Abstract. This paper describes an approach of how to support collaborative modelling tasks. The presented system, Cool Modes, implements the approach using “plug-in ” reference frames encapsulating the semantics of the used models. Details on the extensibility of the system and the definition and interpretation of these reference frames and models in the framework are shown and the co-operation support using the underlying MatchMaker communication server is explained. Furthermore, two examples from the domains “System Dynamics modelling ” and “Jewish Ceremonies ” are given. 1

This paper introduces a framework for conducting and writing an effective literature review. The target audience for the framework includes information systems (IS) doctoral students, novice IS researchers, and other IS researchers who are constantly struggling with the development of an effective literature-based foundation for a proposed research. The proposed framework follows the systematic data processing approach comprised of three major stages: 1) inputs (literature gathering and screening), 2) processing (following Bloom’s Taxonomy), and 3) outputs (writing the literature review). This paper provides the rationale for developing a solid literature review including detailed instructions on how to conduct each stage of the process proposed. The paper concludes by providing arguments for the value of an effective literature review to IS research.

This paper describes both the knowledge elicitation process we have used and the representation we have built as a result of our study of expert navigators. The first step was to recognize and characterize expert navigation behavior. We interviewed a focus group of Army Ranger School instructors to determine how they evaluate tactical dismounted navigation expertise. The second step was to characterize the mental processes that lead to this expert behavior. We identified a group of expert navigators and interviewed them using a variation of Naturalistic Decision-Making methodology. The results of these interviews provide our initial representation of expertise, which we will refine, validate, and extend to an executable cognitive model. This model will provide realistic control of force navigation for military simulations and will also be used as a feedback mechanism for military navigation training. 1. Motivation Our goal is the construction of a computational model to approximate expert navigator behavior. Toward that end, we define land navigation expertise, use this definition to identify experts to study, and then determine how these experts make navigation decisions. Ultimately, we intend to model all navigation activities, but we focus present efforts on the route-planning segment. Such a model could be used to train navigators. Also, it could aid in developing realistic and valuable models of small-scale military operations. For example, if an analyst wished to evaluate the possible consequences of using an elite squad or a conventional squad for a given mission, he might use this model. Let the elite squad use the expert route planner, reflecting the higher level of navigation expertise in the unit, and let the conventional squad use a less proficient versio...

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Achieving incremental successes in courseware development

in ill-defined domains

This paper describes a learning architecture for developing a series of case-based studies that are linked by a common thematic basis. The proposed architecture takes into account `four forces ' that influence the development of the thematic cases: namely, Bloom's learning levels, industry cases to add realism to the engineering curriculum, the plug and learn approach, and incorporation of business and management issues in the context of engineering problem-solving. We developed a set of three industry case studies using the lean manufacturing/continuous improvement theme and cover various topics such as total productive maintenance (TPM), reduction of energy waste, process mapping, quality improvement, and various business and managerial issues. This series of cases is intended to immerse students in situations that they could expect to encounter while working in an industrial setting by emphasizing the usage of engineering and business tools and methodologies in the context of a real-life project. We believe that our approach, of developing theme-oriented case studies as opposed to isolated case studies, will help the students to internalize learning. Students are often taught various tools and techniques, but they may not necessarily see if and how these complement each other. We believe that presenting the tools and techniques around a thematic basis will help the students to understand `how, when, and which ' tools and techniques need to be applied in a given context. We also conducted preliminary experiments to ascertain the value of the case studies to the students.

Understanding the type of research methods that may best fit a given research agenda can be daunting task for novice researchers. In many instances, the problem can seem to be overwhelming in that the novice does not possess the basic familiarity with the fundamental terms and concepts of some of the more commonly used approaches to make an informed decision. This paper provides the novice researcher with a basic set of concepts and terms associated with conducting design and development studies, one of the foundational research approaches in the informing sciences. A six phase design and development framework adopted from prior system development methodology literature is presented. Additionally, examples to help the novice researcher better grasp the proposed framework are discussed.

Librarians and the claiming of new roles: how can we try to make a difference?

Case writing is a process that begins with the decision to use a case and ends with the use of the case in class. The entire sequence of steps in the process can be found in Figure 1. The suggested activities for case writing contained in this guide are meant to assist faculty in organizing and presenting information in the case format. The focus is on the writing process. Step 1: Case Origin Identify the needs Step 2: Establishing the needs The search for specific issues, ideas, and individuals or organizations that might supply the case information