Copyright (c) 2009 University of Wollongong All rights reserved. http://ro.uow.edu.au/infopapers Recent documents in Faculty of Informatics - Papers en-us Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:08:12 PST 3600 http://ro.uow.edu.au/infopapers/737 http://ro.uow.edu.au/infopapers/737 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:11:50 PST The analysis of vulnerabilities in large complex spaces is fundamentally problematic. The lack of capacity to generate a threat assessment merely exacerbates this problem. Lacking as well, in current literature is a developed methodology. To overcome this problem, we propose an approach using multi-agent modelling, which is also melded with three dimensional (3D) tactical understandings. Our approach builds on a microsimulation decision support tool, which was developed for a behavioural simulation of CBRN events. Microsimulation is based on the individual; who as an individual has a number of attributes, and which are stochastic (when repeated within an attribute). This approach is then enveloped. The simulations approach is intended for simulation of global and social controls and is designed to deal effectively with separate population groups. Each group has rules based on the group's behaviour and attributes, and complex scenarios can be built very simply. This therefore, enables analysis of emergent group behaviours and patterns. Our approach is akin to chemical or fire spread quantification. It views particle spread analysis as synonymous with complex movement (or stationary location) of many active agents within a complex 3D environment. This approach, we believe is needed to 'solve' the counter terrorism problem presented by scenarios such as the 2007 Haymarket attack; such as, how to analyse such events, as well as develop effective interdiction. A discrete behaviour model approach is suggested. This approach through repeated simulation (within the same parameters) should build up a statistical pattern of domain behaviour. As well, information on the outcome of changing behaviour can also be logged. Therefore, individual outcomes can be matched against real-time data to give best prediction of eventual outcomes, and the range of future strategies based on closest approach to reality. Taking this approach, potential targets could then be given random attributes including movement, size, speed, destination, and degree of deception being used in behaviour. Superimposing targets from known information and still building in random attributes about what is not known, will allow forward prediction with back-correction over time as information becomes more available. As well, failure rates and other assumptions could also be gradually relaxed, and this will allow for continuous assessment of assumptions as real data becomes available. A. R. Green http://ro.uow.edu.au/infopapers/736 http://ro.uow.edu.au/infopapers/736 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:12:41 PDT The proliferation of mesh or ad hoc network protocols has lead to a push for protocol standardisation. While there are a number of both open-source and proprietary mesh routing protocols being developed, there is only a small amount of literature available that shows relative strengths and weaknesses of different protocols. This paper investigates the performance of a number of available routing protocols using a real-world testbed. Three routing protocols - Optimised Link State Routing (OLSR), Better Approach To Mobile Ad hoc Network (B.A.T.M.A.N.) and BABEL - were chosen for this study. Our investigations focus on the multi-hopping performance and the ability of each routing protocol to recover from link failures. Our results show that B.A.T.M.A.N. and BABEL outperform OLSR both in terms of multi-hopping performance and in route re-discovery latency. M. Abolhasan http://ro.uow.edu.au/infopapers/735 http://ro.uow.edu.au/infopapers/735 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:45:34 PDT This paper documents the preliminary development of a framework for evaluating organisational change processes during the implementation of an electronic nursing documentation system in residential aged care facilities. It starts with a brief outline of organisational change processes. This is followed by a more detailed exposition of the principles underlying complex adaptive systems (CAS) theory, where we explain how mathematical concepts can be used to illuminate qualitative research approaches. Finally we present some preliminary findings on the facilitators and barriers for the introduction of the electronic documentation system, explained with reference to the CAS theory, based on analysis of interviews with care staff members in a residential aged care facility. While there are clear benefits from electronic nursing documentation, we also identified significant risks, and possible unintended consequences, both positive and negative. K. Diment http://ro.uow.edu.au/infopapers/734 http://ro.uow.edu.au/infopapers/734 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:45:29 PDT Using the value chain model and a longitudinal real-world case study of a third-party logistics (TPL) supply chain, this study provides support for the enabling role of RFID technology in effecting warehouse process optimization. Furthermore, the findings of our study reveal the RFID technology implementation costs as the key inhibitors factor of RFID widespread adoption and usage among suppliers. S. F. Wamba http://ro.uow.edu.au/infopapers/733 http://ro.uow.edu.au/infopapers/733 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:45:24 PDT While geographic information systems (GIS) can provide information on the static locations of critical infrastructure and evacuation routes, they do not provide the dynamically changing locations of things and people on the move. In contrast, radio frequency identification (RFID) wireless network technology can automatically identify and track the movement of