Arūnas Augustinaitis
Mykolas Romeris University,
Lithuania
12
Social Technologies and Health Care:
Public Sector Receding, Patients at the Steering Wheel?
Kim Normann Andersen, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
[email protected]
Abstract
This talk presents a study on the impact of the adoption of online
health consultations, analyzing the challenges faced by the health sector
with the emerging new forms of consultations and the increased frequency
of consultations. The talk is related to a paper we are developing on whether
the public sector in general is receding in the health care areas as far a
online consultations goes and whether this can have more severe
implications for how health care systems are managed and financed. We
have based the paper on earlier work reported in Andersen & Medaglia
(2009) and Medaglia & Andersen (2010) but has brought in new data and
substantial new material that we hope to qualify further and eventually
mature the arguments brought forward in this paper.
There appears to be a substantial growth in the demand for different
types of online health consultations, for greater time flexibility in health
services, and for new types of interactions between patient-driven fora and
health professionals. In this talk we will presents four ideal types of digital
health fora and consultations:
I. E-consultations, where neither the content nor the nature of the
consultation are changed, but the booking, change, re-booking of
appointments, or answering of very specific questions occur online;
II. Patient fora, where it is patients who set the agenda, but with the
possibility of involving health professionals;
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III. Health professional fora, where it is health professionals that provide
content and the agenda, and it is public authorities that pay for the operation
of the online community;
IV. Patient focused fora, where health professionals take part in the
establishment and running of the community on an equal basis with the
patients.
In Table 1 we propose a classification of different types of digitallyenabled channels of interaction between doctors and patients, with respect to
types of citizen involvement, and finance and governance models.
Table 1: Online Health Fora: Financial Model and Citizen Involvement
Citizen
involvement
Finance and
governance
model
Individual
Social network
Tax payerfinanced e-fora
Online one-on-one
consultations
between patient and
general practitioner
(type I)
Health fora with involvement
of citizens/ patients and
assigned health professionals
to perform quality assurance
of the content (type III)
Commercially
financed e-for a
Patient-led health
fora with no or ad
hoc involvement of
health professional
(type II)
Health fora with permanent
involvement of health
professionals to consult and
perform quality assurance of
the content (type IV)
Each of the four categories of online health fora features different
characteristics concerning financial impacts, management challenges, types
of measurements required, and impacts on citizens. We will here only
address type I and type III, but we currently exploring type II and IV also
and we bring preliminary findings from these in the presentation as well.
References
Andersen, K.N. and R. Medaglia (2009) “Online Health Consultations: Demand and
Channel Management”, Proceedings of the International Conference on Information
Systems (ICIS) 2009, Paper 36.
14
Medaglia, R., and Andersen, K.N. (2010) “Virus Outbreak: Online GP Consultations
Escalating Health Care Costs. Communications of the Association of Information Systems,
27, article 39.
15
Assessing Business Ideas for Starting-up Successful Social
Enterprises in Romania: an IT-supported, Regional
Development Project
Cezar Scarlat, University “Politehnica” of Bucharest, Romania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose - This paper is aiming at developing a unique instrument to
be used for both assessing business ideas and monitoring the respective
social enterprises while taking off, eventually IT-supported.
Design/methodology/approach – A sample of 25 cases was selected
– in the framework of a regional development project in Horezu microregion, Romania (the IDEALIS Project implementation is scheduled for
2011-2012). Each case corresponds to a business idea for starting-up a
social enterprise (either agricultural co-operative or co-operative enterprise)
in the region. The first phase of this project is to assess the viability of each
business idea, and the second phase is to monitor the social start-ups as they
are taking off. In both phases an original decision method is used, implanted
on a methodology to assess the business idea’s probability to succeed. This
paper is produced after the completion of the first phase while an IT
application is considered as a vehicle to use the proposed method for
monitoring the newly created social enterprises.
Findings/results – The proposed instrument (ABIDIS: Assessing
Business Ideas by the DISTEH method) was successfully used to associate
a score to each business idea and, consequently, to rank the respective
social enterprises accordingly: higher the rank, higher the chances to
succeed. It is expected that social enterprises are considered for financial
aid according to this ranking.
16
Research limitations/implications – ABIDIS instrument is more
useful when analyzed against a database of similar social enterprises and/or
compared to its own historic data (which is monitoring actually). Amid
successful method development and its use for assessing the chances of the
social enterprises’ ideas to succeed, the practical use of the proposed
methodology for monitoring the recently established social enterprises is
still in progress. Furthermore, the rightness of the assessment is a matter of
time – as it is going to be validated after the project completion.
Practical implications – The practical implications are twofold: the
proposed method can be used for both assessing the viability of social
enterprise ideas (by social entrepreneurs and consultants mostly) and
monitoring the respective social enterprise while taking off (by
entrepreneurs, consultants and funding institutions). In addition to these, the
proposed methodology opens a larger research window for interested
scholars.
Originality/Value – The assessment instrument and decision method
are author’s original development and their use for assessing the chances of
the social enterprises to succeed is a premiere. Moreover, the use of this
method for enterprise monitoring – ultimately IT supported – is going to be
a pilot research.
Keywords: social enterprise, social entrepreneurship, business idea
assessment, Romania, micro-regional development.
Research type: conceptual paper, case study.
17
Inspiring Teaching and Innovative Learning: FUNecole
Creative Leaning Environment
Chryso Charalambous Christodoulou, Digipro Computer Consultants &
FUNecole Research Institute, Cyprus
[email protected]
Abstract
Today's students need to be able to manage the complexity and
diversity of a world that needs more flexible, focused on reality and
radically more innovative minds. The 21st century movement calls for
critical thinking, creative flexible ethical problem solving approaches and
the development of positive interpersonal relationships. Since “Excellence”
is the standard for global competitiveness EU educational institutions need
to face the challenge of reforming curricula and instruction and develop
strategies that connect with students in the 21st century classrooms and
workplaces. ICT penetration in schools should be supported by innovative
teaching approaches. Technology should no longer be utilized as a provision
but as an enabler for the development, cultivation and nourishment of
qualities, such as, compassion, self-discipline, moral judgment, respect,
acceptance and citizenship. FUNecole® Creative Learning Environment
aims to engage primary school pupils in collaborative and stimulating
learning activities that will develop into permanent knowledge assets.
Purpose: EU needs to face this challenge and completely reform
school curricula and instruction. The European Digital Agenda 2020
stresses, “It is essential to educate European citizens to use ICT, digital
media and particularly to attract youngsters to ICT education”
1 How should education be structured to meet the needs of pupils in
this 21st century world?
18
2.How do we now define “School”, “Teacher”, “Pupil” and
"Curriculum"?
3. How can educational systems depart from the factory-model
education of the past and move towards textbook-driven and pupil -centered
practices?
Design/methodology/approach: FUNecole® Creative Learning
Environment integrates educational tools and cross curricular instruction.
This instruction enables the development of ICT, Social, Thinking, Science,
Civic and Language skills. There are different colored environments for
different year groups and materials are prepared in cycles and units to
challenge the imagination and build further the above-mentioned skills of
pupils at different levels in primary school. The themed, multidisciplinary
lessons rely on problem solving, self-reflexivity and creative imagination.
Pupils are offered enriched, accelerated and meaningful lessons that support
their personal development and growth in a fun and constructive way. Each
Pupil is involved in active learning situations that extend to higher order
thinking processes of knowledge acquisition, comprehension and
application, to knowledge analysis, synthesis, evaluation and sharing.
Findings: FUNecole® Original Design Concept™ integrates
character and social skills building with ICT skills development in a unique
multidisciplinary educational approach. The concept revolves around
entrepreneurial education concept and provides lessons that focus on pupil
questions and concerns. Through this learning technique, FUNecole®
enables the implementation of new learning paradigms that are learner
centered which motivate pupils to discover, think, argue, build and
experiment to create multicultural and multilingual education.
 FUNecole® offers innovative pedagogical approaches focused on
the development of ICT, thinking skills and positive interpersonal
relationships.
 Delivers a secure, adaptable and creative learning environment that
establishes independent, autonomous and cooperative pupils. Offers variety
of themed educational scenarios that are relevant to pupil’s preferences and
learning styles. .
 Supports the learning process with interactive educational tools such
as pupil portfolios, interactive animated games, storyboards, teacher
19
developed multimedia resources, school support communications and parent
interactive collaborative tools.
 Enables the development of pupil-centered dynamic learning
communities.
Research limitations/implications: FUNecole® cannot be deployed
all at once. The curriculum needs to start always from the Green Awareness
Year and progress gradually in a school.
Practical implications – limitations are detected during the initial
year of FUNecole® implementation to educational institutions as pupils are
in the first year of primary school and do not know how to read and write.
The educators during initial year of FUNecole® implementation require
extensive training and continuous coaching.
Originality/Value – the FUNecole® Philosophy engages pupils to be
full participants in literate, democratic, multicultural societies. Inspires them
to think critically & creatively, to reflect & innovate, to question the
information they are given and to be versatile in their problem solving
approaches. FUNecole® is rated the number 1 practice in innovative
teaching and creative learning by JRC IPTS in collaboration with DG
Education
and
Training.
JRC59689_TNhttp://ftp.jrc.es/EURdoc/JRC59689_TN.pdf.
Keywords: Information Communication Technology ICT learning,
social skills, thinking skills, character building, Infusing ICT in teaching,
21st century skills, primary education.
Research type: technical paper presentation.
20
Economic Aspects of Cloud Computing
Neven Vrček, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Organization and Informatics,
Croatia
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of the lecture and the research is to analyze
factors that affect prices of commercial cloud computing services and their
impact on cost benefit analysis.
Design/methodology/approach – Computational resources which are
required by various software applications have been determined and
analyzed in the context of various architectures. Mathematical relationship
of these resources and prices of their consumption in various computing
architectures is established. Also the relationship of time for various
computational problems and utilization of resources has been
experimentally analyzed and mathematically modeled.
Findings – Results show the importance of sufficient computing
resources utilization which leads to adequate choice of architecture and
positive outcome of cost benefit analysis. The threshold of resource
utilization is important factor in decision making process which leads to
optimal architecture for given class of a problem. These findings are also
important for prediction of cloud services applicability and their market
share development
Research limitations/implications – The variation interval of
computational resources utilization is limited to certain classes of problems.
Further research should extend the span of business cases and their
correlation with different architectures and usage of software and
computational resources.
21
Practical implications – The market of cloud computing services is
still not entirely mature and various models have yet to be proven. It is
important to understand factors which determine the price of services and
give guidelines to enterprises how to evaluate cloud market potential and
choose optimal architecture aligned with their business needs.
Originality/Value – This research is positioned among various
attempts to understand and evaluate position of cloud computing services
on the market. This research differentiates with respect to detailed modeling
of cloud price dependency on application characteristics and resource
utilization.
Keywords: cloud computing, cost benefit analysis.
Research type: research paper.
22
Touch the Clouds – Flip the Classroom
Professor Helge Høivik, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied
Sciences, Norway
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – explores conceptual framework for current e-learning
Design/methodology/approach – reflective practice based on the
design and development of international training programs in e-learning
2008-2011
Findings – we refer to a 'grammar of schooling' as the patterned slots
of time and space into which students and teachers are subjected to a set of
well-defined rules and rites for entry, behavior and exit. This social structure
is developed in relationship to a given knowledge domain and its
representational modes which are refactored and sequenced into delimited
taught subjects. An entrenched grammar of schooling for industrial society
is currently challenged by technological and economic disruption. Core
elements in the renewal are emergent representational modes with a stronger
presence of body-language and the commodification and globalization of
symbolic work. This process also extends to a new web of mediated social
relationships. Currently the technological thrust is characterized by
advancements in gesture-oriented and wireless client-server computational
models, alternatively referred to as cloud computing with portable multitouch access devices. The reproduction-oriented schooling of the 20th
century, with its emphasis on the three R’s for Reading, Writing and
‘Rithmetic, is challenged by de-location and massification of symbolic work
and a corresponding re-location of data, genres and arguments. Students
must learn to navigate and recreate a space of textual commonplaces.
Educators are thus challenged to transcend the previous industrial mode, but
23
run a danger of creating new 'System Worlds' of learning and teaching that
is geared towards knowledge-intensive, but non-individuated (or extrensic)
certification.
Research limitations/implications – this exploratory work relates to
contextually defined developments. To be sustained using a formalized
research paradigm, such studies will have to be comparative across
institution and region/country. We need quantitative investigation that
reflects on the factual uptake of touch technologies and service-oriented
delivery mechanisms in mundane academic work.
Practical implications – miniature implementations and further
descriptive tests are immediately feasible, while institutional
implementation hinges on deep commitment by academic leadership.
Keywords: touch technologies, multi-touch technologies, softwareas-service, flipping the classroom.
Research type: conceptual paper, case study
24
Intertwining Cognitive and Social Processes in Blended
Learning Environments
Christan Stary, University of Linz, Austria
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – As self-organization increasingly drives learning processes,
both, individualization of content, and social interaction based on situationrelevant learning items have become crucial. They require means of
articulation for mental models and guidance to structure information to be
shared effectively. Both have been explored, in terms of methodology, and
technology development.
Design/methodology/approach – A development life cycle for
didactic design and learning has been developed and explored based on
mathetic principles. It enforces tagging relevant learning items and focused
interaction. In this way the cognitive and social dimension of learning can
be captured. Dedicated features, in particular annotations embodied in
learning contracts, have been explored and evaluated.
Findings – Learners can be supported in an integrative way while selforganizing cognitive and social activities. Interactive concept mapping and
learning contracts help to trigger and manage self-organized knowledge
creation and capacity building. At the core of learning support didactic and
communication-centered concepts have to be encapsulated for the
collaborative and reflective generation and exchange of knowledge.
Research limitations/implications – Learner engagement has to be
motivated in face-to-face settings. The shift from paper-based interaction to
virtual interaction when elaborating specific issues needs to be guided by
facilitators. Content providers need to develop skills for reflecting
information structures, mathetic knowledge, and implementation methods.
25
Learning contracts and interactive annotation features seem to be novel
means for teaching and learning.
Practical implications – Learning support intertwining social and
cognitive aspects can be developed and provided technologically. However,
it requires conceptual and organizational development support to become
effective in learning environments. It might cost substantial effort to
implement a learner- or even mathetic-driven learning environment for
content providers, facilitators, learners, and authorities.
Originality/Value – So far few technology-enhanced learning
environments allow intertwining cognitive with social issues on a fine level
of granularity. However, it is required to encourage active content
exploration and knowledge sharing.
Keywords: Learning, tagging, individualization, knowledge sharing,
social media, self management.
As self-organization increasingly drives learning processes, both,
individualization of content, and social interaction based on relevant
learning items become crucial. So far few technology-enhanced learning
environments fine-tune cognitive (e.g., didactic) with social issues,
encouraging active content exploration and knowledge sharing. They
require means of articulation for mental models and guidance to structure
information to be shared. Interactive concept mapping and learning
contracts help to trigger and manage self-organized knowledge creation and
capacity building. At the core of learning support didactic and
communication-centered concepts have to be encapsulated for the
collaborative and reflective generation and exchange of knowledge. In the
presentation, conceptual foundations and recent developments will be
discussed.
26
Only Connect
Richard Ennals, Kingston University, United Kingdom
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – The paper seeks to locate the discussion of Social
Technologies in a wider political, economic and social context.
Approach – We draw on insights from the tradition of SocioTechnical Systems Thinking, and from experience of collaborative activity
with Lithuanian partners since 1990, with international comparisons.
Findings – Lithuania has made the transition from membership of the
Soviet Union to membership of the European Union, and has engaged in
new ways of creating collaborative advantage. This has involved different
approaches to decision making, participation, democracy, development
coalitions and business. There is now a focus on the current and future role
of Social Technologies.
Research implications – Mastering the language of collaboration has
not always been accompanied by practical engagement. Lithuania has a
distinctive context. Much can be learned from differences, and from
reflection on interventions.
Practical implications – There has been a strong tradition of
innovation in science and technology in a small country. Current economic
challenges, in a country with limited natural resources, make innovative
capacity vital.
Originality – The paper explores the strategic significance of Social
Technologies, and suggests particular distinctive contributions which could
be made from Lithuania.
Keywords:
collaborative advantage, development coalitions,
innovation, Social Technologies, Socio-Technical Systems.
Research type: conceptual paper.
27
Session 1
Moderator – Cezar Scarlat
University “Politechnica” of Bucharest,
Romania
28
Business Model for Femtocells
Tiago Carvalho Moreira, Instituto de Telecomunicações, PT Inovação,
Portugal
[email protected]
Michele Albano, Instituto de Telecomunicações, Portugal
[email protected]
Ayman Radwan, Instituto de Telecomunicações, Portugal
[email protected]
Jonathan Rodriguez, Instituto de Telecomunicações, Portugal
[email protected]
Alvaro Gomes, Instituto de Telecomunicações, Portugal
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to analyze how business
models are employed in mobile communications, in order to tune them to
the Femtocell domain, in addition to studying other goals that can be
achieved by looking at the business models in an alternative way.
Design/methodology/approach – By analyzing the technologies
directly linked to a business model, it would be possible to produce a
taxonomy of their usage. An analysis of the value chain is used to
understand how to enhance current approaches to achieve new goals.
Findings – The article covers the perspective that mobile networks
evolution and femtocell implementation in the mobile market can bring
innovative services to the final user, by leveraging on alternative usage of
business models.
Research limitations/implications – The acceptance of usage of
particular business models by mobile operators, can bring benefits to the
29
final users in the form of innovative services. An example of these services
is the implementation of techniques to save energy on the terminal side.
Practical implications – As soon as the targeted technologies become
mature, it will be possible to provide novel services to the final user, while
increasing the operating and business benefits of the mobile operators.
Originality/Value – A novel view on the current application of
business model is developed, and new innovative goals are shown to be
achievable, by novel approaches, or by traditional approaches applied in an
innovative way.
Keywords: Business models, cooperation, value chain, network
sharing.
Research type: research paper / viewpoint.
30
From Vision to Action: A Collaborative Organizational
Informatics Initiative
Anita Mirijamdotter, Linnaeus University, Sweden
[email protected]
Mary M. Somerville, University of Colorado Denver, USA
[email protected]
Abstract
Since July 2008, North American workers in a complex
public/government organization have collaboratively re-invented their
organizational structures and communication systems. The new workplace
culture is characterized by shared leadership, appreciative inquiry, informed
learning, and action research principles and practices. Illustrative of the
potential of collaborative workplace design, a wiki intranet initiative was
begun in March 2009, employing Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) tools.
This paper will describe and illustrate transferable research tools which
convene stakeholders and beneficiaries to co-create transformative ICT
systems.
Purpose – a proven methodology for conceptual design and practical
implementation of social software in complex organizations will be
presented. Real examples of system efficacy will illustrate the value of
robust organizational information exchange and knowledge creation
experiences.
Design/methodology/approach – Soft Systems Methodology (SSM)
is a mature action research approach for co-design of ICT systems. Inclusive
tools will be presented for facilitating reflection and dialogue experiences
among organizational workers.
Findings – the University of Colorado Denver implementation reflects
the third application of Soft Systems Methodology for redesign of North
31
American academic library systems and services. Therefore, in addition to
presenting wiki design process highlights, authors will summarize ‘lessons
learned’ from ten years of IT design collaboration in California and
Colorado institutions.
Research limitations – in order to realize the full potential of a SSMgenerated wiki intranet for information exchange and knowledge creation,
the organizational culture must encourage and enable reflection and
dialogue. In addition, workplace structures and decisioning processes must
ensure action oriented movement from vision to enabling ICT system to
organizational outcomes.
Practical implications – authors will present transferable action
research tools for building responsive workplace information and
communication systems that enable information exchange and knowledge
creation experiences through employing social technologies.
Originality/value – aspects of this 10 year applied research initiative
have been presented internationally as conference presentations and journal
articles, but this wiki application has not been discussed elsewhere. So this
paper represents a unique body of research findings.
Keywords – Soft Systems Methodology, SSM, wiki intranet.
Research type – Participatory action research, Soft Systems
Methodology.
32
Modern Information Systems Architectures and their Impact
on Organizations
Sandro Geric, University of Zagreb, Faculty of organization and informatics,
Croatia, [email protected]
Neven Vrcek, University of Zagreb, Faculty of organization and informatics,
Lana Divjak, University of Zagreb, Faculty of organization and informatics,
Abstract
In the past decades the development and the penetration level of
information and communication technologies into organizations and
business systems had more and more advanced. In this article we address
the question of impact factor that the evolution of information system’s
architectures and concept has on business organizations and their business
processes. We will describe and explain this impact factor through two main
domains: evolution of information system’s architectures and changes in
organization’s business processes. Information system's architectures have
significantly changed in the past decades. From simple three layer
architecture characterized by thin-client-fat-server or fat-client-thin-server
approach till today they have evolved into advanced concepts like
component-based architectures, service-oriented architectures, cloud or
SaaS architectures. Besides changes in information systems architectures the
concept of information systems has changed as well. New concepts like
application service providing and external service-oriented architectures are
developed and used. More often organizations are owners only of dataware
as an information system component, while other components like
hardware, software, netware are owned and outsourced by third parties. In
the same period of time significant changes have characterized
33
organizations that are using ICT as well. Especially, organizations are
getting more and more dependable on the use of information systems
support. In extreme cases the level of dependencies between organization
and their information system is so high that without it organization cannot
function normally. Besides that organizations are adapting their businesses
to service providing concepts, SOX legislative and virtual organizations.
Purpose– the purpose of this article is to explore organizational
changes and impact that the use of new forms of information system
architectrues has on organizations (like soa, cloud…).
Design/methodology/approach – Until present days there aren't many
scientific researches focused on modern IS architectures, especially on SOA
adoption, trends and further development of SOA domain. One of the
reasons for this is possibly the fact that there aren’t so many successful
implementation of SOA, especially in large information systems
environment. The majority of reports that are dealing with different aspects
of SOA are mostly conducted by large consultant and research companies,
like IDG, IDC, Gartner, CapGemini, and companies that are dealing with
ICT development, like Oracle, IBM, Sonic, BEA, etc.
The research that is presented in this article was conducted by authors,
and can be seen as a combination of existing scientific researches and
researches conducted by consultant and research companies. In that manner,
the scientific researches [Cai, T. Y., Wang, J. M., Liu, Y. Z., Research and
implementation of enterprise application integration based on SOA, Control
& Management, no.5, 2007, pp. 11-13.; Ceri S, Brambilla M, della Valle E.,
Design abstractions for innovative Web applications: the case of the SOA
augmented with semantics, Semantic Web: Research and Applications.
Proceedings 4th European Semantic Web Conference, ESWC 2007.
Springer-Verlag. pp. 4-15. Berlin; Kontogiannis K. et al, The landscape of
service-oriented systems: a research perspective. 2007 International
Workshop on Systems Development in SOA Environments, IEEE. pp. 1-6.
Piscataway, NJ, USA.; Lewis G et al, A research agenda for maintenance &
evolution of SOA-based systems, 2007 IEEE International Conference on
Software Maintenance. IEEE. pp. 481-4. Piscataway, NJ, USA] were mostly
used as a role model for theoretical background of this research and
researches available from research companies (Australian Service Oriented
34
Architecture (SOA) & Service Oriented Development of Applications
(SODA) Research (The 2008 Report) (InterSystems and Compuware),
InfoWorld SOA Research Report (2007), The ForesterWawe Report (2008),
CapGemini Report on SOA (2008) were used for data comparison between
Croatian and international level. The mentioned researches are
internationally highly recognized and were used as benchmark points for
data comparison. Australian Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) & Service
Oriented Development of Applications (SODA) Research (The 2008 Report)
are researchs that are conducted since 2005 by InterSystems and
Compuware in the name of Australian Government. This research involves
top 75 Australian companies, and the goal is to periodically evaluate
interests and the level of adoption of new IC technologies (mostly SOA
based) in Australian companies. InfoWorld SOA Research Report is the
oldest research used as benchmark in this research. It was conducted in
cooperation with IDG Research Service Group and had around 700
participants. The main focus of this research was to identify the main trends
of SOA use in practice and development trends. The participants were
companies that were in different stages of SOA development and
implementation – from initial planning phases to SOA fully deployed and
use. The ForesterWawe Report was based on research that was conducted in
2008. on 32 participants (companies from ICT domain, like BEA Systems,
Cape Clear Software, Fiorano Software, IBM, IONA Technologies,
PolarLake, Progress, etc). As stated before the research was conducted in
Croatia in 2009. The goal of research was to identified the current state of
modern IS architectures (SOA, cloud, SaaS...) development in Croatia
(“AS-IS”), the future trends and plans for their adoption and development
(“TO-BE”) and the changes (organizational, BPR) that were conducted
during the process of their implementation. The research was conducted
using paper and web questionnaire. Initially the invitation to participate in
this research was distributed to 60 Croatian companies, and 34 of them
(56,67%) respondent positively. In the process of research participant’s
selection the main focus was on companies that have identified ICT as their
strategic resource (by BCG matrix) because it is more likely that those are,
or will be organizations that will be pioneers in the use of new ICT
technologies, new ICT development projects, and by that development and
35
implementation of SOA. The research methodology was based on
questionnaire that had two main parts – first part (8 closed type questions)
was used to identify some basic information on participant (for purpose of
further classification and analysis) – type, size, activity, etc of the company
- and second part was used to identify the current state of modern IS
adoption, plans for development and SOA trends. The second part of
research consisted of 21 closed type questions (Lickert scale questions
consisted of 5 degrees – from fully agree, to fully disagree, and multichoice
questions).
Findings – respondents to the research demonstrated that they clearly
recognize the IT and business benefits that modern IS architectures can
deliver, including a more flexible enterprise and improved use of existing
infrastructure. The data also showed that there are positive trends in future
use of modern IS architectures. The survey shows that the main challenges
facing modern IS architectures adoption are (still) immature technical
solutions, security problems, problems of quality of provided services,
insufficient technical knowledge and difficulties in determining where and
how to start with their implementation, and organizations are still not being
able to determine where and which changes are necessary. Because of that
during implementation processes many flows and mistakes are determined.
This survey is a first survey that deals with modern IS architecture adoption
state and trends in Croatia. To fully understand and monitor modern IS
architecture adoption it would be necessary to conduct a year-on-year
surveys that will bring data necessary for comparison of rapidly maturing
ICT market space, dramatically increasing adoption of modern IS
architecture, and significantly higher confidence in organizations’ ability to
achieve the business benefits of modern IS architectures.
Research limitations/implications – new forms of IS architectures
are relatively new, and yet not fully and widely spread and implemented,
therefore there are not many examples of their impact on organizational
structure, management styles, etc. The research presented in this article was
conducted on a set of Croatian companies (ICT and financial sector) that are
in different stages of modern IS architectures implementation and were used
to monitor different changes and adaptations they had to make during
modern IS architecture (like SOA) implementation.
36
Practical implications – to help organizations to understand, and to
prepare themselves for new form of IS architectures. Intensive development
in the field of information and communication technologies in the last few
decades has resulted with many different approaches in software
development. They were usually determined by the progress in the
technology and changes and demands that origin from business domains.
Implementation of an information system in business environment should be
seen as business change itself. Every IS implementation automatically
presume a sort of business process reengineering (BPR) necessary to fully
accommodate business processes and their ICT support. In some cases BPR
is primary technical nature – hardware and software adjustments, but in
other cases it presumes more detailed changes in business environment.
Implementation of new IS architectures, like distributed computing or SOA
is especially difficult, because in order to such architectures function
properly significant organizational changes are necessary. They can be seen
as technical changes, e.g. changes in ICT infrastructure, in security policy,
database management, etc., but there are different legal and formal changes
– an organization is not necessary an owner of its IS, it just uses different
components, developed and provided by different service providers, an
organization outsource all non-critical IS parts to third parties, etc. In drastic
cases even organization structure is changed, and new forms of
organizations, like virtual organizations based on virtual information
systems are developed.
Originality/Value – until present day different researches have been
done related to modern information systems architectures, and some
technical standards like: Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), Web
Services Description Language (WSDL), Universal Discovery Description
and Integration (UDDI) were developed with purpose to enable their
efficiency. Important program's equipment manufacturers (like IBM, Oracle
and Microsoft) are working intensively and are investing in SOA and
necessary standards development. From published development strategies it
is clearly that information systems architectures like SOA, cloud, SaaS
represents an essence of future ICT development and the use of ICT in
modern organizations. Besides the basic infrastructure standards, modern IS
architectures have a significant influence on business processes, and
37
because of that, standardized and not-standardized specifications, like XML
Process Definition Language (XPDL), Web Services Flow Language
(WSFL), Business Process Modelling Language (BPML), Business Process
Execution Language for Web Service (BPEL4WS), Web Services
Choreography Description Language (WS-CDL) are developed in this
domain. Unified Modelling Language (UML) gave also a strong motivation
for SOA development, and in the last few years necessary UML profiles
were developed. Service oriented security aspect is resolved as well –
different technological standards and protocols have been developed, e.g
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Security Assertion Markup Language
(SAML), Web Services Security (WSS), eXtensible Access Control Markup
Language (XACML), XML signature, XML encryption. Based on these
facts, we may conclude that the implementation and usage of modern IS
architectures is mostly organizational, and not a technical issue. The use of
modern IS architectures from legislative point of view is mostly defined by
national laws, protocols and rules. Relationship between the service
provider and service user is usually defined by service level agreements that
are unique for each implementation and usage of service oriented
architecture.
The domain that is still not understood completely is the influence that
modern IS architectures have on business process reengineering and
organizational changes and prerequisites that should be fulfilled as a
presumption for successful implementation of modern IS architectures.
Therefore the focus of this article is on that particular segment of modern IS
architectures - what changes and prerequisites organizations have to fulfill
to be able to successfully implement a modern IS architecture.
Keywords: organizational changes, business process reengineering,
information system architecture, management style, cloud, ICT.
Research type: conceptual paper, general review
38
Creation and Development of Safe Community Assessment
System
Birutė Mikulskienė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Birutė Pitrėnaitė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Algirdas Astrauskas, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – To design an assessment system to monitor and evaluate
safety parameters and administrative efforts with the purpose to increase
safety in municipality. The safety monitoring system considered is to be the
most important tool for creation and development of safe communities in
Lithuania.
Design/methodology/approach – In order to determine the role of
local government in ensuring safety of people, property and environment at
the local level a meta-analysis of research reports, the Lithuanian national
legislation, strategic planning documents of the state and local government
were carried out. Analysis of statistical data, structural analysis,
comparative analysis and synthesis methods were used while investigating
the areas of safety uncertainty, risk groups, identifying safety risk factors,
determining their relationship, and creating a safe community assessment
system.
Findings – A safe community assessment system which consists of
two types of criteria have been elaborated. The assessment system is based
on the multi-level criteria for safety monitoring and the multi-level criteria
for the evaluation of municipal activities in the field of building safety.
39
Links between the criteria, peculiarities of their application and advantages
in the process of safe community creation and development are analyzed.
Research limitations/implications – The created community safety
assessment system is modeling taken in to account the existing practice of
statistical information monitoring. Since municipalities are not the owner of
statistical information they have no impact on statistical practice. This
practice fixes freedom creating of multi-criteria assessment system.
Practical implications – The proposed assessment system can help
local authorities to identify priorities for strengthening the local safety; to
warn about the critical factors of insecurity; can be useful to identify the
highest risk groups and places, evaluate the administrative efforts taken by
local government to influence the safety situation in a municipality;
considered to be convenient to monitor and analyze changes in the field of
ensuring safety of people, property and environment.
Originality/Value – Design and implementation of the safe
community assessment system is one of the most important stages to
implement the idea of safe communities. The proposed system integrates a
variety of risk areas, the safety achievement criteria are linked to the criteria
used in the strategic planning. Periodic assessment of the safety situation
using the proposed system ensures possibility to monitor current local safety
conditions and assess the changes and the trends. Safe community
assessment system is proposed to be used as a tool to unified municipalities
safety comprehensiveness and compare safety level in different
municipalities thus increasing motivation to enhance efforts to create safer
environment for the public and to exchange good practices in this field.
Keywords: Lithuanian municipality, safe community, assessment
system.
Research type: conceptual paper.
40
The Usage of Informal Computer Based Communication in
the Context of Organization’s Technological Resources
Agota Giedrė Raišienė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Steponas Jonušauskas, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose of the article is theoretically and practically analyze the
features of informal computer based communication in the context of
organization‘s technological resources. The tasks of the article are: 1) to
ascertain the influence of informal communication to the work
performance; 2) to discuss the changes of informal communication in
electronic media; 3) to implement the empirical research and to assess the
usage of informal electronic communication in chosen public sector
organization in the context of technological resources.
Methodology – meta analysis, survey and descriptive analysis.
Findings: according to scientists, the functions of informal
communication cover sharing of work related information, coordination of
team activities, spread of organizational culture and feeling of
interdependence and affinity. Also, informal communication widens the
individuals’ recognition of reality, creates general context of environment
between talkers, and strengthens interpersonal attraction. For these reasons,
informal communication is desirable and even necessary in organizations
because it helps to ensure efficient functioning of the enterprise. However,
communicating through electronic channels suppresses informal
connections or addresses them to the outside of the organization. So,
electronic communication is not beneficial for developing ties in informal
organizational network. The empirical research showed, that significant part
41
of courts administration staff is prone to use technological resources of their
office for informal communication. Representatives of courts administration
choose friends for computer based communication much more often then
colleagues (72 and 63 percent respectively). 93 percent of the research
respondents use an additional e-mail box serviced by commercial providers
for non work communication. High intensity of informal electronic
communication with friends and familiars shows that workers of court
administration are used to meet their psycho emotional needs outside the
work place. The survey confirmed conclusion of the theoretical analysis:
computer based communication is not beneficial for developing informal
contacts between workers. In order for the informal communication could
carry out its functions and technological recourses of organization would be
used effectively, staff should be motivated to communicate directly face to
face.
Research limitations/implications – It can be reasonably suspected,
that the real measure of informal communication with outside recipients is
even higher, than the data of the research shows. In could be stipulated by
the lack of analysis of other electronic communication mediums (e.g. video
calls, social networks, internet forums, etc.).
Practical implications – The results of the research help to form a
wider comprehension about features of organizational communication.
Authors of the research state that if managers would pay more attention to
the practice of employees’ informal and computer based communication,
they would improve the usage of information technology resources.
Originality/Value – Informal electronic communication in
Lithuania‘s organizations had not been researched yet. The chosen subject
is definitely new. On the other hand, deep penetration of the computer
based communication into employees‘daily routine shows the relevancy of
the topic.
Keywords:
informal
communication,
computer
based
communication, technological resources, effective communication.
Research type: viewpoint and research paper.
42
Bridging the Gap between Physical and Virtutal - Four
Approaches
Jingru Høivik, National Library of Norway, Norway
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – develop new curatorial modes in the junction between
physical and virtual artifacts.
Design/methodology/approach – development research, reflective
practice
Findings – remediation is the act of reworking a text that is carried
and encapsulated by one media type so that it is delivered in accordance
with the requirements of another. A number of projects since 1999 dealing
with digital remediation of cultural artifacts have given the impetus to
explore possible links or bridges between physical and virtual exhibitions.
Four approaches have proved promising using mobile technology:
traditional free text search, location search, voice search and QR (Quick
Response Coding) encapsulation.

