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Books > Business & Economics > Industry & industrial studies > Media, information & communication industries > Information technology industries
The Video Game Industry provides a platform for the research on the video game industry to draw a coherent and informative picture of this industry. Previously this has been done sparsely through conference papers, research articles, and popular science books. Although the study of this industry is still stigmatized as frivolous and only game oriented, those who grew up with video games are changing things, especially research agendas, the acceptance of studies, and their interpretation. This book describes and defines video games as their own special medium. They are not pinball from which they grew, nor movies which they sometimes resemble. They are a unique form of entertainment based on meaningful interactions between individuals and machine across a growing sector of the population. The Video Game Industry provides a reference foundation for individuals seriously interested in the industry at the academic level. As a result, this book will serve as a reference in curricula associated with video game development for years to come.
The Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) movement demonstrates how labour can self-organise production, and, as is shown by the free operating system GNU/Linux, even compete with some of the worlds largest firms. The book examines the hopes of such thinkers as Friedrich Schiller, Karl Marx, Herbert Marcuse and Antonio Negri, in the light of the recent achievements of the hacker movement. This book is the first to examine a different kind of political activism that consists in the development of technology from below.
One of the most striking phenomena of China's remarkable economic growth is that its huge volume of exports are becoming high-tech. China is now the world's largest Information and Communication Technology (ICT) exporter, having overtaken Japan and the European Union in 2003 and the United States in 2004. China's ICT industry is also the largest manufacturing sector within the Chinese economy. This book examines how China has attained this leading position and presents one of the first accounts of China's ICT development model with specific reference to the experiences of East Asian 'tigers'. It shows how the development of the industry was military-driven before 1978, and how subsequently Chinese policymakers, struggling with domestic market reform and challenged by trade liberalisation and globalisation, managed to push through ICT development strategies. Overall, it discusses the debates between policymakers as to the most appropriate economic development strategy for 'catching-up' and demonstrates how China moved away from the across-the-board protectionist and interventionist industrial policies pursued by many developing countries, but has not wholeheartedly followed the neo-liberal free trade and market polices favoured by the World Bank, WTO and IMF. By doing so, it sheds light on the limitations of China's strategies moving forward, and identifies policy lessons for other developing countries.
This title was first published in 2003. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are increasingly being recognized as vital to the economic growth and global inclusion and participation of developing countries. This book brings together both academics and practitioners to provide a comprehensive and insightful overview of ICT and development around the world. It examines the role of IT in providing new economic and industrial opportunities, in increasing access to global information and communication, in assisting small cultural and ethnic groups to overcome disadvantages of physical distance and in catalysing initiatives towards democratic decentralization and empowerment of citizens. It also critically appraises major problems such as inappropriate focus and resource allocation, and of missed opportunities. By combining comparative case studies from Africa, South and East Asia, South America and Eastern Europe with theoretical analysis, this volume synthesizes a range of issues related to the evident tensions that exist for developing countries as they try to balance global and local priorities through the adoption and use of ICTs.
First published in 1990, The World Television Industry uses economic analysis to examine recent changes in the television industry. It uses the theory of public good and a model of industrial organization to identify the major forces determining the nature of the television product in the late twentieth century. The forces of supply and demand for an unusual product - often requiring a 'double' sale, to a consumer and to an advertiser - are examined, as are alternative methods of financing. The all-pervading role of government is discussed at length.
Culture and Trust in Technology-Driven Organizations provides insight into the important role that culture and trust can play in the success of high-technology organizations. This book reviews the literature and results of an empirical study that investigated the relationship between mechanistic and organic cultures and the level of trust in technology-based organizations. The book outlines the literature on organizational trust and culture and the role theorists believe they play in the success of a changing domestic and global business environment. It identifies ways of defining culture and trust as well as the survey instruments used to measure them. The book then examines the results of two studies that demonstrate the connection between organizational culture and trust. The two studies were conducted at separate times using data collected from several companies within a three-hour radius of each other. These companies are highly dependent upon the ability to identify, hire, and retain highly skilled knowledge workers. These workers are critical for the companies to successfully compete within the scope of their business and expand into their current and other markets. The book provides a practitioner's guide-based on the literature review and the results of the studies examined-that can be used to assess, diagnose, and improve employees' perception of their work culture and improve trust found in organizations. This guide provides management with actions and activities that should be considered when handling the day-to-day business of the organization. If followed, these activities can be instrumental in designing a culture that leads to success and ease of operation for the organization and its members.
