IS THERE STILL A NEED FOR MULTIDIMENSIONAL DATA MODELS?

Organizational and technical changes challenge standards of data warehouse design and initiate a redesign of contemporary Business Intelligence and Analytics environments. As a result, the use of multidimensional models for performance oriented reasons is not necessarily taken for granted. Simple data models or operational structures emerge as a basis for complex analyses. The paper therefore conducts a laboratory experiment to examine from a non-technical perspective the influnce of different data modeling types on the representational information quality of end users. A comparison is made between the multidimensional model and the transactional model respectively the flat file model. The experiment involves 78 participants and aims to compare perceived and observed representational information quality aspects of ad hoc analyses regarding the data modeling type. The results indicate a higher observed quality for multidimensional modeled data, while different types of data models do not influnce the end user perception of the representational information quality

Applying Operational Business Intelligence in Production Environments

Operational Business Intelligence (OpBI) discusses a possible support of production-specific decisions by integrating and analyzing production data. The discussion of OpBI focusses thereby rather on common applicability aspects than on certain implementation strategies. This is however less conclusive for a functional reliability of OpBI in production environments and for associated efforts. Therefore, we introduce an OpBI framework to integrate and analyze data of production processes automatically. Following principles of design science research, framework evaluation refers to real-world data from a rod and wire rolling process. In conclusion, our OpBI framework improves information quality perceived by end users analyzing a steel’s rolling behavior

Users' efficiency, effectiveness, cognitive style and emotional reactions to computer interface based on different data model

