Implementing Information Systems: Some Practical Advice and a Richer Model

Recent research suggests that implementing information systems presents considerable difficulties and that many implementations are total or partial failures. This paper argues that what both practitioners and students require are richer and more acceptable models of information systems implementation. Accordingly, case study data concerning the introduction of manufacturing resource planning (MRP II) are used to illustrate five patterns of behaviour (rites) which capture important social actions; and four components of changing psychological orientation. It is argued that appreciation of the rites and psychological developments identified here will support effective change programmes. Guidelines based on our model are provided for practitioners.     

Restoration of masonry facades, renders and final coats in a severe climate

The restoration of relatively old masonry buildings, 1870-1920, represents about 119930 flats and offices in the 4-5 largest cities in Norway. Driving rain and a severe climate are the key factors for deterioration. The paper describes a case study at the city campus of the University of Oslo.     

The 'Conceptual Change In Science' project

Abstract This paper outlines the work of the Conceptual Change in Science project, funded as part of the ESRC InTER programme. The aims of this research project are to clarify and describe the process of change in learners' conceptual understandings of natural phenomena. The domain of reasoning selected for study is that of mechanics. Computer software which may be useful in exploring and developing pupils' reasoning and promoting conceptual change in this domain is being developed and evaluated. The group that is carrying out the research is based at the Universities of Leeds, Glasgow and the Open University.     

Health and Indoor Climate Complaints of 7043 office Workers in 61 Buildings in the Netherlands

During the winter of 1988/1989, the relationships between the prevalence of work-related health and indoor climate complaints and a number of building, management, workplace and personal characteristics have been investigated in a study in more than 60 office buildings located throughout the Netherlands. To collect the information, a questionnaire was prepared on health and indoor climate complaints and personal and workplace characteristics. A checklist was used to obtain information on building characteristics More than 7000 questionnaires were completed by the regular users of the buildings investigated. The results showed that the prevalence of symptoms was higher in air-conditioned buildings than in naturally or mechanically ventilated buildings. some other variables were also related with most work-related complaints after adjustment for selected management, personal, workplace and job characteristics. These included gender, work satisfaction in general, presence of allergies and/or respiratory symptoms, and personal control over temperature at the workplace. No differences were found in symptom prevalences between buildings with spray and steam humidification. The combination of air-conditioning and humidification did not lead to further increases in the prevalence of complaints as compared to buildings with only airconditioning or only humidification.     

Molten salts/ceramic-foam matrix composites by melt infiltration method as energy storage material

A new type of high temperature energy storage material was obtained through the melt infiltration method, using compounding SiC ceramic foam as matrix and Na₂SO₄ as phase change material. The resulting composite material was measured by XRD, SEM, TG-DSC methods. The experimental results indicate that the composite is composed of silicon carbide, sodium sulfate and square quartz, and no chemical reactions occurs between Na₂SO₄ and SiC matrix. Na₂SO₄ has a good bonding with the SiC ceramic foam matrix. As the composite material is characterized by high thermal energy storage density and high thermal conductivity, it is suit for energy storage under high temperature. Funded by the “863” Hi-Tech Research and Development Program of China (2008AA05Z418)     

第二代农民工市民化与中国共产党执政能力建设

第二代农民工市民化利益要求的实现有助于从阶级基础、群众基础、执政理念、执政资源和执政环境等方面加强党的执政能力建设。在第二代农民工市民化背景下,党应该强化执政为民的理念,构建利益相关制度,强化第二代农民工的工人阶级意识和主人翁意识,鼓励他们积极参与政治生活,有组织、有秩序地进行利益表达,使他们充分享受到城市经济社会发展成果,同时提高党自身的执政能力。     

民族地区高校计算机教学体系的改革与探讨

针对民族地区高等院校计算机教育的特点与面临的困难,提出相应的解决对策和改革方向。探讨如何构建现代人才素质需求与地方民族特色相结合的计算机教学体系,从而促进民族地区计算机人才的培养。     

城市街区空间引导系统的设计思考

城市街区空间引导系统与人们的日常生活息息相关,为人们的出行提供了便捷的标识引导,同时它也是城市形象的重要组成部分之一。本文分析总结了该系统的设计原则,并从视觉传达学科入手分析其视觉元素的设计。为了设计无语言障碍和有个性、地域化的城市街区空间引导系统,从符号、文字、色彩三方面对其进行设计思考。