Exploring Problem Decomposition in Conceptual Design

Design embraces several disciplines dedicated to the production of artifacts and services. These disciplines are quite independent and only recently has psychological interest focused on them. Nowadays, the psychological theories of design, also called design cognition literature, describe the design process from the information processing viewpoint. These models co-exist with the normative standards of how designs should be crafted. In many places there are concrete discrepancies between these two in a way that resembles the differences between the actual and ideal decision-making. This study aimed to explore the possible difference related to problem decomposition. Decomposition is a standard component of human problem-solving models and is also included in the normative models of design. The idea of decomposition is to focus on a single aspect of the problem at a time. Despite its significance, the nature of decomposition in conceptual design is poorly understood and has only been preliminary investigated. This study addressed the status of decomposition in conceptual design of products using protocol analysis. Previous empirical investigations have argued that there are implicit and explicit decomposition, but have not provided a theoretical basis for these two. Therefore, the current research began by reviewing the problem solving and design literature and then composing a cognitive model of the solution search of conceptual design. The result is a synthetic view which describes recognition and decomposition as the basic schemata for conceptual design. A psychological experiment was conducted to explore decomposition. In the test, sixteen (N=16) senior students of mechanical engineering created concepts for two alternative tasks. The concurrent think-aloud method and protocol analysis were used to study decomposition. The results showed that despite the emphasis on decomposition in the formal education, only few designers (N=3) used decomposition explicitly and spontaneously in the presented tasks, although the designers in general applied a top-down control strategy. Instead, inferring from the use of structured strategies, the designers always relied on implicit decomposition. These results confirm the initial observations found in the literature, but they also suggest that decomposition should be investigated further. In the future, the benefits and possibilities of explicit decomposition should be considered along with the cognitive mechanisms behind decomposition. After that, the current results could be reinterpreted.

Monikulttuurisen akateemisen opetuksen hallinta

Starting point for the study was the notion made in previous studies that the Finnish educational practices are not sufficient in multicultural teaching. The main objective of the research was to find out good multicultural teaching practices developed by experienced teachers. The subject of the research was teachers narratives about the problems, solutions and the development of multicultural academic teaching. Previous research has shown that disturbances in multicultural activity can be caused among other things by cultural and linguistic differences, racism and prejudice and stress related to immigration. The management of multicultural teaching can be examined from the individual point of view as intercultural competence and from the collective point of view as management of the disturbances of multicultural teaching. The development of the management has been illustrated with the models of adaptation and transformative/expansive learning. The methodological approach of the research was narrative. I interviewed six teachers with narrative methods. Half of the interviews were pair interviews. As an analytical framework I used the basic story model by Labov (1972). I analysed critical incidents, resolutions and evaluations of the stories. According to the results the problems of the multicultural academic teaching are diverse. Most often mentioned problems were cultural differences and racism. Problems were managed by developing practices that support the multicultural activity broadly and by reacting to sudden problems intuitively or reflectively. In the management of the academic multicultural teaching the experienced teachers emphasised flexibility, group building and trust, intensified guidance, acting against racism and prejudice and characteristics of the teacher, like patience and sense of humour. The management of multicultural teaching has developed through the accumulation of intercultural experiences, reflection of experiences, cooperative problem solving, following the research of the field and experimenting different approaches. In accordance with the previous studies, this research showed that continuous learning is needed in the management of multicultural teaching. The results can be used in developing academic multicultural teaching and education.

Kohti ulkorajoja : Lukion toimintakulttuurikuvaus ohjauksen ja johtamisen näkökulmasta

