We live in the Information Age. The effective use of information to manage organizational resources is the key to an organization's competitive power. Thus, a database plays a major role in the Information Age. A well designed database contains relevant, nonredundant, and consistent data. However, a well designed database is rarely achieved in practice. One major reason for this problem is the lack of effective support for logical database design. Since the late 1980s, various methodologies for database design have been introduced, based on the relational model, the functional model, the semantic database model, and the entity structure model. They all have, however, a common drawback: the successful design of database systems requires the experience, skills, and competence of a database analyst/designer. Unfortunately, such database analyst/designers are a scarce resource in organizations. The Structured Entity Model (SEM) method, as an alternative diagrammatic method developed by this research, facilitates the logical design phases of database system development. Because of the hierarchical structure and decomposition constructs of SEM, it can help a novice designer in performing top-down structured analysis and design of databases. SEM also achieves high semantic expressiveness by using a frame representation for entities and three general association categories (aspect, specialization, and multiple decomposition) for relationships. This also enables SEM to have high potential as a knowledge representation scheme for an integrated heterogeneous database system. Unlike most methods, the SEM method does not require designers to have knowledge of normalization theory in order to design a logical database. Thus, an end-user will be able to complete logical database design successfully using this approach. In this research, existing data models used for a logical database design were first studied. Second, the framework of SEM and the design approach using SEM were described and then compared with other data models and their use. Third, the effectiveness of the SEM method was validated in two experiments using novice designers and by a case analysis. In the final chapter of this dissertation, future research directions, such as the design of a logical database design expert system based on the SEM method and applications of this approach to other problems, such as the problems in integration of multiple databases and in an intelligent mail system, are discussed.

Evaluating patterns of indicators is often the first step an organization takes in scanning the environment. Not surprisingly, the experts that evaluate these patterns are not equally adept across all disciplines. While one expert is particularly skilled at recognizing the potential for political turmoil in a foreign nation, another is best at recognizing how Japanese government de-regulation is meant to complement the development of some new product. Moreover, the experts often benefit from one another's skills and knowledge in assessing activity in the environment external to the organization. One problem in this process occurs when the expert is unavailable and can't share his knowledge. And, addressing the problem of knowledge sharing, of distributing expertise, is the focus of this dissertation. A technical approach is adapted in this effort--an architecture and a prototype are described that provide the capability of capturing, organizing, and delivering the knowledge used by experts in classifying patterns of qualitative indicators about the business environment. Using a combination of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques, a collection of objects termed "Apprentices" are employed to do the work of gathering, classifying, and distributing the expertise of knowledge workers in environmental scanning. Furthermore, an archival case study is provided to illustrate the operations of an Apprentice using "real world" data.

Recent developments in information systems technology have made it possible for individuals to work together anonymously using networked personal computers. In this dissertation, a theory of anonymous interaction is proposed. Evidence is provided to suggest that anonymity has deindividuating effects on group process and can, therefore, influence group outcomes in several ways. Two experiments on anonymity in idea generation are presented. In Study 1, where subjects could leave at their discretion, identification kept them longer and caused them to type more, though there were no differences in the quantity or quality of the ideas across experimental conditions. In Study 2, where subjects were forced to stay, identifiability lost importance. Responsibility, however, rose in importance. Subjects with sole responsibility for their task produced more output than did subjects who shared responsibility. Taken together, these results forced us to reject the hypothesis that anonymous subjects would produce more output than would identified subjects. These results show that we cannot speak simply of the effects of anonymity on idea generation in computer-supported groups. With a straightforward interpretation of previous experiments on GDSS anonymity, it was hypothesized that anonymous subjects would produce more than identified subjects. They did not. It is clear that anonymity will lead to deindividuation, enabling participants to engage in uninhibited behavior. However, whether their behavior is productive or unproductive is determined, at least in part, by task, interaction, and technology.

The Development Environment (DE) developed in this research includes a methodology and specification and implementation of a tool environment for Management Information Systems (IS) development. In the DE proposed, business IS development includes, and indeed hinges on, organizational modeling. Specifically, the objective and strategy, task, and agent structures are modeled and analyzed. This initial analysis uncovers incompletenesses and inconsistencies in the organizational model as well as allowing top-down prioritization of business areas for further IS development. For information required to support decision making, various information attributes--e.g., currency--are used in modeling the information requirements. These attributes represent variables of information benefit levels to the user and of cost factors in IS development and operations. In later stages of development, these attributes serve as inference parameters that dictate system aspects such as communication architectures, database design, and process scheduling. Information outputs are decomposed to form an information processing architecture--an architecture comprised of interlinked data and processes--that minimizes the redundancy of IS resources. A specification of computer-aided tools for this and all steps in IS development are given. Methods and tools are developed for the determination of data store contents and physical structure, information processing requirements, system input requirements, data/process distribution, and data acquisition, disposal, and information processing scheduling. The DE developed as a part of the dissertation research attempts to draw together and extend upon many notions and methods of system development, decision support mechanisms including artificial intelligence based systems, value of information, and organizational planning and modeling, to form an integrated system development environment.

We have examined the technique of persistent spectral holeburning as a method for analog optical data storage. Two types of materials were examined from a theoretical standpoint, ones which exhibit photochemical holeburning (PHB) and ones which exhibit nonphotochemical holeburning (NPHB). We have presented the conditions under which a PHB material shows a linear relation between hole depth and exposure intensity or exposure time. Also we show that a NPHB material has no such condition. We conclude that a PHB material may be useful for analog optical data storage, while a NPHB material would not. Experiments were conducted with a NPHB material, R' color centers in LiF, to support the NPHB analysis.

