Business Commons^™

Using Expert Support And Its Explanation Facilities For Group Decision Making, Fiona Fui-Hoon Nah, Izak Benbasat

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

As information technology is increasingly used to support group work, it becomes desirable to identify the types of computer-based decision aids that are beneficial for supporting group decision making. In a review of the decision support literature, Benbasat, DeSanctis and Nault (1993) point out the lack of empirical research in examining the use of expert support for group decision making. In our review of the literature in this respect, we identified only one case study (Sviokla, 1989), which examined the processes involved in the pre- and post-use of an expert support system (ESS) called PlanPower by a group of financial …

Training Management Information System Of The Defense Institute Of Security Assistance Management: User Satisfaction As A Measure Of Its Effectiveness, Paulo R. De Oliveira Ruy

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Training Management System (TMS) installed in the Security Assistance Organizations around the world. User satisfaction was measured as an indicator of the system's effectiveness. In order to provide an objective measurement of the system effectiveness, the following research questions were addressed: (1) What is the system effectiveness regarding the level of product quality provided by TMS? (2) What is the level of involvement and knowledge of TMS user related to the information services function? (3) What is the level of user perceived satisfaction with the staff and services …

Multi-Wavelength Infrared Imaging Computer Systems And Applications, Jun Li

Dissertations

This dissertation presents the development of three computer systems for multi-wavelength thermal imaging.

Two computer systems were developed for the multi-wavelength imaging pyrometers (M-WIPs) that yield non-contact temperature measurements by remotely sensing the surface of objects with unknown wavelength-dependent emissivity. These M-WIP computer systems represent the state-of-art development in remote temperature measurement system based on the multi-wavelength approach. The dissertation research includes M-WIP computer system integration, software development, performance evaluation, and also applications in monitoring and control of temperature distribution of silicon wafers in a rapid thermal process system.

The two M-WIPs are capable of data acquisition, signal processing, system …

High Speed Protocols For Dual Bus And Dual Ring Network Architectures, Yaling Zhou

Dissertations

In this dissertation, two channel access mechanisms providing fair and bandwidth efficient transmission on dual bus and dual ring networks with high bandwidth-latency product are proposed. In addition, two effective priority mechanisms are introduced to meet the throughput and delay requirements of the diverse arrays of applications that future high speed networks must support.

For dual bus architectures, the Buffer Insertion Bandwidth Balancing (BI_BWB) mechanism and the Preemptive priority Bandwidth Balancing (P_BI_BWB) mechanism are proposed. BI_BWB can significantly improve the delay performance of remote stations. It achieves that by providing each station with a shift register into which the station …

No. 129 1997 April

International Journal for Business Education

SIEC Historical Documents

Massively Parallel Reasoning In Transitive Relationship Hierarchies, Yugyung Lee

Dissertations

This research focuses on building a parallel knowledge representation and reasoning system for the purpose of making progress in realizing human-like intelligence. To achieve human-like intelligence, it is necessary to model human reasoning processes by programs. Knowledge in the real world is huge in size, complex in structure, and is also constantly changing even in limited domains. Unfortunately, reasoning algorithms are very often intractable, which means that they are too slow for any practical applications. One technique to deal with this problem is to design special-purpose reasoners. Many past Al systems have worked rather nicely for limited problem sizes, but …

End User Perception And Software Quality Assessment, K L. Nance, M Strohmaier

Journal of International Information Management

The topic of software quality assessment is at the forefront of the software engineering movement. Many models of organization and quality control exist which serve to foster software quality and reliability (Bloom, McPheters & Tsiang, 1973; Brandl, 1990; Comer, 1988; Dunn, 1990; Kaplan, Clark & Tang, 1994; Livson, 1988; Musa, lannino & Okumoto, 1987). Some models now consider the software engineering project team and end users, but most still treat them as static contributors to the system. Major factors often ignored in most conventional models include the cybernetics of the process, and human factors which have a significant impact on …

