John Paynter

Flexible support for spatial decision-making

Decision makers perceive the decision-making processes for solving complex spatial problems as unsatisfactory and lacking in generality. Current spatial decision support systems (SDSS) fulfill their specific objectives, but fail to address many of the requirements for effective spatial problem solving, as they are inflexible, complex to use and often domain-specific. As technology progresses, there is an increasing opportunity for the use of SDSS in a number of domains. Flexible support for spatial decision-making to solve complex, semi-structured or unstructured spatial problems can offer advantages to individuals and organisations. This research attempts to overcome problems identified in the fields of spatial decision-making and SDSS. It synthesises ideas, frameworks and architectures from geographic information systems (GIS), decision support systems (DSS) and SDSS. Concepts from spatial modelling, model and scenario life cycle management, knowledge management and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodology are explored and leveraged in the implementation of a flexible spatial decision support system (FSDSS) using object-oriented concepts and technologies. As part of the research, we proposed a generic spatial decision-making process, developed a domain-independent FSDSS framework and architecture to support this process. We also implemented a prototypical FSDSS that acts as a proof of concept for the spatial decision-making process, FSDSS framework and architecture. The proposed spatial decision-making process and the implemented FSDSS were successfully evaluated through five scenarios across spatial decision problem domains including location, allocation, routing, layout, and spatio-temporal.

Project estimation using Screenflow Engineering

Software project estimation is a topic that has been widely researched, yielding a multitude of different estimation models, tools and techniques aimed at increasing the accuracy of cost, effort and time estimates of proposed software projects. However, surveys in the United Kingdom, The Netherlands and New Zealand have identified a very low use of such models and tools, despite recognition of their importance. This paper introduces a method of software project estimation used in a New Zealand case. The method used is part of the Screenflow Engineering process. This is based on the premise that computer system applications should share a common pool of data, which is updated on-line and made available simultaneously to any user of any application.

Cultural Usability in the Globalisation of News Portal

The paper aims to identify areas of web usability in the News Portal industry that may be culturally specific so that web designers would target these areas when designing web sites. It also explores the current state of globalising these web sites in terms of catering for languages of users. Findings indicates that cultural preferences are shown to exist in terms of the number of animations used in the web page, the graphical density and length of the web page, navigation menu display, colour and family, male and female related im-ages. In addition, it was found that majority of the web sites from the sample does not cater for language of different users.

Software engineering project management, estimation and metrics: discussion summary and recommendations

The topics of software engineering project management, estimation and metrics are discussed. The following questions are used to guide the discussion. How should student projects be managed-by staff or the students themselves? Can project management tools be used effectively for student projects? Should metrics be taught as a separate course component? To what degree can we rely on metric data derived from student projects? Much of the discussion focuses on the nature and organisation of the student projects themselves.

Using the Internet to teach software engineering

An Internet, browser-based, computer-supported learning system was designed and built by the MSIS Department to serve primarily as an assessment vehicle for business students. Now in its second year of operation it has migrated across computer platforms and been completely redesigned to become a university resource. Hundreds of students use CSL daily. This paper outlines the development of CSL and discusses our work in connecting a taxonomy of knowledge with the multimedia assets needed for learning and assessment. In particular, its use in teaching software engineering courses and the lessons learnt are explored. The implications for self-directed study and our universitys goal to provide lifelong learning are presented.

Factors influencing broadband uptake in New Zealand

Summary The global growth of electronic commerce shows that people are becoming increasingly dependent on the Internet for communications and services. The phenomenal growth of the Internet means that the Internet Service Provider (ISP) industry is growing as well. This study explores the ISP industry in NZ concentrating on the broadband residential market. User perspectives were captured by interviews and questionnaires in order to determine the factors that drive user satisfaction and the current situation of broadband in NZ. Results indicate that user satisfaction directly reflects retention. Narrowband and broadband users have slightly different satisfaction requirements. Whereas Connectivity, Speed, Email Service and Customer Support and Service (in order) are significantly important for narrowband users, Broadband users however perceive that Speed and Customer Support and Service (in order) are the two significant importance factors. Male, Preference for Heavy Entertainment Traffic, high General Computer Skills and preference to use longer hours on the Internet per day, are the characteristics of potential broadband users. If ISPs want to increase their broadband customer base, they should target users who fit these characteristics and improve the factors that are important to them. The broadband market in NZ is still in its infancy, the penetration is low and the Cost barrier prevents wider adoption. The future of broadband in NZ looks good, as the infrastructure is ready. However, this will not takeoff unless price is reduced.

Can Octopus reach out its tentacles to sustain growth? The case of smart card technology in Hong Kong

Summary This paper explores and evaluates the use of Octopus in Hong Kong (HK). There are over 7.4 million cards sold and 7 million of these are active. The study examines how transport and other sectors can enhance their services through Octopus. Six of the forty organisations using the Hong Kong Octopus card were interviewed. A convenience sample of 800 actual and potential Octopus customers was sent a questionnaire. Unprecedented growth in the use of smart card devices had been recorded in recent years. They are expected to bring revolutionary changes to businesses, governments and members of the society. The implications from this study would therefore be useful for those organisations that use or plan to adopt and implement the technology. Results of the survey are discussed, including penetration rate, figures on card ownership and usage, failure rate, results from promotion schemes and loyalty programmes, success factors, users reliance of the system and areas of improvement. The major reasons for not using the system are addressed. Findings obtained from interview sessions were integrated in the discussion.

Comparing the growth, development and maturing of franchising in Australia and New Zealand

Abstract In this paper the growth, development and level of maturity of the Australian and New Zealand franchising sectors are compared for similarities and differences. Data were obtained from surveys conducted by the authors in Australia (1998) and New Zealand (1997 and 1998) and the practices and performance of the franchising sectors in each country were compared. Although the populations of the two countries limit the potential expansion of franchise systems, the analysis shows both to be growing strongly and developing towards maturity. The Australian franchising sector is noted to be not only larger but exhibits slightly more extensive systems for franchisee selection and support, whereas New Zealand franchisors tend to provide a greater quantity of each type of support. However, the lower concentration of service industry franchises in New Zealand provides evidence of an earlier stage of development of the franchising sector in that country. Moreover the franchising sectors reflect the different regulatory frameworks surrounding business in both nations.

Factors influencing the uptake of online voting in NZ

Paper-based elections are costly and time consuming to run and results are often delayed. Another worrying worldwide trend is the low turnout of voters. Postal voting has been tried for some elections. The Internet offers a new means of conducting votes. It is potentially less costly and results will be available at the close of polls. However there are a number of issues such as uniqueness and verifiability of the vote. This paper examines some of these issues. Students prepared prototype election systems to test the feasibility of online elections, then answered a questionnaire based on their perception of such a system and how the population would accept it.