Orientador: Otávio José de Oliveira / Banca: Mateus Cecílio Gerolamo / Banca: Fernando Bernardi de Souza / Resumo: O processo de melhoria contínua nas organizações é uma premissa para a sobrevivência e competitividade no mercado atual. Neste contexto, os Sistemas de Gestão da Qualidade surgem como importantes instrumentos para o desempenho das empresas e dos Arranjos Produtivos Locais (APLs). O objetivo principal desta dissertação é desenvolver uma proposta de diretrizes para desenvolvimento coletivo de melhoria contínua em Micro, Pequenas e Médias Empresas (MPMEs) industriais que atuem em APLs. A proposta foi desenvolvida por meio do referencial teórico e subsidiada com elementos de um estudo de caso, o que permitiu seu desenvolvimento com conceitos que podem influenciar de forma positiva sua efetiva implantação. Como resultado, a proposta de diretrizes está estruturada em seis etapas: Preparação, Diagnóstico do APL, Diagnóstico das empresas, Implantação, Auditoria e Avaliação / Abstract: The process of continuous improvement in organizations is a precondition for the survival and competitiveness in the market today. In this context, the Quality Management Systems emerge as important tools for the performance of business and Local Productive Arrangements (APLs). The main objective of this dissertation is to develop a proposal guideline for developing collective of continuous improvement in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that act on APLS industrial. The proposal was developed "through theoretical and subsidized with elements of a case study, which allowed her to develop concepts that can positively influence their effective implementation. As a result, the proposal guidelines is structured in six steps: Preparation, APL Diagnostics, Diagnostics enterprises, Implementation, Audit and Evaluation / Mestre

This thesis seeks to contribute to the field of learning management system (LMS) development in tertiary educational institutions, particularly to advance the adoption of learning management systems (LMSes) by exploring the incorporation of sociallymotivated discussion forum models. This study proposes a Web-based application, which includes four different discussion forum models for LMSes, in order to test usability and student preferences. The purpose of this study was to compare two non-social discussion forums and two social discussion forums, to determine their appropriateness in terms of attributes or features and general functionality for LMSes. The design processes led to the creation of a Web-based application called 4DFs, which includes four different discussion forum models. Two of these models are non-social discussion forums: the chat room unstructured model and the traditional general threaded discussion. The other two types are social discussion forums, where users can choose who they converse with: the Twitter-style short comment feed and the Facebook-style. The chat room and the traditional general threaded discussion forums' features are based on those of Sakai, since the research sample was comprised of students from the University of Cape Town (UCT). The Twitter-style and Facebook-style elements, such as retweets, hashtags, likes and reposts, are based on Twitter and Facebook. A pilot study was conducted to discover any errors or issues with the experimental procedure. A controlled experiment was then conducted with 31 students from the institution. Participants had to fill out a background information survey to gather some demographic information and to understand more about participants' previous experiences using chat rooms, discussion forums, and social media applications for university related purposes and for non-university related purposes. Following that, participants were given tasks to test all the features of the different discussion forum models. To avoid bias in the participants' choosing of discussion forum models, the research was conducted with a Counterbalanced Measures Design. Participants had to fill in the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire in conjunction with their use of the Web-based application. Then, after using all discussion forums, they had to fill out a preferences questionnaire that asked about their preferences of the discussion forums and the features. The Twitter-style short comment feed model was preferred in terms of the ease of use and since participants were familiar with this forum. This was followed by the chat room unstructured model and the traditional general threaded discussion in terms of these forums' ease of use and students' preference for the layout. The Facebook-style was less preferable. Also, participants indicated that the post button, reply button, edit, delete, and search button were more beneficial features. Participants mention that the layout of the chat room unstructured model was not optimal, since the massive amount of text made it confusing and unclear to decipher. Participants suggested that including the uploading of media, allowing private chat, adding extra features for important posts, and using a repost button in the discussion forums would be more useful. The study found that students preferred that the learning forum include certain characteristics; they prioritised ease of use, less complexity, less interaction and a user-friendly interface over their familiarity with the forum. For learning, there is a need to use the features for a specific purpose so users do not necessarily want extra fancy features (like emojis), instead they want systems that help them to learn efficiently.

