Abstract: The paper addresses the use of partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS- SEM) technique to evaluate the requirements for a design of a water resource management (ICT) model for an integrated water resource management. Researchers employed a quantitative approach using smart-PLS version 3. The sample size of 152 was computed from a population size of 245 across some districts within LVB. This study revealed the perceptions of different experts based on their experiences in water resource sectors. The findings of the study discovered that distribution and management, efficient use, pollution reduction, water conservation & storage factors had a significantly positive effect on the design of an effective water resource management ICT model. Pollution reduction had the highest path coefficient (beta=0.536) thus having the highest influence on the design of water resource management ICT model. The four exogenous latent constructs wholesomely explained 65.2% of the variance in the design of an effective water resource management ICT model that was also confirmed by the value of R 2 being 0.652. The study recommends putting a special attention on a pollution reduction related requirement to achieve an effective design of water resource management ICT model. These findings can support practitioners and decision makers engaged in the management of LVB and other water bodies in designing an effective water resource management ICT model.

Abstract: Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) is a very important resource for the five riparian countries: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. The basin provides resources for fishing, agriculture, medicine, forestry, water transport and other economic activities. However, its area is grossly affected by climate change due to population growth, urbanization, industrialization, increasing commercial activities and inadequate provision of sanitation services which have caused a lot of pollution. This climate change is likely to lead to loss of biodiversity in terms of species richness. Moreover, the increase in the population growth around Lake Victoria Basin is associated with an increase in economic activities that lead to ecosystem vulnerability and social-ecological disequilibrium. Climate change is likely to affect biodiversity as species struggle to adapt to climatic changes. In order to address the issue of climate change, proper communication and information sharing among the stakeholders around the Lake Victoria Basin is paramount. This paper addresses this need, by discussing major socio-economic activities taking place around this Basin, their impact on climate change and its impact on biodiversity thereof, and problems related to resource management. The study took place in the districts of Buikwe and Mayuge in Uganda. Qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used, data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science research software. From the findings, there are variations in access to communication gadgets, mobile phones being top on the list of accessibility. The study concludes by identifying the best option for communication and information sharing based on the factors evaluated and recommends an integrated web-based and mobile application tool for better management of resource in Lake Victoria Basin.

Abstract: Lake Victoria Basin is a very important resource for the five riparian countries: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. The basin provides resources for fishing, agriculture, medicine, forestry, water transport and other economic activities. However, its surrounding is affected by population growth, urbanization, industrialization, increasing commercial activities and inadequate provision of sanitation services among others. These grossly affect the landscape and water resources around the lake. In this paper, a web based mobile application tools (MAT) prototype is presented. The system consists of web access, mobile access, web service handler, mobile service handler and a database. It can be used to mitigate communication challenges by enhancing stakeholder’s participation, information sharing and enforcement of laws by timely communication and coordination of activities of good governance. The test results show that the system is effective and can be used to operate in real world environment in the management of water resources by providing the key actors with relevant information to facilitate decision making.

Abstract: In this paper we discuss a meta-model for the analysis and evaluation of collaborative modeling sessions. In the first part of the meta-model, we use an analysis framework which reveals a triad of rules, interactions and models. This framework, which is central in driving the modeling process, helps us look inside the modeling process with the aim of understanding it better. The second part of the meta-model is based on an evaluation framework using a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) method. Central to this framework, is how modelers’ quality priorities and preferences can, through a group decision-making and negotiation process, be traced back to the interactions and rules in the analysis framework. [Source]

Abstract: Collaborative modeling uses and produces modeling artifacts whose quality can help us gauge the effectiveness and efficiency of the modeling process. Such artifacts include the modeling language, the modeling procedure, the products and the support tool or medium. To effectively assess the quality of any collaborative modeling process, the (inter-) dependencies of these artifacts and their effect on modeling process quality need to be analyzed. Although a number of research studies have assessed and measured the quality of collaborative processes, no formal (causal) model has been developed to assess the quality of the collaborative modeling process through a combination of modeling artifacts. This paper develops a Collaborative Modeling Process Quality (CMPQ) construct for assessing the quality of collaborative modeling. A modeling session involving 107 students was used to validate and measure the quality constructs in the model. [Source]

Abstract: In this paper we discuss a meta-model for the analysis and evaluation of collaborative modeling sessions. In the first part of the meta-model, we use an analysis framework which reveals a triad of rules, interactions and models. This framework, which is central in driving the modeling process, helps us look inside the modeling process with the aim of understanding it better. The second part of the meta-model is based on an evaluation framework using a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) method. Central to this framework, is how modelers’ quality priorities and preferences can, through a group decision-making and negotiation process, be traced back to the interactions and rules in the analysis framework. The meta model not only helps us find out what takes place during the modeling process but also the quality of the different modeling artifacts used in, and produced during, the modeling process. Illustrative examples, from real modeling sessions, are given to demonstrate the theoretical significance and practical importance of the meta-model. [Source]

