Simulation of complex environments:the Fuzzy Cognitive Agent

The world is becoming increasingly competitive by the action of liberalised national and global markets. In parallel these markets have become increasingly complex making it difficult for participants to optimise their trading actions. In response, many differing computer simulation techniques have been investigated to develop either a deeper understanding of these evolving markets or to create effective system support tools. In this paper we report our efforts to develop a novel simulation platform using fuzzy cognitive agents (FCA). Our approach encapsulates fuzzy cognitive maps (FCM) generated on the Matlab Simulink platform within commercially available agent software. We firstly present our implementation of Matlab Simulink FCMs and then show how such FCMs can be integrated within a conceptual FCA architecture. Finally we report on our efforts to realise an FCA by the integration of a Matlab Simulink based FCM with the Jack Intelligent Agent Toolkit

Planning and governance under the LGA: Lessons from the RMA experience.

The purpose of this report is to identify ways in which experiences gained from the RMA as a devolved and co-operative planning mandate can enable local and central government and other stakeholders to more effectively implement the LGA. The report is based on findings from the FRST-funded research programme on Planning under Co-operative Mandates (PUCM). We argue in this report that the experiences gained from the RMA can inform effective implementation of the LGA in three important respects: Preparation and implementation of LTCCPs; The community consultation process for formulating community outcomes; and Māori participation in planning and governance

Reflections on personal development within a Professional Doctorate: what development framework is appropriate?

In my career I have worked concurrently in academia and professional practice in sport. Having completed a professional doctorate I am now engaged in designing and delivering on DProf programmes. My experiences have led me to question whether current academic personal development frameworks are relevant for DProf learners. Current frameworks, such as the Vitae Researcher Development Framework (RDF), focuses almost exclusively on the development of the student as a researcher. However, my experience suggests that many DProf learners are not undertaking their doctoral journey with the aim of becoming researchers. My own DProf experience highlighted the disconnect between personal ambition and the RDF. My DProf goal was aimed at bridging a gap between theory and practice with the aim of impacting widely on practitioners. I knew that to achieve this outcome I needed to be ‘multi-lingual’. I had to be able to speak the language of both practice and research and be able to effectively translate between the two. The ‘Engagement’ domain of the RDF is the one that was ostensibly most relevant to my ambition. However, within it the idea of ‘professional practice’ is not mentioned. The framework makes limited mention of presenting to ‘non-expert audiences’ and using ‘non-academic’ publication outlets but the primary thrust is about researcher engaging with researcher. In contrast, I believe that to be an effective ‘translator’ requires specific skills. You have to learn to listen to the evolution of professional language, to keep adjusting your message to maintain cultural relevance, to simplify ideas without losing coherence or accuracy. None of these ‘skills’ were touched upon in the framework guiding my DProf journey ergo it did not develop me in relation to my ambition. I suggest that academia needs to rethink its personal development frameworks to address the needs of a widening population of doctoral students

The Problem Of Verbal Reports In Recreation Research: Review, Recommendations, and New Directions

Recent work of cognitive and social psychologists has questioned the ability of subjects to accurately remember and report their experiences. This has particular significance for recreation research as the survey questions we ask of visitors change from more stable visit and group characteristics to reports of conditions, experiences and feelings. Strategies exist to encourage accurate recall, particlarly by minimizing the delay between event and report such as is provided by the Experience Sampling Method

Consumer Redress - An Overview

Consumer Redress - An Overvie