Showing papers on "Information integration published in 1989"

Schema integration analysis for the development of GIS databases

Abstract: Analysing the differences and similarities in data descriptions for two or more databases is a common and difficult task for many database development environments. This task is important whether the environment concerns a spatial data transfer process, a database design process for a multi-purpose land information system and/ or a federated group of inter-operable databases in a land information systems network. Schema integration analysis is a stage in a process of information integration undertaken to identify and reconcile differences and similarities between data descriptions. Both the structural and semantic descriptions in a schema need to be processed to identify equivalent concepts. An example of schema integration analysis is described in the context of a database of urban land parcels.

Information integration approach to emotions and their measurement

Abstract: Emotion and affect are considered in terms of a general theory of information integration, which embodies a functional, goal-directed perspective. From this perspective, emotion and affect are considered information, with biosocial functions of guiding thought and action. The basic theme of information integration reflects the theoretical focus on studying how thought and action are constructed through joint action of multiple determinants. This integration theme makes it axiomatic that nonaffective, cognitive determinants are fundamental in emotion. This theme also leads to a distinction between unconscious and conscious emotion. Integration theory is not a promissory principle, but a working reality, for integration has been found to follow exact algebraic rules in diverse domains. This cognitive algebra provides a new approach to emotion theory. It allows fractionation of emotion into affective and nonaffective determinants. It allows measurement of both conscious and unconscious emotion on true psychological scales. And it is useful for analysis of certain problems of attention, memory, inference, and decision. Empirical applications are discussed for phobias, recognizing emotion, social affect, pain, and cerebral organization.

Controlling search for the consequences of new information during knowledge integration

Abstract: Adding new information to an existing knowledge base can have significant consequences. For example, new information might contradict existing knowledge or reveal a “gap”in the knowledge base. Most approaches to knowledge-base refinement either ignore these consequences or compute them exhaustively. Our approach, formalized in a task called knowledge integration, is to partially elaborate the consequences of new information. A form of domain knowledge called views controls the search to identify non-superficial consequences of new information. A prototype knowledge integration program has been implemented and demonstrated with a complex extension to a large knowledge base.

A top-down approach to integrating the building process

Abstract: Many computer-aided tools have been developed to assist designers, engineers, and managers with specific well-defined functions, yet they are not well integrated. This paper develops the need for an information architecture to integrate the processes and subsequent software used throughout the life of a building. It then defines a process model of the functions required to provide a facility to the end user, namely, managing, planning, designing, constructing, and operating the facility.

User models and world models for data, information and knowledge

Abstract: In this article we identify the need for a new theory of data, information, and knowledge. A model is developed that distinguishes between data as directly observable facts, information as structured collections of data, and knowledge as methods of using information. The model is intended to support a wide range of information systems. In the article we develop the use of the model for a semantic information retrieval system using the concept of semantic categories. The likely benefits of this are discussed, though as yet no detailed evaluation has been conducted.

Managing information growth and integration in small organizations

Abstract: This article presents an attempt to develop an integrated overall management information system (MIS) growth and integration theory for the small organization. On the basis of experience gained from the design of a pedagogical MIS (PMIS) on a national scale, the school is used as a case in point. Nolan's six-stage data processing theory is adapted and condensed into a three-stage theory that suits the small organization's unique characteristics and needs and matches the recent developments in information technology. The three-stage theory enables the small organization to enter the data resource era in a rapid, orderly manner and achieve improved performance through information integration. The three dimensions that facilitate information integration progress (i.e. EDP evolution, computerized tools, and user types) are presented, analyzed, and characterized. Guidelines for management action are enumerated.

Presenting information under conditions of uncertainty and availability: some recommendations

Abstract: An appropriate method for presenting information to the decision maker should depend on the situation. Rather than discuss well-structured, semi-structured, and unstructured situations, this paper proposes a matrix combining levels of uncertainty and amounts of available information. Based on combinations of these two factors, various methods of presenting information are recommended. High information, low uncertainty lends itself to mathematical formulae, procedures, and management information systems (MIS). Low uncertainty and low information seems to benefit from decision support systems (DSS). High uncertainty and high information may benefit from expert systems and a devil's advocate element. Finally, high uncertainty and low information may be appropriate for a dialectical inquiry method of presenting information.

Proximity Compatibility and Information Display: The Effects of Space and Color on the Analysis of Aircraft Stall Conditions

Abstract: : The proximity compatibility principle (Wickens, 1987) asserts that when a task requires the integration of multiple sources of information, performance will be best supported when that information is displayed in close proximity. Conversely, when a task requires attention to be focused on a specific source of information, performance will be best supported by a more separated display. To assess the validity of this principle, a series of three experiments were conducted in which subjects monitored a display of flight parameters critical to aircraft stability and were required to either predict the likelihood of an aircraft stall (information integration) or to recall the value of a single flight parameter (focused attention). Display proximity of relevant information was imposed through spatial closeness and color similarity. The results indicate that color adheres to the proximity compatibility principle, but that space does not. Instead, the spatial proximity between relevant and irrelevant information appears to be the dominant factor affecting performance across both tasks. The data are discussed in terms of their practical implications for multi-element display design. Keywords: Visual perception psychology; Man machine systems; Human factors engineering/compatibility; Data displays; Color displays; Clutter; Spatial distributions; Pilots attention; Aviation; Spacial organization; Information processing.

