A Generic Library of Problem Solving Methods for Scheduling Applications

In this thesis we propose a generic library of scheduling problem-solving methods. As a first approximation, scheduling can be defined as an assignment of jobs and activities to resources and time ranges in accordance with a number of constraints and requirements. In some cases optimisation criteria may also be included in the problem specification. Although, several attempts have been made in the past at developing the libraries of scheduling problem-solvers, these only provide limited coverage. Many lack generality, as they subscribe to a particular scheduling domain. Others simply implement a particular problem-solving technique, which may be applicable only to a subset of the space of scheduling problems. In addition, most of these libraries fail to provide the required degree of depth and precision, which is needed both to obtain a formal account of scheduling problem solving and to provide effective support for development of scheduling applications by reuse. Our library subscribes to the Task-Method-Domain-Application (TMDA) knowledge modelling framework, which provides a structured organisation for the different components of the library. In line with the organisation proposed by TMDA, we first developed a generic scheduling task ontology, which formalises the space of scheduling problems independently of any particular application domain, or problem solving method. Then we constructed a task-specific, but domain independent model of scheduling problem-solving, which generalises from the variety of approaches to scheduling problem-solving, which can be found in literature. The generic nature of this model was demonstrated by constructing seven methods for scheduling, as alternative specialisation of the model. Finally, we validated our library on a number of applications to demonstrate its generic nature and effective support for the analysis and development of scheduling applications

Penerapan Pendekatan Pembelajaran Inkuiri Terstruktur Untuk Meningkatkan Kompetensi Keterampilan Koneksi Matematis, Memecahkan Masalah, dan Komunikasi Matematis

The aim of the research is to analyze the improvement of mathematical connection, problem solving, and mathematical communication skills by implementing structured inquiry-based learning. The questions to be answered are how the process of applying structured inquiry-based learning to improve the competence of mathematical connection, problem solving, and mathematical communication skills in the topic of Multiplication of grade I SD. Royal Tunas Mulia; how the development of mathematical connection, problem solving, and mathematical communication skills of students with the application of structured inquiry-based learning; what obstacles are found and how to overcome them.This study employed a Classroom Action Research carried out in three cycles. The subjects were 20 Grade 1 students of SD. Royal Tunas Mulia. The data was gathered by using observation, field notes, written tests, documentation and it was analyzed using qualitative descriptive and quantitative methods. The results showed that structured inquiry-based learning improves on the students’ mathematical connection, problem solving, and mathematical connection

Development of Creative Thinking Skills with Aesthetic Creativity Teaching Activities in Social Studies Course

This research is qualitative research that examined the effects of aesthetic creativity practices on students' creative- thinking skills in a Social Studies course. The research was designed according to the case study design of qualitative research methods. The study group was determined by criterion sampling from purposeful sampling types. The study group comprised 12 fourth-grade students and their classroom teacher and were from a middle socioeconomic school in Hatay in the 2017-2018 academic years. In the Social Studies course, aesthetic creativity activities were implemented through performance tasks in a 17-hour period, and students' development in creative thinking skills followed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and structured observation. The interviews were conducted with the students and the classroom teacher. To evaluate students' development, the classroom teacher was interviewed at the end of the process. The students were interviewed at the end of the process, and the data were analyzed through content analysis. The data obtained from the observations were analyzed descriptively through the Creative Thinking Skills Evaluation Rubric (CTSER), structured by the researchers, and comprised creative thinking, imagination, idea production, humor, research, product creation, and problem-solving sub-dimensions. The results revealed that the students showed the most improvement in the dimensions of idea production and humor. In addition, the students demonstrated a distinguishable development in their research, problem-solving, and image dimensions. Although the students developed product building skills, none attained the level of creating unique products. Another result is that the aesthetic creativity teaching practices achieved the objectives in terms of sense-making and affective skills (e.g., providing a pleasant classroom environment, expressing emotions)

Modelling information usage and decision processes in new product introductions : an information-processing perspective.