Abstract: Collaborative modeling can enhance productivity and quality of modeling in system development and enterprise engineering projects by helping to construct agreement and a sense of model ownership among stakeholders/modelers. Most of these stakeholders have relatively low expertise in formal modeling; advanced modeler-oriented support for collaborative modeling is a possible remedy. As a basis for further development of such support (methods, tools), we have carried out a detailed exploratory study of the interaction between modelers, involving diverse aspects of modeling: goal setting, modeling language concepts, planning, etc. Central in our approach is the study of how collaborative modelers negotiate, set, use, and deal with the various rules/goals governing interactive modeling sessions. We describe the conceptual framework and approach used for our analysis, and present findings from a case study which focused on the first phases of a session concerning basic Business Process Modeling. We also compare our findings to some existing work, to demonstrate the relevance of our approach. [Source]

Abstract: In this paper, which is methodological in nature, we propose to use an established method from the field of Operations Research, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), in the integrated, stakeholder-oriented evaluation of enterprise modeling sessions: their language, process, tool (medium), and products. We introduce the AHP and briefly explain its mechanics. We describe the factors we take into consideration, and demonstrate the approach at the hand of a case example we devised based on a semi-realistic collaborative modeling session. The method proposed is to be a key part of a larger setup: a “laboratory” for the study of operational (i.e. real) modeling sessions and related study and development of methods and tools deployed in them. [Source]

Abstract: The need for negotiation and decision making among collaborative modelers stems from their desire to reconcile their different positions, priorities and preferences. This requires them to engage in an argumentative negotiation process so as to achieve consensus. A number of methods can be used to aggregate their judgments and priorities thus helping them to reach consensus. In this paper we show how the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) can be used to help modelers reach consensus about the quality of the different modeling aspects in a collaborative modeling process. Insights derived from this approach could be used to aid modelers reach consensus about the quality of the different aspects in a collaborative modeling session through a decision making negotiation process. [Source]

Abstract: Analysing the modeling process within collaborative (group) modeling sessions is not a trivial task. In such environments, there are many things that influence the way the modeling process is carried along. These include the skills and expertise of the modelers, the communication between them, the decision-making process, rules and goals driving the process etc. To study and support such a collaborative modeling process, we describe, in this work, a three-tier conceptual framework that uses the game-metaphorical approach. We present preliminary findings from a case study to illustrate the concepts in our framework. [Source]

Abstract: Collaborative modeling is an approach aimed at enhancing productivity in Systems Design. Such an approach brings together stakeholders with varying degrees of skills and knowledge. Although much attention has been paid to the models created, little empirical work has focused on the modeling process itself, especially its evaluation. This raises the question whether an approach for analyzing and evaluating modeling processes exists yet. We aim to analyze and evaluate this neglected aspect. With the help of a three-tier framework, and by taking a game design theoretical approach to modeling, we identify the different aspects that drive the modeling process. We use this framework to develop an understanding of the inner structure of the modeling process with a view of evaluating it. We give some preliminary results to illustrate our framework and sketch an outline of future scientific inquiry to refine and tighten this framework. [Source] 

Books & Theses

Abstract: In this paper we discuss a meta-model for the analysis and evaluation of collaborative modeling sessions. In the first part of the meta-model, we use an analysis framework which reveals a triad of rules, interactions and models. This framework, which is central in driving the modeling process, helps us look inside the modeling process with the aim of understanding it better. The second part of the meta-model is based on an evaluation framework using a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) method. Central to this framework, is how modelers’ quality priorities and preferences can, through a group decision-making and negotiation process, be traced back to the interactions and rules in the analysis framework. The meta model not only helps us find out what takes place during the modeling process but also the quality of the different modeling artifacts used in, and produced during, the modeling process. Illustrative examples, from real modeling sessions, are given to demonstrate the theoretical significance and practical importance of the meta-model. [Source]

 Technical Reports

Abstract: In this research we study an iterative solution procedure for solving sparse linear systems which arise from finite-element discretization of a (strongly anisotropic) diffusion equation. To solve such a severely ill-conditioned system, we develop a preconditioning strategy that is based on the relaxed incomplete factorization (RILU(w)) and the approximate subspace projection (ASP) method. This hybrid preconditioning method collects the anisotropic part of the spectrum by moving the small eigenvalues to the cluster of bigger eigenvalues. Moving these small eigenvalues is necessary since their presence slows down the convergence of the iterative method. It is noted that combining a relaxed incomplete factorization preconditioner (RILU(w)) and the ASP preconditioner, the hybrid preconditioner reduces the bigger eigenvalues too. This significantly improves the conditioning of the iterative method and allows us to solve the diffusion problem with an arithmetic cost that is independent of the anisotropy of the problem.

Monographs & Lecture Notes Series