TDRSS momentum unload planning

A knowledge-based system is described which monitors TDRSS telemetry for problems in the momentum unload procedure. The system displays TDRSS telemetry and commands in real time via X-windows. The system constructs a momentum unload plan which agrees with the preferences of the attitude control specialists and the momentum growth characteristics of the individual spacecraft. During the execution of the plan, the system monitors the progress of the procedure and watches for unexpected problems

Predictive long-term asset maintenance strategy: development of a fuzzy logic condition-based control system

Dissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Information Management, specialization in Knowledge Management and Business IntelligenceTechnology has accelerated the growth of the Facility Management industry and its roles are broadening to encompass more responsibilities and skill sets. FM budgets and teams are becoming larger and more impactful as new technological trends are incorporated into data-driven strategies. This new scenario has motivated institutions such as the European Central Bank to initiate projects aimed at optimising the use of data to improve the monitoring, control and preservation of the assets that enable the continuity of the Bank's activities. Such projects make it possible to reduce costs, plan, manage and allocate resources, reinforce the control, and efficiency of safety and operational systems. To support the long-term maintenance strategy being developed by the Technical Facility Management section of the ECB, this thesis proposes a model to calculate the Left wear margin of the equipment. This is accomplished through the development of an algorithm based on a fuzzy logic system that uses Python language and presents the system's structure, its reliability, feasibility, potential, and limitations. For Facility Management, this project constitutes a cornerstone of the ongoing digital transformation program

Mapping factors influencing EAI adoption in the local government authorities on different phases of the adoption lifecycle

Several private and public organisations have adopted Enterprise Application Integration (EAI), however, its application in the Local Government Authorities (LGAs) is limited. Although, there exist few EAI adoption models, these models mainly focus on a number of different factors (e.g. benefits, barriers, cost) influencing the decision making process for EAI adoption. Moreover, these models do not illustrate which factor(s) influence the decision making process for EAI adoption on the adoption lifecycle phases. Literature indicates that the adoption process involves a sequence of phases an organisation passes through before taking the decision for adoption. This exemplifies that LGAs may also have to pass through several adoption phases before taking the decision to adopt EAI. However, due to the: (a) multiplicity of diverse EAI adoption factors and (b) not able to recognise which factor(s) influence EAI on adoption lifecycle phases, it may not be easy for LGAs to take decisions to adopt EAI by merely focusing on different factors. This may impede the decision making process for EAI adoption in LGAs. Notwithstanding, the implications of EAI have yet to be assessed, leaving scope for timeliness and novel research. Therefore, it is of high importance to investigate this area within LGAs and result in research that contributes towards successful EAI adoption. This paper makes a step forward as it: (a) investigates and proposes four adoption lifecycle phases, (b) validates the adoption lifecycle phases and (c) mapping the factors influencing EAI adoption on the adoption lifecycle phases, through a case study. Hence, it significantly contributes to the body of knowledge and practice. In doing so, providing sufficient support to the decision makers for speeding up the decision making process for EAI adoption in LGAs

Computer self-efficacy, anxiety, and learning in online versus face to face medium

The purpose of this research is to examine the relationships between changes to computer self-efficacy (CSE) and computer anxiety and the impact on performance on computer-related tasks in both online and face-to-face mediums. While many studies have looked at these factors individu-ally, relatively few have included multiple measures of these factors concurrently and assessed the effects over a period of time in a realistic environment. Transactional Distance Theory and previous research are used to develop a theoretical model integrating these factors. Transactional distance can be viewed as an outcome of the culture within an educational environment. As such the three transactional distance variables -structure, dialogue, and learner autonomy -may be measured by certain aspects of that culture. Describing the two mediums in terms of transactional distance allowed us to explore the interrelationships between the changes in CSE, Anxiety, and Performance in face-to-face and online classes. Data are drawn from students in a junior level Management Information Systems (MIS) class at a medium-size public University in the Southeast U.S.A. Classes in both mediums completed a real life computer-based project in which previously validated instruments are used to longitudi-nally measure perceptions of computer self-efficacy (CSE), computer anxiety, and transactional distance. Partial Least Squares (PLS), a structural equation modeling technique, is used to com-pare the results of these factors on performance in both the face-to-face and online mediums. The results show transactional distance was indeed acting as an anxiety-reducing mechanism. A comparison of differences between mediums suggests that the various aspects of transactional distance influence each differently. The findings highlight the importance of structure and inno-vation in the online medium while aspects of dialog were shown to be important in the face-to-face medium. In effect, the interactive or emotive characteristics of transactional distance were more important in the face-to-face medium, while the structure and individual autonomy aspects were more influential in the online medium. Thus, one implication for face-to-face instructors is the need to continually maintain free-flowing dialog with the students to enhance learning. On the other hand, logical organization is very important in an online medium. Finally, the significance of the innovation component illustrates the importance of using new techniques and technologies to improve the interac-tion aspect of online education. Under-standing these differences and imple-menting measures to accommodate these differences could increase teach-ing effectiveness and ultimately result in improvements in performance on com-puter-related tasks

The Adoption of the National Programme for Information Technology in the UK National Health Service: The Case of Lorenzo

The failed National Programme for Information Technology (NPfIT) undertaken by the UK National Health Service (NHS) was described as the largest IT programme ever undertaken.  This paper considers the factors that influenced the implementation of one aspect of the NPfIT, Lorenzo, the Electronic Health Record system.Using grounded theory semi-structured interviews were conducted with respondents from the NHS and IT contractors to get a balanced approach on user acceptance from the client side and the supplier side.  NVIVO was used to aid the analysis of the interview data and the dominant categories which emerged, Clinicians’ Attributes, Organisational Factors and System Related Factors, are discussed.  The implications for IS academics and practitioners are outlined before the paper concludes. Keywords: Health Informatics, National Health Service, National Programme for Information Technology

Applying Markus and Robey\u27s Causal Structure to Examine User Technology Acceptance Research: A New Approach

In this paper, we examine prior research on user technology acceptance from the perspective of theoretical structures based on Markus and Robey’s causal structure. Prior studies usually take a technology imperative perspective, use variance theories, and emphasize the micro level of analysis. We argue that this combination is limited. This may lead to some inconsistencies and limited explanatory powers in the existing studies. We propose an alternative “emergent perspective – process theories – mixed level of analysis” approach to study technology acceptance phenomena. To demonstrate how the new approach can be used to guide research, a new research model is proposed and several propositions are derived and discussed. This study draws on several prior theories and models but reassembles them in a novel way. The paper concludes with implications for both research and practice

Investigating the Impact of External Factors on User Perceptions: A Case Study of Software Adoption in Middle East

This paper identifies a set of external factors which may influence on users' perceptions about an information system's ease of use and usefulness underlying user beliefs. The research model was developed based on Davis's Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) along with extending a comprehensive list of organizational, social, individual, and technological factors as the determinants of users' perceptions about a technology. The research model was tested through a quantitative analysis of a dataset collected from 128 users of Project Management Information System (PMIS), software for managing the flow of information across the entire company's projects. Partial Least Squares (PLS) supported the significant impact of the following factors on users' beliefs in terms of Perceived Usefulness: organizational factors including User involvement in system development and Communication channels, social factors including Subjective norms of peers and informal groups and technological factors include Task-Technology Fit; and Quality of relationship with managers and peers; individual factors including Self-efficacy and Personal innovativeness; and technological factors including Compatibility were the most important antecedent of the belief variable in term of Perceived Ease of Use. Finally, the research implications and future directions are discussed.Full Tex