Due to the impact of active matrix liquid crystal display (LCD), twisted nematic (TN)/super-twisted nematic display (STN) industry confronts the market recession worldwide. Therefore, STN-LCD companies try to seek another development opportunity positively. However, developing new market can not be achieved in the short term. Some corporations actively strengthen their competitive advantage by technical innovation in order to possess more important position in the industry. This research apply case study method and chose E-Company as sample company who ranked the third in Taiwan STN-LCD industry in terms of production capacity to find out the business model of E-Company through literature generalization, strategies analysis of rivals and enterprise interview. This study found that the business model of E-Company is that strengthening the ability of horizontal integration and expanding the application field of display. By way of business process reengineering (BPR) and implementing product life-cycle management (PLM) system, E-Company integrates the products of downstream customers and offers technical support and services during concept planning phase of product development. Customers and suppliers can early involve the product development and reduce the cost of design change via collaborative design. Besides, collaborative design offers E-Company the capability to integrate the design chain information about product development and reduce time to market. Key word: Business Model, Business Process Reengineering (BPR), Product Life-cycle Management (PLM), Collaborative Product Design (CPD)

This thesis investigates teachers’ perceptions of continuing professional development (CPD) in Germany and Sweden with a questionnaire study comprising a total of 711 mainly lower secondary teachers. Three conceptual terms are elaborated and explained. Teachers act in a CPD marketplace that is constituted by several sources of knowledge which offer opportunities for teachers’ development. How teachers act in the marketplace is a key part of their CPD culture. The study reveals similarities in the two cases regarding the importance of colleagues as well as informal development activities, but there are also significant differences. One the one hand, German teachers can be described as more active in their CPD than their Swedish colleagues in relation to particular aspects of their profession such as assessment, and more suspicious of knowledge from elsewhere, on the other. In order to understand the differences, I argue for an extended focus on the impact of the national context, in terms of socially and historically significant structures and traditions of the teaching profession. The thesis focuses on a crucial aspect with a particular explanatory value for differing CPD tendencies in various national contexts: Autonomy from a governance perspective. This phenomenon, which does indeed change across time and space, is investigated from a socio-historical perspective in both contexts, building on Margaret Archer’s analytic dualism of structure and agency, and a dual pronged model of teacher autonomy. The latter distinguishes institutional autonomy, regarding legal or status issues, from service autonomy related to the practical issues in schools and classrooms. Since these dimensions can be either extended or restricted, different categories evolve which enable us to understand the differences between the two cases. Finally, by using the findings on the German and Swedish teaching profession, a theoretical framework is presented that relates the certain forms of teacher autonomy in particular national contexts to likely CPD cultures that teachers share.

Oil analysis is a broad field comprised of hundreds of individual tests that provide meaningful benefit by assessing one or more properties of lubricants or machines. Many tests are performed on new types of oil during research and development. The lubricants chemical, physical, or lubricating properties are validated for quality control purposes and product performance classification. Much of the research in this area is devoted to the online oil degradation systems which allow getting a prompt response about the condition of lubricant. This thesis investigates the concept for monitoring oil degradation with a vibrating Kelvin probe technique. The Vibrating Kelvin probe method for measuring the work function of metals has been used since 1932. Among the applications of this technique are adsorption, corrosion, friction and other studies. A novel application of this method is proposed in this thesis. The vibrating Kelvin system was created with one static surface acting as a sampling surface and the other one electrically isolated. The interaction of the oil with one of the surfaces of a capacitor results in a signal which is synchronously measured. The oil molecules adsorb on the surface of one of the plates and form a space charge layer which changes the work function of that surface. Oil prepared by intentional oxidation was used to evaluate and to monitor the ability to see changes in oil.