One of the most striking phenomena of China's remarkable economic growth is that its huge volume of exports are becoming high-tech. China is now the world's largest Information and Communication Technology (ICT) exporter, having overtaken Japan and the European Union in 2003 and the United States in 2004. China's ICT industry is also the largest manufacturing sector within the Chinese economy. This book examines how China has attained this leading position and presents one of the first accounts of China's ICT development model with specific reference to the experiences of East Asian 'tigers'. It shows how the development of the industry was military-driven before 1978, and how subsequently Chinese policymakers, struggling with domestic market reform and challenged by trade liberalisation and globalisation, managed to push through ICT development strategies. Overall, it discusses the debates between policymakers as to the most appropriate economic development strategy for 'catching-up' and demonstrates how China moved away from the across-the-board protectionist and interventionist industrial policies pursued by many developing countries, but has not wholeheartedly followed the neo-liberal free trade and market polices favoured by the World Bank, WTO and IMF. By doing so, it sheds light on the limitations of China's strategies moving forward, and identifies policy lessons for other developing countries.
An insightful, behind-the-scences portrait of the technology giant Apple. Former Wall Street Journal technology reporter Yukari Iwatani Kane delves deep inside Apple in the two years since Steve Jobs's death, revealing the tensions and challenges CEO Tim Cook and his team face as they try to sustain Jobs's vision and keep the company moving forward. Steve Jobs's death raised one of the most pressing questions in the tech and business worlds: Could Apple stay great without its iconic leader? Many inside the company were eager to prove that Apple could be just as innovative as it had been under Jobs. Others were painfully aware of the immense challenge ahead. As its business has become more complex and global, Apple has come under intense scrutiny, much of it critical. Maintaining market leadership has become crucial as it tries to conquer new frontiers and satisfy the public's insatiable appetite for 'insanely great' products. Based on over two hundred interviews with current and former executives, business partners, Apple watchers and others, Haunted Empire is an illuminating portrait of Apple today that offers clues to its future. With nuanced insights and colourful details that only a seasoned journalist could glean, Kane goes beyond the myths and headlines. She explores Tim Cook's leadership and its impact on Jobs's loyal lieutenants, new product development, and Apple's relationships with Wall Street, the government, tech rivals, suppliers, the media, and consumers. Hard-hitting yet fair, Haunted Empire reveals the perils and opportunities an iconic company faces when it loses its visionary leader.
The Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) movement demonstrates how labour can self-organise production, and, as is shown by the free operating system GNU/Linux, even compete with some of the worlds largest firms. The book examines the hopes of such thinkers as Friedrich Schiller, Karl Marx, Herbert Marcuse and Antonio Negri, in the light of the recent achievements of the hacker movement. This book is the first to examine a different kind of political activism that consists in the development of technology from below.
While much has been written on the growth of information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services in India, little is known about the people who work in these industries, about the nature of the work itself, and about its wider social and cultural ramifications. The papers in this collection combine empirical research with theoretical insight to fill this gap and explore questions about the trajectory of globalization in India. The themes covered include: (a) sourcing and social structuring of the new global workforce; (b) the work process, work culture, regimes of control and resistance in IT-enabled industries; (c) work, culture and identity; (d) nations, borders and cross-border flows.
Since the 1950s there has been a persistent shortage of sci-tech
librarians, and as more librarians retire or change positions, the
prospect looms that the profession will only depopulate further.
Tackling this difficult challenge, Recruiting, Training, and
Retention of Science and Technology Librarians gathers together
into one source the perspectives of top library administrators and
managers as well as front-line librarians who present the latest
research and practical strategies to find, train, and keep those
valuable specialized professionals. This book explores in depth
timely issues and presents creative perspectives and innovative
solutions to this persistent problem in subject-specialized
libraries.