The aim of this qualitative study is to chart the operational context of the upper-secondary school principals and the historical, cultural and structural factors that steer their day-to-day work. The concepts regarding the study environment and operational culture are defined and analysed in terms of how they are interrelated. Furthermore it is explained why the upper-secondary schools must describe their operational culture within the curriculum. The study also aims to connect the description of the operational culture with the operational system of the upper-secondary school and to analyse the descriptions of the five upper-secondary schools in relation to the commitment to developing a study environment conducive to learning and participation, as well as conducive to supporting interaction. Interview data is used to provide the background for the description of the operational culture and to particularise the results of the analysis. According to the theory used in this study, the steering sources of the day-to-day work of the upper-secondary school are the rules system of the state, the municipality, the curriculum, and on the level of the upper-secondary school administration. The research data consist of the literature concerning the steering, steering forms and the principals professional picture in general terms, from 1950 to the present, and the steering texts concerning the educational environment and operational culture. Furthermore the research data include five descriptions of the operational culture concerning the upper-secondary school, the action reports and student guides. The methods of analysis include the level model and content analysis. The first is a part of the theory used in this study. For the purpose of content analysis, moreover, classifying grounds are established on the basis of theoretical and empirical research data. A result of this study is that, from the perspective of steering, the function of describing the operational culture is clearly linked to the evaluation supporting the goals and the vision of a learning organization. From an administrative point of view, a description is a problem-solving strategy and an instrument of evaluation. The study environment is a structural context in and through which the actors of the school create, change and renew the elements of the structure rooted in the context; this structure is their historically and culturally mediated way of thinking and acting. The initial situation and orientation of the students affect the emphasis of the operational culture descriptions; principals also have their own personal style of leadership. Key words: source of steering, educational environment, operational culture, self-evaluation, learning organisation

Suunnittelunäkemys metsäorganisaatioissa ja sen vaikutus tietojärjestelmälle asetettaviin vaatimuksiin

Department of Forest Resource Management in the University of Helsinki has in years 2004?2007 carried out so-called SIMO -project to develop a new generation planning system for forest management. Project parties are organisations doing most of Finnish forest planning in government, industry and private owned forests. Aim of this study was to find out the needs and requirements for new forest planning system and to clarify how parties see targets and processes in today's forest planning. Representatives responsible for forest planning in each organisation were interviewed one by one. According to study the stand-based system for managing and treating forests continues in the future. Because of variable data acquisition methods with different accuracy and sources, and development of single tree interpretation, more and more forest data is collected without field work. The benefits of using more specific forest data also calls for use of information units smaller than tree stand. In Finland the traditional way to arrange forest planning computation is divided in two elements. After updating the forest data to present situation every stand unit's growth is simulated with different alternative treatment schedule. After simulation, optimisation selects for every stand one treatment schedule so that the management program satisfies the owner's goals in the best possible way. This arrangement will be maintained in the future system. The parties' requirements to add multi-criteria problem solving, group decision support methods as well as heuristic and spatial optimisation into system make the programming work more challenging. Generally the new system is expected to be adjustable and transparent. Strict documentation and free source code helps to bring these expectations into effect. Variable growing models and treatment schedules with different source information, accuracy, methods and the speed of processing are supposed to work easily in system. Also possibilities to calibrate models regionally and to set local parameters changing in time are required. In future the forest planning system will be integrated in comprehensive data management systems together with geographic, economic and work supervision information. This requires a modular method of implementing the system and the use of a simple data transmission interface between modules and together with other systems. No major differences in parties' view of the systems requirements were noticed in this study. Rather the interviews completed the full picture from slightly different angles. In organisation the forest management is considered quite inflexible and it only draws the strategic lines. It does not yet have a role in operative activity, although the need and benefits of team level forest planning are admitted. Demands and opportunities of variable forest data, new planning goals and development of information technology are known. Party organisations want to keep on track with development. One example is the engagement in extensive SIMO-project which connects the whole field of forest planning in Finland.

The association between student characteristics and the development of clinical reasoning in a graduate-entry, PBL medical programme

This study sought to assess the extent to which the entry characteristics of students in a graduate-entry medical programme predict the subsequent development of clinical reasoning ability. Subjects comprised 290 students voluntarily recruited from three successive cohorts of the University of Queensland's MBBS Programme. Clinical reasoning was measured once a year over a period of three years using two methods, a set of 10 Clinical Reasoning Problems (CRPs) and the Diagnostic Thinking Inventory (DTI). Data on gender, age at entry into the programme, nature of primary degree, scores on selection criteria (written examination plus interview) and academic performance in the first two years of the programme were recorded for each student, and their association with clinical reasoning skill analysed using univariate and multivariate analysis. Univariate analysis indicated significant associations between CRP score, gender and primary degree with a significant but small association between DTI and interview score. Stage of progression through the programme was also an important predictor of performance on both indicators. Subsequent multivariate analysis suggested that female gender is a positive predictor of CRP score independently of the nature of a subject's primary degree and stage of progression through the programme, although these latter two variables are interdependent. Positive predictors of clinical reasoning skill are stage of progression through the MBBS programme, female gender and interview score. Although the nature of a student's primary degree is important in the early years of the programme, evidence suggests that by graduation differences between students' clinical reasoning skill due to this factor have been resolved.

