http://hdl.handle.net/10034/31838 Thu, 20 Jun 2013 08:45:13 GMT 2013-06-20T08:45:13Z http://hdl.handle.net/10034/126272 Title: The use of modelling techniques in the definition of the UK electricity market Authors: Varley, Peter Abstract: The electricity market in Great Britain has been progressively de-regulated over the last fifteen years. Competition has increased at an exponential rate during this period as new companies have begun operating in the market, which is now arguably the most sophisticated and successful competitive utility market in the world. This success has been achieved only with a degree of complexity. There are now more than a hundred “organisations” that must inter operate, where prior to competition there were only about twenty, operating independently. An organisation in this sense is an identifiable business unit carrying out one of more than a dozen defined roles. Within this complex structure individual organisations need to know their responsibilities and the processes for carrying out market transactions must be defined. (e.g. a customer wishing to change supplier) This requirement has been met by the production of an “industry model” which comprises a series of diagrams, formal definitions and English prose. These are delivered using a combination of a proprietary business modelling tool, a database and textual documents. In this paper the model is explored and an attempt made to classify its components by relating them to the Zachman framework. From this the model’s strengths and weaknesses are postulated. These are then tested by means of a survey of the intended users of the model. Finally, conclusions are drawn about the use of modelling techniques for the definition of a utility industry infrastructure, and recommendations for further research are made. Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10034/126272 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10034/122570 Title: Using an intranet to deliver multimedia training material in colleges Authors: Furnival, Cameron Abstract: The development of web-based training is now well established and is leading away from the notion of software being released solely on a CD-Rom; instead, it is made available additionally via Internet portals. The significance of this is that colleges with Intranets capable of delivering multimedia via an Intranet are well placed to take advantage of the growing market place for such training. The basis for this research stems from the desire for increasingly faster and more efficient use of multimedia, which is delivered via an Intranet as opposed to the utilisation of CD-Rom technology. The implication is that software/ multimedia authors will develop more efficient systems that take best advantage of existing web-based technologies. The trends evident from the small survey reported, show a general acceptance of the Intranet as a medium for the delivery of teaching and learning materials in addition to the established use of CD-Rom multimedia software. The inference is that the Intranet will not replace CD-Roms; rather, it will be used to complement it. The education and training sector has become a major industry within the multimedia arena. Direction is sought to define the future trends in the development of multimedia training packages and styles from within this sector. The technology opens up new opportunities for learning and is an enabling factor in the restructuring of educational philosophies worldwide. However, the education and training sector has not allowed multimedia to cause a change in direction, rather, it is using it and other Information Technologies to engender and facilitate this required change. It is commonplace to find complex computing equipment in all areas of education and the uptake of multimedia, as a learning resource is widespread. This research seeks to investigate the means of delivering multimedia in an educational context comparing the efficiencies and deficiencies of established techniques for the deployment of educational multimedia. Wed, 01 Nov 2000 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10034/122570 2000-11-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10034/122569 Title: New technology and the Help Desk: Research into how new technology could be used to improve the efficiency of the Customer Services Help Desk at Cheshire County Council Authors: Thomas, Shirley Abstract: This research identifies different technologies used to assist with the management of help desks, including Call Management Software, Problem Resolution Systems and Computer Telephony Integration, showing how they can improve efficiency. The requirements of the help desk at Cheshire County Council are identified by analysing the current system and by sending a survey to the customers. The survey also attempts to establish whether the use of new technology would be acceptable to the customers. A pilot study, giving staff in Social Services access to a list of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) was set up to gauge the effectiveness of a simple problem resolution system, however because of the pressures of other work on support staff this has not yet been completed. The research showed that the new technologies would not be beneficial unless the information held (particularly the contact database) is accurate. The failure to implement the FAQ in Social Services highlighted the problems of allocating the resources needed to achieve this in an organisation where staff are under pressure solving current problems. Providing the contact database is maintained and a knowledge base set up, with procedures in place to ensure the information is correct and relevant, then replacing the problem management system and introducing a problem resolution system could potentially improve the efficiency of the help desk. This would be achieved by giving management access to the relevant information to enable them to make decisions, increasing the spot rate (calls answered on first call) and by reducing the time to log calls. Recommendations are made for introducing changes and for further research. Thu, 01 Oct 1998 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10034/122569 1998-10-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10034/122589 Title: Evaluation of a lift control algorithm for the emergency evacuation of a tall building Authors: Ennion, Keith Abstract: This dissertation considers the hypothesis that a suitably designed lift system can be used for the automatic evacuation of tall buildings. It will identify the key features that should be provided to ensure that lifts are controlled efficiently during this task and so ensure that the evacuation time is reduced to a practical minimum. An algorithm is described which has been designed in line with these principles and its performance is evaluated by simulation. The performance is then assessed against a standard control algorithm and also against a theoretical best possible solution. The initial results indicate that a dedicated evacuation algorithm can provide significant benefits above a more generalised control strategy for this particular traffic situation and that it is less susceptible to variations in passenger arrival patterns. Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10034/122589 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z