Nader Ale Ebrahim

A Comparison between Two Main Academic Literature Collections: Web of Science and Scopus Databases

Arezoo Aghaei Chadegani et al. — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 11:11:11 PDT

Nowadays, the world’s scientific community has been publishing an enormous number of papers in different scientific fields. In such environment, it is essential to know which databases are equally efficient and objective for literature searches. It seems that two most extensive databases are Web of Science and Scopus. Besides searching the literature, these two databases used to rank journals in terms of their productivity and the total citations received to indicate the journals impact, prestige or influence. This article attempts to provide a comprehensive comparison of these databases to answer frequent questions which researchers ask, such as: How Web of Science and Scopus are different? In which aspects these two databases are similar? Or, if the researchers are forced to choose one of them, which one should they prefer? For answering these questions, these two databases will be compared based on their qualitative and quantitative characteristics.

Does Criticisms Overcome the Praises of Journal Impact Factor?

Masood Fooladi et al. — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 11:01:00 PDT

Journal impact factor (IF) as a gauge of influence and impact of a particular journal comparing with other journals in the same area of research, reports the mean number of citations to the published articles in particular journal. Although, IF attracts more attention and being used more frequently than other measures, it has been subjected to criticisms, which overcome the advantages of IF. Critically, extensive use of IF may result in destroying editorial and researchers’ behaviour, which could compromise the quality of scientific articles. Therefore, it is the time of the timeliness and importance of a new invention of journal ranking techniques beyond the journal impact factor.

Virtual Teams and e-Entrepreneurship

Nader Ale Ebrahim — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 20:02:18 PST

The advent of the virtual teams has facilitated the emergence and formation of new companies within the Net Economy which called e-Entrepreneurship. The terms of e-Entrepreneurship and virtual teams still are new in the scholarly papers. Therefore, this introductory presentation focuses on different aspects of virtual teams and e-entrepreneurship.

Practical Guide to Write a PhD Thesis

Nader Ale Ebrahim — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 19:56:00 PST

This presentation is a practical guide on how to write a PhD thesis based on personal experiences and existing literature . It is aimed at all PhD students. A thesis writing may be falling into six rules: Identifying the research problem Start thesis writing from a day after registration Writing a Thesis Plan Ask your supervisors: What are their expectations? and maintain regular contact with your supervisors directly/indirectly Expand networking Continuously write/revise and Publish Besides of the six rules, the thesis structure, logical coherence and style are also important. This presentation lead how to consider reader’s expectations during the writing procedure. In order to assist the researchers to reduce the writing procedure, the relevant “Research Tools” will be introduced.

An Introduction to The Effective Use of Research Tools Box

Nader Ale Ebrahim — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 10:29:57 PDT

This presentation is prepared to assist students who seek to reduce the search time by expanding the knowledge of researchers to more effectively use the “Research Tools" that are available through the Net. The presentations objectives 1- To reduce the search time by expanding the knowledge of researchers to more effectively use the "tools" that are available through the Net. 2- To evaluate the types of literature that researchers will encounter. 3- To convert the information on the search for a written document. 4- Help researchers learn how to search and analyze the right journal to submit. 5- To promote their publication for further citation.

Approach to Conduct an Effective Literature Review

Nader Ale Ebrahim — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 03:07:32 PDT

This presentation introduces a guideline for conducting an effective literature review. The target audience is research based postgraduate students, researchers who are constantly struggling with the development of an effective literature review. The proposed guideline follows: 1- Find literature associated with the topic. 2- Search and analyze the literature. 3- Evaluate the paper before reading. 4- Cite literature properly. 5- Make a summary table of reviewed papers. 6- Avoid plagiarism. 7- Write a journal article based on literature review.

Publication Marketing Tools - “Enhancing Research Visibility and Improving Citations”

Nader Ale Ebrahim — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 02:08:49 PDT

Research needs to be explained clearly to others to colleagues, to educational bodies, and to the public by publications. There are various reasons for publication: 1- Publications help in spreading your knowledge and experience, 2- It gives you an academic profile and raises the profile of your institution, 3- Research publications create income for the University, ….. and 4- Publications strengthen your CV. Publishing a high quality paper in scientific journals is a halfway of receiving citation in the future. The rest of the way is advertising and disseminating the publications by using the proper “Research Tools”. Familiarity with the tools allows the researcher to increase his/her h-index in the short time. H-index shows the academicians influences in the specified field of research. Therefore, a person with higher level of h-index has more high quality publications with high amount of citations. This presentation, covers the following topics: Why publish and increase h-index?, Definition of h-index and g-index, Importance of h-index, How to use “Research Tools” Mind Map, Paper title preparation, Selecting keywords, Select the proper journal, Advertise published article, and finally Trace published article citation.

