| Towards a Unified Perspective of Business Process Reengineering Methodologies by Neda Abdolvand, Tarbiat Modares University. | |
| Neda Abdolvand is the senior project manager in Tarbiat Modares University.
She received a Bachelor degree in Computer Engineering from Shahid Beheshti
Unversity (National University), a Post Graduate Certificate in Information
Systems from Melbourne University (Australia) and Masters degree in
Information Technology from Tarbiat Modares University. She has published a
number of papers in international conferences and journals. Her current
research interests are in the following areas: IT application and
information systems in various industries including transportation and
supply chain, IT-based business processes, and strategic information
systems. |
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| Abstract Business Process Reengineering (BPR) has been introduced as an effective solution for improving radically the performance of organizations. It is recommended to consider a methodology in the BPR effort because of its risky and complicated nature. Although, many researches present various methodologies, a comprehensive methodology has not been introduced. This research investigates almost 40 academic papers which focus on addressing a solution for BPR implementation. Then, the various stages of the BPR project and the important factors are extracted. To form a comprehensive BPR methodology, factors are aggregated in six structural elements. The results propose a unified perspective and structure for BPR methodologies and hence increase the comprehensiveness and effectiveness. For more reliability, 23 solutions are investigated to explore their emphasis on each element. |
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| A Survey of Mobile Database in the Consistency Transaction Management Models by Ziyad .T.Abdul-Mehdi, Ali Bin Mamat and Hamidah Ibrahim Mustafa Mat Dirs, MultiMedia University. | |
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Ziyad .T.Abdul-Mehdi is a lecturer in MultiMedia University, Faculty of Information Science and Technology (FIST). He is also a PHD Student in Mobil Computing, Computer Department, Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia and is waiting for his viva. He is a member of the Evaluation Committee of International FTMS Global Computing Sciences Journals, FTMS Schools of Engineering and Computing Sciences, De Monfort University Campus kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. |
| Abstract In this paper we present a, survey of transaction management models for wireless and mobile databases. The models are introduced and discussed with the underlying assumptions made. A comparison of the model and the consistency is done, and solution to be solved also given. |
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| Unique Rely-On Model for Diagonal Database Replication Grid Security by Ziyad .T.Abdul-Mehdi and Nebras .N. Hasson, MultiMedia University. | |
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Ziyad .T.Abdul-Mehdi is a lecturer in MultiMedia University, Faculty of Information Science and Technology (FIST). He is also a PHD Student in Mobil Computing, Computer Department, Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia and is waiting for his viva. He is a member of the Evaluation Committee of International FTMS Global Computing Sciences Journals, FTMS Schools of Engineering and Computing Sciences, De Monfort University Campus kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. |
| Abstract One of the primary advantages of replicating data to applicable sites in distributed database systems consists in improving data availability. Several techniques have been proposed for managing replicated data in distributed and grid database systems. Diagonal Replication on Grid (DRG) is one method for efficient data replication where the data is replicated synchronously in a diagonal manner of a logical grid structure. No solution so far addresses the issue of security during replication. Data files can be replicated to sides where several spiteful attacks might be initiated against the data. This paper proposes the integration of the notions of rely-on and security of a side into the Diagonal Replication technique. Data is replicated to the diagonal sites ranging from mostly rely-on sides to least rely-on ones. The possibilities of spiteful actions for a certain file are minimized and therefore guarantee a more secure replication of databases on the grid. |
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| Consumer Credit Laws in Malaysia by Ahmad Saufi Abdul Rahman, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. | |
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Ahmad Saufi Abdul Rahman is a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. He completed his first degree (LLB) at the University of Malaya in 1999. In 2000, he obtained his Masters of Law (LLM). His main area covers consumer credit law and commercial law. He is currently doing his PHD Studies at the University of Malaya. |
| Abstract As the cost of living increases yearly, there is certainly a need to borrow money. This is common for the lower and middle classes of the society. They need to, at least, enter into hire-purchase transactions especially for purchasing motorcars or motorcycles. However, there are others who may go beyond that extent by acquiring some instant cash from a moneylender or a pawnbroker. Although the services provided by lenders do help the borrowers to temporarily solve their financial problems, there should be safeguards for such transactions. This is due to the fact that there are lenders who take advantage of the borrowers, especially the desperate ones. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the latest amendments to consumer credit laws in Malaysia and to highlight its significance. |
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| The 'Soft Power' of Virtual Reality by Angela Adrian, Robert Gordon University. | |
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Angela Adrian (BBA, MIM ,Schiller; LLM, Aberdeen; Juris Doctorate, Loyola, Louisiana) is lecturer at the Department of Law of Robert Gordon University. Her research interest cover the areas of intellectual property, virtual reality, data protection, freedom of information and international trade.
