John R. Hottle

Society, Culture, and Technology: W. Brian Arthur's "The Nature of Technology"

2010-07-15T15:35:55Z

Globally, technology is a driver of innovation and subsequently, job creation. Niche markets and specialization have helped to create such segmentation across all global industries that broad concepts of technology are hard to come by. This allows W Brian Arthur's book The Nature of Technology to stand above publications that dabble with similar concepts, providing the ultimate clarification of technology in the modern setting.

]]> Avoiding non-technical jargon, Arthur prefaces the book by stating "technology is too important to be left to the specialists" - an idea that I feel anyone can get on board with. In fact, some web posts, blogs, and book reviews compare this modern and important book on technology to Darwin's works in hist studies of biology.

In our current global economy, technology is scattered and segmented in different markets as well as in legislation in countries around the world - which is why a clear, worldly definition and understanding of technology must be determined. This includes concepts within the same arena, such as the technology building blocks of innovation and invention.

In R&D, defining and separating these two terms is critical, whether used in management to develop an R&D strategy or for policy-makers developing technological systems that foster invention and innovation. Innovation is evolutionary, a process of constant improvement and adaptation - an invention is a spark of genius. Obviously, invention can be a major player in technology, but is not a consistent or reliable foundation on which to build technology because of such spontaneity.

As outlined in an online summary and review by Dan Gordon, Arthur provides three basic principles:

1 - Technologies inherit parts from the technologies that preceded them, so putting such parts together—combining them—must have a great deal to do with how technologies come into being. Technologies somehow must come into being as fresh combinations of what already exists.

2 - Each component of technology is itself in miniature a technology.

3 - All technologies harness and exploit some effect or phenomenon, usually several.

The future of R&D: job creation. part 2

2010-07-01T18:38:53Z

While companies like Microsoft may use R&D to look into the unknown and explore with no boundaries (as noted in my previous article here), it is clear that the usage of R&D knowledge workers within any enterprise or corporation are dependent on their respective market. Yet, the beauty of information and communication technologies is that virtually all companies in all markets around the globe are increasing technological capabilities and expanding their companies simultaneously with the growth of the current information era.

One example of this can be found within the R&D lab of the New York Times, who in 2009 was focusing heavily on the next generation of marketing and advertising. As quoted in an article from the Nieman Journalism Lab online (from Harvard), some of these innovations included the following:

]]> "RFID chips that connect print ads to more dynamic content on the web, ads that can shift from one screen to another, ads that are linked to what friends are chatting about online, and targeted advertising of all sorts... new, more-prominent, advertising units that have been adopted by members of the Online Publishers Association."

While some may argue that ideas like these aren't necessarily new, companies like IBM and Microsoft continue to push the envelope, investing in big dreams and experiments, and with each new success and breakthrough, research and development grows more important - and jobs become available. An article from Business Week discusses global change and the major effects on businesses and reviewing their adaptations to change. The global human population has doubled in the past half-century, which means food and crop demands have also doubled. Dealing with this change effectively lies within agricultural innovation - just one example of an evolving market.

With research and development arms, particularly pertaining to technological development, virtually any market has a better chance of adapting to change and "keeping up" with the global information economy. Technology has essentially become vital in every arena of the global marketplace, and as demand for innovation increases the value of research and development will continue to follow.

Usability: what is user centered design (UCD)?

2010-06-24T18:49:42Z

When designing any product or interface, the end value as perceived by the user is key. Limitations and features of the interface at hand are under a microscope, which is why it is of the utmost importance for designers to analyze and foresee the likely uses of the interface. However one may find it best to understand in his or her own opinion - designing for the user, user centered design, design with the user in mind - the concept is the same, and relies heavily on R&D, problem solving, and analysis.

When designing any interface or product, the following questions/concerns must be considered:
Who are the users? What are their tasks and goals? What is the experience level of the user with the interface or like interfaces? What does the user want the interface to do/how do they want it to function? How do the users expect the interface to work?

