Many industries are moving to adapt to the competitive market and customer requirements to increase productivity, flexibility of their production systems, and achieve optimal improvement. This made the simulation attract attention by enabling its users to test several scenarios with different options and concepts before applying them on the ground. The purpose of this thesis is to test the role of simulation in making decisions about the optimal layout design within the available cost and to present a concept for simulating the production system after redesigning the smart factory, which includes the number of machines, tiles and movers as an assumption and the demand for products with a variable dynamic flow. The simulation model addresses the concept of the production process by implementing modern technologies with their effective characteristics to ensure a smooth flow of products between all the machines that present as components of the smart factory. The developed optimal model includes the components of the smart factory in addition to all the requirements that must be considered to ensure increased flexibility and efficiency of the production system. In addition, the optimal design with the lowest cost and the concept of the production process were presented through the results obtained regarding productivity and performance. This thesis presents the challenges might be arise when employing the simulation as a tool to redesign and suggestions mechanisms to reduce them in the discussion chapter. The design model presented in this thesis serves as a connecting point for continuing future initiatives and developing the production concept.

No / In this paper we report on a composite index of international patent systems strength for 48 developing and industrialized countries annually from 1998 to 2011. Building upon earlier indices we develop a conceptual framework informed by transaction cost theory and derive measures which emphasize the importance of enforcement-related aspects of the patent system of countries. Findings reveal harmonization of the regulative aspects of patent protection internationally in the post-TRIPs era but not of overall national patent systems. The index should inform studies on the relationship between national patent systems and a range of international business and other phenomena. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Contemporary organizations often deal with a procurements process when purchasing system solutions from different suppliers. Many of these organizations either lack the knowledge, experience, or the time needed to successfully manage procurements processes. This research addresses the role of brokers in such processes, i.e., organizations mediating knowledge between customers and IT suppliers. A main concern for these brokers is managing knowledge flow across boundaries between different stakeholders. The management of knowledge is particularly challenging in requirements engineering processes involving different stakeholders who have distinctive understandings and perspectives of information system development. This thesis presents findings from a single case study in which a consulting firm providing broker services for eliciting and translating client's requirements in procurement processes of system solutions has been investigated. The empirical investigation was conducted through interviews with seven consultants from the firm North Consulting. It focused on formal processes, perceived key challenges, and applied problem solving methods. The contributions of the thesis lie primarily in three important findings: identification of competencies required to successfully broker knowledge in procurement processes, challenges in managing such processes, and, explication of methods, tools, and documents applied to overcome the challenges. / <p>The external partner has choosen to cooperate anonymously. / Den externa samarbetspartnern har valt att delta anonymt.</p>

Esta tese objetiva propor uma metodologia de especificação de requisitos de usabilidade e segurança orientada para arquitetura (MERUSA) aplicável a sistemas digitais de automação distribuídos e abertos. A estratégia utilizada para atingir esse objetivo consiste no desenvolvimento de uma metodologia focalizada nos processos de elicitação e análise dos requisitos de usabilidade e segurança, sincronizada com a evolução da arquitetura do sistema computacional. O modelo de referência ODP (Open Distributed Process) é utilizado como uma referência básica desse processo, fornecendo conceitos, procedimentos e modelos adequados à especificação e ao desenvolvimento de sistemas distribuídos e abertos de automação (orientados a objeto ou não), permitindo obter uma infra-estrutura coerente e gerenciável, com exigentes requisitos de integração. A eficácia da metodologia é verificada com a sua aplicação a um meta-modelo de especificação de projeto para sistemas digitais de controle distribuído de transmissão de energia para o sistema elétrico brasileiro. / This thesis purposes one new architecture oriented safety and usability requirements specification methodology (MERUSA) applied to open and distributed automation digital systems. The strategy used to achieve this goal consists on the development of a methodology centered on safety and usability requirement elicitation and analysis processes, synchronized with computational system architectural evolution. The RM-ODP (Reference Model of Open Distributed Process) is used as basic reference of this process. This pattern. supplies concepts, procedures and models appropriated to open and distributed system specification and development (object oriented or not), providing one coherent and manageable framework, with strong integration requirements. The methodology effectiveness is verified with its application to a project specification meta-model for energy transmission distributed control digital systems of Brazilian electrical system.

Esta tese objetiva propor uma metodologia de especificação de requisitos de usabilidade e segurança orientada para arquitetura (MERUSA) aplicável a sistemas digitais de automação distribuídos e abertos. A estratégia utilizada para atingir esse objetivo consiste no desenvolvimento de uma metodologia focalizada nos processos de elicitação e análise dos requisitos de usabilidade e segurança, sincronizada com a evolução da arquitetura do sistema computacional. O modelo de referência ODP (Open Distributed Process) é utilizado como uma referência básica desse processo, fornecendo conceitos, procedimentos e modelos adequados à especificação e ao desenvolvimento de sistemas distribuídos e abertos de automação (orientados a objeto ou não), permitindo obter uma infra-estrutura coerente e gerenciável, com exigentes requisitos de integração. A eficácia da metodologia é verificada com a sua aplicação a um meta-modelo de especificação de projeto para sistemas digitais de controle distribuído de transmissão de energia para o sistema elétrico brasileiro. / This thesis purposes one new architecture oriented safety and usability requirements specification methodology (MERUSA) applied to open and distributed automation digital systems. The strategy used to achieve this goal consists on the development of a methodology centered on safety and usability requirement elicitation and analysis processes, synchronized with computational system architectural evolution. The RM-ODP (Reference Model of Open Distributed Process) is used as basic reference of this process. This pattern. supplies concepts, procedures and models appropriated to open and distributed system specification and development (object oriented or not), providing one coherent and manageable framework, with strong integration requirements. The methodology effectiveness is verified with its application to a project specification meta-model for energy transmission distributed control digital systems of Brazilian electrical system.

The aim of this study is to investigate whether a combination of agile system development methodologies (ASDMs) and project management methodologies (PMMs) can be used to develop a hybrid APMM that will have the ability to deliver information technology (IT) projects successfully in a constantly changing business and project environment. To achieve this objective, a literature review was conducted on the relatively well–established ASDMs by firstly defining a SDM and an ASDM. Each ASDM and its effectiveness are described, after which ASDMs in general are evaluated by considering their area of application, advantages and disadvantages. A comparison is then done of the seven different ASDMs using the four elements of an SDM (Huisman & Iivari, 2006:32) to emphasise some of the main similarities and differences amongst the different ASDMs. The seven ASDMs investigated in this study are Dynamic System Development Methodology, Scrum, Extreme Programming, Feature Driven Development, Crystal ASDMs ? Crystal Clear and Crystal Orange in particular, Adaptive Software Development and Lean Development. A literature review was also conducted on two structured and relatively well–established PMMs, PMBOK and PRINCE2, and a relatively new PMM called Agile Project Management. Each PMM is evaluated by considering their area of application, advantages, disadvantages and integration with other methodologies, after which a comparison is made of the different PMMs. The research was conducted by following a mixed methods research plan, which included the mixed methods research paradigm (combination of the interpretive research paradigm and the positivistic research paradigm), research methods (design science, case study and survey), quantitative and qualitative data–collection techniques (interviews and questionnaires), and dataanalysis techniques (cross–case and statistical). The reasons that projects fail and critical project success factors were studied and summarised to form the critical project success criteria, which were used to create the agile project success criteria. The ASDM best practice and PMM best practice frameworks were created by identifying whether a certain ASDM or PMM would satisfy a specific agile project success factor (APSF) of the agile project success criteria. The findings of each APSF in the respective frameworks were used as a foundation to develop a hybrid APMM (ver. 0) that would address the agile project success criteria. The hybrid APMM (ver. 0) was developed interpretively using design science (research approach) and constructivism by combining the strengths, addressing the weaknesses and bridging the gaps identified in