Design of data marts is a fundamental task when preparing data destined for implementation of a D... more Design of data marts is a fundamental task when preparing data destined for implementation of a Decision Support System (DSS). To answer questions on the underlying users information needs, a data-mart designer is challenged to distill the relevant information from various data sources, enable in-depth data analysis and provide ease of access of information to targeted DSS users. This paper presents the design of data marts for analysis of livestock datasets using dimensional modelling techniques. The designed data marts are then implemented for supporting information and knowledge extraction, leveraging large quantities of livestock data from livestock data source that was identified in the case study environment. Appropriate data mart dimensions and facts were modeled in order to ease data analysis and queries in a rolebased information decision support model that was adopted in studied context. Data models based on dimensional modelling (star schema model) are provided and discus...
The use of modern information and communication technology plays a significant role in healthcare... more The use of modern information and communication technology plays a significant role in healthcare services improvement. In the recent years, various mobile application systems have been deployed in the health sectors of different developing countries to facilitate remote data collection and transmission so as to improve its quality and availability. Consequently, understanding the factors contributing to mobile technology acceptance is imperative. The purpose of this study was to adopt a modified UTAUT theoretical model to understand the factors influence acceptance and use of mobile health applications by health workers at health facilities in Tanzania. Questionnaires were used to collect data from health facilities workers. Out of 150 health facilities workers, only 108 return, a 72% return rate whose data was statistically analyzed using SPSS tool. The findings show that effort expectancy and facilitating conditions significantly influence the users located in the urban area on b...
ABSTRACT Design of data marts is a fundamental task when preparing data destined for implementati... more ABSTRACT Design of data marts is a fundamental task when preparing data destined for implementation of a Decision Support System (DSS). To answer questions on the underlying users information needs, a data-mart designer is challenged to distill the relevant information from various data sources, enable in-depth data analysis and provide ease of access of information to targeted DSS users. This paper presents the design of data marts for analysis of livestock datasets using dimensional modelling techniques. The designed data marts are then implemented for supporting information and knowledge extraction, leveraging large quantities of livestock data from livestock data source that was identified in the case study environment. Appropriate data mart dimensions and facts were modeled in order to ease data analysis and queries in a rolebased information decision support model that was adopted in studied context. Data models based on dimensional modelling (star schema model) are provided and discussed. A comprehensive example showing how a piece of data is loaded from livestock data repository to ‘fact’ and ‘dimension’ tables using an open source CloverETL Designer tool is also given. The paper concludes with an overview of the overall detailed schema for the livestock data mart that will serve as a backend engine for On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) analysis, reporting, data visualization and information querying via mobile and web access. It is anticipated that the overall DSS once implemented, can be used for improving information delivery, sharing and decision making process to smallholder livestock keepers and livestock experts in Tanzania. Keywords: Decision Support System, Data Marts, Dimensional Modelling, Smallholder livestock keepers.
Building a useful and responsive Decision Support System (DSS) requires a deep understanding of t... more Building a useful and responsive Decision Support System (DSS) requires a deep understanding of the pertinent application domain before starting the system design. In this paper we report about an attempt to develop a mobile-based DSS for smallholder livestock keepers with Arusha region as a case study. The objective of the reported study is to provide an information tool for decision making to the smallholder livestock keepers. The development process involved: 1) employing information gathering techniques to understand smallholder livestock keepers’ information needs 2) studying the current methods that are used for information flow among livestock stakeholders. (i.e. smallholder livestock keepers, extension officers and livestock researchers) 3) analysis of the current situation within Arusha: located in the northern parts of Tanzania in terms of mobile phones penetration, with prospects of leveraging the high mobile phone penetration rate for enhanced information sharing among the smallholder livestock keepers and 4) exploration of options for the platform/model to be used for information access and delivery. The outputs of the above four activities were used to inform the requirements elicitation, and design phases of the mobile-based DSS system development. In addition, the mentioned four activities were supplemented by an extensive literature review of related works on requirements engineering in DSS development. It is anticipated that once the system has been developed, it will be of help to livestock keepers, improving farm-level productivity and decision making process. Findings from the study indicate that majority of smallholder livestock keepers in the selected area possess mobile phones and are in need of access to specific information to support their livestock related decision making. However, information access platforms/models that are currently in place do not cater for a satisfactory solution to their needs. Analysis of various options for designing a DSS platform has shown that a model that considers the administrative, organizational structure, as well as roles of relevant stakeholders in the livestock information flow will be useful for the studied context. The proposed Role-based Information Decision Support (RIDS) Model will facilitate data querying, analysis and information delivery based on users’ information requirements for the design of the DSS’s data marts. This will, in turn, be the basis for implementing a system of information sharing and delivery mechanism that will improve the decision making process and livestock management for smallholder livestock keepers in the studied geographical environment.