The National Strategy for Science was progressively introduced from 2002 with the intention of providing a clear structure for improved delivery of the subject in secondary schools. Through a series of scripted training events, supported by printed resources, the intention was to provide science teachers with a clear framework for sequential teaching of key themes through the use of pedagogy intended to involve the students in their own learning. After several years, the nature of the National Strategy shifted to concentrate on the support of subject leaders, and the Strategy is planned to end in 2011. The current school cohorts have all experienced the teaching of science since the introduction of the Strategy, and should therefore have benefitted from the improved delivery, intended to create improved outcomes and more positive attitudes towards science. By means of a case study investigation in 2008 in a single school, the impact of the National Strategy was explored. By means of a range of qualitative methods, including questionnaires, interviews and lesson observations, it was possible to investigate the extent to which National Strategy ideas had become embedded in the daily routines of the science teachers, and the extent to which students viewed science positively. The study focused on Y7 (soon after entry to the school), Y9 (prior to the SATs examinations) and Y11 (during the run-up to GCSE). An initial study four years previously was used to provide an indication of changes during the life of the Strategy, and to indicate trends. In addition, sampling in other schools was used to determine whether the questionnaire results were atypical. The results showed that the Strategy had largely failed to become embedded in normal classroom practice, with little evidence of teachers making good use of the pedagogy or the structured delivery that was central to the Strategy message. The reasons for this failure were: • The expectation that centrally-delivered training would be effectively cascaded by one individual to other teachers in the school, • The failure to concentrate on a few simple messages or themes, repeatedly delivered and reinforced in subsequent training, • The introduction of a plethora of other initiatives, each demanding teacher time, and diluting efforts to focus attention on the National Strategy themes. As a result, the science teachers in 2008 showed less understanding of the Strategy than teachers in 2004, and their use of techniques such as the three-part lesson and enquiry-based learning were less evident. The Strategy was to be a mechanism to improve examination results and to improve student attitudes to science. The examination results are shown to be largely stagnant over this period 2003-2008, and the attitudes of students towards science are shown to become less positive during their time in secondary school. The key finding, therefore, is that the Strategy failed in its aims because it failed to listen to its own message. It failed to recognise that teachers, just as much as students, need simple messages, repeatedly delivered in innovative ways, in order to learn and fully internalise these ideas.

Esta dissertação propõe e implementa um método para decidir pela melhor alternativa de processar dados (documentos) digitados em computadores instalados em uma rede hierárquica, em que a configuração típica é um computador central e vários minicomputadores instalados em unidades regionais descentralizadas. As principais alternativas são: - realizar a consistência dos documentos de maneire mais centralizada ou distribuída; - realizar os processamentos das unidades regionais na unidade central, de forma seqüencial ou paralela; - transmitir um número maior ou menor de lotes de documentos das unidades regionais para a unidade central de processamento. O campo de soluções é, na realidade, uma função contínua, e por isso forma um vasto conjunto de alternativas, sendo que uma organização deve decidir-se por uma delas, tendo em vista os objetivos e recursos de que dispõe. Na prática, porém, esta escolha organizacional é condicionada por complexos procedimentos operacionais e inúmeros valores dentro do ambiente em que ocorre. Geralmente não é a melhor escolha, mas aquela que resulta da estratégia emergente, estruturada ao longo do tempo, de maneira informal, através de inúmeras intuições e experiências. Como resultado, esseprocesso é muitas vezes lento e complexo demais para ir sendo descoberto pelas poucas experiências que são realizadas na prática. Por isso, este estudo propõe e implementa um método de busca da solução final através de técnicas mais racionais e eficientes, tais como a de simulação e a de heurística. Os seus resultados são analisados e validados, dentro do contexto da administração de sistemas de entrada de dados. A automatização desse processo de escolha permite que uma organização tenha uma melhor compreensão do problema em si e oferece bases para a formação e formulação de políticas e estratégias na sua área de informática. / This dissertation proposes and implementa a method for choosing the best alternative to process data (documents) digitized in computers installed in a hierarchycal network, in which the typical configuration is a central computer and various microcomputers installed in decentralized regional units. The main alternatives are: - To accomplish the consistency of the documents in a more centralized or distributed manner; - To accomplish the processing of the regional units io the central unit, in a sequencial or parailel form; - To transmit a greater or smaller number of batches of documents from the regional units to the central unit of processing. The field of solutions is, in reality, a continuous function. So it forms a vast set of alternatives. An organization should decide for one of them, having in mind the objectives and resources available. In practice, however, this organizational choice is conditioned by complex operational procedures and numerous value judgernents within the environment where it occurs. Usually, it is not the best choice, but that one whic results from an emerging strategy, informally structured through time, and through many intuitiOns and experiments. As a result, this process is often too slow and complex to be discovered in few practical experiments. This study proposes and implements a method for searching the final solution, through more rational and efficient techniques, such as simulation and heuristics. The results are analised and validated, within the context of management of input data systems. The automation of this search process allows an organization to have a better understanding of the problem and offers a basis for policy and strategy formulation in the area of information processing.

