Prof. Zippy Erlich

Education

1976	Ph.D., Computer Science: Computer Systems Modeling and Analysis, University of California, Los Angeles Dissertation: On Centralized Bus Transportation Systems with Poisson Arrivals Supervisor: Prof. L. Kleinrock, UCLA
1972	M.Sc., Mathematics: Combinatorics, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel Thesis: Sperner's Theorem: Some Generalizations and Expansions Supervisor: Prof. J. Schonheim, Tel-Aviv University
1969	B.Sc., Mathematics and Statistics, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel

Academic Positions

2012-present 2011-present 2004-2012	Associate Professor, Head of Mathematics and Computer Science Department, Open University of Israel. Head of Mathematics and Computer Science Department, Open University of Israel Senior Lecturer, Computer Science Department, Open University of Israel
1992-2004	Lecturer, Computer Science Department, Open University of Israel
Summer2000	Visiting Faculty, School of Information Sciences, Claremont University, California
1984-1992	Staff member, Computer Science Department, Open University of Israel
1990-1994	Head of Computer Science Devision, Open University of Israel
1999-2007	Adjunct Lecturer, Graduate School of Business Administration, Faculty of Management, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel Course: Foundations of Computer Science
2005-present	Senior Lecturer (Adjunct), M.Ed in Mathematics Education Program,  Seminar Hakibutzim College, Tel-Aviv, Israel. Course: Foundations of Computer Science
1976-1979	Adjunct Lecturer and Visitor Lecturer, Statistics, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel Courses: Introduction to Operations Research; Introduction to Statistics; Computer Systems and Applications in Operations Research and Statistics
1971-1972	Instructor, Labor Science, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel Course: Introduction to Computers and Statistical Applications

Professional Experience

 

2011-present   2006-2009	Chair, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Open University of Israel   Chair of the Open University Study Program Approval Committee
1990-1994	Head of Computer Science Devision, Open University of Israel
1983-present	Computer Science Department, Open University of Israel. Head of academic course development teams for a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses
1979-1983	Israeli Navy Computer Center: Head of Data Processing Department (Lieutenant Colonel)
1974-1976	Computer Science Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California. Research in the field of computer communication networks: resource sharing, delay analysis, capacity assignment, traffic flow assignment, satellite packet switching, group radio packet switching, ARPANET measurements; Development and analysis of mathematical models of queueing and transportation systems; Programming simulation programs
1974	Education Evaluation Association, Los Angeles, California: Designing and programming a nationwide objective based test assignment for the Department of Education of New Mexico
1972-1973	Psychology Department, Center of Computer Based Studies, University of California, Los Angeles, California: Statistical programming
1969-1972	Computer Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel: Responsible for the development and maintenance of statistical programs and packages; programming scientific and utility programs; Consultation to academic staff and students

Administrative Activities

2011-present 1990-1994	Chair, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science Chair, Computer Science Division
2006-2009	Chair, Study Program Approval Committee
2006-2009	Chair, Exceptional Exemptions in English Committee
1985-1992	Member, Accreditation of Prior Studies Committee
1985-present	Member, Academic Subcommittee for Mathematics and Computer Science
1991-2009	Member, Study Program Approval Committee
1992-1994	Member, Academic Committee for B.Tech.
1993-2003	Member, Computer Science Graduate Program Committee
1994-2009	Member, Exceptional Exemptions in English Committee
1993-1997, 1999	Member, OUI Computerization Steering Committee
1998-2000	Member, "Bug 2000" Steering Committee
1999-2000	Member, Catalog Computerization Committee
2003-2011	Member, Academic Subcommittee for Engineering
2006-2009	Member, Research Committee, Chais Research Center for Instructional Technologies
2007-present	Member, The Academic Studies Committee

