Cheickna Sylla

A conceptual framework for evaluation of information technology investments

The decision to acquire a new information technology poses a number of serious evaluation and selection problems to technology managers, because the new system must not only meet current information requirements of the organisation, but also the needs for future expansion. Tangible and intangible benefits factors, as well as risks factors, must be identified and evaluated. The paper provides a review of ten major evaluation categories and available models, which fall under each category, showing their advantages and disadvantages in handling the above difficulties. This paper describes strategic implications involved in the selection decision, and the inherent difficulties in: (1) choosing or developing a model, (2) obtaining realistic inputs for the model, and (3) making tradeoffs among the conflicting factors. It proposes a conceptual framework to help the decision maker in choosing the most appropriate methodology in the evaluation process. It also offers a new model, called GAHP, for the evaluation problem combining integer goal linear programming and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in a single hybrid multiple objective multi-criteria model. A goal programming methodology, with zero-one integer variables and mixed integer constraints, is used to set goal target values against which information technology alternatives are evaluated and selected. AHP is used to structure the evaluation process providing pairwise comparison mechanisms to quantify subjective, nonmonetary, intangible benefits and risks factors, in deriving data for the model. A case illustration is provided showing how GAHP can be formulated and solved.

Expanding the Criteria for Evaluating Socio-Technical Software

This paper compares two evaluation criterion frameworks for sociotechnical software. Research on the technology acceptance model (TAM) confirms that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are relevant criteria for users evaluating organizational software. However, information technology has changed considerably since TAMs 1989 inception, so an upgraded evaluation framework may apply. The web of system performance (WOSP) model suggests eight evaluation criteria, based on a systems theory definition of performance. This paper compares WOSP and TAM criterion frameworks in a performance evaluation experiment using the analytic hierarchy process method. Subjects who used both TAM and WOSP criteria preferred the WOSP criteria, were more satisfied with its decision outcomes, and found the WOSP evaluation more accurate and complete. As sociotechnical software becomes more complex, users may need (or prefer) more comprehensive evaluation criterion frameworks.

Signal detection for human error correction in quality control

Abstract Acceptance sampling by attributes is now a universal and fundamental tool in statistical quality control. Among the various plans, single sampling has been recognized to offer significant cost savings and administrative simplicity. Single sampling by attributes is generally carried out or supervised by a human inspector. Unfortunately, human inspection error is another fact of life in industrial inspection. Two types of errors are possible. One is the Type 1 error, in which a good item is classified as defective (i.e., nonconforming); the other is the Type 2 error, in which a defective item is passed as good. Presently, little has been written on the effects of inspection errors on the outgoing quality and on how to compensate for these errors. The research objective of this paper is to show how a knowledge of the errors can be used to design compensating acceptance sampling plans for industrial quality control tasks. In contrast to the typical human inspection models in quality control, with fixed performance irrespective of incoming product quality, the model proposed here uses a form of signal detection theory (SDT) to predict inspector performance in order to improve system performance. The paper proposes the concept of lability, measured by a number ranging from 0 to 1, to characterize an inspectors ability to response to costs, rewards and probabilities involved in the inspection decision. This concept allows the modeling of both a constant-error inspector having a lability of 0, an SDT inspector having a lability of 1, and all those which fall within this range. Using this concept, the paper presents two models of the human inspector with considerations of: (a) constant Type 1 and Type 2 errors independent of the incoming fraction nonconforming, and (b) increasing Type 2 error and decreasing Type 1 error with increasing fraction nonconforming as specified by SDT. A general model covering these inspection errors is proposed. The paper shows that an imperfect inspector, who can detect the signal properly to adjust the decision criterion conservatively in the direction specified by the SDT, can compensate for the potential errors. A numerical example is proposed to illustrate the model application.

The evolution of technology management practice in developing economies: findings from Northern China

In this paper, we present the results of a survey of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, that all have foreign equity investors and are located in Northern China. Our findings are: that firms have changed their market focus from an export-oriented market to competing both locally and abroad; and that Wholly Foreign Owned Subsidiaries that serve export markets are shifting from a competitive advantage based on low cost labour to developing competitive advantage based on firm specific competencies.

