Theoretical optimisation of IT/IS investments: A research note

The justification of Information Technology (IT) is inherently fuzzy, both in theory and practice. The reason for this is due to the largely intangible dimensions of IT projects. In view of this, this research note presents the results of on-going research, in the application of Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM), as a tool to identify complex functional interrelationships associated with the justification of IT. This paper presents a theoretical functional model which describes these relationships, and by using an FCM, further interrelationships are developed in the context of justifying IT projects. A procedure which would address the optimisation of these intangible relationships in the form of a Genetic Algorithm (GA) is proposed as a process for Investment Justification

A revised perspective on the evaluation of IT/IS investments using an evolutionary approach

On-going research into the evaluation of Information Technology (IT) / Information Systems (IS) projects has shown that aerospace and supply chain industries are needing to address the issue of effective project investment in order to gain technological and competitive advantage. The evaluative nature of the justification process requires a mapping of interrelated quantities to be optimised. Earlier work by the authors (Irani and Sharif 1997) has presented a theoretical functional model that describes these relationships in turn. By applying a fuzzy mapping to these variables, the optimisation of intangible relationships in the form of a Genetic Algorithm (GA) is proposed as a method for investment justification. This paper revises and reviews these key concepts and provides a recapitulation of this optimisation problem in terms of long-term strategy options and cost implications. Glossary of terms : DC = Direct Costs, FA = Financial Appraisal, FR = Financial Risks, FUR = Functional Risks, HC = Human Costs, IC = Indirect Costs, IR = Infrastructural Risks, OB = Operational Benefits, OC = Organisational Costs, PB = Project Benefits, PC = Project Costs, RF = Risk Factor, SB = Strategic Benefits, SM = Strategic medium-term benefit, SR = Systemic Risks, TB = Tangible Benefits, TC = Tangible Costs, TL = project lead time, TR = Technological Risks, V= Project Value

Concurrent Lexicalized Dependency Parsing: The ParseTalk Model

A grammar model for concurrent, object-oriented natural language parsing is introduced. Complete lexical distribution of grammatical knowledge is achieved building upon the head-oriented notions of valency and dependency, while inheritance mechanisms are used to capture lexical generalizations. The underlying concurrent computation model relies upon the actor paradigm. We consider message passing protocols for establishing dependency relations and ambiguity handling.Comment: 90kB, 7pages Postscrip

Factors shaping the evolution of electronic documentation systems

The main goal is to prepare the space station technical and managerial structure for likely changes in the creation, capture, transfer, and utilization of knowledge. By anticipating advances, the design of Space Station Project (SSP) information systems can be tailored to facilitate a progression of increasingly sophisticated strategies as the space station evolves. Future generations of advanced information systems will use increases in power to deliver environmentally meaningful, contextually targeted, interconnected data (knowledge). The concept of a Knowledge Base Management System is emerging when the problem is focused on how information systems can perform such a conversion of raw data. Such a system would include traditional management functions for large space databases. Added artificial intelligence features might encompass co-existing knowledge representation schemes; effective control structures for deductive, plausible, and inductive reasoning; means for knowledge acquisition, refinement, and validation; explanation facilities; and dynamic human intervention. The major areas covered include: alternative knowledge representation approaches; advanced user interface capabilities; computer-supported cooperative work; the evolution of information system hardware; standardization, compatibility, and connectivity; and organizational impacts of information intensive environments

A Conceptual Framework for Adapation

This paper presents a white-box conceptual framework for adaptation that promotes a neat separation of the adaptation logic from the application logic through a clear identification of control data and their role in the adaptation logic. The framework provides an original perspective from which we survey archetypal approaches to (self-)adaptation ranging from programming languages and paradigms, to computational models, to engineering solutions