Working Environment For Users Research Articles

Construction of a Shared Terminal System by LDAP-Smart Card Authentication Cooperation

In this paper, we propose the way to set up a roaming user profile without depending on Windows domain composition when building a shared terminal system for smart card users. This proposal aims at using a LDAP server as a data base of user information, and enabling each terminal user to construct his own work environment. In order to achieve this purpose, we related the user profile with the user ID extracted from smart card, and stored that profile on shared data storage. Furthermore, we built a shared file system besides the above data storage, and placed the user’s work space on that file system. In the actual proof experiments, applying the above system to the terminal on network, we confirmed that the user work environment was constructed on the shared terminal according to the smart card user.

Understanding User Resistance and Acceptance during the Implementation of an Order Management System: A Case Study Using the Equity Implementation Model

Successful implementation of new technologies and systems is vital for sustaining and enhancing the productivity and the competitive position of an organization. However, many implementation efforts fail due to resistance or non-acceptance of new systems by users. This paper presents the details of the implementation of an order management system in a custom furnishing business. Details of changes brought about by the new system in the work environment of users and the resulting user acceptance and resistance behaviors are examined in the light of the user evaluation process proposed by the equity implementation model (EIM). The paper concludes that the findings of the case study support EIM, which provides an understanding of both resistance and acceptance behaviors. EIM also provides an understanding of users’ initial reactions to the implementation as well as their post implementation responses. Such insights can be helpful in developing better strategies for implementing systems and dealing with user resistance.

Collaborative computing technology: the hot new managing tool

In a few years, the Internet has gone from being the communication tool of scientists to a primary route of information exchange for everyone, from fashion designers to financial analysts. The Internet and its related services create an interactive working environment for users. Through the Internet, effective collaboration becomes possible whenever, wherever, and with whomever. Recently, there has been a significant growth in collaborative products and services aimed at small and mid‐sized businesses. The aim of this paper is to discuss the evolution of the collaborative computing technology and address the capabilities of this new managing tool. The trends in collaborative products and services and some of the collaborative computing products generating the most interest will be examined.

Elastic windows: design, implementation, and evaluation of multi‐window operations

Most windowing systems follow the independent overlapping windows approach, which emerged as an answer to the needs of early computer users. Due to advances in computers, display technology, and increased information needs, modern users demand more functionality from window management systems. We propose Elastic Windows with improved spatial layout and rapid multi-window operations as an alternative to current window management strategies. In this approach, multi-window operations are achieved by issuing operations on window groups hierarchically organized in a space-filling tiled layout similar to TreeMaps.1 Sophisticated multi-window operations have been developed to handle fast task-switching and to structure the work environment of users to their rapidly changing needs. We claim that these multi-window operations and the tiled spatial layout dynamics decrease the cognitive load on users by decreasing the number of window operations. This paper describes the Elastic Windows interface in detail and then presents a user study conducted to compare the performance of 12 users with Elastic Windows and traditional Independent Overlapping Windows. User performance was measured in terms of task environment setup, switching, and task execution for 2, 6, and 12 window situations. Elastic Windows users had statistically significantly faster performance for all tasks in 6 and 12 window situations. These results suggest promising possibilities for multiple window operations and hierarchical nesting, which can be applied to the next generation of tiled as well as overlapped window managers. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Integrated Engineering Decision Making Through the Use of a Data Extract System

Summary This paper describes Chevron U.S.A. Production Co.'s data extract system, CDX. CDX integrates our corporate mainframe databases with a set of ad hoc data analysis tools. Tools include statistical analysis software, database packages, and a widely used spreadsheet. CDX allows the user, through a single user interface, to access and retrieve data from a variety of databases written in industry-standard languages. CDX also allows access of large indexed data sets, such as Chevron's digital well-log archives. Data are delivered to the user's work environment—mainframe, workstation, or PC—ready to be loaded into ad hoc analysis programs or technical applications. This approach to system integration gives users the ability to mix, match, and reanalyze both technical and financial data in ways only experts could previously. Examples of how CDX has increased our ability to manage business more effectively include analyzing individual wells and patterns for profitability and optimizing flood operations by generating maps of individual well plots. The benefits of CDX are numerous, considering the business pressures now in effect that drive companies harder than ever to reduce operating costs, increase production, and optimize property portfolios. CDX offers a way to realize the benefits of data integration without having to rewrite multimillion-dollar data systems immediately. CDX also provides an organized way to shift information systems, data, and work processes to the newer relational technologies. Lastly, information derived from operating CDX is allowing Chevron to plan and optimize new relational data models and information systems.