Synthesizing User Centered and Designer Centered IS Development Approaches Using General Systems Theory

This paper uses general systems theory to provide an expanded view of information systems in organizations. Three general viewpoints and corresponding approaches to information systems development are identified. The designer centered or American approach to information systems development is based on a functionalist perspective of information systems and a problem solving orientation. The user centered or European approach to information systems development takes an expanded view of information systems that specifically considers humans and recognizes their aspirations and goals and uses a democratic, participative approach to develop systems in an effort to produce an improved workplace and a better quality of worklife for users. A third viewpoint on information systems development, business process centering, is identified that further expands the components of the system to include the set of integrated tasks that provide value to the customer. We define a new development approach that combines the strengths of these approaches based on general systems theory, business process centering, and a measurement and control system.     

Influential Characteristics of Enterprise Information System User Interfaces

ABSTRACT

End-user acceptance is considered as a significant factor influencing the success of enterprise information system (EIS) implementations and operations. This study conceptualizes three aspects of EIS user interfaces (UIs), namely information overload, control familiarity, and UI fit, and proposes a model to understand their effect on two major factors that are considered to influence the end-user acceptance of these systems: EIS end user’s performance expectancy and effort expectancy. We developed a theoretical model and multiitem scales for the proposed EIS UI characteristics and tested the model empirically with data from a survey performed with a sample 98 EIS end users. The results from our test provide evidence for the key role that EIS UI design plays in the end user’s performance and effort expectancy.     

User interfaces metamodel based on graphs

Information systems are widely used in all business areas. These systems typically integrate a set of functionalities that implement business rules and maintain databases. Users interact with these systems and use these features through user interfaces (UI). Each UI is usually composed of menus where the user can select the desired functionality, thus accessing a new UI that corresponds to the desired feature. Hence, a system normally contains multiple UIs. However, keeping consistency between these UIs of a system from a visual (organisation, component style, etc.) and behavioral perspective is usually difficult. This problem also appears in software production lines, where it would be desirable to have patterns to guide the construction and maintenance of UIs. One possible way of defining such patterns is to use model-driven engineering (MDE). In MDE, models are defined at different levels, where the bottom level is called a metamodel. The metamodel determines the main characteristics of the models of the upper levels, serving as a guideline. Each new level must adhere to the rules defined by the lower levels. This way, if anything changes in a lower level, these changes are propagated to the levels above it. The goal of this work is to define and validate a metamodel that allows the modeling of UIs of software systems, thus allowing the definition of patterns of interface and supporting system evolution. To build this metamodel, we use a graph structure. This choice is due to the fact that a UI can be easily represented as a graph, where each UI component is a vertex and edges represent dependencies between these components. Moreover, graph theory provides support for a great number of operations and transformations that can be useful for UIs. The metamodel was defined based on the investigation of patterns that occur in UIs. We used a sample of information systems containing different types of UIs to obtain such patterns. To validate the metamodel, we built the complete UI models of one new system and of four existing real systems. This shows not only the expressive power of the metamodel, but also its versatility, since our validation was conducted using different types of systems (a desktop system, a web system, mobile system, and a multiplatform system). Moreover, it also demonstrated that the proposed approach can be used not only to build new models, but also to describe existing ones (by reverse engineering).     

On Concurrency Control in Multidatabase Systems with an Extended Transaction Model

A major concurrency control problem that we have to cope in multidatabase systems is the global deadlock detection and resolution problem. This detection must take into account the autonomy of local systems, which make impossible the visibility of the state of local transactions. A well-known approach to detect such deadlocks, called potential global deadlocks, is one based on the potential conflict graph (PCG) appropriate for the multidatabase transaction model with a global commit protocol. This classical transaction model is very constraining for applications manipulating great volumes of information, and where subtransaction terminations (commit or abort) of global transactions are not totally dependant. In this paper we present an effective potential global deadlock characterization, and an efficient potential global deadlock detection algorithm, in multidatabase systems with an extended transaction model more suited for such applications.     