Indigenous knowledge systems (IKSs) have made positive contributions in agriculture / health care / medicine / food preparation and preservation / land use / education and a host of other activities in rural communities as well as in urban ones (Warren, 1991:26). Yet hardly a day goes by when an elderly man or woman does not die with all the wealth of knowledge, which is then buried beyond recovery. Therefore, there is a need for institutions, which are in the business of information like libraries and/or information centers to manage (collect, document, organize, store, disseminate) the indigenous knowledge for potential contribution in present and future endeavours. Ngulube (2002: 96) rightly points out that the loss of IK will &ldquo / impoverish society&rdquo / .<br /> <br /> The main aim of the study was to explore the issue if indigenous knowledge within the library and information sector, specifically within the Swaziland National Library Service / investigate if IK is managed / determine how it can best be managed in order to contribute positively to the community / and identify ways to best manage it. This study adopted the qualitative research methodology using the triangulation method, which allows the use of different data collection techniques.<br /> <br /> The study found that Swaziland National Library Service (SNLS) manages IK, but at a very low level. Lack of funds is one major issue that has been voiced as the biggest hindrance to Indigenous Knowledge Management and that Library and information professionals are not adequately trained to manage IK. The study also discovered that Library and information services in Swaziland are still very much book-based and very much westernized, such that only a select elite is catered for by the current services. Intellectual property rights are not dealt with, with respect to IK.<br /> <br /> From the findings, this study recommends that Library and information professionals include indigenous knowledge in the existing collection development policies or must design collection development policies that include IK.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited / New facility construction and existing facility renovation create new or modified operation and maintenance (O&M) requirements for the maintenance responsibility organization such as a Public Works Department (PWD). This O&M requirement is fully described by an Operation and Maintenance Support Information (OMSI) package. OMSI content includes facility, systems, and product information. This thesis will address information integration, the process of allowing information systems to cross-communicate and share data. OMSI information integrated within the framework of a Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) system allows for early identification of O&M requirements, an improved planning capability for new facilities, and more efficient economies of scale. In addition to PWD manpower savings, OMSI-CAFM integration will also allow a revolution in the way O&M requirements are planned and created. Preliminary OMSI information would be ideally created by the design A/E after having considered work force capability from both a workload and expertise perspective. While this may be impractical due to the changing nature of workforce capability and the lengthy planning and design cycle of military construction, OMSI-CAFM integration will certainly allow O&M planning to begin early in the OMSI development stages. OMSI submittals can be layered to provide preliminary planning information in the first submittal and add additional detailed information in later submittals. In such a manner, PWD O&M planners can begin an incremental planning effort early in the facility construction phase. This thesis provides a non-proprietary, no-cost solution to OMSI-CAFM information integration that minimizes specialized knowledge on the part of the OMSI AE. This will allow a broad applicability of the solution to all OMSI developers, including those for smaller non-MILCON projects that aren’t specifically funded for OMSI generation. An effective solution must also provide for easy and inexpensive repurposing of OMSI information for future (and as yet unknown) uses. The solution uses XML technologies (XML, XSD, XLS, XLST, XPath, XQuery, etc) and XML storage systems for the content creation, management, and repurposing of OMSI information. / Lieutenant Commander, Unites States Navy

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering. / The requirement of the project was to design an automatic storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) to be incorporated into a flexible manufacturing cell (FMC) at the University of the Witwatersrand. This flexible manufacturing cell currently being developed in the Industrial engineering department consists of a CNC milling machine and a CNC turning centre supported by an automated materials handling system, and an integrated computer control system. The automated materials handling system consists of a loop conveyor, parts transfer device, tool changing robot and the AS/RS. All the devices of the materials handling system have been constructed from low cost items readily available or alternatively have been manufactured at the University. The research philosophy adopted was to produce a low cost FMC, using local technology and expertise, to produce a system that is both economically feasible and relatively simple to implement. The AS/IRS is computer controlled consisting of three axis, driven by direct current motors. The AS/RS has a storage matrix of sixteen pallets (four by four) and is able to operate autonomously. The controlling software was written in turbo Pascal and designed to allow interface with the other material handling devices. The software allows for future incorporation of scheduling rules such as first in first out, shortest operating time or a schedule desired by the user. The AS/RS also allows the system to generate managerial reports on the status of the system as well as feedback to the FMC supervisory computer. The design was carried out with the same philosophy used In the FMC i.e, to use low cost items to provide an economically feasible design that is both flexible yet simple to incorporate within a FMC. In conclusion the AS/RS performs the required pick and place function with sufficient accuracy to ensure that parts are correctly positioned. The controlling program of the AS/RS functions correctly in terms of controlling the AS/RS. The AS/RS is fully autonomous in all operations. The AS/RS has the following specifications : Value Units Accuracy 3.67 mm Repeatability 7.2 mm Resolution 0.00977 mm Average pick & place time 41.6 s X Axis travel 1000 mm Y Axis travel 640 mm Z Axis travel 420 mm Lifting capacity 20 N Gripping force 10 N Degrees of freedom 3 The design can be further improved by using stepper motors instead of direct current motors to provide a finer control in terms of velocity and position accuracy. A!though the stepper motors need to have the same price for performance characteristics. / AC 2018

Wong Wai-Ting Jacqueline. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 115-120). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, MI : ProQuest Information and Learning Company, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Mode of access: World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese.

Wu, Xixuan. / Thesis Ph.D. Chinese University of Hong Kong 2015. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 115-128). / Abstracts also in Chinese. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on 26, October, 2016).