Computer Supported Strategic Management, Karen L. Fowler, Donna M. Scott

Journal of International Information Management

This paper presents an overview of the essential components of effective strategic management and a detailed description of the methodology for leading an organization through the strategic management process. This process can be extremely time consuming and can easily fall victim to "pep rally" thinking, rather than producing useful critical evaluation.The authors have successfully used GroupSystems software, one of a limited number of software products designed to support meetings, to significantly reduce the amoimt of time required for meetings and to improve the level of independent, unbiased input from participants. The parallel processing afforded by the software typically reduced meeting …

A Four-Way Interaction Model: A Holistic Approach To The Group Decision Support Systems, Chin-Wun Lin, Frank M. Lin

Journal of International Information Management

This study adopts the general systems theory and proposes a four-way interaction model which uses nth logic function to represent interactions of a Group Decision Support System (GDSS) to examine the interaction issues when designing a GDSS. Task type and decision guidance are used to illustrate the application of the proposed model.

Security Versus Integrity In Information Systems, Gerhaed Steinke

Journal of International Information Management

Security and integrity are frequently competing characteristics in an information system. Sectirity implies that a user can only access a specific subset of the information in the system, namely that information which the user has permission to access. Integrity implies that the information is "correct", i.e., that it satisfies the constraints, rules and conditions contained in the information system. A problem arises when a user who is unable to access certain information because of security restrictions, is left with an "incorrect" or inconsistent view of the information system. In this paper we define an information organizational structure and policy which …

Design Considerations For Computer Simulation Games In The Management Discipline, Charmayne Cullom, Daniel J. Rowley

Journal of International Information Management

Computer simulations have been utilized for well over twenty years as an instruetional tool in business currieulums. According to Joseph Wolfe (1993), use of business computer simulations is no longer "cutting-edge." Simulation games have become common place with utilization widespread in the university community. The reasons for implementing business computer simulations are varied but typically emphasize provision of decision-making experiences simulating the real world and role playing (Hsu 1989). Increased interest and utilization of computer simulations in the business curriculum arose after the general acceptance of experienced-based learning theory. Such experiential learning requires participants to be actively involved in learning …

Maturity Model Linkages Between Software Development Teams, Users And Quality, Eugene G. Mcguire

Journal of International Information Management

Information Systems literature has shown clear linkages between the selection of software development methodologies, the actions of software development teams, overall product quality, and user satisfaction. Rarely are these linkages emphasized, however, in current research on process improvement. This paper examines the convergence of these areas and discusses current research designed to further explore these linkages within the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) framework.

Group Impacts Using Four Meeting Facilitation Techniques, Milam Aiken, Khalid Aljumaih, Brian Reithel, Sumali Conlon

Journal of International Information Management

Many studies have investigated the effects of various meeting facilitation techniques on groups, but few have directly compared the effects of different electronic techniques on group interaction. In fact, the vast majority of research in the area of electronic meeting support has used only two techniques: verbal brainstorming and electronic individual poolwriting. This paper describes an experiment involving four groups of 35 undergraduate students each using electronic individual poolwriting, electronic gallery writing, verbal brainstorming, and manual individual poolwriting. Results show that groups using the two electronic techniques were more satisfied and productive and experienced less production blocking and evaluation apprehension. …

Windows95: Is It The Bargain It Was Supposed To Be?, Conrad Shayo

Journal of International Information Management

Whereas a critical mass of computer users has migrated to Windows95, some are still using Windows 3.1 and DOS. There is concern that the benefits of installing Windows95 may not outweigh the costs.

