Browsing by Author "Fan, Ip-Shing"
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Item Open Access Aircraft skin inspections: towards a new model for dent evaluation(British Institute of Non-destructive Testing, 2023-07-01) Lafiosca, Pasquale; Fan, Ip-Shing; Avdelidis, Nicolas PeterThe aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) industry is gradually switching to 3D scanning for dent inspection. High-accuracy devices allow for quick and repeatable measurements, which translate into efficient reporting and more objective damage evaluations. However, the potential of 3D scanners is far from being exploited. This is due to the traditional way in which the structural repair manual (SRM) deals with dents, that is, considering length, width and depth as the only relevant measures. Being equivalent to describing a dent similarly to a 'box', the current approach discards any information about the actual shape. This leads to a high degree of ambiguity, with very different shapes (and corresponding fatigue life) being classified as the same, and nullifies the effort of acquiring such a great amount of information from high-accuracy 3D scanners. In this paper, a seven-parameter model is proposed to describe the actual dent shape, thus enabling the exploitation of the high-fidelity data produced by 3D scanners. The compact set of values can then be compared against historical data and structural evaluations based on the same model. The proposed approach has been evaluated in both simulations and point cloud data generated by 8tree's dentCHECK tool, suggesting an increased capability in the evaluation of damage, enabling more targeted interventions and, ultimately, saving costs.Item Open Access Application of MOKA informal knowledge models for building knowledge based engineering systems in aircraft wind tunnel test models(2004-09) Lam, Diem Huynh; Fan, Ip-ShingKnowledge based engineering (KBE) applications are softwares that rely on some well defined engineering rules, relationships and logics for performing generative engineering tasks. A generative function is a function that is responsible for performing and obtaining generative tasks and solutions based on the given rules, relationships and logics. Presently, it is considered that there is a lack of visibility, transparency, traceability and accountability when KBE applications are used. The present research programme aims to overcome this problem by developing and integrating the knowledge model with the design automation model of KBE applications. Thus, the inner working and design of the generative function with its engineering rules and relationships defined for the KBE application may be readily seen and understood by viewing the knowledge models. Consequently, this means a degree of visibility, traceability and accountability is achieved when KBE applications are used to perform generative engineering designs. The knowledge model has been developed in accordance with the European MOKA’s methodology and takes the form of an informal knowledge model (ICARE forms). The knowledge model (ICARE forms) serves the purpose of defining how products/assemblies/parts should be designed, processed and manufactured within a set of prescribed illustrations, constraints, activities, rules and entities. The CATIA (Knowledgeware) KBE application is used by the present study and the design automation model residing on the KBE application has been developed using the Knowledgeware programming language, VBScript, macros and CAA IDL API, which allow a series of modelling and design tasks to be automated. The research programme is validated by means of a case study involving an aircraft wing model supplied by industrial collaboration partners. The present study shows that KBE technology may be used to produce substantial commercial benefits in terms of time, cost and speed. The study believes that the MOKA’s methodology and ICARE forms may be used to capture knowledge for KBE applications but there is a limit on how well, easy and complete the ICARE forms can be used to depict the engineering rules and relationships that have been defined for the generative design function of KBE applications. Parts of the work presented in this study have been demonstrated to the industrial collaborators and included in a consortium confidential DTI’s research project grant report (DTI’s ref. no. CHAD/002/00008) [1] on the use of KBE systems.Item Open Access Artificial immune systems for case based reasoning of unmanned aircraft flight data(2017-09) Pelham, Jonathan Gerald; Fan, Ip-Shing; McFeat, Jim; Jennions, Ian K.UAS(Unmanned Aerial Systems) mishaps are high, and their pilots face many control challenges. The reliability of UAS has been seen as a dominant mishap cause but in several instances the aircraft could have been saved if the health state of the aircraft had been understood at an earlier point by the pilot. Manned and unmanned aircraft pilots both benefit from the use of their own experience in the detection and mitigation of faults during flight. However it has been suggested that pilots within a GCS(Ground Control Station) face difficulties in maintaining their situational awareness due to the nature of remote control. The use of a cognitive framework as a basis for case based reasoning is suggested as a way to integrate through life learning into the Safety Management