Communicative and Anticipatory Decision-making Supported by Bayesian Networks

The purpose of this research is to draw up a clear construction of an anticipatory communicative decision-making process and a successful implementation of a Bayesian application that can be used as an anticipatory communicative decision-making support system. This study is a decision-oriented and constructive research project, and it includes examples of simulated situations. As a basis for further methodological discussion about different approaches to management research, in this research, a decision-oriented approach is used, which is based on mathematics and logic, and it is intended to develop problem solving methods. The approach is theoretical and characteristic of normative management science research. Also, the approach of this study is constructive. An essential part of the constructive approach is to tie the problem to its solution with theoretical knowledge. Firstly, the basic definitions and behaviours of an anticipatory management and managerial communication are provided. These descriptions include discussions of the research environment and formed management processes. These issues define and explain the background to further research. Secondly, it is processed to managerial communication and anticipatory decision-making based on preparation, problem solution, and solution search, which are also related to risk management analysis. After that, a solution to the decision-making support application is formed, using four different Bayesian methods, as follows: the Bayesian network, the influence diagram, the qualitative probabilistic network, and the time critical dynamic network. The purpose of the discussion is not to discuss different theories but to explain the theories which are being implemented. Finally, an application of Bayesian networks to the research problem is presented. The usefulness of the prepared model in examining a problem and the represented results of research is shown. The theoretical contribution includes definitions and a model of anticipatory decision-making. The main theoretical contribution of this study has been to develop a process for anticipatory decision-making that includes management with communication, problem-solving, and the improvement of knowledge. The practical contribution includes a Bayesian Decision Support Model, which is based on Bayesian influenced diagrams. The main contributions of this research are two developed processes, one for anticipatory decision-making, and the other to produce a model of a Bayesian network for anticipatory decision-making. In summary, this research contributes to decision-making support by being one of the few publicly available academic descriptions of the anticipatory decision support system, by representing a Bayesian model that is grounded on firm theoretical discussion, by publishing algorithms suitable for decision-making support, and by defining the idea of anticipatory decision-making for a parallel version. Finally, according to the results of research, an analysis of anticipatory management for planned decision-making is presented, which is based on observation of environment, analysis of weak signals, and alternatives to creative problem solving and communication.

Computational algorithms inspired by biological processes and evolution

In recent times computational algorithms inspired by biological processes and evolution are gaining much popularity for solving science and engineering problems. These algorithms are broadly classified into evolutionary computation and swarm intelligence algorithms, which are derived based on the analogy of natural evolution and biological activities. These include genetic algorithms, genetic programming, differential evolution, particle swarm optimization, ant colony optimization, artificial neural networks, etc. The algorithms being random-search techniques, use some heuristics to guide the search towards optimal solution and speed-up the convergence to obtain the global optimal solutions. The bio-inspired methods have several attractive features and advantages compared to conventional optimization solvers. They also facilitate the advantage of simulation and optimization environment simultaneously to solve hard-to-define (in simple expressions), real-world problems. These biologically inspired methods have provided novel ways of problem-solving for practical problems in traffic routing, networking, games, industry, robotics, economics, mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, water resources and others fields. This article discusses the key features and development of bio-inspired computational algorithms, and their scope for application in science and engineering fields.

A Reliable Residual Based A Posteriori Error Estimator for a Quadratic Finite Element Method for the Elliptic Obstacle Problem

A residual based a posteriori error estimator is derived for a quadratic finite element method (FEM) for the elliptic obstacle problem. The error estimator involves various residuals consisting of the data of the problem, discrete solution and a Lagrange multiplier related to the obstacle constraint. The choice of the discrete Lagrange multiplier yields an error estimator that is comparable with the error estimator in the case of linear FEM. Further, an a priori error estimate is derived to show that the discrete Lagrange multiplier converges at the same rate as that of the discrete solution of the obstacle problem. The numerical experiments of adaptive FEM show optimal order convergence. This demonstrates that the quadratic FEM for obstacle problem exhibits optimal performance.

Making object-oriented databases more knowledgeable (From ADAM to ABEL)

Tesis leida en la Universidad de Aberdeen. 178 p.