The objective of this study is to understand the problem solving process used in new product introductions, and other unstructured business problems. I hope this understanding will contribute to improved decision support systems. Based on Cognitive psychology theories (in particular, Anderson, 1983, 1987), a set of propositions were outlined and investigated by using a computer model. One application of the expert system shell, used here, is to try to model the expert\u27s knowledge. The shell is used to develop a system that simulates the expert\u27s approach to problem solving. The differences between this application and expert system development, are: (i) the focus is on trying to understand the mind of the expert, instead of trying to replace him; and (ii) the problem area is ill-structured, instead of narrow and well-defined. The introduction of new products into markets is an example of an ill-structured problem, in a business setting. In particular, identifying opportunities is to create new products--their future growth and competitiveness often depends on this. The method adopted, computer simulation, has both advantages and limitations. The advantages include: (i) in-depth analysis of the problem-solving process; (ii) operationalizing the theory; and (iii) producing a program that can act as a research vehicle for future projects. The limitations are: (i) small sample size; (ii) lack of clear-cut validation procedures; and (iii) dependence on shell features. The findings, for the most part, supported the propositions (i) The expert model clearly had more procedural knowledge than the textbook model. This supports the proceduralization theory of skill acquisition. (ii) Reasoning by analogy was used by both expert and novices. The use of weak methods by the expert does not support the theory. (iii) The expert adopted a forward reasoning strategy within a task agenda. This supports the hierarchical goal structure theory of Anderson. (iv) The use of soft information was also observed

Government in The Republic of Cyprus: Responding to the Problems of Water Scarcity and Quality

Water management is a significant challenge in The Republic of Cyprus. The country is subject to a number of water problems based on scarcity and quality, with these stemming from limited precipitation inputs, drought, the overuse of groundwater, as well as the spatial disparity of supply and demand due to population growth, agriculture, tourism, and climate change. The convergence of these aspects has generated water problems, which necessitate the use of particular problem-solving responses by government that are targeted at securing the provision of water services and sustaining socio-economic development. To understand how government in Cyprus has responded to water management problems this thesis adopts an understanding based on John Dryzek’s (2013) problem-solving rationalities of administrative rationalism, democratic pragmatism, and economic rationalism. These reflect and build on the three methods that societies use to coordinate and organise responses to socio-environmental problems, namely mandatory, voluntary, and economic approaches. The problem-solving rationalities provide a unique way of understanding government problem-solving due to an interpretation that focuses on the specifics of problem-solving, based on; actor roles, motives, and behaviour; rhetoric; the evolution of responses over time; as well as the use of multiple concepts that are brought together to offer a more inclusive conceptualisation. This research adopts a qualitative approach to data collection and utilises semi-structured interviews to understand the views, roles, and experiences of key actors in problem-solving. A case study approach provides an appropriate context and facilitates detailed analysis of the problem-solving rationalities. The Republic of Cyprus offers a unique and appropriate case study setting. This is justified based on; tangible problems of scarcity and quality in practice; the potential to generate new insights in relation to small, Mediterranean, and peripheral EU state experiences; as well as limited previous research understanding government responses and considering actor roles and behaviour when responding to water problems. Based on the findings, Dryzek’s rationalities demonstrated a good level of applicability, with certain aspects shown to be justifiable such as the basis of administrative rationalism, the idea that some civil servants act in the public interest, and evidence of management challenges expected by Dryzek. Some differences were also found in relation to the existence or non-existence of certain methods or constructs; differences in some natural relationships; as well as variability in actor type, role, behaviour, and motivation. A range of emerging themes were identified as a result of the findings. These included; an alternative understanding of the evolutionary format of problem-solving; the role and influence of supranational governance; the importance of aspects such as culture and economic status; as well as the strong influence of politics. Ultimately, the management challenges of the rationalities, similarities and differences found in practice relating to the characteristics of the rationalities, as well as the emerging themes identified through the findings, have been utilised to develop understanding of problem-solving in Cyprus