Computer Automated Reconciliation of Activity Models for Group Supported Organizational Modeling

Research at the University of Arizona and elsewhere have suggested that Electronic Meeting Systems augmented to support construction of Activity models can effectively support groups during development of semantic models. Group-enabled tools developed at the University of Arizona allow large groups of individuals from various functional units of an organization to actively participate in model development and to build models two to three times faster than traditional modeling approaches. Rapid model development shortens project times and makes it more likely that key personnel can participate during model development and analysis. To date, the tool set has been successfully used a number of groups for the collaborative development and analysis of business models using the IDEF0 Activity modeling methodology. This paper describes two software methods used to insure model correctness and shorten the model reconciliation proces

The effectiveness of virtual facilitation in supporting GDSS appropriation and structured group decision making

Since their introduction a quarter of a century ago, group decision support systems (GDSS) have evolved from applications designed primarily to support decision making for groups in face-to-face settings, to their growing use for “web conferencing,” online collaboration, and distributed group decision-making. Indeed, it is only recently that such groupware applications for conducting face-to-face, as well as “virtual meetings” among dispersed workgroups have achieved mainstream status, as evidenced by Microsoft’s ubiquitous advertising campaign promoting its “Live Meeting” electronic meeting systems (EMS) software. As these applications become more widely adopted, issues relating to their effective utilization are becoming increasingly relevant. This research addresses an area of growing interest in the study of group decision support systems, and one which holds promise for improving the effective utilization of advanced information technologies in general: the feasibility of using virtual facilitation (system-directed multi-modal user support) for supporting the GDSS appropriation process and for improving structured group decision-making efficiency and effectiveness. A multi-modal application for automating the GDSS facilitation process is used to compare conventional GDSS-supported groups with groups using virtual facilitation, as well as groups interacting without computerized decision-making support. A hidden-profile task designed to compare GDSS appropriation levels, user satisfaction, and decision-making efficiency and effectiveness is utilized in an experiment employing auditors, accountants, and IT security professionals as participants. The results of the experiment are analyzed and possible directions for future research efforts are discussed

E-LEARNING INNOVATIONS IN HIGHER EDUCATION

This scientific work is presenting the ways to do computer assisted education for students, giving the good practice examples, presenting new electronic learning systems, the advantages and limits and to try to emphasize that these days E-learning is one of the most efficient way to reach education at all levels, specially higher education systems. The objectives of this paper are: to explain the contribution of modern technologies and electronic systems to educational processes, to define the concept of technology based learning, to introduce the electronic tools for education, to present good practice examples in implementing E-learning systems in higher education and corporate environment in Romania and last but not least the new electronic learning systems. Introducing the computers and ITC in educational processes facilitates them and makes the educational system modern and efficient. E - learning innovations offers a core group of professional development courses designed to help anyone achieve professional advancement and personal enrichment. The programs are founded on an extensive experience and understanding of technology-based learning environments. They focus on the most current industry practices for various learning environments and best approaches for multiple learning styles. They ensure that the students get the information and skills needed to achieve more in teaching practice and to confidently enter the distance or online classroom

SAFE-ICE: research, innovation and business support for a low-carbon economy

The SAFE-ICE Cluster unites 20 partners from the coastal regions adjoining the Channel and the North Sea, of France, England, Belgium and the Netherlands. The mix of partners highlights the group’s triple helix approach to exploring key issues from multiple perspectives with universities, public bodies and private organisations all being represented. The SAFE-ICE Cluster work is set within a backdrop of various European policies and strategies and an evolving market

Escaping path dependence : essays on foresight and environmental management

The dissertation examines linkages between foresight, innovation and environmental management and policy to escape undesirable path dependencies at the different levels of innovation systems, especially with the means of foresight. The dissertation is characterized as action research that applies literature reviews, semi-structured interviews, direct observations, Internet-based group support systems, decision analysis, trend analysis and computer assisted workshops within case studies and empirically grounded theory-building. The dissertation consists of six articles and the summary. The first article deals with responsiveness in the management of foresight activities. The second article studies possible ways to escape techno-institutional path dependencies by combining methods used in foresight activities and drafting environmental voluntary agreements. The third article applies this approach to the analysis of a hydrogen energy foresight. The fourth article examines how environmental management systems may strengthen path dependencies. The fifth article develops and applies a new foresight method RPM Screening, which is also applied in the sixth article in connection with a European coordination tool. The implications of the mechanisms of path dependence on foresight objectives are identified as follows: (i) improved systems understanding calls for attention to continuous and discontinuous changes, which can be facilitated by diversity considerations, (ii) enhanced networking requires not only strengthening existing networks but also restructuring or even destruction of possible lock-in conditions by a redefinition of stakeholder roles and (iii) strengthened innovation activities necessitate fostering prospective innovation ideas, rivaling coalitions and the development of new technological and institutional arrangements. The results of this dissertation suggest extending the locus of foresight processes closer to decision-making and conducting them in connection with other coordination-oriented policy tools to address also institutional arrangements for discontinuous systemic changes. Whereas the dissertation identifies and responds to these challenges by developing responsive and modular foresight methods, further policy experimentation is recommended to support policy learning and the collection of further evidence for the findings.reviewe

