Web-based service providers have long been required to deliver high quality services in accordance with standards and customer requirements. Increasingly, however, providers are required to think beyond service quality and develop a deeper understanding of their customers’ Quality of Experience (QoE). Whilst models exist that assess the QoE of Web Application, significant challenges remain in defining QoE factors from a Web engineering perspective, as well as mapping between so called ‘objective’ and ‘subjective’ factors of relevance. Specifically, the following challenges are considered as general fundamental problems for assessing QoE: (1) Quantifying the relationship between QoE factors; (2) predicting QoE as well as dealing with the limited data available in relation to subjective factors; (3) optimising and controlling QoE; and (4) perceiving QoE. In response, this research presents a novel model, called QoEWA (and associated software instantiation) that integrates factors through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Key Quality Indicators (KQIs). The mapping is incorporated into a correlation model that assesses QoE, in particular, that of Web Application, with a consideration of defining the factors in terms of quality requirements derived from web architecture. The data resulting from the mapping is used as input for the proposed model to develop artefacts that: quantify, predict, optimise and perceive QoE. The development of QoEWA is framed and guided by Design Science Research (DSR) approach, with the purpose of enabling providers to make more informed decisions regarding QoE and/or to optimise resources accordingly. The evaluation of the designed artefacts is based on a build-and-evaluate cycle that provides feedback and a better understanding of the utilised solutions. The key artefacts are developed and evaluated through four iterations: Iteration 1 utilises the Actual Versus-Target approach to quantify QoE, and applies statistical analysis to evaluate the outputs. Iteration 2: utilises a Machine Learning (ML) approach to predict QoE, and applies statistical tests to compare the performance of ML algorithms. Iteration 3 utilises the Multi-Objective Optimisation (MOO) approach to optimise QoE and control the balance between resources and user experience. Iteration 4 utilises the Agent-Based Modelling approach to perceive and gain insights into QoE. The design of iteration 4 is rigorously tested using verified and validated models.

Esta pesquisa foi motivada pela observação de um problema prático com potenciais contribuições teóricas. O problema em questão é a dificuldade de gerenciar projetos complexos de construção de modo que os objetivos estratégicos de sua implementação sejam alcançados, problema observado em um complexo programa de reestruturação urbana na cidade de Porto Alegre. Estudos indicam que nas últimas décadas houve um aumento na complexidade de gestão de projetos que resultou em desafios para as práticas gerenciais tradicionalmente adotadas. Alguns autores relacionam esse aumento de complexidade com uma demanda, cada vez maior, de compreender como projetos estão alinhados com os objetivos estratégicos e como irão contribuir para a geração dos benefícios esperados pelos diversos agentes intervenientes de um projeto. Dentro deste contexto, a falta de suporte dado pelas tradicionais praticas gerenciais é apontada. As críticas focam não só na falta de alinhamento estratégico e na dificuldade de gerenciar interesses conflitantes, mas também na dificuldade de lidar com a susceptibilidade desses projetos ao contexto politico, econômico e social no qual se inserem, e com a dinâmica desse contexto. Dentro deste contexto, foram identificadas duas abordagens gerenciais que emergem no contexto da construção civil em resposta às deficiências observadas: a Benefits Realisation Approach (BeReal) e o Lean Project Delivery System (LPDS). O foco da literatura existente sobre essas abordagens é predominantemente de caráter prescritivo, oferecendo modelos e métodos para sua aplicação. Identificou-se portanto a necessidade de avaliar a contribuição dessas abordagens para lidar com os desafios observados e contribuir para a melhoria do suporte a geração de valor em projetos complexos. Uma terceira abordagem, a Logical Framework Approach (LFA), utilizada no programa onde o problema foi identificado, também foi avaliada, pois é sugerido na literatura que ela oferece suporte para lidar com alguns aspectos da complexidade dos projetos. O processo de pesquisa envolveu as principais etapas de Design Science Research: encontrar um problema prático e com potencial para contribuição teórica, obter um entendimento deste problema, desenvolver ou identificar potencial solução, testar a solução, avaliando sua utilidade, e avaliar a contribuição teórica desta solução. Neste estudo, ênfase foi dada à avaliação das potenciais soluções identificadas. Três estudos empíricos foram realizados: o primeiro teve como objetivo entender o problema - programa de reestruturação urbana em Porto Alegre/Brasil; o segundo para avaliar as contribuições da adoção da BeReal em um programa de reestruturação de um campus hospitalar em Brighton/Inglaterra; e o terceiro para avaliar as contribuições do LPDS em um projeto de um hospital em San Carlos/Estados Unidos. Os três estudos apresentam diferentes contribuições gerenciais para o suporte a geração de valor em projetos complexos de construção. Tais contribuições são explicadas com base em um referencial teórico desenvolvido, formando um modelo conceitual que explica as mudanças necessárias no contexto de gestão de empreendimentos complexos para um melhor foco na geração de valor e como as diferentes praticas observadas e mecanismos de suporte contribuem para esta mudança. / This research was motivated by a practical problem with potential theoretical contributions. The problem in hand is the difficulty to generate value in complex construction projects, a problem observed in a large urban regeneration programme in Porto Alegre. Past research indicate that in the last decades there was an increase in project complexity, posing challenges to traditional managerial practices. According to some authors, such complexity is partially due to an increasing concern to understand how project’s outputs contribute to generating change and delivering benefits to different stakeholder groups. Within this context, the lack of managerial support provided by traditional project management approaches is pointed out. Firstly because such approaches generally focus on the delivery of a physical product, within time and budget. Secondly, they do not provide support for dealing with the conflicting interests of multiple stakeholders. And thirdly because they do not properly consider that projects are susceptible to their economic, social and political context and subject to changes in such environment. In this research, two managerial approaches that are being used in the construction industry were identified as having potential contributions to improve value generation in complex projects: the Benefits Realisation Approach (BeReal) and the Lean Project Delivery System (LPDS). The literature available about these approaches is mainly prescriptive. Thus, there is still a need to understand why and how such approaches contribute for value generation. A third approach, the Logical Framework Approach (LFA) used where the problem was identified, was also analysed, as the literature suggests it also offers contributions to deal with some aspects of complexity. This research followed a Design Science Research process: finding a practical problem with potential theoretical contributions, framing the problem and searching for potential solutions, understanding how and why the solutions contribute for solving the problem and analyse the theoretical contributions of the solutions. In this study, emphasis was given to the evaluation of potential solutions identified. Three empirical cases were realised: the first one was in a urban regeneration programme in Brazil, aiming to understand the problem; the second was realised in a healthcare infrastructure programme in the UK, to analyse the adoption of BeReal; and the third in a healthcare infrastructure programme in the US, to analyse the adoption of LPDS. The three studies presented different managerial contributions to support value generation. Such contributions are analysed based on a conceptual framework that was devised. The model reveals the underlying concepts of observed managerial practices that contribute towards the improvement of value generation.

