Effects of a Comprehensive Computer Security Policy on Human Computer Security Policy Compliance

It is well known that humans are the weakest link in computer security, and that developing and maintaining a culture of computer security is essential for managing the human aspect of computer security. It is less well known how a comprehensive computer security policy incorporating both information technology computer security, and operational technology computer security, impacts a culture of computer security. While a literature review of this domain includes research on the impact of various aspects of a computer security policy on computer security culture, no peer reviewed research was found that explained the impact of a comprehensive computer security policy on computer security culture through an understanding of its direct or indirect effects. Thus, it is the thesis of this study that a comprehensive computer security policy has a direct effect on computer security culture, which can be further explained through indirect effects

Harnessing Complexity in High Performance Computing Ecosystems: A Complex Adaptive Systems Framework

The use of high performance computing (HPC) has been generating influential scientific breakthroughs since the twentieth century. Yet there have been few studies of the complex socio-technical systems formed by these supercomputers and the humans who operate and use them. In this paper, we describe the first complex adaptive systems (CAS) analysis of the dynamics of HPC ecosystems. We conducted an 18-month ethnographic study that included scientific collaborations that use an HPC research center and examined the processes in HPC socio-technical systems via CAS theory to devise organizational designs and strategies that take advantage of system complexity. We uncovered several significant mismatches in the variation and adaptation processes within subsystems and conclude with three potential design directions for management and organization of HPC socio-technical ecosystems

Determining reverse salient types and evolutionary dynamics of technology systems with performance disparities

Technological system evolution is marked by the uneven evolution of constituent sub-systems. Subsequently, system evolution is hampered by the resulting state of unevenness, or reverse salience, which results from the presence of the sub-system that delivers the lowest level of performance with respect to other sub-systems, namely, the reverse salient. In this paper, we develop absolute and proportional performance gap measures of reverse salience and, in turn, derive a typology of reverse salients that distinguishes alternative dynamics of change in the evolving system. We subsequently demonstrate the applicability of the measures and the typology through an illustrative empirical study of the PC (personal computer) technological system that functions as a gaming platform. Our empirical analysis demonstrates that patterns of temporal dynamics can be distinguished with the measurement of reverse salience, and that distinct paths of technological system evolution can be identified as different types of reverse salients emerge over time

Drivers, enablers and barriers of developing commercialisation in an oil-dependent economy: the case of Saudi Arabia

Faced with depleted oil stocks from 2035 onwards, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a strategy of becoming a more knowledge-based economy by indigenously exploiting transferred technologies. However, despite significant investment in university-based technology transfer and incubation facilities, there is little progress in establishing high-growth advanced technology companies outside of the oil sector. The thesis explores the commercialisation of university knowledge in university-based incubators in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and contrasting with arrangements in the UK, to identify the cause of low spinout rates and what can be done. Beginning with a systematic review of literature on innovation and entrepreneurship as it applies to commercialisation, the thesis identifies gaps and areas of controversy in the literature. From previous research an initial conceptual framework is developed to guide data gathering, its presentation and analysis. Using a qualitative method a sample of twenty-four Saudi interviews and eight UK interviews is justified. Significant new data on Saudi incubator policy, processes and outcomes is presented alongside new data from the UK. This is then analysed from an in-case and cross-case perspective and then re-integrated with literature. A revised conceptual framework is presented and conclusions for theory and practice drawn. The thesis adds to the multidisciplinary bodies of knowledge for example by updating Gerschenkron’s (1966) theory of catch-up, challenging the validity of Etzkowitz’s (1983) triple helix theory, and arguing that North’s (1990) neo-institutional theory is ethnocentric. I argue that culture is a major influence on commercialisation in developing countries and consciously changing cultures necessary for Saudi Arabia’s transition from a rentier state. I find little empirical evidence in either the UK or Saudi Arabia for theories (Shane 2004) of academic entrepreneurship. I conclude that major reforms of Saudi universities and commercialisation processes are necessary if the strategy is to contribute significantly towards diversification of the economy