Development of a co-operative distributed process mining system for quality assurance

In this paper, a co-operative distributed process mining system (CDPMS) is developed to streamline the workflow along the supply chain in order to offer shorter delivery times, more flexibility and higher customer satisfaction with learning ability. The proposed system is equipped with the ‘distributed process mining’ feature which is used to discover the hidden relationships among each working decision in distributed manner. This method incorporates the concept of data mining and knowledge refinement into decision making process for ensuring ‘doing the right things’ within the workflow. An example of implementation is given, based on the case of slider manufacturer.

Mach Bands: multi-scale spatial filtering and co-operative coding of edges and bars

Perception of Mach bands may be explained by spatial filtering ('lateral inhibition') that can be approximated by 2nd derivative computation, and several alternative models have been proposed. To distinguish between them, we used a novel set of ‘generalised Gaussian’ images, in which the sharp ramp-plateau junction of the Mach ramp was replaced by smoother transitions. The images ranged from a slightly blurred Mach ramp to a Gaussian edge and beyond, and also included a sine-wave edge. The probability of seeing Mach Bands increased with the (relative) sharpness of the junction, but was largely independent of absolute spatial scale. These data did not fit the predictions of MIRAGE, nor 2nd derivative computation at a single fine scale. In experiment 2, observers used a cursor to mark features on the same set of images. Data on perceived position of Mach bands did not support the local energy model. Perceived width of Mach bands was poorly explained by a single-scale edge detection model, despite its previous success with Mach edges (Wallis & Georgeson, 2009, Vision Research, 49, 1886-1893). A more successful model used separate (odd and even) scale-space filtering for edges and bars, local peak detection to find candidate features, and the MAX operator to compare odd- and even-filter response maps (Georgeson, VSS 2006, Journal of Vision 6(6), 191a). Mach bands are seen when there is a local peak in the even-filter (bar) response map, AND that peak value exceeds corresponding responses in the odd-filter (edge) maps.

From co-operative to competitive localism? The changing balance between equity and efficiency in local government under the Conservative / Liberal Democrat coalition

This paper considers whether there has been a shift in the balance between equity and efficiency in respect of decentralised public policy in England since the election of the Conservative / Liberal Democrat coalition in 2010. Drawing on the literature on policy decentralisation and fiscal federalism from both Political Science and Economics, reasons are discussed why a trade-off between equity and efficiency might be expected. The context of English local government then outlined, and consideration is then given to four areas of policy: business rate localisation, the ‘New Homes Bonus’, council tax benefit and social housing, and regional economic development. In each case, some shift in the balance away from concern with equity towards one with efficiency is discerned: whether or not this is desirable will prove a matter of political and moral, as well as scientific judgement.

Development of performance models for co-operative information systems in an organisational context

The thesis reports of a study into the effect upon organisations of co-operative information systems (CIS) incorporating flexible communications, group support and group working technologies. A review of the literature leads to the development of a model of effect based upon co-operative business tasks. CIS have the potential to change how co-operative business tasks are carried out and their principal effect (or performance) may therefore be evaluated by determining to what extent they are being employed to perform these tasks. A significant feature of CIS use identified is the extent to which they may be designed to fulfil particular tasks, or by contrast, may be applied creatively by users in an emergent fashion to perform tasks. A research instrument is developed using a survey questionnaire to elicit users judgements of the extent to which a CIS is employed to fulfil a range of co-operative tasks. This research instrument is applied to a longitudinal study of Novell GroupWise introduction at Northamptonshire County Council during which qualitative as well as quantitative data were gathered. A method of analysis of questionnaire results using principles from fuzzy mathematics and artificial intelligence is developed and demonstrated. Conclusions from the longitudinal study include the importance of early experiences in setting patterns for use for CIS, the persistence of patterns of use over time and the dominance of designed usage of the technology over emergent use.

Co-operative working in aged care : the cooperative for healthy ageing research and teaching project

Marketing Brock University in the 1980's: assessing freshman student feedback in strategic planning approach

Universities have entered a period of rapid change and upheaval due to an external environment beyond their control which includes shifting demographic patterns, accelerating technology, funding shortages, and keener competition for students. Strategic planning, a comprehensive vision which challenges universities to take bold and creative measures to meet the threats and opportunities of the future, is an institutional imperative in the 1980's. This paper examines freshman student feedback in an effort to incorporate this important element into a strategic plan for Brock University, a small, predominantly liberal arts university in St. Catharines, Ontario. The study was designed to provide information on the characteristics of the 1985-86 pool of freshman registrants: their attitudes towards Brock's recruitment measures, their general university priorities, and their influences in regard to university selection (along with other demographical and attitudinal data). A survey involving fixed-alternative questions of a subjective and objective nature was administered in two large freshman classes at Brock in which a broad cross-section of academic programs was anticipated. Computer analysis of the data for the 357 respondents included total raw frequencies and rounded percentages, as well as subgroup cross-tabulation by geographic home area of respondent, academic major, and high school graduating average. The four directional hypotheses put forward were all substantiatied by the survey data, indicating that 1) the university's current recruitment program had been a positive influence during their university search 2) parents were the most influential group in the students' decisions related to university 3) respondents viewed institutional reputation as less of a priority than an enjoyable university lifestyle in a personal learning atmosphere 4) students had a decided preference for co-operative study and internship programs. Strategic planning recommendations included a reduction in the faculty/student ratio through faculty hirings to restore the close rapport between professors and students, increased recruitment presentations in Ontario high schools to enlarge the applicant pool, creation of an Office of Co-operative Study and Internship Programs, institutional emphasis on a "customer orientation", and an extension of research into student demographics and attitudinal data.