Technological advances and innovative perspectives constantly
evolve the notion of what makes up a digital library. Archives and
the Digital Library provides an insightful snapshot of the current
state of archiving in the digital realm. Respected experts in
library and information science present the latest research results
and illuminating case studies to provide a comprehensive glimpse at
the theory, technological advances, and unique approaches to
digital information management as it now stands. The book focuses
on digitally reformatted surrogates of non-digital textual and
graphic materials from archival collections, exploring the roles
archivists can play in broadening the scope of digitization efforts
through creatively developing policies, procedures, and tools to
effectively manage digital content.
Technological advances and innovative perspectives constantly
evolve the notion of what makes up a digital library. Archives and
the Digital Library provides an insightful snapshot of the current
state of archiving in the digital realm. Respected experts in
library and information science present the latest research results
and illuminating case studies to provide a comprehensive glimpse at
the theory, technological advances, and unique approaches to
digital information management as it now stands. The book focuses
on digitally reformatted surrogates of non-digital textual and
graphic materials from archival collections, exploring the roles
archivists can play in broadening the scope of digitization efforts
through creatively developing policies, procedures, and tools to
effectively manage digital content.
The proliferation of mobile media in recent years is an international phenomenon, with billions of devices sold annually. Mobile communications are now moving beyond individualized voice to mass media content--text, voice, sound, images, and even video. This will create new types of content that allow media companies and users to interact in new ways. There is a strong interest from the media and telecom industries in what manner of applications and content can be distributed in that fashion, and at what cost. To answer these questions, the book provides 18 chapters from internationally renowned authors. They identify likely types of content such as news, entertainment, peer-to-peer, and location-specific information; evaluate the economics, business models, and payment mechanisms necessary to support these media; and cover policy dimensions such as copyright, competitiveness, and access rights for content providers. This volume takes the reader through the various elements that need to be considered in the development of third generation (3G) content, and explains pitfalls and barriers. The result is a volume of interest to business professionals, academics, and policy makers. The book is international in focus and a glossary of terms is provided. There are few publications available which give an overview of this rapidly changing field.
Filled with fascinating glimpses behind today's financial headlines. "Underwriting the Internet is a fast-paced story of one of the most exciting business developments that has ever occurred. This comprehensive treatment of the technical advances, financial engineering, and entrepreneurial genius behind the Internet revolution includes actual corporate case studies, stock market analyses, and synopses of regulatory investigations. While focusing on the Internet's commercial development, the author describes the little understood technical and financial areas of the Internet revolution. He shows how the industry set off an investment frenzy built on biased financial research, executive malfeasance, and lax oversight by corporate directors and government agencies that ultimately destroyed the majority of dot-com startups as well as countless investment portfolios across America. Hiraoka analyzes specific and corporate alliances that contributed to the Internet's development, and compares the startup companies that began operating with questionable business plans that inevitably failed. He covers the anit-trust case against Microsoft; the successes of eBay, Amazon, Yohoo, and Google; roadkills along the information highway such as the forgotten eToys; as well as the Enron implosion and the other corporate scandals. After tracing this amazing story he concludes that the illegal practices and the ensuing $7 trillion loss in equity markets slowed the Internet revolution but could not snuff it out, and today e-business surges onward.
Filled with fascinating glimpses behind today's financial headlines, Underwriting the Internet is a fast-paced story of one of the most exciting developments that has ever occurred. This comprehensive treatment of the technical advances, financial engineering, and entrepreneurial genius behind the Internet revolution includes actual corporate case studies, stock market analyses, and synopses of regulatory investigations. While focusing on the Internet's commercial development, the author describes the little understood technical and financial areas of the Internet revolution. He shows how the industry set off an investment frenzy built on biased financial research, executive malfeasance, and lax oversight by corporate directors and government agencies that ultimately destroyed the majority of dot-com startups as well as countless investment portfolios across America. Hiraoka analyzes specific events and corporate alliances that contributed to the Internet's development, and compares the startup companies that began operating with questionable business plans that inevitably failed. He covers the anti-trust case against Microsoft; the successes of eBay, Amazon, Yahoo, and Google; "road-kills" along the information highway such as the forgotten eToys; as well as the Enron implosion and other corporate scandals. After tracing this amazing story he concludes that the illegal practices and the ensuing $7 trillion loss in equity markets slowed the Internet revolution but could not snuff it out, and with worldwide economic recovery e-business surges onward.