System. The population of the case base for such a system would require a large investment of time to create. The use of machine learning is suggested and evaluated to address this issue by generating cases for CBR. This has seen some success and even the use of an AIS(Artificial Immune System) in this thesis. An AIS was used in order to try to address the problem of cost and time caused by high pre-processing required by common machine learning methods. A simulation of the Aerosonde UAS was created and multiple flights simulated to build up a set of representative set flight data. Several fault cases were included in the simulated flights of varying severities. Different machine learning schemes were evaluated using the data set and their effectiveness compared in order to evaluate the ability of the algorithm to learn from flight data without extensive pre-processing. The complex dataset made the problem difficult but in analysis the AIS performed slightly better than the neural network with which it was compared. In due time and with development it's computational cost could be reduced and its effectiveness increased. The benefit of an automated method to learn from aircraft incidents and mishaps can readily be seen in a fleet scenario where it would be uneconomical to analyse flight data of unmanned aircraft in the same way that it would be done for manned aircraft. This semi-supervised approach reduces personnel requirements and enhances the ability of operators to learn from mishaps by relating mishap cases to the current situation and being transparent in their alerting criteria.Item Open Access Cloud computing adoption barriers faced by Saudi manufacturing SMEs(IEEE, 2020-07-15) Alsafi, Tariq; Fan, Ip-ShingCloud Computing is arguably the most significant technological development after the Internet. It accelerated technology adoption and gave birth to new business models. More importantly, it is acting as a foundation for new technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Cloud Computing paradigm provides a level playing field for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) as they are able to adopt technologies that were not affordable before. Governments, vendors and business support organisations across the world have a plethora of initiatives to encourage SME adoption of Cloud Computing technologies. Despite these initiatives, many SME decision makers are still hesitant to adopt the cloud. This research reports an engagement with 16 information technology (IT) managers working for Saudi manufacturing SMEs. This paper presents their perceived barriers to migrating their applications to cloud services.Item Open Access Cost estimating and information management for engineering modification business(Cranfield University, 2002-08) Garcia Fornieles, J.; Fan, Ip-ShingComplex Engineering Product (CEP) modification businesses cover a wide range of project types. The diversity of the projects and the interaction of different stakeholders introduce difficulties in cost estimating. Also, the uncertainties and unknowns typical of these projects induce significant changes of scope as the project develops. A new approach for historical cost data re-use has been applied in this study that addresses the disjoints in business processes and data typical of complex engineering organisations. A model has been developed to make explicit and integrate the scope and cost in CEP modification projects. To integrate the different project stakeholders views while maintaining a common project vision the concept of the integrated Work Breakdown Structure (iWBS) has been developed. The concept is based on the combination of a project template, a rigid and a f1exiDle part for a project WBS. The iWBS allows for the flexibility required by the different people when carrying out their job and enhances the communication by allowing rapid response to changes. The data structure supports cost data re-use at two levels,' from project to project and between different phases of a project. A bid process has been defined to structure the business decision activities and participants, identifying explicit decision points where changes can affect the data structure. Thus, dealing with the changes typical of CEP modification projects. The study has used a case study approach based on the aircraft modification industry where detailed learning has been presented. The study contributes to a better understanding of CEP modifications and cost estimating for this type of businesses.Item Open Access Design and development of a mobile robotic system for aircraft wing fuel tank inspection(Society of Automotive Engineers, 2022-03-08) Dhoot, Manpreet kaur; Fan, Ip-ShingThis paper presents the design concept behind a novel remote visual inspection robotic system for fighter jet aircraft wing fuel tank inspection. This work is part of a larger research project which focuses on design, simulation, physical prototyping and experimental validation of a robotic system. Whereas this paper specifically focuses on the development concept of locomotion design choice for the robot. Therefore without an effective mobility method the robot will not be able to fulfill its purpose to access the hazardous confined spaces of the fuel tank. Aircraft wing fuel tank inspection is a challenging area of maintenance which requires a considerable amount of