Análisis cinemático del robot antropomórfico IRB120 de ABB

[ES]En el siguiente Trabajo Fin de Grado se va a exponer el análisis cinemático y desarrollo de un modelo virtual para la implementación de las ecuaciones cinemáticas del robot IRB120 de ABB llevados a cabo durante el curso 2013/2014. Comenzando por un estudio del Estado del Arte de la robótica industrial, se plantean seguidamente las ecuaciones de localización del robot en función de las variables de entrada mediante el método matricial. Estas ecuaciones son implementadas en un modelo de MatLab para usarlas en la resolución del problema de posición directo e inverso, y son también usadas en herramientas de creación de trayectorias. Además, sus derivadas se utilizan en el cálculo de velocidades del elemento terminal. Por último, se muestra la creación del prototipo 3D del robot, así como un interfaz gráfico de control del robot para el usuario, y los trabajos de validación llevados a cabo de los mencionados modelos virtuales sobre el robot real.

Avaliação dos algoritmos de Picard-Krylov e Newton-Krylov na solução da equação de Richards

A engenharia geotécnica é uma das grandes áreas da engenharia civil que estuda a interação entre as construções realizadas pelo homem ou de fenômenos naturais com o ambiente geológico, que na grande maioria das vezes trata-se de solos parcialmente saturados. Neste sentido, o desempenho de obras como estabilização, contenção de barragens, muros de contenção, fundações e estradas estão condicionados a uma correta predição do fluxo de água no interior dos solos. Porém, como a área das regiões a serem estudas com relação à predição do fluxo de água são comumente da ordem de quilômetros quadrados, as soluções dos modelos matemáticos exigem malhas computacionais de grandes proporções, ocasionando sérias limitações associadas aos requisitos de memória computacional e tempo de processamento. A fim de contornar estas limitações, métodos numéricos eficientes devem ser empregados na solução do problema em análise. Portanto, métodos iterativos para solução de sistemas não lineares e lineares esparsos de grande porte devem ser utilizados neste tipo de aplicação. Em suma, visto a relevância do tema, esta pesquisa aproximou uma solução para a equação diferencial parcial de Richards pelo método dos volumes finitos em duas dimensões, empregando o método de Picard e Newton com maior eficiência computacional. Para tanto, foram utilizadas técnicas iterativas de resolução de sistemas lineares baseados no espaço de Krylov com matrizes pré-condicionadoras com a biblioteca numérica Portable, Extensible Toolkit for Scientific Computation (PETSc). Os resultados indicam que quando se resolve a equação de Richards considerando-se o método de PICARD-KRYLOV, não importando o modelo de avaliação do solo, a melhor combinação para resolução dos sistemas lineares é o método dos gradientes biconjugados estabilizado mais o pré-condicionador SOR. Por outro lado, quando se utiliza as equações de van Genuchten deve ser optar pela combinação do método dos gradientes conjugados em conjunto com pré-condicionador SOR. Quando se adota o método de NEWTON-KRYLOV, o método gradientes biconjugados estabilizado é o mais eficiente na resolução do sistema linear do passo de Newton, com relação ao pré-condicionador deve-se dar preferência ao bloco Jacobi. Por fim, há evidências que apontam que o método PICARD-KRYLOV pode ser mais vantajoso que o método de NEWTON-KRYLOV, quando empregados na resolução da equação diferencial parcial de Richards.

As relações entre raiva e habilidades sociais em indivíduos com transtornos alimentares

