Computer-based Environment Research Articles

Monitoring database performance—a control issue

This paper attempts to examine the major control and performance issues associated with database management systems. Monitoring and evaluation of database systems is necessary in order to maintain effective security, audit, and control in a computer-based environment. A database system must perform at a level that is acceptable to both database users and the database administration team. The database system is expected to perform many different functions for the organization. It is one of the database administator's jobs to determine what performance expectations are realistic and how to control the performance of the database. If a database system is to be effective, it must meet the expectations of the user community.

Confronting dynamics misconceptions

This paper starts from the assumption that leaming is promoted through confronting students with the inconsistencies entailed by their own beliefs. The issue is explored in the domain of Newtonian dynamics in the context of one or more moving particles. Previous work is used as the basis for the construction of a programme of work that is undertaken by a group of students. This programme entailed the development of a computer-based modelling environment called DYNLAB. The underlying design principle is that students should be able to model the agencies involved at a level which permits them to express some of their explicit (possibly mistaken) beliefs about relevant concepts. Other, implicit, beliefs should also be detectable through use of the system. The results derived from observation suggest that computer-based modelling facilities can provide advantages over approaches exploiting other media. In particular, such systems can be used to promote the kinds of intellectual conflict that are believed to be beneficial.

The Trillium user interface design environment

Trillium is a computer-based environment for simulating and experimenting with interfaces for simple machines. For the past four years it has been use by Xerox designers for fast prototyping and testing of interfaces for copiers and printers. This paper defines the class of “functioning frame” interfaces which Trillium is used to design, discusses the major concerns that have driven the design of Trillium, and describes the Trillium mechanisms chosen to satisfy them.

Correlates and Measures of the External Validity of Computer-Based Business Policy Decision-Making Environments

Correlates and Measures of the External Validity of Computer-Based Business Policy Decision-Making Environments