preparation and involvement of several tasks in order to conduct effective Visual and Non Destructive Inspection. The environment of an aircraft wing fuel tank poses several challenges due to both physical and atmospheric constraints which can be detrimental to human personal. This paper introduces an effective locomotion design which should allow the robot to enter and maneuver within confined spaces. The robot is relatively small, approximately 70mm in height and width yet, flexible enough to move within the restricted spaces of the wing. The mobile robot platform is a combination of small track systems that articulate like a snake. An additional mobile platform deploys an inspection sensor to reach the spaces that are unreachable by the robot body. Like other proposed robotic systems this particular proposal differs as it allows the robot to enter from the root of the wing and reach the narrower spaces towards with the wing tip. This paper highlights the stakeholder requirements to illustrate the foundation of the robotic system design. An overview of current complications of wing fuel tank inspection is presented and the analysis of current proposed robotic systems for wing fuel tank inspection. An engineering design methodology approach is followed for this project. Several locomotion methods are evaluated and an innovative locomotion method is illustrated with the use of CAD models. The desired outcome of this research is to eliminate the entry or close contact with the fuel tank by human personal.Item Open Access An e-government adoption framework for developing countries: a case study from Sudan(Cranfield University, 2012-02) Abdalla, Sara; Fan, Ip-ShingOver the past decade, rapid progress in ICT has encouraged many governments to incorporate new technology into their national economic development strategies. Egovernment is an important application within ICT and has become more significant in the agenda of policy and decision makers the world over. E-government created a new medium that changed the nature of the whole public sector and its relationship with its constituencies. It has had a profound effect on various socioeconomic and political aspects of society. E-government provides delivery of public services in a much more convenient and cost-effective way, offering huge opportunities to improve public sector efficiency. However, the process of change also gives rise to new challenges and difficulties, especially in developing countries, where many initiatives have not been successful. This is as a result of the massive deficiencies in basic infrastructure, human capacity and financial resources, along with the attendant political and cultural constraints. These factors are crucial and impede the adoption of egovernment and the building of an information based society and economy. Egovernment initiatives must therefore account for the specific government systems, technological infrastructure and environmental conditions of the host country. Many of the models and frameworks built to assist in the adoption process in developing countries have been adapted from e-government implementation experiences in Western developed countries. While there are important lessons to be learnt, these frameworks have limited application in Africa and developing countries in other regions. Previously it was difficult to investigate e-government in developing countries due to their low levels of development. Recent advances in e-government in these countries have made it possible to conduct studies and analyse their experiences and practices. This research empirically examined the adoption of e-government at a national and organisational level, taking the public sector in Sudan as a case study. A qualitative approach was followed and data was collected from Sudan using interviews with key officials and top managers; supported by published documents in the public domain.The data was analysed using content analysis and the results verified with experts from a Sudanese public organisation. The findings of the research contributed to the identification of the critical factors in Sudan, and to the development of an e-government adoption framework. The framework combines elements from the Technological, Organisational and Environmental (TOE) model; guiding decision makers to better manage issues related to the adoption process regarding the development of the technical infrastructure, management systems, values and strategies. The use of the proposed framework can help integrate e-government into the public sector in order to accelerate social and economic progress in developing countries.Item Open Access Environmental modelling of the Chief Information Officer(UK Academy for Information Systems, 2017-04-30) Harding, David J.; Fan, Ip-ShingSince the introduction of the term in the 1980’s, the role of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) has been widely researched. Various perceptions and dimensions of the role have been explored and debated. However, the explosion in data proliferation (and the inevitable resulting information fuelled change) further complicates organisational expectations of the CIOs role. If organisations are to competitively exploit the digital trend, then those charged with recruiting and developing CIOs now need to be more effective in determining (and shaping) CIO traits and attributes, within