Esta dissertação propõe e implementa um método para decidir pela melhor alternativa de processar dados (documentos) digitados em computadores instalados em uma rede hierárquica, em que a configuração típica é um computador central e vários minicomputadores instalados em unidades regionais descentralizadas. As principais alternativas são: - realizar a consistência dos documentos de maneire mais centralizada ou distribuída; - realizar os processamentos das unidades regionais na unidade central, de forma seqüencial ou paralela; - transmitir um número maior ou menor de lotes de documentos das unidades regionais para a unidade central de processamento. O campo de soluções é, na realidade, uma função contínua, e por isso forma um vasto conjunto de alternativas, sendo que uma organização deve decidir-se por uma delas, tendo em vista os objetivos e recursos de que dispõe. Na prática, porém, esta escolha organizacional é condicionada por complexos procedimentos operacionais e inúmeros valores dentro do ambiente em que ocorre. Geralmente não é a melhor escolha, mas aquela que resulta da estratégia emergente, estruturada ao longo do tempo, de maneira informal, através de inúmeras intuições e experiências. Como resultado, esseprocesso é muitas vezes lento e complexo demais para ir sendo descoberto pelas poucas experiências que são realizadas na prática. Por isso, este estudo propõe e implementa um método de busca da solução final através de técnicas mais racionais e eficientes, tais como a de simulação e a de heurística. Os seus resultados são analisados e validados, dentro do contexto da administração de sistemas de entrada de dados. A automatização desse processo de escolha permite que uma organização tenha uma melhor compreensão do problema em si e oferece bases para a formação e formulação de políticas e estratégias na sua área de informática. / This dissertation proposes and implementa a method for choosing the best alternative to process data (documents) digitized in computers installed in a hierarchycal network, in which the typical configuration is a central computer and various microcomputers installed in decentralized regional units. The main alternatives are: - To accomplish the consistency of the documents in a more centralized or distributed manner; - To accomplish the processing of the regional units io the central unit, in a sequencial or parailel form; - To transmit a greater or smaller number of batches of documents from the regional units to the central unit of processing. The field of solutions is, in reality, a continuous function. So it forms a vast set of alternatives. An organization should decide for one of them, having in mind the objectives and resources available. In practice, however, this organizational choice is conditioned by complex operational procedures and numerous value judgernents within the environment where it occurs. Usually, it is not the best choice, but that one whic results from an emerging strategy, informally structured through time, and through many intuitiOns and experiments. As a result, this process is often too slow and complex to be discovered in few practical experiments. This study proposes and implements a method for searching the final solution, through more rational and efficient techniques, such as simulation and heuristics. The results are analised and validated, within the context of management of input data systems. The automation of this search process allows an organization to have a better understanding of the problem and offers a basis for policy and strategy formulation in the area of information processing.