Informaciona usklađenost kompjuterskog sistema i korisnika, kao predmet kognitivne ergonomije, počiva na dobro osmišljenom korisničkom interfejsu koji strukturom i informacionim obimom treba da omogući optimalnu interakciju u složenom sistemu čovek‐računar. U osnovi vizuelne forme interfejsa stoji, pored ostalog, logika po kojoj su podaci raspoređeni, međusobno povezani i dostupni za upotrebu, a koja se definiše modelom podataka. Smatra se da je postizanje veće kompatibilnosti između predstave koju korisnik ima o sistemu i načina na koji sistem zaista funkcioniše ključ za efikasno i efektivno korišćenje interaktivnih sistema. U tom smislu, podaci koji se u bazi mogu predstaviti u obliku zvezdaste sheme (dimenziono modelovani podaci), gde su veze između objekata i hijerarhijski odnosi načelno dati u okviru jednog objekta, i podaci koji imaju strukturu u kojoj je svaki hijerarhijski nivo predstavljen posebnim objektom (transakciono modelovani podaci), za individualne korisnike mogu biti u različitoj meri upotrebljivi. Brzina i tačnost obavljanja poslovnih zahteva putem dimenziono i transakciono modelovanih podataka može zavisiti, kako od vrste i složenosti zadatka, tako i od psiholoških osobenosti korisnika. Kognitivni stil, specifičan način kognitivnog funkcionisanja, izdvojio se kao relevantan faktor. S druge strane, isticanje sve većeg značaja afektivne komponente procene sistema i veze sa objektivnim merama upotrebljivosti, uticalo je na to da se u eksperimentalni nacrt uvrste i dimenzije emocionalnih reakcija na izgled sistema. U istraživanju su se, u dva modela podataka, ispitivale brzina i tačnost rada ispitanika sa u različitom stepenu izraženim metaforičnim, racionalnim i empiričnim kognitivnim stilom, a s obzirom na izazvane emocionalne reakcije pobuđenosti, prijatnosti i dominantnosti. U eksperimentu sa ponovljenim nacrtom učestvovalo je 303 ispitanika, slučajno raspoređenih s obzirom na redosled izlaganja modela podataka, i ujednačenih po karakteristikama relevantnim za Mr Ivana Kovačević – DOKTORSKA DISERTACIJA 2 istraživanje. Rezultati govore u prilog bolje upotrebljivosti dimenzionog modela u kom ispitanici brže obavljaju zadatke. Brzina i tačnost rada nisu u očekivanoj korelaciji i nejednako variraju s obzirom na različite prediktore, te ih je smisleno odvojeno posmatrati. Manipulativna varijabla redosleda izlaganja modela se pokazala najznačajnijim prediktorom brzine rada. Ispitanici postižu mnogo bolje rezultate ukoliko prvo koriste dimenzioni model, kao pojavno manje složen, nego u situaciji kada je transakcioni model prvo korišćen. Ovaj nalaz govori u prilog tome da je brzina rada zavisna od specifičnog redosleda iskustva. U skladu sa tim su i rezultati koji pokazuju da kognitivni stil nema naročitog efekta na brzinu rada, za razliku od emocionalnih reakcija prijatnosti i kontrole koje su negativno povezane sa potrebnim vremenom da se zadaci obave. S druge strane, tačnost je relativno nezavisna od redosleda izlaganja, i konzistentna karakteristika u oba modela. Ispitanici koji teže tačnosti, to čine bez obzira na prethodna ili trenutna iskustva, stoga se čini da je tačnost rada inherentna karakteristika korisnika. Tako su nađene i veze metaforičnosti, racionalnosti i empiričnosti sa tačnošću rada. Tačnost opada pri prelasku sa transakcionog na dimenzioni model podataka, u funkciji porasta metaforičnosti (moguć efekat zamora), dok se prelaskom sa dimenzionog na transakcioni, povećava u transakcionom u funkciji povećanja skora na racionalnosti (moguć efekat uvežbanosti). Empiričnost je povezana sa slabijom tačnošću rada u transakcionom modelu, kada je on prvi model u kom se radi (moguć efekat neuvežbanosti). Pojednostavljeno rečeno, ukoliko težimo efikasnosti (većoj brzini rada), insistiraćemo na jednostavnijim ili pak postupno usložnjavajućim interfejsima. Ukoliko težimo efektivnosti (većoj tačnosti rada), rešenja ćemo tražiti u personalizaciji korisničkih interfejsa.Informational compatibility of computer system and user, as the subject of cognitive ergonomics, depends on the characteristics of user interface. Well conceived user interface, with its structure and amount of information, provides optimal interaction in complex computer‐user system. Visual form of interface is based on logics in which data are displayed (arranged), interconnected and available for use, defined by data models. It is assumed that achieving higher compatibility between user perception of the system and the manner in which it really operates is the key for effectiveness and efficacy in using interactive systems. There are at least two different data base arrangements with different usability level for individual users. Dimensionally modeled data are arranged in a shape of star schema, where all relations between objects and all hierarchical associations are given within one object. Transactionallly modeled data have structure within which every hierarchical level is represented with particular object. Speed and accuracy of performing tasks by using dimensionally or transactionally modeled data are dependent on type and complexity of tasks, as well as on psychological characteristics of users. Cognitive style, as the specific manner of cognitive functioning, and dimensions of emotional reactions on system appearance, are seen as relevant factors. Research consisted of experimentally measuring the speed and accuracy of performing tasks in two data environments (dimensional and transactional data models) by participants with different levels of metaphorical, rational and empirical cognitive styles. Emotional reactions of arousal, pleasure and dominance provoked during the experience of using data models were assessed as well. In this experiment 303 participants, balanced by relevant characteristics, were randomly assigned in groups according to the order of exposing to data models. Results proved better overall performance of dimensionally modeled data Mr Ivana Kovačević – DOKTORSKA DISERTACIJA 4 which is seen as a data model with higher usability. Speed and accuracy of performance are shown not to be in expected correlation, varying differently according to the different predictors. Therefore, it was concluded it is plausible to consider them as separate entities. Manipulative variable, the order of data model display, proved to be the most important predictor of speed performance. Participants achieved better results when using dimensionally modeled data first, with its appearance less complex, than in situation when the transactional model was primarily used. This result showed that performance speed was dependent on specific order of user experience. Accordingly, it was found that cognitive style had no particular effect on speed, while emotional reactions of pleasure and dominance were negatively related to the time required for task completion. On the other hand, accuracy was relatively independent of data model order and it is a consistent characteristic within subject in both models. Participants who tended to be accurate, did that regardless of their previous or current experience with data model, thus it appeared that performance accuracy was user`s inherent quality. Relations between accuracy and metaphorical, rational and empirical cognitive styles were also found. Accuracy of dimensionally modeled data performance was poorer when using the transactional model first, in function of higher level of metaphorical style (possible effect of fatigue). Conversely, when using the dimensional model first, accuracy is higher in the transactional model in function of increasing the score on rational dimension (possible effect of training). Empirical cognitive style is correlated with lower accuracy in the transactional model, when it was a the first model of choice (possible effect of lack of practice). Generally, abridged implications of findings were the following, if we strive to achieve efficacy (speed), we should insist on simplifying, or at least gradually building more complexity in user interfaces. Otherwise, if we are looking for effectiveness (accuracy), we should try to find a solution in the personalization of user interface