the context of their own organisational circumstances and in line with stakeholder expectations. CIOs also need to determine their own suitability and progression within their chosen organisation if they are to remain motivated and effective. Before modelling the role of the future CIO, it is necessary to synthesise our current knowledge (and the lessons learnt) about the CIO. This paper, therefore, aims to identify and summate the spectrum of key researched ‘themes’ pertaining to the role of the CIO. Summating previous research, themes are modelled around four key CIO ‘dimensions’, namely (1) Impacting factors, (2) Controlling factors (3) Responses and (4) CIO ‘attributes’. Having modelled the CIOs current environment, and recognising the evolving IT enabled information landscape, the authors call for further research to inform the recruitment and development of the future CIO in terms of personal attributes and the measurable impact such attributes will have on their respective organisation.Item Open Access Failures mapping for aircraft electrical actuation system health management(PHM Society, 2022-06-29) Wang, Chengwei; Fan, Ip-Shing; King, StephenThis paper presents the different types of failure that may occur in flight control electrical actuation systems. Within an aircraft, actuation systems are essential to deliver physical actions. Large actuators operate the landing gears and small actuators adjust passenger seats. As developing, aircraft systems have become more electrical to reduce the weight and complexity of hydraulic circuits, which could improve fuel efficiency and lower NOx emissions. Electrical Actuation (EA) are one of those newly electrified systems. It can be categorized into two types, Electro-Hydraulic Actuation (EHA) and Electro-Mechanical Actuation (EMA) systems. Emerging electric and hydrogen fuel aircraft will rely on all-electric actuation. While electrical actuation seems simpler than hydraulic at the systems level, the subsystems and components are more varied and complex. The aim of the overall project is to develop a highly representative Digital Twin (DT) for predictive maintenance of electrical flight control systems. A comprehensive understanding of actuation system failure characteristics is fundamental for effective design and maintenance. This research focuses on the flight control systems including the ailerons, rudders, flaps, spoilers, and related systems. The study uses the Cranfield University Boeing 737 as the basis to elaborate the different types of actuators in the flight control system. The Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) provides a baseline for current maintenance practices, effort, and costs. Equivalent EHA and EMA to replace the 737 systems are evaluated. In this paper, the components and their failure characteristics are elaborated in a matrix. The approach to model these characteristics in DT for aircraft flight control system health management is discussed. This paper contributes to the design, operation and support of aircraft systems.Item Open Access A Framework Relating Producibility Problems to the use of Manufacturing Information in Design(Cranfield University, 2001-10) Gregory, Michael John; Fan, Ip-ShingThis thesis presents the development of a framework for relating the reasons for problems of producibility that occur in manufacturing to the sources of information available to designers. Advice and guidance on Design for Manufacture was obtained from textbooks, journal articles and conference papers that sought to improve the process or report on design-related difficulties in manufacturing. Industrial experience was gained from a two-year project in defence aerospace, researching concurrent engineering in the extended enterprise. Examples of good practice across a range of industries were gained from interviews with practitioners, with advice both from customers engaged in design and from manufacturing suppliers. Further industrial experience was provided by two studies of civil aerospace, covering in-house and outsourced manufacture. Potential problems were classified and then related to the sources of knowledge available to prevent these problems reaching the shop floor. The detailed analysis of findings is presented and provides a structured approach that could assist in planning concurrent engineering processes, especially communications and teamworking. This would enable potential producibility problems to be addressed in a comprehensive manner so as to minimise the costs, effort and delay associated with them. It would also encourage opportunities for improvement to be promoted at the earliest stage in product development, where they are the most effective.Item Open Access A framework to relate business improvement actions and performance measurement(Cranfield University, 2001-08) Rigas, John; Fan, Ip-ShingThis thesis reports on the development of a performance improvement framework that formally represents causal relationships between performance measures, factors of performance, improvement actions and the overall strategy of a business. The measurement of business performance has received significant attention from both the academic and business worlds. Literature suggests the benefits of implementing balanced performance measurement. However, practitioners in the field of performance measurement do not seem to deliver