Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2001. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [160]-165). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2001. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [160]-165). Also available on the Internet.

Inefficiencies associated with online information search are becoming increasingly prevalent in digital environments due to a surge in Consumer Generated Content (CGC). Despite growing scholarly interest in investigating users' information search behavior in CGC environments, there is a paucity of studies that explores the phenomenon from a theory-guided angle. Drawing on Information Foraging Theory (IFT), we re-conceptualize online information search as a form of adaptive user behavior in response to system design constraints. Through this theoretical lens, we advance separate taxonomies for online information search tactics and strategies, both of which constitute essential building blocks of the search process. Furthermore, we construct a research framework that bridges the gap between online information search tactics and strategies by articulating how technology-enabled search tactics contribute to the fulfillment of strategic search goals. We validate our research framework via an online experiment by recruiting participants from Amazon Mechanical Turk (AMT). Participants were tasked to perform searches on custom-developed online review websites, which were modeled after a popular online review website and populated with real restaurant review data. Empirical findings reveal that the provision of different search features indeed engenders distinct search tactics, thereby allowing users varying levels of search determination control and search manipulation control. In turn, both types of search controls affects users' result anticipation and search costs, which when combined, determine the efficiency of goal-oriented search strategy and the utility of exploratory search strategy. This study provides valuable insights that can guide future research and practice.

The first primary objective of this dissertation is to develop a framework that can quantitatively measure complexity of manufacturing systems in various configurations, including conjoined and disjoined systems. In this dissertation, an analytical model for manufacturing systems complexity that employs information entropy theory is proposed and verified. The model uses probability distribution of information regarding resource allocations that are described in terms of interactions among resources for part processing and part processing requirements. In the proposed framework, both direct and indirect interactions among resources are modeled using a matrix, called interaction matrix, which accounts for part processing and waiting times. The proposed complexity model identifies a manufacturing system that has evenly distributed interactions among resources as being more complex, because under disruption situation more information is required to identify source of the disruption. In addition, implicit relationships between the system complexity and performance in terms of resource utilizations, waiting time, cycle time and throughput of the system are studied in this dissertation by developing a computer program for simulating general job shop environment. The second primary objective of this dissertation is to develop a mathematical model for measuring the vulnerability of the supply chain systems. Global supply chains are exposed to different kinds of disruptions. This has promoted the issue of supply chain resilience higher than ever before in business as well as supporting agendas. In this dissertation, an extension of the proposed measure for manufacturing system complexity is used to measure the vulnerability of the supply chain systems using information entropy theory and influence matrix. We define the vulnerability of supply chain systems based on required information that describes the system in terms of topology and interrelationship among components. The proposed framework for vulnerability modeling in this dissertation focus on disruptive events such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or industrial disputes, rather than deviations such as variations in demand, procurement and transportation.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Flinders University, School of Informatics and Engineering. / Typescript bound. Includes bibliographical references: (leaves 311-329) Also available online.

Thesis--Auburn University, 2009. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 47).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--State University of New York at Binghamton, Computer Science Department, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references.

