Why Don't More Students Major in IS?

The large increases in the number of information systems (IS) majors about 10 years ago have been matched by equally large decreases in IS enrollments over the last few years. This article addresses the question of why students choose any major in general, and why students no longer choose to become an IS major in particular. We used a validated survey instrument and the responses from 163 students to examine this question in detail. Not surprisingly, we found that "genuine interest" in the subject was the most salient factor affecting the decision to major in IS. More surprising were what factors did not appear to influence this decision—for example, the promise of good job salaries, job security, the advice of others, or even the image of those who become IS professionals. Students seem aware that information technology employment opportunities exist; if job and salary issues contribute to choosing majors  other than IS , it is due to the perception of an unfavorable work/salary ratio for our field rather than one of job security or availability. That is, the amount of work to get an IS degree (the perception of harder-than-average courses) combined with (for many students) the perception of an undesirable amount of continuous training to keep an IS career just do not seem to balance with salary levels. These findings have important implications for the recruiting efforts of IS faculty seeking to attract more IS majors.     

“I Can Air My Feelings Instead of Eating Them”: Blogging as Social Support for the Morbidly Obese

The morbidly obese, defined as people who are 100 pounds or more overweight, are the fastest growing population among the obese. They often live with health risks, face discrimination, and lack traditional social support. This article explores the use of weight loss blogs by the morbidly obese (N = 50) and argues that blogging provides invaluable computer-mediated social support for them in four ways: (a) it allows for empathy; (b) it ensures accountability to others; (c) it provides venting and advice seeking; and (d) it shares validation of the weight loss experience. Additionally, the article argues that social support scholars must move beyond chat rooms and message boards as media and explore more media-rich environments such as blogging and social networks.     

马克思主义在中国的飞跃

马克思主义是指导无产阶级进行社会主义革命的理论武器,它和各国实际和时代特征相结合,不断丰富发展,才能发挥它的指导作用.中国的马克思主义者将马克思主义的一般原理和中国的国情和时代特征相结合,形成了关于中国革命和建设实践的科学理论体系--毛泽东思想,及如何建设有中国特色的社会主义理论--邓小平理论和"三个代表"重要思想,体现出其与时俱进的理论品质,表明了马克思主义在中国获得了飞跃和发展.     

Accommodating Translational Research

This is an article in a series illustrating the way scholars in communication have pursued translating their research into practice. The translational nature of communication accommodation theory and examples of its application are the focus of this contribution.     

Sexual Harassment as [Dys]Functional Process: A Feminist Standpoint Analysis

Researchers have approached the study of sexual harassment as though it were dysfunctional. However, a feminist standpoint theory analysis would suggest that it functions differently for men and women. A study using discussion groups and stimulated recall interviews was conducted in a large health care organization. A thematic analysis revealed a primary theme of sexual harassment as a [dys]functional process. For the male participants, sexual behavior served as a coping mechanism for stress, as a form of therapeutic care, and to create and demonstrate camaraderie. For the women participants, sexual behavior tended to be either nonfunctional or dysfunctional. They did not associate it with stress reduction, therapeutic touch, and viewed group camaraderie as a means of prevention. Implications are discussed.     

《情报理论与实践》学术影响力分析——祝贺《情报理论与实践》创刊45周年

本文回顾了<情报理论与实践>的历史发展,从间接和直接两个角度分析了该刊在情报学领域的地位和影响力.研究表明,情报学的专家、学者对其评价都很高.作为情报学领域的一本核心期刊,其地位很高、影响力很强,并仍在继续发展和进步.     

利益相关者理论视野下的地方高校融资风险防范机制建构

根据利益相关者理论,政府、银行与高校构成了地方高校融资风险的三方利益相关者。应从政策调控、融资管理、信息沟通和融资监管四个方面来构建地方高校融资风险防范机制的建构。     

基于RCMLM模型的数学试卷性别DIF研究

RCMLM模型是基于Rasch测量理论的通用拓展模型。利用RCMLM模型对一份普通高中数学试卷进行不同性别的DIF分析。结果表明:该模型可对具有二分计分和多分计分的试题同时进行DIF分析,避免了以往分别对两种计分方式试题进行DIF分析的弊端,保持了试卷的完整性,使DIF分析结果更加有效。     

道德负熵系统理论及其对新时代思想道德建设的启示

道德负熵是对道德系统演化产生有序性、确定性、能量有效性等进化状态或趋向的量度。道德负熵系统是基于复杂系统理论和熵的辩证思想构建的复杂系统,是体现道德系统与环境相互联系、相互作用的进化系统。道德负熵系统通过一定的价值观念、原则或规范控制道德系统与环境及其要素的相互联系和相互作用,实现系统组织塑造、价值信息运作、因果关系协同等结构与功能,不断克服熵增。深入探究道德负熵系统对道德系统与环境的进化影响,能够为新时代思想道德建设提供积极的启示。     

87版电视剧《红楼梦》中王熙凤形象的塑造艺术研究

运用基于多模态符号理论的影视意义分析框架,考察87版电视剧中王熙凤在声音、语言和图像意义元素方面的布局.研究发现,在王熙凤首次出场的19个镜头中,她的身份无"实名"介绍,而是通过声音、图像和语言逐渐从"隐性推测"方式过渡到"显性推测"方式呈现;在前9个镜头中描述人物的意义元素以及人物所关联的过程类型凸显出王熙凤主要为说...