Free text search in situ is equal to traditional computer searches
with the benefit of geographical contextualization. The challenge is to
develop item descriptors that respond well to probable requests and to
implement solutions in new computational environments, - in our case using
App Inventor for Android.

In location search, the computing device is by itself geographically
aware and may provide additional information based on such contexts

Using voice search, the input function responds to dictation and
thus freeing the mobile user from dexterity constraints, making it easier to
roam freely.
43

With Quick Response encapsulation of pertinent information, a
physical artifact is enhanced with digital encodings that is decoded by the
mobile device. QR codes are visual, but the technique extends easily to
upcoming Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems.
Research limitations/implications – sheer curation is curatorial
activity that is quietly integrated into the normal work flow of those
creating and managing data and other digital assets. This work indicates that
sheer curation is becoming a candidate for a new research domain in its
own right linked to education, art, cultural heritage and other
communicative fields.
Practical implications – all four techniques are tools in today’s
toolbox for educators and curators. There is a need for additional practical
examples as well as systematic description, educational designs and
handbooks for better dissemination.
Originality/Value – similar projects are undertaken in many
countries. This work is in the unique position of working directly on the
vast collection of the National Library of Norway in a time when these
resources are increasingly available and important for the general public
and in educational settings.
Keywords: digital curation, cultural heritage, disruptive technology,
Quick Response (QR) coding, online exhibition, mobile computing,
location based search.
Research type: development work.
44
Researching Innovative Educational Practices: Use of up-todate digital technology for exploring implications on
educational settings
Sadaf Salavati, Linnaeus University, Sweden
[email protected]
Anita Mirijamdotter, Linnaeus University, Sweden
[email protected]
Abstract
New technologies in terms of media, methods and tools are
influencing and challenging today’s education. These technologies also
change the nature of educational settings, requirements and skills as they
create opportunities for students and teachers to advance learning and
teaching in a different manner. This is the focus for several research projects
that have taken place in collaboration between a transdisciplinary university
research group and compulsory schools in Sweden. This paper will describe
some of these projects including findings concerning requirements and
needs of learners and teachers. Additionally, implications for learning and
teaching environments are addressed on organizational and societal levels.
Purpose – Empirical data of up-to-date digital technology use in
schools settings will be presented and analyzed in terms of requirements and
needs of learners and teachers.
Design/methodology/approach – The research is part of a PhD
project that focuses on innovative educational practices based on current
and up-to-date digital technology. An action-oriented approach is applied
for interacting with research subjects with the purpose of both performing
data gathering and instructing about the technology in focus for actual
projects and trials. The details of this approach will be presented and is the
base for reflections on research findings and process.
45
Findings – Information and Communication Technology as well as
other digital technologies affect and influence everyday living; consequently
educational settings are impacted (or should be impacted). In addition to
presenting research findings and implications of our studies, the authors will
discuss findings from related studies elsewhere and implications on
organizational and societal levels.
Research limitations – The research is based on a project which has a
limited duration. Therefore, at this stage we will not know whether the
scope and outcomes of the projects have been or will be implemented in
ordinary learning and teaching activities.
Practical implications – The research approach includes interactivity
with schools and explores learning strategies using digital technology.
Activities and tools that can be implemented for advancing learning and
teaching in this context will be presented.
Originality/value – members of the Transdisciplinary research group
have presented these research projects based on their particular research
focus, but findings from this PhD project concerning requirements and
needs of learner and teachers including organizational and societal
implications have not been presented elsewhere.
Keywords – Technology Enhanced Learning, innovative educational
practices, digital technology.
Research type – action-oriented research, mixed methods.
46
Social Technologies: An Important Aid in Psychologists’
Training
Rute F. Meneses, FCHS-Universidade Fernando Pessoa, Portugal
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – the aim of the present paper is to systematize some
experiences with social technologies in the context of psychologists’
training.
Design/methodology/approach – considering the “Dublin”
descriptors for first cycle, second cycle and third cycle awards, and the
notion
of
lifelong
learning
(cf.
Smith,
1996,
2001
http://www.infed.org/lifelonglearning/b-life.htm; http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/
index_en.php; http://www.leadonline.info/aboutus.php; http://www.tandf.
co.uk/journals/tf/02601370.html), a series of (relevant) experiences with
social technologies were identified.
Findings – 1) First cycle example: “Qualifications that signify
completion of the first cycle are awarded to students who can apply their
knowledge and understanding in a manner that indicates a professional
approach to their work or vocation, and have competences typically
demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments within their field
of study” (http://www.jointquality.nl/ge_descriptors.html) – the Blog of the
UFPUV (powered by Sakai) was used to share/comment on students’
analysis
of
parts
of
the
movie
“Normal”
(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0338290/);
2) Second cycle example: “Qualifications that signify completion of
the second cycle are awarded to students who… have the learning skills to
allow them to continue to study in a manner that may be largely selfdirected or autonomous” (http://www.jointquality.nl/ge_descriptors.html) –
students were asked to identify a relevant research article focusing on two
47
variables from a given list and share its reference with the teacher and
colleagues (via blog from the UFPUV);
3) Third cycle example: “Qualifications that signify completion of the
third cycle are awarded to students who… have demonstrated the ability to
conceive, design, implement and adapt a substantial process of research
with scholarly integrity” (http://www.jointquality.nl/ge_descriptors.html) the (university) e-mail was used to invite students to submit abstracts to
scientific events, to receive their first drafts, and to give them feedback on
their proposals (abstracts and powerpoint/prezi presentations);
4) Examples regarding former students’: (information on)
books/journals, powerpoint presentations, sites, scientific events, and
youtube videos were exchanged via facebook (with current students this
exchange occurred without facebook);
5) Other “social tools” of the UFPUV (e.g., Announcements, Chat
Room, Discussion and Private Messages, Email, Forums, Messages, Polls,
Wiki) were also used (e.g., to identify/control themes and
assessment/intervention techniques selected by students to present to the
class);
6) Mobile phones (call and SMS) were also used (e.g., to clarify a
very specific doubt, to share urgent information, to cancel appointments, to
inform that an urgent e-mail was sent/received);
7) E-mail was also used to write articles in cooperation with
colleagues, to share forms necessary to community outreach activities, etc.
Research limitations/implications – The data was not gathered
intentionally, as it is not a research paper. It is limited to the author’s
experience. (Former) students’ opinions on the advantages/disadvantages of
using social technologies were not obtained.
Practical implications – This paper may contribute to an exchange of
ideas between psychology professors leading to a better and more
intentional use of social technologies in psychologists’ training.
Originality/Value – Stimulating the debate of a topic not frequently
explored
by
psychology
professors
and
presenting
some
examples/possibilities.
Keywords: higher education, psychology training.
Research type: viewpoint.
48
Privacy and Health System Solution Case
Ana Teresa Duarte, Higher School of Management and Technology at
Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, Portugal
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – to analyze the legal questions associated to the usage of a
software system at several of the Portuguese Healthcare Institutions,
understand the way clinical information is captured, stored, shared between
professionals, as well as the process is monitored and controlled, and in
what way it can affect personal data protection and privacy, concerning
users and patients.
Design/Methodology/Approach – based on a case study, the
technological solution implemented is analyzed, in a legal approach, to cope
with the challenging issue of privacy and personal data protection.
The solution used is based on biometric identification of users and
supported by bar codes to identify patients.
In relation to the information of patients, an issue to be taken into
consideration is also the need to protect the information that flows in
networks over different locations, to prevent patient´s rights and guarantees.
Data Protection Authority (DPA) did the approval of this system
taking into consideration that the usage of biometric technology reinforces
data confidentiality and do not interfere with the privacy of professionals.
Findings – being used by several professionals, sharing clinical
information with or without the presence of the patient, places challenges
over the privacy and protection of personal data.
The ability of storing clinical data and the possibility of creating large
data warehouses, builds the opportunity to study trends and identify patterns
that can be important for public national healthcare policies, however it is
49
important to question if labor control and clinical data exposure is at a
higher risk.
Research Limitation/Implications – this is an area of quick
development with increasing issues, like medical intellectual property and
patients rights a recent upgrade in EU regulation, needed to have further
developments.
Practical Implications – over the last years ICT and social
technologies have modified ways to share information and knowledge,
creating new products and services, namely in the Health Care Systems,
thus the need to understand legality and possible opportunities to improve
legislation or the use of technology.
Originality – with the diffusion of this system in the Country,
professionals that need advice on particular specialized subjects can share
clinical data with colleagues located in specialized Institutions in order to
obtain expertise and provide better clinical solutions to the patient.
In this sense, it is a collaborative and a knowledge sharing tool, a
closed social technology system. It will have a great impact on the quality of
the health care provided, optimizing resources, reducing costs and
increasing knowledge within the professionals, but it has to be considered
that the access to the information it is possible through secure ways, namely,
biometric identification of users.
Keywords – social technology, privacy principles, personal data
protection, biometrics, collaborative tool, knowledge system, health system
solution, personality rights.
Research Type – case study, view point.
50
Session 2
Moderator – Rimantas Petrauskas
Lithuania
51
Visibility of the Lithuanian Researchers in a World-Wide
Academic Society:
Is There a Need for Self-Expression?
Eleonora Dagienė, The Association of Lithuanian Serials,
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Digital technologies and the Internet have fundamentally changed the
principles and means of communication of the academic society. It comes as
no surprise that information about research, its findings and other activities
of active researchers are announced, discussed and evaluated in an
interactive way. With an endless number of users, it has become difficult to
distinguish specific participants of a communication act in order to identify
their well-rounded activities as precisely as possible. The centralized
systems have recently been developed which enable researchers to form an
integral picture of their activities out of numerous pieces announced during
their research years. This presentation is going to review the existing
systems, new perspectives and the participation of the Lithuanian
researchers in them.
Purpose – to present newest projects related to researchers identifiers
to participants of the conference.
Findings – to introduce how Lithuania’s academic institutions and
their researchers are discovered in newest foreign projects.
Practical implications – projects are related to rating of institutions
and evaluation of researcher, in order to that projects are important to
Lithuanian researchers and institutions.
Originality/Value – review of newest projects from latest
conferences.
52
Keywords: Researcher identifiers, ResearcherID, ORCID, Microsoft
Academic Search, IRISC, altmetrics, visualization, unique identifiers.
Research type: general review.
53
Civil Society Technologies: Communication Approach
Arūnas Augustinaitis, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Rimantas Petrauskas, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to argue the methodological basis of
new concept of citizen’s technologies (closer to traditional understanding of
civil society technologies), also to explore origin of this phenomenon, the
current tendencies and future perspectives of its development.
The design/ methodology of the article is based on modeling of
structural changes caused by deepening of globalization and seeking future
models of rationality and possibilities to shape new forms of social
organization, to improve governance and its adaptability to globalization, as
well as to increase competitiveness of society in the complex and
multifarious environments.
The main findings of this article imply conceptualization of civil
society technologies (“Citizen’s technologies”) integrating the social,
technological, political and cultural dimensions into holistic and sustainable
model in the globalized contexts.
Research limitations/implications: this article is based on secondary
data processing and interpretation.
Practical implications: drawn from the article are methodological
justification of the conception of public governance that is oriented to the
global competitiveness, also analysis of practical applications.
Originality/Value: of this article is expressed by new approach to the
model of societal organization in the volatility of global era as well as new
terminology and methodological foundation.
54
Keywords: civil society technologies, citizen‘s technologies, social
technologies, public governance, political communication.
55
Perspectives of integration of Web 2.0 technologies in
University Education
Vilhelmina Vaičiūnienė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – To examine educational aspects of the Web 2.0
technologies in order to distinguish valuable characteristics for the study
process and in an attempt to define a new paradigm emerging in educational
space - university 2.0 paradigm.
Design/methodology/approach – The methodological assumptions
of the work are based on the theory of connectivism, which is the basis for
integration perspectives of the Web 2.0 technologies in the university study
process. Learning and education is seen as a permanent knowledge search
and sharing process which can be not only an internal but also external
process.
Findings – The university 2.0 paradigm based on learning 2.0
paradigm has been highlighted. The guiding principles of this paradigm are:
a) learner-oriented structure, the student constructs her/his own knowledge,
b) the transition from the communities of social practices to social
networks: learners share their knowledge, c) teachers and students as
partners in the social network, d) from the traditional learning applications
to open learning environments. University 2.0 paradigm is developing as an
outcome of the birth of new technologies and massive invasion of
information flows into the study area.
Research limitations/implications – this work is limited to research
of educational and value aspects of the Web 2.0 concept and Web 2.0
technologies, not considering the technological Web 2.0 parameters.
56
Practical implications - The paper is theoretical and analytical in
nature; can be applied as a theoretical basis for introducing technologies
into learning process.
Originality/Value – The university 2.0 paradigm is presented in an
attempt to link the study process transformations with the integration of
Web 2.0 technologies in learning process.
Keywords: Web 2.0, information and communication technologies,
university 2.0 paradigm.
Research type: literature review and conceptual paper.
57
Development of Information Society and Some Aspects of the
Possible UK, Nordic and Baltic Countries Cooperation
Antanas Keras, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Valerijus Keras, Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
The European Commission in 2010 published a new Communication
on the Digital Agenda. It outlines the main incentive of information and
communication technology (ICT) function in order to ensure Europe to
comply with what are to be achieved by 2020. This new Communication
will determine the development of information society policy in the
European Union, the main trends for 2020, and thus will certainly
significant and Lithuanian information society development.
Lithuania in this decade in developing the information society in view
of Communication "European digital agenda" may give rise to new
challenges with regard to potentially expanding its cooperation with some
neighboring EU countries. Such a potentially broader collaboration is
emerging after the British Prime Minister David Cameron initiative in 2011
January 19, and 20 days of the meeting held in London, host of the event in
which David Cameron has adopted its counterparts from Denmark, Finland,
Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. United Kingdom
Prime Minister, David Cameron at the meeting stated that Britain, the
Nordic and Baltic countries could be at Europe’s front in the efforts for
economic recovery. Following this meeting, held a press conference, he
said, and specific priorities.
Of course, a well-developed information society will contribute to
such cooperation.
58
Nordic-Baltic cooperation is already going on for years, but British
Prime Minister David Cameron shows the initiative provides a whole new
outlook, new opportunities and put new emphasis to such cooperation.
Equivalent information society development in the partner countries are
clearly important. Lithuania must be taken into account in the advanced
countries of strategic initiatives in the information society development.
Behold, the United Kingdom in 2010 published a very interesting and
ambitious document entitled "Manifesto for a Networked Nation”. Lithuania
may create additional challenges if it is time omission of the Great Britain of
the project. It may not be able to cooperate with the appropriate level for
Great Britain.
It is therefore necessary to evaluate the Lithuanian information society
development in relation to the Baltic and Nordic countries and Great
Britain's achievements and strategic initiatives.
Purpose of this work - to analyze, as was the development of
information society of Lithuania after Lithuania's accession to the European
Union in 2004, compared with the Baltic and Nordic countries and Great
Britain's experience in this field, and discuss some of the challenges that
Lithuania can expect the next decade, the development of the country's
information public cooperation with the countries in the context.
Design/methodology/approach – the comparative method,
comparing the experience of selected countries in developing the
information society
Findings – we present and discuss the results of the Information
Society in the countries concerned, based on indicators that characterized
the development of information society - in particular, the indicator Digital
Opportunity Index (DOI). Assess the potential challenges of Lithuanian
information society development, taking into account the Nordic and Baltic
countries and Great Britain the results achieved in developing the
information society in the countries concerned and the evaluation of
information society development strategic initiatives.
Research limitations/implications – this study is a preliminary
study, which is appropriate to proceed, if the mentioned countries will be
developed in co-operation. Baltic and Nordic cooperation is already going
59
on for some time, and the British Approach to the former co-move to the
next level.
Practical implications – the Nordic experience, and especially recent
British experience and its new strategic initiatives on the development of
the country's information society and the Internet can be useful for the
adjustment of Lithuanian information society development in 2011 - 2020
period.
Originality/Value – Lithuania has been considered more Nordic
geostrategic importance for Lithuania. It is very important and needed.
However, insufficient attention was paid to the experiences of countries in
developing their information society, particularly the Internet. But this is
certainly an important aspect in order to strengthen its economic,
informational, intellectual and other areas of cooperation, much less
evaluation of Great Britain brought the initiative to extend the cooperation.
Keywords: development, strategy, information society, indicators,
cooperation.
Research type: viewpoint.
60
Peculiarities of Designing Holistic Electronic Government
Services Integration Model
Tadas Limba, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – the aim of work is to develop a model of electronic
government services which could ensure the efficient integration of
electronic government services in the local self-government level.
Methodology – the following analyses have been carried out in this
work: theoretical-systematic; normative and conceptual comparative
analysis of the research. There also has been applied a method of modelling.
Findings – the scientific work analyzes the improvement opportunities
of the models of electronic government services and their application
alternatives in Lithuanian municipalities. The newly developed model of
electronic government services that has been designed basing on the
principle of integrating online expert consultation is primarily targeted at
improvement of inside processes’ changes of an organization. Practicing the
application of that model in the local self-government level starting with
improvement of inside processes of an organization should help adapt more
accurately and efficiently to the changing needs of the society while
providing electronic government services, thus establishing a higher public
value.
Practical implications – the practical novelty of work is reflected not
only through the integration opportunities’ assessment of the principle of
online expert consultation into the theoretical models of electronic
government services that have already been developed by the scientists, but
also on the basis of this principle there has been developed a “Holistic
model of integrating electronic government services” and its practical
61
application realization with the design of “The project of implementing the
principle of online expert consultation on the model of electronic
government services”.
Originality – the research of the scientific work, in particular the
experiment that has been carried out in the form of online expert
consultancy seminars for Lithuanian municipalities on electronic
government services, as there have been no experiments of this kind in
Lithuania so far..
Keywords – electronic government services, the stage model of
electronic government services, „E-Diamond“ model of electronic
government services, public administration, local authorities.
Research type – research paper on designing and developing Holistic
model of integrating electronic government services.
62
Virtual Guide: Communication of Social Functions and
Creation of Technological Options (The Case of Application
in University Environment)
Rytė Žiūrienė, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Rasa Levickaitė, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Presentation authors realize virtual guide creation project at Vilnius
Gediminas Technical University. Presentation deals with three problems:
social functions, technological applications and adaptation of virtual guide
in university environment. A brief review on human and computer
interaction is presented. Virtual guide interface is discussed. A survey on
virtual guide demand as a way to represent university environment is
modeled.
Purpose – Present virtual guide, its social functions, technological
applications and adaptation in university environment.
Design/methodology/approach – Presentation deals with three
problems: social functions, technological applications and adaptation of
virtual guide in university environment. Problems are disclosed through
literature overview, sample analysis and theoretical modeling.
Findings – Virtual guide is human-computer interaction which needs
technology and serves for social functions in the environment of the
consumer. Creation of virtual guide product is a complex of
communication, technology, management, psychology, and linguistics.
Research limitations/implications – Literature overview and
theoretical modeling serves for theoretical background but is not enough for
application process. Limitations might be tied up conducting user survey.
63
Practical implications – Theoretical research of virtual guide serves
for future implementation project – a real university virtual guide with its
social functions and technological novelty.
Originality/Value – Virtual guide idea is not new itself, but new is
evaluation of peculiarities of virtual guide and its technological application
in Lithuanian university environment.
Keywords: virtual guide, social functions, technological options,
university.
Research type: literature review, technical paper, case study.
64
Implementation of Public Conveyance Principles in
Administrative Justice
Tatjana Bilevičienė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Eglė Bilevičiūtė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – To examine problems of implementation of public
conveyance principles in Lithuanian administrative justice.
Design/methodology/approach – Document analysis method was
applied to examine the legislation governing the Lithuanian administrative
justice and public entities in communication principles. Comparative
method analyses the methods of implementation of public information
principles in administrative justice in Lithuania, these techniques on the
administrative justice entities closure for disposal in the information
society. Statistical methods applied to the administrative courts practice of
statistical analysis.
Findings – Technologies that have an impact on the social rule of law,
criteria can be considered simple (technology should not be too difficult),
agility, changing (adaptation to the changing social legal environment),
reliability (persistence technology, reliance on resources), economy
(technology can be affected, but uneconomic), the use of convenience
(well-designed technology is useless if it is inconvenient for people who use
it will work). Social Technologies is the expression of the law relating to
the social and legal status of scientific knowledge and social efficiency of
the legal action arising from both the social and legal conditions and the
objectives pursued by means of decisions in society. The article dealt with
65
the public information policies and implementation of the accessibility of
administrative justice Lithuania cyberspace.
Research limitations/implications – The article deals with only
Lithuanian administrative justice activities of entities.
Practical implications – Analysis of the administrative law courts
statistics can be seen in caseload growth. Given the fact that administrative
justice is a complex of administrative infringements and penalties available
under the CATL or administrative litigation law Republic of Lithuania,
citizens navigate the complex rules of law. At the same time as the
administrative law violations often face every citizen. Therefore, public
information and legal education serves the formation of civil society. The
article examines aspects of administrative justice has not been discussed.
Originality/Value – A. Urmonas highlights the social implications of
technology can become objects of social relations, social processes,
relations and processes of cognition and regulation of methods and tools
(cognitive tools and regulatory) system. However, the social technologies in
the administrative justice Lithuania have not yet been widely investigated.
Lithuania so far there has been only one conference where these issues have
been discussed theoretically.
Keywords: administrative justice, principles of public information,
the information society.
Research type: research paper, case study, literature review.
Introduction
Administrative disputes are the conflict with public administration
entities, or conflicts between independent public administrations’ subjects.
To include administrative litigation and disputes with the administration
staff, as well as the election dispute. Administrative court decides the
disputes concerning the rights in public administration field. Before
applying to an administrative court, the adopt individual acts or actions
(inaction) of the public administration bodies may be prescribed by law and
somewhere - to be challenged by recourse to pre-litigation out of court the
authority (Lietuvos Respublikos..., 1999).
66
Administrative adjudication has two main objectives: to provide any
personal administrative rights (protection of human rights of the public
administration bodies of illegal actions of public servants of redress against
administrative arbitrariness and self-government institutions of redress
against unlawful acts by public authorities) and to ensure the legitimacy of
public authority. These objectives can be identified with the main purpose
of the administrative justice (Teisės institutas, 2004).
Differently from the general courts that examined criminal cases and
conflicts arising from civil, family, work, other private legal relations, the
administrative courts solve the conflicts that arise in domestic and public
administration management. The purpose of the administrative courts and
the goals are to ensure the implementation of the constitutional provision
that public institutions serve the people, to solve conflicts between state and
individual, as well as the decisions taken by management to promote the
progress of administrative capacity. Based on Law on Administrative
Proceedings and other laws, now in Lithuania the first instance in
administrative disputes is the regional administrative courts and for appeal the Supreme Administrative Court. As well as some cases the Supreme
Administrative Court considered as the first and final instance.
Administrative Court does not deal with cases classified as of general or
other specialized competence. However, in some cases the jurisdiction of
the Administrative Court and other courts overlaps. Often there are
problems of jurisdictional cases between courts of general jurisdiction and
institutions dealing with the administrative law governing the relationship
between extra-judicial procedures.
It is clear that the dispute with the operators of public administration
and administrative law proceedings as the case must first be based on
different principles of the process. Administrative proceedings versatility
due to the fact that the individual principles of the administrative process in
a variety of different extent in administrative matters (Valančius, Norkus,
2006).
Today, more than any Lithuanian citizen is aware of all their rights at
all to build up basic knowledge of legal issues and familiar with operating in
the country's legal framework. Understanding of the principles of
administrative justice is aggravated by administrative violations of law
67
dealing with pre-trial organizations and the judicial system, and the
imperfection of the current laws. Valid Code of Administrative Offences
(Lietuvos Respublikos administracinių…) was adopted in 1985, has since
changed. A new document is afoot, but it is still not valid.
Algimantas Urmonas (2007) argues that the reticence of administrative
law, search for solutions in only the legal environment in terms of social
technology restricts its ability to enrich it to rely more on other social
science information. Development of an optimal institutional framework of
administrative justice and the governing legislative framework necessary
should implant the advantage of the latest social technologies. The task of
technology is not randomly influence the natural and social processes, but
achieve the state aims by directing them to human society. Each technology
provides the uniformity of its components and the procedures and
permanent use of implemented operations and procedures (Kurpuvesas,
2007).
Social technologies are the whole of efficient or less productive
permanent ways of management and solutions of social problems that help
achieve the default action (outputs) on the social effects of human, social
groups, hierarchical social structures (such as public administrations, local
authorities, non-governmental organizations and etc..) behaviour.
Expression of social technologies in law is relating to the social and legal
status of scientific knowledge (scientific factors) and social efficiency of the
legal action arising from both the social and legal conditions and the
objectives pursued by means of decisions in society (social factors in legal
practice). At the point of view, for example, the Lithuanian administrative
law regulation space is full of ways to target the decision (Urmonas, 2007).
General principles of law are typical for administrative law. One of
them is the principle of publicity, which is seen in the context of
administrative law, as enshrined in law the obligation to publish laws,
regulations and secondary management legislation, public conveyance and
information provision, already adopted by the publicity of administrative
decisions. Republic of Lithuania Law on Public Information (Lietuvos
Respublikos visuomenės..., 1996) provides a public gathering, compilation,
publication and distribution arrangements, public information producers,
disseminators, participants, journalists and the governing body of the rights,
68
duties and responsibilities. There is stated that the freedom of information in
Republic of Lithuania is guaranteed in the Constitution and other laws of the
Republic of Lithuania and international treaties.
Arūnas Augustinaitis and Rimantas Petrauskas (2010) argues that
information and communications technology (ICT) in today's society are
perceived as steadily and practically any modern organization, public
administration model, changing environments and compound basis.
Complexity of public relations has reached a level where the most important
role (and the economic, social, and political) are starting to play in social
interaction and their effectiveness. This is a new economy, which
encourages the development of human resources, creativity, innovation and
sustainable development. At the same time expresses the actual social
technologies of information and knowledge of civil turnover, forms of
organization and interoperability, which is how the communication
processes and various forms of civil communication patterns, as well as
communication and mechanisms for their implementation.
It can be argued that public education on matters of basic justice
administrative measures should be applied in the information space.
However, the author studies show that public authorities and administrative
courts website provides information mainly focused on litigation trial
publicity. Information on administrative infringement features almost
unavailable.
Theoretical background
Rule of law and administrative justice is an essential function of the
legal means to protect a person from the public administrations of illicit acts
or omissions (Kurpuvesas, 2007). Birutė Pranevičienė (2007) states that the
