A new model for the development of information systems

The most commonly used systems specification and design techniques in commercial computing are described and compared; Information Engineering as proposed by James Martin, A Framework for Information Definition-Muitiview proposed by Wood-Harper et al, Real-world Modeling as described by Jackson, Structured Analysis and Design as In Demarco, Yourdon and Constantine and Output-Oriented Structured Requirement Definition proposed by Orr. In addition, system prototyping is discussed, including the role of prototyping in large software development projects and as a tool for the design of human-computer interfaces. Other areas described and discussed include decision support systems (DSS) and knowledge based management support systems. The context is in the design and development approaches for DSS, prototyping for DSS, expert system for DSS and the integration of DSS and information system. The design and development of human-computer interface is also discussed in relation to user Interface complexity and adaptive interfaces. Further, the important issue of user involvement and support within the development process Is discussed. Thus, weaknesses of current approaches to the system development process are identified and a new model for the development of information system is proposed. In proposing the model, data and functional analysis structured method and methodology for decision support systems (DSS) development is presented including guidelines for the development of knowledge based DSS. The new proposed model is put to test in the design, development and implementation of large integrated commercial systems including DSS. Results and discussion on the use of the model is reported with special consideration to the users' and developers' view of the model. Finally the objectives of this research program are examined in relation to what has been achieved during this program of research. The prospect of using the model for the development of information systems are concluded with references to current and future goals

New high volume production, production linkages and regional development: the case of the microcomputer hardware industry in Ireland and Scotland

The dissertation explores the regional development effects, via production linkages, of subsidiaries of multinational enterprises that have adopted New High Volume Production (NHVP) approaches, in non-core regions NHVP approaches are positioned amid other post-Fordist forms of industrial organisation. There are literatures that suggest that the adoption of NHVP approaches will have positive implications for regional development of non-core regions because of greater indirect, backward linkage, effects. Theoretically, local linkage formation or buyersuppher proximity in NHVP industries might be the outcome of three drivers. It can be driven by a search for efficiency in product flow/logistics, efficiency in formal information exchange in the context of inter-firm functional integration and by sociocultural and institutional factors enhancing information flow in a local milieu. This dissertation investigates the role of the first two drivers in shaping the geographical configuration of backward linkages in NHVP industries. This is done in a case study of the microcomputer hardware industry in Ireland and Scotland. The findings of the case study do not support the positive suggestions of greater backward linkage effects. A detailed examination of the supply chains of the subsidiaries of foreign microcomputer assemblers shows that the vast majority of components and parts were imported from the Far East and, to a lesser extent, the USA. It is shown that efficiency in technical information exchange was a relatively insignificant driver for buyer-supplier proximity, and how this fact was related to the particular way NHVP manifested itself m the microcomputer hardware industry. Similarly, in relation to most material inputs, logistical efficiency did not lead to buyer-suppher proximity. It is shown that the supply chains generally involved inbound inventories, stored in local warehouses - ‘hubs’ - from where the manufacturing lines were supplied on a very frequent basis. This logistical solution should, however, not be interpreted as sub-optimal. A detailed examination of the key logistics data shows that the inbound logistics pipelines were tightly managed and that inventory levels and shipment frequencies were consistent with modem comprehensive logistics management principles. The dissertation also explores the actual impact that the NHVP plants had on the quality and competitiveness of their local suppliers in non-core regions. The findings show that, although the subsidiaries of the foreign microcomputer assemblers created few local linkages, they had a significant positive impact on the quality and competitiveness of nearly all local suppliers they were dealing with

Topics in Programming Languages, a Philosophical Analysis through the case of Prolog

[EN]Programming languages seldom find proper anchorage in philosophy of logic, language and science. is more, philosophy of language seems to be restricted to natural languages and linguistics, and even philosophy of logic is rarely framed into programming languages topics. The logic programming paradigm and Prolog are, thus, the most adequate paradigm and programming language to work on this subject, combining natural language processing and linguistics, logic programming and constriction methodology on both algorithms and procedures, on an overall philosophizing declarative status. Not only this, but the dimension of the Fifth Generation Computer system related to strong Al wherein Prolog took a major role. and its historical frame in the very crucial dialectic between procedural and declarative paradigms, structuralist and empiricist biases, serves, in exemplar form, to treat straight ahead philosophy of logic, language and science in the contemporaneous age as well. In recounting Prolog's philosophical, mechanical and algorithmic harbingers, the opportunity is open to various routes. We herein shall exemplify some: - the mechanical-computational background explored by Pascal, Leibniz, Boole, Jacquard, Babbage, Konrad Zuse, until reaching to the ACE (Alan Turing) and EDVAC (von Neumann), offering the backbone in computer architecture, and the work of Turing, Church, Gödel, Kleene, von Neumann, Shannon, and others on computability, in parallel lines, throughly studied in detail, permit us to interpret ahead the evolving realm of programming languages. The proper line from lambda-calculus, to the Algol-family, the declarative and procedural split with the C language and Prolog, and the ensuing branching and programming languages explosion and further delimitation, are thereupon inspected as to relate them with the proper syntax, semantics and philosophical élan of logic programming and Prolog

MOOSE: Manned On-Orbit Servicing Equipment

The ability to service satellites has thus far been limited to low earth orbit platforms within reach of the Space Shuttle. Other orbits, such as geosynchronous orbits containing high-value spacecraft have not been attainable by a servicing vehicle. The useful life of a satellite can be extended by replacing spent propellant and damaged orbital replacement units, forestalling the need for eventual replacement. This growing need for satellite on-orbits servicing can be met by the Manned On-Orbit Servicing Equipment (MOOSE). Missions requiring orbit transfer capability, precision manipulation and maneuvering, and man-in-the-loop control can be accomplished using MOOSE. MOOSE is a flexible, reusable, single operator, aerobraking spacecraft designed to refuel, repair, and service orbiting spacecraft. MOOSE will be deployed from Space Station Freedom, (SSF), where it will be stored, resupplied, and refurbished