Using Open Source Software

Daniel E. Martin, Ph.D.

Department of Management and Finance

What is the Open Source License?

From the Free Software Foundation (www.gnu.org)

OS license refers to four freedoms, for software users:

1. The freedom to run the program, for any purpose

2. The freedom to study programs, adapting to meet needs.

3. The freedom to redistribute copies.

4. The freedom to improve the program, and offer them to the

public, so the community benefits.

For a complete definition of Open Source Licenses, see:

www.opensource.org/docs/definition_plain.php

What Types of Classes can Benefit from Open Source Software?

Any/All!

Browse 3,181 education projects at:http://sourceforge.net/softwaremap/trove_list.php?form_cat=71

Browse 118,717 projects at:http://sourceforge.net

How can I install/use Open Source Software

Two types of software used

DesktopDesktop

Download from the internet, install via normal windows

installer

Web-basedWeb-based

Must have some knowledge of scripts or programming (I

have neither, keep this in mind when asking questions!)

Management 6550: Research Methods and Communications

PhpSurveyor Basic Features

1. Unlimited number of surveys at the same time

2. Creation of a printable surveys

3. Unlimited numbers of questions/ participants

4. Branching surveys

5. Sending of invitations, reminders and tokens by email

6. Import and export functions to text, CSV and MS Excel

format

7. Basic statistical and graphical analysis

Management 6550: Research Methods and Communications Continued

OpenStat4 Basic Features1. ANOVAs, MANOVA, Analysis of Covariance

2. Multivariate analyses (including Factor Analysis)

3. Measurement programs (reliability analyses)

4. A spreadsheet-type interface

5. Descriptive statistics

6. Correlations

7. Financial programs

8. Simulation programs

Management 3600 and 6060

GanttProject Basic Features http://ganttproject.sourceforge.net/index.

php

Gantt charts are project planning tools that are used to represent the timing of tasks required to complete projects.

Management 3618: Training and Development (and all courses)

Moodle Basic Features

1. Social constructionist pedagogy (collaboration,

activities, critical reflection, etc)

2. Suitable for online classes as well as blended learning

3. Courses can be categorized and searched - one

Moodle site can support thousands of courses

4. Emphasis on strong security throughout. Forms are

all checked, data validated, cookies encrypted etc

5. Easy HTML editing

Why (for students)?

1. Cost

2. Student interest

3. Student exploration

4. Taking the software home/to work

5. Facilitating student viability in the

workplace

How can I use Open Source to Facilitate my Research?

Wikindx Basic Features

1.Manages bibliographic data and search

2.Stores quotes and paraphrases in searchable database.

3.Free, stable and open source

4.Runs locally and via internet, for sharing

5.Exports bibliography in various styles (APA, Chicago, etc.).

6.Word processor to enables authoring, with citation

formatting.

7.Automatically reformats articles to other citation styles.

Why (for faculty)?

1. Cost

2. Research tools

3. Meeting student needs at no cost to the

university

4. Facilitating student viability in the workplace

5. The Governor will probably approve of it:

California considers open-source shift

Cautionary tale

(Mis) Steps in Installation1. Found the software

2. Downloaded

3. Tried to install, failed

4. Asked staff to install

5. Staff could (once), but were generally too busy

6. Bought website with Fantastico script installer ($60 a year)

7. Installed scripts, asked firm to install ones not not offered

8. Most scripts could be installed

9. 90% of the programs requested could be installed

Other “Free” Opportunities

International Personality Item Pool ipip.ori.org/ipip/

The IPIP is a system designed to allow scientists to share psychometric data and instruments which meets:

1. the need for a structured system to organize findings related to individual differences,

2. the need for a universal item format that allows for translation across various languages, and

3. the need for communication that facilitates reporting and retrieval of items and findings for further investigation.

Thank you!

Another Idea: HRISQuestions?

Contact information:Daniel Martin

Management and FinanceCollege of Business and Economics

(510) 885-2060 Office(800) 590-8095 Office

daniel.martin@csueastbay.edu or dmartin@alineagroup.com