Quality assurance systems in the production and marketing of fresh peaches.

Due to the fast rate of peach post-harvest ripening, damage due to mechanical handling, externally appreciated as bruises and soft areas, is a real problem that leads to an early harvesting and poor quality of the fruits, as perceived by the consumers. More and more, the European consumer asks for good taste and freshness of fruits and vegetables, and these quality factors are not included in standards, nor in most of the producers' practices. Fruit processing and marketing centres (co-operatives) are increasingly interested in adopting quality controls in their processes. ISO 9000 procedures are being applied in some food areas, primarily milk and meat processors, but no generalised procedures have been developed until the present time to be applied to fresh product processes. All different peach and nectarine varieties that are harvested and handled in Murcia cooperatives and sold in a large supermarket in Madrid were analysed during the whole 1997 season (early May to late August). A total number of 78 samples of 25 fruits (co-operative) or 10 fruits (market), were tested in the laboratory for mechanical, optical, chemical and tasting quality. The variability and relationships between all these quality parameters are presented and discussed, and sampling unit sizes which would be advisable for quality control are calculated.

Illinois agricultural marketing statistics : Field crops /

"October 1957".

Selection of a co-operation agreement between EMOVE – Innovative Technologies and WavEC – Wave Energy Center

A Work Project, presented as part of the requirements for the Award of a Masters Degree in Management from the NOVA – School of Business and Economics

Institutionaaliset tekijätosuuskunnan johtamisessa ja hallinnoimisessa

Tutkimuksen tarkoituksena on osallistua omistajaohjauksen keskusteluun tuomalla esille institutionaalisen teorian tarjoamia mahdollisuuksia hah-mottaa ilmiötä. Tutkimuksen tavoitteena on ymmärtää ja kuvata sitä institu-tionaalista ympäristöä, jossa tuottaja- ja markkinointiosuuskunnat Suo-messa toimivat, selvittää millaisia vaikutuksia näillä ympäristön tekijöillä on osuuskunnan johtamiseen ja hallinnointiin sekä selvittää koetaanko toimin-taympäristön asettavan osuuskunnan toiminnalle pääomayhtiöistä poik-keavia paineita. Tutkimus on luonteeltaan laadullinen haastattelututkimus. Tutkimuksen empiirinen aineisto kerättiin haastattelemalla kolmea osuustoiminnan asi-antuntijaa sekä kuutta kohdeyritysten ylimmässä luottamusjohdossa ja operatiivisessa johdossa toimivaa henkilöä. Teemamuotoiset haastattelut suoritettiin marraskuun 2005 ja tammikuun 2006 välisenä aikana kohdeyri-tysten toimitiloissa. Tutkimustulokset osoittavat, että institutionaalisilla paineilla on vaikutuksia osuuskuntien omistajaohjaukseen. Osuuskuntien omistajaohjauksella on muista yritysmuodoista poikkeavia ominaispiirteitä erityisesti pääomaan ja johtamiseen liittyvissä institutionaalisissa tekijöissä. Osuuskuntien omista-jaohjauksen järjestelmät ovat toisaalta alttiina isomorfiselle muutokselle,jossa hallinnon rakenteet ja toimintamallit lähenevät erityisesti osakeyhti-öiden soveltamia rakenteita ja toimintamalleja.

Kunnossapitoyrityksen kokonaispalvelukonseptin markkinointimalli

Työn tavoitteena oli luoda sähkö- ja automaatiokunnossapidon markkinoinnin yhteistyö- ja toimintamalli sekä arvioida sähkö- ja automaatiokunnossapidon markkinoita rajatulla alueella. Kohdeyrityksenä työssä oli ABB Oy, Service. Ensin selvitettiin markkinoinnin nykytila kohdeyrityksessä sähkö- ja automaatiokunnossapidon osalta sisäisiä haastatteluja hyväksi käyttäen. Tämän jälkeen tutkittiin markkinoita ja soveltuvaa toimintatapaa sisäisten myyntilastojen ja asiakastietokantojen, sisäisten haastattelujen ja alueellisen vertailun avulla. Diplomityössä tutustuttiin haastattelujen ja seminaarien avulla myös alueen myyntikonsepteihin ja yhdistettiin olemassa olevista konsepteista myyntikonsepti, joka tukee sähkö- ja automaatiokunnossapidon markkinoinnin yhteistyötä. Työssä luotiin malli ABB Oy, Servicen Etelä-Suomen alueen sähkö- ja automaatiokunnossapidon markkinointiin. Mallissa käsiteltiin neljää osa-aluetta: toimintaa yhdistävää palvelukonseptia, organisaatiota ja organisaation muutosta, konsepteille soveltuvia asiakkaita ja markkinointitoimenpiteitä. Diplomityössä todettiin, että mallin käyttöönotto vaatii muutosjohtamista yrityksen sisällä ja mallissa ehdotettiinkin sisäisen markkinoinnin ja muutosjohtamisen keinoja mallin käyttöönottamiseksi. Toimenpide-ehdotuksena esitetään mallin pilotointia valituille asiakkaille. Lisätutkimusta tarvitaan muutamilta diplomityössä sivutuilta osa-alueilta. Näihin kuuluvat esimerkiksi tarkan asiakaskohtaisen kunnossapidon tarpeen määrittäminen eri asiakasyrityksissä sekä yhteistyökuvion määrittäminen niiden konseptiin liittyvien ABB:n sisäisten tahojen kanssa, joiden osuutta ei tässä työssä käsitelty.