Enhanced Computer Graphics for Decision Makers

Words need a context to be understood. Visual patterns also need a context to convey their meaning. When patterns represent quantities in business graphics, decision makers (DMs) depend on contrasting visual contexts to discern patterns and discover relationships. Depending on the context in which DMs see trends, differences between two trends may point to a problem, to continuity, or to an opportunity. Can enhancing the context in computer graphics help DMs visualize problems? To answer this research question, three experiments were done in the field on computer graphics. One hundred five DMs tried 17 different contexts for time-series trends displayed on a microcomputer monitor. The research objective was to find out whether changing the context in graphics affected the decision efficiency (accuracy/response time) of DMs in determining relationships among trends. Essential for measuring the effect were interactive computer programs that displayed random trends in graphics of differing contexts, collected the DMs\u27 answers to questions about the trends, and graded 1133 graphics based on the answers, response times, and trend data. The experimental results supported the hypothesis that computers can enhance the visual context surrounding time-series trends so that DMs can better visualize problems. Results were based on comparisons of DMs\u27 decision efficiencies between trial graphics with differing contextual enhancements and based on answers to questions about the trial graphics. The results were tested with nonparametric statistics at the 0.05 significance level. Specific findings were: (1) Computer-supplied forecasts, as an enhancement, significantly helped DMs discover differences among trends. (2) Although not statistically significant, stratified presentation of trends and fading chartjunk tended to increase DMs\u27 efficiencies. (3) Adding two colors, as an enhancement, made no difference in efficiency over black and white. (4) Paired trends in windows did not affect efficiency significantly. (5) Sequentially traced trends and composites of enhancements did not affect efficiency significantly. (6) DMs preferred stratified trends most and had the most confidence in graphics with fading context. They least liked and had the least confidence in black-and-white graphics

Perceptions of air pollution and health in social and geographical contexts.

Air quality management is currently receiving attention in the UK, with limit objectives for air pollutants to be met within the next few years. Local authorities must put strategies in place in order to meet these objectives, and this must be done with public consultation. At present, policy decisions rely heavily on scientific and medical information, which is uncertain. This thesis examines the public view of air quality and air pollution, and its impacts on their lives and health, in different neighbourhoods in the London Borough of Bamet. The study takes place in four areas, contrasting in terms of levels of ambient air pollution, and in terms of socio-economic characteristics. In choosing contrasting areas, the research aims to examine the role of context in terms of social and geographical factors, in shaping people's perceptions and experience of air pollution and its effects. In doing so, air pollution is conceptualised as an environmental risk, and tensions between naïve realist and constructionist framings of risk and its significance become important. Concepts of environmental equity are also considered. As well as examining understandings of air pollution and its potential health effects, the research looks at how such lay knowledge is formed, through both personal experience and the use of expert-produced information and institutional information sources. The relationship between lay knowledge and expertise is discussed and the latent significance of epistemological divergence considered. The research employs a mixed methodology comprising qualitative and quantitative techniques. A first stage of depth interviews, analysed qualitatively, is followed by a questionnaire survey which is analysed using statistical techniques. The epistemological implications of using such a research design are debated, and the possible benefits of using such a strategy are reflected on in the light of the empirical study

MS FT-2-2 7 Orthogonal polynomials and quadrature: Theory, computation, and applications

Quadrature rules find many applications in science and engineering. Their analysis is a classical area of applied mathematics and continues to attract considerable attention. This seminar brings together speakers with expertise in a large variety of quadrature rules. It is the aim of the seminar to provide an overview of recent developments in the analysis of quadrature rules. The computation of error estimates and novel applications also are described

Generalized averaged Gaussian quadrature and applications

A simple numerical method for constructing the optimal generalized averaged Gaussian quadrature formulas will be presented. These formulas exist in many cases in which real positive GaussKronrod formulas do not exist, and can be used as an adequate alternative in order to estimate the error of a Gaussian rule. We also investigate the conditions under which the optimal averaged Gaussian quadrature formulas and their truncated variants are internal

The drivers of Corporate Social Responsibility in the supply chain. A case study.

Purpose: The paper studies the way in which a SME integrates CSR into its corporate strategy, the practices it puts in place and how its CSR strategies reflect on its suppliers and customers relations. Methodology/Research limitations: A qualitative case study methodology is used. The use of a single case study limits the generalizing capacity of these findings. Findings: The entrepreneur’s ethical beliefs and value system play a fundamental role in shaping sustainable corporate strategy. Furthermore, the type of competitive strategy selected based on innovation, quality and responsibility clearly emerges both in terms of well defined management procedures and supply chain relations as a whole aimed at involving partners in the process of sustainable innovation. Originality/value: The paper presents a SME that has devised an original innovative business model. The study pivots on the issues of innovation and eco-sustainability in a context of drivers for CRS and business ethics. These values are considered fundamental at International level; the United Nations has declared 2011 the “International Year of Forestry”