Being faster is good. Being predictable is better. A faithful model of a system, loaded to reflect the system's current state, can then be used to look into the future and predict performance. Building faithful models of processes with high degrees of uncertainty can be very challenging, especially where this uncertainty exists in terms of processing times, queuing behavior and re-work rates. Within the context of an electronic, multi-tiered workflow management system (WFMS) the author builds such a model to endogenously quote due dates. A WFMS that manages business objects can be recast as a flexible flow shop in which the stations that a job (representing the business object) passes through are known and the jobs in the stations queues at any point are known. All of the other parameters associated with the flow shop, including job processing times per station, and station queuing behavior are uncertain though there is a significant body of past performance data that might be brought to bear. The objective, in this environment, is to meet the delivery date promised when the job is accepted. To attack the problem the author develops a novel heuristic algorithm for decomposing the WFMS's event logs exposing non-standard queuing behavior, develops a new simulation component to implement that behavior, and assembles a prototypical system to automate the required historical analysis and allow for on-demand due date quoting through the use of embedded discrete event simulation modeling. To attack the problem the author develops a novel heuristic algorithm for decomposing the WFMS's event logs exposing non-standard queuing behavior, develops a new simulation component to implement that behavior, and assembles a prototypical system to automate the required historical analysis and allow for on-demand due date quoting through the use of embedded discrete event simulation modeling. The developed software components are flexible enough to allow for both the analysis of past performance in conjunction with the WFMS's event logs, and on-demand analysis of new jobs entering the system. Using the proportion of jobs completed within the predicted interval as the measure of effectiveness, the author validates the performance of the system over six months of historical data and during live operations with both samples achieving the 90% service level targeted.

The concept of usability refers to a user's capability to interact with a system to fulfill goals in terms of task completion (effectiveness), time measurement (efficiency), and positive attitude (satisfaction). The strategy for usability evaluation in software systems usually involves questionnaires, user testing, and heuristics. Although these methods have been widely used due to several benefits, there are challenges related to time consumption and embedded bias. In response to these challenges, this work proposes a hybrid approach based on usability questionnaire answers and machine learning algorithms to predict usability scores. We describe three different experiments with features extracted from a Learning Management System. These features were applied in the Machine Learning algorithms Linear Regression, Decision Trees, Random Forest, and Neural Networks in three experiments. Random Forest produces the best performance of average mean square error and root mean square error among machine learning algorithms. The results are promising, though there are alternatives for improvements for better performance of the System Usability Scale and UseLearn scores prediction. This approach has potential as a reliable predictive tool for usability scores, which would help create software systems that better satisfy users' needs. / Master of Science / Instructors and students have used online platforms known as Learning Management Systems (LMSs) to improve learning and satisfaction. Students need to achieve their learning goals by interacting with these systems. To achieve these goals, usability evaluation involves ensuring that LMSs attain effectiveness (task completion), efficiency (time measurement), and satisfaction (positive attitude). Usability evaluation usually follows questionnaires, user testing of the LMS, and expert reviews. Although these methods are widely used due to several benefits, they face challenges related to trying these software systems multiple times until the system satisfies student needs and human subjectivity perception. To face these challenges, promote student engagement with the system, and create a better design in the LMS courses, we propose a hybrid approach based on data, questionnaire answers, and machine learning algorithms to predict usability scores. We evaluated this approach through a case study with data collected from undergraduate students at Virginia Tech. The results showed different advantages and drawbacks of machine learning performance. The approach contributes to the engineering and computing education field by providing a reliable predictive tool for usability scores to improve the student learning experience and the features of the LMS.