fundamental (or otherwise known as generic) Lithuanian administrative law
system consists of rule of law, justice, prudence, transparency, control and
responsibility.
In Lithuania the mechanisms of social influence and their
opportunities and ways to influence the administrative system of processes
taking place more frequently seen and treated as public management.
69
Modern administrative law studies emphasise the importance of social
relations in the administrative process and procedures (Kargaudienė, 2007).
Constitution of Republic of Lithuania and other laws defining freedom
of speech and freedom of the media rules are based on the same principles:
priority of individual rights against the state, freedom of expression, the
right to correct information which is harmful to the information and the
prohibition of restrictions on ownership, diversity of opinion (Aleknonis,
2010). Social changes affect the Lithuanian legal system and activate a new
stock of administrative law and regulatory changes. Because of qualitative
transformation of social relations, there is a need to look for new
administrative law regulatory environment models. Their search through
legal and non-legislative forms (technology) to consistently achieve the
main objective - the protection of human rights and legitimate interests
(Deviatnikovaitė, Kalašnykas, 2007). Each person may have very different
needs. The need allows understanding for human personality, to determine
what he lacks, what it is necessary, and allowing the interest to understand
the nature of social need. Administrative case law assumes that the public
interest, under the Administrative Proceedings Act, should be seen as what
is objectively relevant, necessary, useful to the public or part thereof
(Trumputis, 2010).
About technologies of social law or the law as a social technology, the
Lithuanian legal science has little said. Often referred to themselves the
right away from the man (this time not everyone is aware of the legal text,
let alone his spirit), and the legal authorities accused business is closing.
Given the right role and authority of each state (including legal) duty to
serve the people, the situation is seen as problematic and requires quick and
smart decisions, not only through legislation, but also other sciences
opportunities. Gap, on the other hand, the right technology and social
interaction, of course, exist. Both the law and the social purpose of
technology - affect the social environment (Kurpuvesas, 2007).
Lithuania formed contradictions between social cognition and
technological forecasting in various spheres of social life. Social
breakthrough technology implementation can be described as a social
control algorithm is used. Perceived as social technology - a set of cyclic
target practices related to social solutions to legal problems in an effort to
70
change the social legal state of the object. These legal changes are
implemented in the social order to the expected performance using the
methods and techniques as a whole. It helps to identify and use social legal
system until now, undisclosed, and therefore unused potential of their
development objectives, social norms and legal standards (Urmonas, 2007).
The social construction of technology is a measure of public
communication and creating a model of the complex mechanisms of control
and multiple environments where there is a continuously growing influence
of technological factors. Thus, the social technology in the broad sense is a
competitive society and communicative forms of organization and
management methods. Information Technology is a social phenomenon and
an epoch cannot survive without the use of ICT-based development
(Augustinaitis, Petrauskas, 2010).
Social scientists are treated in different ways social technologies in
social practice. Modernized social legal problems should be based on the
methodology of social technology. Social technology training methodology
includes theoretical, methodological and procedural entities are static
modelling aspects. Dynamic social aspects of the modelling technology
reveal stages of technology (Urmonas, 2007).
Administrative justice institutions should more widely use the public
relations and information technology. Allow access to any person interested
in information about their work freely available information resources
(without prejudice to the rights and freedoms) must be provided for each
person (Kurpuvesas, 2007).
Administrative law deals with cases of violations by the
Administrative Commission of the municipal councils, municipal townships
in rural areas, elders, district (city) district courts (district courts), the police,
the State Inspectorate of the Republic of Lithuania and other laws to
authorize the bodies (officials) (Lietuvos Respublikos administracinių…).
Administrative courts of Lithuania are a two-tier: 5 regional administrative
courts (in Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda, Panevezys and Siauliai) and the
Supreme Administrative Court. Administrative courts of Lithuania deals
with disputes between civil servants as well as disputes in the
environmental, agricultural, health, communications regulation, consumer
rights and competition. Can be distinguished, and one quite specific areas of
71
dispute - Disputes arising out of tax relations. In summary, one can say that
the administrative courts deal with disputes in which at least one of the
parties is a State, municipality or state or local government, institution,
office, and those who are subjects of public authority functions (Valančius,
2007).
Lithuanian administrative courts entrusted with the consideration of
several types of administrative proceedings of a legal nature. Administrative
courts of Lithuania examine and dispute the right of public and internal
administration, and regulatory matters concerning the legality of
administrative acts, as well as administrative offenses. In these cases, a
process governed by the Republic of Lithuania Law on Administrative
Proceedings (Lietuvos Respublikos..., 1999), in which different categories
of cases to consider for small features. It is obvious that these kinds of cases
legal nature very different. Especially these courts are distinguished by the
process of administrative law offences (Valančius, Norkus, 2006).
County Administrative Court is the tribunal which was set for
hearing complaints (petitions) for public and internal administration bodies
of administrative acts and acts of commission or omission (failure to
perform duties) for consideration. It dealt with disputes involving public
sphere, the normative question of the legality of administrative acts, tax
disputes, etc. T. Before applying to an administrative court, the law
provided for public administrations to adopt individual acts or actions may
be challenged pre-trial procedure. Regional Administrative Court of first
instance as well as dealing with complaints (applications) on the municipal
and county administrative disputes commissions and the laws of the cases
and the other pre-litigation out of court by the Authority. The Vilnius
Regional Administrative Court of first instance as well as dealing with
complaints (applications) on the Chief Administrative Disputes
Commission, the Tax Disputes Commission, and the cases provided by law
and other pre-litigation out of court by the Authority. Lithuanian Supreme
Administrative Court is the first and final instance for administrative cases
assigned to the laws of its jurisdiction, and the appeal court for cases
concerning the administrative county court judgments, decrees, orders, as
well as administrative offenses and cases of district courts. In addition, laws
in the cases it deals with requests for the reopening of completed
72
administrative proceedings, including the administrative offenses.
Lithuanian Supreme Administrative Court as well is forming a uniform
practice of administrative courts in interpreting and applying laws and
regulations (Lietivos Respublika. Nacionalinė...).
Under the valid Code of Administrative Offences (CAO) (Lietuvos
Respublikos administracinių...) and the Administrative Proceedings Act
(Lietuvos Respublikos..., 1999), the administrative courts themselves not
impose penalties for administrative violations committed (to be appointed
by the authority and general jurisdiction of district courts), but deals with
complaints about these or other penalties in cases of procedural decisions
taken.
In September of 2008, by order of the the Lithuanian Supreme
Administrative
Court
the
study
was
accomplished
(http://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/law/beveik-puse-gyventoju-nezino-kokiasbylas-nagrineja-administraciniai-teismai.d?id=19138285).
The
survey
conducted by company "Baltic Surveys". In September 1020 people were
interviewed from different regions of Lithuania. As much as 45% of
Lithuanian residents do not know what cases are heard by the administrative
courts, while 10% of people believe that the judges assigned to criminal
law. Only 38% of respondents knew that the administrative courts hear
disputes with state authorities. However, approximately 17% of the
population felt that the administrative courts hear cases relating to legal
persons. This shows that in Lithuania, it is essential to resolve the
administrative justice accessible to citizens.
The first steps in using public relations and information technology
activities of the courts, has to go. According to Court decisions, judgments,
decrees and orders publishing online order (Teismų taryba, 2005), court
proceedings shall be published on the Internet to inform the public about the
interpretation of the law and the practice of Lithuanian courts. Court
proceedings and decisions of other related information is published online
by the use of the information system LITEKO. Internet in accordance with
this order shall be published in such case procedural decisions in
administrative matters - everyone effect become regional administrative
court procedural decisions, which solves the administrative proceedings or
in principle discharged without trial, and the Lithuanian Supreme
73
Administrative Court procedural decisions in principle after the case under
appeal or separate appeal, procedural decisions made after hearing the case
on the lawfulness of regulatory administrative act, the election case and
other cases examined in the single-instance procedures, procedural
decisions, which terminates the proceedings without trial, and procedural
decisions made after hearing the request for renewal. Has adopted
procedural decisions of the judge, Trial Chamber, as well as the President of
the Court, the Vice-President or a person authorized arrangements on the
Internet can be published and other procedural decisions of a court, which
settled a separate case, a procedural matter (for example, for a review
appointment, the requirement of collateral, the case of suspension, removal,
and so on.), where it is necessary to ensure that information on the
interpretation of the law and the practice of administrative courts.
The court order the electronic booking system TĮEUS
(http://liteko.teismai.lt/tieus/) allows natural and legal persons to submit an
application for a court order for electronic (online). This system facilitates
lenders' access to justice; the court is to examine the possible cases of this
type. The system is available only to legal entities and natural persons who
are qualified electronic signature certificate. The certificate is necessary
because without it cannot connect to the system and sent documents to sign.
Research methodology
Document analysis method was applied to examine the legislation
governing the Lithuanian administrative justice and public entities in the
principles of communication, scientific and legal literature in other fields.
The study was used a systematic method of analysis. Application it was
looking for links between law and social technology, looking for
opportunities for administrative justice issues bring new, innovative ways social technologies. The analytical method was considered for particular
social technologies that could be adapted to the administrative justice
institutions. Comparative method was used in analysis of public conveyance
of the principles of administrative justice Lithuania methods, these
techniques on the Administration of Justice entities closure for disposal in
the information society. Tracking method applied to the administrative
74
courts and public authorities web survey to determine the details of
administrative and legal cover. Statistical methods applied to the
administrative courts practice of statistical analysis.
Results and findings
In Lithuania the administrative courts are officially publishing the
statistics of received and examined cases.
10000
9000
8000
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
8177
8448 8723
5723
5579 5512
5946
4704
4004 3935
2005
2006
2007
Registered cases
2008
2009
Investigated cases
Figure 1. Number of in 2005 -2009 received cases of the Lithuanian
Supreme Administrative Court
The analysis of statistical data determines the amount of
administrative litigation in administrative courts is growing constantly. This
means that those citizens are better at recognizing their rights and
understand them. This is inevitable, a number of contributing nongovernmental organizations, more active citizens in the community,
increasing the legal knowledge dissemination in the media. People start to
realize that they have certain rights and opportunities, which is very
important to begin to use them to defend them.
In 2005 -2009, number of received cases of the Lithuanian Supreme
Administrative Court has steadily increased (see Figure 1). Already in 2008,
75
to all types of cases has increased very significantly - by nearly 40%
compared with 2007, the number of cases received. In 2009, the court
received 8,448 cases, it is still 3%more than in 2008 (Lietuvos
vyriausiasis...).
Figure 2 presents the dynamics of Cities, District Court closed cases of
administrative violations and the dynamics of regional administrative courts,
administrative examination and cases of administrative violations (Lietuvos
Respublikos teismų..., 2011). The study shows that the overall
administrative violations cases is steadily increasing, but there is inverse
dynamics of the Cities, District Court closed cases of administrative
violations and the county administrative courts’ examined administrative
and cases of administrative violations (Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.89, p = 0.001). Courts aren’t able effectively examined such amount of
cases.
120000
96300
91974
99361
100000
68287
68654
88525
70810
80000
87598
80405
60000
48531
47175
54794
40000
23635
8702
20000
13493
20123
10836
11569
0
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Cases of administrative offences examined in Cities, District Courts
Administrative and administrative offences cases examined in District Administrative Court
Total
Figure 2. The dynamics of closed cases of administrative violations in
Cities, District Court and dynamics of regional administrative courts of dealt
with administrative matters of administrative law violations
76
Complete administrative law proceedings of District courts are
presented in Figure 3 ((Lietuvos Respublikos teismų..., 2011). It can be
argued that these cases represent a wide range of economic topics and range
management activities.
Lithuania Government Resolution On general requirements for state
and municipal institutions and Web sites describe the approval (Dėl
bendrųjų..., 2003) provides that each site should be menu Legal Division.
However, the analysis of the Lithuanian Ministries web site, you may notice
that the legislation put in this section are not associated with administrative
proceedings. Does not refer to CATL, the Administrative Proceedings Act,
there is no case law under the Ministry of topics.
Public confidence in the law, democratic values, independent courts, it
is necessary condition of survival of the state. Principles such as
transparency, openness, openness will help to renew the administrative court
system, to restore the population's faith in justice, in the belief that justice is
administered, transparent, open and professional courts, that citizens are
guaranteed the constitutional right to a fair trial (Piličiauskas).
Other violations of administrative law
AOC in transport, roads, agriculture and
communications sector
AOC in protection of labor and health field
AOC, which encroaches on the management
arrangements
AOC in trade, finance, accounting and
statistics
AOC, which encroaches on the public policy
Administrative offences cases (AOC), which
encroaches on the property
0
5000
10000 15000 20000 25000 30000
2009
2010
Figure 3. Complete administrative law proceedings of District courts
77
The Judicial Council ruling on information about the judiciary, the
general public and the media rules (Teisėjų taryba, 2007) establish a
procedure whereby, in accordance with the laws of the Republic of
Lithuania and other laws and judicial activities in order to ensure
transparency, all the courts in providing information to the public and the
media measures of judicial performance. Courts web sites publishing
information about court activities related to the processing of personal data
in court (the court calendar of meetings, court proceedings and decisions of
others.) should be guided by expediency and proportionality and to ensure
the public of sensitive personal data protection, the confidentiality and
security. These rules are mandatory for all general and special jurisdiction
courts of the Republic of Lithuania. The Vilnius Regional Administrative
Court in its website the Vilnius Regional Administrative Court, information
on court activities to the general public and the media to rules issued by the
Vilnius Regional Administrative Court of 2010, 4 March Order no. T-25
(http://www.vaateismas.lt/lt/aptarnavimo-tvarka/informacijos-teikimotaisykles.html). Vilnius Regional Administrative Court, the assignment of
cases to judges in the use of information technology rules (Vilniaus
apygardos, 2010) is governed by the Vilnius Regional Administrative Court
and Administrative Cases of Administrative Violations of the assignment of
cases to judges using information technology. Governed by the rules for
automated assignment of cases to judges and judges of the Chambers of the
process so that the judge would be allocated according to the specifics of the
court, rules of procedure, the different types of cases and their
characteristics (eg, different number of judges in administrative matters considered individually or in college, and; so on.), the existing law. Rules
have been prepared in accordance with the Judicial Council in 2008 10
October Resolution (Teisėjų taryba, 2008).
In order to increasing openness to the public court to the Supreme
Administrative Court of Lithuania has been installed and there is actually a
computerized distribution of cases judges and objectively, without
exception, the distribution of all administrative matters. Access files with a
particular specialization of judges determined by a judge and a computer to
choose random numbers. This ensures complete transparency in the
78
allocation of cases to judges. Taking into account the wishes of the
population, and has a launched a new website of the court. This site has all
the regular information on court operations (Piličiauskas).
All these techniques increase the openness of the courts, but does not
perform the tasks of legal education of citizens. The analysis of Lithuanian
administrative courts site was found to be adequate depths and convenient
legal information not only for professional lawyers, but also ordinary
citizens who intend to defend or protect their interests in court, the Vilnius
Regional Administrative Court's website (http://www.vaateismas. com).
This site contains not only the necessary information about the court
structure, jurisdiction, functions, history, statistics and business area, where
judges and court personnel all phone numbers, but also useful advice on
how, during the time needed to go to court on the form provided by
complaint, which is accessing the file, order, and so on. Want to ask about
court procedures, the proposed section “Questions – Answers”. Web site
contains links to other Lithuanian courts, state agencies, pre-trial institutions
and the judiciary legislation. Website can be accessible for disabled people they are adapted to a specific version. Cover page and the information
available to foreigners - it is published also in English.
Lithuanian Supreme Administrative Court, the practice that the public
interest by the Republic of Lithuania Law on Administrative Procedure,
should be seen as what is objectively relevant, necessary, useful to society
or part of it. It should be noted that the public interest not to be regarded as
any legal person or group interest, but one that reflects and expresses the
fundamental values of society, which lays down, protect and defend the
Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania. Of the Administrative Courts of
Appeals shows that people who apply to the court, not always correctly
interpret the nature of public interest. In this case, an individual duty of
courts to assess whether a particular interest should be considered public, as
well as proper reasons for its decision. Public participation in decisionmaking in the public interest, the objects are closely related to the rule of
law, good administration, transparency principles. For many people the
opportunity to be informed, to participate in decision-making and to
challenge them in accordance with the fundamental issues of justice. Among
other things, it should be noted that transparency, public participation and
79
the right to challenge unlawful decisions of an independent and impartial
court action to reduce corruption and arbitrary decision-likelihood. The
public must have some assurance that the proper authorities to comply with
the public interest. Therefore, the administrative courts actively advocate for
greater public involvement in government decision taken by the review
process (Piličiauskas, 2011).
In order to find out the opinion of public, etc. every person of
Lithuania's position on public participation in the examination of
administrative cases of necessity, the Lithuanian Supreme Administrative
Court (SACL) has fulfilled a public online public opinion poll on public
representatives of the Lithuanian Institute of the implementation of the
administrative courts. The survey was SACL's website, 2011 August 19 - 16
October. Questionnaires, which consisted of 10 questions, 689 people
completed the online (Visuomenės atstovų...). The survey results showed
that 65% of respondents consider that an examination of public
representatives in administrative cases, 67% of respondents said that it
would increase public confidence in the Lithuanian administrative courts.
41% of respondents believe that the administrative cases involved public
hearing should be called a representative of the assessor, by 24% - by public
judge. 34% of the respondents have the opinion that public representatives
should be appointed (several candidates), certain specialists in the field
according to which category the file will be analysed, 27% - are selected at
random. The results of this analysis show that both the public participation
in administrative proceedings provided the necessary public legal education.
Conclusions
Administrative jurisdiction issues are complex concerning the
classification problem of the administrative violations; a separate
administrative process’s principles are differently implemented in a variety
of administrative matters, there is lack of the rule base level. Lithuanian
citizens have the right to full and truthful information about administrative
law and administrative process. Expression of the social technologies in law
is impossible without the use of ICT. The first steps in using public relations
and information technology activities of the courts have to go.
80
Lithuanian administrative courts employ for public conveyance the
web site tools. However, the focus on procedural information: the
distribution of cases, introductions to the work of the court schedules, files,
etc. etc., but very little is known about the characteristics of administrative
justice.
Ordinary person hardly could use the presented information; such
presentation of specialized information is useful mostly for advocates or
other types of lawyers. The researchers showed that public opinion believes
that in the administrative cases involved public hearing should be called a
representative of the assessor or by public judge. Such social technologies
could ensure the effective interaction between administrative courts and
public.
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82
Santrauka
Visuomenės informavimo principų įgyvendinimas
administracinėje justicijoje
Tatjana Bilevičienė, Mykolo Romerio universitetas, Lietuva
[email protected]
Eglė Bilevičiūtė, Mykolo Romerio universitetas, Lietuva
[email protected]
Tikslas – Išnagrinėti visuomenės informavimo principų įgyvendinimo
problematiką Lietuvos administracinėje justicijoje. Metodologija –
Dokumentų analizės metodas taikytas išnagrinėti teisės aktus,
reglamentuojančius Lietuvos administracinės justicijos subjektų veiklą ir
visuomenės informavimo principų taikymą. Lyginamuoju metodu
analizuojami visuomenės informavimo principų taikymo Lietuvos
administracinėje justicijoje metodai, šių metodų poveikis administracijos
justicijos subjektų uždarumo šalinimui informacinėje visuomenėje.
Statistiniai metodai taikomi administracinių bylų teismų praktikos statistinei
analizei. Rezultatai – Technologijų, darančių poveikį socialinei teisinei
praktikai, kriterijais galima laikyti paprastumą (technologija neturi būti
pernelyg sudėtinga), paslankumą, persitvarkomumą (prisitaikymas prie
kintančios socialinės teisinės aplinkos), patikimumą (pasikliovimas
technologijos patvarumo ištekliais), ekonomiškumą (technologija gali būti
paveiki, bet neekonomiška), panaudojimo patogumą (tinkamai sukurta
technologija taps nenaudinga, jei ji bus nepatogi žmonėms, kurie naudodami
ją turės dirbti). Socialinių technologijų raiška teisėje yra susijusi su
socialinių ir teisinių mokslo žinių būkle ir socialinės teisinės veiklos
efektyvumu, nulemtu tiek socialinių, tiek ir keliamų teisinių tikslų
siekiamais sprendimų visuomenėje būdais. Straipsnyje išnagrinėtas
visuomenės informavimo politikos įgyvendinimas ir informacijos
prieinamumas Lietuvos administracinės justicijos elektroninėje erdvėje.
Tyrimo ribotumas – Straipsnyje nagrinėjama tik Lietuvos administracinės
justicijos subjektų veikla. Praktinė reikšmė – Analizuojant administracinių
83
bylų teismų praktikos statistiką, galima pastebėti nagrinėjamų bylų skaičiaus
augimą. Atsižvelgiant į tai, kad administracinė justicija yra sudėtinga,
administracinių pažeidimų nagrinėjimas ir nuobaudų skyrimas galimas
vadovaujantis ATPK arba LR administracinės teisenos įstatymu, Lietuvos
piliečiams sudėtinga orientuotis šių teisės aktų normose. Tuo pat metu su
administracinės teisės pažeidimais dažniausiai susiduria kiekvienas pilietis.
Todėl visuomenės informavimas ir juridinis švietimas tarnauja pilietinės
visuomenės formavimui. Straipsnyje nagrinėjami administracinės justicijos
aspektai iki šiol nebuvo aptariami. Originalumas/Vertingumas – A.
Urmonas pabrėžia, kad socialinių technologijų implikacijos objektais gali
tapti socialiniai santykiai, socialiniai procesai, šių santykių ir procesų
pažinimo ir reguliavimo metodų bei priemonių (pažinimo ir reguliavimo
įrankių) sistema. Tačiau socialinių technologijų taikymas administracinėje
justicijoje Lietuvoje dar nėra plačiai išnagrinėtas. Lietuvoje kol kas įvyko
tik viena konferencija, kurioje šios problemos buvo aptariamos teoriškai.
Tyrimo tipas: tyrimo pristatymas, atvejo analizė, literatūros apžvalga.
Raktiniai žodžiai: administracinė justicija, visuomenės informavimo
principai, informacinė visuomenė.
84
Access to Legislation in Europe: Overview and Future Trends
Martynas Mockus, Mykolas Romeris Univeristy, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – The main purpose of the research is to explore EU and
EFTA member countries experience in electronic legislation development
(especially legislation processes of publishing acts in digital form officially)
and to identify the future trends of electronic legislation.
Design/methodology/approach – Based on:
a) Self-experience in development of Lithuanian legal acts register for
4 years;
b) “Good practice” review;
c) Information provided by Publication Office of European
Commission, and EU and EFTA member countries, regarding development
of digital access to legislation.
Findings – Based on the analysis and synthesis of the “good
practice”. The main result of the research is to identify how legislation
processes changes in EU and EFTA member countries and to propose some
guidelines for Pan-European information systems of legislation
development.
Research limitations/implications – Study is limited to one of the
electronic legislature process – public access to legislation. The study does
not analyze the technical issues of electronic legislation. The study covers
only European Union and European Free Trade Association member states
experience and future trends.
Practical implications – Results can be used to improve Lithuania’s
and other EU or EFTA member states national legislative framework.
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Broader approach will allow to the public, legislators and executive
officials re-evaluate the relevance of this topic.
Originality/Value – Guidelines was proposed for development of
Pan-European information systems of legislation.
Keywords: legislation, electronic legislation, Pan-European
information systems.
Research type: viewpoint, case study, general review.
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Application of Social Technologies in Knowledge
Management
Aelita Skaržauskienė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – This paper analyses the role of social technologies in
knowledge management. Within the new competitive situation, a critical
issue facing companies, is how to manage an unpredictable future. The
more uncertain the world is, the more companies must rely on creative
initiatives from the employees to be able to create the desired future. In the
knowledge-based company, the value added for the customers comes from
the communication among the members of the organization Effective
knowledge sharing depends on several factors like mentality, technology
availability and detectable personal advantage. The advent of the enterprise
2.0 phenomenon offers new opportunities to implement knowledge
management. Social technologies are becoming the preferred method of
communication of new generations and communication styles are evolving
into a more collaborative approach.
Design/Findings – Based on the analysis and synthesis of the
scientific literature a conceptual model of relationship between social
technologies and knowledge management was developed.
Research limitations/implications – Because of the chosen
conceptual research approach, the research results may lack empirical
evidences and generalizability. In order to generalize the research findings,
further research should include empirical data analysis.
Practical implications – The paper presents new management
practices for addressing complexity, uncertainty and changes of today's
business landscape. Social technology environments provide a simpler way
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to manage knowledge and allow to realize various interrelations and
working schemes in the organization.
Originality/value – Insights to the social technologies and knowledge
management approach was provided at the conceptual level and meaning of
social technologies was developed.
Keywords: social technology, enterprise 2.0, knowledge management,
knowledge sharing, collective intelligence
Research type: conceptual.
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Methodology at Studying Web Visibility of Key Political
Figures
Bulent Ozel, Istanbul Bilgi University, Turkey
[email protected]
Han Woo Park, Webometrics Institute, South Korea
[email protected]
Abstract
This study combines online image content analysis and text content
analysis deriving upon homepages of political figures of National Assembly
members in South Korea. In more details, the study attempts to explore
relations in between (1) types of facial expressions using the official
photographs on the members’ homepages, (2) textual contents of their selfpresented public profile again using the members’ homepages, (3) the
members’ socio-political-demographic attributes, and (4) their Web
visibility and link counts on popular Web sites. In the previous study, we
have examined the emotional content contained in facial pictures of South
Korean politicians. The data were collected from official homepages of
18th National Assembly members in South Korea. We classified the types
of facial expressions (smiling, frowning, no expression) using the official
photographs on the members’ homepages. Our analyses show that a smiling
image is the most prevalent facial expression on Web pages of South
Korean politicians regardless of distribution of their socio-politicaldemographic attributes. Furthermore, our analyses suggest that existence
and strength of a smiling image has statistically significant positive
correlation with politicians’ Web visibility counts. Opposition parties
significantly exhibit more prevalent frowning faces and expressionless faces
compared to ruling party. Besides, our findings hint that more experienced
politicians, contrary to their less experienced colleagues of similar
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generations, keep smiling. In this paper, we further explore textual contents
of the members’ homepages using co-word analysis techniques to see to
what extent textual contents are in align with facial expressions of posted
self images. In addition, having employed co-word analysis we attempt to
derive strategic diagram of 18th National Assembly based on clusters of
key phrases or words posted on the members’ homepages. This approach
allows us to investigate central and peripheral clusters of keywords and
their distribution as of the members’ socio-political-demographic attributes.
Purpose – The study aims to explore online data on political
practices. More specifically it aims to develop a methodology which
content analysis images and texts retrieved from the Web.
Design/methodology/approach – It collects and preprocesses image
and textual data. It extracts keywords from the textual data to form word cooccurrence relations. Then it applies clustering to determine debate issues.
Typification of issues and its relation to image types and socio-politicaldemographic of actors in politics is done using co-word analysis.
Findings – It is seen that a few number of issues dominate the online
debate rest of the issues remain peripheral and in isolation to major topics.
The findings based on the case data suggests that there is not any significant
relation in between type of facial expressions and type of issues posted on
politicians's personal Web pages.
Research limitations/implications – Current research is limited by
the categorization of facial expressions. Current study is limited to
differentiate smiling, frowning and expressionless mimics.
Practical implications – This work demonstrates how choice of
online images and issues opted by politicians can be examined
concurrently. Devised method which maps politicians to strategic diagrams
is promising and can be refined for more detail level analysis.
Originality/Value – The study is novel the way it attempts to relate
image and textual data retrieved from the Web to examine digital practices
in politics.
Keywords: Visual content analysis, emotional content analysis, online visibility, web-based campaigns, facial expressions, candidate websites, co-word analysis.
Research type : Research paper.
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Exploring Tweet Patterns to Identify and Analyse Online
Political Debates
Bülent Özel, Bilgi Üniversity Computer Science, Turkey
[email protected]
Savaş Yıldırım, Bilgi Üniversity Computer Science, Turkey
[email protected]
Arda Eren, Bilgi Üniversity Computer Science, Turkey
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – This research demonstrates a case on how Web 2.0 can be
used and analyzed to unlock online social and political data. In this
particular study, tweet patterns of a national level referendum on
constitution change in Turkey is explored. The referendum has taken place
in September 12, 2010. Tweet data on the subject has been extracted from
the Web. The data covers a week long tweets around the referendum date.
Design/methodology/approach – Debate issues around national
referendum is detected. The source of data is Tweeter micro-blogging site.
Issues are detected by parsing the keywords within the tweets. The most
important part of the methodology is applying natural language processing
techniques such as tokenization, stemming and part-of-speech tagging.
