The overall, coordinated management of different operational tasks in a chemical plant can improve operational efficiency. These operational tasks can be hierarchically categorised, from the lowest to highest level, as: data acquisition; regulatory control; monitoring; data reconciliation; fault detection and diagnosis; supervisory control; scheduling; and planning. Although each of these tasks is responsible for a particular function, they are dependent on each other, which is why an approach wherein all the different tasks can be integrated into a single unified framework is desirable. While integration has important benefits such as a significant reduction in operator workload and improved decision making, its realisation presents considerable challenges. Few previous works have addressed this topic and even fewer have investigated recent computing paradigms which may greatly assist in the development of a unifying framework. Multi-agent systems were introduced and investigated in this study as a possible means for achieving integration of operational tasks in chemical plants. Multi-agent systems are the subject of a sub-field of computing research known as agent-based computing. Agent-based computing represents a relatively recent and powerful high-level computing paradigm. Initially, a number of software applications were developed for the purposes of this study to assist realisation of the operational tasks. To simplify the process of system development and provide guidance for those unfamiliar with multi-agent systems wishing to adopt the proposed technique, an extensive methodology was devised. The operational tasks were then integrated using the proposed methodology to form an integrated multi-agent system, with the pilot plant at Murdoch University being used as a test base for the solution. The results were positive and demonstrated that the proposed agent-based solution was able to effectively account for the pilot plant setting. It was concluded that, in addition to presently available integration techniques and base technologies, the agent-based approach to integration of operational tasks in chemical plants presents a viable alternative solution.

Despite the steady rise in online education and increasingly empirical studies on related learning technologies and technology support, there is considerable evidence that the field has not kept the pace with studies related to online education administrators (OEAs). Further investigation was needed into OEAs’ practice of day-to-day administration of their programs. Therefore, this study examined OEAs’ perceptions of their areas of responsibility, tasks to be accomplished and skills and knowledge needed for them to get the job done. A three-round Delphi research technique was employed as a structured group communication method between five participants to answer three research questions. The protocol consisted of anonymous participants using online surveys to respond to several rounds of questioning. The research concluded with a group consensus. The results produced nine functional areas, 12 operational tasks and 14 competencies of skills and knowledge for OEAs. Based on the findings, it was now possible to illustrate an operational management competency model as a resource for the administrator in charge of an online education program. After conclusions were drawn, the study provided recommendations for future research.