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Information systems design has been strongly influenced by computer technology. However, there are other aspects which can also influence information systems design. It seems that organisational design can greatly influence the success of information systems design. In this thesis we set out to investigate this very issue. This research begins by the discussion of information systems design. The conclusion from this initial probing of the subject is that an information system is a mirror image of the organisation for which it is designed. Also, the notion of the hierarchical structure is built into the models of informations systems and information systems design methodologies. This is being the case, the logical step to follow is to investigate the models of the organisation. The remaining chapters of part I are devoted to discussing models of the organisation. It is argued that, apart from the cybernetic model, none of the other models provide good enough basis for information processing and transmission. These models may differ in certain aspects; however, they are all (except the cybernetic model) built on the hierarchical notion of the organisation. It is argued that an hierarchical structure is a major hindrance to the smooth flow of information inside an organisation. As to the cybernetic model, as exarnplified by Beer's viable system model (VSM), the picture is fundamentally different. This model discards the traditional notion of hierarchy, and replaces it by that of logical hierarchy. The model of organisation it provides is built around the information needs of the organisation. The organisation is provided by an elaborate network to facilitate its internal functioning, and enable it adapt to its environment. Since it is our chosen model of the organisation for providing a suitable basis for information systems design, the totality of part II is dedicated to this model. In part III we set out to test the model. The means by which this is carried out is an emirical investigation of a steel distribution organisation. In this empirical part the model proved to be a very powerful diagnostic tool. By mapping the model onto the organisation in question we could discover that the problems of information processing and transmission of the organisation are largely due to its faulty design. Before we can seriously attempt to redesign its information system, we must look into the organisation itself. In other words, there need be certain structural prerequisites for successful information system design.

This thesis is concerned with the design and im plementation of a Relational Multimedia Database System, in short RMDBS. RMDBS is designed to efficiently use storage space and manipulate various kinds of data; attribute data, bit-m apped pictures, and program s in binary code. RMDBS is an integrated system which enables the user to manage and control operations on the different forms of data in a user friendly manner. This means that even nonexperienced users can work with the system. The work described in this thesis is novel in that a true multimedia database has been implemented within the framework of a traditional relational DBMS. Previous work in this area has concentrated either in building data base management systems for storing picture-based data or multimedia databases which are not true data base management systems. RMDBS is implemented using the Revelation data base management system.

This study addresses faculty perceptions of how the features of existing learning management systems (LMS) currently and potentially enhance their assessment of student work. Within this type of technology, a selection of a couple of main systems, namely Blackboard and Moodle, was examined. A critical analysis of the exiting literature on the adoption of assessment features within the classrooms for formative purposes is presented. A mixed methods research design was used in order to evaluate the effectiveness of formative assessment tools in LMS. A survey was electronically distributed to professors in two mid-sized universities in Eastern Ontario, Canada to gather data in the first phase. The second phase of data collection entailed interviewing a subset of the professors after analysing the first set of data. Additional analysis was conducted in order to identify the factors that can elevate the perception and use of LMS as major tools for formative assessment. Results revealed that professors are generally struggling with the existing tools in LMS and perceive them to be only marginally effective to conduct formative assessment to the extent that they desire, especially at higher order level. They also consider the existing number of tools as being limited. Recommendations were made to improve the design of assessment tools in LMS for formative purposes. Training was identified as the main factor to increase the use of these tools along with receiving institutional support, extra time and technical help in integrating the new tools in their teaching.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Queensland, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references.

Preci* is a generalised distributed database management system, capable of supporting heterogeneous, pre-existing databases as nodes. The system is fully decentralised, supporting both retrieval and update of the data. Varying degrees of location transparency can be provided, according to user requirements. The work presented here is concerned with data integration and query decomposition. An extended relational algebra (PAL) is developed, which serves both as a query language and as a mapping language for data integration. The suitability of PAL for data integration is demonstrated by a number of examples, and by comparison with existing proposals. A major attraction of PAL is that it can also be used as a query language, thereby making query decomposition much easier. The relational algebraic approach is shown to be particularly appropriate for query decomposition, since queries can be easily parsed and represented in tree form. Such parse trees are readily transformed to yield equivalent expressions which will execute more efficiently. An algorithm is given for decomposing global PAL queries into nodal subqueries, and for coordinating their execution. The general problem of allocating subqueries to execution nodes is not tackled, though it is shown that the algorithm will do this allocation under specific implementation conditions. A prototype of Preci* has been implemented in 'C'.

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This thesis is about a complementarist approach to organisational evaluation. It is argued that as each of the popular models in organisational evaluation theory have different strengths and weaknesses, they all have some validity and, taken together, represent a complementary set. The thesis will be divided into three parts. In the first part, the principles underlying the dominant models in organisational theory will be discussed and the implications for evaluation practice drawn out. Following this, as a test of the hypothesis that a form of evaluation may be derived from any grounded model of the organisation, suggestions for a form of evaluation from a cultural perspective will be made. The second part will be dedicated to testing the practical feasibility of different models of evaluation. Discussion will be made of the project between the National Association of Councils for Voluntary Service and the Department of Management Systems and Sciences, University of Hull (funded by the Leverhulme Trust). The final part, having established the theoretical and practical validity of several models of organisational evaluation, will address the implications of a complementarist approach. Given that complementarism is based upon the existence of multiple methods, there is the danger that it may be interpreted as an 'anything goes' approach. In order that this be avoided, a model of good practice and an appropriate meta-methodology for evaluation will be suggested. Finally, the limitations and achievements of the project and the thesis will be reflected upon, and areas of future work proposed.