Wards agglomerative clustering algorithm is used to detect cluster of issues.
Besides, distribution of depth of re-tweets based on detected issues is
examined. An application which may conduct similar analysis for any
subject is developed
Findings – A set of debate topics are detected. The debates in tweets
are seen to differ from debates in main media. It is confirmed that word
similarity can be used to understand the meaning of the text.
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Research limitations/implications The main limitation is that tweet
data can contain noisy patterns, duplicate lines, informal language usage.
And the natural language used in tweet data are very informal. The first
phase of the study must face and cover this problem.
Practical implications – The study implies that how on-line data can
be used and analyzed to understand social and political issues.
Originality/Value – The originality is to use both natural language
processing and clustering algorithm on a specific social and political subject
such as referendum.
Keywords : Tweet patterns, Ward Agglomerative Clustering, Natural
Language Processing, Analysis on Social and Political data .
Research type: Research paper.
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“Government to Employee” (G2E ) Partnership Model:
Reasonable Literature Gap or New Field for Research?
Gintarė Paražinskaitė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Alvydas Baležentis, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose: to formulate theoretical backgrounds for further researches
in field of government to employee model and motivate theoretical and
practical importance of the G2E model for human resource management in
public sector and other related theoretical disciplines/ practical fields.
Design/methodology/approach: in order to identify empirical studies
with “Government to…” or “Business to Employee” models as main focus,
we used a scholarly Internet search engine (scholar.google.com) and several
online data basis that cover all leading journals, conference materials and
other research works in the fields of human resource and general
management, public administration especially e-government field. The
received results were summarized and with the help of analogy method the
essential elements were determined.
Findings: the summary of “Government to…” or “Business to
Employee” models related results showed the essential elements and
success factors that with the help of analogy method can be used for initial
construction of “Government to Employee” model.
Research limitations/implications: The article is based on the
theoretical analysis of other theoretical articles or empirical researches.
Practical implications: the results of the research help to form a
wider understanding about possibilities of G2E model in human resource
management of public sector.
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Originality/Value: G2E had not been researched widely yet, the gap
of literature exists. The chosen subject is definitely new and can be a
direction for future researches.
Keywords: e-government, human resource management, government
to employee model (G2E)
Research type: general overview, viewpoint.
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Session 3
Moderator – Dalė Dzemydienė
Lithuania
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Heterogeneous Service Support and Perspectives in Vehicular
Communication Networks
Dalė Dzemydienė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Mindaugas Kurmis, Vilnius University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Arūnas Andziulis, Klaipėda University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose of the paper is to investigate road transport safety
management capabilities through multiple communication services, to
assess their integration capabilities and prospects in vehicle communication
networks with changing topology. There is solving problems associated
with the connection assurance between the vehicles, when the sender and
the receiver are moving in the opposite directions in highway.
Design/methodology/approach: the experiment was conducted with
the simulation software package NCTUns 6.0 which was working in
Fedora 12 Linux operating system. During the experiments it is simulated
vehicular ad-hoc wireless communication network (VANET), in which one
vehicle transmits the data to another vehicle in ad-hoc manner. The
experiment was carried with vehicles number varying from 10 to 100, in
order to determine the influence of number if nodes for the data
transmission efficiency. Sender and receiver nodes are moving at high
speed (130 km/h) in the opposite directions. The remaining nodes are
moving at different speeds from 90 km/h to 150 km/h, while the number
under the direction of motion is spread evenly. The data is sent from node
number 4 to node number 11. Communication protocol is 801.11b, and it is
used the multi-hop data transfer mode. Data transmitted using the UDP
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protocol, and a packet size - 1000 bytes. Simulation is carried out for 60
seconds. During the experiments it was evaluated the efficiency of
transmission - download rates, upload rates, packet rejection, packet
collisions, with different number of nodes in the communication network.
The experiments based on the assumption that the communication time
between the sender and the recipient, amount of collisions and the number
of rejected packets is directly proportional to the number of vehicles
(nodes) on the network.
Findings: the results illustrate that the longest communication can be
maintained at the maximum number of vehicles participating on the
network, but the quality of communication is inversely proportional to the
number of vehicles. On this changing topology network when growing
number of nodes (vehicles) it is increasing flooding of network with the
data packages and it determines many collisions. The number of rejected
packages increases directly in proportion to the number of vehicles. When
number of nodes (vehicle) increases – it is increasing the number of the
received same packages which is received from different nodes in the
recipient node. On the sender node, the packages are rejected because the
collisions occur due to improperly functioning access channel allocation
mechanisms. It can be concluded that the routing protocols created for a
normal MANET networks is useless in a fast-changing topology largescale vehicle communication networks. To provide quality road safety
assurance and multimedia services it is need for the new routing protocols
and channel access methods, specifically for vehicle communication
networks.
Research limitations/implications: limitations of the investigation
consist of the fact that the experiments were carried out using only the
AODV ad-hoc routing protocol and using the 802.11b communication
protocol. In order to get a broader picture, the experiment can be extended
to include other proactive, reactive and hybrid (ADV, DSDV, AORP et al.)
routing protocols for the fast changing topology vehicle communication
networks. Also, it would be good improvement to use different empirical
models of directional antennas during the simulation.
Practical implications: heterogeneous service providing research in
the fast changing topology vehicular communication networks is important
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because expansion and integration of this intelligent transport systems
platform for use in vehicular environment would greatly improve traffic
safety and reduce injuries on the road and at the same time the trips would
be more comfortable.
Originality/Value: this investigation is important because it is very
little scientific work that has addressed the problems associated with
communication quality between the vehicles the sender when they are
moving in opposite directions in a highway, where the network topology
varies very rapidly, and where the number of nodes can be from one to
several hundred in the kilometer.
Keywords: VANET, vehicular communication networks, road safety,
information, multimedia service, routing, ad-hoc networks.
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Review of Project Management Tools
Martynas Kabalinskas, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose: to review tools for project management, identify benefits
and weaknesses, formulate guidelines for project management software
from consumer view.
Methodology: experiment that will test the project management tools,
ranging from elementary paper and pencil to computer software systems.
The main research subjects are project managers and project staff involved
in relation to the selected activities of the project management tool.
Findings: guidance, vision for project management software
developers from different project management tools review, review of
experimented tools, which will be summarized for the strengths and
weaknesses. Suggestions for project managers to choose the right tool,
leading to successful project management.
Research limitations: limited opportunity to test tools of project
management implemented as modules in the business management systems
as the research environment is not adapted to it.
Practical implications: study will be conducted in real projects,
which will be used for different management tools and is intended to
establish best practices within the company to ensure proper use of tools for
project management and effective project implementation / management.
Value: the feedback to system developers with the advantages and
disadvantages from end users point of view as this study will be transmitted
which will effect creation of new tools for project management.
Keywords: project management, tools for project management,
software for project management, project manager.
Research type: case study.
99
Application of Interoperable Interaction of Intellectual Agents
for Analysis of Physiological Parameters
Dalė Dzemydienė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Gediminas Gricius, Mykolas Romeris University, Vilnius University,
Lithuania
[email protected]
Antanas Andrius Bielskis, Klaipėda Universitety, Lithuania
Abstract
E-health system is multi- componential integrated system, which has
a multilayered design possibilities, and different types of customer service.
The designing of human health-oriented intelligent information system is
one of the most complex and important issues at this time. Such systems
include a variety of functional components, such as management,
monitoring, diagnosis, through which the system is able to extract human
physiological parameters and analyze and interpret theme using various
extraction methods. In intelligent systems design is important environment
in which software components performing intellectual activities. This
environment includes: software agents operating purposes, the rules under
which they operate, facts, data base which collects information about the
patients physiological parameters.
Purpose of the paper - investigate existing interaction techniques in
the multi agent systems and offer its operating principles realizing method,
which would allowed combine the knowledge representation and
recognition components capable of providing e-health services based on
physiological parameter identification and interpretation.
Design/methodology/approach: software agents rarely are
autonomous systems, they often exist together and interact with each other.
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Their communication and collaboration - are actual and widely discussed
subject, because multi agent systems are modern and allows new
possibilities for the development of intelligent systems.
Findings: the obtained results illustrate the appropriateness of the
chosen method, which allowed the development of a multi agent
interaction technique, providing electronic services in e. health domain.
Physiological parameters description method allows a partial human state
diagnosis and interpretation of physiological parameters to define the
groups of the taken samples and their clustering capabilities.
Research limitations/implications: we are analyzing only the
specific physiological parameters (those which our sensors allow to read).
So that doesn’t allow to do complete analysis of human health.
Practical implications: biological feedback - is a way for the patient
to obtain information about his physiological state, for the purposes to
investigate, or to control several aspects of health.
Originality/Value: literature review has allowed to evaluate a multi
agent system design challenges associated with developing of knowledge
management systems. For this objective we have chosen a integrated smart
and goal based intelligent agents interaction model, which has a much
better diagnostic performance and coordination properties.
Keywords: intelligent information systems, multi agent system, smart
sensors, distributed data warehouse, sensors, physiological parameters.
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Analysis of Automated Evaluation Methods of Computer
Programs Designed by Students
Jūratė Skūpienė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Bronius Skūpas, Vilnius University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – The authors of this paper are involved in the research of
the automated evaluation of computer programs designed by high-school
students during informatics contests and the maturity exam of informatics.
A similar evaluation has to be performed at universities by the lectures
teaching basics of programming. The purpose of this paper is to investigate
the automated evaluation of computer programs designed by the students
which are applied at the universities, and to analyse the suitability of such
methods for evaluation of computer programs designed by high school
students at informatics contests and the maturity exam of informatics.
Design/methodology/approach – Literature overview and
comparative analysis are the main approaches used in this paper.
Findings – The educational and technical goals of evaluation (derived
from the educational ones) of computer programs at the university level are
different from those in informatics contests and the maturity exam.
Therefore the majority of approaches applied at universities in the opinion
of the authors cannot be easily transferred to informatics contests or
maturity exam. We identified two areas where such transfer might be
possible. These are automated evaluation of programming style and
plagiarism detection.
Research limitations/implications – The experience of automated
evaluation of programming style as well as plagiarism detection applied at
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the universities has a potential to be transferred to informatics contests and
the maturity exam in informatics, however the universities may ask their
students to apply specific programming style, while informatics contests
should accept a very broad range of reasonable programming styles.
Additional investigation is required to answer the question in which way
and to which extent the experience gained at the universities can be applied
in informatics contests and the maturity exam.
Practical implications – This paper is a step towards developing a
fair and motivated evaluation scheme in informatics contests and the
maturity exam. The paper would be useful for the researchers as it gives
guidelines for future research.
Originality/Value – Informatics contests and the maturity exams
involve the majority of high school students interested in computer science
in Lithuania and may influence them to choose and study computer science
at the university. Therefore it is very important in those events to apply fair
and motivated evaluation. To the knowledge of the authors this is the first
paper analyzing the suitability of automated evaluation methods applied at
the university level to be applied for the evaluation at high school level in
particular in informatics contests and maturity exam in informatics.
Keywords: automated evaluation, programming assignments,
programming courses, informatics contests.
Research type: literature review.
103
Perspectives of Sesion Inicialization Protocol as Universal
Communication Bus in Mobile Networks
Dalė Dzemydienė, Mykolas Romeris Universitety, Lithuania
[email protected]
Ramūnas Dzindzalieta, Vilnius University, Lithuania,
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – To propose an approach for information transporting
between moving objects and provide programming support for ecxtension
possibilities of SIP protocol, as a universal communication bus.
Design/methodology/approach – This paper describes methodology
for the session initiation protocol application as a universal communication
bus in wireless environments.
Findings – The system supported communicate between
homogeneous distributed entities. To ensure of the communication will be
classifying entities. Let us examination how entities need to be adapted to
connect them to the sip communicate bus.
Practical implications – The methods and software for Wireless
Systems allows you to share most of the possible data formats (eg text,
images or voice), provides information about the state of the object in real
time. The main advantage is the extensible architecture so that you can get
the data to a mobile phone through web services. In this way, we try to
solve the data integration of heterogeneous systems and compatibility
issues. Moving to communication protocols for wireless devices for the
system description, the session considered Initiation Protocol (SIP)
extension options.
Originality/Value - The present investigation is important because it
is very little scientific work that has solved the problems associated with
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communication between different devices at a single protocol, in this case,
the session initiation protocol.
Keywords: secion inicialization protocol (SIP), mobile technology,
data transfer.
105
Indicators Influencing the Usability of Public E-services
Ramute Naujikienė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – Improve the efficiency of e-service use. Encourage
citizens to use public e-services.
Findings – Introducing the indicators of public e-service access and
usage of quality of e-service.
Research limitations/implications – Broad topic, changing over
time. Examined selected aspects of the author: quality of access keyindicators (infrastructure, availability, awareness, cost) quality of service
key-indicators (technical aspects, privacy, content, usability, customer
friendly).
Practical implications – The article describes main problems for real
situation evaluation of public administration e-services applicability for
citizens of Lithuania by analyzing complex set of indicators in the area of
ICT implementation and adaptability in relation with e-service accessibility.
When analyzing the problems of effective realization of e-governance
services some issues become important: the feedback relationships
evaluation according to the ICT accessibility for citizens, the
interoperability of information systems and databases, implementation
activities of ICT. The rationally organized integrated infrastructure of
distributed systems requires additional means and components for
supporting the safe communication possibilities. The organizational
activities have been maintained on the national and inter-European levels
and software programs must follow the requirements of standards that speed
up the realization of e-public services. Interoperability requirements of the
distributed public administration systems concern physical, semantic and
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socio-organizational interoperability levels. The effective hotspots of eservice systems and applicable integrated interfaces for consumers influence
the popularity of these systems and take dividends for the growing
economic value in the development of public administration services or the
portal of e-government. However the analysis of statistical indicators of epublic services don not show the good picture on the effectiveness of ICT
applicability in Lithuania.
Indicators influencing the public provided e-service use levels which
may have a positive impact on the current situation in Lithuania.
Originality/Value – Public services have to evaluate the impact of
their strategies on the customers and have to consider the new emerging
needs and expectations for electronic services in the future. Introducing the
indicators of public e-service access and usage of quality of e-service.
Keywords: E-public services, quality of service, e-government.
Research type: Literature review, research paper, general review.
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Wikipedia as space for social responsible activity
Mykolas Okulič-Kazarinas, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Corporate Social Responsibility (hereinafter – CSR) is a complex
issue, there is uncertainty how CSR should be defined. Furthermore, CSR
has been broadened to Social Responsibility (hereinafter – SR) including
other stakeholders: NGO’s, governmental agencies, etc. Stakeholders are
facing difficulties in choosing socially responsible ways executing their
activities. Accordingly, customers (and other stakeholders) have difficulties
in evaluating the SR aspirations of corporations. Every actor of SR activity
is operating in global information area. Almost 15% of global internet users
are visiting Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia) each day. It is difficult to
overstate the significance of Wikipedia to communities. Therefore,
opportunities provided by Wikipedia to the socially responsible business are
worthy of separate studies.
Purpose: The study attempts to propose a model to evaluate the
development of Wikipedia in terms of SR.
Design: Development of a conceptual model.
Findings: The study presents a model that helps to evaluate the social
responsible effects emerged due to the development of Wikipedia. The
study includes proposals for the ways of socially responsible activities and
their indicators.
Research limitations: Study is limited to building of qualitative
system dynamics model and taking proposals based on it.
Practical implications: Study results can be useful for corporations
and other stakeholders (who apply the suggested model) they could
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supplement their strategies and business plans with socially responsible
ways of activities and choose transparent indicators for it.
Value: There is unsettled understanding of the concept of social
responsibility. The study examines longer chain of causality how
development of Wikipedia can achieve the objectives of SR. It is proposed
to perform the actions that have not so visible social responsible effect.
Investing to the social networks can be especially effective because of
synergistic effect. Wikipedia is an open and free global information system.
From value created in Wikipedia can benefit all social groups, both in local
and in global sense.
Keywords: social responsibility, indicators of social responsibility,
corporate social responsibility, social networks, Wikipedia.
Research type: conceptual paper
109
Privacy and Personal Data Protection in Cloud Based
Computer Systems. Challenges and Possible Solutions
Marius Kalinauskas, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – To analyze problematic aspects of personal data usage and
security risks in cloud based computer systems.
Design/methodology/approach – The report discusses problematic
issues of privacy and data protection in cloud computing and problems
related to outdated legal regulations which do not comply with current
technologies and business needs. This report is based on comparison and
analysis of scientific articles, legal acts and possible technical/legal
solutions which could help to increase security of personal data in cloud
based computer systems and to bring clearness in legal regulation of this
problematic issue.
Findings – Cloud computing technology is already being used in
various plots starting from business and ending up with public sector. IT
companies all around the world announce their own cloud-based projects
which may change the perception to products and services for daily work
and entertainment. Cloud computing may have many advantages comparing
it to more traditional computer-human (client-server) approach. Despite that
fact, strengths of cloud based computer systems also have the weaknesses
looking from the privacy and personal data protection standpoint.
Technology enables to store data in the cloud – the big network of servers
which is exchanging and distributing information among its members.
Different parts of data blocks may be resolved through different countries
and continents within seconds and third party service providers may have
access to sensitive information. Legal regulation of privacy and data
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protection varies depending form the country, region or continent, but
distribution of data makes question of legal jurisdiction unclear and data
protection methods – insufficient. Combination of legal, technical and
ethical measures may help to reduce risk of tampering personal data, but
solution of this puzzle requires consensus between concerned parties,
financial resources and adequate attention from legislation institutions.
Research limitations / implications – Law goes slower than the
technology. Old methods of regulating relations between different subjects
are not always adequate in current situation. There are articles, in which
problems related to personal data protection in cloud computing are
discussed. The biggest limitation of solving the problem is the lack of
cooperation between service providers, users and legislative institutions.
Theoretically, there are technical measures which could help to increase
security of personal data in cloud based computer systems, but they are very
expensive and still do not protect cloud service users from possible data
mining, manipulating information or selling it to other subjects. Different
states (regions) cannot find common legal privacy and personal data
protection model. That makes it difficult to protect personal and business
interests in the field of law.
Practical implications – Creating or renewing legal protection rules
may help to facilitate cloud service usage. Legal rules and policies may
prevent illicit activities and identify those responsible for inappropriate
usage of personal data. While legislative institutions delay taking
responsibility for adequate personal data protection regulation, cloud based
service providers move ahead without common consensus about unified
policies with sensitive data. Creating these policies or renewing legal
regulation could help to ensure adequate protection level for personal data.
Originality/Value – There are scientists who discuss the problem of
personal data protection in cloud based computer systems. However, there
is no unified model which could be reliable in resolving of this complicated
issue. Author of the report suggests new approach towards personal data
regulations in cloud based computer systems which could be implemented
in legal acts.
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Keywords: Privacy, personal data protection, cloud computing,
information technologies, data protection regulation, security of the data,
privacy in cloud computing
Research type: Viewpoint, conceptual paper, literature review,
general review.
112
Aspects of Using Open Source Enterprise Resource Planning
(ERP) Systems
in the Business Management
Eugenijus Jasiunas, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose: The most of the software applications used in the business
processes management is typically offered as ‘closed source’ software. This
means that users can operate the software, but are not licensed to inspect,
modify or improve it. At the other hand, open source software (OSS) is
generally free, the main cost being its configuration, and support. So OSS
has gained increasing popularity and utilization in commercial and
governmental organizations. But OSS raises two unique risks: the risk of
infringement and the risk of license restriction. It is important to recognize
that the infringement risk is inherent in all open sources. The purpose of
article is to determine the opportunities to use of open source ERP systems
for managing business processes, as well as the scopes of liability. This
paper identifies the gap and suggests future research directions about this
subject.
Methodology: Methodology is based on comparative analysis of
literature, discusses the author's works, the practical examples, the
conclusions and suggestions and the author's personal experience.
Highlighted the main aspects of the adaptation of ERP systems to specific
business requirements, bugs tracking, qualified support opportunities,
liability issues of system designers, installers and users.
Findings: In summary specifies the main problems of the usage and
development of open source ERP systems and recommendations for their
decisions.
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Research limitations: ERP design, development, implementation,
adaptation is quite difficult and wide theme. This article provides an
overview of common problems in this area, referring to one of the most
popular ERP system-Open ERP.
Practical implications: Open source ERP systems are nowadays
equal competitors of traditional proprietary applications, and offer
affordable solutions for organizations with limited budgets. During the
study was to analyze the practical aspects of the Open ERP installation in
businesses. This paper identifies the gap and suggests future research
directions about this subject.
Originality: During the study was proven implementation
methodology, technologies for creation new modules, new modules test
system, developers’ community co-operation system.
Keywords: Open source ERP, Open ERP, proprietary and open
source ERP.
114
Session 4
Moderator – Natalja Kosareva
Vilnius Gediminas Technocal University,
Lithuania
115
Qualitative Comparative Analysis of Employment in CIS and
Some European Countries
Dzhonona Mukhiddinova, Technological University of Tajikistan, Tajikistan
[email protected]
Natalja Kosareva, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – Knowledge in employment field is fundamental in
economy of any country and mostly defines it’s development. In connection
with financial crisis situation on the labor market has become strained, so
there is a need for theoretical research on employment/unemployment
analysis. In order to carry statistical analysis and reveal socioeconomic
factors influencing employment a qualitative comparative analysis will be
discussed in present article.
Design/methodology/approach – A number of socioeconomic
factors related to several CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States)
countries and some European countries have been used for comparative
qualitative analysis by using minimization on Boolean data set. The
software used for the analysis were TOSMANA and fsQCA programs. The
methodology of crisp sets was applied to the data.
Findings – The solutions for positive and negative employment
outcomes were derived. Sufficient and necessary conditions of employment
in the investigated countries were revealed.
Research limitations/implications – As all the data was
dichotomized in the beginning of the computation, some information was
lost according to the methodology.
Practical implications – As a result common formulas with factors
conditioning employment in the investigated countries were obtained. The
116
results enable to formulate a proposition for the conditions which are
necessary for increasing the employment level of the country and vise versa
– the conditions which prevent decreasing of the employment level. Thus
such approach will allow making conclusions on how different
socioeconomic factors affect the employment in the given countries.
Originality/Value – In our knowledge qualitative comparative
analysis wasn’t yet applied for the data concerned with employment in CIS
countries.
Keywords: Boolean algebra, necessary and sufficient conditions,
Qualitative Comparative Analysis, counterfactual methods.
Research type: research paper
Introduction
Employment is a general economical category, which is typical for
all social and economical structures. As we know employment inseparably
links people with their working activity such as production, services,
distribution and consumption of materials. The employment characteristics
and the use of working potential of society represent not only economical,
but also governmental interest in the sphere of labor.
The aim of the article is the preliminary findings of a research
exploring the impact of the main macroeconomic indicators on the
employment level in Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and some
European countries.
The research will help answer the questions why in some European
countries employment is higher than in CIS members and what are the
factors employment depends on. Consequently, the particular focus of the
paper is on the employment level and what factors appear to be associated
with this. In doing so, Charles Ragin’s method of Qualitative Comparative
Analysis (QCA) has been applied to the study of employment in CIS and
some European countries. Data has been collected from internet sources
(Eurostat, 2009; Central Intelligence Agency, 2009; The World bank
reports, 2009; IOM, 2009, CISSTAT, 2009). In one of the first published
applications of QCA in political science (Berg-Schlosser, 1994) tested
117
several major hypotheses on the conditions of the breakdown or survival of
democratic political systems in Interwar Europe. One of the hypotheses
tested was the influence of the four socioeconomic variables discussed by
Lipset (wealth, industrialization, education and urbanization) in his article
(Lipset, 1959).
Theoretical background
Quantitative statistical methods (such as regression analysis) are not
the best choice for our investigation because a lack of data. When number of
cases is less than 20, QCA is better instrument for data analysis. Other cause
opposite statistical methods is that variables in our investigation are not
normally distributed. Statistical methods can’t give answer to the question:
“What are reasons of low employment level in some CIS countries?”
If we raise the hypothesis that high socioeconomic level of the
country determines high employment level, then another question arises:
“Why employment level is high in the developing countries such as
Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan?” QCA is capable to reveal causes of such
phenomenon.
QCA was first introduced to the social sciences by Charles Ragin
with his book (Ragin, 1987) where he sought to move beyond the
qualitative-quantitative gap, by introducing a new method to combine the
strengths and to reduce the problems of either approach. This resulted in
Qualitative Comparative Analysis – QCA. The main goal of QCA is to
reduce the complexity of data sets by using Boolean algebra. Since 1987
several software programs have been created to implement this method.
The program fsQCA and its parent QCA were developed by Charles
Ragin and others (Ragin, 2000; Ragin, 2004; Ragin, 1996; Rihoux and De
Meur, 2009) to aid the investigation of causal complexity across multiple
cases, especially studies involving a small or intermediate number of cases.
This approach allows the combination of qualitative and quantitative data
and the assessment of a cases membership in all possible logical
combinations of causal factors described by presence, absence or (in
fsQCA) partial membership of selected causal conditions. Results are
118
presented as Boolean equations, allowing minimization leading to
nominated outcomes.
fs/QCA (Ragin, 2000) is the most frequently used software to
perform QCA. It covers all the procedures to perform a standard crisp-sets
or fuzzy-sets analysis. New algorithms have been introduced since the first
version QCA and more powerful computers allowed extending the
limitations regarding the number of conditions to be treated simultaneously.
With fs/QCA a graphic user interface (windows style) was used for the first
time, and the 12 variable limit of QCA was overcome.
Other program Tosmana (Tool for Small-N Analysis), (Cronqvist,
2011) also implements classical Boolean algebra. It allows crisp-sets and
multi-value analyses and offers some original visualization tools such as the
Venn diagram.
Research methodology
The main goal of research is to explore emloyment level and to make
comparative analysis between CIS and some European countries. To make
the research crisp-sets QCA method by using Boolean algebra (Bender,
2005) was chosen. In csQCA a case is either in or out of a set, and QCA
uses binary-coded data, with 1 indicating membership and 0 indicating non
membership.
Most commonly, QCA is used in macroeconomical study to
investigate under which conditions positive or negative outcomes are
realised. The traditional causal application of the method is based on