Technological and cognitive aspects of the user interface in business intelligence systems

У истраживању које се овде приказује анализирани су однос и узајамни утицаји технолошких и когнитивних аспеката корисничког интерфејса у системима пословне интелигенције и доказана је претпоставка о добрим карактеристикама овог интерфејса на пољу употребљивости. Истраживање је започето дефиницијом кључних техничких аспеката пословне интелигенције, који су проучени из литературе и имплементирани у пракси, са циљем да се оформи приступ методологији пројектовања система пословне интелигенције. Приступ је дефинисан прегледом техника димензионог моделовања и екстракције, трансформације и пуњења, које су илустроване оригиналним примерима развијеним током истраживања и примењеним да задовоље реалне потребе организација за које су вођени пројекти. Испитан је и утицај организационих аспеката система пословне интелигенције на карактеристике корисничког интерфејса. Истраживање је настављено дефинисањем методологије евалуације корисничког интерфејса за потребе испитивања употребљивости корисничког интерфејса система пословне интелигенције. Потом је експериментом испитана употребљивост података изложених пословном кориснику технологијом ад хок упита, технологијом која припада скупу технологија пословне интелигенције. Употребљивост димензионо моделованих података је поређена са употребљивошћу података моделованих према потребама трансакционих система, пошто су такви подаци алтернатива димензионо моделованим подацима, а сматра се да су недовољно употребљиви са становишта пословних корисника...The research presented in this dissertation has analyzed relation and mutual influence of technological and cognitive aspects of the user interface in business intelligence systems and approved a presumption of high usability benefits of this user interface. The research started with the definitions of key technical aspects of business intelligence, which were studied from literature and implemented in practice, in order to shape an approach to a business intelligence system design methodology. This approach was defined though an overview of techniques of dimensional modeling and extraction, transformation and loading, which wеre illustrated by the original examples developed during the research and applied to answer the real need of several organizations for which projects were conducted. The implication of the management aspects of business intelligence systems on the characteristics of the user interface was examined as well. The research continued with a definition of a user‟s interface evaluation methodology that best suited the usability studies of the user‟s interface in business intelligence systems. Through an experiment, the usability was investigated for the data exposed to business user by ad hoc queering technology, a technology belonging to the set of business intelligence technologies. The usability of dimensionally modeled data was compared with the usability of data modeled according to the needs of transactional systems, since this data were an alternative to dimensionally modeled data, known for its insufficient usability from the point of view of business users..

Tietovaraston tietomallin suunnittelu

Tietovarasto on järjestelmä, johon kerätään yrityksen liiketoimintatietoa eri lähteistä yhdenmukaisessa muodossa. Varastoon tallennettua tietoa käytetään päätöksenteon tukena yrityksen toiminnan kehittämisessä. Tietovarastossa säilytettävien tietojen tallentamiseen on olemassa erilaisia vaihtoehtoehtoisia tietomalleja. Mallit ja niihin liittyvät suunnittelumenetelmät ovat myös osittain sidoksissa erilaisiin tietovarastoinnissa käytettyihin arkkitehtuurivaihtoehtoihin ja tietovaraston toteuttamisessa käytettyihin menetelmiin. Käytetyt tietomallit, menetelmät ja arkkitehtuurit täydentävät osittain toisiaan, mutta ovat myös osittain toisensa poissulkevia vaihtoehtoja tai ristiriidassa toistensa kanssa. Osittain konfliktit johtuvat myös termistö- ja nimeämisyhteentörmäyksistä. Tässä tutkielmassa vertaillaan tietovaraston vaihtoehtoisia tietomalleja ja suunnittelutapoja. Erityisesti keskitytään normalisoituun tietomalliin, moniulotteisiin tietomalleihin ja tietoholvimalliin (data vault). Tarkastelutasoksi otetaan pääasiassa tietojen käsitteellinen ja looginen mallinnus ja mallinnuksessa käytetyt tekniikat. Lisäksi tarkastellaan eri tietomallien yhteydessä käytettyjä arkkitehtuurivaihtoehtoja ja menetelmiä. Tutkielmassa pyritään myös yhtenäistämään eri malleihin, arkkitehtuureihin ja suunnittelutapoihin liittyviä termejä ja nimeämiskäytäntöjä