To give a cliche statement on these processes of UCD, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

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User centered design is a factor in virtually any interface (I have been using the term interface, a term most professionals would prefer as well) particularly because users determine the outcome of a market, a technology, and its usage. In the realm of ICT, these interfaces would include computer software, mobile phones, mobile applications (or any device applications), web sites, tv and other media, etc. Yet that's not all. The usability if a device - we will use a videoconferencing solution as an example - can also be immediately affected by the room or the surroundings in which the device is used. That's right, designing for the user includes the surroundings in which an interface is used.

If you take a glance at Cisco's telepresence solution (a videoconferencing technology), the overall product includes elements beyond the on-screen interface between users on either end of the videoconference. The product also includes tables, backdrop settings, etc. to give viewers on either end the feeling of a live meeting or work session.

User centered design is abundant everywhere. This website you are looking at included! Look around at your surroundings and the interfaces you use all day. I am confident you will be surprised!

The future of R&D: job creation. part 1

2010-06-17T19:52:01Z

R&D is a very manageable driver of success at the enterprise level. At large companies (as noted in a cnet news article) it is "shifting from the traditional inward focus to more outward-looking management--open innovation--that draws on technologies from networks of universities, start-ups, suppliers and competitors."

Although we (the U.S.) still stand atop most global rankings for R&D investment and productivity, it has become apparent that other countries such as Asia and Europe are aggressively closing this gap, subsequently posing a challenge to the U.S., while creating an opportunity for a new kind of innovation - innovation through globalization. As stated by Steve Hamm in an article from about a year ago, "the future of research will transcend national boundaries and corporate walls."

]]> A relatively new research concept at Microsoft gives researchers significant leeway to pursue various interests and ideas that may not pay off or have relevance for 10 or 20 years, if ever, as quoted in a businessweek article by Helen Walters.
Rick Rashid, the head of Microsoft research was quoted, stating, "We're about doing things that frankly people may not want...The point of a basic research group is really to do the things you don't know you'll need."

continued here

Tricks and Tools for Researchers - Becker's "Tricks of the Trade"

2010-06-03T23:26:38Z

Howard Becker's Tricks, as noted in the title of his book Tricks of the Trade, may seem cliche' as far as titles go. Yet, Becker clarifies this concept on page 6 of the book when he states "I am talking about the trade of sociologists or... about the trade of studying society... The tricks I have in mind are tricks that help those doing that kind of work to get on with it, whatever professional title they use."
What exactly are these tricks the author has in mind?

]]> Becker says on page two "That's what a trick is - a simple device that helps you solve a problem. In this case, the device of looking for the network in which definitions arise and are used." In other words, a trick is a solution, and in Becker's book, the content focuses on solving problems, and more specifically, those problems often seen as theoretical.

Throughout the sections of the book, a primary concern (as noted by the author) is in social science research, focusing on the following areas; Imagery, Sampling, Concepts, and Logic.

Imagery suggests controlling the way we see things, "so that we are not simply the unknowing carriers of the conventional world's thoughts." Sampling considers how we choose what we actually look at, and what have in mind when we implicitly formulate our understanding and our thoughts, by maximizing the chance of finding what will make us question what we think we know. Concepts considers the making of our ideas, and new ways to think about things. Logic suggests methods to manipulate ideas through formal logic.

In Becker's final section of the book, Logic, he suggests that there are ways (or tricks, possibly) to get more of what we want to know without getting more data. This logic can be described as a method of manipulating what we know according to a guideline or set of guidelines to produce something new. An example, found on page 146, refers to the use of periodic tables, allowing physicists to learn of new elements.

It is with this in mind that the modern day researcher in the information era must utilize what is already known, to extract knowledge and further information to allow deeper insight into the research topic at hand.

Reference
Becker, Howard S. (1998). Tricks of the Trade: How to Think About Your Research While You're Doing It. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.

Innovative R&D: learning through corporate and academic methods and methodologies. (Discourse on R&D publication)

2010-06-03T23:15:40Z

"It is research development that makes science into engineering." This statement can be found in the abstract of the March 2008 research and development paper written by Dr. Jay Gillette and Visakan Jayaswethavanagopal. The practice of active research and the theoretical understanding of research methodologies must be bridged in order for research to be used to its fullest capacity as a prevalent tool at the enterprise level, as well as in academia. Development is the common denominator - or the common connector - between theory and practice, resulting in the culmination of the two, often considered "praxis" by Dr. Jay Gillette.

