Joseph V. Sinfield

Exploring the Dimensions of Systems of Innovation Analysis: A System of Systems Framework

The objective of this paper is to propose an analysis framework based on the System of Systems approach to overcome existing methodological problems in System of Innovation studies. The concept of System of Innovation has been an important focus of innovation policy studies over the last decade. These studies have concentrated on structuring theoretical frameworks to assess the determinants of innovation processes using systems analysis principles. Despite about 20 years of research, System of Innovation has yet to become a theoretical framework. This paper reviews the relevant literature in an attempt to identify the challenges that System of Innovation studies face in structuring theoretical frameworks. The primary reason for the challenges appears to be that Systems of Innovation have been analyzed as monolithic systems when, in reality, Systems of Innovation are Systems of Systems, which have different features than monolithic systems. Different dimensions of assessment of System of Systems analysis are therefore required in System of Innovation studies. Three dimensions of System of Innovation analysis (definition, abstraction, and modeling) are introduced here to provide an analysis framework for Systems of Innovation studies. The proposed system-of-systems-based analysis framework (called Innovation System of Systems) would resolve the methodological challenges that System of Innovation studies are confronting in developing theoretical frameworks. Thus, it is capable of being tested by other researchers in the area of Systems of Innovation to advance the state of knowledge.

Hybrid Approach to the Study of Inter-Organization High Performance Teams

AbstractAs construction projects increase in scale and complexity, a major challenge is to ensure the effective transfer of relevant information to the right entities to make decisions, manage conflict, and solve challenges, which will allow organizations to achieve the goals of the project. Project teams whose members have the necessary attitudes, competencies, and skills to overcome this challenge are often termed high performing teams (HPTs). Building on recent studies about HPTs, this paper proposes a hybrid methodology that uses network theory and the jobs-to-be-done framework for the study of teams that aspire to develop high performance. Social network analysis (SNA) provides a reactive approach to the study of team connectivity and hierarchical leadership patterns and is complemented by the jobs-to-be-done framework that focuses on the drivers of the behavior of the various project organizations. The paper demonstrates these concepts by analyzing the characteristics of HPTs through a case study on...

A Low Cost Time-Resolved Raman Spectroscopic Sensing System Enabling Fluorescence Rejection

This paper describes a novel, compact, fiber-coupled, time-resolved Raman spectroscopy system that takes advantage of recent developments in diode laser and data acquisition technology to exploit the natural temporal separation between Raman and fluorescence phenomena and thereby limits the influence of fluorescence on Raman observations. The unit has been designed to be particularly low cost and is intended to provide the foundation for a wide range of in-line or fieldable sensing devices that can enhance the potential and affordability of in situ chemical analyses. The system operating principles, design, and performance are discussed along with its advantages and tradeoffs relative to traditional continuous wave (CW) Raman techniques. The system relies on a 6.4 kHz repetition rate 900 ps pulsed diode laser operating in the visible wavelength range (532 nm) to enhance the quality of Raman observations relative to CW and infrared systems, particularly for analytes examined in the presence of fluorophores. Time-resolved photon counting, achieved through a combination of off-the-shelf and custom hardware and software, limits the influence of fluorescence on Raman observations under pulsed excitation. The paper presents examples of the quality of Raman signatures that can be obtained with the system for a variety of compounds such as trichloroethylene, benzene, an aqueous nitrate solution, and olive oil. Further, the paper demonstrates an approximately 15-fold improvement in signal-to-noise ratio when comparing long- and short-gated time-resolved photon counting acquisition scenarios for a neat benzene sample doped with rhodamine 6G at a concentration of 1 × 10−4 M. The systems versatility and effectiveness in the assessment of complex mixtures representative of industrial or field settings is demonstrated through analysis of a gasoline sample. Additional discussion outlines how efficient signal averaging over extended observation periods can enable low concentration chemical analyses, particularly relevant in field settings.

Decision Aids for Tunneling

The decision aids for tunneling (DAT) are a computer-based tool with which tunnel construction cost and time as well as required and produced resources can be computed. The DAT work with standard information such as geologic/geotechnical, structural, and material characteristics as well as construction performance. The two major components of the DAT, the “description of geology” and “construction simulation and construction management” are reviewed followed by descriptions of major applications of the DAT. Specifically, this involves application in the projects of two new transalpine rail tunnels in Switzerland (Gotthard, 57 km; Lötschberg, 36 km), investigation of different alternatives for a Metro project, and, finally, use of the DAT for assessing the effect of new tunneling technology on cost and time of construction.

Portfolio Cash Assessment Using Fuzzy Systems Theory

Gaps between cash outflows and inflows throughout the life cycle of construction projects can create extended periods of low cash availability for a construction contractor, jeopardizing the financial stability of the business. A number of researchers have therefore attempted to model cash availability at a project level. However, at a firm level, financial stability is more thoroughly examined as a function of the cash flows related to multiple projects. This paper proposes a methodology on the basis of fuzzy systems theory to forecast cash requirements of a portfolio of projects for a construction firm, taking into account the effect of changing portfolio composition on portfolio cash-flow risk. Portfolio cash-flow risk is calculated from a variance matrix created by using covariance among cash flows of pairs of projects. Expert opinions of a group of highway construction contractors regarding project selection, project risk assessment and cash control were collected to create a fuzzy proportional deriv...

