5,840 research outputs found
UMSL Bulletin 2023-2024
The 2023-2024 Bulletin and Course Catalog for the University of Missouri St. Louis.https://irl.umsl.edu/bulletin/1088/thumbnail.jp
Raising Critical Consciousness in Engineering Education: A Critical Exploration of Transformative Possibilities in Engineering Education and Research
This thesis represents a critical exploration of the opportunities, challenges, and barriers to enacting social justice via the engineering curriculum. Through an ethnographic case study of a British engineering for sustainable development course, I illuminate tensions and contradictions of attempts to “do good” while “doing engineering” in a higher education setting. This work is couched within critical and anti-colonial theoretical frames. Through critical and reflexive analysis, I illustrate attempts of participants to innovate in engineering education toward a counter-hegemonic engineering practice, and highlight transformative possibilities, as well as barriers. This case illustrates how the structures that formed modern engineering continue to shape engineering higher education, restraining attempts to transform engineering training for social good.A central question that has driven this work has been: Is it possible to cultivate a more socially just form of engineering practice through engineering higher education? The function of asking this question has been to interrogate a core assumption in engineering education research – that with the right blend of educational interventions, we can make strides towards social justice. My intent in interrogating this assumption is not to be nihilistic per se. I believe it is entirely possible that engineering could potentially be wielded for just cause and consequence. However, if we do not critically examine our core assumptions around this issue, we may also miss out on the possibility that socially just engineering is not achievable, at least in the way we are currently approaching it or in the current context within which it exists.An examination of this topic is already underway in the US context. However, it is under-explored in a British context. Given the different historical trajectories of engineering and engineering in higher education between these two contexts, a closer look at the British context is warranted
An empirical investigation of the relationship between integration, dynamic capabilities and performance in supply chains
This research aimed to develop an empirical understanding of the relationships between integration,
dynamic capabilities and performance in the supply chain domain, based on which, two conceptual
frameworks were constructed to advance the field. The core motivation for the research was that, at
the stage of writing the thesis, the combined relationship between the three concepts had not yet
been examined, although their interrelationships have been studied individually.
To achieve this aim, deductive and inductive reasoning logics were utilised to guide the qualitative
study, which was undertaken via multiple case studies to investigate lines of enquiry that would
address the research questions formulated. This is consistent with the author’s philosophical
adoption of the ontology of relativism and the epistemology of constructionism, which was considered
appropriate to address the research questions. Empirical data and evidence were collected, and
various triangulation techniques were employed to ensure their credibility. Some key features of
grounded theory coding techniques were drawn upon for data coding and analysis, generating two
levels of findings. These revealed that whilst integration and dynamic capabilities were crucial in
improving performance, the performance also informed the former. This reflects a cyclical and
iterative approach rather than one purely based on linearity. Adopting a holistic approach towards
the relationship was key in producing complementary strategies that can deliver sustainable supply
chain performance.
The research makes theoretical, methodological and practical contributions to the field of supply
chain management. The theoretical contribution includes the development of two emerging
conceptual frameworks at the micro and macro levels. The former provides greater specificity, as it
allows meta-analytic evaluation of the three concepts and their dimensions, providing a detailed
insight into their correlations. The latter gives a holistic view of their relationships and how they are
connected, reflecting a middle-range theory that bridges theory and practice. The methodological
contribution lies in presenting models that address gaps associated with the inconsistent use of
terminologies in philosophical assumptions, and lack of rigor in deploying case study research
methods. In terms of its practical contribution, this research offers insights that practitioners could
adopt to enhance their performance. They can do so without necessarily having to forgo certain
desired outcomes using targeted integrative strategies and drawing on their dynamic capabilities
Empowering Practitioners: A Conceptual Framework for Value Co-Creation through Smart Service Innovation Methodologies
Smart services offer great innovation potential by incorporating digital technologies into non-digital value-creation processes. As smart service innovation poses significant challenges to organizations, existing research has contributed to understanding and addressing this phenomenon by developing various methods, tools, and processes. Yet, the academic community often still fails to bridge the “last mile” and help practitioners apply this knowledge in their specific application contexts. This article outlines how research can empower practitioners by systematically providing methodological knowledge for smart service innovation. We review and contrast existing methodologies and present a conceptual framework for value co-creation through smart service innovation methodologies. In addition, we identify six essential resource types required in these methodologies and propose emergent research avenues to guide future contributions to smart service innovation research