Design of data marts is a fundamental task when preparing data destined for implementation of a D... more Design of data marts is a fundamental task when preparing data destined for implementation of a Decision Support System (DSS). To answer questions on the underlying users information needs, a data-mart designer is challenged to distill the relevant information from various data sources, enable in-depth data analysis and provide ease of access of information to targeted DSS users. This paper presents the design of data marts for analysis of livestock datasets using dimensional modelling techniques. The designed data marts are then implemented for supporting information and knowledge extraction, leveraging large quantities of livestock data from livestock data source that was identified in the case study environment. Appropriate data mart dimensions and facts were modeled in order to ease data analysis and queries in a role-based information decision support model that was adopted in studied context. Data models based on dimensional modelling (star schema model) are provided and discussed. A comprehensive example showing how a piece of data is loaded from livestock data repository to ‘fact’ and ‘dimension’ tables using an open source CloverETL Designer tool is also given. The paper concludes with an overview of the overall detailed schema for the livestock data mart that will serve as a backend engine for On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) analysis, reporting, data visualization and information querying via mobile and web access. It is anticipated that the overall DSS once implemented, can be used for improving information delivery, sharing and decision making process to smallholder livestock keepers and livestock experts in Tanzania.
Building a useful and responsive Decision Support System (DSS) requires a deep understanding of t... more Building a useful and responsive Decision Support System (DSS) requires a deep understanding of the pertinent application domain before starting the system design. In this paper we report about an attempt to develop a mobile-based DSS for smallholder livestock keepers with Arusha region as a case study. The objective of the reported study is to provide an information tool for decision making to the smallholder livestock keepers. The development process involved: 1) employing information gathering techniques to understand smallholder livestock keepers’ information needs 2) studying the current methods that are used for information flow among livestock stakeholders. (i.e. smallholder livestock keepers, extension officers and livestock researchers) 3) analysis of the current situation within Arusha: located in the northern parts of Tanzania in terms of mobile phones penetration, with prospects of leveraging the high mobile phone penetration rate for enhanced information sharing among the smallholder livestock keepers and 4) exploration of options for the platform/model to be used for information access and delivery. The outputs of the above four activities were used to inform the requirements elicitation, and design phases of the mobile-based DSS system development. In addition, the mentioned four activities were supplemented by an extensive literature review of related works on requirements engineering in DSS development. It is anticipated that once the system has been developed, it will be of help to livestock keepers, improving farm-level productivity and decision making process. Findings from the study indicate that majority of smallholder livestock keepers in the selected area possess mobile phones and are in need of access to specific information to support their livestock related decision making. However, information access platforms/models that are currently in place do not cater for a satisfactory solution to their needs. Analysis of various options for designing a DSS platform has shown that a model that considers the administrative, organizational structure, as well as roles of relevant stakeholders in the livestock information flow will be useful for the studied context. The proposed Role-based Information Decision Support (RIDS) Model will facilitate data querying, analysis and information delivery based on users’ information requirements for the design of the DSS’s data marts. This will, in turn, be the basis for implementing a system of information sharing and delivery mechanism that will improve the decision making process and livestock management for smallholder livestock keepers in the studied geographical environment.