selecting one of the variables used in the analysis as the outcome or
dependent variable (emloyment in our case). Subsequently, all other
independent variables (JVR1, GDP2, industry, investment, agriculture,
migration rate, average salary) are analysed in relation to the selected one,
with the purpose of explanation the outcome, they are called causal
conditions or independent variables. Our idea is that high level of economic
development enhances the chances of a sustainable emloyment. We have
1
2
JVR – Job Vacancy Rate
GDP – Gross Domestic Product
119
15 cases (countries) for the analysis (each case being a row in Table 1). The
following variables were chosen for investigation:
 JVR – measures the percentage of vacant posts, as defined below,
compared with the total number of occupied and unoccupied posts; it is
calculated as follows: JVR = number of job vacancies/(number of
occupied posts + number of job vacancies) * 100.
 GDP – is measured by the Gross Domestic Product in USD per
capita.
 Industry – refers to the industrial production within an economy in
USD per capita.
 Agriculture – refers to the production of agriculture in USD per
capita.
 Investment – records total business spending on factories,
machinery, equipment, dwellings and inventories which provide the basis
for future production. Gived in USD per capita.
 Average salary – is monthly salary in USD per capita.
 Migration rate – this entry includes the figure for the difference
between the number of persons entering and leaving a country during the
year per 1000 persons.
 Employment3 – is calculated as percentage of persons aged 15 to 64
in employment in the labor force of the same age group.
We can’t involve more than 5 causal conditions in analysis, because it
will lead to the increasing number of logically possible but unobserved
cases.
High bivariate correlation coeficients (more than 0,92) between GDP
and Average Salary and also between Industry and Investment exibited that
some variables are redundant and we must leave 2 from these 4 variables
(we leaved more informative GDP and Industry).
Of the above macroeconomic indicators influencing employment for
QCA we‘ll deal with five variables (JVR, GDP, Industry, Agriculture and
3Traditionally employment is percentage of persons aged 15 to 64 in employment in the
total population of the same age group, but our definition of employment is somewhat
opposite to unemployment level
120
Migration Rate). The main macroeconomic indicators (before reduction) are
presented in Table 1.
COUNTRY
JVR
Industry $ per
capita
Agriculture $
per capita
Investment $
per capita
Aver_sal $
per month
GDP $ per
capita
Migr_rate
Employment
Table 1. The main macroeconomic indicators influencing employment
(2009).
Austria
Germany
Italy
Netherlands
Belgium
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Latvia
Lithuania
Ukraine
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Tajikistan
Uzbekistan
1.40
2.20
0.60
1.50
1.80
0.09
0.16
1.25
0.20
0.40
0.41
0.21
0.37
0.57
0.25
11797
10247
7615
10035
8125
2759
6540
6066
3168
4464
2251
5436
568
460
1023
606
828
572
1048
260
1077
567
1278
584
544
630
686
539
380
679
8403
6176
5839
7133
7568
1915
1842
4978
2628
2576
1280
3200
570
412
620
2978
2853
2127
2803
2962
306
361
348
572
490
216
506
132
80
149
40400
34500
30100
40300
37100
5700
10900
13600
14600
16000
6700
12700
2200
2000
3100
1.81
0.54
4.86
2.33
1.22
-3.76
-1.14
0.38
-2.33
-0.72
-0.09
-3.27
-2.60
-1.24
-2.74
95.20
92.30
92.20
95.20
92.10
90.00
94.00
95.00
81.60
82.20
88.00
93.40
82.00
80.00
80.00
In order to use Boolean algebra as a technique of qualitative
comparison, it is necessary to reconstruct a raw data matrix as a truth table.
However, the 5 variables that are supposed to “explain” the outcome, which
are called conditions in QCA terminology, are continuous (intervallevel)
variables. To be used in csQCA, those original conditions must be
dichotomized according to relevant thresholds. To dichotomize conditions,
it is best to use empirical (case-based) and theoretical knowledge. In our
analysis we have chosen to set the dichotomization thresholds as follows:
JVR = 1; Industry = 6000; Agriculture = 600; GDP = 12000;
Migration rate = -0,09;
Employment = 91.
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These thresholds are set more or less arbitrarily, it depends on the
economical logic and consistency of truth table. In the case of inconsistent
data in the truth table it is advisable to change the corresponding threshold
and solve this problem.
Thus, both different combinations of dichotomized input values and
their associated output values (employment) are summarized in Table 2.
COUNTRY
JVR
INDUSTRY
AGRICULT
GDP
MIGR_Rate
Employment
Table 2. Dichotomized data represented as truth table.
Austria
Germany
Italy
Netherlands
Belgium
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Latvia
Lithuania
Ukraine
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Tajikistan
Uzbekistan
1
1
0
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
1
1
1
0
1
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
Differently from Boolean logic truth table QCA truth table in the
result column hasn‘t true value of formula, but it has value of the outcome
variable. For example, formula for Lithuania could be written as follows:
~jvr*~indusrty*~agriculture*gdp*~migr_rate=~employment.
122
The full truth table would have 2k rows (where k represents the
number of causal conditions, k = 5 in our case), reflecting all possible
combinations of causal conditions.
In our truth table we have only 9 different combinations of observed
causal conditions and additionally there could be 23 different combinations
of unobserved conditions. Latter combinations are the so-called
counterfactual conditions. They describe logically possible, but really
unobserved situation.
Results and findings
At first we applied Boolean minimization rules for observed cases
only. As the result of our analysis we obtained complex solutions for both
positive and negative outcome values. In the formula below variable name
expresses that variable‘s value is equal to 1, if the name is preceeded by the
wave (~), this represents that variable’s value is equal to 0. For example:
employment – represents high level of employment, ~employment – low
level of employment and so on.
We obtained the following minimized formula for positive complex
solution (Formula 1):
JVR*Industry*GDP* Mig_rate
(Austria, Germany, Netherlands,
Belarus + Belgium)
~JVR*Industry*~Agricult*~GDP
*~Mig_rate
(Azerbaijan)
+ Industry*~Agricult*GDP*
Mig_rate
(Italy + Belgium)
+
+ ~JVR*~Industry*Agricult*GDP
*~Mig_rate
(Kazakhstan)
The complex solution for positive outcomes gives 4 main ways to
reach high employment level. For example, the main one, relevant to
Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Belarus and Belgium is to have high levels
of industry and GDP, high percentage of vacant posts and immigration rate
exceeding emigration rate. Italy and Belgium have very similar sub formula,
but Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have other factors, influencing high
123
employment level. In Azerbaijan it is only high industry level, but in
Kazakhstan we see 2 factors – high GDP and agriculture levels. The
complex solution for negative outcomes is as follows (Formula 2):
~JVR*~Industry*~Agricult*~Mig_ra
te
(Latvia, Lithuania + Kyrgyzstan,
Tajikistan)
+ ~JVR*~Industry*Agricult*~GD
P
(Armenia, Uzbekistan +
Ukraine)
There are 2 main reasons for negative outcomes and they are not
overlapping. The first one for Latvia, Lithuania, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
associated with low industry and agriculture levels, lack of free job
vacances and emigration higher than immigration. Other possibility,
involving Armenia, Uzbekistan and Ukraine where is rather high level of
agriculture, but low GDP, industry and lack of free job vacances.
The problem with Formulas 1 to 2 is that they are still quite
complex: relatively little parsimony has been achieved. To achieve more
parsimony it is necessary to allow the software to include non-observed
cases, called “logical remainders”. Only a tiny proportion of the logical
property space is occupied by empirical cases: from the 32 potential
configurations (=25, as there are 5 conditions), only 9 correspond to
observed cases. Thus, the 23 logical remainders (= 32 minus 9) constitute a
pool of potential cases that can be used by the software to produce a more
parsimonious minimal formula. Thus, we obtained the following minimized
formula for positive parsimonious solution (Formula 3):
Industry
(Austria, Germany,
Netherlands, Belarus + Italy +
Belgium + Azerbaijan)
+
Agricult*GDP
(Austria, Germany, Netherlands,
Belarus + Kazakhstan)
Parsimonious solution for positive outcomes gives 2 main
approaches to reach high employment level. First one, relevant to Austria,
Germany, Netherlands, Belarus, Italy, Belgium and Azerbaijan is to have
124
high level of industry. Another approach relevant Austria, Germany,
Netherlands, Belarus and Kazakhstan is to have high levels of agriculture
and GDP.
Parsimonious solution for negative outcomes is as follows (Formula
4):
~Industry*~GDP
+
(Armenia, Uzbekistan + Ukraine+
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan)
~Industry*~Agricult
(Latvia, Lithuania + Kyrgyzstan,
Tajikistan)
From above Formula 4 we have two parsimonious negative sub
formulas. The first one is associated with low industry and GDP levels,
which is relevant to Armenia, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Kyrgystan and
Tajikistan. Other sub formula, involving Latvia, Lithuania, Kyrgyzstan and
Tajikistan where low industry and agriculture are existing.
Analysis of necessary conditions
The consistency of necessary condition X is equal to the ratio of
number of cases for which X and Y are both equal to 1 to the number of
cases for which Y (outcome) is equal to 1. The coverage of necessary
condition X is equal to ratio of number of cases for which X and Y are both
equal to 1 to the number of cases for which X is equal to 1. Only conditions
with consistency value equal to 1 are considered as necessary. The coverage
column display a numerical expression of the empirical importance of a
necessary condition. The higher the coverage value the more empirically
important is a necessary condition. Low coverage values, in turn, indicate
that the condition under investigation is a trivial necessary condition (Ragin,
2006b; Goertez, 2006a).
The result of the analysis of necessary conditions for positive
outcomes are displayed in Table 3. Since no one condition has consistency
equal to 1, there are any necessary conditions for positive employment
value. Closest to necessary condition is industry, which has consistency
0.875 and coverage 1. Kazakhstan is the unique country, for which industry
is equal to 0 and employment equals to 1.
125
Table 3. Outcome variable: employment
Conditions tested:
JVR
Industry
Agriculture
GDP
Mig_rate
Consistency
Coverage
0.625000
0.875000
0.625000
0.875000
0.750000
1.000000
1.000000
0.625000
0.777778
0.857143
The results of the analysis of necessary conditions for negative
outcomes are displayed in Table 4. Two consistency scores are clearly 1.00.
As a result we do consider, that two conditions are necessary for the
outcome ‘low level of employment‘ - ~JVR and ~Industry. However one of
these conditions ~JVR isn‘t involved in parsimonious solution for negative
outcomes because of it‘s low coverage (0.7).
Table 4. Outcome variable: ~employment
Conditions tested:
Consistency
Coverage
~JVR
~Industry
~Agriculture
~GDP
~ Mig_rate
1.000000
1.000000
0.571429
0.714286
0.857143
0.700000
0.875000
0.571429
0.833333
0.750000
Conclusions
The crisp set methodological tool was employed to explore the level
of employment in CIS and some European countries. In general, this
method lead to findings that are quite plausible from a theoretical point of
view. Analysis showed, that there are 4 main conditions of high
employment and they are observed in studied countries. We also received
parsimonious solutions: they explain the more general cases, not only
observed cases, but theoretically unobservable (counterfactual) cases.
Parsimonious solutions for positive and negative outcomes showed, that
there are no necessary conditions for employment and it is one main
126
necessary condition for ~employment – ~industry. If there is no high
industry, there will be low employment level. In further research it will be
useful to analyse with fuzzy-sets methodology, because it has some obvious
advantages when the data material is not characterized by natural
dichotomies. Firstly, its treatment of conceptual issues is more in
accordance with verbal theory (Smithson and Michael 1987). Secondly, it is
not as sensitive to measurement error, chance, and randomness (Charles
Ragin, 2000), and last, but not least, the possible loss of important
information connected to the dichotomization procedure is avoided, while it
is still requiring an informed choice about the assignment of values to the
cases.
Literature
Benoit R., De Meur G. Crisp-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (CSQCA). [ed.]
Charles Ragina Benoit Rihoux. Configurational comparative methods: qualitative
comparative analysis (QCA) and related techniques. Thousand Oaks : Sage, 2009, p. 209.
Berg-Schlosser D. et al. Conditions of Democracy in Interwar Europe: A Boolean
Test of Major Hypotheses. The Journal of Comparative Politics The City University of
New York, 1994, 26(3), pp. 253-279.
Central Intelligence Agency. Macroeconomic indicators. [Online] 2009. [accessed:
2011.09.10] https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sc.html.
SISSTAT - CIS Statistical Agency. Macroeconomic indicators. [Online] 2009.
[accessed: 2011.10.30] http://www.cisstat.com/
Cronqvist, Lasse. 2011. Tosmana, Tool for Small-n Analysis. [Online] 2011.
[accessed: 2011.09.17] http://www.tosmana.net.
Edward A. Bender, Stanley Gill Williamson. A short course in discrete mathematics.
California : Dover Publications, 2005. p. 240.
Eurostat. 2009. EUROSTAT. [Online] 2009. [accessed: 2011.09.15]
http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/statistics/themes.
Lipset S. M. Some Social Requisites of Democracy: Economic Development and
Political Legitimacy. American Political Science Review JSTOR, 1959, 53(1), pp. 69-105.
Ragin C. Fuzzy-set social science. Chicago : University of Chicago Press, 2000. p.
352.
Ragin C. The Comparative Method: Moving Beyond Qualitative and Quantitative
Strategies. Berkeley : University of California, 1987.
Ragin C., et al. Political Methodology: Qualitative Methods. [ed.] Klingemann H.D.
Goodin R.E. A New Handbook of Political Science. Oxford : Oxford University Press,
1996, pp. 749-768.
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Ragin C., Sonnett J. Between Complexity and Parsimony: Limited Diversity,
Counterfactual Cases, and Comparative Analysis.: Theory and Research in Comparative
Social Analysis, Compass Working Paper, UC Los Angeles 2004, pp. 1-19.
Smithson M. Fuzzy set analysis for behavioral and social sciences. New York :
Springer-Verlag, 1987. p. 327.
The World bank reports. Data Catalog. [Online] 2009. [accessed: 2011.09.15]
http://data.worldbank.org/data-catalog.
Santrauka
Užimtumo kokybinė lyginamoji analizė nepriklausomų
valstybių sandraugos šalyse ir kai kuriose Europos šalyse
Dzhonona Mukhiddinova, Tadžikistano technologijos universitetas,
Tadžikistanas
[email protected]
Natalja Kosareva, Vilniaus Gedimino technikos universitetas, Lietuva
[email protected]
Žinios užimtumo srityje sudaro bet kurios šalies ekonomikos pagrindą
ir labiausiai lemia jos vystymąsį. Finansų krizės išdavoje situacija darbo
rinkoje tapo dar labiau įtempta, todėl atsirado užimtumo ir bedarbystės
procesų analizės teorinio tyrimo poreikis. Tam, kad galėtume atskleisti
socioekonominius faktorius, įtakojančius užimtumą, šiame straipsnyje buvo
atlikta užimtumo kokybinė lyginamoji analizė (KLA). Buvo atrinkti keletas
socioekonominių faktorių, kurie galėtų įtakoti užimtumą Nepriklausomų
Valstybių Sandraugos (NVS) ir kai kuriose Europos šalyse. Šie faktoriai
panaudoti atliekant užimtumo kokybinę lyginamąją analizę pritaikius
dichotomizuotų duomenų Būlio minimizavimo taisykles. Buvo gauti
sprendiniai pozityviai ir negatyviai užimtumo kintamojo baigmėms,
nurodantys būtinas ir pakankamas aukšto (žemo) užimtumo sąlygas.
Kadangi skaičiavimų pradžioje duomenys buvo dichotomizuoti, dalis
informacijos buvo prarasta. Tačiau tyrimo eigoje atskleisti faktoriai,
įtakojantys užimtumą ne tik nagrinėjamose šalyse, bet ir logiškai galimoms,
128
tačiau faktiškai nestebimoms įtakojančių faktorių kombinacijoms (esant
kontrafaktinėms aplinkybėms). Taigi pasiūlyta metodika leidžia daryti
išvadas bei apibendrinimus apie tai, kokie socioekonominiai faktoriai be jų
sąveikos lemia užimtumą įvairiose šalyse.
Raktiniai žodžiai: Būlio algebra, būtinos ir pakankamos sąlygos,
kokybinė lyginamoji analizė, kontrafaktiniai metodai.
129
Analysis of Experience in Employing the Networked
Teaching/Learning Method in the Applied Mathematics
Joana Kastickaitė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Aleksandras Krylovas, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Saulius Norvaišas, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Tadas Laukevičius, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose: to analyse the first experience in employing the networked
teaching/learning method in teaching applied mathematics for the students
in public administration program at Mykolas Romeris University.
Design/methodology/approach: the analysis of empirical material
collected during students’ participation in the educological experiment of
using the networked teaching/learning method was done.
Findings: a traditional teaching of applied mathematics (theoretical
lectures, usual classes and seminars) is combined with the possibilities of
networked teaching/learning method; the obtained results are compared
with regard to mastering mathematical knowledge and applying it in solving
practical problems; creativity of students and their independence is
developed; applicability and constructivness of theory is promoted in
teaching/learning mathematics; impartiality of students in assessing results
of others is developed.
Research limitations/implications: the analysis of the networked
teaching/learning method experience is done through teaching/learning the
applied mathematics. A possibility to create and formulate mathematical
130
problems by students themselves using the networked teaching/learning
method was not utilised.
Practical implications: scientific analysis and empirical data are
important for teachers who are using (will be using) the networked
teaching/learning method.
Originality/Value: this is the first research on the networked
teaching/learning method used in teaching mathematics. It must lead to
further research in this field, contribute to the implementation and
development of the networked teaching/learning method in
teaching/learning mathematics at the university. Scientific research is
needed for investigation of innovation dissemination in the university,
creativity of students, their ability to study independently in the networked
team, positive and negative consequences of separating development and
teaching. Thus, research of the networked teaching/learning method is
important and valuable.
Keywords: teaching of mathematics, knowledge evaluation,
networked teaching/learning method, innovative teaching/learning methods,
distance teaching/learning, studies at Mykolas Romeris University.
Research type: scientific analysis.
131
Students School’s Math Knowledge Influence of Applied
Mathematics Course Study
Rima Kriauzienė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – To find out Students school's math knowledge influence of
applied mathematics course study: what importances have the type of
student's math maturity exam and an estimate of social science students'
motivation to learn math, and attendance at seminars. Or students who did
take the state exam, more attends seminars, than the students who did not
take math exam, and vice versa.
Design/methodology/approach – In the work is described research,
which involve MRU Public Administration degree program persistent
second-year students. Is doing the statistical analysis of the data, which will
be a link between school mathematics knowledge and attendance activity in
seminars and motivation to learn mathematics.
Findings – In research is expected to establish a connection between
school mathematics knowledge and student motivation to learn
mathematics.
Research limitations/implications – This method is just one of the
possible ways of application.
Practical implications – That kind of research and its methodology
can be apply not only to the subject of applied mathematics studies, but also
to other natural or social sciences.
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Originality/Value – An empirical experiment data can be used in
other studies of Educology nature analysis.
Keywords: estimate of knowledge, teaching mathematics, statistical
methods, evaluation tests.
133
School to Acquire Knowledge on Mathematics Education and
Teacher Evaluation of the Success of the Analysis of
Subjectivity
Laura Gudelytė, Mykolas Romeris Universitety, Lithuania
[email protected]
Aleksandras Krylovas, Mykolas Romeris Universitety, Lithuania
[email protected]
Tadas Laukevičius, Mykolas Romeris Universitety, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – paper is to analyze the impact of school maths lessons and
take the final exam choice whether or not to further success in learning and
motivation. Also compared the different teaching methods for the
assessment of students' knowledge and their influence on the final
assessment.
Design/methodology/approach – tested at the end 178 of Public
Administration program at MRU regular undergraduate second year
students. Mid-semester experiment was conducted to examine how students
understand mathematical text and on the basis of its ability to respond to the
questionnaire and how it relates to their knowledge acquired in school. Test
questions are created using mathematical knowledge verification
information system, which allows you to create a closed-type mathematical
test to provide statistical information about test takers, test, and perform
quality analysis.
Findings – it is shown that the state math exam student motivation to
learn and achieve better results in a stronger university. To that end, the
hypothesis was tested.
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Research limitations/implications – submitted to the methodology is
only one of the possible applications.
Practical implications – mathematical discipline is important for
social science, which are subject to numerous and various quantitative
methods, and the importance and relevance of the study just obviously.
Originality/Value – research aims to develop educometry model
which can statistically evaluate the success of teaching mathematical
subjects and to identify the key factors influencing it.
Keywords: assessment of knowledge, statistical methods,
mathematics teaching, mathematical tests.
135
When is Effectively to Teach Mathematics: in the First or the
Second Course?
Olga Navickienė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – Applied mathematics and quantitative methods subject is
taught first and second year students. Which option is more effective is to
determine in this paper. For this purpose to take into account the knowledge
of a school mathematics, as observed a significant part of students well
passed the exam of mathematics, as well as another part of students was
studying mathematics level B and did not have exam. It is expected to see
the results of both studies programs and to compare their achievements in
studying applied mathematics and quantitative methods at Mykolas
Romeris University. The first results are expected after two month of the
semester, compared knowledge testing and the knowledge evaluation of the
different teachers.
Design/methodology/approach – There are involved students of first
year of management of organizations and second year of public
administration of politics and management faculty of Mykolas Romeris
University. There are created questions of the test using mathematical
knowledge verification information system, which allows to create closedend math tests, to obtain statistical information about test takers and to
perform quality analysis, in the middle of the semester.
Findings – It is determined which course is best to teach mathematics
and it is offered tips for teachers.
136
Research limitations/implications – The proposed methodology is
only one of the students’ activity during practical mathematics sessions
evaluation of solutions to the problem.
Practical implications – Described methodology can be applied to
other subjects.
Originality/Value – In this paper are offered tips for teachers after
which they can change their working with these students.
Keywords: attainment estimation, teaching of mathematics,
knowledge assessment tests, statistical methods.
137
Modeling of Real Estate Price Using the Methodics of
Dichotomous Test
[email protected]
Natalija Kosareva, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Laura Gudelyte, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – to develop an algorithm which automatically calculates and
clusters statistical data.
Design/methodology/approach – the generalized dichotomous test
methodologies.
Findings – presented algorithm will accurately cluster neighborhoods
by the normalized prices.
Research limitations/implications – complicated way to interpret the
results of statistical data ranking.
Practical implications – comfortable to rank neighborhoods using
statistical data.
Originality/Value – alternative deterministic approach to classical
regression and cluster analysis.
Keywords: mathematical modeling, creation of indicators, test,
statistical methods.
Research type: research paper, case study.
138
Comparison of the Students’ Activity During Practical
Mathematics Sessions Evaluation Methods
Olga Navickienė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – Teachers’, who estimates student activity during practical
mathematics sessions, subjective influence on the final student‘s evaluation
of knowledge is analysed in this paper using empirical analyses. The
influence of the school mathematics knowledge on the first test results of
applied mathematics and quantitative methods is also examined in this
paper.
Design/methodology/approach – There are involved students of first
year of management of organizations and second year of public
administration of politics and management faculty of Mykolas Romeris
University. There are created questions of the test using mathematical
knowledge verification information system, which allows to create closedend math tests, to obtain statistical information about test takers and to
perform quality analysis, in the middle of the semester.
Findings – It is determined what factors are influenced to work the
students during practical mathematics sessions.
Research limitations/implications – The proposed methodology is
only one of the students’ activity during practical mathematics sessions
evaluation of solutions to the problem.
Practical implications – Described methodology can be applied to
other subjects.
139
Originality/Value – In this paper are investigated all factors which
have influence to the students‘ activity during practical mathematics
sessions.
Keywords: attainment estimation, teaching of mathematics,
knowledge assessment tests, statistical methods.
140
Second day
141
Session 5
Moderator – Antanas Keras
Lithuania
142
Social Technologies in Preparation for the 6th Socio-economic
Development
“K-wave”
Dobilas Kirvelis, Vilnius University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – To project Human life social technologies, which: 1)
should help nowadays society to cope with this strategic socio-economic
crisis, and 2) reveal the technological innovative steps anticipating
Kondratieff’s 6th “K-wave” and determine its speedy development. The new
“K-wave” should influence the increase of society’s well-being and more
stable one generation life in the period of change (leading up to 2050
approximately). A special attention should be given not so much to
material-economic well-being increase of the society, as to the shift of its
social-psychological relations: from competition domination to domination
of cooperational partnership.
Design/methodology/approach – is based on conceptual analysis by
synthesis. Theoretical separate concepts convergent synthesis methods
condition the organizational model of a social-economic system and make a
comparative analysis with existed and existing social systems. Revealed
regularities of social systems development refer to forecast of future society
pattern structure. A special attention is given to Abraham Maslow's
hierarchy of needs motivational model and a concept of its development. As
influencing future society life determinant the model is incorporated into a
conceptual model of social informational technologies and their
development. The conceptual model also incorporates education as one of
major factors of society development together with A. Maslow’s
143
motivational model. Education is an informational technology of the highest
importance.
Findings – They predict creation and implementation of qualitatively
new converging Nano-Bio-Inf-Cognos-Eco (NBICE) technologies which
will have to ensure further development of the World society life well-being
after the 2014-2016 recession crises. (Fig.) The psychological factor of
human well-being – innovations (scientific research) and creation, and their
harmonized implementation according to human nature will have to make
the key background. Such theoretical constructs of future society reveal
unique importance of educational technologies when shaping a creative
society of science and technology in the 6th K-phase.
Research limitations/implications – Only conceptual analysis and
synthesis studies of industrial society socio-economic development were
performed. Research did not include evaluation of quantitative socialeconomic statistical data nor integral computer modeling results, and
quantitative findings. The quantitative simulations are future aspirations.
Practical implications – NBICE technologies will have to replace the
prevailing and organized nature unfriendly technologies of inanimate nature
science (physics, chemistry) with organized one – the technologies of
synthetic biology science, which will harmonically integrate into the society
and organized world ecosystems. Implementation of these innovative
technologies demands radical change of social life technologies: production
and entrepreneurship cooperative co-existence of converging technologies
will replace liberal society’s business and technological life based on
GD
P
144
competing co-existence. Change of educational structures (i.e. the highest
level social-information technologies) is inevitable as well. We shall have
to change teaching principle “repeat” to “think”, the industrial society
problem solving principle “compete” to “cooperate” and so on.
Originality/Value – Unlike similar NBIC concepts NBICE provides
creation and implementation of converging technologies in the context of
harmonious ecological and socio-psychological systems. Promoted by B.
Obama (2002) and EU programs (2004) the NBIC social future concept
does not emphasize the convergence with the ecosystems, and is limited to
neuro-cognitive (artificial intelligence) structures of future societies.
NBICE however provides both - incorporation of ecological converging
technologies (up to ~ 2050) and possible consequences of radical change of
Humankind place on Earth considering R. Kurzweil's informational neurotechnologies development by 2100.
Keywords: technological paradigm, K-waves, creative destruction,
creative class, technological singularity, NBICE technologies, synthetic
biology
Research type: conceptions and approach presentation. The research
is based upon organized nature evolution and general regularities as a result
of society techno-evolution events analysis, technological paradigm, N.
Kondratjev's "waves" or "cycles", and J. Schumpeter's "creative
destruction" theories, R. Florida's "creative class", and R. Kurtzweil's
"technological singularity". These theories and concepts together with
assessment of recent years’ developments in synthetic biology enables us
to present the approach predicting the future 6th K-wave of Nano-Bio-InfoCogno-Eco (NBICE) technologies. We should be ready for that and
provide new social technologies of demand. We have to incorporate two
more factors - A.Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs motivational model as
human factor and unique determinant of the future society evolution, and
education as the highest level of social information technology for
preparation of scientific-technological creative class (social class).research
paper (tyrimo pristatymas), viewpoint (požiūrio pristatymas), technical
paper (specifikacijų pristatymas), conceptual paper (koncepcijų
pristatymas), case study (atvejo analizė), literature review (literatūros
apžvalga), general review (bendroji apžvalga).
145
The Problem of the Balance of Lithuanian Social Insurance
Fund
Gediminas Davulis, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of the research is to carry out the budget
incomes and expenses of the Lithuanian State Social Insurance Fund, to
determine the factors influence to budget deficit and to investigate the
possibilities to decrease the budget deficit of State Social Insurance Fund.
Design/methodology/approach – The analysis and synthesis
statistical data, using correlation analysis method, comparative and
generalization methods were applied.
Findings – The analysis of income and expenditure of State Social
Insurance Fund budget in 2005-2009 was carried out, the structural features
of the income and expenditure of the Insurance Fund budget were
estimated. The measures to decrease of the budget deficit are proposed.
Research limitations/implications – The research was carried out
only for Lithuanian State Social Insurance Fund.
Practical implications – The realization of measures proposed could
influence the State Social Insurance Fund of the country positively.
Originality/Value – The modern statistic and forecast methods were
used in the process of investigation.
Keywords: state social insurance, insurance budget, budget deficit,
budget-balancing ways.
146
Advantages and Disadvantages of Teaching Legal English
Vocabulary and Pronunciation Online
Rūta Navickaitė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania,
[email protected]
Eglė Selevičienė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – to survey the online activities and resources involved while
teaching legal English vocabulary and pronunciation at Mykolas Romeris
University; to discuss advantages and disadvantages evolving from the
teaching/learning process and to find the information on student’s attitudes
towards the online activities and resources used for learning legal English
vocabulary and pronunciation.
Design/methodology/approach – a survey of online resources
applied in our Legal English lectures and a questionnaire on our students’
attitudes towards them.
Findings – considering the attitudes of legal English teachers and the
findings of the questionnaire we can conclude that teaching legal vocabulary
and pronunciation online is really effective, although certain problems may
arise within the process.
Research limitations/implications – 90 first year students of Law
and Law and Management study programs at Mykolas Romeris University.
Practical implications– our study can provide legal English learners
and teachers with information on which types of online resources and
methodologies may help to produce English in more meaningful, engaging
and motivating ways. Furthermore, it discusses both advantages and
disadvantages evolving form the process.
147
Originality/Value– we believe the study can add more weight to the
importance of using online resources and learning environments as a means
of extending the learning/teaching process.
Keywords: online resources, online learning environments, Moodle,
online dictionaries, legal English, vocabulary, pronunciation.
Research type: reference review.
Introduction
In this article we are going to discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of using online techniques while teaching legal English
Legal English has traditionally been the preserve of lawyers from
English-speaking countries (especially the U.S., the UK, Canada, Australia,
New Zealand, and South Africa) which have shared common law traditions.
However, due to the spread of English as the predominant language of
international business, as well as its role as a legal language within the
European Union, legal English is now a global phenomenon. (11)
hen teaching legal English vocabulary and pronunciation a teacher can
rely on a vast selection of manuals, dictionaries, articles, tests, etc. In
addition to this, online teaching and the usage of online-resources is
becoming more and more popular. Therefore, the main objectives of this
article and study were:

