Estimating the feasibility of transition paths in extended finite state machines

There has been significant interest in automating testing on the basis of an extended finite state machine (EFSM) model of the required behaviour of the implementation under test (IUT). Many test criteria require that certain parts of the EFSM are executed. For example, we may want to execute every transition of the EFSM. In order to find a test suite (set of input sequences) that achieves this we might first derive a set of paths through the EFSM that satisfy the criterion using, for example, algorithms from graph theory. We then attempt to produce input sequences that trigger these paths. Unfortunately, however, the EFSM might have infeasible paths and the problem of determining whether a path is feasible is generally undecidable. This paper describes an approach in which a fitness function is used to estimate how easy it is to find an input sequence to trigger a given path through an EFSM. Such a fitness function could be used in a search-based approach in which we search for a path with good fitness that achieves a test objective, such as executing a particular transition, and then search for an input sequence that triggers the path. If this second search fails then we search for another path with good fitness and repeat the process. We give a computationally inexpensive approach (fitness function) that estimates the feasibility of a path. In order to evaluate this fitness function we compared the fitness of a path with the ease with which an input sequence can be produced using search to trigger the path and we used random sampling in order to estimate this. The empirical evidence suggests that a reasonably good correlation (0.72 and 0.62) exists between the fitness of a path, produced using the proposed fitness function, and an estimate of the ease with which we can randomly generate an input sequence to trigger the path

A SHORT FORM MEASURE OF USER INFORMATION SATISFACTION: A PSYCHOMETRIC EVALUATION AND NOTES ON USE

This study examines the psychometric properties of the short form measure of user information satisfaction (UIS) proposed by Ives, Olson and Baroudi [1983]. Based on extensive testing the questionnaire appears to be a reasonably valid and reliable measure. A framework for how this measure can be used to detect and diagnose problems with user satisfaction is presented, and illustrated via two case studies. Finally, recommendations and suggestions are made regarding the future use of this and other measures of user information satisfaction.Information Systems Working Papers Serie

THE MEASUREMENT OF USER INFORMATION SATISFACTION

This paper critically reviews measures of user information satisfaction and selects one for replication and extension. A survey of production managers is used to provide additional support for the instrument, eliminate scales that are psychometrically unsound, and develop a standard short form for use when only an overall assessment of information satisfaction is required and survey time is limited.Information Systems Working Papers Serie

Advertisement Placement in Online Knowledge: The Effect of Advertisement Placement on Perceived Information Quality and Reuse of Online Q&A Services.

This study aimed to investigate the importance of managing perceived information quality in open knowledge sharing Q&A services. Especially, advertisement placement inside information is examined whether it has the effect on changing users’ perceived information quality, satisfaction, and behavior intention. One of the Q&A samples was randomly shown to the respondents, and their perceptions were surveyed. With a structured equation model and ANOVA test the data were analyzed. The results explain the effect that advertising information may bring about and also the results show that the individual perception on the additional advertisement placement may vary depending on the characteristics of information topics. In addition, this study implies the particular needs on controlling the advertisement placement inside the information of everyday topics and on managing. These results extend the understanding of the advertisement placement inside information of open knowledge sharing services and guide online information service managers to manage their information with more care placed on advertisement placement so as to increase user satisfaction and behavior intention

O impacto dos sistemas e tecnologias de informação no turismo em espaço rural na região do Algarve

Os sistemas e tecnologias de informação são considerados por vários autores como um dos vetores de crescimento das organizações rurais, nomeadamente de organizações de turismo rural, e também como um dos fatores de competitividade face a outras organizações. O presente artigo pretende apresentar os resultados dum estudo que teve por objetivo a investigação do uso de sistemas e tecnologias de informação no turismo em espaço rural (TER). O estudo foi direcionado às organizações de turismo rural na região do Algarve (Portugal) e procurou identificar o impacto dos sistemas e tecnologias de informação nas variáveis: tomada de decisão; satisfação dos gestores quanto ao uso dos sistemas e tecnologias de informação; qualidade do serviço de reservas de quarto; e resultados financeiros. Foi efetuado um questionário eletrónico a 51 unidades TER da região do Algarve, que permitiu chegar á conclusão que, de uma forma global, a utilização dos sistemas e tecnologias de informação é encarada como importante pelos gestores das organizações TER, sendo que a utilização das tecnologias de informação está relacionada com o uso da pagina de internet e com o serviço de reservas de quartos online, enquanto que os sistemas de informação estão relacionados, na sua maioria, com o website, front office, serviço de quartos e andares. Por último, chegou-se à conclusão que a utilização de sistemas e tecnologias de informação ainda é reduzida e a aplicabilidade de novos métodos de gestão digital está pouco desenvolvida nas organizações rurais.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Work from anywhere: inequalities in technology infrastructure distribution for digit workers

