Westphalian non-marine bivalves in Nova Scotia inhabited fresh to brackish temporary lakes. A series of lacustrine facies are identified on the basis of the faunas. Myalinid genera including the probably pseudoplanktonic Curvirimula, and Naiadites dominate the middle Westphalian A to early Westphalian B. Carbonicola occurs rarely in the late Namurian to early Westphalian A and is the only reported Anthracosiid. Anthraconauta dominates the upper Westphalian C to early Stephanian occurring in a wide range of sediments. The elongate Anthraconaia arenacea group range through the Westphalian D and occur in coarser lithologies. Small-shell Anthraconaia inhabited ephemeral lake margins. Cluster and principal components analysis are used to classify the faunas. The method requires the measurement of a small number of linear and relatively uncorrelated morphological variables and allows the construction of reproducable pictographs. Three new morphospecies are described. Principal components analysis is used to study morphological variation with respect to palaeoenvironment. Consistent morphological trends occur in Naiadites and Anthraconauta and are considered to have been the product of spat selection and phenotypic changes. With increased turbulence and sedimentation rates, the shell's centre of gravity is shifted towards the anter-umbonal region and the bivalves adopt a semi-infaunal mode of life thus, the morphological changes offer increased stability. Evolution was inhibited by the absence of marine incursions and progressive environmental change. Such palaeoenvironmental changes that did occur were local. Competition may have been of evolutionary importance in younger communities of Anthraconaia. The bivalves are of limited stratigraphical use as compared to the British faunas. In conjuction with micro- and macrofloral work, the Namurian/Westphalian A and Westphalian C/D boundaries are lowered and a possible Cantabrian stage recognised. A correlation with the British Chronozones is attempted.

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Strategic information systems planning (SISP) remains a primary concern for many organisations. It is reportedly a top concern of not only the Information Systems (IS) executives but also of many chief executives. Recently, calls have been madefor better understanding of strategic planning in general, including SISP, and especially for studies of actual planning behaviour in organisations. As doubts continue to be raised about the payoff ofIT, it is important to examine the effectiveness ofmany accepted IS management practices such as SISP. Accordingly, researchers have investigated SISP practice and proposed both formal methods and principles of good practice. SISP cannot, however, be understood by considering formal methods alone. Yhe processes of planning and the implementation of plans are equally important However, there have been very few investigations of these phenomena. More surprisingly, few studies have been undertaken to identify and understand: (]) the approaches to SISP adopted in practice, (2) the relationship between SISP approaches and its ultimate success, (3) the influence of organisational and technological context on planning success. Yhis study helps to fill this vacuum in the important research area. A formal survey of IS Directors, which generated two hundred and ninety two, responses was initiated to empirically investigate these issues. The categorisation of SISP approaches adopted by companies was accomplished by performing cluster analysis, based on chosen IS planning dimensions, namely., comprehensiveness, participation, formalisation, flow, focus, frequency, alignment, ownership, IS benefit and plan implementation. Using this multivariate technique, four unique and stable groups were identified, namely: (1) organisational, (2) business-led, (3) administrative and (4) formal, This derived taxonomy was thoroughly validated to ensure that it is exhaustive, mutually exclusive, stable and consistent. Within this study,S ISPs uccessh as been conceptualisedb asedo n the extento f thefollowing measures: (1) alignment, (2) analysis, (3) co-operation, (4) implementation, (5) capabilities,( 6) satisfactiona nd (7) contribution. Thes tudyh as also conceptualisedS ISP success in terms of an aggregate score. It is found that each approach, with its different characteristics, has a different likelihood of success. Thefindings of this research suggest that the Organisational approach, which is characterised by high levels of alignment, comprehensivenespsa, rticipation,f requency,i nfusion benefita ndp lan implementationi,s by far the most successful. Conversely, the Administrative approach which has low levels of comprehensivenessfr, equency, participation and alignment is the least successful. Interestingly,t his study also suggeststh at the Organisationala pproach deliversa high level ofSISP successir respectiveo fthe organisationala nd technologicalc ontexto f the company. In summary, this study has extended our understanding of SISP processes and has provided useful insightsfor IS executives and top management in general, in implementing SISP within their organisations.

Thesis (Master)--İzmir Institute of Technology, İzmir, 2006. / Keywords: Cluster method, mobile communication, distruted systems, software architecture, communication networks. Includes bibliographical references (leaves. 63-69).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 152-160) Also available in print.

Thesis (M.S.)--Ohio University, November, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 135-144)

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 1992. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [295]-316).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 120-129). Also available in electronic version.

Thesis (M.S.)--Ohio University, November, 2004. / Title from PDF t.p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 135-144)