Fields of Research

§  Queuing theory and applications

§  Measurement of information systems success and user satisfaction

§  Open source code, Computer systems security, Data mining

§  Computer literacy and applications

§  Learning networks analysis

§  E-Learning

Scholarships

1974	Mark and Minnie Newman Endowment; Granted for recognition of academic achievements by the Committee on Fellowships of Graduate Council at UCLA

Reviewer for Refereed Publications

	International journal Computers & Education
	IEEE ICALT  Conferences
	Handbook of Research on Open Source Software: Technological, Economic, and Social Perspectives
	Encyclopedia of Information Science and Technology, second ed.
	Chais Conference on Instructional Technologies Research

Membership on Professional Societies

§  ILA

§  IEEE

Teaching Responsibility for Open University Courses

1987-1997	Data Structures
1989-2009	Software Engineering with Ada
1989-2009	Database Systems
1994-2002	Computer Networks Communication I
1995-present	Deterministic Models in Operations Research
1997-2008	Queueing Theory and Computer Science
1998-2011	Computer Applications for Social Science
2000-present	Simulation Modeling and Analysis
2002-present	System Analysis and Design
2003-2011	Computer Applications for Humanities
2004-2011	Computer Applications for Natural Sciences
2004-2009	Operations Research (MBA)
2005-2009	Fundamentals of Decision Theory and Operations Research
2008-2009 2012-present	Data Mining Advanced Computer Applications

Other Professional Activities

2002-2007

Member, Israeli National Council for the Advancement of Women in Science and Technology

Publications

§  Chapters and Articles in Refereed Books

§  Erlich, Z., Gal-Ezer, J., and Lupo, D., Traditional vs. technology-integrated distance education, in L. C. Jain, R. J. Howlett, N. S. Ichalkaranje, and G. Tonfoni (Eds.), Virtual environments for teaching and learning (Singapore: World Scientific, 2002, Ch. 2, pp. 41-74).

§  Erlich, Z., Computer-mediated communication: Implementation in distance learning, in C. Howard, J. Boettcher, L. Justice, P. L. Rogers and G. A. Berg (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Distance Learning (US: Idea Group Reference, 2005, pp. 353-364).

§  Erlich, Z. and Gal-Ezer, J., The Open University of Israel: A distance education institution, in C. Howard, J. Boettcher, L. Justice, P. L. Rogers and G. A. Berg (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Distance Learning (US: Idea Group Reference, 2005, pp. 1421-1429).

§  Aviv, R., Erlich, Z.,and Ravid, G., Reciprocity analysis of online learning networks, in J.C. Moore (Ed.), Elements of Quality Online Education: Engaging Communities, Wisdom from the Sloan Consortium (Needham, MA: Sloan-C, 2005, Volume 2 in the Wisdom Series); also in Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 2005, 9 (4), pp. 3-13.

§  Erlich, Z. and Aviv, R., Open Source Software: Strengths and weaknesses, in Handbook of Research on Open Source Software: Technological, Economic and Social Perspectives (forthcoming).

§  Erlich, Z. and Zviran, M., Authentication methods for computer systems security, in Encyclopedia of Information Science and Technology , 2nd Ed., Vol. I, USA: Information Resources Management Association, 2009, pp 288-293.

§   Erlich, Z.  "Integrating New Technologies to Promote Distance Learning".  In C. Howard, J. Boettcher, L. Justice, P. L. Rogers and G. A. Berg (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Distance Learning, 2nd Ed., Vol. III, US: Information Science Reference (Formerly Idea Group Reference),  2009, pp. 1228-1243.

§  Erlich, Z., Aviv, R. "Open Source Software: Strengths and Weaknesses" in P. F. Tiako (Ed.), Software Applications: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications, 2009, pp 39-51.

§  Articles in Refereed Journals

§  Berry, D.M., Erlich, Z., Lucena, C.J., Pointers and data abstractions in high level languages-I: Language proposals, Journal of Computer Languages, 1977, 2 (14), pp. 135-148.

