Edward J. Garrity

A problem-solving perspective on systems development

Abstract:This paper discusses systems development in the context of problemsolving strategies. A theoretical basis for the two dominant problem-solving approaches (sdlc and prototyping) is presented along with the results of a field study of the effectiveness of the strategies in fourth-generation language environments.Results from the study indicate the appropriateness of a mixed development strategy contingent on system type. Implications for future research on systems development are also presented.

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.

Merging expert systems with multimedia technology

Traditional methods of interaction with ES can be a burden to users who are forced to translate conceptualizations of problem attributes and characteristics into text form and then convert back to conceptualizations in interpreting and recommending solutions. This burden can be relieved by merging ES with multimedia technology. In addition to text, the user would be able to selectively access information with graphics, full-motion video, or animation; and hear with stereo sound, voice recording, or music. Such a combination provides a powerful interactive interface enabling the various facets of expertise to be more fully communicated to the user. This article describes multimedia expert systems and considerations for implementing them.

An Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation-Based Model for Measuring Consumer Shopping Oriented Web Site Success

This article develops a new model of Web IS success that takes into account both intrinsic and extrinsic motivating factors. The proposed model begins with the Garrity and Sanders (1998) model of technologic acceptance and develops an extended nomological network of success factors that draws on motivation and flow theory.

Multimedia as a vehicle for knowledge modeling in expert systems

Abstract This article examines the integration of expert systems (ES) with multimedia technology. Multimedia allows a wide variety of sensory information and knowledge to be stored in ES and thus allows ES to be more effective. Additionally, this article explores the types of knowledge that should be embedded in expert systems to provide users with support in decision-making tasks. Traditional knowledge representation schemes, such as frames and production rules, have not always proved effective for presenting requisite knowledge to the user. Traditional knowledge representations force users to translate their conceptualizations of problem attributes and characteristics into text form and then convert back to their own conceptualizations in interpreting the recommended solutions. To provide better support to users, both a knowledge representation and a knowledge presentation are necessary to foster communication, knowledge explanation, as well as user learning and corporate training. The notions of knowledge representation and knowledge presentation are derived from the concepts of symbolic and replica models proposed by Chapanis (1961). Replica models, a form of knowledge presentation, enhance communication and learning. The use of multimedia as a vehicle for knowledge presentation provides a powerful interface with a full range of audio/visual features to express knowledge more completely. This greatly enhances a corporations ability to capture, embed, and distribute knowledge.

Object-oriented hypermedia support systems

The autors explore the integration of three software technologies, hyper-navigational user control, multimedia, and object-orientation, to develop more responsive support systems. The merger of these technologies gives rise to a visionary hybrid system type referred to as hypermedia support systems (HSSs). HSSs promote higher levels of understanding because users can interact with rich data types-video, audio, text, and graphics-and approach information from different points of view. Hyper-navigation parallels the associative memory model proposed by cognitive psychologists to represent the human thinking process. As such, hyper-navigation gives users the ability to access information in an intuitive and flexible manner, thereby supporting even unstructured problem solving. Incorporating multimedia technology further increases responsiveness by combining different media elements for display and control from a PC. An object-oriented approach coupled with special objects called software topics provides an integrating mechanism for HSSs.<<ETX>>

Intelligent control and resolution of a network of learning and problem solving processors

The process of individual decision-making is discussed in terms of interaction among three computational agents: a human decision maker, a computer system, and a third agent which is termed an intelligent controller and resolver (ICOR). The ICOR system uses the resolution metaphor to facilitate the interaction between the two principal computational agents. This helps in synthesizing different universes of discourse of the principal agents. The ICOR system is discussed and a prototype example of an ICOR that approximates the role of an arbitrator in a manufacturing organization is briefly described in terms of an inventory-control scenario.<<ETX>>

Multimedia: a vehicle for embedding expertise

The use of multimedia as a vehicle for knowledge presentation provides a full range of audio/visual features to express knowledge. However, with this opportunity, more organizational support is necessary. Thus, the management of expertise is addressed through the creation of the position of Expertise Manager. The role of this individual and related activities are presented.<<ETX>>

Merging expert system with multimedia technology

Traditional methods of interaction with ES can be a burden to users who are forced to translate conceptualizations of problem attributes and characteristics into text form and then convert back to conceptualizations in interpreting the recommended solutions provided. This burden can be relieved by merging ES with multimedia technology. In addition to just text, the user is able to selectively see, with pictures or full-motion video, animation, or graphics: and hear, with stereo sound, voice recordings, or music, information and explanations about conceptually difficult problem attributes through system interaction. Such a combination provides a powerful interactive interface enabling the various facets of expertise to be more fully communicated to the user. This paper describes multimedia expert systems and the considerations for implementing them. Permission to copy without fee all or part of this material is granted provided that the copies are not made or distributed for direct commercial advantage, the ACM copyright notice and the title of the publication and its date appear, and notice is given that copying is by permission of the Association for Computing Machinery. To copy othenvise, or to republish, requires a fee and/or specific permission.

Using Systems Thinking to Understand and Enlarge Mental Models: Helping the Transition to a Sustainable World

Sustainability and climate change are massive global problems that stem from the industrial world’s relentless pursuit of growth. Transitioning to a sustainable world requires understanding citizen mental models and our addiction to short-term rewards. This paper uses causal loop diagramming (CLD) to describe the general, prevailing citizen viewpoint and to propose a wider mental model that takes the natural world and sustainability into account. The corporate profit model that depicts the wider view acknowledges and describes the important impacts and influences of political pressure on our social, economic, and ecological systems. Adopting the wider mental model can help the industrialized world design better policy to achieve both national and United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals.