Jeffrey Barker

Applying dynamic information principles to higher education systems: Design perspective

Jeff Barker et al. — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 21:40:20 PDT

This paper promotes the integration of dynamic information (DI) principles with education systems to advance curriculum and instruction from traditional static designs to build dynamic education systems. DI should stimulate and support methodological flexibility for converging learner-centred and knowledge-centred education environments. This convergence is achieved through a complex mix of connected technologies and pedagogical methods. Flexibility and diversity are important principles to permit the application of multiple scalable digital communication tools, teaching methods and decision-making to advance this direction. This paper proposes a list of DI characteristics and a model that support the design of dynamic education systems.

A multi-agent model for cooperation and negotiation in supply networks

Jeffrey Barker et al. — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 20:48:48 PST

Automation of inter-organizational cooperation and negotiation in supply networks with dynamic information flow needs intelligent software with a capacity for adaptation. The aim of this paper is to propose a multi-agent architecture for cooperation and negotiation in supply networks (MCNSN), which incorporates a learning capability for agents, and discusses the issues which need to be addressed for coordination of buyers and sellers, both at a transaction and an organizational level, as well as the broader issues of cooperation and negotiation. Certain agents use case-based reasoning (CBR) as a framework for learning the best strategy between buyers and suppliers. MCNSN operates at two levels. The first is a transaction/enterprise level which requires dynamic customer relationship management (CRM) information, user profiling and will eventually need a bargaining capability. The second is at a logistics/manufacturing level which deals with product transfer and requires learning cost-effective buyer/supplier dealings for specific products.

A dynamic information generation approach for HE: IG3 characteristics

Jeffrey Barker et al. — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 21:31:31 PST

This paper proposes the integration of Information Generation 3 (IG3) principles to education systems to advance curriculum and instruction from traditional static designs to build dynamic learning communities and courses in higher education. Dynamic information should stimulate and support methodological flexibility for converging learner-centred and knowledge-centred education environments. This convergence is achieved through a complex mix of connected digital devices and pedagogical methods proven effective by any number of learning theories. Flexibility and diversity are important principles in the IG3 approach to permit the application of multiple scalable digital communication tools, teaching methods and decision-making to advance this new direction. The paper concludes with a proposed list of IG3 characteristics and a model to implement the design of Dynamic Education Systems.

A dynamic information generation approach for HE: IG3 characteristics

Jeffrey Barker et al. — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 21:31:29 PST

Adaptive agents for supply networks

Gavin Finnie et al. — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 20:51:21 PST

Dynamic information flow in esupply networks requires that buyers and suppliers have the ability to react rapidly when needed. Using intelligent agents to automate the process of buyer/seller interaction has been proposed by a number of researchers. One problem in providing intelligent automated collaboration is incorporating learning capability i.e. an agent should be capable of adapting its behaviour as conditions change. This paper proposes a scalable multi-agent system which uses case-based reasoning as a framework for at least part of its intelligence. Tests with a simulated system show that such an agent is capable of learning the best supplier and also capable of adapting if supply conditions change.

Using dynamic information in the supply network

Jeffrey Barker — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 20:28:16 PST

Evolving platforms for process integration in supply networks

Jeffrey Barker et al. — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:05:22 PST

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) platforms have evolved over time to assist in process integration, initially within departments, then within locations, then within enterprises and currently, within limited supply chains. Over the past few years, many parallel developments have taken place in a number of disciplines as well as ICT, such as manufacturing philosophies, supply chain management, business software and artificial intelligence. These developments have affected the way that business is done and they have created a plethora of new methodologies such as e-commerce, e-business, m-commerce and, recently, silent commerce.

This paper investigates the convergence of a number of the above to define the next step in the evolution of ICT platforms for business process integration which we have termed the “agent-based dynamic supply” platform.