La gestion interorganisationnelle des connaissances est une préoccupation croissante des organisations et, en particulier, de celles oeuvrant pour la dissuasion nucléaire française. Elle contribue à la maîtrise des connaissances nécessaires à la réussite d'un projet sur lequel plusieurs entreprises collaborent. Conduite à la Direction des applications militaires du Commissariat à l'énergie atomique, notre thèse s'intéresse au processus selon lequel une organisation cliente peut participer à la façon dont un fournisseur crée, conserve, transfert et applique les connaissances relatives aux prestations qu'elle lui achète. En ciblant la relation client / fournisseur stratégique, la recherche aborde un aspect peu exploré de la gestion interorganisationnelle des connaissances : le contrôle de la gestion des connaissances d'un fournisseur stratégique. Retenant, comme définition, que le contrôle de la gestion des connaissances d'un fournisseur stratégique est l'influence qu'un client peut exercer sur la façon dont il gère ses connaissances, la recherche démontre qu'il permet à un client de participer à la gestion des connaissances d'un fournisseur stratégique. A partir d'une approche ingénierique, notre thèse appréhende cet objet de recherche en s'appuyant sur la conception d'un guide méthodologique, proposant une démarche dédiée. Les résultats de la recherche aboutissent à la conception d'une démarche constituée de quatre étapes successives. Sa mise en oeuvre pourrait, si elle était engagée, aider un client à contrôler la gestion des connaissances d'un fournisseur stratégique et, in fine, permettre la maîtrise des connaissances relatives aux prestations qu'il lui livre. / Interorganizational knowledge management is a growing concern for organizations and, in particular, for those which belong to the French nuclear deterrence. It contributes to the mastery of knowledges required for the success of a project implying several companies. Carried out in the military applications Division of the French atomic energy Commission, our PhD thesis looks at the process allowing a client organization to participate to the way a supplier acquire, conserve, transfer and apply knowledges relevant to the deliveries that it purchased. Focusing on the client / strategic supplier relationship, the research addresses an unexplored aspect of interorganizational knowledge management: the knowledge management control of a strategic supplier. Since knowledge management control of a strategic supplier can be defined as the influence that a customer may have on how a strategic supplier manages its knowledge, research demonstrates that it allows the client to participate in knowledge management deployed by the strategic supplier. From a design science approach, our PhD thesis deals with this research object owing to the design of a methodological guide which proposes a dedicated process. The results of the research lead to the design of a process which consists in four stages. If it was in use, the process implementation could help a customer to control knowledge management of a strategic supplier and, finally, enable the mastery of knowledges related to the purchased deliveries.

Die Integration von Produkten und Dienstleistungen zu einem nutzenstiftenden Leistungsbündel und das damit einhergehende ökonomische und ökologische Potenzial ist auch heute noch mittel- bzw. unmittelbarer Gegenstand vielfältiger Untersuchungen in Wissenschaft und Praxis. Als Konzept hat die Hybride Wertschöpfung viele Merkmale wie die Interdisziplinarität bei der Leistungserstellung, die Substituierbarkeit von Bestandteilen oder die Ausrichtung am gesamten Lebenszyklus geprägt, welche auch in vielen anderen Konzepten Anwendung finden. Trotzdem hat sie als etablierte Betrachtungsweise bislang keine umfassende Erweiterung erfahren, mit der sie beispielsweise die seit vielen Jahren vorherrschende Digitalisierung von Produkten und Dienstleistungen durch Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologie nutzen und integrieren kann. Stattdessen entstehen neue, analoge und teilweise konkurrierende Konzepte, welche die Bildung eines theoretischen Kerns hemmen. Die vorliegende Dissertation adressiert diese Fragestellung und entwickelt einen Ansatz, mit dem die informationsbasierte Integration von Produkten und Dienstleistungen und damit die Nutzung der Digitalisierungspotenziale gelingen kann. Damit folgt die Arbeit dem anwendungs- und schnittstellenorientierten Anspruch der Wirtschaftsinformatik und generiert Ergebnisse in den folgenden Bereichen: (1) Identifikation von Anforderungen an die Entwicklung informationsbasierte hybrider Leistungsbündel, (2) konzeptuelle Zusammenführung der unterschiedlichen Komponenten Produkt und Dienstleistung sowie (3) die prototypische Implementierung einer Plattformlösung zur Unterstützung der Entwicklung entsprechender Leistungsbündel. Die Arbeit leistet somit einen wesentlichen Beitrag zur systemischen Weiterentwicklung des Hybriden Wertschöpfungskonzepts, um als etabliertes Rahmenwerk weiterhin Bestand zu haben und für die Erklärung und Entwicklung neuer Leistungsportfolios verwendbar zu sein.