the frameworks. The hybrid APMM (ver. 0) was then evaluated and improved by conducting an interpretive case study, which entailed interviewing participants from large and small organisations. Once the qualitative data collected had been analysed using cross–case analysis, the findings were incorporated in order to create an improved hybrid APMM (ver. 1). The hybrid APMM (ver. 1) too was evaluated and improved by conducting a survey, which entailed administering questionnaires to various respondents in order to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The findings of the statistical analysis of the data were also used to improve the hybrid APMM (ver. 1), resulting in the final hybrid APMM (ver. 2). This study demonstrates that a combination of ASDMs and PMMs can be used to develop a hybrid APMM with the ability to deliver IT projects in a constantly changing project and business environment. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Computer Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

The aim of this study is to investigate whether a combination of agile system development methodologies (ASDMs) and project management methodologies (PMMs) can be used to develop a hybrid APMM that will have the ability to deliver information technology (IT) projects successfully in a constantly changing business and project environment. To achieve this objective, a literature review was conducted on the relatively well–established ASDMs by firstly defining a SDM and an ASDM. Each ASDM and its effectiveness are described, after which ASDMs in general are evaluated by considering their area of application, advantages and disadvantages. A comparison is then done of the seven different ASDMs using the four elements of an SDM (Huisman & Iivari, 2006:32) to emphasise some of the main similarities and differences amongst the different ASDMs. The seven ASDMs investigated in this study are Dynamic System Development Methodology, Scrum, Extreme Programming, Feature Driven Development, Crystal ASDMs ? Crystal Clear and Crystal Orange in particular, Adaptive Software Development and Lean Development. A literature review was also conducted on two structured and relatively well–established PMMs, PMBOK and PRINCE2, and a relatively new PMM called Agile Project Management. Each PMM is evaluated by considering their area of application, advantages, disadvantages and integration with other methodologies, after which a comparison is made of the different PMMs. The research was conducted by following a mixed methods research plan, which included the mixed methods research paradigm (combination of the interpretive research paradigm and the positivistic research paradigm), research methods (design science, case study and survey), quantitative and qualitative data–collection techniques (interviews and questionnaires), and dataanalysis techniques (cross–case and statistical). The reasons that projects fail and critical project success factors were studied and summarised to form the critical project success criteria, which were used to create the agile project success criteria. The ASDM best practice and PMM best practice frameworks were created by identifying whether a certain ASDM or PMM would satisfy a specific agile project success factor (APSF) of the agile project success criteria. The findings of each APSF in the respective frameworks were used as a foundation to develop a hybrid APMM (ver. 0) that would address the agile project success criteria. The hybrid APMM (ver. 0) was developed interpretively using design science (research approach) and constructivism by combining the strengths, addressing the weaknesses and bridging the gaps identified in the frameworks. The hybrid APMM (ver. 0) was then evaluated and improved by conducting an interpretive case study, which entailed interviewing participants from large and small organisations. Once the qualitative data collected had been analysed using cross–case analysis, the findings were incorporated in order to create an improved hybrid APMM (ver. 1). The hybrid APMM (ver. 1) too was evaluated and improved by conducting a survey, which entailed administering questionnaires to various respondents in order to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The findings of the statistical analysis of the data were also used to improve the hybrid APMM (ver. 1), resulting in the final hybrid APMM (ver. 2). This study demonstrates that a combination of ASDMs and PMMs can be used to develop a hybrid APMM with the ability to deliver IT projects in a constantly changing project and business environment. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Computer Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

