SFI

Many researchers have suggested the potential use of telecommuting as a substitute for travel to reduce traffic congestion, energy consumption, and air pollution. The effectiveness of this working arrangement as a strategy to address these policy issues, however, will depend on the ...

A comprehensive model of the telecommuting adoption process, incorporating employer and employee perspectives, is developed. A probabilistic modeling approach is taken. The employer decision to offer a telecommuting program is modeled as a function of ...

This research investigates ways to create a truly accessible public transportation system to Torontonians facing mobility constraints.
A Three Horizon approach, in combination with systems thinking and human-centric design, is used for the analysis. Starting from an assessment of the current users' experience, I propose that a truly accessible system should offer inclusive services, enable spontaneity, be perceived as accessible by the population it is designed to serve, and be an integral part of an accessible urban system.
I then assess current trends that may impact the future of accessibility in Toronto and, building on some of these trends, recommend a shift away from mode-based solutions developed for the average, static, inexistent individual, towards multi-modal solutions for citizens whose needs are continuously evolving, in order to achieve true accessibility in a 10-year timeframe.
While my focus is on Boomers facing permanent mobility constraints, the findings may be generalized to other demographic groups and "disabilities".

Many researchers have suggested the potential use of telecommuting as a substitute for travel to reduce traffic congestion, energy consumption, and air pollution. The effectiveness of this working arrangement as a strategy to address these policy issues, however, will depend on the ...

This paper presents a general methodology and framework for including latent variables-in particular, attitudes and perceptions-in choice models. This is something that has long been deemed necessary by behavioral researchers, but is often either ignored in statistical models, introduced in less than optimal ways (e.g., sequential estimation of a latent variable model then a choice model, which produces inconsistent estimates), or introduced for a narrowly defined model structure. The paper is focused on the use of psychometric data to explicitly model attitudes and perceptions and their influences on choices. The methodology requires the estimation of an integrated multi-equation model consisting of a discrete choice model and the latent variable model's structural and measurement equations. The integrated model is estimated simultaneously using a maximum likelihood estimator, in which the likelihood function includes complex multi-dimensional integrals. The methodology is app...

This thesis examines the pressures facing the contemporary museum; and outlines how engagement can be used to mitigate many of these issues. Through a critique of current research and media describing museums’ public presence, and integrating insights from five museum leaders, a narrative is created to merge findings with possibilities for change.

The role of museums as important social mediators, and effectors of social benefit is evaluated and proposed, setting the stage for change that can revive interest and relevance of the museum in our communities, both physical and virtual.