I takt med att marknaden för robotgräsklippare ökar så är pressen högre på företag att deras produkt ska vara robust. Detta kan uppnås genom att testerna som görs på robotgräsklipparen testas så fort som möjligt. Genom att skapa en simulering där alla tester genomförs istället för att köra testerna på en fysisk robotgräsklippare kan detta uppnås och utifrån detta utformades forskningsfrågan. För att skapa simuleringen undersöktes först mjukvaror vilket ansågs lämpliga för att utveckla en simulator, detta gjordes via en fallstudie. Dessa har sedan analyserats och jämförts för att till slut bestämma de som ansetts bäst att använda. Med hjälp av de så startade en utveckling av en simulator där hjul- och kollisionsdata hämtades från en fysisk robotgräsklippare och skickades till en virtuell robotgräsklippare. Den färdigställda simulatorn utvärderades vid slutet av arbetet med hjälp av experiment där författarna observerade och jämförde rörelsen hos den fysiska och virtuella robotgräsklipparen. För att utföra denna uppgift så tillämpade arbetet metoden Design science research där det arbetades iterativt vid utvecklingen av simulatorn. Resultatet visar på att det är möjligt att skapa en simulator med de valda mjukvarorna ROS och Gazebo där man kan genomföra simulerade tester. Arbetet visar på ökad kunskap där data från en fysisk robotgräsklippare kan implementeras i 3D-simulatorn Gazebo via ramverket ROS. Studien kan användas som riktlinje i liknande projekt när det kommer till val av mjukvaror och om de är lämpliga. Arbetet begränsas till enbart hjul- och kollisionsdata från den fysiska robotgräsklipparen.

Developing complex sociotechnical systems often involves integrating new technology into existing systems by applying systems engineering processes. This requires an understanding of the problem space and the possible impact of the new technology. Systems engineering uses modelling to explore the structural, functional, and operational elements of the problem and solution space (Hitchins 2008). Historically, systems engineering has however struggled with complex sociotechnical systems projects, as it cannot cope with the dynamic behaviour of complex sociotechnical systems. The hypothesis of this thesis is that addressing the contribution of humans performing work in a complex, constrained and dynamic environment using modelling will result in a better understanding in the analysis phase; it should also lead to improved requirements, designs, selection of technologies, and implementation strategies, enabling sociotechnical systems to cope with complex operating environments. A sociotechnical system consists of humans applying technology to perform work through processes within a social structure (organisation) aimed at achieving a defined objective (Bostrom & Heinen 1977, Walker et al. 2009). Work can become complex due to non-linear and dynamic interaction among the people themselves, among people and technology, as well as among people and the environment. Complexity may lead to “wicked and messy” problems, as many unintended or unpredicted consequences may be experienced. The new technology may also lead to new task possibilities that evolve user requirements (Carroll & Rosson 1992). Systems engineering, as developed in the 1950s, forms the basis of developing systems, including sociotechnical systems. Classic systems engineering processes assume that problems can be isolated and decomposed, making the development of complex sociotechnical systems difficult. One way to improve the success of systems engineering is to ensure that the problem to be solved is properly understood. Analysis of the problem and solution space involves capturing and modelling the knowledge and mental models of the stakeholders, to support understanding the system’s requirements. A good description of the problem situation through a model is the first step towards designing and developing a solution. The aim of this study is to develop and demonstrate a modelling methodology for complex sociotechnical systems, in support of the systems engineering process. The two approaches used in the modelling methodology are cognitive work analysis and system dynamics. Cognitive work analysis is a framework for analysing the way people perform work in an organisation, while taking the environmental constraints into consideration. The outputs of cognitive work analysis are constructs or models that capture the structure of the problem. Functions provided by different technological elements are linked to the functional requirements of the system, to achieve its purpose (Lintern 2012). However, cognitive work analysis is limited in investigating the dynamic effect of decisions and policies on the system (Cummings 2006). The dynamic behaviour of complex sociotechnical systems can be analysed using system dynamics, which uses the structure of the system in simulation. System dynamics analyse the effect of feedback and delays on operating the system, as a result of decisions based on policies (Sterman 2000). The design science research framework, which also supports the research design of this thesis, is used to implement the modelling and structure the methodology. Design science research aims at creating technology for a human purpose, unlike the natural sciences, which are geared towards