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| Abstract "Soft power," the "ability to get what you want by attracting and persuading others to adopt your goals." Massively multiplayer online games are evolving to entertain, educate, and engage us individually. They will allow us to express ourselves, meet others, and create things that we can only dimly imagine. They will enable us to share and combine these creations, to build vast playgrounds. And more than ever, the virtual worlds that games provide will be a visible, external amplification of the human imagination. These virtual worlds can offer the field of public diplomacy a valuable new environment. |
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| Anatomy of Personal Information Processing: Application to the EU Privacy Directive by Sabah Al-Fedaghi. Associate Professor and chairman of the Computer Engineering Department, Kuwait University. | |
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Dr. Sabah Al-Fedaghi is Associate Professor and chairman of the Computer Engineering Department, Kuwait University. He holds MS and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science (Database Systems) from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois and a B.S. in Computer Science from Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona. He has published articles in journals and conferences on topics in database systems, natural language processing, information systems, information privacy, information security, and information ethics. Dr. Al-Fedaghi is an Associate Professor and chairman at the Computer Engineering Department, Kuwait University. |
| Abstract The term “processing” (in relation to personal data) and its derivatives occur 213 times in the EU Privacy Directive. Yet the Directive defines it in imprecise language. This paper investigates the notion of personal information processing in terms of a flow model with four phases and 14 generic acts on personal information. This provides fine-grained sub-processes of personal information processing, and the opportunity to tailor privacy codes according to the requirements of each sub-process. The methodology is applied to the EU Privacy Directive of 1995. |
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| The Adoption of E-Government and its Outcomes by Dr. Khalifah Alhamidah. Faculty of Law, Kuwait University. | |
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Dr. Khalifah Alhamidah (PHD, University of Manchester; LLM, Harvard Law School; LLB, Kuwait University) is Professor at the Department of Public Law , Faculty of Law, Kuwait University. He is an approved arbitrator at the Kuwaiti Chamber de Commerce and at the G.C.C. Commercial Arbitration Centre. His area of expertise includes the following topics: administrative inquiry, the role of the legal administration in the governmental work, the law of public servants, and the judicial rules regarding administrative contracts. He has published numerous articles dealing with the extent of the application of the Kuwaiti Commercial Law to Administrative Obligations arising from its Administrative Contracts, Ombudsman, constitutional bases of the electoral constituencies, administrative contracts and arbitration, among others. |
| Abstract With the rapid growth of the Internet and other elements of information Technology (IT), a new movement has evolved within the public administration. The term "e-government" finds itself more frequently used in the administrative law literature. This paper discusses the concept and development of e-government, and its effects on the modern state's departments. It focuses on the application of e-government and the results of such an adoption. It highlights the definition of a government within constitutional and administrative literature and points out the meaning of e-government. This paper analyses the effects and consequences of the adoption on public utilities, public servants and administrative contracts. |
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| A critical examination of the main types of the e-finance risks in Greece and how the Greek web financial organizations could handle them by Despina C. Anargiridou and Demetrios L. Papadopoulos, University of Macedonia, Greece. | |
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Despina C. Anargiridou is a teacher in computer science. She is also a doctoral student of the Accounting and Finance Department of the University of Macedonia, Greece. She has a B.Sc. degree in Informatics from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece (2000) and an M.B.A. from the University of Macedonia, Greece (2002). Her main area of research is web financial transactions. |