Virtual R&D Teams Definition

Nader Ale Ebrahim — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 00:52:55 PDT

Introduction: The literature related to virtual R&D teams reveals a lack of depth in the definitions (Ale Ebrahim et al., 2010). Although virtual teamwork is a current topic in the literature concerning global organizations, it is problematic to define the meaning of 'virtual teams' across multiple institutional contexts (Chudoba et al., 2005). The concept of a "team" is described as a small number of people with complementary skills who are equally committed to a common purpose, goal, and working approach for which they hold themselves mutually accountable (Zenun et al., 2007). It is worth mentioning that virtual teams (VTs) are often formed to overcome geographical or temporal separations (Cascio and Shurygailo, 2003). VTs work across boundaries of time and space using modern computer-driven technologies (Ebrahim et al., 2010). The term "VTs" is used to cover a wide range of activities and forms of technology-supported working (Anderson et al., 2007).

Effective Virtual Teams for New Product Development

Nader Ale Ebrahim et al. — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 09:33:32 PDT

At present, the existing literature shows that the factors which influence the effectiveness of virtual teams for new product development are still ambiguous. To address this problem, a research design was developed, which includes detailed literature review, preliminary model and field survey. From literature review, the factors which influence the effectiveness of virtual teams are identified and these factors are modified using a field survey. The relationship between knowledge workers (people), process and technology in virtual teams is explored in this study. The results of the study suggest that technology and process are tightly correlated and need to be considered early in virtual teams. The use of software as a service, web solution, report generator and tracking system should be incorporated for effectiveness virtual teams.

Virtual R&D Teams: A potential growth of education-industry collaboration

Nader Ale Ebrahim et al. — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:07:28 PDT

Introduction: With the advent of the global economy and high-speed Internet, online collaboration is fast becoming the norm in education and industry [1]. Information technology (IT) creates many new inter-relationships among businesses, expands the scope of industries in which a company must compete to achieve the competitive advantage. Information systems and technology allow companies to coordinate their activities in distant geographic locations [2]. IT is providing the infrastructure necessary to support the development of new collaboration forms among industry and education. Virtual research and development (R&D) teams represent one such relational form, one that could revolutionize the workplace and provide organizations with unprecedented levels of flexibility and responsiveness [3-4].

Virtual Teams and Management Challenges

Nader Ale Ebrahim et al. — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:01:34 PDT

Introduction: Collaboration is becoming increasingly important in creating the knowledge that makes business more competitive. Virtual teams are growing in popularity [1] and many organizations have responded to their dynamic environments by introducing virtual teams. Additionally, the rapid development of new communication technologies such as the Internet has accelerated this trend so that today, most of the larger organization employs virtual teams to some degree [2]. A growing number of flexible and adaptable organizations have explored the virtual environment as one means of achieving increased responsiveness [3]. Howells et al. [4] state that the shift from serial to simultaneous and parallel working has become more commonplace. Based on conventional information technologies and Internet-based platforms virtual environments may be used to sustain companies’ progress through virtual interaction and communication.

Managing Communication in New Product Development Process: Virtual R&D Teams and Information Technology

Nader Ale Ebrahim et al. — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:51:26 PST

Literature proves the importance of the role of information technology in increasing the effectiveness of virtual R&D teams’ communication for new product development. However, the factors that make information technology construct in a virtual R&D team are still ambiguous. Managers of virtual R&D teams for new product development do not know “which type of technology should be used”. To address the gap and answer the question, the paper presents a set of factors that make a construct that contribute to effective communication strategy for virtual R&D teams. The proposed construct has been modified based on the findings of a field survey. This work empirically examines the relationship between information technology construct and its factors by employing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). A measurement model is built based on the 19 preliminary chosen factors that have been extracted from literature review. The result shows that 10 factors can make a technology construct. These 10 factors can be grouped into two different constructs, namely Web-based communication and Web-based data sharing. The study findings can help new product developers to concentrate on the main factors for leading effective communications among virtual R&D team members. In addition, this work provides a guideline for software developers to create appropriate tools for virtual R&D teams.

Virtual Collaborative R&D Teams in Malaysia Manufacturing SMEs

Nader Ale Ebrahim et al. — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:36:50 PST

This paper presents the results of empirical research conducted during March to September 2009. The study focused on the influence of virtual research and development (R&D) teams within Malaysian manufacturing small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The specific objective of the study is better understanding of the application of collaborative technologies in business, to find the effective factors to assist SMEs to remain competitive in the future. The paper stresses to find an answer for a question “Is there any relationship between company size, Internet connection facility and virtuality?”. The survey data shows SMEs are now technologically capable of performing the virtual collaborative team, but the infrastructure usage is less. SMEs now have the necessary technology to begin the implementation process of collaboration tools to reduce research and development (R&D) time, costs and increase productivity. So, the manager of R&D should take the potentials of virtual teams into account.