The aim of the research was to investigate the current state of scientific and technological (S&T) information service provision in Thailand with a focus on its role of supporting research and development. The ultimate goal of the research was to develop a service model(s) which could aid the modernisation of the S&T information service. The information policies and strategic management at national and institutional levels were examined together with present and future roles in service provision and barriers to S&T information development. The research framework was constructed on the basis of theoretical models of the provision and management of effective information services. The institutions which participated in this research included 46 academic and special libraries in Thailand, hereafter called S&T information centres, and two funding agencies. The data were collected using a variety of research tools, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods, namely, questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups. The questionnaires were distributed to five groups of respondents: executives, managers, librarians or staff, end-users, and executives or policy-makers of funding agencies. Two hundred and eighty-nine questionnaires were sent by post to 45 S&T information centres and two funding agencies whilst 703 questionnaires were also distributed to end-users. Interviews were performed with 55 executives and library managers. Three focus groups were organised on different topics, with a total of 36 participants. The major findings showed that national information policy in relation to S&T information was still relatively ineffective with roles and responsibilities of stakeholders not explicitly identified. In general, the results showed that institutional information policies exist but weak communication between executives, managers, and staff caused problems with implementation and interpretation. Most S&T centres were found to have strategic plans. The focus of these were on issues of integrated ICT infrastructure, acquisition of electronic resources, service improvement, communication with users and feedback, user education, cost effective use of resources, E-library transition and knowledge sharing. The development of resource sharing via computerised networks was considered to be paramount; progress to date was thought to be slow due to a lack of policies at national and institutional levels. Users' information literacy was still found to be an issue, particularly in respect of making effective use of electronic resources. The thesis provided recommendations for a national network for S&T information provision to be designed and managed by a hosting provider.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-01-26T18:49:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTACAO JESSE 23-07-15 (1).pdf: 810685 bytes, checksum: 379116f428075b5bb1f443ef409e3948 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-06-03 / This research linked to the Master s program in Educational UNOESTE - University of West Paulista aimed to investigate the contribution brought by the use of information and communication technologies applied to assistive technology in the construction of knowledge of students with visual impairment who attended the room multifunction capabilities. Research subjects were two students with visual impairment in different school years and age group attending multifunctional resource room (SRM) of the State Padre Nunes and Municipal Student William Tavares de Oliveira schools. Points out - that the number of target research students, although small, is full of students with visual disabilities attended in 2014 by multi-functional resources existing in the official school system of the municipality of Coxim - MS (municipality pole of the northern region DM). In addition to students, the research subjects were also the teachers of the respective multi-functional resources they attend and the teachers who attended the in mainstream education. To achieve the goal, it was launched hand of a qualitative research approach, which initially was referred to the theoretical framework that discusses the topic and was later carried out the field study procedure by means of collecting instruments such as analysis documents, observations and interviews. The results found that the two educational institutions surveyed are still building their pedagogical practice regarding the use and appropriation of information and communication technologies when used in multifunctional resource room as assistive technology. And this path is marked by questions, doubts and concerns, bringing new challenges and changing perspectives in understanding the processes of teaching and learning, mediated by the use of communication and information technologies specifically to assistive technology, despite these doubts and uncertainties it contributed more significantly the teaching and learning of students with visual impairment process. However it is of fundamental importance to teacher training for the appropriation of information and communication technologies especially in relation to work with assistive technology in educational environments so that it develops skills and abilities that allow building pedagogical practices in congruence with these technologies. / A presente pesquisa vinculada ao programa de Mestrado em Educação da UNOESTE - Universidade do Oeste Paulista teve como objetivo investigar a contribuição trazida pelo uso das tecnologias de informação e comunicação aplicadas como tecnologia assistiva na construção do conhecimento dos alunos com deficiência visual que frequentaram a sala de recursos multifuncionais. Foram sujeitos da pesquisa dois estudantes com deficiência visual de diferentes anos escolares e faixa-etária que frequentam a sala de recursos multifuncionais (SRM) das escolas Estadual Padre Nunes e Municipal Estudante William Tavares de Oliveira. Ressalta - se que o número de alunos alvo da pesquisa, apesar de pequeno, representa o total dos estudantes com deficiência visual atendidos em 2.014 pelas salas de recursos multifuncionais existentes na rede oficial de ensino do município de Coxim - MS (município polo da região norte de MS). Além dos estudantes, também foram sujeitos da pesquisa as professoras das respectivas salas de recursos multifuncionais que estes frequentam e os professores que os atenderam no ensino regular. Para