| LDC-1: A Transportable, Knowledge-Based Natural Language Processor for Office Environments | | BIBAK | 1-25 | |
| Bruce W. Ballard; John C. Lusth; Nancy L. Tinkham | |||
| During the 1970s, a number of systems providing limited English-language
processing capabilities were developed to permit computer access be casual or
untrained users. Our interest is in adapting and extending techniques
developed for these systems, especially those used in database query systems
and our own English-language programming language system (NLC), for use in
office environments. This paper describes the Layered Domain Class system
(LDC), a state-of-the-art natural language processor whose major goals are (1)
to provide English-language retrieval capabilities for medium-sized office
domains that have been stored on the computer as text-edited files, as oppose
to more restrictive database structures; and (2) to eliminate the need to call
in the system designer when extensions into new domains are desired, without
sacrificing the depth or reliability of the interface. In this paper we (a)
provide an overview of LDC, including sample inputs; (b) briefly discuss the
role of each module of the system, with special attention to provisions for
users to adapt the system to deal with new types of data; and (c) consider the
relation of our system to other formal and natural language interfaces that are
in use or under development. Keywords: Software engineering, Distribution and maintenance, Extensibility,
Restructuring, Database management, Languages, Query languages, Information
storage and retrieval, Information search and retrieval, Query formulation,
Information systems applications, Office automation, Artificial intelligence,
Deduction and theorem proving, Knowledge acquisition, Artificial intelligence,
Natural language processing, Language parsing and understanding, Human factors,
Languages, Office automation, Natural language processing, Knowledge
acquisition | |||
| An Iterative Design Methodology for User-Friendly Natural Language Office Information Applications | | BIBAK | 26-41 | |
| J. F. Kelley | |||
| A six-step, iterative, empirical human factors design methodology was used
to develop CAL, a natural language computer application to help computer-naive
business professionals manage their personal calendars. Input language is
processed by a simple, nonparsing algorithm with limited storage requirements
and a quick response time. CAL allows unconstrained English inputs from users
with no training (except for a five minute introduction to the keyboard and
display) and no manual (except for a two-page overview of the system). In a
controlled test of performance, CAL correctly responded to between 86 percent
and 97 percent of the storage and retrieval requests it received, according to
various criteria. This level of performance could never have been achieved
with such a simple processing model were it not for the empirical approach used
in the development of the program and its dictionaries. The tools of the
engineering psychologist are clearly invaluable in the development of
user-friendly software, if that software is to accommodate the unruly language
of computer-naive, first-time users. The key is to elicit the cooperation of
such users as partners in an iterative, empirical development process. Keywords: Software, Software psychology, Models and principles, User/machine systems,
Human factors, Artificial intelligence, Applications and expert systems,
Natural language interfaces, Artificial intelligence, Natural language
processing, Language parsing and understanding, Simulation and modeling,
Applications, Management of computing and information systems, Software
management, Software development, Experimentation, Human factors, Natural
language, Limited context, Naive user, Discretionary user, Iterative design,
Simulation, User-friendly, Ease-of-use, Empirical grammar, Task analysis,
Engineering psychology | |||
| Interface Design and Multivariate Analysis of UNIX Command Use | | BIBAK | 42-57 | |
| Stephen Jose Hanson; Robert E. Kraut; James M. Farber | |||
| To understand how people interact with powerful computer systems, we
analyzed, using several multivariate statistical analyses, the commands people
use and the errors they made when performing office work with the UNIX
operating system. The frequency of use across commands was very uneven.
User's most frequent commands were those that performed editing-like functions
on text and other objects (e.g., UNIX directories), those that returned
orienting information to users, and those that helped to control and sequence
other commands. People made mistakes frequently, and made them most, when they
needed information about the command and file context in which they were
working, and when they had to plan long sequences of commands without feedback.
From these analyses we make several recommendations for a human-computer
interface. Keywords: Operating systems, Systems programs and utilities, Command and control
languages, Models and principles, User/machine systems, Human information
processing, Information systems applications, Office automation, Human factors,
Human computer interactions, Man-machine interface, Experimentation, Human
factors, Measurement, Human-computer interaction, Command languages | |||
| Message Addressing Schemes | | BIBAK | 58-77 | |
| D. Tsichritzis | |||
| This paper defines and investigates different addressing schemes which can
be used to route messages in mail systems. An analysis of finite state
addressing schemes is carried out, and an illustrative example is given. Keywords: Computer communication networks, Miscellaneous, Information systems
applications, Communications applications, Electronic mail, Electronic mail
routing, Message systems, Active messages, Database and message systems | |||
| The COSIE Communication Subsystem: Support for Distributed Office Applications | | BIBAK | 79-95 | |
| Douglas B. Terry; Sten Andler | |||
| Contemporary distributed office systems rely heavily on communication
between workstation, file servers, printers, and other computerized components.
