How does leadership affect information systems success? The role of transformational leadership

We examined the positive impact of transformational leadership on IS success in organizations via two psychological mechanisms of system users’—perceived organizational support and systems self-efficacy. Our conceptual model was assessed using a sample of 251 employees from a multi-national bank in Korea. Overall, our results supported the hypothesized relationships: transformational leadership was positively related to system users’ IS success, and both perceived organizational support and systems self-efficacy of the system users mediated the relationship between transformational leadership and IS success. The results call for manager's attention to the importance of transformational leadership development in organizations.     

The elements of an open KBS infrastructure

This paper describes the elements of an open knowledge based system infrastructure. These are: standard knowledge representation systems; a knowledge interchange format; a knowledge manipulation and query language; common shared ontology and an agent based software engineering model. These elements provide the means to achieve Knowledge Sharing and Reuse between heterogeneous knowledge based systems. The elements have been adopted as the basis of the conceptual design for the Advanced Technology Operations System ATOS being designed by the European Space Agency ESA.     

The metaphor machine: A database method for creativity support

This paper shows how a data base method can be applied to the automatic generation of metaphors. The utility of automatic metaphor generation is based on providing interactive support to creative human thinking processes. Such interactive support systems have been called Idea Processing systems, and are seen as special qualitative types of Decision Support Systems (DSS). They include functions to support metaphorical thinking as well as other modes of creative idea development. The paper presents brief backgrounds references on creativity and the relevance of metaphors, as well as to previous work in Idea Processing. It then presents a relational data base method for automatic metaphor generation. The method is described and illustrated, as well as shown in relational algebra and relational calculus notation. In conclusion, the paper indicates how the relational data base method presented can be operationalized through using existing data base software or by integration with a specialized interface for the particular application of metaphor generation.     

Providing effective decision support: Modeling users and their requirements

The major premise of this paper is that in order for a DSS to be effective in a given problem domain, it is important to model the decision-making behavior of the user over and above traditional problem solving concerns. This is achieved by extending the traditional planning framework based on first-order logic to include modal logic. This extended framework is then used to represent beliefs and desires of the user, communicative actions performed by the user and the system, as well as the usual goals, task-related actions etc. The essence of this approach, then, is to view natural language utterances of the user of a DSS as speech acts which can be modeled using the extended framework; this view can, in turn, be used to interpret natural language utterances of the user.     

The development of OCPL, object conceptual prototyping language

This paper describes the development of OCPL (object conceptual prototyping language), an object–knowledge representation language. The language is based on CPL, conceptual prototyping language, developed at the Free University of Amsterdam. CPL has been extended to allow for the explicit representation of object-oriented constructs. These constructs include facilities for application system definition, generation and usage. A restricted use of the constraint model of CPL allows for systematic representation of events from which appropriate user interfaces can be generated. The paper describes OCPL and its relationship to CPL and related work. It also illustrates how the constraint model can be used to represent dynamics and provide intelligent user support.     

Problem-solving strategies for DSS design

For a successful design and implementation of DSS, competent understanding of decision-making processes in organizational settings and sensitivity to the interpersonal and organizational dimensions of the relationship between decision-makers and DSS designers are essential. Towards this end, a three-faceted strategy is broadly outlined and proposed. The strategy encompasses (a) a diagnostic attitude to the empirical tasks and contextual properties of decision-making, (b) emphasis on decision-makers rather than on decisions, and (c) the concept of DSS design as a joint undertaking for organizational problem-solving.     

The Role of Cognitive Modeling for User Interface Design Representations: An Epistemological Analysis of Knowledge Engineering in the Context of Human-Computer Interaction

In this paper we review some problems with traditional approaches for acquiring and representing knowledge in the context of developing user interfaces. Methodological implications for knowledge engineering and for human-computer interaction are studied. It turns out that in order to achieve the goal of developing human-oriented (in contrast to technology-oriented) human-computer interfaces developers have to develop sound knowledge of the structure and the representational dynamics of the cognitive system which is interacting with the computer.We show that in a first step it is necessary to study and investigate the different levels and forms of representation that are involved in the interaction processes between computers and human cognitive systems. Only if designers have achieved some understanding about these representational mechanisms, user interfaces enabling individual experiences and skill development can be designed. In this paper we review mechanisms and processes for knowledge representation on a conceptual, epistemological, and methodologieal level, and sketch some ways out of the identified dilemmas for cognitive modeling in the domain of human-computer interaction.     