]]> In concurrence with the authors of the paper in discussion, I am a firm believer in the understanding that creativity can indefinitely be taught, or fostered (yet, I would be more likely to say creativity can be learned... but that's neither here nor there). Subsequently, it is originality that cannot be taught. As derived from Gillette and Visakan's ideas, both research and development are "responsive to creative management", which must be understood for the underlying foundation of creativity and its conferral from a teacher - or in this case, a manager (or leader). The complexities of managing R&D are aplenty, but the general understanding of management in this arena is derived from a simple core infrastructure concluded through my learned observations:

Development bridges theory and practice through inter-relational understanding between managers and researchers. Management must first be inspired, with a clear and organized vision, with a willingness to cohere with the practice of researchers through learned methods and methodologies. Managers must foster innovation through creativity - and creativity is fostered through learned methodologies, models, and the understanding of research per academia or enterprise establishment.

As displayed in Gillette and Visakan's literary work, utilizing institutes in academia or in a corporate setting are an excellent way to build R&D - a primary focus of their literary work. While the paper offers thoughts on innovation and R&D, the underlying resolve emphasizes the pairing of learning through corporate and academic methods and methodologies - ultimately proving the Human Factors Institute (HFI) to be a prime model of innovative R&D in this regard.

HFI LOGO

As a year-long member of HFI, I am proud to compare my theories and research practices and the ideas of these authors, to the very model we use to complete a vast array of professional R&D projects - and I am confident that I have already begun to be actively "praxical" in innovative R&D.

Reference:
Dr. Jay Gillette and Visakan Jayaswethavanagopal
"Managing Innovative Research & Development Collaboration: A Practical Research Institute Model"
The Center for Information & Communication Sciences, Ball State University.
March 2008.

The Competitive Leader, The Intelligent Leader: The strategic use of information & the modern leader in the Information Renaissance

2010-04-01T18:48:54Z

Leadership plays a vital role in organizations, civilizations, and the everyday lives of humans spanning the globe. Withstanding the trials and tribulations of generational change and basic human evolution requires a tremendous set of skills for those in a leadership position. In the current era of the information renaissance, our social, spiritual, and economic leaders are required to develop these skills at the fastest rates in modern history - in large part because of the modern transmission speed and undeniable accessibility of knowledge and information.

But leaders of past eras and previous generations were developing at a faster rate than their predecessors as well - in the same fashion that the leaders of the future will be progressing faster than leaders of today. Leadership must remain continuous with the information of the modern era. To be able to do this, a leader must know how to strategically use information. A leader must be both intelligent and competent with the information they obtain, but more importantly, a leader must be intelligent and competitive with this information. It is in this context that we find the modern leader in the Information Renaissance

Can Broadband Save the World? (A Lecture with Ball State Visiting Distinguished Professor of Emerging Media, Stuart N. Brotman)

2010-03-25T00:32:01Z

(live blog)

It doesn't take significant hours of research to find information on Stuart N. Brotman. His laundry list of qualifications, achievements, and his 300+ published writings make him an exceptionally qualified candidate to speak on the topic of broadband and its effect on the United States, as well as modern globalization in the Information Renaissance. Ball State University, I'm sure, is thrilled to have him here as a Visiting Distinguished Professor.

]]> Speaking on behalf of the Digital Policy Institute, Brotman wasted no time delving into a video focusing on the strategic United States Broadband Plan. This was a common trend throughout his presentation, consistently reiterating how important broadband truly is to modern society.

To really kick off the lecture, Brotman posed the question Can Broadband Save the World? With all of the recent hoopla regarding the national broadband plan, we need to look into broadband across the globe. Roughly 25% of countries are now getting into this national broadband discussion. Each country is important in its own right, and Brotman even discussed the major areas of focus in several countries:
The Dominican Republic has a heavy emphasis on digital literacy - hundreds of digital learning centers, educating Dominican citizens on broadband. Finland passed a law that says every citizen of finland has an inalienable right to broadband access (around 1MB). Thailand emphasizes how meaningful broadband can be to helping quality of life. These were the examples provided by Brotman, but perhaps it might be interesting to see how even more countries view the role of broadband for their citizens.

