A generic architecture for interactive intelligent tutoring systems

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University, 07/06/2001.This research is focused on developing a generic intelligent architecture for an interactive tutoring system. A review of the literature in the areas of instructional theories, cognitive and social views of learning, intelligent tutoring systems development methodologies, and knowledge representation methods was conducted. As a result, a generic ITS development architecture (GeNisa) has been proposed, which combines the features of knowledge base systems (KBS) with object-oriented methodology. The GeNisa architecture consists of the following components: a tutorial events communication module, which encapsulates the interactive processes and other independent computations between different components; a software design toolkit; and an autonomous knowledge acquisition from a probabilistic knowledge base. A graphical application development environment includes tools to support application development, and learning environments and which use a case scenario as a basis for instruction. The generic architecture is designed to support client-side execution in a Web browser environment, and further testing will show that it can disseminate applications over the World Wide Web. Such an architecture can be adapted to different teaching styles and domains, and reusing instructional materials automatically can reduce the effort of the courseware developer (hence cost and time) in authoring new materials. GeNisa was implemented using Java scripts, and subsequently evaluated at various commercial and academic organisations. Parameters chosen for the evaluation include quality of courseware, relevancy of case scenarios, portability to other platforms, ease of use, content, user-friendliness, screen display, clarity, topic interest, and overall satisfaction with GeNisa. In general, the evaluation focused on the novel characteristics and performances of the GeNisa architecture in comparison with other ITS and the results obtained are discussed and analysed. On the basis of the experience gained during the literature research and GeNisa development and evaluation. a generic methodology for ITS development is proposed as well as the requirements for the further development of ITS tools. Finally, conclusions are drawn and areas for further research are identified

Konzeption und Realisierungsentwurf eines Projekt-Management-Systems auf der Basis einer Wissensdatenbank für die Projektierung von Extrusionsblasteilen für die Automobilzulieferindustrie

Der Ausgangspunkt der Arbeit ist der heutige Ablauf von Projekten in einem mittelständischen Extrusionsblasformunternehmen der Automobilzulieferindustrie. Die Anforderungen von Seiten der Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) und der Wettbewerbsdruck machen es erforderlich, die Produktivität in der Entwicklung zu erhöhen. Die Komponenten der Informationstechnologie, die bereits heute in der Literatur beschrieben sind, werden analysiert. Das Informations- und Wissensmanagement ist ein wichtiges Standbein eines funktionierenden PMS. Dies wird im Zuge der Grundlagenuntersuchung verdeutlicht und mit einem Abgleich der Anforderungen und Möglichkeiten ein theoretisch geeignetes Datenbanksystem dargestellt. Mit dieser Grundlage ist nun eine praxisorientierte Planung für eine Umsetzung eines PMS auf Basis einer Datenbank beschrieben. Neben der Programmstruktur und der Festlegung von Nutzergruppen, sowie deren Rechte und Aufgaben, wird die technische Lösung dargestellt. Es wird gezeigt, welche Funktionalitäten angeboten werden müssen, damit das Wissen erfasst, integriert und genutzt werden kann.. Basis hierfür ist die Vorgabe, das System auch in den dezentral organisierten Unternehmen der Extrusionsblasformindustrie einsetzen zu können. Das Ergebnis ist ein System, das explizites und implizites Wissen aller Mitarbeiter miteinander verknüpft. Durch den sehr einfachen Aufbau kann es auch ohne zusätzliche Hardware und mit wenig zusätzlichen Softwareaufwand in eine existierende IT-Architektur eingebracht werden. Der Abschluss der Planung ist eine exemplarische Umsetzung. Die Realisierungsbeschreibung dient zur Veranschaulichung, wie ein solches System integriert werden kann. Die Kosten-Nutzen Analyse schließt diese exemplarische Darstellung ab und zeigt Kriterien auf, die zu einer finanziellen Bewertung herangezogen werden können

An integrated framework for implementing technology roadmapping in industry

Managing technological change in business is difficult. Especially for organisations in technology-based sectors where they are required to rethink and redesign their strategies to ensure they remain competitive in evolving markets. These organisations are focusing their attention on the use of managerial tools and methodologies to help generate a successful business plan. One such tool is Technology Roadmapping (TRM), whose main objective is the alignment of companies’ strategies towards the fulfilment of their business objectives and goals. A better understanding of TRM has resulted in organisations adopting this methodology into their business practices while others perceive its implementation as a complex process requiring a vast amount of information. An adequate framework facilitating the implementation process is lacking. Therefore, in order to address these needs, and driven by the gaps identified in the literature, an integrated framework supporting organisations in the task of implementing technology roadmapping is developed in this research. It is composed of three major elements. Firstly, the implementation lifecycle, that guides users through activities for implementation and application in their organisations. Secondly, an integrated data-knowledge structure composed of a set of models where data, information and knowledge from the market, product, technology, and R&D stages are identified. And finally, an integrated software tool, based on the structure and a selected roadmapping approach, which supports the execution of processes and activities during a roadmapping exercise. The framework is tested and validated in a series of case studies in the aerospace industry. The initial studies, conducted during the development of the framework, allowed refinements and improvements to be implemented prior to the second set of case studies, following the completion of this framework. The results from the case studies confirm the feasibility and usability of applying the developed framework into practice as well as providing recommendations for future work

An integrated framework for implementing technology roadmapping in industry

Managing technological change in business is difficult. Especially for organisations in technology-based sectors where they are required to rethink and redesign their strategies to ensure they remain competitive in evolving markets. These organisations are focusing their attention on the use of managerial tools and methodologies to help generate a successful business plan. One such tool is Technology Roadmapping (TRM), whose main objective is the alignment of companies’ strategies towards the fulfilment of their business objectives and goals. A better understanding of TRM has resulted in organisations adopting this methodology into their business practices while others perceive its implementation as a complex process requiring a vast amount of information. An adequate framework facilitating the implementation process is lacking. Therefore, in order to address these needs, and driven by the gaps identified in the literature, an integrated framework supporting organisations in the task of implementing technology roadmapping is developed in this research. It is composed of three major elements. Firstly, the implementation lifecycle, that guides users through activities for implementation and application in their organisations. Secondly, an integrated data-knowledge structure composed of a set of models where data, information and knowledge from the market, product, technology, and R&D stages are identified. And finally, an integrated software tool, based on the structure and a selected roadmapping approach, which supports the execution of processes and activities during a roadmapping exercise. The framework is tested and validated in a series of case studies in the aerospace industry. The initial studies, conducted during the development of the framework, allowed refinements and improvements to be implemented prior to the second set of case studies, following the completion of this framework. The results from the case studies confirm the feasibility and usability of applying the developed framework into practice as well as providing recommendations for future work