A Comparison Of Performance And Satisfaction Between Two Types Of Group Decision Support Systems, Mahesh Vanjani, Milam Aiken, Joseph Paolillo

Journal of International Information Management

Group Decision Support Systems (GDSSs) and other electronic meeting technologies have been developed to support or replace traditional, verbal meetings. While extensive research has been conducted regarding the impact of these systems on the group decision making process, the vast majority of these studies have focused on groups meeting fact-to-face in one room. This paper focuses on how group members perform when distributed as non-proximate sub-groups (virtual legislative sessions) as compared to proximate, face-to-face groups (synchronous legislative sessions). Experiments involving 12 groups of 10 members each showed that there were few significant differences in productivity and satisfaction between the two …

Information Revolution: Impact Of Technology On Global Workforce, Kamlesh T. Mehta, Vivek Shah

Journal of International Information Management

This paper explores the promises and perils of the Information Revolution and addresses the complex issues such as global labor force, impact of technology on both industrialized and third-world countries. The paper discusses the beneficiaries and losers of the information revolution and an outlook for global employment in the 21st century.

Computer Crimes: Taxonomy And Prevention Strategies, Santosh S. Venkatraman

Journal of International Information Management

Computer and communications networks have greatly enhanced the effectiveness and efficiencies of organizations. They have, however, also created an opportunity for computer criminals. Computer crimes are committed for many reasons: 1) revenge by disgruntled employees, 2) desire for a challenge, 3) to cause mischief, and 4) money. In order to better understand the nature of computer crimes, a comprehensive taxonomy of computer crimes is developed in this paper. Strategies to effectively combat the various computer crimes are then presented. It is hoped that the information provided in this paper makes the readers more knowledgeable on this important topic and motivates …

An End User's Model For Communications Technologies In The Twenty First Century, Antony Coulson, C.E. Tapie Rohm Jr

Journal of International Information Management

This paper presents an end user's model for understanding the use of communications technology or media in the 21st century. The rapid advancement of communications technologies like Email, Group Decision Support System and Video Conferencing are not being taken advantage of today. A model is presented and then explained in terms of the existing technology. A review of the literamre is provided at each step of the way. A table summarizes the information reviewed.

Information Systems Education— A National Evaluation Of A Curriculum Model For End-User Computing Support, C Steven Hunt, Charles M. Ray, Scott Eckholdt

Journal of International Information Management

This research represents an evaluation of a curriculum model by a national sample of information systems professionals. The Curriculum Model for Organizational and End-User Information Systems (OEIS) is a guide for educators planning programs that prepare four-year college students for entry-level positions that support end-user computing. It stresses end-user information technology and human factors, business process redesign, communication, and end-user training. A national sample of Association for Systems Management members evaluated the model's sixty objectives. All sixty objectives, as measured by the aggregate rating and the mean ratings of individual objectives, were considered important. More than two-thirds of them were …

Preparing For A Change: A Planning Framework For Business Process Reengineering, Chung Kim, Heidi Perreault

Journal of International Information Management

Business Process Reeingineering (BPR) projects offer organizations a means for improving their business processes. The high failure rate associated with BPR projects points to the need to have detailed plans designed prior to introducing change. This article provides a planning framework modeled on Lewin's three-stage change model. The framework incorporates both social and technical aspects of the project. The framework presented is a comprehensive planning process. It presents a guideline for establishing a solid foundation prior to implementing change. Although good planning cannot guarantee success, success without planning is impossible.

The Gap Between Theory And Practice: A Database Application Case Study, Martha Myers, Paula Skinner

Journal of International Information Management

The transition from theory to practice is often challenging for sUidents. This paper considers this challenge within the context of implementing a database design in an end-user DBMS. The tradeoffs are examined between adhering to the theory that is taught in the classroom and straying from the theory when faced with deadlines, software applications that will not support the theory, and specific client needs. In the first section, the problems and tradeoffs for developers and system clients are described. In the second section, a specific case study of a student project for a charitable organization is described. The third section …

The Cultural And Political Influences On It Diffusion In The People's Republic Of China, Jack T. Marchewka, Qiong Wu

Journal of International Information Management

This paper investigates how political and cultural influences impact the diffusion and use of information technology (IT) in the People's Republic of China. Five separate interviews were conducted with individuals in five state-owned businesses. Based upon our interviews, it appears that the role and use of information technology in these organizations depends largely upon societal spectrums such as politics, culture, economic status, and the educational levels of the employees.