Technology Use in the Virtual R&D Teams

Nader Ale Ebrahim et al. — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:26:55 PST

Problem statement: Although, literature proves the importance of the technology role in the effectiveness of virtual Research and Development (R&D) teams for new product development. However, the factors that make technology construct in a virtual R&D team are still ambiguous. The manager of virtual R&D teams for new product development does not know which type of technology should be used. Approach: To address the gap and answer the question, the study presents a set of factors that make a technology construct. The proposed construct modified by finding of the field survey (N = 240). We empirically examine the relationship between construct and its factors by employing the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). A measurement model built base on the 19 preliminary factors that extracted from literature review. The result shows 10 factors out of 19 factors maintaining to make technology construct. Results: These 10 technology factors can be grouped into two constructs namely Web base communication and Web base data sharing. The findings can help new product development managers of enterprises to concentrate in the main factors for leading an effective virtual R&D team. In addition, it provides a guideline for software developers as well. Conclusion: The second and third generation technologies are now more suitable for developing new products through virtual R&D teams.

Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment in Iran: An Empirical Study Using Structural Equation Modeling

Ahmad Jafarnejad et al. — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 22:02:36 PDT

This paper examines the determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Iran by applying the structural equation modelling (SEM). Using the annual time series data for the 1991-2006 period, two models were developed. In the first model the correlation between 12 determining factors and FDI in Iran were analyzed and in the second model the 12 factors were fit into five categories of determinants namely: Business, Economic, Infrastructural, Oil and Science and Technology and the impact of each of the mentioned groups of factors was investigated. The results derived through the first model indicated that openness of trade and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita have a significant positive impact on FDI in Iran, while along with inflation, oil extraction and production had a surprisingly negative correlation with FDI. The results also suggested that infrastructural factors pertaining to telecommunications in addition to market size, research and development (R&D), education and the scientific output encourage FDI inflows in Iran. The second model output estimates revealed that the business factors promote FDI most and interestingly once more the oil factor proved to have a negative impact on the FDI inflows to Iran.

Collaboration Tools for Education - "Learn and teach online”

Nader Ale Ebrahim — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 08:30:49 PDT

The Effectiveness of Virtual R&D Teams in SMEs: Experiences of Malaysian SMEs

Nader Ale Ebrahim et al. — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:21:04 PDT

The number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), especially those involved with research and development (R&D) programs and employed virtual teams to create the greatest competitive advantage from limited labor are increasing. Global and localized virtual R&D teams are believed to have high potential for the growth of SMEs. Due to the fast-growing complexity of new products coupled with new emerging opportunities of virtual teams, a collaborative approach is believed to be the future trend. This research explores the effectiveness of virtuality in SMEs’ virtual R&D teams. Online questionnaires were emailed to Malaysian manufacturing SMEs and 74 usable questionnaires were received, representing a 20.8 percent return rate. In order to avoid biases which may result from pre-suggested answers, a series of open-ended questions were retrieved from the experts. This study was focused on analyzing an open-ended question, whereby four main themes were extracted from the experts’ recommendations regarding the effectiveness of virtual teams for the growth and performance of SMEs. The findings of this study would be useful to product design managers of SMEs in order to realize the key advantages and significance of virtual R&D teams during the new product development (NPD) process. This in turn, leads to increased effectiveness in new product development's procedure.

How to increase h-index

Nader Ale Ebrahim — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 05:37:20 PDT

Publishing a high quality paper in scientific journals is a halfway of receiving citation in the future. The rest of the way is advertising and disseminating the publications by using the proper “Research Tools”. Familiarity with the tools allows the researcher to increase his/her h-index in the short time. H-index shows the academicians influences in the specified field of research. Therefore, a person with higher level of h-index has more high quality publications with high amount of citations. This presentation, covers the following topics: Why publish and increase h-index?, Definition of h-index and g-index, Importance of h-index, How to use “Research Tools” Mind Map, Paper title preparation, Selecting keywords, Select the proper journal, Advertise published article, and finally Trace published article citation.

Globalization of R&D and Developing Countries

Arash Golnam et al. — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 22:03:53 PDT

Reflecting a broader trend towards the off shoring of services, a number of developing countries are attracting foreign direct investment in research and development. Transnational corporations, including the ones headquartered in developed countries, are selecting developing countries as locations for such activities. With the off shoring of research and development, firms aim to access the skills of new locations, adapting products to local markets and reducing their costs, in response to competitive pressures, technological changes and a more liberal trade and investment environment. In particular, information and communication technologies have had a profound effect on the way economic activities, including research and development, are organized, enabling firms to allocate tasks on a global scale through intra-firm information networks. At the same time, keeping up with new developments in information and communication technologies is a major challenge for developing countries wishing to accelerate their economic development. This paper aims to elaborate key issues related to the trends towards globalization of research and development and their implications for developing countries, and highlights how the establishment research and development abroad affect the transfer of technology. In addition to this , it serves to explain the main potential benefits of foreign direct investment and entails how policies in home and host countries influence the allocation of such activities and what the possible economic impacts are and finally what benefits and costs are involved in the process of globalization of R&D.

Virtual Collaborative R&D Teams in Malaysia Manufacturing SMEs

Nader Ale Ebrahim et al. — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 09:38:17 PST