attempting to understand and define reality (March & Smith 1995). The proposed methodology is demonstrated in a case study using modelling and analysis of the impact of a new collaboration technology on command and control systems. Command and control is a good example of a complex sociotechnical system, as humans use technology to assemble and analyse information for situation assessment in support of planning operations (Walker et al. 2009). These systems are also used to control the successful implementation of plans in constrained and variable operating environments. The modelling methodology is demonstrated by modelling and assessing the effect of a new command and control technology for border safeguarding operations, anti-poaching operations and community policing forums. The new technology to be implemented in these complex sociotechnical systems is called “Cmore”. It is a web-based collaboration system that uses smartphones to capture information and track users. Even though the three demonstrations constitute similar systems, the different contextual situations result in diverse behaviour and issues to be investigated. The demonstrations centre on the functions of situation awareness and decision support. The different output models for the command and control systems are used in system dynamics simulations to assess the effect of new technology on the operating and effectiveness of a system. The case studies demonstrated that the modelling methodology support learning about the implementation of a new technology in various complex sociotechnical systems. The developed models and constructs also supported developing evaluation templates during the planning of experiments through identifying key issues. The system dynamics simulations used parametric inputs to investigate the behaviour of the system. In most cases, the simulation outputs identified interesting and counter-intuitive behaviour for deeper assessment. The community policing forum case study also gathered qualitative empirical evidence on the system's behaviour, during a field experiment. The outcomes are compared with the models and simulation outputs to improve the system behavioural models. The learning and improved understanding of the complex sociotechnical system behaviour gained through the modelling methodology, demonstrated its utility. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / tm2015 / Graduate School of Technology Management (GSTM) / PhD / Unrestricted

Thesis (MTech (Information Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019 / The availability of high-speed/high-volume Data Link Layer (Layer 2) transmission networks fuelled by the implementation of mission critical and performance-intensive technologies, such as Cloud and Data Centre services transmitting sensitive data over the wide area network (WAN) has shifted the attention of hackers, eavesdroppers, cyber-criminals and other malicious attackers to the exploitation of these data transmission technologies. It is argued that security on the current classical technologies that store, transmit and manipulate information on the OSI Layer 2 have historically not been adequately addressed when it comes to secure communication and exchange of information. Quantum teleportation (QT) stemming from quantum communication a branch of quantum information science (QIS) has emerged as a technology that promise unconditional security and providing new ways to design and develop frameworks that operate based on the laws of quantum physics. It is argued that it has a potential to address the data transmission security GAP for OSI layer 2 technologies. This research study aims to propose a framework for the implementation of secure quantum teleportation infrastructures in South Africa. There is currently a lack of generic models and methods to guide the implementation of QT infrastructures that will enable secure transmission of information. A design science research (DSR) was undertaken in order to develop a secure quantum teleportation artefact called (SecureQT-Framework). SecureQT-Framework is a generic model and method that guides the selection and implementation of QT infrastructures motivated by multi-disciplinary domains such as QIS, Quantum Physics, Computer Science as well as information and communication technology (ICT). The DSR process employed a primary DSR cycle with four DSR sub-cycles which involved the awareness and suggestion phase guided by a systematic literature review (SLR), development and evaluation phase guided by Software Defined Network’s OpenFlow, Mininet, Mininet-Wifi and computer simulations for QT using SQUANCH framework. We investigated, examined and collected credible QT techniques and its variant protocols to develop and simulate secure transmission of information over the WAN, We studied their features and challenges. We concluded the study by describing the QT techniques, protocols and implementations that has potential to bridge the security GAP for OSI Layer 2 technologies over the WAN. The results gained were used in the construction of a framework for the implementation of a secure quantum teleportation infrastructure in South Africa. The framework describes the main factors that need to be taken into consideration when implementing quantum teleportation infrastructures.