The COSIE Communication Subsystem has been developed for an office system
internetwork consisting of local networks of varying technologies. The
communication facilities provide for the transmission of self-contained
messages to mailboxes, which are referenced by capabilities and may be shared.
A generalized method for pairing requests with responses supports a variety of
communication paradigms, while a flexible routing algorithm permits diverse
network topologies. The main emphasis in the design of the COSIE Communication
Subsystem was on presenting simple mechanisms that allow more general policies
and protocols to be explored. Keywords: Computer-communication networks, Network protocols, Protocol architecture,
Computer-communication networks, Distributed systems, Distributed applications,
Operating systems, Communication management, Message sending, Network
communication, Information systems applications, Communications applications,
Algorithms, Design, Internetworking, Office systems | |||
| Object Management in Distributed Information Systems | | BIBAK | 96-122 | |
| Peter Lyngbaek; Dennis McLeod | |||
| A simple model for object sharing in distributed office information systems
is described. The model provides a small set of operators for object
definition, manipulation, and retrieval in a distributed environment, modeled
as a logical network of workstations. Relationships among objects can be
established across work station boundaries, objects are relocatable within the
distributed environment, and mechanisms are provided for access control and the
dynamic sharing of objects among individual work stations. An object naming
convention supports location-transparent object references; that is, objects
can be referenced by user-defined names rather than by addresses. The
primitive operations introduced can be used as the basis for the specification
and stepwise development of office information models and systems of increasing
complexity. An experimental prototype implementation of the distributed object
sharing model is described. Keywords: Database management, Logical design, Data models, Database management,
Systems, Distributed systems, Information systems applications, Office
automation, Design, Office information systems, Distributed office information
management, Semantic data modeling, Nameservers | |||
| Channel Selection and Effective Communication for Managerial Decision Making | | BIBAK | 123-140 | |
| Eileen M. Trauth; Stephen K. Kwan; Susanna Barber | |||
| New office technologies provide a range of alternatives to traditional
channels for corporate communications. This paper explores the effectiveness
of print, electronic messaging, and videotape along both objective and
subjective dimensions. While electronic messaging and videotape were not found
to improve significantly over print either the recall of information or the
quality of decisions made based on it, some interesting patterns were observed.
The use of electronic messaging resulted in improved recall of information.
Videotape tended toward the extremes: It was either the most or the least
effective in disseminating information for learning. Subjects' attitudes about
the influence of each channel on the quality of information were contrasted
with the disposition toward use. In general, subjects had positive attitudes
toward both electronic messaging and videotape. When asked about the
likelihood of choosing a particular channel, given emphasis on certain
information attributes, however, subjects consistently preferred print. These
results suggest that both the communication context and user preconceptions
must be taken into account when planning for the introduction of new
technologies. Keywords: Information systems, General, Information systems applications, Office
automation, Information systems applications, Communications applications,
Electronic mail, Computers and society, Organizational impacts,
Experimentation, Management, Measurement, Performance, Evaluating communication
channels, Video technology, Print, Electronic messaging, User study,
Information attributes | |||
| The Dimensions of Accessibility to Online Information: Implications for Implementing Office Information Systems | | BIBAK | 141-150 | |
| Mary J. Culnan | |||
| Prior research has found a positive correlation between the perceived
accessibility of information and information use. The underlying dimensions of
information accessibility, however, have not been investigated empirically.