assets (i.e., fire engines, ambulances, and rescue workers) and vulnerable citizens on the move (i.e., the elderly and the disabled), and hence providing local governments and communities with real-time information and enhanced decision-making capabilities, during chaotic disaster response operations (i.e., evacuation). Although the potential high impact and strategic value of integrating RFID into e-government development and government's comprehensive natural disaster management policy for improved preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation, very little has been written in the e-government literature regarding the adoption, use, and impact of RFID in building safe and secure local communities for citizens and businesses. This position paper, which is based on a review of the literature and a field case study, intends to contribute to the definition of the e-government research priorities needed to build regional disaster preparedness, as an integral part of e-government development policy. A. Chatfield http://ro.uow.edu.au/infopapers/732 http://ro.uow.edu.au/infopapers/732 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:39:08 PDT This study examines the impact of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology on the inventory control practices of a small-to-medium retailer using a proof of concept (PoC) approach. The exploratory study was conducted using a single case study of a hardware retailer stocking 5000 product lines provided by 110 active suppliers. To analyze the present mode of operation, procedural documents, semi-structured interviews and a participant observation was conducted. The basis for the proof of concept was a future mode of operation using a quasi-experimental design. Results indicate that in a small-to-medium retail environment, RFID technology could act as a loss prevention mechanism, an enabler for locating misplaced stock, and make a significant contribution to the overall improvement of the delivery process. H. D. http://ro.uow.edu.au/infopapers/731 http://ro.uow.edu.au/infopapers/731 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:53:44 PDT Control of a helicopter is complex, and includes cross coupling of forces and balancing of forces. While sophisticated and advanced controllers can achieve stable control, good mechanical design can reduce the problems and hence make tuning the control loops easier. In this paper, we argue that a coaxial-rotor design solves a number of problems that make control of a four-rotor helicopter difficult. First, we examine several coaxial helicopters and discuss the concepts behind coaxial propulsion. Then we develop a dynamic model of the Lama coaxial helicopter. Finally, we compare this model to a model of the Dragonflyer four-rotor helicopter to show the difference in dynamics and how they impact the control. L. Chen http://ro.uow.edu.au/infopapers/730 http://ro.uow.edu.au/infopapers/730 Thu, 28 May 2009 22:16:28 PDT This paper draws together theories from organisational and neo-institutional literatures to address the evolution of supply chain contracts. Using a longitudinal case study of the Norwegian State Railways, we examine how firms move through the stages in an inter-organisational process of supply chain contract evolution and how they can cooperate to ensure efficiency and equity in their contractual relationship. The findings suggest that inefficient and inequitable initial contracts can occur in part, because of the cognitive shortcomings in human decision-making processes that reveal themselves early in the arrangement before learning and trust building can accumulate. We then reveal how parties can renegotiate towards a more equitable and efficient supply chain contract. T. Coltman http://ro.uow.edu.au/infopapers/729 http://ro.uow.edu.au/infopapers/729 Thu, 21 May 2009 22:19:23 PDT Mandates aside, there are many reasons why firms decide to move forward with or delay investment in RFID technology. In this paper we use a theoretically based, easy to implement methodology to empirically derive a relative importance scale of those factors that influence the decision to invest in RFID technology. More specifically, we compare the factors that matter most and least to a sample of firms that have adopted RFID technology with a sample of firms that have yet to embrace RFID technology. The theoretical and practical implications are that both RFID adopters and non adopters are driven by the promise of greater data accuracy, improved information visibility, service quality, process innovation, and track and trace capabilities. What separates the adopters from the non adopters is an opportunity to derive strategic benefits from RFID through improved decision making. Not surprisingly, the non adopting firms are primarily concerned with the high acquisition and other ongoing costs associated with RFID technology. V. Baker http://ro.uow.edu.au/infopapers/728 http://ro.uow.edu.au/infopapers/728 Wed, 20 May 2009 17:52:13 PDT This paper investigates organizations implementing mobile commerce initiatives. Mobile commerce (m-commerce) is defined as the wireless B2B and B2C exchange of operational and financial data within a supply chain. Based on a survey conducted with 159 Canadian and Scandinavian executive managers, this paper tests several theoretical determinants of customer-oriented m-commerce initiatives. Results indicate that i) the adoption of electronic commerce is a strong determinant for the adoption of m-commerce initiatives, ii) software firms are more inclined to adopt m-commerce initiatives, iii) firm size does not influence the adoption of mobile commerce, and iv) contrary to expectations, firms focusing on B2C are not more incline to adopt m-commerce initiatives. For practitioners, the paper helps better define the profile of potential adopters of m-commerce. On a more theoretical point of view, the results suggest that mcommerce comes as a second step to e-commerce. Léger Pierre-Majorique