§  Zalsman, G., Frisch, A., Bromberg, M., Gelernter, J., Michaelovsky, E., Campino, A., Erlich, Z., Tyano, S., Apter, A., Weizman, A., Family-based association study of serotonin transporter promoter in suicidal adolescents: Possible role in violence traits, American Journal of Medical Genetics, 2001, 3 (105), pp. 239-245.

§  Lupo, D., Erlich, Z., Computer literacy and applications via distance e-learning, Computers & Education, 2001, 36 (4), pp. 333-345.

§  Erlich, Z., Gelbard, R., Spiegler, I., Data mining by means of binary representation: A model for similarity and clustering, Information System Frontiers, 2002, 4 (2), pp. 187-197.

§  Apter, A., Horesh, N., Gothelf, D., Zalsman, G., Erlich, Z., Soreni, N., Weizman, A., Depression and suicidal behavior in adolescent inpatients with obsessive compulsive disorder, Journal of Affective Disorders, 2003, 75 (2), pp. 181-189.

§  Zviran, M., Erlich, Z., Measuring IS user satisfaction: Review and implications, Communications of the Association for Information Systems (CAIS), 2003, 12 (5), pp. 81-103.

§  Erlich, Z., Gelbard, R., Spiegler, I., Evaluating a positive attribute clustering model for data mining, Journal of Computer Information Systems (JCIS), 2003, 42 (3), pp. 100-108.

§  Aviv, R., Erlich, Z., Ravid, G., & Geva, A., Network analysis of knowledge construction in asynchronous learning networks, Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 2003, 7 (3), pp. 1-23

§  Erlich, Z., Erlich-Philip, I., Gal-Ezer, J., Skills required for participating in CMC courses: An empirical study, Computers & Education, 2004, 44 (4), pp. 477-487.

§  Aviv, R., Erlich, Z., Ravid, G., Response neighborhoods in online learning networks: A quantitative analysis, Educational Technology & Society, 8 (4), 2005, pp. 90-99.

§  Aviv, R., Erlich, Z., Ravid, G., Reciprocity Analysis of Online Learning Networks.  Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 2005, 9 (4), pp. 3-13.

§  Zviran, M., Erlich, Z., Identification and authentication: Technology and implementation issues, Communications of the Association for Information Systems (CAIS), 2006, 17 (4), pp. 90-105.

§  Aviv, R., Erlich, Z., Ravid, G., Analysis of transitivity and reciprocity in online collaboration networks, Connections, 2008, 28 (1), pp. 27-39.

§  Erlich, Z., Gadot, R., Shahak, D. The Effect of Computer Literacy Course on Students' Attitudes toward Computer Applications, Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 2008-2009, 37(1), pp. 83-95.

§  Apter S, Rimon U, Konen E, Erlich Z, Guranda L, Amitai M, Portnoy O, Gayer G, Hertz M. Sealed rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms: CT features in 6 patients and a review of the literature, Abdom Imaging, 2010, 35(1), pp. 99-105.

§  Erlich, Z., Zviran M., Goals and Practices in Maintaining Information Systems Security, International Journal of Information Security and Privacy, 2010, 4(3), pp. 42-52.

§  Eshed I, Halshtok O, Erlich Z., Hertz M, Portnoy O, Guranda L,   Hiller N, Apter S. "Differentiation between a right tubo-ovarian abscess and appendicitis by CT – a diagnostic challenge", Clinical Radiology, 2011, 66(11), pp. 1030-1035.

§  Articles in Refereed Conference Proceedings

§  Berry, D.M., Erlich, Z., Lucena, C.J., Correctness of data representations: Pointers in high level languages, ACM Conference on Data (SIGPLAN), pp. 115-119, 1976.

§  Aviv, R., Erlich, Z., Ravid, G., Cohesion and roles: Network analysis of CSCL communities, Proceedings of IEEE Information, Communication and Advanced Learning Technologies, ICALT 2003, pp. 145-149, Athens, Greece, 2003.