Employee Engagement in Corporate Greening: A Study of Front-Line Managers in Belarusian Companies

The study investigates how front-line managers in a post-Soviet context facilitate learning for corporate greening in their organisations. The topic is addressed by applying situated learning theory, using two concepts – community of practice and boundary objects. Belarus was selected as the country of study because it is a representative example of a post-Soviet transition economy. Using a multiple case study approach, 52 semi-structured interviews among front-line managers, meeting observations and photographs were collected in three chemical plants in Belarus. Template analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings of this study reveal ‘corporate greening’ as a boundary maker in the learning environment which produces three possible boundaries across values, agendas and priorities alignment. In their boundary work, Belarussian front-line managers employ three boundary objects – visionary, structural and market-related – constructed by post-Soviet socio-historical influences to facilitate learning by encouraging an affinity to the national identity and environment, developing shared infrastructure for discussion, but also facilitating a transition from a Soviet type of thinking to a post-Soviet mindset regarding recognising business opportunities for ‘green’ business practices. These include the practices for: working with other departments; constructing an image of themselves as educators; and ensuring that ‘green’ activities are sufficiently aligned with both the organisation's and the governmental view. This study contributes to situated learning by showing that front-line managers use opportunities in the boundaries for further community growth by ‘re-purposing’ existing practices inherited from the Soviet Union, or creating new facilitation practices, to maintain ‘conversations’ around corporate greening. These findings also contribute to a better understanding of the practical challenges of front-line managers as facilitators of learning for corporate greening in the complex and interrelated socio-historical learning environment. In addition, the results of the study are valuable for managers who are looking to increase employee engagement in corporate greening

Feed the future aquaculture project: annual report October 2011-Sept 2012

The Feed the Future Aquaculture project is a five year transformative investment in aquaculture focused on 20 southern districts in Barisal, Khulna and Dhaka divisions, Bangladesh. This report describes the achievements of FtF-Aquaculture project activities implemented during FY12. Some of the targets for production and associated income have not been achieved yet as a large share of the fish will be harvested after closing of the reporting period. However, on the basis of growth monitoring, indications are that production is on track to achieve the targets

Organisational Implementation of Collaboration Technologies - an integrative review

The paper presents an integrative review of field-based research on organisational implementation of collaboration technologies. Based on a typology of collaboration technologies, findings from previous implementation research related to different types of technologies are identified and discussed. A taxonomy of implementation factors is presented, that may serve as the basis for further implementation research and development of implementation strategies for different types of collaboration technology

Modelling urban spatial change: a review of international and South African modelling initiatives

August 2013Urban growth and land use change models have the potential to become important tools for urban spatial planning and management. Before embarking on any modelling, however, GCRO felt it was important to take note of, and critically assess lessons to be learnt from international experience and scholarship on spatial modelling, as well as a number of South African experiments that model future urban development. In 2012, GCRO initiated preliminary research into current international and South African modelling trends through a desktop study and telephone, email and personal interviews. This Occasional paper sets out to investigate what urban spatial change modelling research is currently being undertaken internationally and within South Africa. At the international level, urban modelling research since 2000 is reviewed according to five main categories: land use transportation (LUT), cellular automata, urban system dynamics, agent-based models (ABMs) and spatial economics/econometric models (SE/EMs). Within South Africa, urban modelling initiatives are categorised differently and include a broader range of urban modelling techniques. Typologies used include: provincial government modelling initiatives in Gauteng; municipal government modelling initiatives; other government-funded modelling research; and academic modelling research. The various modelling initiatives described are by no means a comprehensive review of all urban spatial change modelling projects in South Africa, but provide a broad indication of the types of urban spatial change modelling underway. Importantly, the models may form the basis for more accurate and sophisticated urban modelling projects in the future. The paper concludes by identifying key urban modelling opportunities and challenges for short- to long-term planning in the GCR and South Africa.Written by Chris Wray, Josephine Musango and Kavesha Damon (GCRO) Koech Cheruiyot (NRF:SARChI chair in Development Planning and Modelling at Wits

A Manual for Project Governance and Asset Management

Students, practitioners, and businesses will all benefit from this free eBook, which focuses on project governance and asset management. Documenting best practices from design to implementation, including a review of existing frameworks, this eBook provides direction in the field of governance and asset management. Here, the ideas of assets and governance are brought together, and an agile governance framework is introduced. We hope to examine how these ideas may be used in project management in order to discover beneficial methodologies and approaches. If you’re looking to build trust and transparency in decision-making processes, this eBook is a must-read. It is intended for individuals who wish to create an atmosphere that accelerates strategy execution and the attainment of organisational objectives while offering good advice. Everyone in the organisation, including project managers and stakeholders from outside the company, can have an influence on the governance framework of projects and the management of the business’s assets to capture value and strengthen the strategic direction. By providing the necessary leadership, direction, and protocols, an organisation’s asset management and project governance frameworks may assist to guarantee that its strategy and execution are in sync