A new knowledgeable encapsulation method of steel production scheduling model

The steel production scheduling is a typical continuous/discrete hybrid process; it is dynamic and difficult to predict. The scheduling model is the core object of steel production scheduling, and its modeling methods directly affect the precise decision-making and execution efficiency of scheduling. However, the current linear program and simulation model do not yet realize the scheduling model quick reuse and dynamic construction. Therefore, a new model knowledgeable encapsulation method is proposed, which consists of a knowledgeable encapsulation framework and knowledgeable mapping method. The knowledgeable encapsulation framework includes the model knowledge description interface, model knowledge publication interface, model knowledge behavior interface, and a web platform. The interfaces and the platform are designed to help model providers to encapsulate the scheduling model in an open network environment. The mapping method is constructed to strengthen the relationship between the model knowledge. Finally, a knowledge encapsulation platform is established to verify the effectiveness of the model knowledge encapsulation method.

A Realistic Test of Transfer: Do Novices in Established Groups Represent Problems Similarly to Experienced Information Systems Professionals after Group Interaction?

ABSTRACT: Studies such as Lewis et al. (2005) and Michinov and Michinov (2009) suggest that knowledge transfer across tasks occurs when realistic tasks within a domain are completed over a period of time. Our study represents the first attempt to investigate knowledge transfer, using cases describing situations similar to those faced in practice. We analyze whether accounting information systems students represent complex problems and show evidence of knowledge encapsulation in a manner similar to ad hoc or established groups of experienced information systems professionals. The number of correct concepts in the problem representation of novices who previously worked together in established groups exceeded those of the novice students and professionals who previously worked in ad hoc groups. These established-group novice students also performed as well as the experienced professionals assigned to either ad hoc or established groups. For the encapsulated knowledge measure, the novices did not perform as well as the experienced professionals, regardless of the type of group membership (ad hoc or established). These results have the potential to inform both educators and professional trainers regarding how to organize groups to solve cases that require practicing skills necessary to develop proficiency in responding to situations commonly addressed by accounting professionals.

From market to non-market: An autonomous agent approach to central planning

In the longstanding debate in political economy about the feasibility of socialism, the Austrian School of Economists have argued that markets are an indispensable means of evaluating goods, hence a prerequisite for productive efficiency. Socialist models for non-market economic calculation have been strongly influenced by the equilibrium model of neoclassical economics. The Austrians contend that these models overlook the essence of the calculation problem by assuming the availability of knowledge that can be acquired only through the market process itself. But the debate in political economy has not yet considered the recent emergence of agent-based systems and their applications to resource allocation problems. Agent-based simulations of market exchange offer a promising approach to fulfilling the dynamic functions of knowledge encapsulation and discovery that the Austrians show to be performed by markets. Further research is needed in order to develop an agent-based approach to the calculation problem, as it is formulated by the Austrians. Given that the macro-level objectives of agent-based systems can be easily engineered, they could even become a desirable alternative to the real markets that the Austrians favour.