Awareness systems are being designed and implemented to improve employee connections. This study examines the variables that affect the acceptance of an awareness system. The awareness system that was used for this research was a remote desktop access system. The independent variables investigated were the degree of detail that can be viewed on a desktop, whether the users can control who can access their desktops, whether the users can control when others have access to their desktops, the equality of access to others' desktops, and task-technology fit. In determining the effect of the independent variables on acceptance, the dependent variable, the mediating variables of privacy and fairness were taken into account. There was a preliminary survey conducted to determine appropriate situations to be used in the scenario descriptions for the survey for the main study. The methodology of policy-capturing surveys was utilized to conduct the survey for the main study in order to investigate the model developed in this study. The policy-capturing survey was pre-tested on University of Waterloo students. The main study was conducted in two different organizations, the subjects for the first study were employees from the Information Systems and Technology Department at the University of Waterloo and the subjects for the second study were employees from Ciber Incorporated. Results indicate that perceptions of privacy and perceptions of fairness have significant effects on acceptance. Also, perceptions of privacy and fairness are related to details in the design of the remote desktop access system. This research may be a contribution to this field since little research has been conducted in this area and implications can be drawn for future research on acceptance of awareness systems.

Awareness systems are being designed and implemented to improve employee connections. This study examines the variables that affect the acceptance of an awareness system. The awareness system that was used for this research was a remote desktop access system. The independent variables investigated were the degree of detail that can be viewed on a desktop, whether the users can control who can access their desktops, whether the users can control when others have access to their desktops, the equality of access to others' desktops, and task-technology fit. In determining the effect of the independent variables on acceptance, the dependent variable, the mediating variables of privacy and fairness were taken into account. There was a preliminary survey conducted to determine appropriate situations to be used in the scenario descriptions for the survey for the main study. The methodology of policy-capturing surveys was utilized to conduct the survey for the main study in order to investigate the model developed in this study. The policy-capturing survey was pre-tested on University of Waterloo students. The main study was conducted in two different organizations, the subjects for the first study were employees from the Information Systems and Technology Department at the University of Waterloo and the subjects for the second study were employees from Ciber Incorporated. Results indicate that perceptions of privacy and perceptions of fairness have significant effects on acceptance. Also, perceptions of privacy and fairness are related to details in the design of the remote desktop access system. This research may be a contribution to this field since little research has been conducted in this area and implications can be drawn for future research on acceptance of awareness systems.

Οι εφαρμογές συναίσθησης (awareness applications) αποτελούν συστήματα ενίσχυσης της αντίληψης της παρουσίας (presence) και εντάσσονται στην ευρύτερη κατηγορία των συστημάτων υποστήριξης της επικοινωνίας με τη διαμεσολάβηση υπολογιστών (computer mediated communication systems). Μια πληθώρα τέτοιων εφαρμογών – μικρών και εξειδικευμένων ακόμη – έχει αναπτυχθεί τα τελευταία χρόνια (π.χ. MSN, Facebook), ενώ αναμένεται η ευρύτερη διάδοσή τους ως αποτέλεσμα της ανάπτυξης των κινητών επικοινωνιών. Η παρούσα διπλωματική εργασία βασίζεται στην πλατφόρμα ανάπτυξης εφαρμογών συναίσθησης ASTRA. Το συγκριτικό πλεονέκτημα της πλατφόρμας απέναντι στις υπάρχουσες εφαρμογές είναι ότι είναι γενικευμένη και συνεπώς μπορεί να οδηγήσει στην ανάπτυξη πλήθους εφαρμογών με σχετικά εύκολο τρόπο, δίνοντας τεράστια ώθηση στην ευρύτερη ανάπτυξη του πεδίου. Η εργασία αποσκοπεί στην δημιουργία ενός πλαισίου αξιολόγησης (evaluation framework) εφαρμογών συναίσθησης, το οποίο θα βασίζεται κυρίως στο πρότυπο ISO 9126. Για το σκοπό αυτό θα αναλυθεί το εν λόγω πρότυπο και θα εντοπιστούν οι ιδιαίτερες διαστάσεις των συστημάτων συναίσθησης (τα οποία θα αναλυθούν ως εφαρμογές διαδικτύου). Στη συνέχεια θα ομαδοποιηθούν τα χαρακτηριστικά τους και θα ενταχθούν στα τέσσερα στοιχεία εξωτερικής ποιότητας που προβλέπει το πρότυπο. Ως πεδίο εφαρμογής του πλαισίου θα χρησιμοποιηθεί η πλατφόρμα ASTRA, η οποία θα αξιολογηθεί με βάση αυτό. Για το σκοπό της εργασίας θα αναπτυχθούν και ορισμένες εφαρμογές συναίσθησης με τη χρήση της πλατφόρμας. / This thesis presents a quality evaluation framework for awareness systems. These are Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) systems, which support people’s needs to communicate and enhance their sense of presence. In general, quality is defined by the extent to which the software meets user needs and requirements. Our framework is based on the ISO9126 standard, which includes two quality