Requirements Engineering-Based Conceptual Modelling

The software production process involves a set of phases where a clear relationship and smooth transitions between them should be introduced. In this paper, a requirements engineering-based conceptual modelling approach is introduced as a way to improve the quality of the software production process. The aim of this approach is to provide a set of techniques and methods to capture software requirements and to provide a way to move from requirements to a conceptual schema in a traceable way. The approach combines a framework for requirements engineering (TRADE) and a graphical object-oriented method for conceptual modelling and code generation (OO-Method). The intended improvement of the software production process is accomplished by providing a precise methodological guidance to go from the user requirements (represented through the use of the appropriate TRADE techniques) to the conceptual schema that properly represents them (according to the conceptual constructs provided by the OO-Method). Additionally, as the OO-Method provides full model-based code generation features, this combination minimises the time dedicated to obtaining the final software product.     

Automated code generation of dynamic specializations: an approach based on design patterns and formal techniques

In this work, we present an automatic code generation process from conceptual models. This process incorporates the use of design patterns in OO-Method, an automated software production method, which is built on a formal object-oriented model called OASIS. Our approach defines a precise mapping between conceptual patterns, design patterns and their implementation. Design patterns make the code generation process easy because they provide methodological guidance to go from the problem space to the solution space. In order to understand these ideas, we introduce a complete code generation process for conceptual models that have dynamic specialization relationships. This proposal can be incorporated into CASE tools, making the automation of the software production process feasible.     

A synopsis of present day practices concerning decision support systems

Selecting a decision support system that fits specific needs, both technically and financially, is a difficult task. The marketplace has been flooded with software bearing the “DSS” label. To provide a clearer picture, the article examines a number of popular DSS definitions and its development. DSS are broken into groups with similar characteristics to examine current software and applications. These groups include Personal Support Systems, DSS and Local Area Networks, DSS and Emulation, Timesharing Systems, Commercial Data Base Systems, and Integrated System. Within each group, current software and practices are reviewed. The potential buyer has the opportunity to compare DSS packages and possible applications. In addition, a list of important questions to ask when choosing DSS Software is included.     

Decision support systems: An expert systems approach

This paper provides a conceptual framework for designing decision support systems (DSS) using an expert systems approach. Currently there is a significant trend towards the use of knowledge-based systems techniques in DSS design, but a comprehensive framework is yet to be proposed. Our paper addresses this problem and presents such a framework. Efforts are currently underway to design, implement and test a system based on this framework.     

A new class of intelligent knowledge-based systems with an optimisation-based inference engine

In this paper we describe a new class of intelligent knowledge-based system (IKBS) which can be used principally for managerial decision making applications. This class of applications often requires a framework for knowledge acquisition which allows the system to use the knowledge of several experts. In addition, since in most business decision making the objective is maximise profits, there is a need for an inference engine which allows optimisation to be carried out. The new class of IKBS which is described in this paper has both these properties, i.e., the ability to use the knowledge of multiple experts in a convenient way and an inference engine which by performing optimisations is able to pick out the profit maximising decisions. As an illustration of these concepts, a system for allocation decision making is described. The system ‘Retail-opt’ allows the user to solve problems like allocation of space in retail outlets, allocation of space in mail order catalogues, pricing policy decisions for discounted airline tickets, etc. In the paper, the basic concepts behind ‘Retail-opt’ are described and an application of ‘Retail-opt’ to the problem of retail space allocation in a Scandinavian Department Store is given. A number of other systems which use these concepts for more complicated competitive decision making situations are also described.     

一种基于Intranet和多Agent系统的决策支持系统框架

基于Intranet的决策支持系统的研究不仅具有重大的理论价值,而且具有很高的应用价值。该文通过对多A-gent系统与传统决策支持系统的比较和结合,把Agent方法引入到基于Intranet的决策支持系统的研究中,提出了一种新型的决策支持系统实现框架。该框架充分利用了Agent自主运行、主动性、持续性和问题求解能力以及多Agent系统的分布式和合作性等特点,对基于Intranet决策支持系统结构的研究产生了深刻的影响。该文给出了一个基于该框架的原型系统实现,通过仿真可以看出该实现框架非常适合于企业Intranet分布式开放环境。     

From Contracts to E-Contracts: Modeling and Enactment

Contracts are complex to understand, represent and process electronically. Usually, contracts involve various entities such as parties, activities and clauses. An e-contract is a contract modeled, specified, executed and enacted (controlled and monitored) by a software system (such as a workflow system). Workflows are used to automate business processes that govern adherence to the e-contracts. E-contracts can be mapped to inter-related workflows, which have to be specified carefully to satisfy the contract requirements. Most workflow models do not have the capabilities to handle complex inter/intra relationships among entities in e-contracts. An e-contract does not adhere to activity/task oriented workflow processes, thus generating a gap between a conceptual model of e-contract and workflow. In this paper, we describe conceptual modeling of e-contracts and present a business process model for e-contract enactment. The enactment of e-contracts necessitates dynamic generation and initiation of workflows during the e-contract execution, besides the static workflows. ER^EC business process model facilitates an integrated approach to e-contracts enactment. Our methodology is illustrated by means of a case study conducted using Financial Messaging Solution contract for banking transactions.     