Brotman used the most recent hot topic in the U.S. - healthcare - to throw some flavor into his discussion. Healthcare & broadband? Absolutely. Technology has always been a major player in healthcare, and Brotman stressed the importance and availability of technologies that use broadband to assist in healthcare. One statistic: Apparently, remote monitoring of conditions from home over the next 25 years could save 200 billion dollars. this country is all about saving taxpayer dollars. Brotman also discussed what was a new concept to me - Body Area Networks - where smart band aids send a signal to a mobile device, to the cloud, and back to a remote location, deliver data about the body via (you guessed it) broadband.

Other highlights from the lecture include these ideas:

Brotman's suggestion to accelerate the impact of broadband's global impact and where to begin:

19 cities in the world will be the power centers of the world: Berlin, NYC, Mumbai, Rio De Janeiro, LA, Beijing, Singapore, Logos, Tokyo, Delhi, Instanbul, London, Moscow - among others
These would be ideal cities to serve as power centers for gobal broadband. (Personally, I feel this topic should have been discussed further).

The current generation, particularly Generation Y - also referred to as the "millenials" during the presentation - are the leaders of the broadband revolution, blazing trails for the use of broadband globally for a better future.

Bob Metcalfe's theorem: Network Effects is an economic term that says the more people who are connected, the more value we will have of the entire network. Common sense, right? Well, that means its not jsut about getting optimal broadband in the US - it means we need to have it worldwide.

The United States is a pioneer in WiMax - Ball State is, as well. WiMax is a very important tool in deploying broadband, as well as satellites, which are a great tool for deploying broadband in countries without many resources.

Broadband over Power Line maybe a more cost efficient method of transmission and deployment, and should definitely be considered int he future.

The United States isn't actually as far behind other countries in broadband as some people claim. Broadband Adoption represents the number or percentage of people who actually subscribe to broadband.
Current broadband adoption trends: US avg speed = 3792 Kbps @ 57% subscribership
Europe = 3536 Kbps @ 68% - Asia = 4400 Kbps @ 45%.

In the US, 30% of people said they dont want broadband! You can have all of the great technology for access, but if you dont have the people to adopt it, you ultimately cant reach a great impact

"Broadband is an ecosystem"
without all 3 parts of - Access - Adoption - Impact - we will not have an efficient communications ecosystem.

Highlighted Quotes:

"The headline Im giving you is that the US is really in pretty good shape, regarding this race"

"One of the deficiencies in our national broadband policy is that we dont talk about using satellites - they have really helped japan and africa and russia - but is it fast enough or robust enough? Satellite may be one of the best options for the rest of the world"

"The most important question is HOW can broadband save the world?"

"Cost is usually not the leading factor into why people dont take to braodband" - "privacy is a primary issue"

"Today, less than 3% of people with disabilities can work AT ALL"
(650 million ppl with disabilities worldwide (double US population) - which is about 10% of the world population. broadband is an incredible tool for those with disabilities).

"A 10% increase in broadband penetration can increase gross domestic product by an average of 1.3%."

(above - Stuart N. Brotman discusses global broadband at Ball State University)

Can Broadband save the world? Its possible.

Muncie <3s Google?

2010-03-24T04:01:06Z

As most people know, Google deployed an experiment that they hope will make Internet access better and faster for everyone, or something like that. They want to test wicked-high speed broadband networks in several trial locations across the country. Their networks will supposedly deliver Internet speeds more than 100x faster than what most Americans have access to today - about 1 gigabit per second - using FTTH (fiber-to-the-home) connections. Service will be offered to at least 50,000 and potentially up to 500,000 people.

It seems everyone wants a piece of the action, including Ball State's hometown of Muncie, Indiana. Which has the potential to be an amazing candidate because of location and the vast railway crossings that run through the city - which have always been an asset for laying fiber optic cables.

Now, this is fine and dandy, but I just wanted to plant a seed into the minds of people who make not look at this from a balanced view. I love Google chrome browser - I use Google services everyday, like gmail, google docs, google wave.... but is there a possibility they may have started a snowball that might spiral out of hand? If Google continues to step into new market, I fear they may become the new Wal-Mart and may stifle competition. Sure, the company is tremendously innovative - I just hope they don't end up dipping into mass producing new computers, or maybe cars, or starting Google Oil.... the possibilities are limitless, especially when you have lots of money and you can do no wrong in the public eye.