dimensions, external and internal, and defines a set of quality criteria for each. We have chosen to adopt the end-user standpoint in evaluating awareness systems, thus we model only the four criteria groups of external quality, that is, functionality, usability, reliability and efficiency. Firstly, we present a brief introduction to software quality and the ISO9126 standard. Then, we present presence and awareness systems, and discuss their emergence and the needs they serve. We continue with a broad survey of presence and awareness systems and social software. For each of the surveyed systems (the list includes Facebook, MSN, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn et al), we present an extensive list of features, which support user/community management and application management. A comparative table summarizes the features of the systems surveyed. Based on this discussion, we develop the proposed evaluation framework, by listing detailed criteria for each of the four groups of external quality, according to ISO9126. For each group, we list two tables of criteria, one for community management evaluation and one for application evaluation. The criteria are sub-grouped into presentation, navigation, escalation, content, applications, communication, awareness, and connectedness. Each table is followed by a brief explanation of the criteria it contains and the range of values they assume. Then we present in detail ASTRA, the first pervasive CMC system that was designed and developed in order to enhance presence without requiring users to use a computer to join. ASTRA applies a pervasive computing interface on top of a social computing system, which supports community and awareness application management. The focus-nimbus model is used to describe the awareness framework and a novel connectedness theory is validated with the system. Finally, we evaluate and classify the presence and awareness systems, including ASTRA, according to the proposed evaluation framework.

Summary in English and Afrikaans / Crime is unwanted in any society because it brings about fear, anger and hatred. As people living in a world of constant change, we tend to strive for innovation which this research endeavours. The South African Police Service (SAPS) and all relevant role-players become partners in the fight against not only crime, but also community problems that threaten the well-being of inhabitants. Local Government is attempting to develop communities in municipal areas and SAPS primary function is to reduce crime. If crime is one of the main obstacles in improving the quality of life, then surely government authorities must take responsibility for local safety, and who better than these two key organisations taking the lead. This study investigates the roles of SAPS and Local Government in crime prevention in the Cape Winelands District Municipality; also whether their co-operation brings about fruitful results and what interventions are actively in place. It further explores whether their integrated approach has an impact on the safety and security of local communities. Lastly, it determines whether their collaboration is effective or not; and what additional improvements can be implemented, seeking new insights for future reference. Three hundred (300) questionnaires were distributed to senior management members of the SAPS and Local Government, as well as other relative stakeholders who contribute to increasing safety. Crime reduction influences all spheres of society, for example our economy, businesses, tourism etc. Reducing crime and building safer communities must be a priority for all South Africans. To achieve this, crime prevention programmes should be initiated at community level, since crime prevention involves responding to a few priority problems, using multi-agency approaches. Government legislation and policies urge both organisations to take the lead in implementing crime prevention projects which this study discovered. This analysis is not to re-invent the wheel but to find effective ways in strengthening partnership which leads to new knowledge in the field of crime prevention at local level. One of the basic needs of any community is the need for safety and security and this study aims to assist and contribute to increase safety using an integrated approach. / Enige samelewing het „n afkeur aan misdaad omdat dit angs, haat en negatiewe emosies aanwakker. Omdat die mensdom gedurig verandering in die gesig staar, poog hierdie navorsing om nuwe idees. Die Suid Afrikaanse Polisie Diens (SAPD) en ander rolspelers is vennote in die bekamping van misdaad, asook probleme wat die welstand van elke gemeenskap bedreig. Plaaslike owerhede beywer hulle om gemeenskappe te vestig terwyl misdaadbekamping die SAPD se primêre doel is. Hierdie studie ondersoek die rolle van die SAPD en plaaslike owerhede in die bekamping van misdaad binne die grense van die Wynland Distrikte Munisipailteit. Ook ondersoek hierdie studie of daar vrugbare uitslae en aktiewe maatreëls in plek is om misdaad hok te slaan. Verder ondersoek die studie of gesamentlike aksies enige impak op die gemeenskap se veiligheid en sekuriteit het. Ten laaste bepaal hierdie studie of die samewerking vrugte afwerp of nie; en watter nuwe metodes aangewend kan word ter verbetering in die lig van toekomstige vraagstukke rondom misdaad. Tydens hierdie studie is 300 vraelyste versprei onder senior lede van die SAPD en plaaslike regering sowel as ander gemeenskap rolspelers. Misdaadbekamping