40,161 research outputs found
Transdisciplinarity seen through Information, Communication, Computation, (Inter-)Action and Cognition
Similar to oil that acted as a basic raw material and key driving force of
industrial society, information acts as a raw material and principal mover of
knowledge society in the knowledge production, propagation and application. New
developments in information processing and information communication
technologies allow increasingly complex and accurate descriptions,
representations and models, which are often multi-parameter, multi-perspective,
multi-level and multidimensional. This leads to the necessity of collaborative
work between different domains with corresponding specialist competences,
sciences and research traditions. We present several major transdisciplinary
unification projects for information and knowledge, which proceed on the
descriptive, logical and the level of generative mechanisms. Parallel process
of boundary crossing and transdisciplinary activity is going on in the applied
domains. Technological artifacts are becoming increasingly complex and their
design is strongly user-centered, which brings in not only the function and
various technological qualities but also other aspects including esthetic, user
experience, ethics and sustainability with social and environmental dimensions.
When integrating knowledge from a variety of fields, with contributions from
different groups of stakeholders, numerous challenges are met in establishing
common view and common course of action. In this context, information is our
environment, and informational ecology determines both epistemology and spaces
for action. We present some insights into the current state of the art of
transdisciplinary theory and practice of information studies and informatics.
We depict different facets of transdisciplinarity as we see it from our
different research fields that include information studies, computability,
human-computer interaction, multi-operating-systems environments and
philosophy.Comment: Chapter in a forthcoming book: Information Studies and the Quest for
Transdisciplinarity - Forthcoming book in World Scientific. Mark Burgin and
Wolfgang Hofkirchner, Editor
Modelling an End to End Supply Chain system Using Simulation
Within the current uncertain environment industries are predominantly faced with various challenges
resulting in greater need for skilled management and adequate technique as well as tools to manage
Supply Chains (SC) efficiently. Derived from this observation is the need to develop a generic/reusable
modelling framework that would allow firms to analyse their operational performance over time (Mackulak
and Lawrence 1998, Beamon and Chen 2001, Petrovic 2001, Lau et al. 2008, Khilwani et al. 2011, Cigollini et
al. 2014). However for this to be effectively managed the simulation modelling efforts should be directed
towards identifying the scope of the SC and the key processes performed between players.
Purpose: The research attempts to analyse trends in the field of supply chain modelling using simulation
and provide directions for future research by reviewing existing Operations Research/Operations
Management (OR/OM) literature. Structural and operational complexities as well as different business
processes within various industries are often limiting factors during modelling efforts. Successively, this
calls for the end to end (E2E) SC modelling framework where the generic processes, related policies and
techniques could be captured and supported by the powerful capabilities of simulation.
Research Approach: Following Mitroffâs (1974) scientific inquiry model and Sargent (2011) this research will
adopt simulation methodology and focus on systematic literature review in order to establish generic OR
processes and differentiate them from those which are specific to certain industries. The aim of the
research is provide a clear and informed overview of the existing literature in the area of supply chain
simulation. Therefore through a profound examination of the selected studies a conceptual model will be
design based on the selection of the most commonly used SC Processes and simulation techniques used
within those processes. The description of individual elements that make up SC processes (Hermann and
Pundoor 2006) will be defined using building blocks, which are also known as Process Categories.
Findings and Originality: This paper presents an E2E SC simulation conceptual model realised through
means of systematic literature review. Practitioners have adopted the term E2E SC while this is not
extensively featured within academic literature. The existing SC studies lack generality in regards to
capturing the entire SC within one methodological framework, which this study aims to address.
Research Impact: A systematic review of the supply chain and simulation literature takes an integrated and
holistic assessment of an E2E SC, from market-demand scenarios through order management and planning
processes, and on to manufacturing and physical distribution. Thus by providing significant advances in
understanding of the theory, methods used and applicability of supply chain simulation, this paper will
further develop a body of knowledge within this subject area.
Practical Impact: The paper will empower practitionersâ knowledge and understanding of the supply chain
processes characteristics that can be modelled using simulation. Moreover it will facilitate a selection of
specific data required for the simulation in accordance to the individual needs of the industry
Designing a novel virtual collaborative environment to support collaboration in design review meetings
Project review meetings are part of the project management process and are organised to assess progress and resolve any design conflicts to avoid delays in construction. One of the key challenges during a project review meeting is to bring the stakeholders together and use this time effectively to address design issues as quickly as possible. At present, current technology solutions based on BIM or CAD are information-centric and do not allow project teams to collectively explore the design from a range of perspectives and brainstorm ideas when design conflicts are encountered. This paper presents a system architecture that can be used to support multi-functional team collaboration more effectively during such design review meetings. The proposed architecture illustrates how information-centric BIM or CAD systems can be made human- and team-centric to enhance team communication and problem solving. An implementation of the proposed system architecture has been tested for its utility, likability and usefulness during design review meetings. The evaluation results suggest that the collaboration platform has the potential to enhance collaboration among multi-functional teams
Coordination approaches and systems - part I : a strategic perspective
This is the first part of a two-part paper presenting a fundamental review and summary of research of design coordination and cooperation technologies. The theme of this review is aimed at the research conducted within the decision management aspect of design coordination. The focus is therefore on the strategies involved in making decisions and how these strategies are used to satisfy design requirements. The paper reviews research within collaborative and coordinated design, project and workflow management, and, task and organization models. The research reviewed has attempted to identify fundamental coordination mechanisms from different domains, however it is concluded that domain independent mechanisms need to be augmented with domain specific mechanisms to facilitate coordination. Part II is a review of design coordination from an operational perspective
A novel hybrid engineering methodology to enhance collaboration during the design and development of meta product services
Since the Product-Service System (PSS) is accompanied by a paradigm shift towards the sustainability of the production process, it demands an advanced level of collaboration throughout the design and development process. This poses new challenges to enhance collaboration among cross-sectional, multi-disciplinary design teams in order to incorporate a variety of interdisciplinary services in a complex service-oriented system. Therefore, a new collaboration methodology is needed to reduce barriers to collaboration in a cross- organizational structure domain. This research work aims at highlighting the collaboration challenges that Meta-Product design teams face and also proposes a novel methodology to enhance collaboration among multi-disciplinary teams. The proposed methodology is a hybrid engineering model designed by integrating an Information Delivery Manual approach with a traditional software development process along with three interlinked collaboration services
The design co-ordination framework : key elements for effective product development
This paper proposes a Design Co-ordination Framework (DCF) i.e. a concept for an ideal DC system with the abilities to support co-ordination of various complex aspects of product development. A set of frames, modelling key elements of co-ordination, which reflect the states of design, plans, organisation, allocations, tasks etc. during the design process, has been identified. Each frame is explained and the co-ordination, i.e. the management of the links between these frames, is presented, based upon characteristic DC situations in industry. It is concluded that while the DCF provides a basis for our research efforts into enhancing the product development process there is still considerable work and development required before it can adequately reflect and support Design Co-ordination
Virtual Integration Platforms (VIP) âA Concept for Integrated and Interdisciplinary Air Transportation Research and Assessment
The paper descibes a new methodology for a holistic development of air transportation concepts. The Virtual Integration Plattform (VIP) concept is based on an IT tool chain as well as human collaborative methods to deal with complex systems. As a result the definitions of future air transportation concepts for short range "Quiet and Clean", long range "Comfortable and Clean" and individual transport "Fast and Flexible" are presente
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