Теоретико-методичні основи проєктування, адміністрування та використання хмаро орієнтованого середовища навчання майбутніх учителів інформатики (дисертація)
У дисертації подано теоретичне обґрунтування та нове розв’язання проблеми використання хмаро орієнтованого середовища навчання в процесі підготовки здобувачів другого та третього ступенів вищої освіти за спеціальністю «014.09 Середня освіта (Інформатика)». Досліджено зарубіжний і вітчизняний досвід застосування хмарних технологій у навчанні майбутніх учителів інформатики. У дисертації виконано моделювання хмаро орієнтованого середовища навчання майбутніх учителів інформатики, у результаті якого обґрунтовано концептуальну, дидактичну, сервісну моделі та модель адміністрування середовища. Визначено послідовність етапів розгортання складників хмаро орієнтованого середовища навчання учителів інформатики. Обґрунтовано необхідність розгортання в ЗВО хмарних платформ, що реалізують модель «інфраструктура як сервіс». Визначено структуру та особливості реалізації методики використання ХОСН для розвитку фахової компетентності майбутніх учителів інформатики, що здобувають освіту на першому та другому ступенях. Обґрунтовано використання на першому ступені вищої освіти складників хмаро орієнтованого середовища як засобів організації освітньої діяльності майбутніх учителів інформатики. Розроблено зміст і методику курсів базового освітньо-професійного рівня та вибіркового курсу «Основи хмарних технологій» як вибіркового складника освітніх програм. Наведено аналіз результатів педагогічного експерименту. Отримано дані, що свідчать про готовність здобувачів до застосування складників хмаро орієнтованого середовища та вивчення основ хмарних технологій. Підтверджено гіпотезу про ефективність методики використання хмаро орієнтованого середовища для розвитку складників фахової компетентності здобувачів
Intelligent computing : the latest advances, challenges and future
Computing is a critical driving force in the development of human civilization. In recent years, we have witnessed the emergence of intelligent computing, a new computing paradigm that is reshaping traditional computing and promoting digital revolution in the era of big data, artificial intelligence and internet-of-things with new computing theories, architectures, methods, systems, and applications. Intelligent computing has greatly broadened the scope of computing, extending it from traditional computing on data to increasingly diverse computing paradigms such as perceptual intelligence, cognitive intelligence, autonomous intelligence, and human computer fusion intelligence. Intelligence and computing have undergone paths of different evolution and development for a long time but have become increasingly intertwined in recent years: intelligent computing is not only intelligence-oriented but also intelligence-driven. Such cross-fertilization has prompted the emergence and rapid advancement of intelligent computing
The role of exports in manufacturing pollution in sub–Saharan Africa and South Asia: towards a better trade-environment governance
Based on the gaps and challenges identified through case studies, the report proposes recommendations for
Kenya, the United Republic of Tanzania, Bangladesh, and Pakistan along with the main three areas of research:
(i) Environmental Law and Public Governance, (ii) Private Sector Governance, and (iii) Life Cycle Assessment.
Even though at different stages, the four countries are building diversified economies by developing their industrial sectors. As exports play a significant role in their economic growth, those countries gain from more sustainable manufacturing practices
The Death of the Legal Subject
The law is often engaged in prediction. In the calculation of tort damages, for example, a judge will consider what the tort victim’s likely future earnings would have been, but for their particular injury. Similarly, when considering injunctive relief, a judge will assess whether the plaintiff is likely to suffer irreparable harm if a preliminary injunction is not granted. And for the purposes of a child custody evaluation, a judge will consider which parent will provide an environment that is in the best interests of the child.
Relative to other areas of law, criminal law is oversaturated with prediction. Almost every decision node in the criminal justice system demands a prediction of individual behavior: does the accused present a flight risk, or a danger to the public (pre-trial detention); is the defendant likely to recidivate (sentencing); and will the defendant successfully reenter society (parole)? Increasingly, these predictions are made by algorithms, many of which display racial bias, and are hidden from public view. Existing scholarship has focused on de-biasing and disclosing algorithmic models, but this Article argues that even a transparent and unbiased algorithm may undermine the epistemic legitimacy of a judicial decision.
Law has historically generated truth claims through discursive and dialogic practices, using shared linguistic tools, in an environment characterized by proximity and reciprocity. In contrast, the truth claims of data science are generated from data processing of such scale and complexity that it is not commensurable with, or reversible to, human reasoning. Data science excludes the individual from the production of knowledge about themselves on the basis that “unmediated” behavioral data (not self-reported or otherwise subject to conscious manipulation by the data subject) offers unrivaled predictive accuracy. Accordingly, data science discounts the first-person view of reality that has traditionally underwritten legal processes of truth-making, such as individual testimony.
