Showing papers on "Process modeling published in 1984"

A classification and review of models of the intra-firm innovation process

Abstract: The recognised complexity of the innovation process not only makes it difficult to manage, explain and study, but also presents problems for the development of a generalised model. Cooper's recent article in ‘R&D Management’ suggests that the construction of a generalised model is inappropriate because there appear to be a number of different types of innovation processes. However, many of the studies of innovation postulate or assume a general model which represents the stages involved in the firm. This paper reviews the models of the innovation process which have been proposed and the author classifies them according to his taxonomy of different types: (a) Departmental-stage models (b) Activity-stage models (c) Decision-stage models (d) Conversion process models (e) Response models The advantages and disadvantages of each approach are discussed and the conclusion reached is that still more research needs to be concentrated on the nature of the innovation process within the firm itself. The absence of a definitive model compounds the problems of semantics and definitions when discussing innovation.

Dynamic Metasystems for Information Systems Development.

Abstract: Dynamics in the use of metasystems in the development ofinformation systemsis discussed. An axiomatic level of specification is used to allow dynamic specification of"median" level metasystems which are, in turn, used in information systems specification, analysis and design. Existing metasystems are reviewed and principles for metasystem evaluation are considered The implementation and use of dynamic metasystems in the Plexsys system is overviewed The Plexsys system implements generalized integrity analysis at alllevels of logic and mechanisms to insure the mutual integrity of these levels over time. Introduction tor of the integrity of models, The integrity of a model concerns its semantic completeness. An alternate metaparadigm is proposed. The paradigm draws on the A science is a well made language. -Condillac relationship of the me tasystems concept to semantics and knowledge representation in linquisucs and artiScial intelligence. The meta approach and system presented Computer-aided environments are evolving to facilitate allows for the generalization of a set of integrity rules for the specification and development of large-scale inforlanguage specifications and target system descriptions. mation systems. 'Ibols to support enterprise analysis, The implementation, which provides for dynamism of logical data and process modeling, database design, the overall three-tier model, is discussed in the final process organization, automatic code generation, and section. other design activities exhibit a variety of models, semantics, andterminology. A degree of dynamicsmustbe it*roducedifthedesignsupporttoolsaretobeeffective. These dynamics are fundamentally important as both The Metasystem Concept language definitions and target models change over time. That is, as more is learned about the organization In describing information systems, a large set of often and about the development process itself, the developdisjoint terminology is used among development settings ment environment must support the modification of In many cases, several terms are used to name a given " , . 44 relalanguage and target model definitions such that the term or concept For example, "record, group, models are internally and mumally complete and tion," and"data structure" have all been used to name a consistent conceptually analogous term Conceptual underpinnings, as well as the structure and One major drawback of many computer-aided methofunction of metasystems, are discussed in this paper. A dologies is thatthe predefined terms used inthe methometasystem framework of three basic definitionallevels dology may not be the same as the terms used by target is developed. Requirements foran effective metasystem system developers in any given setting. This drawback are outlined, including succinctness, dynamism, scope, leads to one of two outcomes; namely, the computerand granularity. Three metasystems used in information aided methodology will not be adopted, or it is adopted systems specifications-SEM, SDLA, and SDS-are withtheaccompanyingcostofreorientingallindividuals analyzed. The emphasis of the analysis is anassessment involved in systems development In the second outof the degree to which the metasystem can be a guarancome, extensive training of developers with respect to

Practical application of IDEF1 as a database development tool

Abstract: This paper describes the IDEF1 information modeling technique, its key concepts, modeling approach, rules, and graphical notation. A step-by-step example is presented, which illustrates use of IDEFl as a conceptual database development tool. The example demonstrates the four phases of IDEFl model development, concentrating on the modeling process and its application to a typical information modeling problem. The paper also discusses aspects of conceptual database development that IDEFl does not support.

Process Modeling Applied to Metal Forming and Thermomechanical Processing

Abstract: : This Lecture Series considers process modeling which provides a new perspective to advance metal forming and thermo-mechanical processing. Working and forming processes are viewed as systems which integrate component behaviour such as workpiece flow, heat flow and friction at the workpiece-tooling interface, and microstructural evolution. These are combined to form a system process model using deformation mechanics. The Lecture Series covers extrusion, forging, rolling, and sheet forming processes. It will provide specific results for light metals, steels and superalloys and introduce finite element methods and related aspects of computer-aided process design. The Lecture Series was sponsored by the Structures and Materials Panel and organized by the Consultant and Exchange Program of AGARD.

An approach to industrial process modelling, and application to a spiral separator for minerals

Abstract: Warren Spring Laboratory (WSL) is currently developing a suite of computer models to simulate process operations in common use in the minerals processing industry. The application of the models is described making particular reference to one specific process device, the spiral separator. The paper sets out to explain the basic strategy behind the modelling approach and discusses in detail the overall model structure that was adopted. The model aims to provide a set of equations, containing sufficient physical significance to give a reasonable fit to any specific data set, and which can be systematically adjusted (through auxilliary models, user judgement and experience) to fit a much broader applications area and thus achieve a general usefulness. The approach is thought to be applicable to a wide variety of processes. The model has been tested using a variety of ores, separated on plant-scale equipment. Practical examples are given. The scope and limitations of the method are reported, drawing on the results of parallel experimental testwork. The extent to which this kind of approach can be used as a predictive tool in process design applications and in the day-to-day running of mineral processing plant is discussed.