the significant results anticipated by the research community. The research reported in this thesis delivers a performance improvement framework that allows practitioners to integrate the operations knowledge in an organisation with a formal performance measurement system, in the form of causal relationships in improvement actions. This gives an improvement focus to measurement and at the same time ensures that improvement actions are aligned to the overall strategy of the organisation. The development of the framework was based on methodological theory development and empirical case studies. The process to apply the framework and a set of web-based tools to support its implementation were also built. These were tested in a process industry environment. The research contributes to knowledge by extending the concept of performance indicators to incorporate factors that affect them, the potential improvement actions, their constraints and their relationships. For organisations that have established performance measurement systems and are working with a performance measurement culture, use of this framework allows them to systematically evaluate actions for continuous improvement.Item Open Access A framework to review performance measurement systems.(Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2005-04-01T00:00:00Z) Najmi, Manoochehr; Rigas, John; Fan, Ip-ShingThis paper describes a structured review framework for managing business performance. The framework entails the review of both business performance, including thestrategic relevance of the measures, as well as the efficiency and effectiveness of the performance measurement system itself. A range of approaches and tools are employed in the framework which features a review card providing a high level view of the review process, showing the different types of review perspectives and their interactions.Item Open Access Function Block Based Real-Time Tool Path Optimisation(Cranfield University, 2014-09) Guo, Xixuan; Mehnen, Jorn; Fan, Ip-ShingWith the changing and increasingly more demanding global markets, also Computer Aided Process Planning (CAPP) gets challenged. Industry is expecting more adaptive, dynamic, intelligent CAPP systems to deal with the uncertainty and the increasing complexity of machining processes. Generally, high intelligence and automation are the tendency of industry. Conventional CAPP systems as well as off-line optimisation have been very well investigated over many years. However, well-optimised solutions developed for static environments still often need manual manipulation when dealing with uncertainty and dynamics. As one of the emerging software technologies, Function Blocks have been introduced to deal with uncertainty in CAPP and manufacturing. The underlying hypothesis of this research is that Function Blocks delivered through the Cloud and deployed into a milling machine controller can provide real-time monitoring, optimisation and control. In this study, a real-time Function Blocks based tool path optimisation for face milling system is proposed. The system can optimise feed rate and cutting speed to create stable cutting conditions in real-time based on measured dynamically fluctuating cutting forces.Item Open Access Fusion and comparison of prognostic models for remaining useful life of aircraft systems(PHM Society, 2023-10-26) Fu, Shuai; Avdelidis, Nicolas P.; Plastropoulos, Angelos; Fan, Ip-ShingChanges in the performance of an aircraft system will straightforwardly affect the safe operation of the aircraft, and the technical requirements of Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) are highly relevant. Remaining Useful Life (RUL) prediction, part of the core technologies of PHM, is a cutting-edge innovation being worked on lately and an effective means to advance the change of upkeep support mode and work on the framework's security, unwavering quality, and economic reasonableness. This paper summarizes a detailed preliminary literature review and comparison of different prognostic approaches and the forecasting methods' taxonomy, the methodology's details, and provides its application to aircraft systems. It also provides a brief introduction to the predictive maintenance concept and condition-based maintenance (CBM). This article uses several predictive models to predict RUL and classifies conventional regression algorithms according to the similarity in function and form of the algorithms. More classical algorithms in each category are selected to compare the prediction results, and finally, the combined effects of the RUL prediction are obtained by weighted fusion, accuracy, and compatibility. The performance of the proposed models is assessed based on evaluations of RUL acquired from the hybrid and individual predictive models. This correlation depends on the most current prognostic metrics. The outcomes show that the proposed strategy develops precision, robustness, and adaptability. Hence, the work in this paper shall enrich the advancement of predictive maintenance and modern innovation of prognostic development.Item Open Access A generic assembly relations model for product family variant management(Cranfield University, 1999-10) Liu, C-K; Fan, Ip-ShingThe objective of this thesis is to develop generic assembly relations to support variant management to aid the product development for products