to survey the online activities and resources involved while
teaching legal English vocabulary and pronunciation at Mykolas Romeris
University;

to discuss advantages and disadvantages evolving from the
teaching/learning process;

to find the information on our student’s attitudes towards the
online activities and resources used for learning legal English vocabulary.
Methods and participants of the study

a survey of online activities and resources used for teaching
legal English vocabulary, their advantages and disadvantages
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
a questionnaire, consisting of ten questions. Students were
asked to tick one of suggested options suiting each of the statement. Data
from 90 questionnaires were compiled and the findings were analyzed.
Today a teacher of legal English is lucky enough to be offered a vast
selection of materials to use for his/her work with online teaching and the
usage of online resources becoming more and more popular. Many authors
and practitioners believe it is highly effective. For example, Greg Kearsley,
(2004), an independent consultant who designs and teaches in online
programs and Bob Blomeyer, (2004), the program director for the online
teacher certification program admit that online-teaching may:

provide timely and meaningful feedback,

create learning activities that engage students,

keep students interested and motivated

ensure students interact with each other, and

encourage students to be critical and reflective (2).
On the other hand, online teachers may encounter certain problems
which may encumber the whole process. T.L.Brink (2001), for example,
notices that “…the biggest problem with online teaching is forgetting that
the goal is to create materials to facilitate student learning (simple and easy
to use), instead of showing off one's technological powers” (4). However,
technological knowledge and special preparation are vital here. G.Kearsley
and B.Blomeyer (2004) agree that “…creating and developing online
materials is very time consuming and usually requires specialized design
skills and use of authoring tools”(2). Moreover there may arise problems of
ownership (copyright) of materials and conformity of them with “…to
curriculum standards and state/federal requirements (e.g., privacy of student
records)” (2). For these and many other reasons, it is probably unrealistic for
teachers to develop their own online teaching materials, although there are
certain aspects, such as lesson plans or student handouts that may be done
by teachers themselves. There are extensive collections of course materials
available online that teachers should become familiar with during their
training and encouraged to use in their teaching activities (2). John F.Lyons
(2004) also believes that “…even though some problems can exist with
teaching online, it is still possible to create an exciting, interactive, learning
experience that is rewarding for both the teacher and the students (3).
149
Supporting this idea we decided to survey the advantages and disadvantages
of online materials and techniques applied for teaching legal English
A lot of universities and colleges around the world and in Lithuania
have already established training programs to prepare their faculty to teach
online. Mykolas Romeris University is not an exception offering a welldeveloped e-learning environment Moodle, which is popular both among
the students and the teachers because of its ‘…modularity, flexibility,
security, free availability and effectiveness (5). It allows us, teachers to
manage the content of the course we teach and exchange information with
students that in most cases will last much longer. Moreover, such an
environment is an ideal tool for individual studies, as students are provided
with ever expanding vocabulary lists, guided to the correct usage of online
dictionaries, online tests, directed to video and audio links, and encouraged
to online communication by messaging and notifications.
However, teachers who have just started applying Moodle as a
teaching tool might get inhibited mainly because of the technological side of
it. It is easy enough to direct students to a certain link on the issue they
study or to add an extra term into a vocabulary list to expand it, but when it
comes to designing an interactive test themselves, they feel they need a
professional advice as well as technical and administrative assistance.
However, teachers are usually the first contact that students make when they
have problems.
Besides, anyone who has tried to create and develop online materials
will agree that it may be time consuming. For example, while teaching legal
English vocabulary we pay big attention to pronunciation of the term,
therefore we try to provide the terms in the vocabulary list accompanied
with its transcription. However here one may encounter such trivial
problems from the first glimpse as using phonetic symbols in a MS Word
document. An interesting thing is that Microsoft Word doesn’t provide all
the phonetic symbols of the English language. You will not find symbols
[ɒ]or [I] within the list of special symbols and characters and a teacher is
forced to search for them in other sources on the Internet, like Wikipedia.
When opened in Moodle, the document may contain squares or other
abstract symbols for such phonemes. The error correction and modification
150
process may be long enough. To avoid this we usually provide our students
with the lists of suggested online dictionaries at the very beginning of the
course.
http://www.duhaime.org/LegalDictionary.aspx (12) for example is
divided into more than twenty categories ranging from Ancient common
law dictionary to Traffic law dictionary, suggesting clear definitions of the
term and also containing a variety of legal articles to choose e.g. for one’s
home reading. However, it does not render transcriptions. Other online
dictionaries like http://www.thefreedictionary.com/download.htm (6) not
only suggest the definition of the legal term, its synonyms, examples and
transcription, but also present the audio version of the term both in British
and American accents. We consider it a highly effective tool, especially
when a student faces the difficulties of pronouncing a Latin word. It is not
easy to sometimes explain a student why in “Lithuanian” Latin we say [de
jure] for de jure, while in English it is pronounced [deI dʒuəreI].
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/download.htm (6) would go so far as to
provide other sources the term may be found in (e.g. Medical, Legal,
Idioms, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Hutchinson pages), or explaining the
etymology of it. For example the etymological explanation for the legal
term sub·poe·na defined as “a writ requiring appearance in court to give
testimony” is as follows: “…Middle English suppena, from Medieval Latin
sub poen, under a penalty (from the opening words of the writ): Latin sub,
under; see sub- + Latin poen, ablative of poena, penalty; see kwei-1 in
Indo-European roots.]” (6). However, it doesn’t contain the function of
translating the term into the Lithuanian language. The definition provided
by the dictionary may even aggravate the understanding of the term, if a
person is not familiar with the meaning of the words “a writ” and
“testimony”. Besides, the translator who bridges two or more legal systems
is not only confronting different languages and the different ways they
express meanings, but whole new worlds of complexity – as complex as
each legal system (1). For these reasons, we emphasize that or students
should strive not only to language proficiency, but also to a high level of
familiarity with the legal systems of the countries originating and receiving
translated messages. The students are explained that the translation of a
legal concept may fit into three categories. First of all, “…the concept can
151
have a nearly identical equivalent in the target language (whether or not the
words in the two languages are similar to one another)” (1), such as these
Lithuanian legal words along with their English equivalents: “kontraktas”,
which is “a contract” in English, or “įmonės likvidavimas”, which is
“liquidation of a company”, “inauguracinė kalba” – “inaugural speech”.
There are no doubts all the dictionaries whether online or traditional will
provide the student with the correct translation or explanation of such terms.
In the second category, however, the legal concept may have no easily
identifiable equivalent, but with research, a somewhat similar concept can
be found, such as “nematerialinė žala” – “non-material damage”,
“progresyvinis darbo užmokestis” – “incentive payment”. The third category
comprises legal concepts with no near equivalent in the target legal system.
Such Lithuanian legal concepts have no equivalent under the United States
legal system, for example, and would have to be explained to the degree
necessary for the particular context. “Words of the second and third
categories require the translator to be especially careful when choosing
terms in order to avoid misleading the reader or distorting the message. A
translator has to use his or her judgment in choosing words, just like a
lawyer uses his or her judgment when dealing with a case. The translator
must ensure that the recipient of the message understands the concept in the
way it is used in the original text” (1). A common error by students who
have just started working with legal texts is to fall into the ever-present trap
of false friends, as, for example, when the English word ‘liquidate’ is
translated literally as “likviduoti” in Lithuanian, one might think of the
following legal term ‘liquidated damages’ as something being executed,
instead of the idea of ‘agreed in advance’, which is what the English word
denotes. Here even a dictionary might be of a little help, as only a few of
them will provide the exact translation for the whole phrase. Finally, there
are words which convey a different or unintended message due to culture.
For example, the word ‘dispute’, a common piece of United States legal
jargon, when translated as “ginčas” by most English-Lithuanian
dictionaries, evokes visions not of a legal conflict but of a nasty family
argument. To avoid the errors explained above, we recommend our students
to rely on a variety of online- translation dictionaries like
http://www.lingvosoft.com/English-Lithuanian-Dictionary/ (7) which will
152
translate most of the terms into Lithuanian and also will suggest the audio
version of them. http://www.zodynas.lt/zodynai/anglu-lietuviu (8) is a good
tool for individual work, when translating a legal text, as well as the popular
traditional Tildes Biuras English-Lithuanian Dictionary or Alkonas,
although the latter will offer the exact translations of too few legal terms.
Another problem of using online dictionaries for teaching vocabulary
and pronunciation is the shortage of computers in the classrooms. Teachers
occasionally may be “… plagued by technical problems with their computer
or internet connection that prevent them from participating fully” (2),
therefore it is not always that easy to combine online and classroom
learning. Nevertheless, the majority of the classrooms will offer multimedia
facilities to apply video materials, whether they are films or news reports.
For example, if the topic “State Governing Bodies” is being covered, the
easiest tool is letting your students watch a two minute
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ (9) report from the House of Commons on an
issue discussed on that day, in such a way helping them build their active
vocabulary, listen to natural language and correct pronunciation and test
their knowledge and understanding. The only disadvantage of this kind of
activity is advertising which you are forced to watch before seeing the
desired video. Watching and reading online news is a good alternative for
homework, besides it can be the source for home reading activities, meeting
all the necessary requirements: authenticity, professional language and
terminology.
A nice tool for one’s individual studies is vocabulary games.
http://www.vocabulary.co.il/ (10) is a fun educational website dedicated to
helping people build reading, phonics, or English language skills. It offers
Free Online Word Games which are specifically designed to build
vocabulary skills and to motivate students to learn through fun practice in
spelling, phonics, and vocabulary. Many of Vocabulary Learning Fun’s
vocabulary word games are organized with dozens of categories of
vocabulary lists. By making connections between words and ideas, and
between words and pictures, students build vocabulary skills. Connections
between vocabulary words make the process of building vocabulary skills
faster
and
more
efficient.
http://www.vocabulary.co.il/foreignlanguage/latin-english-word-match/ (10) is a funny way to check the
153
knowledge of Latin terms by matching words and getting an immediate
response. Again, it’s a pleasure to apply these techniques in a computer
classroom; otherwise it is better to leave t for your students’ individual
studies.
Results and Findings
In order to collect information on our students’ attitudes concerning
the above mentioned, we designed a questionnaire consisting of ten
questions. Students were asked to tick one of suggested options suiting each
of the statement. Data from 90 questionnaires were compiled and the
findings were analyzed. When asked “Do you use the study environment
Moodle in your study process?” (Question 1), the vast majority (99%) of
our students answered “yes” and only 1% of them replied negatively. The
answers to Question 2 “How often do you use the study environment
Moodle?” distributed in the following manner: 74% of the respondents
stated they use it once a week, 12% marked they use it nearly every day,
10%- on a daily basis and 2%- once a month. It was quite pleasant to learn
that 83% of our students find the Internet links provided by us (Question
3) useful for their studies, 14% even admit they are essential for their
individual work and only 3% feel they are not very useful. The findings to
Question 4 “How many online dictionaries do you use for looking up
the meaning of the words?” show that quite a number of learners (48%)
use two dictionaries, 36%- three, 15%- one and 1% rely on more than three
online dictionaries while studying individually. The answers to this question
correlate with the findings of Question 5 “Do you find it easy to grasp the
meaning of Legal terms from definitions provided in the online
dictionaries?” The majority of students (88%) marked option “not
always”, only 8% chose variant “yes always” and 4% answered “most often
no”. Most probably being unsure about the correct meaning of the term
explained by the definitions provided in legal English dictionaries, students
decide to check it in English-Lithuanian translation dictionaries. Even if the
meaning of the term seems clear from the definition, 72% occasionally look
it up in the translation dictionaries, 25% do it constantly, and only 3% never
check it at all. These are the answers to Question 6”Do you look up the
154
translation of the Legal English term into your native language if you
understand the meaning of it from the definitions provided online?” As
far as pronunciation is concerned (Question 7. Do you check
pronunciation of legal English terms online?”) 43% of the respondents
stated they occasionally check it online, 39% do it always and only 18%
never check it. An interesting thing is that almost all the students (81%)
prefer the written version of it, 15% like audio version better and 4% rely on
both types (Question 8. Which version of pronunciation in online
dictionaries is more acceptable to you?”) This could probably be related
to the types of memory one has. Could it be the majority of students have a
visual memory? The answers to Question 9. “Do you search for your
home reading material online?” show that 90% of the respondents select
from the variety of texts, articles and other resources provided by the
Internet. 8% better rely on legal books and magazines and only occasionally
search for the material online, while 2% never use Internet references at all.
The last Question 10 “How do you find the conditions for online studies
at the University?” was included to reflect students’ attitudes and
evaluations concerning the conditions for studying online in their teaching
institution. The answers tend to be positive enough as 92% of the
participants think they are good, 6% recognize them as very good, 2%
criticize them for being satisfactory and no one thinks they are bad.
Conclusions
Considering the attitudes of us, Legal English teachers, and the
findings of the questionnaire we can conclude that teaching legal vocabulary
and pronunciation online is really effective, although certain problems may
arise within the process. For example the study environment Moodle is
flexible, secure and modern. The vast majority of our students uses it at least
once a week or even on a daily basis. However, teachers may encounter
problems with the technological side of it; they need special training and
sometimes assistance. It appears that students are satisfied with the links
provided by their teacher (legal dictionaries, vocabulary games, online tests,
video resources, articles, etc.) and find them useful or even essential for
their individual studies. For example, they usually select the materials for
155
their home reading on the Internet than in ordinary resources. Many of them
use legal online dictionaries, but as it is not easy to grasp the meaning of the
term explained by the definition, they are forced to check the translation into
their native language. However, even if the definition seems clear, a lot of
people decide to check the exact meaning of it in their native language. It
shows the students are language oriented and conscious enough. The fact
that the majority of them check the pronunciation of it (preferring its written
version to audio one) only supports the idea. However, the issue of
explaining the pronunciation online is not easy for the teachers, as phonemic
symbols belong to the category of special characters difficult to copy and
use safely in different documents. Nevertheless, the general evaluations of
the students and teachers concerning the conditions to teach and study at the
University online are positive and show that online teaching is a good
method to apply for language teaching.
References:
1. Amy Krois-Lindne, Matt Firth and Trans Legal. Introduction to International
Legal English. Cambridge University Press, 2008.
2. Greg Kearsley & Robert Blomeyer. Preparing K-12 Teachers to Teach Online.
Educational
Technology
Magazine,
Jan/Feb
2004.
http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/TeachingOnline.htm accessed on: 15 09 2011
3. John F. Lyons. Teaching U.S. History Online: Problems and Prospects. The
History Teacher, Vol. 37, No 4, August 2004.
http://www.historycooperative.org/journals/ht/37.4/lyons.html accessed on: 15 09 2011
4. T.L.Brink. Online Teaching: Problems and Solutions. APS Observer, Vol. 14, No
7, September 2001. http://gradschool.about.com/cs/teachingonline/ accessed on: 08 10 2011
5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moodle
6. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/download.htm
7. http://www.lingvosoft.com/English-Lithuanian-Dictionary/
8. http://www.zodynas.lt/zodynai/anglu-lietuviu
9. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
10. http://www.vocabulary.co.il/
11. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_English
12. http://www.duhaime.org/LegalDictionary.aspx
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Summary
Advantages and Disadvantages of Teaching Legal English
Vocabulary and Pronunciation Online
Rūta Navickaitė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Eglė Selevičienė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Today a teacher of legal English is lucky enough to be offered a vast
selection of materials to use for his/her work with online teaching and the
usage of online resources becoming more and more popular. Online
teaching provides timely and meaningful feedback, creates learning
activities that engage students, keep them interested, motivated and
reflective. Legal English vocabulary and pronunciation can be effectively
taught and learnt while using e-learning environment Moodle, resting on a
variety of online dictionaries, video resources, online games, etc. However,
a teacher involved in online teaching may encounter certain problems like
the technological side of it, difficulties with transferring the phonetic
symbols into a desired document, accessing the Internet in some classrooms,
etc. However, the study revealed that the general attitude of students
towards learning legal English vocabulary and pronunciation online is
positive.
Key words: online resources, online learning environments, Moodle,
online dictionaries, legal English, vocabulary, pronunciation.
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Usage of New Social Technologies in Český rozhlas
Kristýna Kostihová, University of Economics, Prague, Czech Republic
[email protected]
Dagmar Čámská, University of Economics, Prague, Czech Republic
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – This paper is based on current trend of exposing every
piece of information on web sites, especially using Facebook or Twitter.
Because of this new attraction the Czech national public radio called
"Český rozhlas" (Czech Radio, further also mentioned as ČRo) is trying to
use these new media and to follow the international example. Český
Rozhlas is known mainly by the older generation and by using these social
utilities is trying to increase the number of younger listeners and to draw
attention to the whole new web concept, like listening to iradio, cooperating
on web projects and educating the younger generation. The greatest icon for
Český rozhlas is BBC. Even though the quality of the program plays a main
role and is also regulated by the law and parliament, it becomes more
obvious, that without proper marketing the younger generation will not
learn to listen to something else than the top charts. We have compared the
ways how the BBC and the Český rozhlas are solving this kind of issue, we
have looked also into the methods of other public radios and we made
certain suggestions for the Czech radio.
Design/methodology/approach – We measured the Český rozhlas's
web visits during a certain time period using google analytics and other web
media. We summarized the good and bad attempts and suggested the next
move.
Findings – The purpose of this paper is to compare the BBC approach
with the Czech one and to suggest the proper and efficient way for Český
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rozhlas. The approach is to compare radios' home page, Facebook and
Twitter page. The main discovery is the growth of number of visitors and
friends of the Český rozhlas thanks to making the new approach using the
social technologies.
Research limitations/implications – This research is limited by the
amount of inside information from the BBC and other international radios.
International comparison cannot be done in such a detailed way we would
wish.
Practical implications – Paper will contain practical suggestions for
the Czech radio Český rozhlas which were developed according to this
research. These suggestions and ideas could be used after modification by
other radios in transition European countries.
Originality/Value – Such paper has never been written. It compares
best practices of BBC and radio Český rozhlas. It presents practical
knowledge based on current data about the Český Rozhlas. All the data
were communicated with the manager of Internet division of Český rozhlas.
Keywords: Český rozhlas, BBC, Facebook, Twitter, National Public
Radio, webpage visits
Research type: research paper, case study
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Intellectual Data Analysis Technique for Virtual Teamwork
Collaboration Systems
Sandra Strigunaite, Vilnius University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Dalia Kriksciuniene, Vilnius University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – the purpose of the article is to present a conceptual model
for virtual team performance efficiency evaluation based on intelligent team
member’s collaboration data analysis.
The motivation for the research is based on e-leadership techniques
inefficiency within virtual projects and virtual work organization concept.
Also on Human Interaction Management principals based human work
modeling framework that aims to capture human collaboration.
Design/methodology/approach – the concept of hierarchical fuzzy
rule based model, aimed to evaluate the data from virtual team interaction
instances related to implementation of project tasks. The experimental
research is based on fuzzy analysis of interaction data of virtual teams. For
data analysis the hierarchical fuzzy rule system is constructed that applies
fuzzy logic computation techniques. The hierarchical fuzzy rule
construction has three levels. In total the output measure is derived from
twelve parameters assigned to three categories (team, task and interaction).
Findings – the research results provide evidence for the feasibility of
using the proposed method as the tool for virtual project managers seeking
to improve their leadership techniques, and to derive parameters for
performance evaluation based on intelligent computing methods. The
outcomes of pilot empirical research reveal adequateness of the model.
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As the result the conceptual model of team collaboration analysis and
architecture of virtual collaboration application is presented.
Research limitations/implications – in the experimental research
different type data were used: subjective expert evaluation for tasks and
team criteria evaluation and system data logs for team members interaction
analysis.
The suggestion for further research would be to replicate the
experimental research with strong experimental process regulation that
could lead to explicitness of single case circumstances.
Practical implications – the suggested method can be seen as the
next step for virtual collaboration software development directions. As the
present collaboration software development trends are mostly related with
functionality abundance, the application usability enhancement and
statistical report generation popularly called as “Intelligent analysis”.
The investigated method can be the idea for smart virtual project
collaboration management application that could serve as help tool for
project managers to provide insights on the team task fulfilment progress
evaluation derived from team interaction data.
Originality/Value – the article analyses the research problem, what
model for analysis of virtual team could serve as effective valuation tool for
project leader, and to provide insights of performance by applying
intelligent methods, which could reflect human cogitation.
Also the article incudes the principal analysis of human work
modeling framework based on Human Interaction Management theory.
Keywords: e-leadership in virtual teamwork, hierarchical fuzzy rules,
collaboration software.
Research type: conceptual and research paper
161
Semantic Technology Application for Collective Knowledge
and Information Management: Prospective Consumers Needs
Identification
Ilma Pranciulyte – Bagdziuniene, Kaunas university of technology, Lithuania
[email protected]
Monika Petraite, Kaunas university of technology, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – Increasing global flows of information form a qualitatively
new complex information processing and filing requirements. The flow of
information, data and knowledge to manage the various activities of the
original search for technological solutions. Very abundant and rapidly
growing technology solutions group, based on semantic technologies.
Information, so much so that a common problem is necessary data search
and classification. Semantics – based technologies are hold up on subject
mapping and ontology of ideas, can be an effective tool to address this
problem. However, in order to transfer the functional prototypes of
semantic technologies into commercial products, faced with innovative
information technologies (IT) product specifications for the preparation of
the problem, based on user needs analysis. Therefore, this article aims to
provide – User access needs of produce perspective survey methodology
and the empirical study is based on the prospective development of
innovative product lines. In other words, to determine how to identify the
still nonexistent product prototype development of market strategies?
Design / methodology/approach – Chosen for the study aims of
qualitative research strategy – a case study in order to see the applicability
of semantics – based technology end – User operational capacity. Applied
to qualitative research in the form of group discussions. The study was
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conducted in two target groups of respondents. The study used systematic
logical analysis of the content and concept maps technique, highlighting the
logical knots.
Findings – Based on theoretical analysis of a prospective technology
products in the market research methodology. Market research of
perspective, and particularly the assessment of the coverage, limits the
possibilities of the prototype / demonstration version of the lack of features.
Such a study allows the assessment of overall needs, to identify some
patterns of use, put prospective customer segments, but does not specify the
product specifications in the context of a particular use and to evaluate the
intensity and market – making cost / benefit ratio. Practical application in
the field of qualitative research has revealed the final consumer habits and
problems of information search, organization, grouping aspects. Secondly,
the study determined the idea of the necessity of technology in business
processes, innovation generation and diffusion of knowledge issues aspects.
Third, the author's concept map form, submit proposals based on the
semantics of the applicability of technology development opportunities in
the business, end – Users, public administrations and their mutual
interaction activities.
Research limitations / implications – Qualitative study was
conducted on the basis of data from two groups of informants in Lithuania,
and is fully applicable to semantic – based technologies to language of
Lithuania. For the development of semantic technology solutions
internationally, it would be worthwhile to investigate the semantics – based
search technology application in different organizations generate value
judgments and information flow management.
Practical implications – Formed based on the recommendations of
the semantics of the applicability of technology development to business
end users, public administration, organization of information flows, the
value of the generation of knowledge – based environment and
development issues.
Originality / Value – Organized on the basis of qualitative research
methods, combining group discussion, logical analysis of concepts and
methods of the map, which allows high quality based on new IT technology
in product development decisions. At a practical level, based on empirical
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evidence substantiates the semantics – based technology solutions to
organizations in the integration of business processes can become the
modern aspect of the success factors of the value of domestic and global
market and facilitate the diffusion of innovation.
Keywords: information and knowledge management, semantic
technologies, ontologies, innovative products and services, insights of
prospective technology markets.
164
E-Government and Competitiveness of a Country:
Theoretical Points of Contact
Vanda Višnevska, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to provide a theoretical framework for
considering e-government as a factor of competitiveness, present the
development of e-government and competitiveness theories to date,
highlighting the appearance of links between the two phenomena and
project the need for further research and define the potential perspectives of
its development.
The design/ methodology of the article is based on systematic
analysis and synthesis of scientific literature while searching for potential
theoretical links between the phenomena of e-government and
competitiveness and modeling them.
The main findings of this article provide a chronologic review and
conceptualization of e-government and competitiveness theories that
discloses the preconditions for understanding e-government as a factor of
competitiveness.
Research limitations/implications: this is a primary stage of
research, based on processing and interpretation of secondary sources of
information that will have to be complemented by original methodology
meant for modeling e-government as a factor of competitiveness – this will