Dialectic decision support systems: System design and empirical evaluation

Many complex and unstructured decisions are hindered by a lack of clear understanding of various underlying assumptions and perspectives involved in the decision process. At present, the traditional decision support systems (DSS) pay little attention to the elicitation of underlying assumptions and perspectives in dealing with complex issues. We argue that the Socratic dialectic inquiry is an effective method for dealing with unstructured problems that are complex and require the involvement of different perspectives in DSS. In this paper, we propose a design for Dialectic Decision Support Systems (DDSS), in which dialectical processes are integrated with traditional DSS in order to provide support for individual decision makers. We then formulate a conceptual model for identifying factors that contribute to the efficacy of DDSS in comparison to traditional DSS. The empirical test of the model supports the superior efficacy of the DDSS and identifies factors that contribute to it. The contributions of this research are in generating support for stimulating critical thinking, dealing with complex decision issues and identifying creative solutions.     

An examination of decision-makers' utilization of decision support system output

A study was conducted of 18 decision support systems in major U.S. corporations in order to examine their methods of operation and the ways in which the DSS contribute to the decision making process. These DSS were studied with respect to organizational level of the decision maker, phases of the decision making process, interaction among decision makers using the DSS, requirement for and regularity of DSS use, impact on job tasks and performance, and perceived value of the DSS. Study results provide substantial support for generalized conceptualizations in the literature. Decision support is primarily for upper and/or middle management working in interaction. Use of the DSS is at the discretion of the decision maker and the majority of DSS users are highly satisfied with their systems.     

关系知识表达模式及在专家系统中的应用

采用关系模式表达知识，可以利用当前流行的关系数据库管理系统（ＲＤＢＭＳ），将专家系统与ＲＤＢＭＳ上建立的管理信息系统，决策支持系统，办公自动化系统等有机结合，有利于知识的管理、存储和利用。并可在大量的管理信息，决策支持信息以及办公自动化信息中发现知识，使信息与知识共享。本文研究用关系模式表达知识的方法，并在一分类专家系统中利用ＲＤＢＭＳ强大的数据处理能力实现知识推理。     

软件定义的犯罪现场分析过程及其知识自动化方案*

犯罪现场分析是一个从痕迹到心理(生理)的结果回溯过程,是查明犯罪、证实犯罪的起点和基础,也是侦查破案的核心关键.借鉴近年来复杂系统相关理论和方法在众多领域的成功应用和良好成效,构建基于复杂系统的犯罪现场分析模型框架.从软件定义的系统和流程角度介绍基于人工社会、计算实验、平行执行(简称ACP)方法的犯罪现场平行系统模型构建的基本思想、框架体系和主要方法.从平行系统的角度阐述知识自动化在犯罪现场分析过程中的重要作用.     

Implementing expert system rule conditions by neural networks

The relation of subsymbolic (neural computing) and symbolic computing has been a topic of intense discussion. We address some of the drawbacks of current expert system technology and study the possibility of using neural computing principles to improve their competence. In this paper we focus on the problem of using neural networks to implement expert system rule conditions. Our approach allows symbolic inference engines to make direct use of complex sensory input via so called detector predicates. We also discuss the use of self organizing Kohonen networks as a means to determine those attributes (properties) of data that reflect meaningful statistical relationships in the expert system input space. This mechanism can be used to address the defficult problem of conceptual clustering of information. The concepts introduced are illustrated by two application examples: an automatic inspection system for circuit packs and an expert system for respiratory and anesthesia monitoring. The adopted approach differs from the earlier research on the use of neural networks as expert systems, where the only method to obtain knowledge is learning from training data. In our approach the synergy of rules and detector predicates combines the advantages of both worlds: it maintains the clarity of the rule-based knowledge representation at the higher reasoning levels without sacrificing the power of noise-tolerant pattern association offered by neural computing methods. This research is supported by Technology Development Center (TEKES) in Software Technology Programme (FINSOFT). Part of this work was done while the author was visiting AT & T Bell Laboratories.