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Dr. Demetrios L. Papadopoulos is the chairman of the Accounting and Finance Department of University of Macedonia, Greece. He holds a B.A. in Business Administration from the Industrial School of Thessaloniki, Greece (1969). He received his Ph.D. degree in Corporate Finance and Quantitative Economics from the Graduate School of Business Administration, New York University, U.S.A. (1975). He has published several books and papers in Greek and International journals in financial management and entrepreneurial economics and participated in domestic and international conferences presenting papers in these subjects. |
| Abstract The advancement in internet technology and the evolution of the e-finance in Greece has brought in focus several new risks which were hitherto unknown in the traditional finance, but has also added to the traditional financial risks. The purpose of this paper is twofold: first to provide a critical examination of the main e-finance risks in Greece. Second, to discuss a risk management proposal which should be followed by Greek financial organizations to protect them against the e-finance risks. |
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| The EC and enhancing ship and port facility security by Ekaterina Anianova. Kaliningrad State University. | |
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Ekaterina Anianova is a lecturer in law of the sea at the Department of International and European Law , Kaliningrad State University. Since 2006, she has been an associate at the International Max Plank Research School for Maritime Affairs . She studied law at the State University of Kaliningrad and finished LLM at the University of Hamburg. She is currently doing her PHD Studies at the University of Hamburg. |
| Abstract A series of new security measures, a new era in the history of maritime shipping. With regard to these new measures, the European Community (EC) started to issue its own maritime security legislation under the official slogan of better implementation of standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). As a consequence of the new EC legislation,the single and harmonized application of security regulations was announced. The European Union (EU), one of the largest trading partners, has been forced to keep its markets and borders "open", in spite of its increased fears after the 11th of September 2001. It was not an easy task to facilitate trade and increase borders and ship and port security at the same time. On the other hand, these European initiatives suggested that there could be an opposition from the EU against the international regulations, in particular within the sphere of maritime affairs. The implementation of the maritime security regulations by the EC bears a strong resemblance to the EU's aspiration to become "une grande puissance maritime". |
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| Future Challenges for the Judiciary by Dr. Amos Avny. | |
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Dr. Amos Avny a Futurist and a Strategist, currently a retired professor and a senior consultant, deals with Globalization, Human Capital Development, Technology - Society relationships and e-Government issues. Dr. Avny was graduated in 1994 from Virginia Tech (VPI&SU) as PhD in public Administration and Policy, and in 1990 received his M. Sc. in Management & Business from National-Louis University. Prior to this studying period , A. Avny designed, led and managed many development projects all over the globe. Dr. Avny published numerous articles in professional magazines on the above topics. |
| Abstract The 21st Century is facing a move from the Modern to the Post-modern schools of thought, which perceives the cosmos as a chaotic uncertain and ambiguous environment. During this period, Technology, Globalization and Democratization processes shape the world and yield prosperity and growth. But, they contributed also to the decrease of social responsibility, extension use of drugs, violence and terror. The Judiciary, traditionally designed to settle social conflicts while maintaining a balance between Justice and the law, faces in the Post-modern era, a much more complicated situation. In order to carry out that mission the Judiciary should focus on encouraging innovative spirit vis-à-vis the bureaucracy, supporting local initiatives vis-à-vis multinational organizations and reconstructing a new working equilibrium between individual rights, communal awareness and social responsibility. |
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| Policy options when drafting tax incentives on research and development by Anuschka Bakker. International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation (IBFD). | |
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Anuschka Bakker studied tax law and notary law at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. She works since 1998 in the field of international tax law.
