Rolf Slatter and Graham Mackrell
Outlines the development of mechanical transmission elements used todrive industrial robots. Examines the performance requirements for precisiongears and actuators, concentrating…
Abstract
Outlines the development of mechanical transmission elements used to drive industrial robots. Examines the performance requirements for precision gears and actuators, concentrating on harmonic drive reduction gearing and the key features which make it superior to conventional transmissions. Concludes that the unique features of the new harmonic drives gears will assist in the realization of completely new robot concepts and that to enable this to happen the process of continuous product development must be on‐going.
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Sonja Strydom and Magda Fourie-Malherbe
The chapter addresses the challenges of research into educational technology in the context of higher education and of theory-building in this field afforded by singular research…
Abstract
The chapter addresses the challenges of research into educational technology in the context of higher education and of theory-building in this field afforded by singular research methods and philosophies. Using an exemplar case study, the authors argue for the adoption of pluralism to facilitate deep exploration of complex social phenomena. Pluralism is conceptualized by distinguishing between methodological, analytical, and philosophical pluralism. In addition, arguments for and against pluralism are advanced. The chapter concludes with step-by-step proposals for engaging pluralism in higher education research studies.
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Shah J. Miah, Don Kerr and Liisa von Hellens
The knowledge of artefact design in design science research can have an important application in the improvement of decision support systems (DSS) development research. Recent DSS…
Abstract
Purpose
The knowledge of artefact design in design science research can have an important application in the improvement of decision support systems (DSS) development research. Recent DSS literature has identified a significant need to develop user-centric DSS method for greater relevance with respect to context of use. The purpose of this paper is to develop a collective DSS design artefact as method in a practical industry context.
Design/methodology/approach
Under the influence of goal-directed interaction design principles the study outlines the innovative DSS artefact based on design science methodology to deliver a cutting-edge decision support solution, which provides user-centric provisions through the use of design environment and ontology techniques.
Findings
The DSS artefact as collective information technology applications through the application of design science knowledge can effectively be designed to meet decision makers’ contextual needs in an agricultural industry context.
Research limitations/implications
The study has limitations in that it was developed in a case study context and remains to be fully tested in a real business context. It is also assumed that the domain decisions can be parameterised and represented using a constraint programming language.
Practical implications
The paper concludes that the DSS artefact design and this development successfully overcomes some of the limitations of traditional DSS such as low-user uptake, system obsolescence, low returns on investment and a requirement for continual re-engineering effort.
Social implications
The design artefact has the potential of increasing user uptake in an industry that has had relevancy problems with past DSS implementation and has experienced associated poor uptake.
Originality/value
The design science paradigm provides structural guidance throughout the defined process, helping ensure fidelity both to best industry knowledge and to changing user contexts.