Factorial Management Of Global Information Systems, Long O. Anyanwu

Journal of International Information Management

The growth of worldwide competition and expansion of business markets especially in Eastern Europe and the third world have triggered several formidable problems for the global information systems (GIS) manager. Numerous multinational corporations have failed to meet their objectives beyond their national borders. This study identifies the major recurrent problems and critical influencing factors, discusses their symptomatic characteristics and impacts on the corporate business and information systems management, streamlines appropriate recommendations for combating each problem, and finally, develops a matrix of factors, characteristics, domain classifications, and suggested recommendations for easy reference for managers.

Western Australian Fisheries - The Way Forward (1997), Western Australian Fisheries

Fisheries Published Reports

Western Australia's fisheries have a bright future.

The State has a pristine marine environment which is enjoyed by both commercial and recreational fishing interests, and the wider community.

There are over 600,000 Western Australians for whom recreational fishing is a favourite pastime and each year they contribute an estimated $500 million to the State's economy. As the popularity of recreational fishing continues to rise so does the sector's importance in overall management of our fisheries.

The commercial industry contributes about $1 billion annually, derived from a wide variety of fish stocks, the major ones being rock lobster, prawns, scallops, abalone …

Dynamics Of Elastic Sheets With Bending Stiffness, Michael Gene Hilgers

Business and Information Technology Faculty Research & Creative Works

A theory describing the motion of nonlinear elastic membranes with bending stiffness is formulated. The strain energy density for these materials depends on the second derivatives of the deformation as well as the first derivatives. A compatible kinetic energy density requires velocity gradient terms to agree to the same order as the strain energy density. The equations of motion are derived using Hamilton's principle. Due to the velocity gradient dependence of the kinetic energy density, the equations of motion are found to possess a rotary inertia term which is considered from a variety of perspectives. The motion of a spinning …

Western Australian Primary Industry And Fisheries Portfolios - Major Achievements 1993 - 1996, Department Of Primary Industry And Fisheries, Western Australia

Farm Systems and Economics published reports

AGRICULTURE and fishing were WA's first industries. Farm production in particular, was the State's economic mainstay for many years. It re1mains crucial lo our prosperity, and its future holds enormous potential.

As well as employment and income, agriculture and fisheries provide important recreation and landscape opportunities for our highly urbanised population, rural communities and international visitors. Recreational fishing- which is extremely popular - and the emerging farm tourism industry arc direct beneficiaries of strategics developed for sustainable primary industries.

No. 128 1996 November

International Journal for Business Education

SIEC Historical Documents

Interest Domination As A Framework For Exploring Channel Changes In Transitional Economies, Debra Dahab, James W. Gentry, Ravipreet S. Sohi

Department of Marketing: Faculty Publications

Changes in political and economic power can affect channel structures and decisions. Western channel models may not be useful for understanding the process of change in Central and East European transforming economies. This discussion suggests that channels in transforming economies may be controlled by groups or networks of people with mutual interests, a phenomenon the authors call interest domination. The article examines interest domination by managers, Communist cadres, and other party elite in two transforming economies and describes how structural and behavioral components of command economies might be conducive to interest domination of marketing channels. Propositions for explaining the political, …

Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling: A Survey Of Recent Developments, Willy Herroelen, Erik Demeulemeester, Bert De Reyck

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

Resource-constrained project scheduling involves the scheduling of project activities subject to precedence and resource constraints in order to meet the objective(s) in the best possible way. The area covers a wide variety of problem types. The objective of this paper is to provide a survey of what we believe are the important recent developments in the area. Our main focus will be on the recent progress made in and the encouraging computational experience gained with the use of optimal solution procedures for the basic resource-constrained project scheduling problem (RCPSP) and important extensions. We illustrate how the branching rules, dominance and …

Indian Banks & It - Quo Vadis?, S Jagadish

IIMB Management Review

No abstract provided.