Os Transtornos Alimentares (TA) são caracterizados por graves perturbações no comportamento alimentar, geralmente de início precoce e curso duradouro. Vários fatores estão associados a sua etiologia, como fatores familiares, socioculturais, biológicos e psicológicos. Alguns autores demonstraram existir correlação entre gravidade nos comportamentos alimentares inadequados, baixos níveis de assertividade, altos níveis de hostilidade autodirigida e dificuldade em expressar a raiva. Além disso, a raiva tem sido relacionada principalmente aos episódios de compulsão alimentar e métodos compensatórios. A literatura, já há algum tempo reconhece o papel central do afeto negativo na etiologia e manutenção da compulsão alimentar. A teoria da regulação do afeto pressupõe que os episódios de compulsão alimentar estão associados a uma dificuldade para regular as emoções de forma adaptada, configurando-os como uma estratégia inadequada para aliviar sofrimento e reduzir afetos intensos. Pesquisadores indicam que um terço das mulheres com compulsão alimentar, comem em resposta a emoções negativas, mais especificamente a raiva, depressão e ansiedade. A compulsão alimentar teria como função regular a experiência emocional, reduzindo a consciência da emoção. A raiva também tem sido associada a déficits em habilidades sociais. A literatura sugere que os indivíduos socialmente habilidosos são mais propensos a manejar com a emoção da raiva do que aqueles com déficits em habilidades sociais e resolução de problemas, e que muitos dos tratamentos efetivos para raiva e comportamento agressivo incluem o desenvolvimento dessas habilidades. Assim como elevados níveis de raiva estão associados a comportamentos alimentares disfuncionais, evidências apontam para a relação entre déficits em habilidades sociais e gravidade do comportamento alimentar. A literatura mostra que no tratamento da raiva, o treinamento de habilidades sociais tem sido bastante efetivo. Dessa forma, identificar de que forma a raiva se relaciona ao comportamento alimentar inadequado , bem como aos déficits em habilidades sociais se torna relevante para a criação de programas de intervenção que tenham como objetivo ensinar o indivíduo a manejar com a raiva e frustração, aumentando assim, a capacidade de resolução de problemas e diminuindo a ocorrência de comportamentos alimentares inadequados. Portanto, o objetivo desse estudo é avaliar as relações entre habilidades sociais e a raiva em pacientes com Bulimia Nervosa e Transtorno da Compulsão Alimentar Periódica. Em função das críticas ao uso de questionários de auto-informe em pesquisas, essa tese foi dividida em três estudos. O primeiro foi uma revisão sistemática da literatura que teve como propósito avaliar as relações entre níveis disfuncionais de raiva e compulsão alimentar em pacientes com bulimia nervosa e TCAP. O segundo estudo avaliou as relações entre níveis de habilidades sociais, raiva disfuncional e gravidade da compulsão alimentar em amostra clínica, através de questionários de autorrelato. E por fim, o terceiro estudo teve como objetivo identificar pensamentos automáticos e comportamentos associados a emoção da raiva através de entrevista estruturada, composta por cinco questões abertas. Os resultados de cada estudo serão discutidos, assim como sua implicação no tratamento dos TA

Solving problems in production scheduling

Traditionally, production scheduling has been viewed as a problem-solving task that involves a single problem - generation of a suitable schedule. This paper presents an alternative model in which individual difficulties are viewed as problems, and the task is to maintain a suitable schedule by resolving as many of these problems as possible. Decision support software is described that has facilities for defining policies to handle numerous minor problems and complete problem-solving strategies to deal with major problems. The paper then discusses the potential for this style of decision support to improve the performance of human schedulers. © 1995.

Manufacturing excellent engineers: Skill development in a Masters programme

An MPhil programme, delivered by the Engineering Department at the University of Cambridge, claims to be excellent at preparing graduates for manufacturing industry careers. The course uses a combination of different educational experiences, including industry-based assignments, industrial visits and practical exercises. This research explores how problem solving skills are developed during the first module, Induction, which is designed to enable students to undertake their first industrial assignment. From the literature, four conditions necessary for skill development were identified: Provision of a skill description, making explicit key components A number of different experiences with a range of contextual variables A teaching process which includes regular feedback and student reflection Students motivated to learn. These were used to construct a skill development framework (SDF). Using a case study research design, multiple types of evidence were collected to test for the above conditions using both classroom observation and questionnaire methods. The results confirmed the presence of the SDF conditions at different levels, with reflection aspects considered the weakest. Conflicting results were obtained regarding the students' self-awareness of skill levels. A plausible explanation is a change in the students' frame of reference. This initial study set out to develop a better understanding of the process of skill development. Whilst the SDF appears reasonable, there is a need for further work in three broad areas of defining skills, assessing skills and developing reflection skills.

System Dynamics and Scenario Planning: Implementation Challenges

In this paper we discuss key implementation challenges of a systems approach that combines System Dynamics, Scenario Planning and Qualitative Data Analysis methods in tackling a complex problem. We present the methods and the underlying framework. We then detail the main difficulties encountered in designing and planning the Scenario Planning workshop and how they were overcome, such as finding and involving the stakeholders and customising the process to fit within timing constraints. After presenting the results from this application, we argue that the consultants or system analysts need to engage with the stakeholders as process facilitators and not as system experts in order to gain commitment, trust and to improve information sharing. They also need be ready to adapt their tools and processes as well as their own thinking for more effective complex problem solving.