alcançar o objetivo, foi lançado mão de uma abordagem de pesquisa qualitativa, na qual inicialmente, foi consultado o referencial teórico que discorre sobre a temática e, posteriormente foi realizado o procedimento de estudo de campo por meio de instrumentos de coleta, como análise de documentos, observações e entrevistas. Os resultados constataram que as duas instituições de ensino pesquisadas ainda estão construindo seu fazer pedagógico em relação ao uso e apropriação das tecnologias de informação e comunicação quando utilizadas na sala de recurso multifuncional como tecnologia assistiva. E que este caminho é pautado por dúvidas, incertezas e inquietações, trazendo novos desafios e perspectivas de mudança na compreensão dos processos de ensinar e aprender, mediados pelo uso das tecnologias de comunicação e informação especificamente à tecnologia assistiva. Apesar dessas dúvidas e incertezas, ela contribuiu de maneira expressiva no processo de ensino e aprendizagem dos alunos com deficiência visual, no entanto, é de fundamental importância a formação docente para a apropriação das tecnologias de informação e comunicação principalmente em relação ao trabalho com a tecnologia assistiva nos ambientes educacionais para que este desenvolva competências e habilidades que permitam construir práticas pedagógicas em congruência com estas tecnologias.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-18T17:54:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTACAO JESSE 23-07-15 (1).pdf: 810685 bytes, checksum: 379116f428075b5bb1f443ef409e3948 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-06-03 / This research linked to the Master s program in Educational UNOESTE - University of West Paulista aimed to investigate the contribution brought by the use of information and communication technologies applied to assistive technology in the construction of knowledge of students with visual impairment who attended the room multifunction capabilities. Research subjects were two students with visual impairment in different school years and age group attending multifunctional resource room (SRM) of the State Padre Nunes and Municipal Student William Tavares de Oliveira schools. Points out - that the number of target research students, although small, is full of students with visual disabilities attended in 2014 by multi-functional resources existing in the official school system of the municipality of Coxim - MS (municipality pole of the northern region DM). In addition to students, the research subjects were also the teachers of the respective multi-functional resources they attend and the teachers who attended the in mainstream education. To achieve the goal, it was launched hand of a qualitative research approach, which initially was referred to the theoretical framework that discusses the topic and was later carried out the field study procedure by means of collecting instruments such as analysis documents, observations and interviews. The results found that the two educational institutions surveyed are still building their pedagogical practice regarding the use and appropriation of information and communication technologies when used in multifunctional resource room as assistive technology. And this path is marked by questions, doubts and concerns, bringing new challenges and changing perspectives in understanding the processes of teaching and learning, mediated by the use of communication and information technologies specifically to assistive technology, despite these doubts and uncertainties it contributed more significantly the teaching and learning of students with visual impairment process. However it is of fundamental importance to teacher training for the appropriation of information and communication technologies especially in relation to work with assistive technology in educational environments so that it develops skills and abilities that allow building pedagogical practices in congruence with these technologies. / A presente pesquisa vinculada ao programa de Mestrado em Educação da UNOESTE - Universidade do Oeste Paulista teve como objetivo investigar a contribuição trazida pelo uso das tecnologias de informação e comunicação aplicadas como tecnologia assistiva na construção do conhecimento dos alunos com deficiência visual que frequentaram a sala de recursos multifuncionais. Foram sujeitos da pesquisa dois estudantes com deficiência visual de diferentes anos escolares e faixa-etária que frequentam a sala de recursos multifuncionais (SRM) das escolas Estadual Padre Nunes e Municipal Estudante William Tavares de Oliveira. Ressalta - se que o número de alunos alvo da pesquisa, apesar de pequeno, representa o total dos estudantes com deficiência visual atendidos em 2.014 pelas salas de recursos multifuncionais existentes na rede oficial de ensino do município de Coxim - MS (município polo da região norte de MS). Além dos estudantes, também foram sujeitos da pesquisa as professoras das respectivas salas de recursos multifuncionais que estes frequentam e os professores que os atenderam no ensino regular. Para alcançar o objetivo, foi lançado mão de uma abordagem de pesquisa qualitativa, na qual inicialmente, foi consultado o referencial teórico que discorre sobre a temática e, posteriormente foi realizado o procedimento de estudo de campo por meio de instrumentos de coleta, como análise de documentos, observações e entrevistas. Os resultados constataram que as duas instituições de ensino pesquisadas ainda estão construindo seu fazer pedagógico em relação ao uso e apropriação das tecnologias de informação e comunicação quando utilizadas na sala de recurso multifuncional como tecnologia assistiva. E que este caminho é pautado por dúvidas, incertezas e inquietações, trazendo novos desafios e perspectivas de mudança na compreensão dos processos de ensinar e aprender, mediados pelo uso das tecnologias de comunicação e informação especificamente à tecnologia assistiva. Apesar dessas dúvidas e incertezas, ela contribuiu de maneira expressiva no processo de ensino e aprendizagem dos alunos com deficiência visual, no entanto, é de fundamental importância a formação docente para a apropriação das tecnologias de informação e comunicação principalmente em relação ao trabalho com a tecnologia assistiva nos ambientes educacionais para que este desenvolva competências e habilidades que permitam construir práticas pedagógicas em congruência com estas tecnologias.