A ideia de descentralização do processamento de informações nas organizações tem levado a opção pelo uso cada vez mais freqüente dos microcomputadores, devido a sua possibilidade de dupla função, quais sejam, o uso como terminal e o uso isolado para aplicações menores. A implementação dessa filosofia leva criação de Centros de Informações. Entretanto, apesar da acortada política estratégica adotada por diversas organizag6es a este respeito, as normas operacionais normalmente em vigor não provocam o nível de cultura e de atenção preconizados. Com isso, não ha uma efetiva conscientização tanto das chefias quanto dos potenciais usuários, o que acarreta um baixo nível de utilização dos recursos. Torna-se evidente a falta de uma linha geral de ação e de uma homogeneidade na exploração dos recursos de microinformática disponíveis para o usuário final. É nesse sentido que se enquadra esta pesquisa, tratando-se de uma tentativa de padronização das atividades com micro e supermicrocomputador no Âmbito das organizações, com o intuito de melhorar o seu nível de eficiência e eficácia. Para tal, elaborou-se um manual com diretrizes de conducto técnico-administrativa, o qual foi implementado experimentalmente em 20 Seções de Informática (SI) do Ministério do Exército. Esse procedimento foi validado utilizando-se um desenho experimental com grupo de controle. Foi realizada uma pró-testagem em 96 SI (população da época) e, apos, foram selecionadas 40 SI, sendo realizada a intervenção (aplicação do manual) em 20 SI e controlada a alto do tempo nas outras 20 SI (as quais não tomaram conhecimento do manual). Após 4 meses, foi realizada nova coleta de dados das 40 SI. A análise dos dados indicou, claramente, resultados positivos na maioria das dimensões estudadas. Logo, concluí-se pelo sucesso da experimentação e, consequentemente, pela relevância do manual para melhorar o nível de atividades e a organização das SI. / The idea of decentralization of information processing within organizations has led to the ever-increasing utilization of microcomputers, since they can be used as terminals linked to mainframes or independently, in smaller applications. The implementation of this philosophy has induced several organizations to develop the so called Information Centers. However, despite the correct policy at the strategic level, the operational rules which usually are set do not generate the level of culture and attention recommended. There is no effective awareness, both on the part of management and of potential users, leading to a low level of utilization of the resources. Several organizations lack a general line of action to homogeneously exploit the microinformatic resources available to the end user. This study, developed at PPGA/UFRGS, is an attempt to standardize the activities performed using micro and supermicrocomputers so as to improve their level of efficiency and effectiveness. With this purpose, a manual containing a set of good administrative practices was developed and experimentally tested in the Information Sections (IS) of the Brazilian Army. The procedure was validated using an experimental design with control group. After a preliminary survey conducted a:, 96 IS (the population at that time), 40 IS were selected, 20 of which would get to know the manual (experimental group) and 20 that would form the control group. After 4 months, all 40 IS were again scrutinized. The analysis of the data clearly indicates positive results in most of the dimensions studied. Thus, we conclude that the knowledge of the manual improve the level of efficiency and effectiveness of IS, as well as their general organization.

A ideia de descentralização do processamento de informações nas organizações tem levado a opção pelo uso cada vez mais freqüente dos microcomputadores, devido a sua possibilidade de dupla função, quais sejam, o uso como terminal e o uso isolado para aplicações menores. A implementação dessa filosofia leva criação de Centros de Informações. Entretanto, apesar da acortada política estratégica adotada por diversas organizag6es a este respeito, as normas operacionais normalmente em vigor não provocam o nível de cultura e de atenção preconizados. Com isso, não ha uma efetiva conscientização tanto das chefias quanto dos potenciais usuários, o que acarreta um baixo nível de utilização dos recursos. Torna-se evidente a falta de uma linha geral de ação e de uma homogeneidade na exploração dos recursos de microinformática disponíveis para o usuário final. É nesse sentido que se enquadra esta pesquisa, tratando-se de uma tentativa de padronização das atividades com micro e supermicrocomputador no Âmbito das organizações, com o intuito de melhorar o seu nível de eficiência e eficácia. Para tal, elaborou-se um manual com diretrizes de conducto técnico-administrativa, o qual foi implementado experimentalmente em 20 Seções de Informática (SI) do Ministério do Exército. Esse procedimento foi validado utilizando-se um desenho experimental com grupo de controle. Foi realizada uma pró-testagem em 96 SI (população da época) e, apos, foram selecionadas 40 SI, sendo realizada a intervenção (aplicação do manual) em 20 SI e controlada a alto do tempo nas outras 20 SI (as quais não tomaram conhecimento do manual). Após 4 meses, foi realizada nova coleta de dados das 40 SI. A análise dos dados indicou, claramente, resultados positivos na maioria das dimensões estudadas. Logo, concluí-se pelo sucesso da experimentação e, consequentemente, pela relevância do manual para melhorar o nível de atividades e a organização das SI. / The idea of decentralization of information processing within organizations has led to the ever-increasing utilization of microcomputers, since they can be used as terminals linked to mainframes or independently, in smaller applications. The implementation of this philosophy has induced several organizations to develop the so called Information Centers. However, despite the correct policy at the strategic level, the operational rules which usually are set do not generate the level of culture and attention recommended. There is no effective awareness, both on the part of management and of potential users, leading to a low level of utilization of the resources. Several organizations lack a general line of action to homogeneously exploit the microinformatic resources available to the end user. This study, developed at PPGA/UFRGS, is an attempt to standardize the activities performed using micro and supermicrocomputers so as to improve their level of efficiency and effectiveness. With this purpose, a manual containing a set of good administrative practices was developed and experimentally tested in the Information Sections (IS) of the Brazilian Army. The procedure was validated using an experimental design with control group. After a preliminary survey conducted a:, 96 IS (the population at that time), 40 IS were selected, 20 of which would get to know the manual (experimental group) and 20 that would form the control group. After 4 months, all 40 IS were again scrutinized. The analysis of the data clearly indicates positive results in most of the dimensions studied. Thus, we conclude that the knowledge of the manual improve the level of efficiency and effectiveness of IS, as well as their general organization.