Design of data marts is a fundamental task when preparing data destined for implementation of a D... more Design of data marts is a fundamental task when preparing data destined for implementation of a Decision Support System (DSS). To answer questions on the underlying users information needs, a data-mart designer is challenged to distill the relevant information from various data sources, enable in-depth data analysis and provide ease of access of information to targeted DSS users. This paper presents the design of data marts for analysis of livestock datasets using dimensional modelling techniques. The designed data marts are then implemented for supporting information and knowledge extraction, leveraging large quantities of livestock data from livestock data source that was identified in the case study environment. Appropriate data mart dimensions and facts were modeled in order to ease data analysis and queries in a rolebased information decision support model that was adopted in studied context. Data models based on dimensional modelling (star schema model) are provided and discus...
The use of modern information and communication technology plays a significant role in healthcare... more The use of modern information and communication technology plays a significant role in healthcare services improvement. In the recent years, various mobile application systems have been deployed in the health sectors of different developing countries to facilitate remote data collection and transmission so as to improve its quality and availability. Consequently, understanding the factors contributing to mobile technology acceptance is imperative. The purpose of this study was to adopt a modified UTAUT theoretical model to understand the factors influence acceptance and use of mobile health applications by health workers at health facilities in Tanzania. Questionnaires were used to collect data from health facilities workers. Out of 150 health facilities workers, only 108 return, a 72% return rate whose data was statistically analyzed using SPSS tool. The findings show that effort expectancy and facilitating conditions significantly influence the users located in the urban area on b...
ABSTRACT Design of data marts is a fundamental task when preparing data destined for implementati... more ABSTRACT Design of data marts is a fundamental task when preparing data destined for implementation of a Decision Support System (DSS). To answer questions on the underlying users information needs, a data-mart designer is challenged to distill the relevant information from various data sources, enable in-depth data analysis and provide ease of access of information to targeted DSS users. This paper presents the design of data marts for analysis of livestock datasets using dimensional modelling techniques. The designed data marts are then implemented for supporting information and knowledge extraction, leveraging large quantities of livestock data from livestock data source that was identified in the case study environment. Appropriate data mart dimensions and facts were modeled in order to ease data analysis and queries in a rolebased information decision support model that was adopted in studied context. Data models based on dimensional modelling (star schema model) are provided and discussed. A comprehensive example showing how a piece of data is loaded from livestock data repository to ‘fact’ and ‘dimension’ tables using an open source CloverETL Designer tool is also given. The paper concludes with an overview of the overall detailed schema for the livestock data mart that will serve as a backend engine for On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) analysis, reporting, data visualization and information querying via mobile and web access. It is anticipated that the overall DSS once implemented, can be used for improving information delivery, sharing and decision making process to smallholder livestock keepers and livestock experts in Tanzania. Keywords: Decision Support System, Data Marts, Dimensional Modelling, Smallholder livestock keepers.
Building a useful and responsive Decision Support System (DSS) requires a deep understanding of t... more Building a useful and responsive Decision Support System (DSS) requires a deep understanding of the pertinent application domain before starting the system design. In this paper we report about an attempt to develop a mobile-based DSS for smallholder livestock keepers with Arusha region as a case study. The objective of the reported study is to provide an information tool for decision making to the smallholder livestock keepers. The development process involved: 1) employing information gathering techniques to understand smallholder livestock keepers’ information needs 2) studying the current methods that are used for information flow among livestock stakeholders. (i.e. smallholder livestock keepers, extension officers and livestock researchers) 3) analysis of the current situation within Arusha: located in the northern parts of Tanzania in terms of mobile phones penetration, with prospects of leveraging the high mobile phone penetration rate for enhanced information sharing among the smallholder livestock keepers and 4) exploration of options for the platform/model to be used for information access and delivery. The outputs of the above four activities were used to inform the requirements elicitation, and design phases of the mobile-based DSS system development. In addition, the mentioned four activities were supplemented by an extensive literature review of related works on requirements engineering in DSS development. It is anticipated that once the system has been developed, it will be of help to livestock keepers, improving farm-level productivity and decision making process. Findings from the study indicate that majority of smallholder livestock keepers in the selected area possess mobile phones and are in need of access to specific information to support their livestock related decision making. However, information access platforms/models that are currently in place do not cater for a satisfactory solution to their needs. Analysis of various options for designing a DSS platform has shown that a model that considers the administrative, organizational structure, as well as roles of relevant stakeholders in the livestock information flow will be useful for the studied context. The proposed Role-based Information Decision Support (RIDS) Model will facilitate data querying, analysis and information delivery based on users’ information requirements for the design of the DSS’s data marts. This will, in turn, be the basis for implementing a system of information sharing and delivery mechanism that will improve the decision making process and livestock management for smallholder livestock keepers in the studied geographical environment.