Resumo: O objetivo desta pesquisa é propor um método para introdução de práticas integradas de gestão da qualidade, meio ambiente e segurança e saúde no trabalho a ser implantado coletivamente pelas PMEs pertencentes a clusters industriais. Este método foi desenvolvido com base em uma revisão bibliográfica e uma pesquisa de campo, que ajudou a conhecer o ambiente e o comportamento das PMEs em um cluster. Para consecução do proposto, selecionou-se o cluster industrial metal-mecânico localizado na cidade de Sertãozinho-SP como base para uma pesquisa exploratória, visando contribuir com a formulação do método. Os instrumentos utilizados para a coleta de dados foram a entrevista semi-estruturada com o agente de governança e o questionário aplicado em uma amostra de 20 empresas do aglomerado. Com base no referencial teórico, elaborou-se um método para introdução de práticas integradas de gestão. este método está dividido em três macroetapas: (i) preparação/planejamento, (ii) implantação e (iii) avaliação e manutenção. Cada uma das etapas é composta por ações que devem ser desenvolvidas pelas empresas e pela governança. A implantação deste método requer acompanhamento constante do agente de governança do cluster, além de ser um processo que busca a melhoria contínua / Abstract: The objective of this research is to propose a practical method for introducing integrated quality management, environment, safety and health at work to be implemented collectively by SMEs belonging to industrial clusters. This method was development based on a literature review and field research, which helped to understand the environment and the behavior or SMEs in a cluster. To achieve the proposed selected to the metal-mechanic industrial cluster located in the town of Sertaozinho-SP as a basis for exploratory research, to contribute to the formulation of the method. The instruments used for data collection were semi-structured interview with the agent of governance and the questionnaire in a sample of 20 companies of the custer. Based on the theoretical framework, developed a method for introduction of integrated management practices. This method is divided into three macroetapas: (i) preparation/planning, (ii) deployment and (iii) evaluation and maintenance. Each stage consists of actions that should be developed by business and governance. The implementation of this method requires constant monitoring of the agent's governance cluster, besides being a process that seeks continuous improvement / Orientador: Otávio J. de Oliveira / Coorientador: Edwin V. Cardoza Galdaméz / Banca: Marly Monteiro de Carvalho / Banca: Fernando Bernardi de Souza / Mestre

This project applies the management systems engineering methodology to the design and development of a management tool to be used in managing change of the Commercial-Off-The-Shelf [COTS] software, firmware, and hardware utilized within the Mapping Branch of the National Imagery and Mapping Agency [NIMA] (formerly known as the Defense Mapping Agency [DMA J). The management tool is used to support the management process overlaying the work process for changing COTS products. By using the management systems engineering methodology to understand how COTS products are changed, the functional requirements for a management tool can be derived in a clear and concise manner. Concurrently, the systems approach is applied in the development of the management tool, referred to as the COTS Management System. The COTS Management System is identified as required by NIMA due to the increasing number of COTS products being used within the Digital Production System [DPS]. The DPS is NIMA's conglomeration of segmented computer systems combined to provide the tools and functionality necessary to produce the myriad of mapping, charting, and geodesic products in both hard-copy and digital format. NIMA also desires to implement the COTS Management System in an effort to achieve the Software Engineering Institutes [SEI] Capability Maturity Model [CMM] Level 3. / Master of Science

Some problems confronted by managers include ill-formulated wicked planning problems, a type of problem that is difficult to solve because, in part, it is difficult to know what the problem is. The Churchmanian Knowledge Management Systems (CKMS) (Richardson & Courtney, 2004) is comprised of design principles for aiding system designers, managers, and clients who make decisions pertaining to these ill-formulated wicked planning problems. Problemography theory is proposed as a method for developing a CKMS. The method aims to measure CKMS development by using development tools that enables stakeholders and theoreticians to clarify CKMS development. A study was conducted to test a proof-of-concept development tool. The tool tested is a proposed list of processes that occur during CKMS development, processes derived from Churchman's (1971) Singerian inquiring systems theory. A gap analysis was performed whereby the proposed processes were compared with the processes found during a case study of people confronting issues related to the 'wicked' problem of Florida's invasive plant problem. A second study was conducted to explore possible design principles for developing a CKMS. Two proposed design principles, Every Person Principle and Connectedness Caretaker Principle, were used to develop a Describe a Wicked Problem Inquiring System (DAWP), a Web site which aims to enable inquirers to confront wicked problems. Participants in the study formulated problems related to Florida's native plants and suggested potential solutions. Using Wengraf's (2001) theory-driven qualitative research, interviews with participants were analyzed and the results suggest that the Web site being developed enabled the consideration of the ethical ramifications of knowledge.