The present field study measures end-user perceptions of three online
information retrieval systems and one electronic mail system. User ratings of
the four systems are collected and factor-analyzed. The results suggest that
(1) physical access to a terminal and access to the actual information system
are independent dimensions, (2) that accessibility is a multidimensional
concept encompassing physical access to a terminal and the system, the command
language, and the ability to retrieve the desired information successfully, and
(3) that perceptions of accessibility are a function of prior user experience
with online systems. In order to facilitate the acceptance of office
information systems, organizations need to provide extensive support and
training when the system is introduced, as well as ready physical access to the
system over the course of its useful life. Keywords: Information storage and retrieval, Online information services, Information
systems applications, Communications applications, Human factors, Management,
Accessibility, End-user computing, Implementation strategies | |||
| The Design Requirements of Office Systems | | BIBAK | 151-170 | |
| Giampio Bracchi; Barbara Pernici | |||
| The original characteristics of an office information system, when compared
to a conventional information system, imply the need for developing new design
methodologies and models, or for substantially changing existing design
approaches. In this paper the relevant features of office information systems
are outlined and some existing office methodologies and models are classified
and evaluated. Particular emphasis is given to the early phases of the design
process, commonly called "conceptual" or "logical" design phases. The basic
requirements for conceptual design methodologies in the office environment are
derived from the analysis and evaluation of existing design approaches. Keywords: Information systems applications, Office automation, Models and principles,
User/machine systems, Design, Documentation, Office automation, Office modeling | |||
| Selected Papers from the Conference on Office Information Systems | | BIBA | 171-172 | |
| Clarence Ellis | |||
| We need a Theory of the Office, encompassing ideas from fields as diverse as organizational design, computer science, ergonomics, operations research, and communications. Notions conveyed within this issue of the ACM Transactions on Office Information Systems (TOOIS) may be able to contribute to such a theory. Persons wanting to become knowledgeable in this field today must rely on lengthy, agonizing-frequently incomplete and deceiving-experience; which, even a partial theory of the office would alleviate. A theory would also be valuable to the large numbers of people who would like to judge, fit, and size office automation for their organizations. Finally, the office systems area has been scorned within some universities and university departments as not being a valid academic area in which to work and publish. I believe that a solid and utilitarian theory of the office would encourage many theoretical researchers to work on some exciting and useful office topics. The need exists, and it appears that the time is right. TOOIS welcomes such work to its pages. | |||
| An Architecture for Object Management in OIS | | BIBAK | 173-196 | |
| Matts Ahlsen; Anders Bjornerstedt; Stefan Britts; Christer Hulten; Lars Soderlund | |||
| The design of an office information system (OIS) application development
environment prototype, OPAL, is outlined. OPAL is based on an object
management approach. The central concept is the packet, which is the principal
data and action structuring device. The main ideas in OPAL are described,
including novel data types, partitioned work spaces, object version management,
multiple property inheritance, and incremental application development.
A scheme for naming objects is proposed and discussed. There are basically two large advantages to such a scheme -- a very practical shorthand for referring to objects and a means for structuring information according to criteria not represented in the objects themselves. The latter property also supports viewing objects in different roles. Furthermore, the scheme is used to structure the whole object management system. Keywords: Programming languages, Language constructs, Data types and structures,
Database management, Logical design, Data models, Database management,
Languages, Query languages, Information systems applications, Office
automation, Design, Languages, Application development tools, OIS, Object
programming, Object databases | |||
| Task Support in an Office System | | BIBAK | 197-212 | |
| W. Bruce Croft; Lawrence S. Lefkowitz | |||
| A major goal of an office system is to support tasks that are central to
office functions. Some office tasks are readily implemented with generic
office tools, such as calendars, forms packages, and mail. Many tasks,
however, involve complex sequences of actions which do not all correspond to
tool invocations but, instead, rely on the problem-solving abilities of office
workers. In this paper we describe a system (POISE) that can be used to both
automate routine tasks and provide assistance in more complex situations. The
type of assistance provided can range from maintaining a record of the tasks
currently being executed to suggesting possible next steps and answering
natural language queries about the tasks. The POISE system uses both a
procedure-based and a goal-based representation of the tasks to achieve
efficiency and flexibility. The mechanisms used by POISE are described with
example procedures from a university office. Keywords: Information systems applications, Office automation, Information systems
applications, Types of systems, Decision support, Artificial intelligence,
Applications and expert systems, Office automation, Artificial intelligence,
Knowledge representation formalisms and methods, Representations (procedural
and rule-based), Design, Management, Natural language, Problem-solving, Tools | |||
| Managing Transient Internetwork Links in the Xerox Internet | | BIBAK | 213-225 | |
| Siranush Radicati | |||
| The Xerox Research Internet has been in operation for over a decade, and
includes as many as 200 geographically-dispersed Ethernet local area networks.
As Internets grow, it becomes unrealistic for both practical and economic
reasons to expect them to be fully interconnected at all times.
This paper presents an approach to the management of transient internetwork communication links in a datagram-based architecture, such as the Xerox Network Systems architecture. The major novelty lies in the idea of allowing high-level application programs to dynamically alter the internet topology, without the need for end users to be involved, or even to be aware of what is happening. Keywords: Computer communication networks, Network architecture and design, Network
communications, Network topology, Design, Internetworking, X.25, NS
architecture | |||
| 38 Offices: Analyzing Needs in Individual Offices | | BIBAK | 226-234 | |
| Raymond R. Panko | |||
| There are growing pressures in the office automation field to develop
methodologies to determine the needs of individual offices. An exploratory
study of two techniques, a 1983 version of MIT's Office Analysis Methodology
and the Strategic Approach, is presented. The study suggests the need to
extend the Type I/Type II typology of offices, previously suggested by this
author and by Sprague [15]. It also determined that managers find fairly
radical innovation extremely difficult to visualize. Keywords: Information systems applications, Office automation, Management of computing
and information systems, Project and people management, Systems analysis and
design, Design, Economics, Management, Business, Methodology, Taxonomy | |||
| FORMANAGER: An Office Forms Management System | | BIBAK | 235-262 | |
| S. Bing Yao; Alan R. Hevner; Zhongzhi Shi; Dawei Luo | |||
| The form has become an important abstraction for data management in an
office application environment. Structured office forms present data to users
in an easily understood and easily manipulated manner. In this paper we
classify forms systems in terms of three dimensions: data structuring, user
interfaces, and programming interfaces. Current forms systems are analyzed
under these dimensions. We have designed a comprehensive forms management
system, FORMANAGER, that includes facilities for form specification, form
processing, and form control. The system transforms data from a relational
database into a hierarchical data structure which defines the form. The design
and algorithms for implementation of the system are described, and future
extensions to enhance the capabilities of forms systems are proposed. Keywords: Information systems applications, Office automation, Database management,
Systems, Design, Office automation, Forms management, Relational database
systems, Query processing | |||
| Signature Files: An Access Method for Documents and Its Analytical Performance Evaluation | | BIBAK | 267-288 | |
| Chris Faloutsos; Stavros Christodoulakis | |||
| The signature-file access method for text retrieval is studied. According
to this method, documents are stored sequentially in the "text file."