I hope I don't come off as paranoid... but I might be just a little bit.... Oh well! I guess if Muncie <3s Google I do too!

Distant relatives: Saussure's Theory of Semiotics & The Shannon-Weaver Model

2010-03-24T03:39:29Z

A quick Wikipedia search would not typically produce an association between Saussure's Theory of Semiotics and The Shannon-Weaver Model of Communication. The two were developed with different goals. Saussure's dyadic of the sign is composed of the following: a signifier - the form which the sign takes; and the signified - the concept it represents.
The sign is the whole, resulting from the association of the signifier with the signified - as noticed in this graphic representation.

The Shannon-Weaver Model of communication - in its most raw description - is the model for Information Theory. It suggests that in communication there are 8 elements that make up the communication process: the sender, the receiver, the message, the channel (or medium), the encoding process, the decoding process, outside noise, and feedback. With these 8 elements, a sender encodes a message to be sent over a channel. While in transmission it is susceptible to outside noise which can affect the message. For the receiver to obtain the message it must be decoded, and when feedback is returned to the sender, it can be determined as successful or unsuccessful communication.

To compare this to the Shannon-Weaver Model, the message being sent form one point of communication to the other remains the same. In the SW model, the sender encodes the message, puts the message into a certain form - be it words, hand gestures, or a typed email - and sends the message across a medium. The encoding process is a parallel concept to Saussure's Theory where the signifier - or message - takes a particular form that is suitable for understanding by the receiver across the given medium. Upon receipt of the message, the understanding is the signified.

Cisco’s Newer, Faster Internet Technology

2010-03-21T17:28:15Z

Cisco unveiled a new Internet technology earlier this March that will provide ultra-fast data speeds – the speed needed to stay ahead of rapidly growing online data demands.

The new technology, CRS-3, is a network routing system that will offer downloads of up to 322 Terabits per second. Yet, this new technology may not benefit users in the U.S. until changes in broadband infrastructure begin to be implemented. Thus, the announcement was made a week after Google announced their upcoming test of a super-fast broadband network in a U.S. city – and it falls a week before the release of the FCC plan to increase broadband speeds and access for Americans.
Cisco said the CRS-3 will triple the speed of the CRS-1 (its predecessor) and it will offer speeds up to “12-times faster than the next fastest product on the market”. Cisco’s investment ranged near $1.6 billion in the technology - the routers are estimated to sell for roughly $90,000, available in the fall of 2010.

AT&T Invests in States: 3G Expansion to Increase

2010-02-28T23:21:39Z

On Friday, Feb 19, AT&T unveiled its 2010 plans for wireless network investments in Georgia, Alaska, Oregon, and Washington (with more states tba soon). The more-specific Georgia plan includes upgrades of over 250 cell sites and the addition of roughly 60 cell sites to their 3G services across the state.

]]> This multi-state wireless strategy plan is a significant part of AT&T’s wired and wireless capital investment plan for this year, a rather costly plan. Estimates put the costs of the plan between $18 billion and $19 billion, an increase companywide up almost 10 percent from 2009. $2 billion in capital expenditures will be allotted for wireless and backhaul changes that are immediately related to AT&T’s wireless network, under the assumption that government and legislative decisions relating to the telecommunications industry will continue to yield to capital investment. Last year, AT&T over 60 new cell sites in Georgia and upgraded some165 existing sites to 3G with 2,000 square miles of coverage across Georgia’s cities.

Sylvia Russell, State President of AT&T Georgia (and GeorgiaTrend 2009 power woman) stated, “These investments in smart networks are enabling the innovation of today and tomorrow that will enhance economic growth and stimulate jobs. We commend the work of…leaders of our state who are creating a positive economic environment that provides opportunities for companies to continue to invest aggressively in both rural and urban areas across Georgia.”
Georgia’s Lt. Governor Cagle echoed Russell, and stated, “Investment in the state’s broadband networks is critical to keeping Georgia competitive and providing our citizens with the best technology.”