Purpose – The COVID-19 pandemic has fuelled the transition in the workplace into the digital era. The purpose of this review paper is to highlight how the pandemic has further exposed the digital divide and the structural inequalities in remote workers’ access to home-location technology infrastructure and services. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) is adopted to highlight how the pandemic has forced the workforce to accept and use digital technology from home for work purposes. Design/methodology/approach – This desktop-based review paper is drawn from the existing literature. Although both benefits and disadvantages are noted, technology plays a critical role in connecting remote workers to the digital world. Findings – The paper found that remote workers did not necessarily struggle to work remotely from home to undertake their daily work tasks. Still, the critical challenge was the available Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure in their respective residential areas. Practical implications – The paper seeks to highlight that even though the COVID-19 pandemic and related events have fast-tracked the switch of many work activities into the digital era, the uneven distribution of ICT infrastructure accentuates the barriers to effective home workplaces for many in developing communities. The research found a significant role that the advancement and acceptance of technologies play in the efficacy of remote working from home. Originality/value – The relevance of this paper is in its contribution to the literature in extending knowledge about the UTAUT on remote working during a pandemic. The arguments presented herein may contribute to policy development and the ongoing debate about how the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift into the digital era on a global basis

Perceived usefulness and ease of use of websites : evidence of the impact of website design features / Dennis Taylor and Nicky Brownfield

This study reports on an empirical investigation of accounting students' satisfaction with design features of websites they use for study purposes. An internet website evaluation service is sourced to establish a set of website design features. User satisfaction is measured by the surrogates of perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU). To date, empirical studies of PU and PEOU have not been extended to the use of websites. Drawing on the instruments developed by Davis (1989) and replicated by Adams et al (1§92) and Subramanian (1994), this study administers a questionnaire to 92 second and third year undergraduate accounting students. The results give support to the hypothesis that each of the particular website features of contents, links, graphics, attractiveness, search engines, selling message and uniqueness is related to accounting students' PU of websites. By comparison, students' PEOU of websites was found to be largely unaffected by the importance they place on particular website features. The findings have practical implications for website developers who are contemplating design features to incorporate in their websites to best attract accounting students who are gathering information for assignments, projects and other study purposes

The Development of an Integrated Measure of Readiness for Change Instrument and its Application on ASC/PK

Organizations are continually forced to implement changes due to a myriad of external and internal influences, Despite the fact that organizations are predominantly in a perpetual state of change, recent research has shown that nearly 75% that have initiated large-scale change efforts have not realized the significant organizational improvements that were intended, As a preemptive measure, organizational managers are being encouraged to gauge their organization\u27s readiness prior to implementing change initiatives, Unfortunately, over 40 unique instruments currently exist that purport to measure some aspect of readiness, Because of limited perspective, no one instrument has emerged as the standard and they are often used inappropriately without regard to the psychometric properties involved, The purpose of this study was to analyze the existing instruments available to measure readiness and integrate those that have empirically demonstrated reliability, utility, and validity into a new synergistic instrument that can be utilized across various research disciplines, The comprehensive instrument was then utilized on the Aeronautical Systems Command\u27s Contracting Directorate, which is currently implementing several Knowledge Management initiatives designed to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization by leveraging the shared knowledge of its members, The results of the study indicate that members of ASC/PK have a generally positive attitude toward Knowledge Management initiatives, In addition, the comprehensive change model being tested fit the data