Planning and Designing of Digital Archival Information Systems

Digital archival information systems can be planned and designed by following the most prominent records management methodologies like ISO 15489, related standards and DIRKS, or by following project management approach. Project management approach means planning and designing of digital archival information system as a cost and time-bound project and performing monitoring and evaluation activities in these perimeters. This approach can be done by following different project management methodologies like PRINCE2 or Project Cycle Management. The aim of this article is to explain these available options, to compare them and to make recommendations based on assessment of capabilities of an organisation in which the potential digital archival information system is to be planned and designed. Project cycle management is suitable methodology for organisations in which digital archive developers do not have sufficient administrative capabilities or enough staff with technical know-how to develop digital archive without outsourced technical assistance, but are allowed to apply for European financial aid, such as IPA or other funds in the future

Exploring the relationship between knowledge management and organizational learning via fuzzy cognitive mapping

The normative literature within the field of Knowledge Management has tended to concentrate on techniques and methodologies for codifying knowledge. Similarly, the literature on organizational learning, focuses on aspects of those knowledge that are pertinent at the macro-organizational level (i.e. the overall business). There remains little published literature on how knowledge management and organizational learning are interrelated within business scenarios. In addressing this relative void, the authors of this paper present a model that highlights the factors for such an inter-relationship, which are extrapolated from a manufacturing organisation using a qualitative case study research strategy, supplanted by a cognitive mapping technique: Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM). The paper looks at the Information Systems Evaluation (ISE) process within a manufacturing organisation, the authors subsequently presenting a model that not only defines a relationship between KM and OL, but highlights factors that could lead a firm to develop itself towards a learning organisation

A Process View of Information System Benefits Management and Evaluation

We report research in progress into the issue of Information Systems (IS) benefits management and evaluation, based upon a process view of system delivery. Several authors have proposed ways of monitoring and evaluating IS implementation, suggesting particular methodologies to achieve benefits. In this paper we summarize the advice of different authors and identify key processes in the management of IS implementation. This leads us to an analysis of the generic management processes of IS delivery. The resulting process model provides a framework for the analysis of actual organizational practices

Mapping knowledge management and organizational learning in support of organizational memory

The normative literature within the field of Knowledge Management has concentrated on techniques and methodologies for allowing knowledge to be codified and made available to individuals and groups within organizations. The literature on Organizational Learning however, has tended to focus on aspects of knowledge that are pertinent at the macro-organizational level (i.e. the overall business). The authors attempt in this paper to address a relative void in the literature, aiming to demonstrate the inter-locking factors within an enterprise information system that relate knowledge management and organizational learning, via a model that highlights key factors within such an inter-relationship. This is achieved by extrapolating data from a manufacturing organization using a case study, with these data then modeled using a cognitive mapping technique (Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping, FCM). The empirical enquiry explores an interpretivist view of knowledge, within an Information Systems Evaluation (ISE) process, through the associated classification of structural, interpretive and evaluative knowledge. This is achieved by visualizng inter-relationships within the ISE decision-making approach in the case organization. A number of decision paths within the cognitive map are then identified such that a greater understanding of ISE can be sought. The authors therefore present a model that defines a relationship between Knowledge Management (KM) and Organisational Learning (OL), and highlights factors that can lead a firm to develop itself towards a learning organization

Service-Learning in Information Systems Courses: Community Projects that Make a Difference

Service-learning methodologies provide information systems students the opportunity to create and implement systems in real-world, public service-oriented social contexts. Students contract with local non-profit and government agencies to provide needed information systems services and solutions that are closely related to the specific course topics, such as database creation for a database course, system evaluation for a systems design and analysis course, or even a larger scope for a capstone course. In these activities, students actively evaluate and analyze the complex contributors associated with understanding problem domains as well as design and implement real-world solutions. Multi-dimensional learning takes place as they simultaneously assume the role of professional consultants producing systems that are immediately used and by the client. The student learning outcomes include a deep learning of the course technical knowledge, improved interpersonal communication skills, more effective client and project management skills, and an enhanced societal sensitivity for the value of their information systems knowledge to their community

Towards green building performance evaluation using Asset Information Modelling

Purpose - This paper provides a unique conceptual framework for integrated asset management strategy that includes making use of available facility assessment methods and tools such as BREEAM In-Use, and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED); and highlights proposes areas of commonality between these and the use of as-built Building Information Modelling, that ultimately becomes the Asset Information Model (AIM). This framework will consider the emerging requirements for the capture of Building Performance Attribute Data (BPAD), and how these can be managed in order to assist with effective post-construction building performance evaluation. Design/methodology/approach - A review of the current process relevant to the development of as-built BIMs and AIMs was undertaken which included a discussion of BIM standards and of the COBie process. This was combined with data provided by industry practitioners. This led to the concept of BPADs being developed, to be used within existing green building tool, BREEAM In-Use, COBIE and FM /Asset management methods. In turn these methodologies were used to identify possible synergies and areas of integration in AIM-enabled environments. Findings - Recognising the cyclical nature of asset management and BIM, a conceptual model was generated. It was found that BPADs could be aggregated within an AIM model which could influence the delivery of effective facilities and asset management. The model considers the use of existing Building Management Systems (BMS) and Computer Aided Facility Management Systems (CAFMs) and identifies issues associated with the overall sustainability strategy. Originality/value - A conceptual framework is generated that proposes the use of effective information management and aggregation of building performance attribute data within an Asset Information Model