as families. The advent of the buyers' market has encouraged manufacturers to offer products as families to meet customers needs for differentiation. This creates the corresponding need for representing the product and process variants in a way to support the assessment of impact of product variants. Through the study of literature and standards, the current status of product modelling and product family was captured. Existing models of product model have considered representation of products as one of a kind and do not have the necessary capability to incorporate the variation in production variants that is commonly seen in the assembly of families of product. A Generic Assembly Relations Model (GARM) has been developed to meet the requirements. The generic Bill-of-Material (GBQM) and generic Bill-of-Process (GBQP) have been introduced as a single formalism to represent the product and process variants. The proposed model supports the reuse of product/process variants through the Generic Assembly Relations and GBQM and GBQP. The integration is achieved by the generic relations which act as the bridge between product and process models. This research increases the understanding of how to model product and process in the product family environment. The GARM model works as a production support tool for the product family in the Concurrent Engineering environment. With the GARM model, different views of the requirements can be developed at an early stage; the designer can be supported with feedback information such as the change of product component and assembly process. The GARM model supports variant management to aid the product development for products as families. The impact of the product variant on assembly process can be evaluated through the model. It has been validated by illustrating how the data structure definition supports the evaluation of changes in product family assembly process definition when additional variants are added through an example from the Personal Computer industry.Item Open Access Information Security in eLearning: A Discussion of Empirical Data on Information Security and eLearning(2010-07-13T00:00:00Z) Alwi, Najwa Hayaati Mohd; Fan, Ip-Shing; Ismail, I.ELearning systems are increasingly used by educational institutions to support their academic activities. A simple use of an eLearning system is to make materials and notes available to students at anytime and anywhere; more sophisticated uses of eLearning support the interaction and assessment processes. Depending on how eLearning systems are used, information security issues such as intellectual property protection, personal data protection and continuity of service can become significant for educational institutions. However, use of the Internet also creates exposure to information security threats, which may be classified into interruption, interception, fabrication and modification. This paper presents a study of the benefits, growth, implementation and challenges of eLearning today. An online survey was conducted to review eLearning practitioners' perceptions of information security threats; respondents were invited to participate in the survey via e-mail to the 20 Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) mailing list groups related to eLearning in the UK. Using empirical data collected from eLearning practitioners, the relationship between the eLearning entity (users, institution categories, level of information security awareness) and information security threats is discussed. This paper also discusses the perception of information security incidents occurring in eLearning and the impact of information security threats on the different types of users, as well as approaches to information security management. This paper concludes with the suggestion that information security management should be implemented in the preparation of a secured eLearning environment, and draws significant insight from the existing status of information security in eLearning that could be useful for eLearning providers and practitioners.Item Open Access Integrating process and ontology for supply chain modelling(2009-04-22T00:00:00Z) Grubic, Tonci; Fan, Ip-ShingThis paper introduces an ontology model developed to support supply chain process modelling. Supply chain provides the business context for achieving interoperability of enterprise systems. It is observed that the emphasis on ontology development for enterprise interoperability could result in information models that are not relevant to real business needs. This work explicitly defines the generic business processes relevant to supply chain operations and develops the ontology that was tested in the creation of the information model to support the information exchange needs three industry case studies. It demonstrated that prior identification of processes the ontology is supposed to support facilitates its development and also its subsequent validation. This paper introduces the overall ontology development approach together with some of the findings that summarise our experiences in developing the ontology model to support supply chain process modelling.Item Open Access Intelligent flexible manufacturing system control(1988-09) Fan, Ip-Shing; Sackett, P. J.This research proposes a generic decision making system structure for real time despatch control in small Flexible Manufacturing