There are many situations during information system development (ISD) where there is a need to do modelling on a business level before more detailed and robust modelling are done on the technical system level. Most business level modelling uses some form of natural language constructs which are, on the one hand, easy to use by untrained users, but which are too vague and ambiguous to be used in subsequent systems level modelling by systems analysts, on the other hand. The goal of this study is to develop an integrative modelling technique that is easy enough to be used by most business users with little training, but robust and structured enough to be used in subsequent ISD modelling. The term “integrative” in the title refers to the fact that this technique attempts to bridge the current gap between modelling on a business level and modelling on a technical level. The research consists of two major phases. During the first phase, an integrative modelling technique is developed using a grounded approach. The data that is used for analysis is a representative example of the major ISD modelling techniques used currently. For instance, to represent all the UML techniques, the UML 2 standard is used. The purpose of this first phase is to understand what the fundamental concepts and relationships in ISD are and to develop an integrative technique based on that. During the second phase, the resultant artefact created by the first phase is evaluated and improved using the design science research approach. This artefact is used in a representative set of business modelling situations to evaluate its applicability and suitability as an integrative modelling technique between business and ISD. The integrative modelling technique is evaluated from three perspectives: how it represents business rules, how it handled various aspects of ISD and how it represents requirements expressed as use cases. These evaluations used the two main design criteria of ease of use for users and at the same time adequate levels of expressive power so that the model can be easily translated into existing ISD modelling languages. The integrative modelling technique developed identified the following three levels of modelling entities and their relationships: • Base entities (corresponding to the morphological level in linguistics) • Structure entities (corresponding to the syntactical level in linguistics) • Role entities (corresponding to the semantic level in linguistics) The contribution of this research is to provide a better understanding of the fundamental entities in business and ISD modelling and their relationships in order to improve informal, mostly textual, business modelling. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Informatics / unrestricted

Att en spelare lever sig in i ett spel kan ses som en av de viktigaste delarna av ett bra spel och spelare vill ständigt ha spel där dom känner mer och mer inlevelse. Tidigare forskning visar på att inlevelse i digitala spel inte är ett enkelt område och för att kunna forska på det så krävs det att man delar upp det i mindre, mer hanterbara, delområden som kan undersökas både som enskilda områden och i relation till andra. Denna uppsats bryter ut tre delområden som alla bidrar till inlevelse i spel för att utforska, testa och utvärdera. De valda delområdena används för att skapa en artefakt i form av ett spel där delområdena är implementerade och kan testas. De resultat som presenteras i detta arbete visar på att olika delområden inom inlevelse påverkar inlevelsen i ett spel olika mycket. Vidare visar även denna uppsats på hur vissa av dessa delområden relaterar till varandra och hur de tillsammans påverkar inlevelsen i ett spel som helhet. / Immersion can be considered as an essential part in digital games and developers are constantly challenged when trying to create immersive game experiences to an ever growing demand. However, as previous work suggests, immersion is not an easy concept to grasp and the area must be divided into smaller sub-areas. The sub-areas can then be investigated both individually and in relation to one another. This thesis breaks out three sub-areas (immersive features), that contribute to the overall feeling of immersion, to explore and test. The immersive features are used to create an artifact in the form of a game where all features can be tested. The data presented in this thesis shows that the three features have different amounts of impact on immersion. Furthermore, this thesis shows how the selected features relate to each other and how they together affect the overall game.

The ways film can be studied are many. The academic area of film science is very fragmented due to a lack of unity in its consensus and the overarching understanding of what its field entails. This situation warrants the evaluation of alternative pathways and tools for students to better understand the field of film science. The usage of gamification, an alternative approach to academic study, was chosen for this work due to its growing in interest, potential and usage. The method used to determine the validity of this concept was based on principles and methodology found in design science. The produced prototype showcased the concept of a gamified platform for film students to use in their studies. The study performed was an interactive lesson and test of the prototype where twelve participants used and experienced its intended purpose, with additional data collected using qualitative interviews and a questionnaire. The results of this work found that gamified interfaces can aid students but cannot be the sole source for an academic course or program. Partial aspects were found to be effective, but more research is necessary to fully see the effects of its implementation.