Semantic discovery and reuse of business process patterns

Patterns currently play an important role in modern information systems (IS) development and their use has mainly been restricted to the design and implementation phases of the development lifecycle. Given the increasing significance of business modelling in IS development, patterns have the potential of providing a viable solution for promoting reusability of recurrent generalized models in the very early stages of development. As a statement of research-in-progress this paper focuses on business process patterns and proposes an initial methodological framework for the discovery and reuse of business process patterns within the IS development lifecycle. The framework borrows ideas from the domain engineering literature and proposes the use of semantics to drive both the discovery of patterns as well as their reuse

Using MapReduce Streaming for Distributed Life Simulation on the Cloud

Distributed software simulations are indispensable in the study of large-scale life models but often require the use of technically complex lower-level distributed computing frameworks, such as MPI. We propose to overcome the complexity challenge by applying the emerging MapReduce (MR) model to distributed life simulations and by running such simulations on the cloud. Technically, we design optimized MR streaming algorithms for discrete and continuous versions of Conway’s life according to a general MR streaming pattern. We chose life because it is simple enough as a testbed for MR’s applicability to a-life simulations and general enough to make our results applicable to various lattice-based a-life models. We implement and empirically evaluate our algorithms’ performance on Amazon’s Elastic MR cloud. Our experiments demonstrate that a single MR optimization technique called strip partitioning can reduce the execution time of continuous life simulations by 64%. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to propose and evaluate MR streaming algorithms for lattice-based simulations. Our algorithms can serve as prototypes in the development of novel MR simulation algorithms for large-scale lattice-based a-life models.https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/scs_books/1014/thumbnail.jp

Transforming our World through Universal Design for Human Development

An environment, or any building product or service in it, should ideally be designed to meet the needs of all those who wish to use it. Universal Design is the design and composition of environments, products, and services so that they can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people, regardless of their age, size, ability or disability. It creates products, services and environments that meet people’s needs. In short, Universal Design is good design. This book presents the proceedings of UD2022, the 6th International Conference on Universal Design, held from 7 - 9 September 2022 in Brescia, Italy.The conference is targeted at professionals and academics interested in the theme of universal design as related to the built environment and the wellbeing of users, but also covers mobility and urban environments, knowledge, and information transfer, bringing together research knowledge and best practice from all over the world. The book contains 72 papers from 13 countries, grouped into 8 sections and covering topics including the design of inclusive natural environments and urban spaces, communities, neighborhoods and cities; housing; healthcare; mobility and transport systems; and universally- designed learning environments, work places, cultural and recreational spaces. One section is devoted to universal design and cultural heritage, which had a particular focus at this edition of the conference. The book reflects the professional and disciplinary diversity represented in the UD movement, and will be of interest to all those whose work involves inclusive design

Unmet goals of tracking: within-track heterogeneity of students' expectations for

Educational systems are often characterized by some form(s) of ability grouping, like tracking. Although substantial variation in the implementation of these practices exists, it is always the aim to improve teaching efficiency by creating homogeneous groups of students in terms of capabilities and performances as well as expected pathways. If students’ expected pathways (university, graduate school, or working) are in line with the goals of tracking, one might presume that these expectations are rather homogeneous within tracks and heterogeneous between tracks. In Flanders (the northern region of Belgium), the educational system consists of four tracks. Many students start out in the most prestigious, academic track. If they fail to gain the necessary credentials, they move to the less esteemed technical and vocational tracks. Therefore, the educational system has been called a 'cascade system'. We presume that this cascade system creates homogeneous expectations in the academic track, though heterogeneous expectations in the technical and vocational tracks. We use data from the International Study of City Youth (ISCY), gathered during the 2013-2014 school year from 2354 pupils of the tenth grade across 30 secondary schools in the city of Ghent, Flanders. Preliminary results suggest that the technical and vocational tracks show more heterogeneity in student’s expectations than the academic track. If tracking does not fulfill the desired goals in some tracks, tracking practices should be questioned as tracking occurs along social and ethnic lines, causing social inequality