When one considers broadband, the Internet immediately springs to mind. However, broadband is impacting society in many ways. For instance, broadband networks can be used to deliver healthcare or community related services to individuals who don't have computers, have distance as an issue to contend with, or don't use the internet. Broadband can support better management of scarce energy resources with the advent of smart grids, enables improved teleworking capacity and opens up a world of new entertainment possibilities. Yet scholarly examinations of broadband technology have so far examined adoption, usage, or diffusion but missed exploring the capacity of broadband networks to enable new applications, the management aspects of funding and developing broadband-enabled services, or the policy environment in which such networks are developed. This book explores a wide range of issues associated with the deployment and use of broadband including its impacts on individuals, organizations, and society, and offers a generalist understanding of the technical aspects of broadband. Management of Broadband Technology and Innovation offers insights on broadband from the perspectives of Information Systems, Management, Strategy, and Communications Policy scholars, drawing on research from these disciplines to inform diverse aspects of broadband deployment, policy, and use. Issues associated with a subject technical in nature, but now researched in many ways, are emphasised. This book explains various softer aspects of broadband deployment and use, focusing on the benefits of broadband rather than on details of the technology.
Around the world, citizens in local communities are utilising ICTs
to underpin the creation of a participatory and democratic vision
of the network society. Embedded in the richness and diversity of
community practice, a vision of a 'civil network society' is
emerging. A society where ICTs are harnessed as tools to improve
the quality of life and reflect the diversity of social networks;
where people are viewed as citizens, not just as consumers, and
where heterogeneity is perceived as a strength rather than a
weakness.
Around the world, citizens in local communities are utilising ICTs
to underpin the creation of a participatory and democratic vision
of the network society. Embedded in the richness and diversity of
community practice, a vision of a 'civil network society' is
emerging. A society where ICTs are harnessed as tools to improve
the quality of life and reflect the diversity of social networks;
where people are viewed as citizens, not just as consumers, and
where heterogeneity is perceived as a strength rather than a
weakness.
The internet could have been purpose-built for fostering the growth of the social movements and citizen initiatives which have had such a significant impact on the political landscape since the 1990s. In "Cyberprotest" the contributors explore the effects of this synergy between ICTs (Information Communication Technologies) and people power, analysing the implications for politics and social policy at both a national and a global level.;Through a number of different international examples answers are sought to questions such as: to what extent and in what forms do social movements use ICTs?; how do new ICTs facilitate new patterns and forms of citizen mobilization?; how does this use affect the relationship between social movements and their members?; how do ICTs change the way social movement organizations communicate with each other?; and how do they affect the way these movements mobilize and intervene in public debates and political conflicts?
Until relatively recently, it was the domestic perspective of
business which was the driving force behind information technology
applications. But in the age of globalization, there is an
increasing need for IT to be more 'global friendly'.
Until relatively recently, it was the domestic perspective of
business which was the driving force behind information technology
applications. But in the age of globalization, there is an
increasing need for IT to be more 'global friendly'.
'A fascinating expose of the world behind your screen. Timely, often disturbing, and so important' Caroline Criado Perez, author of Invisible Women 'Takes us beyond Zuckerberg, Bezos et al to a murkier world where we discover how everything online works and who benefits from it. Fascinating, engaging and important' Observer 'Could not be more timely' Spectator The internet is a network of physical cables and connections, a web of wires enmeshing the world, linking huge data centres to one another and eventually to us. All are owned by someone, financed by someone, regulated by someone. We refer to the internet as abstract from reality. By doing so, we obscure where the real power lies. In this powerful and necessary book, James Ball sets out on a global journey into the inner workings of the system. From the computer scientists to the cable guys, the billionaire investors to the ad men, the intelligence agencies to the regulators, these are the real-life figures powering the internet and pulling the strings of our society. Ball brilliantly shows how an invention once hailed as a democratising force has concentrated power in places it already existed - that the system, in other words, remains the same as it did before. |
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