多平台移动用户界面生成方法的研究

针对多平台移动用户界面开发的各种问题,提出一个模式驱动的多平台移动用户界面生成方法（Pattern-Driven Multi-Platform development of mobile user interface）,以下简称PDMP,来加快目前多个平台的用户界面开发流程的开发效率。使用PDMP,开发者可使用高等抽象层次的开发语言来进行界面开发并以此减少劳动力成本,并使用多平台或跨平台（Android & iOS）的转换技术来为每个平台自动生成纯粹的原生用户界面。提出一个虚拟平台的概念,开发者可以在虚拟平台上构建抽象用户界面并依据转换规则转换到相应的具体平台。     

支持MDA的Web报表系统开发模型及其应用

依据模型驱动体系结构（MDA）的开发理念,并遵循应用程序与用户界面设计相分离的思想,以系统功能和界面描述的高层次抽象为基础,提出一种支持MDA的Web报表系统开发模型。以ASRNET为目标平台进行实验验证,表明该方法遵循了MDA开发的实质、过程和要求,能较好地与系统应用开发模型组合在一起,提高Web报表系统的质量和开发效率。     

To model objects in information systems and user interfaces: implications for object-oriented methods

Abstract. A general way of contrasting the object-oriented to the function-oriented approach, called 'object-order' and 'function-order', is proposed in this paper. In addition, when modelling information systems, there is a third principle of ordering, 'subject-order'. Object and function-order are used to define the two approaches to modelling information systems and in human-computer interaction, in ways that are compatible to the corresponding distinction in programming. The conditions for selecting either of the two approaches are, however, not discussed here.
By means of an object-ordered method, e.g. Jackson System Development (JSD), an object-ordered model is produced, and the user interface that can be derived from the model is object-ordered too. However, other guidelines in JSD support subject-order. A function-ordered interface can be derived from the subject-ordered model. A computer system designed by means of an object-organized method may therefore obtain an interface that is partially object-ordered and partially function-ordered. Other object-oriented methods give guidelines for designing function-oriented interfaces without relating these guidelines to the model.
The system designer may benefit from having three principles of ordering when modelling a system. However, a user may be confused by an interface that sometimes gives preference to objects, sometimes to functions.     

Using shared representations to improve coordination and intent inference

In groupware, users must communicate about their intentions and aintain common knowledge via communication channels that are explicitly designed into the system. Depending upon the task, generic communication tools like chat or a shared whiteboard may not be sufficient to support effective coordination. We have previously reported on a methodology that helps the designer develop task specific communication tools, called coordinating representations, for groupware systems. Coordinating representations lend structure and persistence to coordinating information. We have shown that coordinating representations are readily adopted by a user population, reduce coordination errors, and improve performance in a domain task. As we show in this article, coordinating representations present a unique opportunity to acquire user information in collaborative, user-adapted systems. Because coordinating representations support the exchange of coordinating information, they offer a window onto task and coordination-specific knowledge that is shared by users. Because they add structure to communication, the information that passes through them can be easily exploited by adaptive technology. This approach provides a simple technique for acquiring user knowledge in collaborative, user-adapted systems. We document our application of this approach to an existing groupware system. Several empirical results are provided. First, we show how information that is made available by a coordinating representation can be used to infer user intentions. We also show how this information can be used to mine free text chat for intent information, and show that this information further enhances intent inference. Empirical data shows that an automatic plan generation component, which is driven by information from a coordinating representation, reduces coordination errors and cognitive effort for its users. Finally, our methodology is summarized, and we present a framework for comparing our approach to other strategies for user knowledge acquisition in adaptive systems.     

笔式用户界面交互信息模型研究

笔式用户界面是Post-WIMP界面的重要形态,在许多领域得到广泛应用.笔式界面设计需要设计者和用户的共同参与.捕获用户使用意图是设计笔式用户界面的前提,连接交互信息的表示与控制则是成功构造界面的关键.依据笔式交互信息连续性及模糊性特征,从设计参与者与交互信息管理两个维度建立了笔式用户界面交互信息模型OICM(orthogonal interaction information architecture coordinate model).从问题知识域、交互任务、规则集合以及上下文关联4个不同的象限对模型进行了详细的描述,并给出了基于XML的实现方法.在对模型进行分析后,介绍了基于OICM模型的开发平台和应用系统实例.     

