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Thesis (M.A.)--Carleton University, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 121-144). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

In the UK many industries are suffering as a result of business being lost to competition abroad. Raising the technical content of a company’s product or service may enable them to increase its competitiveness and hence retain or even increase business. A Trade Association exists to represent the interests of its members. One way that this can be realized is by provision of technical information to its members to support raising the technical content of their members’ products or services. The provision of technical information entails sourcing information, collecting it and then disseminating it in an appropriate format. Ways of undertaking this are identified. The factors that are likely to influence the provision of technical information are determined. This is so that a Trade Association can build upon its strengths, diminish weaknesses, exploit opportunities and avoid threats. A strategy for provision of engineering technical information to trade association members was given. Four mechanisms were implemented on a test-bed Trade Association; utilising information technology communication capabilities, newsletters, collaborations and conferences. Feedback and parameters were used to assess the strategy chosen for implementation on the test-bed. Taking this into consideration a revised strategy was established that can be adapted and applied by Trade Associations who wish to provide such a service in the future.

Este trabalho examina as funções e os significados que o computador adquire no contexto escolar tendo em vista o uso que os alunos fazem dele em situações de aprendizagem. Esse exame foi feito a partir de dois trabalhos de campo etnográficos realizados em duas escolas públicas da rede municipal de educação de São Paulo, uma de educação infantil, outra de ensino fundamental, de 1ª a 8ª série. Os dados qualitativos que constituem a base para a análise e construção do objeto de pesquisa foram obtidos por meio de observações realizadas no laboratório de informática das escolas e de entrevistas com alunos, monitores, coordenadores pedagógicos e professores orientadores de informática educativa. Como pressuposto epistemológico, considera-se a idéia do computador como uma máquina que se dirige à nossa inteligência, apoiada nos princípios lógicos, da álgebra booleana. Com base em discussões sobre a virtualidade, o computador é caracterizado como um sistema de representação do real, que tem em comum com a linguagem a construção lógica. A consideração desse aspecto comum entre sistema de representação do real e linguagem fundamenta-se em Wittgenstein. A principal conclusão deste trabalho é a constatação que, em situação de aprendizagem, o computador supera a concepção de uma máquina de ensinar, pois os alunos desenvolvem não apenas saberes necessários ao seu uso, mas também apropriam-se de um sistema de representação, o que caracteriza um processo de letramento digital. / This paper discusses the roles and the importance of a computer-based education in the school environment and its multiple use in effective learning activities. This analysis was based on two ethnographic field researches conducted at two schools belonging to the São Paulo City Public Education network, an elementary school and a junior high school. The qualitative data that comprise the foundation of the analysis and the research derive from watching activities in the schools informatics laboratories, interviews with students, advisers, education supervisors and educational informatics tutors. As epistemological premise, one should conceive the idea of the computer as a machine that drives to one\'s intelligence based on logical principles from the Boolean algebras. Based on discussions about the virtuality, the computer is deemed as a system representing the real world, which has the logical judgment in common with the language. This common aspect of the real world and language is underpinned by Wittgenstein. The main conclusion of this paper is the confirmation that, in a learning condition, the computer excels the conception of being a teaching machine as students develop skills further from those of learning how to use the computer, they take hold of a representation system, which constitutes a digital literacy process.

Este trabalho examina as funções e os significados que o computador adquire no contexto escolar tendo em vista o uso que os alunos fazem dele em situações de aprendizagem. Esse exame foi feito a partir de dois trabalhos de campo etnográficos realizados em duas escolas públicas da rede municipal de educação de São Paulo, uma de educação infantil, outra de ensino fundamental, de 1ª a 8ª série. Os dados qualitativos que constituem a base para a análise e construção do objeto de pesquisa foram obtidos por meio de observações realizadas no laboratório de informática das escolas e de entrevistas com alunos, monitores, coordenadores pedagógicos e professores orientadores de informática educativa. Como pressuposto epistemológico, considera-se a idéia do computador como uma máquina que se dirige à nossa inteligência, apoiada nos princípios lógicos, da álgebra booleana. Com base em discussões sobre a virtualidade, o computador é caracterizado como um sistema de representação do real, que tem em comum com a linguagem a construção lógica. A consideração desse aspecto comum entre sistema de representação do real e linguagem fundamenta-se em Wittgenstein. A principal conclusão deste trabalho é a constatação que, em situação de aprendizagem, o computador supera a concepção de uma máquina de ensinar, pois os alunos desenvolvem não apenas saberes necessários ao seu uso, mas também apropriam-se de um sistema de representação, o que caracteriza um processo de letramento digital. / This paper discusses the roles and the importance of a computer-based education in the school environment and its multiple use in effective learning activities. This analysis was based on two ethnographic field researches conducted at two schools belonging to the São Paulo City Public Education network, an elementary school and a junior high school. The qualitative data that comprise the foundation of the analysis and the research derive from watching activities in the schools informatics laboratories, interviews with students, advisers, education supervisors and educational informatics tutors. As epistemological premise, one should conceive the idea of the computer as a machine that drives to one\'s intelligence based on logical principles from the Boolean algebras. Based on discussions about the virtuality, the computer is deemed as a system representing the real world, which has the logical judgment in common with the language. This common aspect of the real world and language is underpinned by Wittgenstein. The main conclusion of this paper is the confirmation that, in a learning condition, the computer excels the conception of being a teaching machine as students develop skills further from those of learning how to use the computer, they take hold of a representation system, which constitutes a digital literacy process.

This thesis investigates the applications and implications of Generative Pretrained Transformer (GPT) technology in international entrepreneurship. The research questions focus on how GPT can serve as a strategic tool, communication tool, and knowledge leverage tool, and how these applications influence decision-making, enhance performance, The findings from the analysis chapters highlights that GPT significantly contributes to strategic planning, market analysis, and operational management, thereby enhancing decision-making and performance. GPT technology, acting as a potent communication tool, nurtures more robust client relationships and eases cross-cultural interactions, courtesy of its superior language processing capabilities. The thesis discusses how these capabilities of GPT can lead to reduced miscommunications and enhanced client satisfaction. This, in turn, contributes to cost savings by retaining existing customers and attracting new ones, thereby enhancing profits. Moreover, The main theoretical implications that this  thesis has resulted in will showcase the time efficiency brought by automated, high-quality communication that reduces man-hours spent on routine interactions, freeing resources for strategic tasks for international entrepreneurship.  Furthermore, this study enriches the literature on generative AI exemplified by models like GPT in the world of international business, particularly within the context of international entrepreneurship. It offers essential insights that can guide international entrepreneurs in understanding the potential advantages of integrating GPT technology into their business operations.