Abstractions ("signatures") of the documents are stored in the "signature
file." The latter serves as a filter on retrieval: It helps in discarding a
large number of nonqualifying documents. In this paper two methods for
creating signatures are studied analytically, one based on word signatures and
the other on superimposed coding. Closed-form formulas are derived for the
false-drop probability of the two methods, factors that affect it are studied,
and performance comparisons of the two methods based on these formulas are
provided. Keywords: Database management, Physical design, Access methods, Information storage
and retrieval, Library automation, Information systems applications, Office
automation, Text processing, Text editing, Design, Performance, Document
retrieval, Information retrieval, Office automation, Signature file,
Superimposed coding, Text retrieval | |||
| Office Automation Projects and Their Impact on Organization, Planning, and Control | | BIBAK | 289-302 | |
| Charles E. Paddock; Richard W. Scamell | |||
| Implementing office information systems within an organization results in
both technological and organizational change. Changes to the hardware,
software, data, and personnel components of an organization tend to be more
noticeable than changes to the organization, planning, and control attributes
that permit these components to function as a unit. Recognizing these more
subtle changes while the office automation effort is in its early stages can
provide management direction for future efforts. A study designed to identify
differences that exist between data processing and word processing departments
that have begun office automation versus those that have not is described.
Data on specific attributes of organization, planning, and control were
collected from 26 data processing and 25 word processing managers. The
results, discussed as propositions, show that significant differences do exist
and raise other issues for future study. Keywords: Information systems applications, Office automation, Text processing,
Miscellaneous, Administrative data processing, Business, Management of
computing and information systems, Project and people management, Systems
department, Management of computing and information systems, Systems
management, Centralization/decentralization, Management, Performance, Office
automation, DP/WP integration | |||
| Logical Routing Specification in Office Information Systems | | BIBAK | 303-330 | |
| Murray S. Mazer; Frederick H. Lochovsky | |||
| A message management system is an office information system for managing
structured messages, integrating the facilities of computer-based message
systems and database management systems, and adding to them the capability of
"intelligent" handling of messages. This allows the office information system
to support messages that can use information about themselves (such as
structure and content) or about the system to effect their own processing.
Logical routing of messages in an office information system is a function that
can benefit from such intelligent processing.
A framework and language are introduced for the specification of logical routing for messages in an office information system. By associating routing specifications with message types, the system assumes the responsibility both for evaluating the current message instance state to yield the next destination for the instance and for forwarding the instance. The user is freed from the need to direct explicitly each instance of a message type. The routing specifications are based on a variety of criteria, including message instance state and system characteristics. A routing specification language is described, with examples, and an implementation for a distributed workstation environment is outlined. Keywords: Computer-communication networks, Distributed systems, Distributed
applications, Information systems applications, Office automation, Information
systems applications, Communications applications, Electronic mail, Design,
Languages, Office information systems, Message management systems, Logical
routing, Message types, Intelligent office systems | |||
| A Critical Appraisal of Task Taxonomies as a Tool for Studying Office Activities | | BIBAK | 331-339 | |
| Christopher A. Higgins; Frank R. Safayeni | |||
| Task taxonomies have been developed and used by many practitioners in
studies related to office automation. Often the studies are used to indicate
the potential for automation in an office. In other cases the taxonomies serve
as a tool for evaluating the impact of various technologies. However, there
are numerous problems associated with using taxonomies for such studies. These
are related to three common assumptions that are made: (1) the assumption of
categorization, (2) the assumption of finite representation, and (3) the
assumption of technological validity. In this paper these assumptions are
examined, their weaknesses and limitations are pointed out, and suggestions for
the improvement of task taxonomies are made. The general conclusion drawn is
that current task taxonomies are of questionable value in studies related to
office automation. Keywords: Information systems applications, Office automation, Design, Taxonomy,
Measuring office activities | |||