For dealing with uncertainties researchers introduced the concept of soft sets. Georgiou et al. [10] defined several basic notions on soft θ-topology and they studied many properties of them. This paper continues the study of the theory of soft θ-topological spaces and presents for this theory new definitions, characterizations, and results concerning soft θ-boundary, soft θ-exterior, soft θ-ge...

1 Keynote speech at 1 International Conference on Semantics, Knowledge and Grid, Beijing, China, Nov.27-29, 2005. This work is supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (Project No.2003CB317000) and the National Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 70271007). Abstract In the human, society, interconnection environment and systems methodology perspectives, this paper answers th...

This paper explores what educational technologists in one South African Institution consider innovation to be. Ten educational technologists in various faculties across the university were interviewed and asked to define and answer questions about innovation. Their answers were coded and the results of the overlaps in coding have been assimilated into a definition. Soft systems methodology (SSM...

This paper reflects an attempt to rethink the process of analysis of Energy Efficiency Initiatives using Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) as a problem structuring tool. The aim of the work is to provide public and private initiative promoters with a structured support for a more informed decision, regarding the implementation of energy efficiency measures. The SSM approach contributed with the id...

This paper examines the two extremes of hard and soft systems methodologies and discusses the merits of each approach. It then suggests how the better attributes of the two approaches can be realised with a third way combining the elements of both. The advent of more powerful computing technologies allows a more broadly based approach to decision processes than a strict algorithmic one. Areas o...

This paper underlines how the use of Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) for an efficient planning, implementation and monitoring of a dynamic performance management system supported by a conceptual scheme that enables a conscious and prepared implementation, can provide instances of performance of a collaborative network, and also promote alignment among the partners. A systematic way to implement ...

This paper is set against a background of national IS initiatives implemented in the Vocational and Technical Education (VTE) sectors of developing Asian countries through donor agency funded projects, which can be seen as Project Intervention Processes (PIPs). This research is based on a seven year research study of IS initiatives implemented through nine VTE sector projects covering Laos, Sri...

During 1999 a medium sized City Council was faced with major challenges as a result of its Long Term Financial Strategy (LTFS). Initial work indicated that if the required developments, primarily in terms of infrastructure requirements, were to be met then the Council was going to be faced with unacceptable rises in debt and rates. As a result a major project was initiated which had as its majo...

To succeed within the increasingly global context of their work environment, today’s IT professional needs to be equipped with both cutting-edge technical skills and a strong repertoire of “soft” skills. An important and often unrecognized soft skill is an appreciation of how various IT issues impact upon different peoples and what constitutes an acceptable professional practice in different so...

This paper links research and teaching through an applied Soft Systems Methodology case study. The case study focuses on the redevelopment of a Research and Professional Skills module to provide support for international postgraduate students through the use of formative feedback with the aim of increasing academic research skills and confidence. The stages of the Soft Systems Methodology were ...