be the further step of research.
Practical implications of this article are that it serves as a framework
for understanding e-government as a factor of competitiveness upon which
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the further modeling of e-government as a factor of competitiveness will
take place.
Originality/Value of the article lies in the new approach to the
possible links between e-government and competitiveness, whose
theoretical foundation will serve to ensure the practical implementation of
the further step of research – modeling e-government as a factor of
competitiveness.
Keywords: e-government, competitiveness, the concept of
competitiveness, competitiveness of a country, factors of competitiveness,
e-government as a factor of competitiveness.
166
Research of Factors, Affecting Pension Funds Efficiency
Marius Liutvinavičius, Vilnius University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Virgilijus Sakalauskas, Vilnius University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – Currently Lithuania has an old-age pension system of three
pillars. Unfortunately, when making an investment decision, there are used
too few factors, that affect strategies effectiveness. It is necessary to develop
tools to better assess the risks and more accurately simulate the potential
long-term investment scenarios.
Design/methodology/approach - The article deals with the
investment strategy to the second and third pillar pension funds in order to
maximize investment returns and reduce risk. A smart software tool allows
you to simulate an accrual depending on the rate of return, the accumulation
period, the level of contributions and other factors.
Findings – The study shows that using the Social Insurance Fund
contributions, personal contributions and the state provided additives can
accumulate significantly greater amounts of money than collecting only the
second pillar pension funds contributions. For implementation of the
proposed methodology is necessary to ensure a minimum level of personal
pension scheme members fundraising to the third pillar pension funds. On
the other hand, the study revealed that in some cases investment to private
pension funds can be useless.
Research limitations/implications – There are some factors, such as
return rates, those values can fluctuate significantly during a long period of
time. The usage of average values can lead to inaccurate results.
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Practical implications – Private pension funds have become popular
between unprofessional investors, who don’t have sufficient knowledge.
Researches show, that financial institutions not always provide the optimal
proposals. Advanced software tools can help to make better investment
decisions.
Originality/Value – Commercial tools usually show potential profits
of investment, but not always pay sufficient attention to potential risks. This
article analyzes both good and bad investment scenarios.
Keywords: private pension funds, return on investment, factors
research.
168
Export Development Strategy and Economy of Lithuania: the
Qualitative Approach
Ignas Dzemyda, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Artūras Jurgelevičius, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – To research the factors of Export development strategy of
Lithuania.
Approach – In the article is made analysis of theoretical literature,
analysis of the official political document - Export Development Strategy of
Lithuania, and the qualitative interview design of 130 leaders of industrial
companies of Lithuania is used.
Findings – The main factors making main influence for Lithuania
social economical development of Lithuania are identified. These factors are
identified in economical, political and institutional, managerial, social,
informational, technological, geographical, financial and law fields. The
non-complience of political documents and needs of industry of Lithuania is
identified.
Research limitations/implications – Research is done as Lithuania
case study, the interview is made during the period of economical recession.
Practical implications – The results of research could be implied for
creating social technologies for rising social economical development of
Lithuania, as well as for development of Export Development Strategy of
Lithuania.
Originality/Value – In the article is researched the main factors of
Export Development Strategy of Lithuania influencing industrial
development of Lithuania using qualitative research approach for first time.
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Keywords: export development strategy, economy of Lithuania,
industrial companies.
Introduction
State and public well-being depends on the long-term goals and their
implementation. State’s socio-economic development strategy should
always be focused on long-term goals, the quality of public social
characteristics, harmonizing the interests of social groups and creating
proper environment for operating economy. Thus, the long-term targets
should be initiated by the state and comply with this agreement. Lithuanian
conditions of such an agreement could be reflected in the Lithuanian Export
Development Strategy. The identification of public external and internal
interests and harmonization of them, technological and innovational
breakthrough must ensure the development not only of economy but society
as well. The progress of such implementation of strategy should be reflected
in qualitative characteristics of interests.
Globalization, competition has become relevant not only among
companies but also between countries. Nation-state seeking to ensure
national security, must increase economic competitiveness, as the national
competitiveness - the ability to combine
social, political, economic,
technological and geographic advantages of the state, based on the nation's
cultural diversity and the principles of scientific progress. Thus, the nationstate creates conditions for breakthrough new resources and their use by the
public - the social and spiritual development. Considering the relevance of
the export policy of our country the social and economic development of
Lithuania's export development strategy can and should be recognized as a
key element of superiority in competition over other nations.
In order to identify the key factors in the socio-economic development
of Lithuania's export policy, this work has highlighted the significance of the
role of state during the transition economies (Lithuania). The paper analyzes
the Lithuanian Export Development Strategy for 2009-2013 year. In order to
assess the socio-economic strategy, the relevance and appropriateness of the
work carried out original empirical research interviews with 130 of the
170
largest Lithuanian industry leaders. Sociological Methods used in other
European Union countries were applied in this work. 130 industrial
companies were chosen according to their importance to the economy. A
detailed analysis of scientific literature of Lithuania's export policy has led to
compare the opinion of industry leaders with the strategy factors doing
influence industrial companies exports. All components of the research work
is based on a coherent and logical foundation.
The amain aim of the paper is to research the measures of Export
development strategy of Lithuania and its fit to the needs of sustainable
growth of economy of Lithuania.
The man objectives are to study theorethical background of the role
and place of the state in the socio-economic system; to analise Export
Develpment Strategy of Lithuania for 2009-2013 year; to analyse economic
factors impacting export for development of social technologies using
qualitative expert interview.
In the article is researched the main factors of Export Development
Strategy of Lithuania influencing industrial development of Lithuania using
qualitative research approach for first time.
The role and palce of the state in the socio-economic system
Discussions on the mechanism of market economy has been, is and
will be very important both academics and practitioners. Approaches to
market economy vary around the world. Different approach to the market
system depends on the historical, cultural, social preferences. To answer
what the modern market model economy dominates in the literature and in
the real world, it is first necessary to define the economic system. Therefore,
the state's economic system - the limited and rare resource allocation
method, which leads to some economic model (Rakauskiene, 2006). In other
words, it is a system that is defined by the role, which aims to use limited
resources effectively to infinite population needs. Economic theory identifies
three main ways of allocating resources which describe the state's role in this
system: the market (self-regulating mechanism), a centralized command
economy (allocation of the resources made by the State Administrative
tools) and mixed (market and the state allocate resources). Proponents of the
171
market argues that the State has irrationally and inefficiently allocate the
available resources of the nation. This analysis is based on the premise that
man is a rational creature, and that the person best able to meet his
expectations under a perfect market conditions, which the State can’t
guarantee. On the other hand, human rationality is a conditional element. If a
person is rational, wars would not take place in the world, global poverty
would not be expanding, there would be no crimes or other social
cataclysms. Other supporters of the social economy, as Keyen, Samuelson
argues that the market itself does not guarantee the welfare of society, the
existence of market failures could be effectively remove only by the state
which has the right tools and resources. Meanwhile, P. Gylys (2003)
examines the methodological individualism and methodological holism
issues. The author argues that in the near future it is very difficult to describe
a paradigm that can win, because they constantly compete fiercely with each
other. However, it may be noted that Europe is more focused on a socially
oriented market economy, or otherwise - of the European welfare model.
This socio-economic model of content implies human capital development,
social justice principle into practice, combining it with the costeffectiveness. This model argue that the free market is based on harsh
competition, which is a cruel, cynical, ruthless and do not develop social
capital characteristics (Rakauskiene, 2006). Free market mechanisms is
being criticized by influential intellectuals in the world. It must be stressed
that the transitional market economies (such as Lithuania) is characterized by
frequent economic crises, economic instability and various other socioeconomic conditions change. It can therefore be argued that a market
mechanism simply unable to manage a dynamic environment, which, with
regard to Lithuania, to comply with the European social welfare model
characteristics. In this case, the role of state in the light of economic
instability (rapid growth, inflation, decline in national competitiveness, high
unemployment, etc.) should be intensified. As experience shows, the market
mechanism does not appear overnight. State practice shows that the
economy based on market principles occur within 25-50 years, depending on
the different and various additional factors. World Bank Report (1997) "The
State in a Changing World" World Bank President Wolfensohn says that
"history shows that a good government - this is not a luxury but a
172
prerequisite. In addition to effective state participation in the economy is not
possible a balanced social and economic development". This means that
countries need to plan nations’ resources, to apply modern managerial
techniques, proper understanding of the socio-economic situation in the
country, the potential for a comprehensive analysis of these indicators and to
raise the targets according to the state’s capability to handle them.
The market itself is unable to think strategically and consistently or
predict the future. The market mechanism can only adapt to short and thin
processes. Blind reliance on supply and demand principle, can accumulate in
long-term problems that could undermine the harmony of the socioeconomic state’s development. The theory identifies the strategic function of
the state economy (Rakauskiene, 2006). The state must have the social and
economic development of long-term strategy which should be reflected in
the state's vision, mission, strategic goals, priorities, targets and milestones,
operational policies and measures. Such a state of economic governance
presupposes that the key strategic functions of the State is to ensure the
effective functioning of the market economy (Rakauskienė, 2006). On the
basis described above, this means that the state must work to create
preconditions for the socio-economic well-being of people. B. Melnikas
(2002) argues that "the contemporary state of social and economic
development is a complex and contradictory set of processes, and requires a
deep understanding and knowledge of multi-systemic treatment and effective
management. An essential condition for the successful development of the
state and society - the ability to develop and implement long-term national
development strategies that are integrated to cover all the main political,
social and economic life, cultural development and direction of technological
progress, highlighted by a long-term development priorities, provided
information on current problems and prevention methods " . Such
management requires the State to prepare a high-level managers and
government officials. National development strategy must be developed in
accordance with the norms of management, principles and right
methodology. An important aspect is that the country's real situation
awareness is a key government priority formulating national development
strategies. Fictional understanding of the real situation may cause long-term
negative social and economic consequences. The most common preparation
173
steps for a strategy are: first, socio-economic analysis of the situation must
be carried out in order to properly assess operating processes in economy
and society and identify prevailing patterns of interdependence of various
factors. Second, strategic planning methodology - provides social and
economic tools, methods, procedures, different attitudes. The third institutional organizational aspects, which provides strategy implementing
institutions and capacity of of them (Rakauskiene, 2006).
Efficient State participation in a market economy, particularly in the
transitional nature of the market economy, is an essential and necessary
element in order to mitigate the loss of economies in transition, effective and
efficient use of national resources and ensure continued social and economic
development of society.
Analysis of Export Develpment Strategy of Lithuania for 20092013 year
Therefore, the state export development strategy is to target state
orientation, which should include the country's economic vision, mission and
strategic goals. Such a strategy usually refers to 10-20 years of economic
policies and measures for its implementation. An analysis methodological
framework of the Export Development determines what measures and
instruments it includes, as well as the consistency, coherence and complexity
dimensions of the strategy.
Export Development Strategy of Lithuania (2009) is consisted of the
following stages of strategic management:
1. General provisions. Strategy defines the purpose, explains the basic
concepts;
2. Lithuania's export performance analysis. Provides statistical
information, the main export performance: export ratio to the country's
economy, its significance, the export structure of Lithuania's key export and
import partners, export dynamics in the last years. Provides an analysis of
external and domestic factors, including political, social, economic
assumptions for this strategy to emerge.
3. Analysis of Country's economic potential in order to evaluate the
possible achievements and problems using SWOT method; in this phase the
174
country’s environmental resources are summarized and factors influencing
the development of export, by using the following criteria (strengths,
weaknesses, threats and opportunities);
4. Vision of foresight. The SWOT analysis provides a vision in
response to the question - where we want to be in 5 years and how we want
to look like, paying attention to the country's competitiveness in producing
medium and high-technology goods and services where Lithuania has
become the service centre of the Baltic region. The definition of strategic
objectives. Formulation of strategic objectives, clearly referred to as what
was expected, given concrete details on how to achieve the raised vision.
5. Strategic goals are identifying clear. The three strategic objectives
are outlined that are focused on reducing the impact of the economic
downturn, searching for new markets and creating the environment, suitable
for export basis.
6. The analysis of possible measures to reduce the impact of
economic financial crisis. At this stage financial measures, helping business
to effectively operate in the context of economic downturn, are defined.
7. Measures aimed at expanding markets are defined. At this stage,
tools are defined. These tools are oriented to exporting companies so that
they would be encouraged to expand markets. Also priorities are identified
for the economic areas: Priority I - High value-added manufacturing and
services, the export of sustainable economic development viability. Priority
II - the traditional sectors of the economy with the clustering option, which
has a competitive advantage and assumptions which are to increase and
maintain them, and transport services, logistics and culture life are set as one
of priorities. Priority III - incoming tourism should be encouraged, while
tourism infrastructure should be developed as well as culture, national
heritage, local natural resources should be exposed by promoting small
business initiative.
8. Provides for measures to promote entry into markets outside the
European Union Member States. The measures provided for - trainings,
consultancy, the country's image building, exhibitions, formulation of export
strategies, business formation, business trips, etc.
9. Intended outcomes and assessment criteria. This part is expected to
set the proper criteria for assessment of the export development strategy, as
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well as the criteria by which to assess the strategy for implementing the
measures affect progress.
10. Strategy Implementation and Accountability. In this stage, the
ministers of the programs are identified as well as financing for supporting
these programs.
The export strategy is divided into areas previously described. In the
sense of strategic management methodology, it can be argued that the export
strategy is designed on the basis of fixed methodology, but noted the
elements of developing methodology .
Strategy is characterized by consistency, complexity and continuity in
terms of the methodology. Following statistical analysis of indicators and
assessment of the weaknesses, strengths, threats and opportunities are clearly
formulated vision, strategic aims and objectives. However, it should be
emphasized that this phase of the strategic management concept is not
complete, since there is no identified mission. The strategy formulation and
its final approval allows to allocate financial resources by programs and
provides ministers and state institutions to plan their activities. Such
methodological approach as determined provides preconditions for so-called
synergy effect. It is important for effective management of public resources.
On the other hand, the rule of law is being implemented and posed a
constitutional responsibility to the community - public authorities serve the
people. Premeditated targets allow it to operate and adjust a deviation.
Although the decision-making power and initiative is recognized to public
institutions, interest groups also might express their own initiatives,
according to Strategy. Strategy sets the preconditions for interest groups to
participate in discussions in order to better know the expectations of
exporting companies, the problems and issues they face with. In this way,
the perception of social economic imbalance is eliminated, in this case public
authorities have better understanding of the needs of exporting companies
and economic processes. Strategy implies a strategy analysis, strategy
development and implementation of the measures of consistency, which is
contrary to the concept of the developing methodology, where the processes
are not consistent, but depending on changing economic, social, political,
technological and other factors. It should be noted that the measures of the
strategy are formulated in order to meet wider spectrum of different
176
industrial companies needs. Measures are diversified, and are focused on
broader economic activities in the different exporting businesses. A wider
range of different measures organically meets with the expectations of
different companies. As a result, we can expect higher positive impact on
business, its development and other socio-economic indicators that advance
the development of the society.
Export Development Strategy methodology has some drawbacks. First,
the mission is not explicitly stated in the Export Development Strategy.
Mission absence can cause difficulties in the implementation of the Strategy.
Moreover public authorities can distort the perception or vision of the final
implemented Strategy’s results. It is important to emphasize the lack of an
alternative strategy. The strategy does not provide scenarios under the
different circumstances. On the other hand, the absence of clear policy
options is contrary to the very principle of the methodology, which
recognizes the predictive ability. In other words, the methodology should not
only to discern threats and opportunities, but also to analyze the impact of a
strategy and provide measures to mitigate or even eliminate the negative
effects and seize new opportunities. Consequently, Export development
strategy ignores the principles of the fixed methodology. On the other hand,
it is not clear how the deviations will be handled. The entire strategy may
need to be changed due to deviations. It will require additional public
material and immaterial resources. It is also necessary to emphasize that the
evaluation criteria of the desired outcomes are formulated in the abstract, is
not entirely clear. In this case, unclearly formulated criteria contradict with
the principle of the fixed methodology that the future is clear and precise
enough to predict. The strategy’s evaluation criteria more focus on
quantitative rather than qualitative assessments. This can be seen from the
abstracts, such as “growth in organized training sessions”, “exhibit <....>
increase in the number”, “the number of markets increases”, “overall living
standards rise”, etc. There is no doubt that such evaluation criteria may little
reveal the effectiveness of measures implementation of the strategy,
interpretation of the qualitative change becomes more complex that may
have little or no effect on the country's harmonious and sustainable economic
and social development.
177
Research Methodology
In order to assess the socio-economic strategy, the relevance and
appropriateness of the work carried out original qualitative empirical
research interviews with 130 of the largest Lithuanian industry companies
leaders. The interview was carried out in spring of 2011. 130 industrial
companies were chosen according to their importance to the economy.
According yo the size of Lithuanian economy, 130 the largest industrial
companies are enough to represent the rest of the economy. The
manufacturing industry of Lithuania makes around 20% of GDP closely
connecting to the rest economic sectors. The are 6 traditional industries of
Lithuania: food and beverages, chemical, metal and metal manufacturing,
electronics, timber and furniture, textile and clothes. The leaders of
industries have been interviewed by phone call.
The general and specific questions about their companies activities and
current economic situation and perspectives have been asked:
1) The expectations of production for next quarter;
2) The expectation of employment at the company for next quarter;
3) The expectations of price level change of products for next quarter;
4) The expectations of price level change of raw materials for next quarters;
5) The expectations to export for next quarter;
6) Difficulties companies facing at current time with;
7) Indicators companies would like to improve or change;
8) Factors influencing companies activities the most.
9) Perspectives for company;
Questions from 1 to 5 are more general. These question allowed to
keep in contacts with industrial leaders and to enter the conversation.
Question from 6 till 9 are more specific and represents the needed indicators
the most. Leaders were completely free to answer to these questions with no
suggesting options. The questions formulated in the way that no pressure or
influence from out side would be possible to make. That is to say no options
were provided, that is why industrial leaders were able to express there own
opinion on the factors which influence their companies the most.
178
Table 1. The analysis of the Strategy of export development of Lithuania
No.
Criteria
1.
Economic .
2.
Political/
institutional
3.
Managerial
Factors according to SWOT
analysis of Export Development
Strategy of Lithuania
Productivity
Clusterization
Emerging new markets
Low labour cost
Energy resources
Global economic situation
Political dialogue
Activities of commercial
representatives in foreign
countries
Country‘s brand
Lack of high quality managers
4.
Social
5.
6.
7.
8.
Informational
Technological
Geographical
Financial
Human resources
Emigration
Access to information
Country‘s geographical location
EU funds
Internal and external companies‘
insolvency
9.
Juridical
Regulations on labour force
2013
Factors according to scientific literature
review
Macroeconomic stability
Clusterization
The level of local competition
Taxation policy
Tariffs, quotas, anti-demping
Political stability
Activities of commercial representatives in
foreign countries
Country‘s brand
Barriers entering new markets
New view on composition of competition
and cooperation
Exporting firms‘ trainings
Human resources
Situation of demography
Centrally governed informational center
Development of technology and innovations
Factors according to qualitative
interview of leaders of industrial
companies
Fluctuation of the cost of raw materials
Fluctuation of currency rate
Competition in foreign markets
Taxation policy
Energy resources
Global economic situation
Activities of commercial representatives
in foreign countries
Marketing
Lack of high quality managers
Human resources
Situation of demography
Technologies
Investments in R&D
Credits
Internal and external companies‘ insolvency
Circulating assessts
Regulations on labour force
Regulations on land
Vicissitude of law bills
Regulations on law bills
Land acquisition
The table is made according Rakauskienė (2006), Snieška and Meilienė (2010), Vijeikis and Mačys (2010) Export development strategy of Lithuania for 2009years (2009), and empirical qualitative research making interviu of 130 leaders of main Lithuania industria companies.
179
Analysis of economic factors impacting export for development of
social technologies
Having analized the Lithuania‘s export developing strategy, scientific
literature and interviewed CEO of Lithuanian industries, now it is possible to
categorize the datas in nine major sectors (see Table 1).
The most dominant factor affecting the export business, which is rising
prices of raw material. 74% of CEOs said that this is the main factor that
affects the operation of enterprises in the short term. Due to rising oil, cotton,
wood, various metals prices, a rapid decline of the competitiveness of firms
is noticed. This is because the industry's competitiveness is tied to the
juncture of raw materials and cheap labor force. This means that any price
fluctuations in raw materials posses a threat to Lithuania's industrial
competitiveness in the international market. Rising raw material prices are
not carried over the final price paid by the consumer. Since Lithuania's
economy is export-oriented, about 80% of industrial output is exported, the
company is facing fierce competition. Therefore, any change in the final
conditions is for loss of foreign markets, particularly in Western and
Scandinavian markets, which are aimed at the majority of Lithuanian
industrial exports. Under such circumstances, firms are forced to look for
internal resources to cover the cost of raw materials arising. Often these
raised unexpected raw material costs are covered at the expense of industry
profits or labor costs incomes. Since firms have lower profit margins,
companies have fewer opportunities to invest in new technologies,
production facilities and human resource capital. As a result, slowing
corporate renewal, technological development brings companies lose in
competitiveness. As shown by the Eurostat datas, the Lithuanian private
sector companies have invested the least to the means of production in the
European Union - only 8% of GDP. Of course, this can cause negative social
effects. Decline in competitiveness may lead to unemployment. According to
World Economic Forum data (2010), Lithuania is ranked 47 in the world in
terms of competitiveness. Without changing structure of the country’s
industry, the level of competition may significantly decline. On the other
hand, it should be noted that the material factors are external factors that the
industry may little control. Commodity prices are decided in the most global
180
processes, financial markets, social or military unrests or natural disasters.
All these processes are poorly predictable and chaotic enough. In order to
reduce the sense of uncertainty in the whole industry, companies are trying
to collect the raw material and hold it in storage. In other words, tracking and
forecasting the prices of raw materials markets, companies seek lower costs
to purchase materials and store them in the form of stock. There is no doubt
that storage of raw materials poses additional challenges. Storage, extra
transportation costs reduce the competitiveness of enterprises. On the other
hand, it requires a large cash flow, what it is lacking in the industry,
especially during an economic downturn, the banks leading conservative
policies. In mentioned analyzed scientific literature this factor does not
highlight the need to create plan in order to change such situation. Lacking a
more detailed analysis, how to deal with low value added sectors of the
issues and concerns. On the other hand, Lithuania's export development
strategy of "low cost" policy is not regarded as a disadvantage, but as an
advantage. The strategy does not clearly define measures to resolve the
economic dependency on raw materials and low value of labor force. It
would also be wrong to assume that the country's competitiveness depends
on low labor costs, declining wages and poor working conditions, because in
the long term, this leads to declining competitiveness of the country
(Meilienė E. and V. Snieška, 2010).
Another important factor is the energy resources. It should be noted
that this factor has been reported in export development strategy, but
undefined in the scientific literature. Lithuania is among the highest paid in
the European Union for energy resources. Energy costs increased
significantly during the last few years. Despite the fact that Lithuania is
neighboring the biggest energy partner of the European Union. This is most
related to closure of the second block of the Ignalina’s nuclear power plant.
In any case, the costs of energy resources have increased, which ultimately
reduced the industry's competitiveness in international markets. The strategy
also means there is no definition of what measures will be implemented in
the energy cost reduction. In some of the industrial companies energy costs
up to 73% of the cost of the final production. There is no secret that the main
energy partner for foreign energy is Russia. Lithuania imports about 90% gas
and 100% oil. Meanwhile, Russia is the largest natural gas holder in the
181
world (43% of total world’s natural gas reserves) and the largest exporter of
crude oil. Lack of political dialogue between Lithuania and Russia may in
the future rise major threats to the country's economy and economic
development. On the other hand, is not to say that, for example, Ministry of
Energy does not have a strategy on country’s energy policy. But that is not
reflected, and it is not in line with the Export Development Strategy, there is
no doubt. Consequently might be concluded that it does not consider
important factors, shows inconsistency, complexity and creates the
