Abstract-TowardsSensorNetworks-Gomez

=Towards Sensor Networks: Improved ICT Usage Behavior for Business Continuity = Elizabeth Avery Gomez New Jersey Institute of Technology Newark, New Jersey USA

Abstract:
Business continuity and the reliance on energy-enabled resources for critical processes is an area of scant research. Using an environmental waste lens, we posit that business process modeling during the software engineering process presents a dual opportunity: by contributing to sustainability; and to increase organizational readiness during times of crisis. Modeling also provides a vehicle for the assessment of business (organizational) processes and practices. ICT usage behavior is another important aspect of modeling “information systems in tackling environmental sustainability.” For example, the ongoing deployment of social media and mobile technologies are impacting day-to-day interactions but aren’t assessed for impact (i.e. increased personal interactions, redundancy, immediacy), and simply incorporated into everyday use. This research evaluates the benefits of assessing business practices for sustainability and the efficient use of ICT for inclusions as deliverables to the software engineering process. One specific item of focus for the aforementioned deliverable is having business process models reflect the tradeoff between initial cost savings and the long-term environmental impacts realized by engaging in sustainable best practices. Indirectly, efficient business practices should empower staff and increase their readiness for sensor network options as they become available as witnessed in the crisis management domain. Moreover, recognizing the environmental impacts through day-to-day best practices can empower users and increase their readiness to respond when called upon in times of crisis. Resilience and the continuity of business are factors that rely on sustainable ICT infrastructures. Overall, the crisis management domain could benefit greatly from implementations that reduce energy use and mirror the conditions often present during a disaster (compromised resources). Gomez (2007, 2008) discusses the importance of readiness and low-tech (lowest common denominator) alternatives when resources are constrained, which by default focus on reduced energy usage and effective business practices. As part of this research, student teams are focusing on the proposed deliverable for software engineering process models and will be presented. 

Publications referenced:
1. Dwyer, C., & Gomez, E. A. (2009). Sustainability Course Modules for Information Systems and Interdisciplinary Courses. Paper presented at the America's Conference on Information Systems, San Francisco, CA. 2. Gomez, Elizabeth Avery, Michael Chumer, and Karen Patten, “Multiple Communication Options for Crisis Response: SMS Text-Messaging as the Lowest Common Denominator,” ISOneWorld April 2007. 3. Gomez, Elizabeth Avery, “Connecting Communities of Need with Public Health: Can SMS Text-Messaging Improve Outreach Communication?” HICSS Big Island, Hawaii, January 2008. 4. Watson, R. T., Boudreau, M.-C., & Chen, A. J. (2010). Information Systems and Environmentally Sustainable Development: Energy Informatics and New Directions for the IS Community. MIS Quarterly, 34(1), 23-38.