Trust and deception in multi-agent trading systems: A logical viewpoint

Gavin Finnie et al. — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:05:21 PST

Trust and deception have been of concern to researchers since the earliest research into multi-agent trading systems (MATS). In an open trading environment, trust can be established by external mechanisms e.g. using secret keys or digital signatures or by internal mechanisms e.g. learning and reasoning from experience. However, in a MATS, where distrust exists among the agents, and deception might be used between agents, how to recognize and remove fraud and deception in MATS becomes a significant issue in order to maintain a trustworthy MATS environment. This paper will propose an architecture for a multiagent trading system (MATS) and explore how fraud and deception changes the trust required in a multi-agent trading system/environment. This paper will also illustrate several forms of logical reasoning that involve trust and deception in a MATS. The research is of significance in deception recognition and trust sustainability in e-business and e-commerce.

Dynamic interactive learning systems

Khaled Sabry et al. — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:34:23 PDT

This paper reviews and discusses the notions of interactivity and dynamicity of learning systems in relation to information technologies and design principles that can contribute to interactive and dynamic learning. It explores the concept of dynamic interactive learning systems based on the emerging generation of information as part of a continuous research process in the area of Learning Systems Design. It proposes the addition of a dynamicity dimension to interactive learning systems design to reflect the continuous changes in information technologies, learners' needs and increasing availability of information. The paper concludes with a proposed model that reflects the concept of a dynamic feedback and adjustment mechanism that is generally missing from many learning systems.

Viewing demand networks with intelligent products as digital business ecosystems

Jeffrey Barker et al. — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:34:22 PDT

The business digital ecosystem is based on autonomous proactive agents that act for their own advantage. This paper uses the ecosystem paradigm to develop a novel view of the behaviour of a demand network using a packet switching model of intelligent products. Products may have local intelligence and allocation of products to nodes in the demand network is based on optimal return for all parties using dynamic information.

Real-time business intelligence in multi-agent adaptive supply networks

Gavin Finnie et al. — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:34:22 PDT

The increasing speed and complexity of inter-organisational communication in supply networks requires effective automation. Multi-agent systems have been proposed as a possible solution. However, the information needs of the agent, particularly in responding to any variation from the norm, are similar to a human in the same position.

This paper reviews the concepts of Business Intelligence (BI) and Real-Time Enterprises (RTE) and looks at the need for BI in dynamic information management. A multi-agent framework is described and case-based reasoning investigated as a reasoning paradigm capable of responding to the need for business intelligence. A CBR approach is proposed with Key Performance Indicators defining the case problem and BI operations the case solution.

U-commerce and trust in digital ecosystems

Gavin Finnie et al. — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:34:21 PDT

The digital ecosystem model provides a useful paradigm to view the interaction of competing and cooperating entities in an on-line real-time dynamic information environment of real-time enterprises (RTE’s). The real-time enterprise view has however tended to focus on the larger players while the ecosystem model allows small and medium size enterprises (SME’s) to play a role. At this level the need for intelligent agency to automate the interactions is essential.

The paper reviews the multi-agent trading model and discusses the move in focus from goods to services occurring in developed economies. In addition, the rapid developments in technology have led to changes in the options available to electronic trading environments, with the concept of u-commerce being the latest view of what will be possible.

In an automated trading environment, the notion of trust should be modelled and formalised. The paper reviews some previous work on trust and then discusses how the technologies available in u-commerce might provide a richer framework for assessing the trustworthiness of participants in the trading cycle.

The next generation demand network in quick response systems: Intelligent products, packet switching and dynamic information

Jeffrey Barker et al. — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:33:22 PDT

This chapter discusses several innovations in information and communication technology and develops their potential to radically alter our view of the supply chain in quick response applications. Using the packet-switching framework as an analogy, it explores the way in which intelligent products may operate to dynamically adjust to market volatility. The changes will require new thinking in areas such as supply chain optimization and the handling of services in the supply chain or demand network. The main contribution here is to extend the research framework for dynamic information management for quick response networks.

A Model for Global Material Management using Dynamic Information

Jeffrey Barker et al. — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:02:55 PDT

Learning Agents for Dynamic Supply Network Management

Gavin Finnie et al. — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:02:55 PDT