Tracing the Scenarios in Scenario-Based Product Design: a study to support scenario generation

Scenario-based design originates from the human-computer interaction and\ud software engineering disciplines, and continues to be adapted for product development. Product development differs from software development in the former’s more varied context of use, broader characteristics of users and more tangible solutions. The possible use of scenarios in product design is therefore broader and more challenging. Existing design methods that involve scenarios can be employed in many different stages of the product design process. However, there is no proficient overview that discusses a\ud scenario-based product design process in its full extent. The purposes of creating scenarios and the evolution of scenarios from their original design data are often not obvious, although the results from using scenarios are clearly visible. Therefore, this paper proposes to classify possible scenario uses with their purpose, characteristics and supporting design methods. The classification makes explicit different types of scenarios and their relation to one another. Furthermore, novel scenario uses can be referred or added to the classification to develop it in parallel with the scenario-based design\ud practice. Eventually, a scenario-based product design process could take inspiration for creating scenarios from the classification because it provides detailed characteristics of the scenario

Fostering Open Sensemaking Communities by Combining Knowledge Maps and Videoconferencing

In this paper, our aim is to investigate the role of Compendium maps for both learners and educators to share and debate interpretations in FlashMeetingTM (FM) videoconferences in the context of OpenLearn, an online environment for open learning. This work is based on a qualitative study of knowledge maps and web videoconferencing interactions, and quantitative data presented in diagnostic reports about both tools. Our theoretical approach is based on the sensemaking concept and an existing framework for three learning scenarios. Our findings describe four applications of knowledge maps in videoconferencing: (i) Mind Maps for a FM virtual lecture (transmission scenario); (ii) Learning Path Map which integrates a FM conference (studio scenario); (iii) Concept Maps during a peer-to-peer event (negotiation scenario) and (iv) Web Maps for a FM replay (assessment scenario)

Chaotic Inflation based on an Abelian D-flat Direction

We study the inflation due to the D-flat direction of an extra $U(1)$. This scenario is a hybrid of a right-handed sneutrino inflaton scenario and a gauge non-singlet inflaton scenario. The inflaton is a gauge non-singlet field which induces a right-handed neutrino mass spontaneously through an extra $U(1)$ D-flat direction. This right-handed neutrino mass can explain the solar neutrino problem. The reheating temperature resulting from the decay of the coherent oscillation of the right-handed sneutrino is sufficiently high so that the baryogenesis based on the lepton number asymmetry can be applicable. We also discuss the realistic model building.Comment: 10 pages, LaTe

Modelling project feasibility robustness by use of scenarios

Key words: Evaluation, Scenario, Uncertainty, Multi-Modal Abstract: This paper presents the application of a new scenario based analysis technique which has been developed for transport infrastructure planning. The approach aims at dealing with uncertainty in the planning environment in a more systematic way than is usually the case when applying scenario analysis. Specifically, the developed scenario approach secures a consistent inclusion of actual scenario elements in the quantitative impact modelling and facilitates a transparent project feasibility robustness analysis. The approach has been implemented in a SCENARIO MANAGER as part of an infrastructure planning decision support system which comprises GIS-related impact models embedded in a tool-box applicable to multi-modal transport investment analysis. Following a brief introduction, the next section of the paper outlines a conceptual scenario model which categorises project uncertainties into three main groups: Objective, adaptive and subjective uncertainty. This model illustrates the correlation between the scenario definition and the uncertainty in the planning environment. This scenario approach distinguishes itself from usual single dominant issue scenarios or prognoses as it is based on thematic scenario writing. In the case presented, four scenarios are introduced which have been developed in a recent Danish scenario study: (I) the market-oriented society, (II) the locally-oriented society, (III) the supra-national society and (IV) the technological society. Each scenario is then analysed as concerns its impact on a set of relevant project evaluation criteria. The criteria used stem from the on-going EUNET project funded by the European Commission DGVII, within the Strategic Transport part of the Fourth Framework Programme. Section three of the paper demonstrates the application of the systematic scenario analysis technique by means of a case study. The case concerns multi-modal evaluation of the Harbour Tunnel under the Copenhagen harbour. One-third of central Copenhagen is divided from the rest by the harbour. Presently, the harbour has four road bridge crossings and one rail bridge crossing. The investment in question concerns a fifth road tunnel at the entrance of the harbour, which aims at forming a complete high standard road systems around Copenhagen while at the same time reducing the environmental impacts to the medieval town centre. Four different solutions to the inclusion of the new Harbour Tunnel in the road network are examined. The concept of scenario profiling is introduced, which in an operational manner examines the project robustness related to each of the four project alternatives. The scenario profile gives a comprehensive description of the scenario implications for the socio-economic feasibility of each project alternative. Through a systematic, scenario based set of weights, the overall project robustness is determined. The final section five presents conclusions and recommendations. It is stated that the scenario approach presented is a valuable aid in assisting decision making on transport investment planning. The area for future research into the further integration of model uncertainty with scenario based robustness evaluations, is outlined.

Split Multiplets, Coupling Unification and Extra Dimension

We study a gauge coupling unification scenario based on a non-supersymmetric 5-dimensional model. Through an orbifold compactification, we obtain the Standard Model with split multiplets on a 4-dimensional wall, which is compatible with a grand unification.Comment: 10 pages, latex, no figure

Merging of a CO WD and a He-rich white dwarf to produce a type Ia supernovae

Context: Although type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) play a key role in astrophysics, the companions of the exploding carbon-oxygen white dwarfs (CO WDs) are still not completely identified. It has been suggested recently that a He-rich WD (a He WD or a hybrid HeCO WD) merges with a CO WD may produce an SN Ia. This theory was based on the double-detonation model, in which the shock compression in the CO core caused by the surface explosion of the He-rich shell might lead to the explosion of the whole CO WD. However, so far, very few binary population synthesis (BPS) studies have been made on the merger scenario of a CO WD and a He-rich WD in the context of SNe Ia. Aims: We aim to systematically study the Galactic birthrates and delay-time distributions of SNe Ia based on the merger scenario of a CO WD and a He-rich WD. Methods: We performed a series of Monte Carlo BPS simulations to investigate the properties of SNe Ia from the merging of a CO WD and a He-rich WD based on the Hurley rapid binary evolution code. We also considered the influence of different metallicities on the final results. Results: From our simulations, we found that no more than 15% of all SNe Ia stem from the merger scenario of a CO WD and a He-rich WD, and their delay times range from ~110 Myr to the Hubble time. This scenario mainly contributes to SN Ia explosions with intermediate and long delay times. The present work indicates that the merger scenario of a CO WD and a He-rich WD can roughly reproduce the birthrates of SN 1991bg-like events, and cover the range of their delay times. We also found that SN Ia birthrates from this scenario would be higher for the cases with low metallicities.Comment: 8 pages, 8 figures, accepted for publication in A&

Does Lost Time Cost You Money and Create High Risk?

The aim of the case study is to express the delayed repair time impact on the revenues and profit in numbers with the example of the outage of power plant units. Main steps of risk assessment: • creating project plan suitable for risk assessment • identification of the risk factors for each project activities • scenario-analysis based evaluation of risk factors • selection of the critical risk factors based on the results of quantitative risk analysis • formulating risk response actions for the critical risks • running Monte-Carlo simulation [1] using the results of scenario-analysis • building up a macro which creates the connection among the results of the risk assessment, the production plan and the business plan