Currently, she is a Chief Editor Topicals with the IBFD. Before joining the IBFD, she worked as an international tax adviser at Ernst & Young and
PricewaterhouseCoopers. Further, she was a lecturer in Tax Law at the University of Leiden. Ms Bakker published several articles in national and
international tax journals. Ms Bakker was a member of a penal at the IFA 2006 congress; subject: Attribution of profits to permanent establishments of financial institutions. |
| Abstract Innovation plays a key role in the growth of a modern, knowledge-based economy. In order to attract companies that perform research and development activities, countries implement a specific research and developments company regime of other tax incentives that relate to research and development (R&D). In this paper, attention will be paid to the policy options that (non) EU Member States should take into account when drafting the tax incentives that aimed at research and developments activities. Further, it will deal with tax credits or allowances, special R&D company regimes. First, attention will be paid to the tax policy background with respect to incentives. After that, the definition of R&D will be discussed. In addition attention will be paid to EC Tax law that relates to aforementioned incentives. |
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| Thirty Years After: Anton Piller Orders and the Supreme Federal Courts of Canada by Jeff Berryman, |
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Jeff Berryman is a professor and holder of the senior research leadership chair in law, at the Faculty of Law, |
| Abstract Thirty years have passed since the creation of the Anton Piller order; an interlocutory order that allows a plaintiff to demand access to a defendant's premises so as to search for infringing property and documents where there is a real threat that such evidence will be lost if the action was to commence in the normal way. During the passage of this time, the Federal Court of Canada, which has a special jurisdiction over intellectual property disputes, has developed an innovative Rolling Anton Piller order that is of particular attraction to holders of intellectual property. In July 2006, Canada's highest appellate court had its first opportunity to rule on an Anton Piller order, although not a rolling order. This paper discusses some unintended consequences that the decision of the Supreme Court of Canada may have on rolling Anton Piller orders. |
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| An Appraisal of the Dispute Resolution Mechanisms under the Nigerian Telecommunications Act by Janet Asagh. Department of Commercial and Property Law, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies | |
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Ms. Asagh researches in the areas of Commercial and Property Law, Information and Communication Technology Law, Judicial Reform and Human Rights. She has been researching in these fields for six years. Mrs. Asagh received her LL.B from the University of Calabar, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1999. She practiced law for six months, and then began her present legal research career at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies in 2000 where she has been to date. She has served as research assistant to the Director General, and has served on various Committees at the Institute as secretary. She did fieldwork on a judicial capacity and integrity project and is actively involved in the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers, and other legal writing organizations. She has published a lot of articles and has attended and presented a number of papers at law conferences, workshops, seminars and other capacity building lectures on continuing legal education. |
| Abstract The changes in Nigeria's fast growing telecommunications industry have thrown up issues capable of generating disputes among operators, between operators and regulators and operators and consumers. This has reinforced the need for a comprehensive dispute resolution mechanism for the industry. The provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and subsidiary legislation made under it seek to achieve this objective. This paper appraises the legislation and its subsidiary instruments. It identifies its strengths and weaknesses and makes recommendations for expanding their scope and strengthening their efficacy with a view to institutionalising these mechanisms in the telecommunications sector in line with global perspectives. |
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| The "Single-Person" Company in the New Amended Company Law of the State of Qatar by Mosleh A. At'tarawneh, University of Qatar. | |
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Dr. Mosleh Ahmad At'tarawneh (PHD, University of Aberdeen (International Commercial Arbitration) and LLM with distinction, University of Aberdeen) is the Associate Dean of the College of Law and an Associate Professor of Commercial Law at the University of Qatar. |
| Abstract Commercial Companies Act No. (5) of 2002 was one of the most important legal developments of Qatar’s commercial legislation. This law repealed the first Companies Act No (11) of 1981, which was seen to be insufficient and inconsistent with the State's modern legal and regulatory policies. The original text of the Commercial Companies Act No. (5) of 2002 allowed the establishment of six forms of companies: the General Partnership, the Limited Partnership, the Limited Partnership by Shares, the “With Limited Liability” Company, the Joint Stock Company and the Closed Joint Stock Company. Under this Act, the term ““Sharakat” (i.e. company) presumed, however, that at least two persons come together to do business on a common basis However, this requirement has recently been changed by the Law No (16) of 2006. Under the 2006 amendment, the Qatari legislator abandoned the classical definition of the term "company" by introducing for the first time the concept of the "Single-Person Company"- a limited liability company which is totally owned by one person. This article is an attempt to investigate the main legal arguments and implications of this new creature. |
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| Free trade and semi-closed borders: Symmetries, Consistencies and Contradictions by Jagdeep S. Bhandari, Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida. | |
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Jagdeep S. Bhandari, is Professor of Law at Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida. He has several years experience in teaching Law, Business, Finance and Economics and in the past has taught at a number of universities including Duquesne University, West Virginia University, Capital University, Georgetown University, Johns Hopkins University and Southern Illinois University.