§  Aviv, R., Erlich, Z., Ravid, G., Mechanisms and architectures of online learning communities, Proceedings of the 4th IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies, pp. 400-404, Joensuu, Finland, 2004.

§  Aviv, R.,Erlich Z., Ravid G. "Design and Architecture of Collaborative Online Communities: A Quantitative Analysis". Proceedings of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology International Convention, pp. 59-72, Chicago, October 2004.

§  Aviv, R.,Erlich Z., Ravid G. Randomness and Clustering of Responses in Online Learning Networks, IASTED International Conference on Communication, Internet and Information Technology (CIIT 2007), 2-4 July 2007, Banff, Canada.

·         Open University Books and Study Guides - Academic responsibility and development coordinator

§  Data Structures, 2 vols., 750p, 1987. Based on a translation of Data Structures Using Pascal, by A. Tenenbaum and M. Augenstein, PH, 1981.

§  Software Engineering with Ada, 2 vols., 620p, 1989. Based on a translation of Software Engineering with Ada, by G. Booch, Benjamin Cummings Pub., 2nd ed., 1987; Study guide, 140p, 1990.

§  Database Systems, 300p, 1989. Based on a translation of Database Systems Concepts, by F. Korth and A. Silberschatz, MH, 1986; Study guide, 240p, 1990.

§  Computer Network Communication I, 471p, 1994. Based on a translation of ch. 1-5 in Computer Networks, by A. S. Tanenbaum, 2nd ed., PH, 1989; Study guide, 130p, 1994.

§  Computer Network Communication II, Study guide, 120p, 2000. A study guide to ch. 6-7 in Computer Networks, by A. S. Tanenbaum, 3rd ed., PH, 1996.

§  Deterministic Models in Operations Research, 2 vols., 780p, 1995. Based on a translation of Introduction to Mathematical Programming, by F.S. Hillier, G.J. Lieberman, McGraw-Hill, 1990; Study Guide, 280p, 1996.

§  Queueing Theory and Computer Science Applications, Study guide, 120p, 1997 (120p), 2002 (170p). Study guide to Computer Networks and Systems - Queueing Theory and Performance Evaluation, by T G. Robertazzi, 2nd ed., Springer-Verlag, 1994.

§  Computer Applications for Social Sciences, Study guide, 120p, 1998.

§  Systems Analysis & Design, Study guide, 224p, 2002.

§  Simulation Modeling and Analysis, Study guide, 119p, 2003.

§  Computer Applications for Humanities, Study guide, 70p, 2003.

§  Computer Applications for Natural Sciences, Study guide, 140p, 2004.

§  Operations Research (MBA), Study guide, 188p, 2004.

§  Fundamentals of Decision Theory and Operations Research, Study guide, 187p, 2005.

§  Data Mining, Online Study Guide, 2009.

§  Advanced Computer Applications, Study Guide, 2012

§  Research Reports

§  Erlich, Z., The Behavior of a Bus Collection Poisson Arrivals on a Straight Route; Modeling and Analysis Note #7, Computer Science Department, UCLA, December 1974.

§  Lucena, C.J., Berry, D., and Erlich, Z., Structured Data Representation: A Proposed Modification to the Concept of Cluster, Modeling and Measurement Note #27, Computer Science Department, UCLA, June 1974.

§  Lucena, C.J., Berry, D., Erlich, Z., Chirica, L., Walton, E., STRUGGLE: A Structured GO TO-less Programming Language, Internal Memorandum #134, Computer Science Department, UCLA, October 1974.

§  Erlich, Z., On Centralized Bus Transportation Systems with Poisson Arrivals, ARPA Technical Report, UCLA-ENG-67124, December 1976.

Papers Presented at Scientific Conferences

Zalsman, G., Frisch, A., Menashri, M., Gelernter, J., Michaelovsky, E., Campino, A., Erlich, Z., Tyano, S., Apter, A., Weizman, A., "Family-based association study of serotonin transporter promoter in suicide adolescents, possible role in violence traits," The Promised Childhood Jerusalem, 2000 Congress, May 2001.