XXX Pharmacy is an independently-owned retail pharmacy in Johannesburg. Good Pharmacy Practice standards make it mandatory for pharmacists to provide “pharmaceutical care”, a highly patient-centred approach to providing pharmaceutical services. Since XXX Pharmacy has a high patient load, a shortage of dispensary staff and a strategic focus on operational efficiency, the question arose whether pharmacists comply fully with Good Pharmacy Practice standards for the provision of pharmaceutical care. Non-compliance poses operational risks that could undermine the business’s financial performance. The research statement was thus that the current performance management system undermines compliance with Good Pharmacy Practice standards for the provision of pharmaceutical care to patients. A triangulation approach was used. The quantitative research method, in which 200 patients completed a questionnaire, investigated two research objectives: (i) whether the pharmacy complies with Good Pharmacy Practice standards for pharmaceutical care; and (ii) whether there is a relationship between patients’ race or gender and their responses. The qualitative research method involved conducting individual semi-structured interviews with all four dispensary employees to achieve another two research objectives: (i) to determine whether the provision of pharmaceutical care is viewed as a key performance area by pharmacists; and (ii) to investigate what aspects of the implementation of the performance management system are viewed as enabling or undermining the provision of pharmaceutical care.

Modern enterprise organisations rely on dynamic processes. Generally these processes cannot be modelled once and executed repeatedly without change. Enterprise processes may evolve unpredictably according to situations that cannot always be prescribed. However, no mechanism exists to ensure an updated process does not violate any compliance requirements. Typical workflow processes may follow a process definition and execute several thousand instances using a workflow engine without any changes. This is suitable for routine business processes. However, when business processes need flexibility, adaptive features are needed. Updating processes may violate compliance requirements so automatic verification of compliance checking is necessary. The research work presented in this Thesis investigates the problem of current workflow technology in defining, managing and ensuring the specification and execution of business processes that are dynamic in nature, combined with policy standards throughout the process lifycle. The findings from the literature review and the system requirements are used to design the proposed system architecture. Since a two-tier reference process model is not sufficient as a basis for the reference model for an adaptive and compliance workflow management system, a three-tier process model is proposed. The major components of the architecture consist of process models, business rules and plugin modules. This architecture exhibits the concept of user adaptation with structural checks and dynamic adaptation with data-driven checks. A research prototype - Adaptive and Compliance Workflow Management System (ACWfMS) - was developed based on the proposed system architecture to implement core services of the system for testing and evaluation purposes. The ACWfMS enables the development of a workflow management tool to create or update the process models. It automatically validates compliance requirements and, in the case of violations, visual feedback is presented to the user. In addition, the architecture facilitates process migration to manage specific instances with modified definitions. A case study based on the postgraduate research process domain is discussed.

International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / November 04-07, 1991 / Riviera Hotel and Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada / A synopsis of the very recent evolution of telemetry chart recorders from “closed” chart paper output devices to powerful “open” Data Management Systems. A Data Management System (DMS) is defined as one which incorporates a video screen for waveform preview and monitoring, direct connection of hard or optical disk via SCSI for real-time data archiving, and DR11 digital interfacing. The DMS concept of providing real-time waveform monitoring independent of hard copy recording is discussed, as well as the capabilities of the hard copy recorder. The realities of budget shortfalls makes wholesale system upgrades to eliminate DAC’s entirely difficult at best. These concerns—and a potential remedy: a DMS which accepts any mix of analog and digital waveforms—are reviewed. Objectives: How DMS’s can be integrated with existing telemetry systems, encompass the functionality of conventional recorders and add new capabilities, with an emphasis on how data can be digitally pre-formatted in real-time, simplifying—or even eliminating—post-mission reduction and analysis. A demonstration of how a video display allows real-time trace viewing—a major weakness of conventional thermal array recorders.