preconditions for process that leads to anomalies and lack of control.
Another crucial factor significant for industrial and business activity is
investment in technology and development. It should be noted that this factor
has been identified by industry leaders and reviewed in the scientific
literature. Unfortunately, the Export Development Strategy does not provide
neither the agent onr the specific measures to promote the development of
the technology.
Expenditure on gross fixed capital formation in 2010 was 4.5% of
GDP (Eurostat, 2010). Lower rates are founded only in Ireland and
Luxembourg. The economic downturn has suspended investment in tangible
fixed assets. Therefore, the investment in them was only 3.7% of GDP
(2009). This rate is the lowest in the European Union. The biggest
investment in production facilities in Slovakia spent almost three times
higher than in Lithuania. The fact that investment in capital goods relative
and in absolute terms was significantly decreased, suggest not only the
national accounts data, and material investment position statistics - the
structure of the machinery, equipment and vehicles for the funds (the
Lithuanian Economic Outlook 2010). On the other hand, the largest
investment by economic activity, has received the real estate sector - funds
the building and repair. While volumes in this sector fell by more than onethird, industrial investment fell by almost half. Lack of investment creates
particularly poor conditions of competition in the long term, and available
financial funds are invested outside the industry, but in the buildings. Such
an investment policy poses a threat to the long term goals, further decreasing
the competitiveness of industrial enterprises. It should be noted that the
strategy does not provide a means of attracting investments in export
oriented sectors. Lithuania calls for modernization of the industrial economy,
182
but it is difficult to see the connection between the government formed the
investment and export policies. Erroneous case, the investments aiming not
at the sustainable and rapid economic growth but at buildings sector would
lead to more economic imbalances in the country. Therefore, investment in
buildings does not create high value-added and reduce the competitiveness
of enterprises. However, it should be noted that the country's industrial firms
are investing in the development of entrance of foreign markets.
Implementation of the strategy means the company takes part in exhibitions
and looking for new partners in new markets. Part of the companies is
partially offset by training, and foreign missions. In this way, the company
expanded its production and promises to increase production. For example,
the food industry is more focused on domestic consumption. However, on
the basis of the food and beverage industry leaders, it can be predicted, the
industry will be switched to foreign markets. Due to decreasing purchasing
power and the emigration, the domestic market is shrinking so rapidly, as a
result also shrinking food production and consumption. The industrial
companies are forced to invest in new products, more suited for
transportation and to focus on the new production lines. Such circumstances,
in principle, create preconditions for bigger investments in the means of
production. On the basis of Export Development Strategy, the industries’
suppor is more focused on the development of a quantitative rather than
qualitative factors. This means that companies are encouraged to expand
their markets by volume, but not be the incentive to create products that are
manufactured with new technology. Such a policy could lead to a dual
effect: in one case, the company will gain only a short-term advantage in
foreign markets for "low cost" policy, and eventually becomes unable to
compete with foreign companies and will be forced to give up the markets.
In the second case, the quantitative expansion may escalate and result in a
qualitative growth in foreign markets where the acquired financial funds will
be directed to the means of production and human capital. This will create
conditions for enterprises to compete more and look for innovative ways and
technological solutions. But it must be stressed that the Government should
create favorable conditions for such undertakings.
It is also an important factor, named by industry leaders, is tax policy.
Tax policy can be divided into three main areas: tax rates and tax
183
accountings, and both of these factors instability. On the basis of the tax
rates, Lithuania redistributes about 29% taxation incomes of revenues over
GDP. Therefore, according to this criterion, there are the lowest taxes in
Lithuania among other European Union member states. However, examining
the taxation system it is very important to review the labor cost in the
industry. One job place, it is estimated, costs an average of 41% of the
official salary. This money is paid by employers or, in other words, the
company. Then, according to this indicator shows that a Lithuanian labor
cost is the same as in Belgium and is one of the highest in the European
Union. On the other hand, it should be noted that the exporting companies
are encouraged through the value added tax (VAT) recovery. Such
companies can recover the VAT paid on figures. According to industry
executives, the tax rate is not the most annoying factor as the tax accounting
system. Keeping account of tax under the Lithuanian tax system is one of the
toughest in the world. According to the World Economic Forum Global
Competitiveness Report, it is clear that the tax is the second most complex
factor for enterprises in Lithuania (2010). Lithuanian industry executives
also named this factor as one of the largest economic barriers. But an even
greater problem of this is accounting volatility. Industry leaders pointed out
that the observation of public institutions and parliamentary decisions are not
adequate from a perspective of objective reality. In other words, the taxation
system or new accounting rules discourage reasonable decisions, without any
transition period to adapt the company's new accounting system. Therefore,
these decisions are detrimental to the operation of plants and deterred
potential investors. Investors' Association of Lithuania "Investorforum" after
questioning domestic investors what is the investment climate in Lithuania,
it became clear that the tax rate is the fifth most important feature investing
in Lithuania, while the stability of the tax system in the second (2010).
However, unnecessarily frequent change of taxation accounting system
negatively reflects on Lithuanian export oriented companies in the foreign
market. Export Development Strategy for Lithuania does not pay attention
on this factor and does not provide the general guidelines to be followed by
the exporting company. There are no general guidelines on how the taxation
system could be correlated with export performance and to facilitate it.
184
According to industry leaders, consider the strategy and analysis of
scientific literature, it is possible to distinguish the political and institutional
factors in the group, which in some way the industry operates. According to
industry representatives, it can be argued that public sector activity is
understood ambiguously. Without any doubt, it plays a key role in shaping
government policy on the export activity. Favorable environment might
positively affect companies’ operational activities. This environment can be
divided into two categories - political and institutional. In the first case, the
export success depends on the overall perception of the importance of the
export policy and promotion. Exporting companies, in this case, depends on
the political will to support it. In the second case, the export policy will
depend on the effectiveness of the implementation. According to industry
executives, public support to promote exports is only available to larger
companies. Smaller companies might be harder qualified for public
assistance to promote exports. On the other hand, smaller firms lack the
managerial skills and more difficult to use the proposed export instruments.
In other words, access to governmental export promotion measures is
limited. A significant part of the industry leaders argued that the decisionmaking bodies often fail to meet the requirements of the manufacturing
process and is contrary to logic. For example, in a few weeks it is set the
production packaging standards to be replaced, but the production process of
such actions last usually for a few months. The impression is that the
authorities are concerned about the country's low economic development and
state institutions are not very aware of the country's economic realities. At
the same time, the scientific literature more emphasizes on the importance of
political stability in the country's export policy. This means that the export
policy objectives must be permanent, and properly realized by public
institutions. The exact implementation should not depend on political cycles
and should ensure the smooth functioning of institutions.
On the basis of managerial criteria, the country's industry
representatives said marketing skills are lacking as a factor hampering the
development of export. There is a lack of export managers in the industry,
where is not a sufficient number of highly skilled managers who are able to
organize the entire management process, from ordering raw materials to
marketing products in foreign markets. On the other hand, the companies
185
pointed out that they are trying to diversify their products, look for new
marketing strategies in the Old Markets. The strategy named one of the key
managerial criteria that a country's output is not known to the world markets.
It can be argued that it is more the consequence than the cause. Lithuanian
poor visibility in foreign markets is due to the structure of the industry that is
little competitive, on the other hand, the lack of human resources who are
able to develop marketing strategies and marketing products in foreign
markets. As a result, the country's reputation is poor. There is no doubt that
poor visibility in the country, as already mentioned, occurs in uncompetitive
industries during the socio-economic conjuncture. This means that foreign
markets of Lithuanian origin are eliminated by the more competitive
countries. On the other hand, experience shows that students with academic
managerial backgrounds are annually graduated as many as about 30% of all
students (J. Pluktaitė, 2010). In other words, educational policy, again, is not
effective and does not meet the needs of the economy where labor markets
are overcrowded with a high percentage of the profession not needed in the
market. However, companies struggle to find adequate skilled workforce.
Consequently, such policy brings a waste of public resources and reduced
competition. It should be noted that Lithuania's export development strategy
is a set of measures intended for export managers. In other words, they
overlap with the educational mission. Unfortunately, measures that would
reform the systemic failures of education policy are not defined or involved
in the Strategy.
Another industry executives named factor - skilled labor shortage. O.
G. Rakauskiene (2006) on human capital responds as follows: "there is a
lack of educated, enterprising, risking, seeking new markets for
entrepreneurs, although the labor force has a relatively high level of skills in
some industries where, in fact, are already shortage of skilled labor force. Its
discipline, mobility and adaptability to change is not satisfactory. "Skilled
labor shortages could become a serious problem of industrial development in
the near term. Most of industrial capital is inherited from the Soviet era,
which was prepared by professional experts. Currently, the industry can
hardly find a highly skilled workforce. Even 41% of the industry leaders said
that there is the lack of skilled labor. State agencies do not prepare most of
these professionals, and if any appear, they are simply emigrate. Therefore,
186
the industry fights for a skilled workforce recruiting professionals from their
competitors, or teach them in the workplace. Interesting to note that, for
example, chemical industry executives said that they do not confronted with
a shortage of skilled labor, on the other hand, at the same time expressed
regret that those public institutions that prepare the necessary specialists, has
no long been available. The resulting paradoxical situation in which there is
no public institution that prepares professionals, skilled labor shortages can
be explained by the fact that the industry has long been using a skilled labor
job training strategy. In this way, the industry adapts to the circumstances of
the labor market, the economy does not fully meet expectations. This policy
will require additional resources and re-directs the activities of the
company's key goals. Of course, all that reduces competition among firms in
the short term, but the los of the positions can be hardly recovered over the
long term in the fierce competition times. It should be noted that the labor
market and the economy formed a dangerous situation - structural
unemployment. That is the situation in the labor market, where a large
number of people looking for work, but is unable to find, although there are
many vacancies. Lithuanian Department of Statistics in 2011 recorded
approximately 280 thousand unemployed people in the first quarter.
Meanwhile, the Lithuanian Labour Agency, registered 17.7 thousand
vacancies. This situation illustrates that labor market do not meet the need of
the real economy. This means that companies cannot find the skilled labor
force. Long-term unemployed person is a person who cannot get a job over
12 months. At this moment long term unemployed persons make up to 40%
of all unemployed people and this number is perilously growing.
Difficult situation in the labor market poses serious threats to the
country's industrial development. It must be noted that in the Lithuania's
export development strategy a skilled labor force was expressed as
Lithuanian competitive advantage. In fact, it is difficult to discern that what
is really the comparative advantage of Lithuania’s economy. On the other
hand, the strategy identifies the measures that are not entirely clear how a
public authority intends to mitigate or change the precarious situation which
has arisen and how they adapted to the needs of the economy. The strategy
of the measures referred to show that they are most focused on management
training for executives and export managers. Such measures poorly resolve
187
chronic problems in the labor market. It is also important to note that there
are no alternatives to a development of work force qualifications and
professions needed to ensure economic demand. In other words, the
implementation of the strategy does not impose preconditions for the
employment to progress in the real economic sector and does not encourage
the service sector workforce qualifications arise. All this is contrary to the
strategy vision.
Industrial enterprises also concern about the significant financial
criteria. Financial criteria can be divided into two parts: the state provided
partial financial assistance and the lending policies of banks. Lithuanian
export development strategy is focus on promoting basic tools that are
previously mentioned in European Commission. Total facility "New
Opportunities" scheduled distribution of 154 million LT in 2001-2013 from
EU structural funds. Another financial instrument to promote exports of
Lithuanian enterprises carried out through business investment and guarantee
public company INVEGA that provides loans with state guarantees. It
should be noted that this financing tool is more to mitigate the threat of
insolvency and liquidation problems. Financial and economic downturn in
both domestic companies and raw material suppliers and buyers face a
shortage of “working capital”. According to the World Economic Forum
data, access to finance in Lithuania is one of the biggest problems, which
ranks fourth most important impact of business development in Lithuania.
Industry leaders and academic literature identify the credit policy as one of
the most important determinants of export and business development.
According to the same source, Lithuania is merely placed 112 of 139
countries in the world under the conditions for a loan. Such a figure hardly
consistent with the concept of competition and lead to a breakthrough in
export policy, the development of financial institutions and funding
opportunities must be set as one of the priorities. Lack of “working capital”,
the industry can hardly co-operate with suppliers, customers, partners, and
develop socially responsible practices.
Country's legal environment is also an important factor in the
development of export policy. As already mentioned, the often change of
law is distracting the industry to meet the main objectives and re-guide the
companies to new achievement of competitiveness. An often change of law
188
causes the change or adjustment of corporate objectives, planning and
practice. Also an important and significant factor in the export policy is an
intense legal regulation. For example, in construction and building sector
there more than 1500 different laws that define this sector complicating
business activities. Another important area emphasized in the scientific
literature, The Strategy and by business leaders, is labor force regulations.
According to the World Economic Forum's report, on the basis to the
adoption and dismissal of employee out of work Lithuania is 117 in the
world. One of the disadvantages of employment regulations, industry leaders
named the fact that companies have too big burden to dismiss a large number
of people who need to pay social security benefits, and thus, the company
plays the role of the state social insurance. On the other hand, many industry
leaders did not make critical employment adjustments comments. Employer
and employee relations should be transformed into a political social
consensus, which would create favorable conditions for both social groups.
Flexibility must be balanced with security, prosperity, competitiveness and
stability with dynamism. To mention the fact that the strategy does not
provide measures intended to implement the labor relations and social
security policy. One of the sensitive issues as the determinants of export
expansion, has been named the land acquisition issue. To a large extent of
land acquisition is a lengthy and complicated process, resulting in a large
bureaucracy that is often mentioned as one of the sources of corruption
continuing up to several years. For those reasons, the industry may be
difficult to acquire land, it will no doubt hinder the increase in production
capacity and progress of export development. Strategy did not emphasized
the acquisition process of land and there are no guidelines on how to
facilitate the land acquisition process of exporting firms.
Conclusions
Efficient State participation in a market economy, particularly in the
transitional nature of the market economy, is an essential and necessary
element in order to mitigate the loss of economies in transition, effective and
efficient use of national resources and ensure continued social and economic
189
development of society. This brings broad scope for research of social
technologies for developement export and its influence for economy.
Export development strategy of Lithuania is based on the fixed
methodology, however, poorly determined in accordance with the
methodology of consistency, complexity principles. The strategy is a nonsystematic, incomplete, not properly assess the objective reality of operating
industrial companies oriented to export in the Lithuania. The Strategy
provides little awareness in accordance with environmental assessments,
ignoring the economic, social, technological, political-institutional factors.
A comparison of Lithuania's export development strategy for the
industry, and 130 industry leaders views, and a review of scientific literature
suggests that the strategy is directed to short term improvements than to the
general improvement of the exporting industrial companies conditions.
Public authorities and bodies lack of strategic thinking skills, abilities and
priorities reducing the choice of inter-institutional cooperation. The noncomplience of political documents and needs of industry of Lithuania is
identified.
The main factors making main influence for Lithuania social
economical development of Lithuania in economical (luctuation of the cost
of raw materials, fluctuation of currency rate, competition in foreign
markets, taxation policy, energy resources, global economic situation),
political and institutional (activities of commercial representatives in foreign
countries), managerial (marketing, high quality managers), social (human
resources, situation of demography), informational, technological,
geographical, financial (credits) and law (regulations on law bills, land
acquisition) fields.
The results of research could be implied for creating social
technologies for rising social economical development of Lithuania, as well
as for development of Export Development Strategy of Lithuania.
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Santrauka
Eksporto plėtros strategija ir Lietuvos ūkis: kokybinis
požiūris
Ignas Dzemyda, Mykolo Romerio uiversitetas, Lietuva
[email protected]
Artūras Jurgelevičius, Mykolo Romerio uiversitetas, Lietuva
[email protected]
Straipsnyje išanalizuotas Lietuvos eksporto plėtros strategijoje
numatytų veiksnių tinkamumą sparčiam ir tvariam Lietuvos pramonės
vystymuisi, Visapusiškai ištiriama Eksporto plėtros strategija, joje nustatyti
veiksniai, darantys įtaką pramonės įmonių eksportui bei šių veiksnių
atitikimą Lietuvos sąlygoms.
Ištitirama mokslinė literatūra eksporto
politikoje, Eksporto plėtros strategija, 130 pramonės įmonių vadovų
nuomonė eksporto politikos klausimais.
Siekiant identifikuoti pagrindinius socialinio ekonominio vystymosi
veiksnius Lietuvos eksporto politikoje, šiame darbe yra išryškintas valstybės
vaidmens svarbumas pereinamosios ekonomikos laikotarpiu (Lietuva) bei
ilgalaikio planavimo instrumentų nepakeičiamumas užtikrinant visuomenės
tobulėjimą. Darbe analizuojamas Lietuvos Eksporto plėtros strategijos 20092013 metams tinkamumas Lietuvos sąlygomis atsižvelgiant į šalies ūkio
poreikius. Siekiant įvertinti socialinį bei ekonominį Strategijos aktualumą ir
tinkamumą, darbe atliktas originalus empirinis tyrimas apklausiant 130
didžiausių Lietuvos pramonės įmonių vadovus. Sociologiniai metodai,
naudojami ir kitose Europos Sąjungos šalyse, sudarė prielaidas parinkti 130
pramonės įmones pagal reikšmingumą šalies ekonomikai. Išsami mokslinės
literatūros analizė Lietuvos eksporto politikoje leido palyginti Lietuvos
pramonės vadovų nuomonę su Strategijoje numatytais veiksniais. Visos
tiriamojo darbo sudedamosios dalys yra nuoseklios ir pagrįstos loginiu ryšiu.
Tiriamojo darbo rezultatai yra aiškiai ir nuosekliai apibendrinti bei pateikti
lentelių ir grafikų pavidalu.
192
Išanalizavus Lietuvos eksporto plėtros strategiją, mokslinę literatūrą
bei atlikus originalų empirinį tyrimą, išskirti veiksniai, darantys vienokią ar
kitokią įtaką šalies eksporto įmonėms. Galima pastebėti dominuojančius
veiksnius, svarbius vykdant eksportą. Tokia analizė sudarys prielaidas
išryškinti aktualiausius ir svarbiausius faktorius pramonės įmonių eksporto
veikloje. Remiantis moksline literatūros analize bei didžiausių pramonės
įmonių vadovų nuomone, galima palyginti ir įvertinti Lietuvos Eksporto
plėtros strategijoje įvardijamų veiksnių įtaką eksportui bei jų atitikimą
tikrovėje bei Lietuvos sąlygoms. Palyginus pramonės įmonių vadovų ir
mokslo literatūroje nagrinėjamus aktualiausius veiksnius, galima bus
įvertinti, kaip Lietuvos Eksporto plėtros strategija atitinka įmonių vadovų
lūkesčius.
Pagrindinės išvados:
1) Lietuvos Eksporto plėtros strategija parengta pagal nustatytinę
metodologiją, tačiau menkai atitinka nustatytinės metodologijos
nuoseklumo, kompleksiškumo, logiškumo principus;
2) Strategijoje atlikta SSGG analizė yra nesisteminė, nevisapusiška,
netinkamai įvertinama objektyvi tikrovė, veikianti Lietuvos pramonės
eksportą;
3) Strategijoje numatytos priemonės menkai atitinka aplinkos
vertinimus, taip pat Strategijos priemonės yra nukreiptos tik į vadybinį
veiksnį, ignoruojant ekonominius, socialinius, technologinius, politiniusinstitucinius veiksnius;
4) Palyginus Lietuvos Eksporto plėtros strategijoje numatytas
pramones, 130 pramonės įmonių vadovų apklausa bei mokslinės literatūros
analize, galima teigti, kad Strategijoje nustatytos priemonės labiau yra
šabloninio pobūdžio negu nukreiptos į bendrų sąlygų gerinimą.
5) Valstybės institucijoms ir įstaigoms trūksta strateginio mąstymo
įgūdžių,
prioritetų
pasirinkimo
gebėjimų
bei
tarpinstitucinio
bendradarbiavimo.
Raktiniai žodžiai: eksporto plėtros strategija, Lietuvos ekonomika,
Industrinės įmonės.
193
Possibilities of Collective Intelligence Technologies in
Lithuania’s Public Sector
Rūta Tamošiūnaitė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – To explore possibilities for adaption of existing collective
intelligence technologies in public sector in Lithuania.
Design/methodology/approach – Review of previous researches and
systemic analyses of their findings. Study of social technologies used in
Lithuania’s public sector. Review of collective intelligence technologies.
Finally, synthesis of study results in to system of possibilities for adaption
of existing collective intelligence technologies in public sector in Lithuania.
Findings – Explored possibilities of and presented a course line for
adaption of existing collective intelligence technologies in public sector in
Lithuania in accordance with Lithuania’s legal regulation on the matter
(European Unijon regulation as well).
Research limitations/implications – References used for analyses on
collective intelligences technologies is not an exhaustive list within the
field. Accomplished case study leans only upon analyses of publicly
revealed information, as legal documents, websites’ of Lithuania’s public
sector organizations. No technocal insights into the technologies of
collective intelligence are made.
Practical implications – Findings of the paper provide suggestions
for improving strategy of social technologies’ adaption in Lithuania’s
public sector. Due to which efficient model for participation of citizents
(and residents) is possible.
Originality/Value – Systemic analyses of existing social technologies
and their expansion possibilities in Lithuania’s public sector. New
194
viewpoint is given to means of citizents (and residents) participation in
public matters.
Keywords: collective intelligence, social technologies, public sector,
Lithuania.
195
Legal Subjectivity for Virtual Agents: Fiction or
Inevitability?
Marius Kalinauskas, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose: To analyze theoretical possibilities for virtual agents to be
legitimized as legal subjects.
Design/methodology/approach – Virtual agents are widely used in
internet space and may be a handful tool for various purposes. Some of the
autonomous agents can operate without any interference of its creators or
owners. These intellectualized programs can do real harm to legal subjects
without any chance of taking legal countermeasures if the creators or
owners do not exist. Considering the fact that science of artificial
intelligence is moving forward it is possible that virtual agents may gain
some capabilities of human reasoning and personhood. This assumption
leads to another question: can virtual agents become autonomous enough
and gain legal subjectivity or quasi-subjectivity? Legal norm appliance to
artificial intelligence system is an open topic which was analyzed by
comparing different opinions of scientists on this matter and suggesting
possible approaches towards theoretical solutions of the issue.
Findings – In this report author discusses possible scenarios and
theoretical models of legalizing virtual agent as a legal subject. Legal
responsibility for law violation may not be applied to virtual agents as
autonomous systems because they do not meet the requirements of gaining
legal subjectivity as an entity. There are many discussions among lawyers,
artificial intelligence creators and philosophers about the necessity of
legalizing virtual agent as legal subjects. What models could be applied?
What features should virtual agents meet in order to have rights and
196
obligations? Do we need the conception of legal subjectivity for virtual
agents at all? Author analyses these questions and proposes few scenarios
of possible solutions to these problems.
Research limitations / implications – The methods of reasoning and
decision making are completely different when comparing human beings
with virtual agents. But being a human historically was never a crucial
factor of gaining legal subjectivity. The problem arises when we need to
define specific set of rules or actions which could be the basis of gaining
status of a legal person. The other limitation is that law serves as a control
mechanism/regulator for human behavior and it is based on principles fitted
to people. It is not always possible to adopt these rules to objects, which by
their nature function completely different.
Practical implications – The question of legal subjectivity is
important to lawyers, philosophers, artificial intelligence system creators
because legal doctrine forms the trends of possible law enforcement models
which could be applied to virtual agents or other intellectualized systems.
Originality/Value – The topic is controversial because there are no
virtual agents yet which could possibly match the quality set of features
natural to human beings. However, virtual agents are becoming more
autonomous and smarter and the damage which may be done by their
actions is potential and real. Defining the limits of legal rights and
obligations to virtual agents may give some clarity in this issue and help to
solve future problems while they are still at their origin.
Keywords: Virtual agents, intellectualized systems, law and artificial
intelligence, legal subjectivity, virtual agent rights.
Research type: Viewpoint, conceptual paper, literature review,
general review.
197
The Aspects of Social Network Sites Application in Marketing
Activities
Monika Skaržauskaitė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
[email protected]
Abstract
Purpose – This paper analyses the role of social network sites in
marketing of business. In recent decades, the rapid growth of innovative
Internet based information and communication technologies created a new
field of marketing opportunities of companies. Social network sites, as part
of Internet innovation, represent a new form of communities where people
meet and share interests and activities. Social network sites started-out years
ago as a way for individuals to make friends and stay in touch with others of
similar interests by way of the internet. Over time it is now an excellent way
for businesses to make targeted and immediate contact with the masses. This
paper seeks to address gap in the literature by presenting the aspects of
social networks marketing in business environment. So the main aim of this
article is to indentify applications of social network sites marketing in
business environment and identify factors for online-success.
Design/Findings – The paper presents a theoretical model of social
networks application in marketing activities that incorporates critical
success factors for marketing effectiveness. The model is supported by the
analysis and synthesis of the scientific literature.
Research limitations/implications – The model presented here is a
conceptual model and needs to be validated empirically.
Practical implications – For practical purposes, the variables proposed
in the model would provide a more comprehensive framework for the
assessment of marketing effectiveness by using social networks sides and
work as a guide for building effective marketing strategies.
198
Originality/value – Although the relevant literature consists of many
partial and indirect insights and indications in the direction as conceived by
the model, the full model as such is original. The authors’ primary
contribution is in perceiving the holistic picture of the research subject.
Keywords: social networks, organization management, marketing
innovations, internet, critical success factors in marketing
Research type: conceptual.
199
Social Technologies '11: ICT for Social transformations: conference
proceedings. – Vilnius: Mykolas Romeris University, 2011. – 200 p.
ISBN 978-9955-19-378-4
This international conference is focused on conceptual design,
methodological foundation and practical implementation of social software
for managing sustainable development and long-term effectiveness
enhancing of social macro- and mega- systems.
200

conference proceedings (download)

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