As judges turn to algorithms to guide their decision making, knowledge about the legal subject is increasingly algorithmically produced. Statistical predictions about the legal subject displace qualitative knowledge about their intentions, motivations, and moral capabilities. The reasons why a particular defendant might refrain from recidivism, for example, become less important than the statistical features they share with historical recidivists. This displacement of individual knowledge with algorithmic predictions diminishes the participation of the legal subject in the epistemic processes that determine their fundamental liberties. This produces the death of the legal subject, or the emergence of new, algorithmic practices of signification that no longer require the input of the underlying individual
Value creation of decentralized metaverse platforms for platform economy : A case study
As a part of the assumed new era of internet, more commonly referred to as web3, includes the idea of a metaverse. Metaverse as a concept is multifaceted and is not limited to a single description. One form of this metaverse is one that exists as an environment, that is not directly controlled autonomously by a centralized entity. Decentralized metaverse in the form of digital platforms facilitate and give meaning to applicability of cryptocurrencies by enabling more ways to apply these into action. But what meaning does this have from the perspective of value creation? With the applicability to blockchain and other decentralized technologies, provides an understanding that the technology enabling the existence of decentralized metaverse is here to stay and the freedom of open-source technologies help to maintain this flexibly.
In this research, we attempt to create a purposeful view on the value creational aspects of the decentralized metaverse. The research objectives focused on existing value creation ramifications that the cases of this research were identified to possess based on the theoretical framework presented in the chapter 2.4.
This research was performed as a case study, along with theoretical framework based on a mapping review based on the contents of 4 literature reviews regarding platform economy value creation and their identified principles. The framework was defined for the purpose of the qualitative study for which 2 decentralized metaverse platforms were studied based on this. For the sake of limiting the concept of value, was this restricted to the concepts of value success categories (VSCs).
The core conclusions from the performance of the value creation regarding each studied metaverse platform were that the decentralized metaverse platforms were found to be variable depending on how the metaverse platform architecture was built to support value creation, being both external and internal reasons regarding the platform. For example, the distinction by extended reality for the sake of digital platforms was not identified to have been beneficial for the value creation of decentralized metaverse platforms.Osana oletettua internetin seuraavaa vaihetta, tuttavallisemmin Web3, sisältyy ajatus metaversumista. Konseptina metaversumi on monisäikeinen, ja ei ole selitettävissä nykyisellään vain yhden selitteen kautta. Yksi selite metaversumille on, että se toimisi hajautettuna ympäristönä vapaana keskitetystä hallinnosta. Hajautettu metaversumi digitaalisina alustoina pohjaa ja antaa merkitystä erityisesti kryptovaluuttojen hyötykäyttöön, mutta mikä tarkoitus tällä hyötykäytöllä on konkreettisen arvonluonnin näkökulmasta? Lohkoketjujen ja muiden hajautettujen teknologioiden myötä on yhä selvempää, että hajautetut metaversumit ja niiden mahdollistaman teknologian luoma pohja ovat tulleet jäädäkseen. Tästä muodostuvat avoimeen lähdekoodiin perustuvat sovellukset auttavat pitämään tätä joustavasti yllä.
Tässä tutkimuksessa pyrittiin luomaan tarkoituksenmukainen kuva hajautetun metaversumin arvonluonnillisista menetelmistä. Tutkimus keskittyi kvalitatiiviseen tulkintaan, joka perustui olemassa oleviin arvonluontimekanismeihin, joita tapaustutkimuskohteina olleet hajautetut metaversumialustat nähtiin sisältävän tutkimusta varten luodun kehyksen mukaisesti.
Tutkimus toteutettiin kvalitatiivisena tapaustutkimuksena perustuen teoreettiseen viitekehykseen kirjallisuuskatsauksen pohjalta, joka koostui neljästä kirjallisuuskatsauksesta ja niiden tunnistettujen ydinasioiden kartoituksesta perustuen alustatalouteen liittyvistä ja tutkituista arvonluontimekanismeista. Viitekehys tulkittiin kategorisesti. Kategorioilla mitattiin tutkittujen hajautettujen metaversumialustojen suorituskykyä arvonluonnissa kappaleessa 4. Arvonluonnin käsitteen selkiyttämistä varten tässä tutkimuksessa keskityttiin pelkästään teoreettiseen viitekehykseen.
Tutkimuksen pääasialliset johtopäätökset liittyen tutkittujen metaversumialustojen suorituskykyyn vaihtelivat alustojen välillä riippuen niiden arvonluontia varten muodostetusta teknisestä arkkitehtuurista, jossa syyt olivat niin ulkoisia kuin sisäisiä liittyen tutkittuihin metaversumialustoihin. Esimerkiksi lisätyn todellisuusteknologian käyttöä digitaalisten alustojen kanssa ei suositella tämän tutkimuksen perusteella käytettäväksi hajautettujen metaversumialustojen kanssa niiden arvonluonnin parantamista varten
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