A Shannon's theory of knowledge

Our so-called "Information Society", is gradually changing into a "Knowledge Society". The Shannons Theory provided a formal and mathematical framework for information. It was very fruitful for avoiding ambiguity on the concept of information. This paper proposes a transposition of this theory for knowledge. From the three axes of a formal model designed for knowledge engineering (information, sense and context), three quantitative measures are proposed to get a measure of the quantity of knowledge of a system. This notion permits to consider applications as the cognitive measure of a web site, a knowledge community (community of practice…).Knowledge, Knowledge management, Shannon's theory

A Course Planning Method to Incorporate Collaborative Learning in Information Systems Courses

Numerous researchers have investigated the relative merits of passive versus active learning. The research methodology, situation and approaches have varied. But the general consensus is that students comprehend and retain more material when actively involved in learning. The lecture process unfortunately places the students in a passive role and may limit their intellectual growth. Collaborative learning concepts provide a powerful strategy for enhancing MIS instruction by making learning active. The small group is a versatile organization that can be used to assist the student grasp material and then transform it into experience. This paper presents a planning process to enable MIS faculty to incorporate collaborative learning activities in their courses. A limited portfolio of collaborative learning activities are described along with possible evaluation techniques

Stochastic homogenization and random lattices

We present some variants of stochastic homogenization theory for scalar elliptic equations of the form -div[ A(x/ε,ω) ∇ u] = f. These variants basically consist in defining stochastic coefficients A(x/ε,ω) from stochastic deformations (using random diffeormorphisms) of the periodic setting, as announced in [4]. The settings we define are not covered by the existing theories. We also clarify the relation between this type of questions and our construction, performed in [3,5], of the energy of, both deterministic and stochastic, microscopic infinite sets of points in interaction

TARANIS — Scientific payload and mission strategy

International audienceOn December 2010 the implementation phase of the TARANIS micro-satellite was authorized by the French space agency. TARANIS is dedicated to the study of impulsive transfers of energy between the Earth atmosphere and the space environment, and more precisely to the physics of the Transient Luminous Events (TLEs) and of the Terrestrial Gamma ray Flashes (TGFs). By 2015 TARANIS will provide combined Nadir observations of TLEs and TGFs, high resolution measurements of energetic electrons, and wave field measurements. The strategy adopted to maximize the scientific return of the data is presented

Fixed Asset Accounting Software Evaluation: A Structured Methodology For The Mid-Market Firm

Packaged software evaluation represents a major decision for business.  It involves a number of quantitative as well as qualitative attributes in choosing among system alternatives.  This paper illustrates an evaluation methodology for accounting software selection, specifically a fixed asset system.  The methodology incorporates three stages:  1) software screening; 2) detail package evaluation; and, 3) confirmation and design (also known as a test drive).  Initially, developing a short list through screening of accounting software determines whether an appropriate package exists and narrows the field of available fixed asset products for detailed consideration.  The second stage determines which of the remaining fixed asset systems (the finalists) best meets the needs of the organization, from both functional and technical perspectives. The final stage, or phase, compares user requirements with the features of the selected fixed asset software by determining how these requirements will be satisfied by specific applications built using the fixed asset software.  The methodology also controls for the possibility that no fixed asset software product is suitable and that such a system must be constructed on a custom basis. No other reported evaluation and selection approach offers this device.  A case example demonstrating the applicability of the suggested methodology is given for a mid-sized hospital organization representing the largest market segment for accounting software