A Model for Query Decomposition and Answer Construction in Heterogeneous Distributed Database Systems

The problem of retrieving information from a collection of heterogeneous distributed databases has attracted a number of solutions. However, the task of integrating established database systems is complicated not only by the differences between the database systems themselves, but also by the differences in structure and semantics of the information contained within them. The problem is exacerbated when one needs to provide access to such a system for naive end-users.This paper is concerned with a Knowledge-Based Systems approach to solving this problem for clearly bounded situations, in which both the domain and the types of query are constrained. At the user interface, dialogue is conducted in terms of concepts with which the user is familiar, and these are then mapped into appropriate database queries. To achieve this a model for query decomposition and answer construction has been used. This model is based around the development of an Intensional Structure containing information necessary for the recapture of semantic information lost in the query decomposition process and required in the answer construction process. The model has been successfully implemented in combination with an embedded KBS, within a five-layer representation model.     

Enhancing Workflow Management in the Manufacturing Information System of a Small-Medium Enterprise: An Agent-Based Approach

One shortcoming of manufacturing information systems is their inability to integrate and to enhance different information and related functionalities, such as those found in workflow management. Software agents, once added as a new software layer to an existing system, can overcome this problem. Of the fields applying software agent technology, manufacturing, and especially workflow management, is perhaps the most promising for the development of distributed systems. This potential is reflected in the several ongoing research projects that focus on workflow management and share the final aim of integrating and coordinating plant and business activities.The approach presented in this paper can be regarded as an agent-based architecture applied to an existing workflow management system in order to manage new functionalities, e.g., customer relationship management in electronic commerce. This approach is particularly suitable for small medium enterprises with simple manufacturing information requirements and simple or nonexistent computer based workflow management.The model and some important features of system implementation, such as the knowledge modeling graphical user interface, the communication model, and a simple practical example of the architecture's use, are described.     

An approach to object identification, selection and specification in object-oriented analysis

When using current object-oriented methods in the development of computer-based information systems, problems frequently arise in the identification and specification of 'objects'. In this paper, these problems are discussed and an approach that draws upon interpretivist systems thinking is presented that, it is argued, may alleviate some of the problems. It is proposed that a method that has been developed specifically to aid the user and analyst to appreciate a perceived problem situation might provide a useful aid in the process of identifying objects from the situation which are meaningful to the user. [An attempt has been made to use terminology that is consistent with that used in object-oriented analysis. However, at times this terminology may be at variance with some of the interpretivist ideas put forward (e.g. the term 'user' is adopted, although the authors argue that the notion of 'client' is more appropriate to emphasize the increased involvement and responsibility of the 'user' in the approach advocated)]. The ability to achieve this is expected to facilitate the appropriate mapping of these meaningful objects into a technical specification through object-oriented methods and to encourage user acceptance of the resulting computer-based information system.     

从工业4.0到能源5.0:智能能源系统的概念、内涵及体系框架

分析推动工业进程和能源进程交互发展的因素和趋势, 结合能源互联网的发展要求, 提出了建立能源5.0的迫切性和必要性. 着重讨论了在网络化之后, 能源系统呈现的社会性问题, 认为在传统方式之外, 必须引入人类社会学、管理学等软科学进行分析建模; 指出了虚拟人工系统根本不同于传统仿真系统等理念, 只有利用虚拟人工模型, 采用平行系统, 才能建立能源5.0. 阐述了能源5.0的理论、框架和技术, 明确了能源5.0、基于社会物理信息系统(Cyber-physical-social system, CPSS) 的平行能源是等价的概念. 指出能源5.0核心是构建与实际能源系统同构的虚拟人工能源系统, 通过虚拟人工能源系统的计算实验, 确定优化控制策略, 引导实际能源系统运行, 并使虚拟人工系统和实际系统平行执行、共同演化, 形成智能能源系统. 最后以华电集团已经完成的分布式能源5.0示范项目和正在实施的火力发电5.0项目及智能家居能源系统, 探讨了能源5.0的研究内容、技术途径及应用前景.     