Innovation Policy Assessment for Civil Infrastructure System-of-Systems

According to the National Academy of Engineering, innovations such as intelligent transportation systems, alternative fuels, smart grids, and financial innovations are critical to enhancing the resilience and sustainability of infrastructure systems. The key to expansion of infrastructure innovations is effective policymaking. This paper adopts an Innovation Systemof-Systems framework for policymakers to analyze innovation policies in interdependent infrastructure systems. The System-of-Systems framework facilitates consideration of the adaptive micro-behaviors of the components of the system within and across different levels of analysis. The application of the framework is demonstrated for the assessment of financial innovation policies for U.S. transportation infrastructure. Using hybrid Agent-based/System Dynamics techniques, a complex system model is created to simulate the micro-behaviors of state Departments of Transportation, private institutional investors, and the public. Different policy landscapes are developed using the output of the simulation model and classification and regression tree analysis as a meta-model. The quality of the model outcomes are evaluated through conceptual model validity, data validity, internal validity, and sensitivity analysis. The model provides policymakers with a tool to: (i) consider the effects of parameters in a complex system simultaneously and (ii) simulate the landscape of possible outcomes due to different policies.

Microstructure of Sand-Laponite-Water Systems using Cryo-SEM

This paper describes the use of cryo-scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) to characterize the microstructure of concentrated laponite suspensions (3% by mass of the water), which are being considered for treating liquefiable deposits. In cryo-SEM a sample is cooled rapidly in nitrogen slush, sublimated to remove the unbound water and imaged under cryogenic conditions (~ -130 °C); hence it remains close to its natural state and dehydration is avoided. This is ideal for materials such as laponite suspensions, which have very high water content (>3000%) and a delicate structure that would be damaged as a result of shrinkage. Cryo-SEM observations at magnifications varying from 250x to 40kx indicate that laponite suspensions prepared with deionized water have a cellular microstructure formed by elongated cells of a size several orders of magnitude greater than the clay particles, consistent with the structure of an attractive gel. Images of suspensions prepared with water of increasing ionic strength (10 -4 M NaCl – 1 M NaCl) show an increased number of cross-links and more densely packed walls, and ultimately the formation of clay aggregates. The paper also presents cryo-SEM images of sand-laponite mixtures prepared using two different methods: a) dry-mixing sand and laponite and then permeating the resulting specimen with water; and b) permeating a clean sand specimen with a laponite suspension. The images highlight differences between the two specimens and provide direct insight into the micro-mechanism responsible for the observed macroscale geotechnical properties.

Assessment and Correction of Turbidity Effects on Raman Observations of Chemicals in Aqueous Solutions

Improvements in diode laser, fiber optic, and data acquisition technologies are enabling increased use of Raman spectroscopic techniques for both in lab and in situ water analysis. Aqueous media encountered in the natural environment often contain suspended solids that can interfere with spectroscopic measurements, yet removal of these solids, for example, via filtration, can have even greater adverse effects on the extent to which subsequent measurements are representative of actual field conditions. In this context, this study focuses on evaluation of turbidity effects on Raman spectroscopic measurements of two common environmental pollutants in aqueous solution: ammonium nitrate and trichloroethylene. The former is typically encountered in the runoff from agricultural operations and is a strong scatterer that has no significant influence on the Raman spectrum of water. The latter is a commonly encountered pollutant at contaminated sites associated with degreasing and cleaning operations and is a weak scatterer that has a significant influence on the Raman spectrum of water. Raman observations of each compound in aqueous solutions of varying turbidity created by doping samples with silica flour with grain sizes ranging from 1.6 to 5.0 μm were employed to develop relationships between observed Raman signal strength and turbidity level. Shared characteristics of these relationships were then employed to define generalized correction methods for the effect of turbidity on Raman observations of compounds in aqueous solution.

Innovation in Infrastructure Project Finance: A Typology for Conceptualization

Due to the growing demand for civil infrastructure, financial innovations are required to close the financing gap. However, a lack of theories has inhibited a complete understanding and, thus, creation and diffusion of financial innovation. A lack of theory about financial innovations in infrastructure is mainly due to the absence of a framework to conceptualize these innovations. A typology that enables comparison of financial systems and, hence, provide a framework to conceptualize financial innovations is missing in the existing literature. This paper defines innovation in the context of financing, funding and delivery of infrastructure projects and proposes a new typology for conceptualization of the loci and types of financial innovations in infrastructure. The loci of innovations are in risk mitigation, regulation, cash flow, contract, organizational, and capital sub-systems. Types of innovations are classified as either integrated or modular and either sustaining or disruptive. The typology was tested by mapping seven innovations created by the U. S. Federal Highway Administration and diffused into 232 transportation projects between 1994 and 2002. Qualitative comparative analysis was then used to evaluate the diffusion trends of financial innovations in the case studies and to demonstrate the capability of the proposed typology for facilitating theory building in the area of infrastructure financial innovations.

Advances in Raman Spectroscopy for the Geoenvironment

Raman spectroscopy has long offered potential for analytical specificity, sensitivity, and versatility in the study of a broad array of environmentally relevant compounds. As with other optical analytical methods, the use of the technique has been hampered by challenges in optimizing the sensor-sample interface, managing turbidity for quantitative analysis, limiting fluorescence interference, preventing biofouling (particularly for long-term monitoring), and achieving low cost. As outlined herein, research over the last several years has systematically addressed each of these factors so that Raman spectroscopy is arguably ready to be revisited as a robust and flexible field measurement technique and may now warrant targeted development effort so that it may become a more routinely employed field analysis method. In addition, the developments outlined herein are believed to be applicable to material analyses in complex, turbid, and/or fluorescence-prone settings in a broad array of fields.