Abstract

In this paper, we present our experience of using rich and detailed models of human activity in an existing socio-technical system in the domain of air traffic control to inform a use case-based specification of an enhanced future system, called DMAN. This work was carried out as part of a real project for Eurocontrol, the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation. We describe, in outline, the kinds of models we used, and present some examples of the ways in which these models influenced the specification of use cases and requirements for the future system. We end with a discussion of lessons learnt. Document type: Part of book or chapter of book

Abstract

Electric Vehicles (EVs) embody a number of technical innovations which have the capacity to make substantial contributions to prominent societal objectives associated with improving energy security, increasing energy efficiency, promoting low-carbon mobility and reducing local air pollution. Fostering a transition to an electric mobility (e-mobility) personal transport system represents a strategic aim of most economically developed nations and is a central feature of the European Commission’s vision of an integrated and sustainable transport system. For this vision to be achieved, EVs will need to overcome formidable barriers associated with structural lock-ins to the existing internal combustion engine vehicle, technical deficiencies linked to EV attributes, citizen preference for proven technologies and the embedded interests of system agents. This chapter outlines how the transition to an e-mobility personal transport system is being managed in Scotland by evaluating the governance structure which has been established to support the uptake of EVs. This governance structure is considered in terms of the strategic, tactical and operational activities which aim to facilitate the e-mobility transition and the role of reflexive governance in evaluating the progress so far made. Specific attention is paid to how the agency of the Scottish Government is constrained in its ability to manage the transition due to the defined authority of the government and the local circumstances of Scotland. Document type: Part of book or chapter of book

Abstract

The notion of Common Information Space (CIS) has been proposed in the field of Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) as a conceptual framework for analyzing cooperative work processes. The area is still in its formative years and requires more research to contribute to its development. This paper presents findings from an investigation undertaken for such an endeavor. Three perceptions of CIS are presented, which are, CIS as a sociotechnical arrangement, dynamic arrangement, and dependency management arrangement. These have been derived from review of existing research contributing to CIS notion development and Grounded Theory analysis of collaborative work process in air traffic control setting. The findings presented in this paper provide a comprehensive and consolidated view of the notion development. The paper contributes to the ongoing discussion of CIS notion development by making theoretical as well as methodological contribution. Document type: Part of book or chapter of book

Abstract

This chapter describes RESCUE (Requirements Engineering with Scenarios for a User-centred Environment), a method for specifying requirements for complex sociotechnical systems that integrates human activity modeling, creative design workshops, system goal modeling using the i* notation, systematic scenario walkthroughs, and best practice in requirements management. This method has been, and is being applied in, specifying requirements for three separate systems in the domain of air traffic control. In this chapter we present examples showing how the method can be applied in the context of a case study involving the specification of requirements for Countdown, a system to provide bus passengers with information about expected bus arrival times. While this system shares some important similarities with systems used in air traffic control, we hope it is small and familiar enough to readers to provide meaningful insights into the application of the RESCUE process. Document type: Part of book or chapter of book

Abstract

Part 3: Evaluations, Interactions and Applications International audience Although automation has been introduced in all areas of public life, what seems to be missing is a reflection at the organizational or societal level about a policy of automation. By this we intend appropriate declarations made at the level of rationale, future plans and strategies to achieve intended goals and most importantly how those achievements will impact on various aspects of societal life, from legal responsibilities to moral and socio economic issues. In some public spheres these issues are becoming quite controversial because automation opens up possibilities of profound structural re-organization; however, we lack a discussion across and within different work domains to help us review methods or even methodological principles needed to gather and organize knowledge towards the construction of automation policies. This paper uses the UK service organization for Air Traffic Management Domain called NATS – National Air traffic Service, as a case study to illustrate an example of an organization currently undertaking critical self-reflection about automation policy or lack of such, along with the illustration of some unresolved deep concerns raised by the development, introduction, and continued use of automation. Document type: Part of book or chapter of book