Three Denerations of DBMS

This paper describes the evolution of data base technology from early computing to the sophisticated systems of today. It presents an overview of the most popular data base management systems architectures such as hierarchical, network, relational and object-oriented. The last section of this paper presents a view of the factors that will influence the future of data base technology

Evaluation of a data dictionary system

The usefulness was investigated of a data dictionary/directory system for achieving optimum benefits from existing and planned investments in computer data files in the Data Systems Development Branch and the Institutional Data Systems Division. Potential applications of the data catalogue system are discussed along with an evaluation of the system. Other topics discussed include data description, data structure, programming aids, programming languages, program networks, and test data

Information technology and distance learning aspects of materials databases

Distance learning is a flourishing area, with the number of programs, provided via remote delivery, increasing daily. At the same time, however, progress in the field of accessibility and support for learners, who want to pursue education and training in the area of materials science and engineering, has not always kept pace. An individual interested in taking a materials course, or in simply finding out what is available, may find himself/herself forced to locate and then plough through many unwieldy online course listings. This may discourage many learners from pursuing the distance learning option. In recent years, more and more distance learning databases have been developed and made available on the World Wide Web. These distance-learning databases are aimed to offer an information pool on many courses and programs that are available online and to cater for users' specific needs of locating information. This need is equally applicable to the area of materials science and engineering. The purpose of this current research has been to explore Information and Technology aspects of materials databases and closely study distance learning aspects. [Continues.

Development of standardised Key Performance Indicators within the dry bulk terminals industry

The primary objective of my research project was to work with five worldwide dry bulk terminals to assist them to adopt and/or extend Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to improve their business performance. The project also explores the case for standardisation of KPIs within the wider Dry Bulk Terminals sector. The project aims to answer a number of business and academic research questions. On the business front, these include: does effectiveness dimension improve performance of KPIs; how does organisational culture affect implementation of KPIs; and what role do stakeholders play in planning and implementation of KPIs? On the academic front, these include: how do management style and organisational culture interact during the change process; what role do information systems play in the planning and implementation of KPIs; to what extent were planned PAR stages followed in practice; and challenges in becoming an insider researcher? In answering above questions, the project uses PAR as a research framework through a single research cycle with multiple stages. Representatives from each organisation actively participated during each stage of the project. Even though I was an outsider to participating organisations, I played a leading role and directly participated during each stage of the project. The project makes a novel contribution in a number of areas. First, it has focused on dry bulk terminals rather than ports in general, therefore bringing forward the important role of this industry sector as well as addressing a gap existed in this area in previous research. Secondly, it has introduced the effectiveness dimension into the planning and implementation of KPIs in addition to the efficiency in order to bring in key stakeholders’ expectations and views into the picture. Thirdly, if focussed on dry bulk terminals which are significantly more complex and diverse in nature in comparison with container terminals where the majority of previous research concentrated. Fourthly, the project examined a large number of areas where performance KPIs are utilised, led by the participants rather than by a limited or predetermined set of KPIs primarily driven by efficiency parameters. Finally, the project worked with multiple categories stakeholders, driven by the participating terminals rather than limiting those to two or three traditionally recognised stakeholder categories. As a result of adding an effectiveness dimension to performance KPIs, the project made a positive impact at participating terminals in areas such as competitiveness, stakeholder relationships, business continuity and performance. Participating terminals made effective use of elements of their organisational culture and adjusted their management style during the project to ensure success. Stakeholders played a pivotal role in the success of the project by actively participating in it. Information systems played an important role in the implementation of KPIs in coordination with the organisational culture in each participating organisation. The level of standardisation of KPIs in participating terminals was high and this in turn provided a positive platform to explore options for wider standardisation within the industry sector

Economic data bank management in a developing nation

This dissertation describes the results of a research project which was undertaken at Loughborough University of Technology. The basic objectives of the research project were: (1) to investigate the management elements required for organising the development of an Economic Data Bank (EDB), with particular emphasis on the requirements of a developing nation; (2) to investigate the sociological, political and technical implications associated with organising the development of an EDB in a developing nation. A theoretical framework was established for this study. This was dene after an extensive search and review of literature was performed in the areas of data and data base management systems, management information systems, and computer technology in general. [Continues.

Data manager looks at the development of the Colorado Water Data Bank, A

CEP73-74RAL-NM22.Colorado Water Data Bank project, Technical report 73-06.Paper presented at "Symposium on the Management of Data Elements in Information Processing," National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, Maryland, January 24, 1974

Feasibility study of an Integrated Program for Aerospace-vehicle Design (IPAD) system. Volume 6: Implementation schedule, development costs, operational costs, benefit assessment, impact on company organization, spin-off assessment, phase 1, tasks 3 to 8

A baseline implementation plan, including alternative implementation approaches for critical software elements and variants to the plan, was developed. The basic philosophy was aimed at: (1) a progressive release of capability for three major computing systems, (2) an end product that was a working tool, (3) giving participation to industry, government agencies, and universities, and (4) emphasizing the development of critical elements of the IPAD framework software. The results of these tasks indicate an IPAD first release capability 45 months after go-ahead, a five year total implementation schedule, and a total developmental cost of 2027 man-months and 1074 computer hours. Several areas of operational cost increases were identified mainly due to the impact of additional equipment needed and additional computer overhead. The benefits of an IPAD system were related mainly to potential savings in engineering man-hours, reduction of design-cycle calendar time, and indirect upgrading of product quality and performance

A Domain-Specific Conceptual Query System

This thesis presents the architecture and implementation of a query system resulted from a domain-specific conceptual data modeling and querying methodology. The query system is built for a high level conceptual query language that supports dynamically user-defined domain-specific functions and application-specific functions. It is DBMS-independent and can be translated to SQL and OQL through a normal form. Currently, it has been implemented in neuroscience domain and can be applied to any other domain