IT-system utvecklas idag ofta i globalt distribuerade organisationer. Detta görs för att möta de krav som ställs från omgivningen samt för att finna specialkompetens. En global organisation kan medföra distribuerat arbete, alltså att utvecklingsgrupper sprids över flera platser. Ett problem med detta kan vara att få alla delar av verksamheten att arbeta mot ett gemensamt mål. Koordination – att hantera beroenden mellan element i komplexa organisationer för att möjliggöra effektivt arbete mot ett gemensamt mål – blir då en viktig aktivitet. Att kommunicera över distans i den takt organisationen kräver är en omöjlighet utan att implementera informations- och kommunikationsteknik (IKT) – digitala verktyg med fokus på kommunikation och spridandet av information. Vi vill i denna uppsats undersöka hur koordination sker i distribuerade IT-projekt, samt vilken roll IKT-stöd har vid koordination av distribuerade IT-projekt. Syftet med denna studie är att bidra med kunskap gällande användandet av IKT-stöd för koordination i distribuerade IT- projekt. Vi genomför denna kvalitativa fallstudie hos IFS World Operations AB – en global affärssystemsleverantör. Data har samlats in genom intervjuer med personer i olika roller inom det undersökta it projektet. Vi har ställt de empiriska resultaten i relation till teorier inom områden som koordination, IT-projekt samt IKT. Våra resultat visar att koordination i agila, distribuerade IT-projekt sker på två nivåer; strategisk samt operationell koordination. Dessa syftar att uppnå mål på olika nivåer. Vi har också kunnat dela in koordinationshandlingar i tre typer utvecklade från teori och observationer; ömsesidig anpassning, framväxande standardisering och organisationsförvaltning. Vi kan även sluta oss till att IKT-stöd främst förhåller sig till koordination på tre sätt i ett distribuerat IT-projekt; möjliggörande, medierande samt begränsande. Med stöd av de ovan presenterade resultaten har vi tagit fram faktorer vi funnit påverka möjligheten att koordinera IT-projekt. Dessa är; gruppdynamik, graden av distribution, fasta utvecklingsgrupper, utveckla teknik tillsammans med organisation samt standardiserade kommunikationskanaler. / Information systems are often developed in globally distributed organizations. Many times the reason for being distributed is to meet requirements and demands from the organizations surrounding and to acquire a specialized set of skills. Global organizations may choose to work distributed, which means that development teams are spread out over multiple locations. This can create problems; how do you make all parts of the organization work together towards a common goal? Thus, coordination – The management of interdependent elements in a complex organization so as to enable them to work together effectively toward a specific goal – becomes important. Long distance communication using information and communication technology (ICT) – digital tools with the purpose of endorsing communication and knowledge – is required to coordinate between locations. In this thesis we examine how coordination is performed in distributed IT-projects. We will also address the role that information and communications technology plays in coordination of these projects. The purpose of the study is to contribute with knowledge in the area of using ICT tools for coordinating distributed IT-projects. This qualitative case study was conducted in cooperation with IFS World Operations AB – a global provider of an Enterprise Resource Planning system. Our empirical data has been collected using five interviews, all with different types of roles from within IT-projects. The data has then been put in relation to theories concerning coordination, IT-projects and ICT. Our findings show coordination in distributed, agile software development projects is working on two levels; strategic and operational coordination. The difference lies with the motivation to complete goals on different levels of the organization. We can also conclude that there are three different kinds of means to carry out coordination; Mutual Adjustment, Emerging standardization and organizational management. Concerning the role of ICT in the coordination of distributed IT-projects we have found it to be threefold; enabling, mediating and limiting. Based on these findings we conclude this study by presenting five factors that influence the ability to coordinate distributed IT-projects. These are: group dynamics, level of distribution, fixed development teams, parallel development of technology and organization and standardized communication channels.

