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ABSTRACTThis paper addresses two issues critical to the success of decision support systems in multiattribute/multicriteria decision‐making contexts. A relationship is established between normative (prescriptive) work in the area of multicriteria decision making and behavioral (descriptive) decision research involving choice strategies. A conceptual system architecture based on the state‐space approach to problem solving is presented. This architecture will enable decision makers to incorporate both prescriptive and descriptive strategies in the course of computer‐aided multiple alternative/attribute problem resolution.

AbstractUnderstanding virtual community (VC) networks is essential because the characteristics of these networks play a fundamental role in knowledge exchange. This survey‐based study proposes two network‐related antecedents: perceived closeness with VC members (PCL) and perceived connectedness with VC members (PCN). Using a structural equation modeling approach, we examined the two antecedents' associations with the knowledge‐exchange drivers that, in turn, are related to two endogenous variables: intention to acquire knowledge and intention to share knowledge. The results of our bootstrapping mediation tests suggest that the perceived network characteristics indirectly influence members' knowledge‐exchange intentions through mediators such as identification, knowledge self‐efficacy, reputation, and shared vision. We conclude that PCN can positively influence the four mediators and is a key network characteristic that facilitates knowledge exchange in virtual spaces. By studying the antecedents of users' intentions to share and acquire knowledge, this research provides a holistic view of information exchange on VCs.

This paper investigates the antecedents of member retention for virtual communities. This research theorizes the motivating mechanism from both perspectives of the information seekers and providers. Four antecedents - communication breadth, depth, responsiveness, and cross-posting - have a statistically significant influence on member retention. Furthermore, we have found that communication breadth and depth have a diminishing effect on the marginal impact on member retention as well as the interaction between these factors has a negative impact on member retention although each of them separately has a positive impact. The implications of this study help understand the dynamics of knowledge sharing in virtual communities.

The focus of the book is on the up-front activities and ideas for new product and service development. A central theme of this book is that there is, or should be, a constant struggle going on in every organization, business, and system between delivering feature-rich versions of products and services using extravagant engineering and delivering low-cost versions of products and services using frugal engineering. Delivering innovative products is accomplished by an endless cycle of business planning, creative and innovative insight, and learning-about and learning-by-doing activities.

Virtual worlds have emerged as important socio-technical artifacts in contemporary society. They have enabled unique business models in the digital economy. This paper presents a rich account on how virtual worlds have transformed modern society and how they have been presented as having outstanding benefits and promise, with examples of successes and failures. The goal is to synthesize the research and demonstrate an accurate understanding of this novel artifact and its multi-facet consequences. In addition, and more importantly, this review proposes a research agenda for the information systems discipline and assists in identifying critical issues on virtual world technologies and strategic management practices. The objective of this study is to establish a foundation for research on virtual worlds.