Jane E. Humble

Information systems design: an empirical study of feedback effects

Abstract Feedback is an important component of any dynamic system, and should receive attention as a design issue in information systems. The study presents a model which shows the function of feedback in management information systems. The potential effect of task-specific feedback on the judgement of the decision-maker is tested empirically. Both the model and empirical results provide guidance about the role of feedback in information systems design. Empirical results demonstrate that there remains a strong bias towards overconfidence even with feedback. However, the presence of immediate feedback does lower confidence and raise decision quality.

Restoration and protection of aqueous environments by utilizing aquatic organisms

SummaryPast and current uncontrolled dumping, land application and accidental spills of recalcitrant, toxic environmental pollutants such as DDT and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) pose a continued world-wide environmental threat, in particular to aquatic environments. Bioaccumulative contaminants are rapidly absorbed out of water-borne ambient environments and concentrated in the tissues of living aquatic organisms at concentrations that can range from thousands to millions of times greater than levels in the ambient environment. These absorbed levels are high enough to cause dysfunction in the organisms and potential harmful effects to humans. An established technology capable of remediating the low contaminant levels originating in the ambient aquatic environment does not currently exist. This paper proposes the ‘macro-bioremediation process’ whereby certain fish and other macroscopic aquatic organisms could be used to filter, concentrate and remove bioaccumulative contaminants from polluted aqueous systems. Contaminant removal would involve the harvesting and subsequent restocking of aquatic organisms capable of bioaccumulating high contaminant levels in relatively short time periods. Tissues of harvested organisms could be composted with specialized fungus and bacteria to fully degrade the recalcitrant contaminants. The macro-bioremediation process could be used at numerous geographic locations for the restoration of natural aquatic environments, supplemental wetlands treatment and for waste-water, hazardous waste and sludge treatment augmentation.

Managing entrepreneurs within organizations

It is suggested that entrepreneurs have characteristics and preferences which distinguish them from the typical corporate employee. Sometimes these individuals leave organizations to start new companies, and sometimes economic conditions force them to hold corporate positions. If these people are appropriately placed and effectively managed, they can be very valuable to the organization. However, if placed in positions which do not allow expression of their unique characteristics, they are likely to become demotivated and unproductive. It is argued that entrepreneurs within organizations may be motivated by different factors, with emphasis and outcomes probably different from those of the typical employee. It is concluded that to motivate individuals effectively to accomplish corporate goals, the corporate reward system should be flexible enough to meet individual needs.<<ETX>>