University of the Aegean

About: University of the Aegean is a education organization based out in Mytilene, Greece. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Tourism. The organization has 2818 authors who have published 8100 publications receiving 179275 citations. The organization is also known as: UAEG.

Business analysis metrics for business process redesign

Abstract: In the existing BPR methodologies there exists a big division in business analysis techniques due to the black and white approach used in most cases. In some of them, cost is the central issue, in others generic management or the successful use of IT. As a result business analysis techniques are directed towards this central issue ignoring any other means of analysis. Agent relationship morphism analysis (ARMA) is a BRP methodology that applies different analysis techniques from various disciplines in different perspectives. These techniques are influenced from organizational theories, IS development and existing work in BPR giving business analysis a more holistic approach. The main focus of business analysis in ARMA is the analysis of the business models with a view of developing solutions for the subsequent stage of redesign. The emphasis is on why the operations and processes of the organization are performed the way they are performed. The aim is to develop solutions that enhance the levels of effici...

Green city logistics: Systems of Innovation to assess the potential of E-vehicles

Abstract: Urban freight vehicles significantly impact the urban environment due mainly to traffic congestion, reduction in road capacity and pollutant emissions. Introducing low emission vehicles is one of the major measures foreseen in alleviating negative externalities. In this context, city logistics may represent a market niche for the deployment of electric vehicles. This paper introduces a methodology based on the Systems of Innovation approach to examine the process by which electric vehicles may be introduced in city logistics. The proposed methodology considers the complex interactions between actors and institutions and proposes a Systems' of Innovation Framework, which combines in a matrix the actors, the mechanisms and market conditions providing an instrument by which to qualitatively assess the current status and estimate future requirements and pre-conditions for innovation uptake. Applied to the case of electric vehicles in city logistics, the proposed framework is used to examine “who” should act, “how to act”, “what to act upon” and “when” to intervene. Findings indicate the need to transfer leadership from central authorities to municipal authorities in order to move from the initiation stage to the implementation stage. The importance of strong networks between innovation actors and respective building of capacities is considered of importance.

Exploring the educational potential of three-dimensional multi-user virtual worlds for STEM education: A mixed-method systematic literature review

Abstract: The present literature review builds on the results of 50 research articles published from 2000 until 2016. All these studies have successfully accomplished various learning tasks in the domain of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education using three-dimensional (3-D) multi-user virtual worlds for Primary, Secondary and Higher education, in order to: (a) present an overview about the potential contribution of this technology in practice-based perspectives on knowledge and learning; (b) identify the theoretical underpinnings based on contemporary learning theories and pedagogical approaches that leverage content design characteristics, with the respect to the constructs of their instructional design methods; (c) suggest a synthesis of the relevant literature about how the utilization of 3-D multi-user virtual worlds have affected positively learning outcomes based on students’ achievements; (d) concretize the educational potential and instructional affordances covering the pedagogical (socio-) cognitive, technological-operational and financial perspectives; and lastly (e) propose an instructional design workflow to contextualize pedagogical content design principles for the implementation of different learning scenarios in STEM courses. The overviewed articles ascertained that 3-D multi-user virtual worlds have many instructional and technological affordances as candidate learning platforms for different educational levels, influencing to a large extent students’ attendance, knowledge transfer, skill acquisition, hands-on digital experience and positive attitudes in laboratory experimental exercises. This technology gives to users the opportunity to manage learning materials more effectively and efficiently during the teaching process. The vast majority of educational benefits and potential enhanced the degree of their engagement and participation, contributing positively to their achievements.