Experimental investigation of human and machine-vision arrangements in inspection tasks

Abstract The traditional job of a quality control inspector, whether human or a machine-vision device, is to discriminate products into acceptable and non-acceptable items. The performance of inspectors can be measured in terms of rejecting non-acceptable items (Type I error) or classifying non-acceptable items as acceptable (Type II error). Reinspection is often used afterward to remedy this situation if required. Unfortunately, all such inspections remain prone to errors. This paper uses an experimental investigation to research the various ways in which the positive attributes of human and machine-vision inspection systems can be arranged to achieve enhanced system performance in industrial inspection tasks.

A penalty-based optimization for reservoirs system management

Abstract A model is presented for planning the operations of interconnected surface water resource facilities equipped with hydroelectric power stations. These facilities are operated for the purpose of water supply, hydroelectric power generation and low flow augmentation for navigation purpose. The model is formulated as a deterministic large-scale nonlinear program, with decision variables being the monthly reservoir releases, and canal and pipeline flows through turbines. A solution procedure is proposed based on penalty method in which the nonlinear constraints are assigned penalty weights and moved to the objective function. The resulting problem with linear constraints is solved using reduced gradient techniques. The calculations of the reduced gradient is carried out efficiently by utilizing the special structure of the matrix involved in the linear equality constraints. The results of this procedure are compared against those obtained using a subgradient optimization algorithm. The method has been validated using a five-reservoir system of the Senegal River Basin in West Africa, where it serves as the model-base of the planning decision support system.

A model for instructor training analysis in simulation-based flight training

In this research, the instructor training process is modeled and a methodology for determining instructor training plans is developed. A framework for instructor training analysis is described that covers the identification of instructor skill requirements, methods of training instructors, and the development of instructor training plans. The framework was developed from a study of training-system characteristics conducted using a group of experts in flight simulation. The system developed in this research has been integrated with a framework for instructor operator station design developed earlier (Ramesh and Sylla, 1990). The instructor training models implications for the design of this station are presented, and directions for future research are provided. >

A framework for the optimal design of instructor/operator stations in flight simulators

The flight training process is conceptualized using a systems approach and a framework for developing cost-effective training programs is presented. Using this approach, an expert decision support system for the optimal design of instructor/operator stations (IOSs) in flight simulators was developed. The system enables a designer to evaluate various IOS design configurations and choose a cost-effective configuration for implementation. The system encapsulates the knowledge on the design problem, its parameter, and the associated data assessed from a group of experts in flight simulation. The system was implemented on an IBM PC/AT and field tested with a group of design engineers. Their overall response to this system has been very favorable. Covered are the design approach, a taxonomy of the design parameters, the optimization model, and the system characteristics. Avenues of future investigation identified from this study are noted. >

Information derivability analysis for quality assurance information management systems

Abstract Presently, international economic competition is increasing at a rapid rate. As a consequence, quality and productivity have become the two most critical issues for manufacturing companies. This paper proposes a specialized type of information system to upgrade quality control management practices and to take advantage of recent advances in manufacturing systems and information systems. It outlines some of the benefits and problems related to the development of a Quality Assurance Information Management System (QAIMS), and offers useful suggestions for the preliminary phases of the analysis and design of such a system. QAIMS is a computerized documentation and decision tool centered on quality-related activities. Equipped with a well designed QAIMS, management can reduce communication gaps and maximize interactions between and within all manufacturing and business entities. The QAIMS would help to incorporate consumer feedback in product design and manufacturing, quality control and maintenance, productivity improvements, and greater efficiencies in production and services. With a well-designed QAIMS, management can also make long-range strategic plans to compete effectively.

A study of Information Processing effectiveness in inter-organisational collaboration in Software Development

Effective coordination and collaboration are key success factors in management of inter-organisational alliances, although questions related to best practices remain unanswered. Few studies have identified communication, effective information sharing and knowledge extraction as integral components of inter-organisational collaboration. This research focuses on the role and effectiveness of Information Processing (IP), as well as information utilisation across organisational boundaries. Proposed is a set of factors in three categories related to organisational background, contingency process and information technology processing capacity to investigate if higher levels of these factors will result in higher levels of IP, and if this will result in higher levels of Software Development (SD) effectiveness.