Best Foot Forward: A look into the relationship between management & leadership

2010-02-21T01:34:02Z

With the appearance of a potentially epic battle between two juggernauts, the relationship between leadership and management emerges as both a stark contrast and a strikingly similar comparison. One may compare management to leadership in a manner that suggests superiority of one over the other. This is a comparison similar to a fight, or an exchange of blows and counter-blows: right fist from management, left fist from leadership. Yet what would result from examining these two characteristics from an altogether different perspective? Perhaps they should be viewed as complimentary to one another, like walking: left foot leadership, right foot management. Essentially, a synthesis of the ideas is more positive and productive than viewing them in opposition to one another. If the previous analogies weren’t enough, another way to embrace this idea is to consider one’s personal traits or habits.

For example, do I have better balance or strength with my left foot (leadership) or with my right (management), and how can I utilize them together to achieve the optimum end result of total balance and coordination? A healthy synthesis between leadership and management can optimize both personal success and the success of an organization. Yet the key to building this synthesis remains in how to use these strengths and weaknesses to create the ideal balance between being a leader and a manager.

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To read more of my unpublished papers, visit my website at jrhottle.com

There is still some work being done to the site, but my works should be available!

National Policy Makers to Meet at Brodband Conference

2010-02-11T23:13:53Z

The SAMENA Telecommunications Council and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of the Kingdom of Bahrain will be hosting a Broadband conference February 22-23. The Achieving Ubiquitous Broadband Networks Conference, supported by policy makers, regulatory authorities and network operators will be held at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Residence & Spa Hotel in Bahrain. The topic of focus will take aim at policy decisions and broadband access solutions that are available and being deployed in Germany, Singapore, Australia, UK, USA, and France.

In a recent announcement, Dr. Mohammed Al Amer, TRA Chairman and Acting Director General said, “The Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain has through its Economic Vision 2030 and the National Strategic plan identified ubiquitous, affordable high speed broadband connectivity as a corner stone for future economic development. This conference will bring together from all corners of the industry a unique level of expertise and experience to discuss the issues that we all face when considering how best to achieve a more diversified economic base and sustainable growth. Recent experiences in many countries have shown that numerous solutions have been deployed all with the similar common objective to achieve ubiquitous, affordable high speed broadband connectivity.”

Conference discussions will address case studies that are specific to certain countries, and will include the keys for developing successful broadband networks and services, followed by panel discussions analyzing potential solutions. Al Daweesh, Chairman of SAMENA, and several other high profile executives will be on hand for the conference.

Arctic Melt Provides New Business Ventures

2010-02-03T00:00:05Z

The rapid melting of the northern Arctic over recent years has been a delicate subject, particularly regarding species that rely on its frozen climate for survival. Yet, global communications may benefit greatly from an opportunity that has emerged from this transformation. Though funding for the project known as ArcticLink has telecommunications companies walking on thin ice, the development was unimaginable until now.

]]> The idea of the project is to lay underwater fiber optic cable between Tokyo and London via the Northwest Passage. According to Kodiak-Kenai Cable (KKC) and CEO Walt Ebell, this is the shortest distance between the two cities, and the connection is ideal for speedier transmission, reducing transmission time from the UK to Asia in half.

The cable would cover roughly 10,00 miles, running from Tokyo, across the shallow waters of the Bering Sea to Alaska, through the Northwest Passage, past Greenland, and into London.
Most of the project relies on private funding, however KKC has requested a significant portion of federal stimulus money that has been allocated for the broadband grant and loan program, suggesting additional lines set up to provide the foundation for high-speed broadband for over 100 Alaskan towns currently relying on satellite internet. KKC says the project will continue to move forward, whether or not the stimulus is granted.

Of course, customers and financing are the biggest concerns for KKC, a subsidiary of Khanjee Holdings, Inc. The two recently created a company called Arctic Cable Co. to take care of all aspects of the project, including the finance, design, and construction of the cable. There is a reported estimate of 100 individuals already working on the early stages of the project, which could begin as early as next year, and be finished by 2013 if all goes as planned.

Walt Ebell, KKC, and other project affiliates presented further details regarding the project at the Pacific Telecommunications Council conference in Hawaii.