Design of data marts is a fundamental task when preparing data destined for implementation of a D... more Design of data marts is a fundamental task when preparing data destined for implementation of a Decision Support System (DSS). To answer questions on the underlying users information needs, a data-mart designer is challenged to distill the relevant information from various data sources, enable in-depth data analysis and provide ease of access of information to targeted DSS users. This paper presents the design of data marts for analysis of livestock datasets using dimensional modelling techniques. The designed data marts are then implemented for supporting information and knowledge extraction, leveraging large quantities of livestock data from livestock data source that was identified in the case study environment. Appropriate data mart dimensions and facts were modeled in order to ease data analysis and queries in a role-based information decision support model that was adopted in studied context. Data models based on dimensional modelling (star schema model) are provided and discussed. A comprehensive example showing how a piece of data is loaded from livestock data repository to ‘fact’ and ‘dimension’ tables using an open source CloverETL Designer tool is also given. The paper concludes with an overview of the overall detailed schema for the livestock data mart that will serve as a backend engine for On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) analysis, reporting, data visualization and information querying via mobile and web access. It is anticipated that the overall DSS once implemented, can be used for improving information delivery, sharing and decision making process to smallholder livestock keepers and livestock experts in Tanzania.
Building a useful and responsive Decision Support System (DSS) requires a deep understanding of t... more Building a useful and responsive Decision Support System (DSS) requires a deep understanding of the pertinent application domain before starting the system design. In this paper we report about an attempt to develop a mobile-based DSS for smallholder livestock keepers with Arusha region as a case study. The objective of the reported study is to provide an information tool for decision making to the smallholder livestock keepers. The development process involved: 1) employing information gathering techniques to understand smallholder livestock keepers’ information needs 2) studying the current methods that are used for information flow among livestock stakeholders. (i.e. smallholder livestock keepers, extension officers and livestock researchers) 3) analysis of the current situation within Arusha: located in the northern parts of Tanzania in terms of mobile phones penetration, with prospects of leveraging the high mobile phone penetration rate for enhanced information sharing among the smallholder livestock keepers and 4) exploration of options for the platform/model to be used for information access and delivery. The outputs of the above four activities were used to inform the requirements elicitation, and design phases of the mobile-based DSS system development. In addition, the mentioned four activities were supplemented by an extensive literature review of related works on requirements engineering in DSS development. It is anticipated that once the system has been developed, it will be of help to livestock keepers, improving farm-level productivity and decision making process. Findings from the study indicate that majority of smallholder livestock keepers in the selected area possess mobile phones and are in need of access to specific information to support their livestock related decision making. However, information access platforms/models that are currently in place do not cater for a satisfactory solution to their needs. Analysis of various options for designing a DSS platform has shown that a model that considers the administrative, organizational structure, as well as roles of relevant stakeholders in the livestock information flow will be useful for the studied context. The proposed Role-based Information Decision Support (RIDS) Model will facilitate data querying, analysis and information delivery based on users’ information requirements for the design of the DSS’s data marts. This will, in turn, be the basis for implementing a system of information sharing and delivery mechanism that will improve the decision making process and livestock management for smallholder livestock keepers in the studied geographical environment.
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