Information requirements analysis for manufacturing planning and control

Abstract: Information integration is a driving force underlying many major efforts in manufacturing systems, ranging from MRP and MRP II to the current research on CIM. The problem of integration, however, has not been sufficiently studied previously from the perspective of information. The authors analyze the information aspects of the evolution of integrating manufacturing planning with its control. A conceptual framework is developed to help identify the potentials and requirements of information integration. The strengths and limitations of MRP II are discussed in the light of the framework, leading to a formulation of further integration. A modeling methodology using this framework is also suggested. >

Multiple Resources versus Information Integration

Abstract: The present study investigates the applicability of an information integration hypothesis developed by Wickens and Boles (1983), to display format and response configuration. Twenty paid subjects performed either a dual-task or an integration task. The tasks were similar in all respects with the exception of information integration requirements. Proximity was manipulated via display format and response configuration. Results of the display format manipulation supported a multiple resources interpretation while the effects of response configuration were consistent with the integration hypothesis. These results point to a possible limitation in applying the integration hypothesis to resource demands of displays, but suggest that the hypothesis may apply to response configuration.

Conceptual Framework of Information for MIS

Abstract: A conceptual framework for information is critical to management information systems (MIS) research, design, and implementation, yet the literature still lacks a clear unified conceptual framework of information. This paper proposes a unified conceptual framework of information. that can provide adequate insights towards understanding the information phenomena in a decision-making context. In this paper, conceptual framework for information in the MIS area, as well as in related disciplines, are briefly examined, and core meanings are derived for defining the concept of information. The conceptual framework proposed covers the core meanings suggested by various researchers. The concepts of “information source” derived from Shannon’s information theory is used as the basis for discussing information phenomena. The basic structure and measurement of the information source are also analyzed.

Information Centers in the United States Army: Movement Toward Maturity Through Strategic Planning

Abstract: : This thesis reports the results of research focused on US Army information centers and end-user computing management techniques. The effort is designed to provide insight into information center management, end-user computing, and Army information resource management. Models for managing the evolution of individual and organizational computing are presented in terms of their applicability to Army information management. Important conclusions of this research were; (1) Achieving the level of information integration desired by Army leaders will require the development of management controls that focus on directing the evolution of end-user computing, (2) The role of information centers in Army information management is poorly defined. Resolving this situation will be an important part of achieving an integrated environment, (3) End-user computing is a critical part of the information environment that has been virtually overlooked by information planners. Integrating this valuable resource into Army information plans will be critical in future plans. Keywords: Information centers; End-user computing; Strategic planning; Change management; Information management.

A conceptual framework for next-generation information systems

Abstract: With the tremendous increase in the electronic manipulation of data has come the heightened need for more effective storage, retrieval, and integration of information. Due to the evolution of computers and database technology, and the rapid and often unordered proliferation of databases, information no longer resides in one large central repository but is located throughout an enterprise in multiple databases. Researchers and database administrators are looking to distributed database technology to address this problem through a logically integrated interface to physically non-integrated databases. The task of distributed database integration typically requires substantial planning and design of a conceptual schema prior to implementation. The conceptual design adequately describes an integrated view of the databases but at a snapshot in time, and is therefore a static representation of potentially dynamic data. The challenge of this dissertation is therefore to design a conceptual framework for a distributed database system that will force attention away from static structures and schemas to those which will permit dynamic and reconfigurable information systems. This research serves to reevaluate the underlying approaches to multiple database systems. The needs of future information systems are proposed and the current approaches to information integration are critiqued as to their ability to support these needs. In light of the conclusion that the current approaches will not meet the proposed needs, a new approach is suggested, justified, and experimentally tested. The scope of effort is therefore to design and validate a conceptual framework to support flexible information systems through dynamic data integration. The architecture proposed has three main modules: intelligent user interface; dynamic conceptual view; and multiple companion databases. The intelligent user interface functions to interface with the user and assist in identifying and representing the information or transaction desired. The dynamic conceptual view module dynamically identifies and integrates data from the multiple distributed databases in the system. The companion databases accompany each database and contain metadata or self-describing data. This dissertation is not a simple expansion over current research, but rather an investigation of a new approach and architecture to data integration for next generation information systems.

Information search heuristics based upon profitability

Abstract: Heuristics are developed for information scanning activities in large collections of information. These search heuristics are consistent with human information processing behavior identified in prior empirical research. They rely on available knowledge, and provide a guide for the design of computer-based systems which support information scanning. Conclusions are presented which describe how to incorporate time and subjective information profitability into an optimal search strategy, as well as appropriate information to elicit during queries. >

Ship configuration and logistic support information system (sclsis) program initiatives

Abstract: Over the preceding several years there have been numerous initiatives to address problems in the Navy's ship configuration status accounting process. Recent efforts in the Ship Configuration and Logistic Support Information System (SCLSIS) project have begun to integrate the first of several logistic and engineering support processes, which up to this time have developed independently to solve specialized problems. The apparent solution is to establish an integrated global information systems architecture based on a functionally structured and described central database that couples configuration, engineering and logistics data. To accomplish this objective will require all participating Navy communities to change their processes to meet the requirements of the global information systems architecture. The realistic achievement of this goal will require the coordinated “phased” development of many unrelated processes and data systems, which today are at various levels of capability. A carefully crafted “phased” development process becomes critical in light of our current austere budget environment. This paper describes how the SCLSIS process is striving to cost-effectively achieve these essential objectives to forge a stronger link between the Navy's engineering and logistic support communities.

Multi‐attribute Services Using Hierarchical Information: Australia

Abstract: A recently developed technique (Hierarchical Information Integration – HII) for analysing multi‐attribute judgement problems is discussed and its use in banking illustrated. A description is included of an Australian survey in which HII is applied to the potential demand for network banking, automatic teller machines and personal identification cards and the use of the empirical results in designing competitive market strategy.