Rationality in Information Systems Support to Decision Making

Management information systems serve business organizations by providing information for decision making. Various types of systems serve different types of decision contexts. The philosophic basis of information system support is discussed. The rational (or normative) philosophy is widely used, and appears in business theory in the form of agency theory and transaction cost analysis. While this approach has been valuable in some contexts, there are other contexts where the rational approach has limited in utility for real business decision making. Decision makers need to consider subjective factors to enable them to cope with the high levels of uncertainty, incomplete understanding, and imperfect data typical of dynamic open systems. There are alternative philosophies upon which to base decision-making that are appropriate for specific decision contexts. Churchman identified empirical, multi-perspective frameworks, dialectic, and cause-and-effect inquiring systems as alternatives to the rational (normative) system. A number of information system tools, such as decision support systems, expert systems, and group support systems can be supported by models based on philosophies other than rational models. A more empirically based philosophy, with decision-makers balancing hypothesis generation and observations of performance, is often more appropriate. The relationship between Churchman's inquiring systems and information system types are discussed.     

Parallel model representations

Most mathematical programming models and knowledge-based systems in optimization from exist in various representations; however, the user is frequently not aware of this. For example, a model which is developed with a knowledge-based system such as the PM system of Krishnan (1988) will have several representations in Prolog and then will be translated into another representation in Structured Modeling before it is solved. Also, a model which is developed in the GAMS language will be translated into an MPS input form internally before the problem is passed to a solver such as MINOS. The results from MINOS are then passed back to GAMS and the user sees the results in the style of the GAMS representation of the model. This could be called a vertical set of model representations since the user can modify only one representation and the models are passed down directly to the solver.

This paper argues that in considering knowledge-based systems with optimization we should begin to employ a set of parallel model representations, any one of which the user can see and modify. These can be called horizontal model representations. For example, a given model might be represented in graphical, knowledge base, modeling language, and mathematical forms. The user would be able to modify any of these versions and have the other representations altered automatically to reflect the changes.     

CGLIB—a constraint‐based graphics library

CGLIB is a high‐level graphics library for B‐Prolog, a constraint logic programming system. The library provides primitives for creating and manipulating graphical objects and a set of constraints including not‐overlap, grid, table and tree constraints that facilitate the specification of the layouts of objects. The library adopts a construct called action rules which is available in B‐Prolog for creating agents and programming interactions among agents or between agents and the user. The library is a fully working system implemented in B‐Prolog, Java and C. It can be used in many areas such as drawing editors, interactive user interfaces, document authoring, animation, information visualization, intelligent agents and games. The high‐level abstraction of the library and the use of constraints and action rules in the specification of layouts and behaviors can significantly enhance the productivity of the development of graphics. We demonstrate through several examples the effectiveness of the library as a tool for developing graphics‐rich and interactive user interfaces. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modeling and Tracking of Transaction Flow Dynamics for Fault Detection in Complex Systems

With the prevalence of Internet services and the increase of their complexity, there is a growing need to improve their operational reliability and availability. While a large amount of monitoring data can be collected from systems for fault analysis, it is hard to correlate this data effectively across distributed systems and observation time. In this paper, we analyze the mass characteristics of user requests and propose a novel approach to model and track transaction flow dynamics for fault detection in complex information systems. We measure the flow intensity at multiple checkpoints inside the system and apply system identification methods to model transaction flow dynamics between these measurements. With the learned analytical models, a model-based fault detection and isolation method is applied to track the flow dynamics in real time for fault detection. We also propose an algorithm to automatically search and validate the dynamic relationship between randomly selected monitoring points. Our algorithm enables systems to have self-cognition capability for system management. Our approach is tested in a real system with a list of injected faults. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach and algorithms