Part Of System Analysis Research Articles

Understanding the concept and importance of the health research system in Palestine: a qualitative study

BackgroundThe importance of a health research system (HRS), namely an instrument for developing and enabling health systems, is increasing, particularly in developing countries. Assessing the perceptions of system performers is a necessary part of system analysis, which seeks to recognize a system’s strengths and limitations aiming towards improvement. This study assesses the perceptions of policy-makers, academicians and experts regarding the HRS concept and its importance to generate insights for system strengthening. In Palestine, HRS is just emerging, helping to address the many public health-related challenges faced by the country.MethodsThe study was implemented from January until July 2016, targeting three sectors, namely relevant government institutions, schools of public health, and major local and international health agencies. Data was collected through 52 in-depth interviews and six focus group discussions (FGDs) with policy-makers, academics, directors and experts. Participants and institutions were selected based on stated criteria and peer review. Data were translated, transcribed, checked and then imported to a software program (MAXQDA 12) for thematic and content analysis.ResultsA total of 104 experts participated, wherein 52 were interviewed and 52 participated in the six FGDs. The HRS concept, as defined by WHO, was conceptualized differently among participants with unclear delineations between various components. Inconsistencies appeared when participants attempted to conceptualize HRS in broader contexts, though HRS goals and functions were sufficiently delineated. The majority of participants agreed that HRS correlates with notions of ‘improvement’ and recognized HRS ‘as a significant gain’. Neglect of HRS was perceived as a big loss.ConclusionsThe study revealed that the level of understanding of HRS among health experts in Palestine is inadequate and not sufficiently conceptualized for its application. Findings also underlined the need to establish a central governance coordination body that promotes HRS understanding, awareness and culture as an enabler for HRS strengthening.

Using learning analytics to enhance UML use case diagrams assimilation in a distance education course

The unified modelling language UML is currently included in a large number of Information Systems tertiary curricula as part of systems analysis and design courses. However, existing literature suggests that learning UML poses significant challenges particularly for distance education learners. The aim of this paper is to investigate the use of learning analytics in learning UML. For this purpose, a learning intervention has been implemented and deployed in the Hellenic Open University. The results enable us to relate performance with students' participation, attendance and engagement, to identify common UML misconceptions and to evaluate the effectiveness of different learning objects for the task at hand.

A Research Methodology for Studying Complex Service Systems

Abstract This article describes a research methodology for studying problems of analysis, and control in complex service systems. The proposed methodology is based upon the total systems point of view in the sense that the physical and decision-making aspects of the service system are considered and are related to environmental factors. An example is included to illustrate the methodology as a way to approaching real problems. While field studies may be expected to present challenges because of the identification, modeling, and data requirements which will arise in actual situations, the methodological plan presented here focuses attention on these requirements as an integral part of systems analysis.