Denna studie adresserar problemområdet återfall i akut hjärtinfarkt genom utvecklingen avet unikt beslutsstöd. Det huvudsakliga syftet med beslutsstödet, Act4Heart, är att fungerabeslutsstödjande för personer som drabbas av ett återfall. I denna studie undersöks det hurett beslutsstöd i form av en mobilapplikation bör designas för att på ett effektivt sätt kunnastödja patienters beslutsfattande i en återfallsprocess. Beslutsstödet är framtaget ur ettkognitionsvetenskapligt perspektiv och innefattar övertalande design, användarinvolvering,användbarhet och människa-dator interaktion. Genom övertalande principer ämnarbeslutsstödet forma önskvärt beteende hos patienter i återfallssituationer.Utvecklingsprocessen har utgått från att ett interdisciplinärt team har arbetat med agilametoder. För att upprätthålla en god användarupplevelse av systemet haranvändbarhetstestning utförts både i utvecklingsprocessen och på den slutgiltiga produkten.Även en informationsevaluering har utförts genom en Delphi-studie för att förstärka detmedicinska innehållets kvalité. / This study shows the development process and results of an interactive decision support for patients who are at risk of suffering from a recurrence in myocardial infarction.  The decision support has taken the form of a mobile application that aim to help patients in their decision making. The design is derived from persuasive design with the goal to influence patients in seeking the correct type of care at the desired time. The key objective is to reduce prehospital delay and increase the use of ambulances. The system has also been tested regarding usability to ensure end-user harmonization. The software development process proceeded with the agile method Scrum. Members of an interdisciplinary team have been involved in the development to ensure its quality, doctors, scientists, nurses and various experts. / Act4Heart

在知識的理論中，最惹人注目的問題之一，就是概念和知識怎樣產生，以及經驗與新的組織有什麼關係，在這個問題上有兩大對立的理論：行為主義與認知主義。在認知主義□又有一個很重要的關鍵點，就是探討出「人何以得知」的疑問，而這個疑問經由許多學者的研究仍沒有一個整合性的概念。架構在學習認知的這個疑問下，本研究利用Weick「釋意」概念做為理解的工具，針對學生的複雜學習歷程進行分析，採用個案研究的方式來進行，以了解學生如何將學習環境予以結構化、理解、詮釋與分析，最後採納行動並進行預測。 資訊系統專案開發一直是資訊相關科系必要訓練之一。雖然此類資訊系統開發的規模不如業界，但是從學校教學的角度來看，透過一些實際個案的演練，學生應仍可獲得實務開發的經驗累積。而此種專題式的學習主要的重點在於學生如何運用團體的力量來獲得最佳的學習效果，因此團隊如何組成與運作，還有後續學習策略的運用對學生來說都是相當重要的。本研究個案一即以資料庫系統開發的十組學生團隊進行觀察，了解他們如何從自己的定位、組員的互動、領導角色的扮演到團隊集體共識的形成，而研究結果發現許多與實務專案團隊運作上相當不同之處，例如團隊領導與團隊情感的關係，分工型態的演變等。個案二建基於個案一的研究結果上，觀察學生的團隊狀況與他們所採行的學習策略之間的關係，研究結果亦發現學生之學習策略均建基於對團隊的認同上，對於學習環境的不同釋意也會影響所採行的學習策略。 最後本研究從團隊合作與學生學習策略的說明來補足認知理論的不足，並以多層次的分析架構，從學生個人認同、團隊認同、班級認同逐層擴展，確立在專題式學習中個人地位、團體地位與組織地位的重要性，同時共提出十二大命題說明研究結果。 / From the perspective of the theory of knowledge, the most critical question is how concept and knowledge are produced, what are the relationship between experience and the new group. There are two opposing theories of this question: the association theory and the cognitive theory. In cognitive theory, the key point is to confer the doubt of how people get knows. Based on the cognitive theory, this research explored students’ sensemaking in the team formation, operation, and learning strategies through observation and interviews. Developing an information system is a requisite training for all MIS students. The learning activities include system analysis and design, database, programming, team working, schedule planning, etc. Such a project-based leaning, a database management course, was chosen by this study. There were two cases. In the first case, this research observed ten student teams to interpret how sensemaking to be a central activity in the construction of both the learning environments and the environments it confronts. Students continuously interpreted the meaning of learning environments, adjusted their steps with other team members in order to finish an information system. The results indicate that the characteristics of student project teamwork are different from the real world. In the second case, this research explored the relationship of team working and learning strategies. The findings show that students adopt learning strategies through their organization identity. Different interpretation of environment cause distinct learning strategies that students use. Finally, this research provides complementary explanations to the cognitive theory and uses multi-level theorizing model to replenish students sensemaking process. Twelve propositions are introduced to understand the IS development process from students’ deep insides.