Systems. This is to satisfy the requirement for low cost control systems that can be flexibly adapted to a wide range of production environments. A simulation environment has been developed to emulate the detail real time despatch control of flexible manufacturing systems. This environment allows analysis of the decision making process and its effects. A model of a modular type FMS is used to study decision making in real time FMS control. Real time control is dynamic, the decision criteria change with the production states of the system. Decision making is based on both quantitative and qualitative factors. Apart from production quantity and time which are quantitative, there are installation dependent and production situations better expressed in states which are non-numeric. The knowledge based representation developed from artificial intelligence work is superior in modelling both mathematical scheduling research and discrete states information. Recognising the importance of system particular knowledge to effective control of the system, system independent functions are separated out to form elements of a generic control system architecture. This generic architecture contains elements of information handling to process information to service the scheduling decision making element. A core for regulating information flow and a data interface definintion allows this control architecture to be hardware independent. The decision making mechanism dependent on machinery hardware configuration and particular production characteristics can then be designed and interface to the architecture to form a complete control system. A decision design methodology has been designed to guide the design of the scheduling decision making system. The methodology addresses the design of work queue formation timing and the characteristics for each resource in the system. These are then integrated into a complete work flow control system by the resolution of contentions between the individual queues. The application of the design methodology and control system architecture is illustrated.Item Open Access Internal and external barriers influencing LMS implementation in Iraqi higher education(Valencia IATED Academy, 2015-01-31) Radif, Mustafa; Fan, Ip-Shing; McLaughlin, PatrickSuccessful implementation of Learning Management System (LMS) can significantly improve the quality and quantity of education. Both the technological and people infrastructure need to be in place to achieve LMS success. Iraq is recovering from the recent wars and still faces serious security challenges. LMS could remove the time and geographic constraints of attending universities and bring education to more students, accelerating the re-skilling of the country. However, the Iraqi situation imposes specific context factors that are different from LMS implementation in developed countries. The aim of this paper is to identify the most important internal and external barriers in adopting LMS as a higher education initiative in Iraq, using the University of Al-Qadisiyah as the case organisation. The primary data collection targets are the IT staff, faculty and academic department heads because they are the key stakeholders to deliver the pedagogical and technological collaboration needed in successful LMS. There are 90 participants in the survey. The significant barriers to LMS implementation identified are: Lack of or limited teachers’ training; lack of commitment to constructivist pedagogy; lack of experience to use the technology; lack of technical support; lack of pedagogical training for teachers; and lack of appropriate educational software. Most important at this time is ICT skills development and ICT training provision for teachers. The correlation of these factors to the Iraqi context is discussed in the paper. The result is used to develop a framework on the internal and external barriers. This helps academic staff and IT staff to develop the teaching-learning style and achieve an effective adoption of LMS in all higher learning institutions in Iraq.Item Open Access Investigation Interoperability Problems in Pharmacy Automation: A Case Study in Saudi Arabia(Elsevier: Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No-Derivatives License, 2016-10-04) Binobaid, Saleh; Fan, Ip-Shing; Almeziny, M.The aim of this case study is to investigate the nature of interoperability problems in hospital systems automation. One of the advanced healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia is the host of the study. The interaction between the pharmacy system and automated medication dispensing cabinets is the focus of the case system. The research method is a detailed case study where multiple data collection methods are used. The modelling of the processes of inpatient pharmacy systems is presented using Business Process Model Notation. The data collected is analysed to study the different interoperability problems. This paper presents a framework that classifies health informatics interoperability implementation problems into technical, semantic, organisational levels. The detailed study of the interoperability problems in this case illustrates the challenges to the adoption of health information system automation which could help other healthcare organisations in their system automation projects.
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