Iterative criteria-based approach to engineering the requirements of software development methodologies

Software engineering endeavours are typically based on and governed by the requirements of the target software; requirements identification is therefore an integral part of software development methodologies. Similarly, engineering a software development methodology (SDM) involves the identification of the requirements of the target methodology. Methodology engineering approaches pay special attention to this issue; however, they make little use of existing methodologies as sources of insight into methodology requirements. The authors propose an iterative method for eliciting and specifying the requirements of a SDM using existing methodologies as supplementary resources. The method is performed as the analysis phase of a methodology engineering process aimed at the ultimate design and implementation of a target methodology. An initial set of requirements is first identified through analysing the characteristics of the development situation at hand and/or via delineating the general features desirable in the target methodology. These initial requirements are used as evaluation criteria; refined through iterative application to a select set of relevant methodologies. The finalised criteria highlight the qualities that the target methodology is expected to possess, and are therefore used as a basis for de. ning the final set of requirements. In an example, the authors demonstrate how the proposed elicitation process can be used for identifying the requirements of a general object-oriented SDM. Owing to its basis in knowledge gained from existing methodologies and practices, the proposed method can help methodology engineers produce a set of requirements that is not only more complete in span, but also more concrete and rigorous

Decision support system for managing stormwater and greywater quality in informal settlements in South Africa

Managing the quality of stormwater and greywater in informal settlements are essential to their growth. In this thesis, methodologies are developed for the assessment and management of stormwater and greywater quality based on the analysis of both nonstructural and structural control interventions. The objectives of the research were as follows: · Review stormwater runoff quality and treatment practices and the extent of runoff and greywater management in rural and peri-urban areas of South Africa. The review was to also determine the extent of quality control awareness and experience among stormwater management professionals and collate information upon which present and future needs can be assessed and addressed. · To develop a methodology to identify factors causing water quality management issues in low-cost, high-density settlements. · To develop a methodology to characterize storm and grey water quality as well as setting ambient water quality and management objectives. · To develop a methodology to identify and select potential non-structural and structural control interventions to manage storm and grey water quality. · Based on the above, to develop a decision support system for evaluation of potential interventions for storm and grey water management at planning level. The methodologies used to achieve the above objectives consisted of: literature review; consultations with stakeholders; data analysis and computations; model development; and model application. The current status of managing water quality pollution in urban areas is outlined and the related problems, specifically those applicable to developing areas are discussed. Management interventions employed to date in the management of water quality effects are set out and the applicability of such interventions to developing areas is identified. The potential of expert systems is evaluated and the application of this system to iii stormwater quality management models is assessed. A decision support system (DSS) was developed for rapid assessment of various water quality management interventions. The model is primarily targeted at those who are involved or are likely to be involved in stormwater quality management including catchment managers, local governments or municipalities, catchment management agencies, private consultants and researchers. The DSS and the related methodologies have been shown through Alexandra Township (north of Johannesburg) case study, to be useful and to satisfy all the objectives set out for the research. The results of the research are summarised and the merits and limitations of the decision support systems are discussed. Recommendations for the direction of future research and the development of the existing model are detailed. Specifically, it is recommended that: · Extensive monitoring be undertaken in order to improve the defaults in the model · A research be undertaken into the extent to which GIS can be integrated to the DSS to select appropriate management interventions and their sites · A research be undertaken into privatization and partnership in the ownership and operation of stormwater management systems. · Selection of least cost strategy with the DSS is presently achieved by trial and error process. The selection process can be improved if the DSS can be linked to an optimizer

Information systems evaluation methodologies

Due to the prevalent use of Information Systems (IS) in modern organisations nowadays, evaluation research in this field is becoming more and more important. In light of this, a set of rigorous methodologies were developed and used by IS researchers and practitioners to evaluate the increasingly complex IS implementation used. Moreover, different types of IS and different focusing perspectives of the evaluation require the selection and use of different evaluation approaches and methodologies. This paper aims to identify, explore, investigate and discuss the various key methodologies that can be used in IS evaluation from different perspectives, namely in nature (e.g. summative vs. formative evaluation) and in strategy (e.g. goal-based, goal-free and criteria-based evaluation). The paper concludes that evaluation methodologies should be selected depending on the nature of the IS and the specific goals and objectives of the evaluation. Nonetheless, it is also proposed that formative criteria-based evaluation and summative criteria-based evaluation are currently among the most and more widely used in IS research. The authors suggest that the combines used of one or more of these approaches can be applied at different stages of the IS life cycle in order to generate more rigorous and reliable evaluation outcomes