NASA scientific and technical information program multimedia initiative

This paper relates the experiences of the NASA Scientific and Technical Information Program in introducing multimedia within the STI Program framework. A discussion of multimedia technology is included to provide context for the STI Program effort. The STI Program's Multimedia Initiative is discussed in detail. Parallels and differences between multimedia and traditional information systems project development are highlighted. Challenges faced by the program in initiating its multimedia project are summarized along with lessons learned. The paper concludes with a synopsis of the benefits the program hopes to provide its users through the introduction of multimedia illustrated by examples of successful multimedia projects

A model-based approach to hypermedia design.

This paper introduces the MESH approach to hypermedia design, which combines established entity-relationship and object-oriented abstractions with proprietary concepts into a formal hypermedia data model. Uniform layout and link typing specifications can be attributed and inherited in a static node typing hierarchy, whereas both nodes and links can be submitted dynamically to multiple complementary classifications. In addition, the data model's support for a context-based navigation paradigm, as well as a platform-independent implementation framework, are briefly discussed.Data; Model; Specifications; Classification;

Differences in intention to use educational RSS feeds between Lebanese and British students: A multi‑group analysis based on the technology acceptance model

Really Simple Syndication (RSS) offers a means for university students to receive timely updates from virtual learning environments. However, despite its utility, only 21% of home students surveyed at a university in Lebanon claim to have ever used the technology. To investigate whether national culture could be an influence on intention to use RSS, the survey was extended to British students in the UK. Using the Technology Adoption Model (TAM) as a research framework, 437 students responded to a questionnaire containing four constructs: behavioral intention to use; attitude towards benefit; perceived usefulness; and perceived ease of use. Principle components analysis and structural equation modelling were used to explore the psychometric qualities and utility of TAM in both contexts. The results show that adoption was significantly higher, but also modest, in the British context at 36%. Configural and metric invariance were fully supported, while scalar and factorial invariance were partially supported. Further analysis shows significant differences between perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use across the two contexts studied. Therefore, it is recommended that faculty demonstrate to students how educational RSS feeds can be used effectively to increase awareness and emphasize usefulness in both contexts

Towards Modeling of DataWeb Applications - A Requirement\u27s Perspective

The web is more and more used as a platform for fullfledged, increasingly complex information systems, where a huge amount of change-intensive data is managed by underlying database systems. From a software engineering point of view, the development of such so called DataWeb applications requires proper modeling methods in order to ensure architectural soundness and maintainability. The goal of this paper is twofold. First, a framework of requirements, covering the design space of DataWeb modeling methods in terms of three orthogonal dimensions is suggested. Second, on the basis of this framework, eight representative modeling methods for DataWeb applications are surveyed and general shortcomings are identified pointing the way to nextgeneration modeling methods

Factors shaping the evolution of electronic documentation systems

The main goal is to prepare the space station technical and managerial structure for likely changes in the creation, capture, transfer, and utilization of knowledge. By anticipating advances, the design of Space Station Project (SSP) information systems can be tailored to facilitate a progression of increasingly sophisticated strategies as the space station evolves. Future generations of advanced information systems will use increases in power to deliver environmentally meaningful, contextually targeted, interconnected data (knowledge). The concept of a Knowledge Base Management System is emerging when the problem is focused on how information systems can perform such a conversion of raw data. Such a system would include traditional management functions for large space databases. Added artificial intelligence features might encompass co-existing knowledge representation schemes; effective control structures for deductive, plausible, and inductive reasoning; means for knowledge acquisition, refinement, and validation; explanation facilities; and dynamic human intervention. The major areas covered include: alternative knowledge representation approaches; advanced user interface capabilities; computer-supported cooperative work; the evolution of information system hardware; standardization, compatibility, and connectivity; and organizational impacts of information intensive environments

A Complexity-Based Taxonomy of Systems Development Methodologies

For the last two decades systems developers and researchers have largely assumed that the process of developing business information systems is a wellstructured, project-oriented, once in a lifetime undertaking. However, present business models that are intensively reliant on information technology are rendering this perception obsolete. There has been a growing propensity toward increasingly iterative, fastpaced, user-driven systems development methodologies such as Rapid Application Development, Unified Modeling Language, Joint Application Development and the Relationship Management methodology (Hans- Werner1997; Isakowitz, 1995; Shapiro, 1997; Vessey, 1994). At the same time the discipline of information systems has witnessed an increasing awareness of the importance of systems maintenance - with the general proposition that systems development is an everproceeding activity (rather than a project-based activity) - becoming the norm (Howard 1990). The majority of empirical research on systems development, to date, has tested the contributions of different types of knowledge to effective systems development. Much research has also been done on how different methodologies for systems development impact the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of resultant business information infrastructure. The studies suffer from one or more of the following limitations: (1) They largely perceive information systems evolution via systems development as generally being a slow, linear, structured and continuous process. Current events in the information systems and electronic commerce sectors indicate that systems development is highly dynamic, discontinuous and adaptive in nature – the defining traits of a complex system. (2) Though most of the past studies recognize that systems development is a knowledge intensive activity, rarely is it seen as a primary mechanism by which a firm embeds knowledge into its business information infrastructure’s technologies, databases and automated operating procedures. Because almost all business functions and transactions within an electronic commerce enterprise is achieved via the firm’s business information infrastructure, enhancement of business knowledge and information within such a firm is expected to be heavily dependent on the enhancements made to that infrastructure via specific systems development approaches. In rapidly evolving environments as characterized by present day electronic commerce, methodologies become a primary means by which the firm continuously updates its knowledge resources hence sustaining or leveraging its competitive advantages. The theory of complexity may contribute to the perception and re-classification of systems development methodologies in such a manner as to provide a clearer understanding of which methodologies are best suited for directing the development and enhancement of business information systems in today\u27s electronic commerce economy. By viewing business information systems as emergent complex adaptive systems, the methodologies employed to derive these systems can be seen as being synonymous to the natural rules that govern the behavior of all natural phenomenon. Thus it enables us to explain what methodologies best match a specific systems development or enhancement tasks allowing for the development of better quality business information systems, especially for electronic commerce applications

Considerations for a design and operations knowledge support system for Space Station Freedom

Engineering and operations of modern engineered systems depend critically upon detailed design and operations knowledge that is accurate and authoritative. A design and operations knowledge support system (DOKSS) is a modern computer-based information system providing knowledge about the creation, evolution, and growth of an engineered system. The purpose of a DOKSS is to provide convenient and effective access to this multifaceted information. The complexity of Space Station Freedom's (SSF's) systems, elements, interfaces, and organizations makes convenient access to design knowledge especially important, when compared to simpler systems. The life cycle length, being 30 or more years, adds a new dimension to space operations, maintenance, and evolution. Provided here is a review and discussion of design knowledge support systems to be delivered and operated as a critical part of the engineered system. A concept of a DOKSS for Space Station Freedom (SSF) is presented. This is followed by a detailed discussion of a DOKSS for the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center and Work Package-2 portions of SSF