Aviv, R., Erlich, Z., Ravid, G., "Network Analysis of Cooperative Learning," Information Communication Technologies in Education (ICICTE) 2003, Samos, Greece, July 2003.

Aviv, R., Erlich, Z., Ravid, G., "Network Analysis of Knowledge Construction," The International Conference on Computer Networks and Social Networks, Haifa, Aug. 2003.

Aviv, R., Erlich, Z., Ravid, G., "Network Analysis of interactivity in online Communities," Association of Internet Researchers (AOIR) International Conference, Toronto, October 2003.

Aviv, R., Erlich, Z., Ravid, G., "Evolution of Social Capital Structures in Collaborative Online Learning Networks," International Association for Computer Information Systems (IACIS) 2003, Las Vegas, October 2003.

Aviv, R., Erlich, Z., Ravid, G., "Network Analysis of Effective Knowledge Construction in Asynchronous Learning Networks," 9th Annual SLOAN-C Asynchronous Learning Networks, Florida, November 2003.

Aviv, R., Erlich, Z., Ravid, G., "Structure of Social Capital, Group Design and Knowledge Construction in Discussion Forum: Quantitative Research," 19th Annual Conference on Computers and Education, Tel Aviv, January 2004.

Aviv, R., Erlich, Z., Ravid, G., "Emergence of Markov Virtual Neighborhoods in Knowledge Constructing Virtual Communities," Invited Talk, Learning International Network Consortium (LINC) Symposium, MIT, Cambridge, March 2004.

Aviv, R., Erlich, Z., Ravid, G., "Knowledge Construction, Virtual Neighborhoods Architecture, Mechanisms and Design Features in Online Communities," XXIV International Sunbelt Social Network Conference, Portoro?, Slovenia, May 2004.

Aviv, R., Erlich, Z., Ravid, G., "Virtual Neighborhoods Architecture of Online Communities," Association of Internet Researchers (AOIR) Annual Conference, Sussex, UK, September 2004.

Aviv, R., Erlich, Z., Ravid, G., "Design and Architecture of Collaborative Online Communities: A Quantitative Analysis," Association for Educational Communications and Technology International Convention, Chicago, October 2004.

Aviv, R., Erlich, Z., Ravid, G. "Knowledge Construction, Virtual Neighborhoods Architecture, Mechanisms and Design Features in Online Communities". To be published in the Proceedings of the XXIV International Sunbelt Social Network Conference, Portorož, Slovenia, May 2004.

Aviv R., Erlich Z., Ravid G. "Virtual Neighborhoods Architecture of Online Communities". To be published in the Proceedings of the Association of Internet Researchers (aoir.org) Annual Conference, Sussex, UK, September 2004.

Aviv R., Erlich Z., Ravid G. "Mechanisms and architectures of online learning communities". The 4th IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies (ICALT), Aug. 30 - Sep. 1, 2004, Jonesuu, Finland.

Aviv R., Erlich Z., Ravid G."Analysis of Fundamental Processes in e-learning Networks". TELearn 2008, Dec. 6, 2008, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Amitai M.M, Raviv-Zilka L., Kushnir T., Erlich Z., Apter S. "Accuracy of MR Enterography Compared to CT Enterography in Young Patients with Bowel  disease", ISMRM 17th Scientific Meeting & Exhibition, 18-24 April, 2009, Honolulu, Hawaii. Shalev S., Saaroni H., Yair Y., Ziv B., Erlich Z., Aviv R., Agrachov  A., Price C. "Lightning Characteristics in Israel and the Eastern Mediterranean". Geophysical Research Abstracts Vol. 13, EGU2011-11857, 2011 Aviv R., Yair Y., Agrachov A., Erlich Z., Price C.. "Interdependence and Memory in Lightning Flash Sequences". The 14th ICAE conference, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 8-12, August 2011.