Professor Bhandari also has extensive non-academic experience. He has worked in the past for the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and spent several years on the professional staff of the International Monetary Fund. He is licensed to practice law in four states in the United States and has worked as Special Counsel for international and immigration matters in addition to general civil litigation for various large law firms in Pittsburgh. He has appeared before several Federal District Courts, Immigration Courts, Bankruptcy courts and the United States Court of Appeal for the Third Circuit. He is admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States. He has also appeared in court or provided testimony as a financial and economic expert in a large number of cases. For some years he was an Advisor to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. He continues to provide services and advice to investment funds in the acquisition of business entities. Professor Bhandari is the author of more than half a dozen books and of scores of professional papers in journals published in the United States and in Europe. His work in bankruptcy, migration, international economic law, and business is widely cited in a number of disciplines. His current interests include migration, trade, financial law, mergers and acquisitions, bankruptcy and law and economics. |
| Abstract This paper examines the inter-relationship between migration of persons and international trade in goods and services. Trade and immigration policies, their effects and inter-dependence are examined from a variety of viewpoints across several disciplines, and an attempt is made to offer the outline of a synthesis. The relationship between trade and migration policies is of immediate relevance to policy-makers. Unless such policies were coordinated, lawmakers might find that the desired effects of say, immigration policy might well be undone by independently chosen trade policy and conversely. The experiences of the United States and the European Union are instructive in this regard. Both trade and immigration policies were under the competence of a single supranational institution in Europe and Union contemplated concurrent free movement of both goods and persons across national borders, at least within the inner-core countries. In the United States on the other hand, trade and immigration policies have remained de-coupled; trade liberalization has occurred at different times than immigration policy reforms, and in general, while trade policy has been liberalized, immigration policy has been gradually tightened. Careful examination of the inter-relationship between these policies is desirable in order to assess the differing policy responses chosen across continents. |
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| Intellectual Property Rights and Protection of Global Biodiversity and Traditional Knowledge: Proposal For An Integrated International Framework by Ms Megan Bowman, Victoria University | |
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Ms Megan Bowman B.A./ LL.B. (hons) (Monash), LL.M. (McGill) Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria and High Court of Australia. Megan Bowman is a Lecturer at the School of Law, Victoria University, Melbourne Australia. She completed her Masters of Law, specialising in International Relations and International Law, at McGill University in 2003. Ms Bowman has authored publications on commercial law, sustainable development, environment and planning law, and criminal law. She has taught previously in law and also environmental studies at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, and Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. Ms Bowman has also practised law in both commercial and non-governmental milieux. |
| Abstract This paper asks the question of whether the enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPRs) in a trade context may perpetuate or ameliorate global biodiversity depletion and global inequities. In so doing, it analyses the potentially conflictual provisions of the Agreement on the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) pertaining to plant genetic resources, traditional knowledge and intellectual property rights. This paper concludes that the international IPR network can assist the amelioration of global biodiversity loss if it operates within an integrated framework of commercial contracts, national legislation, and reconciled international law and decision-making. In order to achieve this purpose, it is this author's contention that implementation of IPRs in an international trade context must occur equitably. By remaining true to the overarching principle of global welfare-maximization in TRIPS and by utilizing the patent exemptions in appropriate circumstances, consonance may be achieved with the objectives of the CBD in order to ensure appropriate international recognition of IPRs, conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and respect for traditional communities and knowledge. |
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| Private-Public Sector Cooperation in Combating Cybercrime: In Search of a Model by Susan W. Brenner, NCR Distinguished Professor of Law & Technology at the University of Dayton School of Law Dayton, Ohio USA | |
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Susan W. Brenner is the NCR Distinguished Professor of Law & Technology at the University of Dayton School of Law Dayton, Ohio USA . Professor Brenner has spoken at numerous events and has conducted cybercrime training for the National District Attorneys Association and for the U.S. Secret Service's Electronic Crime Task Forces. She chaired the International Efforts Working Group for the American Bar Association's Privacy and Computer Crime Committee, serves on the National District Attorneys Association's Cybercrimes Committee, and chairs the National Institute of Justice - Electronic Crime Partnership Initiative's Working Group on Law & Policy. She has published various articles dealing with cybercrime. |
| Abstract It is apparent that law enforcement, alone, cannot effectively combat cybercrime. One possible way to improve national responses to cybercrime is to incorporate cooperation with the private sector into the effort. This is already being done by, for example, the U.S. Secret Service's Electronic Crime Task Forces. But what are the limits and the legality of bringing private actors into the criminal justice process? This paper will analyze the policy and legal issues involved in such an effort and articulate a possible model that can be used for this purpose. |
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