speel „n belangrike rol in enige gemeenskap aangesien dit „n impak het op die ekonomie, handel, toerisme, ens. Dus is die verlaging van die misdaad syfer en die bou van veilige gemeenskappe elke Suid-Afrikaner se plig. Om hierdie doel te bereik, verg samemerking tussen elke vennoot, aangesien misdaadbekamping elke persoon, organisasie en regerings department se prioriteit behoort te wees. Wetgewing moedig alle rolspelers aan en in hierdie geval, SAPD en plaaslike owerhede, om die voortou te neem tydens die implementering van projekte ter bekamping van misdaad. Hierdie studie se mikpunt is om effektiewe maniere te vind om die vennootskap in misdaadbekamping op plaaslike vlak te versterk. Die uiteindelike doel is om „n positiewe bydrae te maak in die basiese behoeftes van elke gemeenskap; om veiligheid en sekuriteit deur „n standpunt van vennootskap te ondersoek en te implementeer; en sodoende „n omgee kultuur in dié Distrik te verseker. / Police Practice / D. Litt. et Phil. (Police Science)

Summary in English and Afrikaans / Crime is unwanted in any society because it brings about fear, anger and hatred. As people living in a world of constant change, we tend to strive for innovation which this research endeavours. The South African Police Service (SAPS) and all relevant role-players become partners in the fight against not only crime, but also community problems that threaten the well-being of inhabitants. Local Government is attempting to develop communities in municipal areas and SAPS primary function is to reduce crime. If crime is one of the main obstacles in improving the quality of life, then surely government authorities must take responsibility for local safety, and who better than these two key organisations taking the lead. This study investigates the roles of SAPS and Local Government in crime prevention in the Cape Winelands District Municipality; also whether their co-operation brings about fruitful results and what interventions are actively in place. It further explores whether their integrated approach has an impact on the safety and security of local communities. Lastly, it determines whether their collaboration is effective or not; and what additional improvements can be implemented, seeking new insights for future reference. Three hundred (300) questionnaires were distributed to senior management members of the SAPS and Local Government, as well as other relative stakeholders who contribute to increasing safety. Crime reduction influences all spheres of society, for example our economy, businesses, tourism etc. Reducing crime and building safer communities must be a priority for all South Africans. To achieve this, crime prevention programmes should be initiated at community level, since crime prevention involves responding to a few priority problems, using multi-agency approaches. Government legislation and policies urge both organisations to take the lead in implementing crime prevention projects which this study discovered. This analysis is not to re-invent the wheel but to find effective ways in strengthening partnership which leads to new knowledge in the field of crime prevention at local level. One of the basic needs of any community is the need for safety and security and this study aims to assist and contribute to increase safety using an integrated approach. / Enige samelewing het „n afkeur aan misdaad omdat dit angs, haat en negatiewe emosies aanwakker. Omdat die mensdom gedurig verandering in die gesig staar, poog hierdie navorsing om nuwe idees. Die Suid Afrikaanse Polisie Diens (SAPD) en ander rolspelers is vennote in die bekamping van misdaad, asook probleme wat die welstand van elke gemeenskap bedreig. Plaaslike owerhede beywer hulle om gemeenskappe te vestig terwyl misdaadbekamping die SAPD se primêre doel is. Hierdie studie ondersoek die rolle van die SAPD en plaaslike owerhede in die bekamping van misdaad binne die grense van die Wynland Distrikte Munisipailteit. Ook ondersoek hierdie studie of daar vrugbare uitslae en aktiewe maatreëls in plek is om misdaad hok te slaan. Verder ondersoek die studie of gesamentlike aksies enige impak op die gemeenskap se veiligheid en sekuriteit het. Ten laaste bepaal hierdie studie of die samewerking vrugte afwerp of nie; en watter nuwe metodes aangewend kan word ter verbetering in die lig van toekomstige vraagstukke rondom misdaad. Tydens hierdie studie is 300 vraelyste versprei onder senior lede van die SAPD en plaaslike regering sowel as ander gemeenskap rolspelers. Misdaadbekamping speel „n belangrike rol in enige gemeenskap aangesien dit „n impak het op die ekonomie, handel, toerisme, ens. Dus is die verlaging van die misdaad syfer en die bou van veilige gemeenskappe elke Suid-Afrikaner se plig. Om hierdie doel te bereik, verg samemerking tussen elke vennoot, aangesien misdaadbekamping elke persoon, organisasie en regerings department se prioriteit behoort te wees. Wetgewing moedig alle rolspelers aan en in hierdie geval, SAPD en plaaslike owerhede, om die voortou te neem tydens die implementering van projekte ter bekamping van misdaad. Hierdie studie se mikpunt is om effektiewe maniere te vind om die vennootskap in misdaadbekamping op plaaslike vlak te versterk. Die uiteindelike doel is om „n positiewe bydrae te maak in die basiese behoeftes van elke gemeenskap; om veiligheid en sekuriteit deur „n standpunt van vennootskap te ondersoek en te implementeer; en sodoende „n omgee kultuur in dié Distrik te verseker. / Police Practice / D. Litt. et Phil. (Police Science)