Esta dissertação propõe e implementa um método para decidir pela melhor alternativa de processar dados (documentos) digitados em computadores instalados em uma rede hierárquica, em que a configuração típica é um computador central e vários minicomputadores instalados em unidades regionais descentralizadas. As principais alternativas são: - realizar a consistência dos documentos de maneire mais centralizada ou distribuída; - realizar os processamentos das unidades regionais na unidade central, de forma seqüencial ou paralela; - transmitir um número maior ou menor de lotes de documentos das unidades regionais para a unidade central de processamento. O campo de soluções é, na realidade, uma função contínua, e por isso forma um vasto conjunto de alternativas, sendo que uma organização deve decidir-se por uma delas, tendo em vista os objetivos e recursos de que dispõe. Na prática, porém, esta escolha organizacional é condicionada por complexos procedimentos operacionais e inúmeros valores dentro do ambiente em que ocorre. Geralmente não é a melhor escolha, mas aquela que resulta da estratégia emergente, estruturada ao longo do tempo, de maneira informal, através de inúmeras intuições e experiências. Como resultado, esseprocesso é muitas vezes lento e complexo demais para ir sendo descoberto pelas poucas experiências que são realizadas na prática. Por isso, este estudo propõe e implementa um método de busca da solução final através de técnicas mais racionais e eficientes, tais como a de simulação e a de heurística. Os seus resultados são analisados e validados, dentro do contexto da administração de sistemas de entrada de dados. A automatização desse processo de escolha permite que uma organização tenha uma melhor compreensão do problema em si e oferece bases para a formação e formulação de políticas e estratégias na sua área de informática. / This dissertation proposes and implementa a method for choosing the best alternative to process data (documents) digitized in computers installed in a hierarchycal network, in which the typical configuration is a central computer and various microcomputers installed in decentralized regional units. The main alternatives are: - To accomplish the consistency of the documents in a more centralized or distributed manner; - To accomplish the processing of the regional units io the central unit, in a sequencial or parailel form; - To transmit a greater or smaller number of batches of documents from the regional units to the central unit of processing. The field of solutions is, in reality, a continuous function. So it forms a vast set of alternatives. An organization should decide for one of them, having in mind the objectives and resources available. In practice, however, this organizational choice is conditioned by complex operational procedures and numerous value judgernents within the environment where it occurs. Usually, it is not the best choice, but that one whic results from an emerging strategy, informally structured through time, and through many intuitiOns and experiments. As a result, this process is often too slow and complex to be discovered in few practical experiments. This study proposes and implements a method for searching the final solution, through more rational and efficient techniques, such as simulation and heuristics. The results are analised and validated, within the context of management of input data systems. The automation of this search process allows an organization to have a better understanding of the problem and offers a basis for policy and strategy formulation in the area of information processing.

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