Peter G. Higgins

Interaction in hybrid intelligent scheduling

Hybrid human-computer intelligent systems for scheduling have evolved in response to the inability of algorithmic methods to handle the complexity of production in real manufacturing environments. They combine the abilities of humans to recognize patterns in data and to make inferences with computer methods for decision making. This article discusses: (1) the factors influencing scheduling decisions in small-batch manufacture and the role of humans in the scheduling process, (2) the position of the human scheduler in hybrid intelligent decision-making processes, and (3) the inadequacy of using Gantt charts as the standard interface for human-computer interaction in decision making. The paper proposes, for humans to be active partners in decision making, the primary interfaces should display detailed characteristics of jobs in a way that reveals patterns in the data and helps inferential processing.

Motivations towards environmental innovation: A conceptual framework for multiparty cooperation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the green innovation literature using a conceptual framework developed to explain the driving forces behind environmental cooperative activities of firms. The framework links motivations to the different type of partners in the context of environmental innovations.Design/methodology/approach – Literature on innovation, environmental innovation, sustainable development and strategic management is examined in order to build the conceptual framework.Findings – This paper suggests that firms cooperate with governmental agencies, NGOs, suppliers, customers and industry associations to comply with environmental laws and regulation, obtain legitimacy as well as acquire competency (i.e. access to resources such as funds, knowledge and skills). However, only competency‐oriented motivation stimulates organisations to cooperate with competitors and knowledge leaders.Research limitations/implications – The model developed is conceptual and qualitative in nature. More ...

Extending cognitive work analysis to manufacturing scheduling

This paper discusses the challenges of applying tools associated with cognitive work analysis to a domain that is quite different from the process control domain in which cognitive work analysis was developed. The context of the paper is the design of a decision support system to aid scheduling of tasks within a manufacturing domain typical of job shops. The constraints in the supervisory control of a discrete manufacturing system are more intentional than physical. The paper explores the problems that arise with an intentional system and discusses how they might be overcome.

Development of guidelines for designing appliances for older persons

The ability of older adults to use a domestic appliance depends on their comprehension of the appliances operation. This may depend on transfer of understanding from similar, more familiar technology. While this may assist their interaction with the new device, it may constrain the discovery of new functionality not represented in the familiar technology, and, thereby, constrain the discovery of advanced functionality. Older adults experience declining cognitive abilities associated with attention, perceptual encoding, and memory (cueing and recall). Designing appliances to extend cognitive abilities provides opportunity to prolong functional independence. Concepts from cognitive psychology, human factors, and gerontology are reviewed to explain age-related behavior towards technology to support innovative product development of technologies for older adults.

Home technology design for the cognitively impaired

Motivation -- To prolong functional independence of elderly persons who experience cognitive decline in attention, perceptual encoding, memory and self-efficacy. Research approach -- Ability of older adults to use domestic appliances depends on their mental model of operation. This may depend on transfer of understanding from similar, more familiar technology. Leveraging established mental models creates affordances for operating new technology but may constrain the discovery of advanced functionality. Familiar mental models may also interfere with developing appropriate mental models or interaction behaviour. Findings/Design -- Designing appliances to extend cognitive abilities provides opportunity to prolong functional independence. Concepts from cognitive psychology, human factors, and gerontology are reviewed to explain age-related behaviour towards technology to support innovative product development of technologies for older adults with cognitive impairment. Take away message -- The understanding of declining cognitive abilities must drive the development of technologies that sustain the independence of persons who are cognitive impaired.

Flight Collision Avoidance System for Self-Separation

In a Free Flight Environment, pilots are delegated the authority to choose the flight paths, maintain spatial separation and consider environmental conditions with minimum intervention from Air Traffic Controllers. These factors constitute new tasks for pilots, which otherwise would be performed by Air Traffic Control. To maintain separation of aircraft, pilots are reliant on spatial awareness in controlling basic flight parameters such as speed, heading and altitude.

The use of domestic appliances by cognitively impaired users

Domestic appliances, especially those that are complex and unfamiliar, may bewilder older adults suffering cognitive decline in attention, perceptual encoding, memory cueing and recall, and self-efficacy. Successful use of technology depends on a users mental model of operation. For older adults, transfer of understanding from similar, more familiar technologies can help their encoding of new mental models for unfamiliar devices. Leveraging established mental models provides affordances for new devices, but may constrain discovery and use of advanced functionality. Interference from existing mental models may also affect development of newer, more fitting mental models or interaction behaviour. Extending the cognitive abilities of older adults through adaptive product design provides opportunity to sustain their independence in the home. Empirical evidence from gerontology studies and concepts from human factors and cognitive psychology are reviewed to explain age-related behaviour towards technology and to open discussion on focused product design.

Cooperation as a driver of development and diffusion of environmental innovation

Environmental management and innovation literature has revealed gaps concerning the influence of business cooperation on environmental innovation and diffusion. Cooperation with external partners in the development of environmental innovation is explored using the Australian Business Longitudinal Database. Complementing this is the exploration of the cooperation of supply chain partners in the adoption of environmental products and processes through three case studies from the manufacturing industry.

Age-Related Cognitive Impairment and Home Technology Design

Abstract Ability of older adults to use an appliance depends on their mental model of operation. This may depend on transfer of understanding from similar, more familiar technology. Leveraging established mental models creates affordances for operating new technology but may constrain the discovery of advanced functionality. Familiar mental models may also interfere with developing appropriate mental models or interaction behavior. Older adults experience cognitive decline in attention, perceptual encoding, memory (cueing and recall), and self-efficacy. Designing appliances to extend cognitive abilities provides opportunity to prolong functional independence. Concepts from cognitive psychology, human factors, and gerontology are reviewed to explain age-related behavior towards technology to support innovative product development of technologies for older adults with cognitive impairment.

Notes on Other Countries

Australia is a federation of 6 states with roughly 15 Million inhabitants. Compared worldwide, the country is in the middle-range with regard to proportion of gross national product spent on research and development. This is mainly from the public sector with little expenditure from private industry. There is also little expenditure on military R&D compared with countries like the USA or Great Britain. In common with British tradition, there is a sharp division between industry and academia. Most industrial equipment is purchased overseas, particularly in the USA.