Information resource utilisation: accessibility based on concerns

The utilisation of the information resource is a key requirement of an effective information system within the organisation. With computing technology generating increasingly complex applications but with an increasing spread of computing contactability through the organisation, an inherent conflict is presented which can only worsen as hypermedia and multimedia applications are brought to the organisation. This work identified user participation as the key ingredient in improving information resource utilisation. A two pronged approach was taken: initially a field based investigation of the utilisation of a complex information system within a large organisation and secondly the development of a user interface environment to tackle the issues raised. The fieldwork provided evidence to suggest the level of accessibility to Health Service information left wide scope for development. Several variables were identified as having a key relationship with information resource utilisation. Of these complexity predominated, both in terms of the database structures in the application and the functionality provided through the interface itself. The prototype focused on this complexity issue directly, providing a user driven interpretative environment in which both user and organisation based information can be combined to form a dynamic, user based semantic model. Such a graphical representation evolves in paralell with user requirements, enabling the user to manipulate his/her own view of the application for the expression of database queries. The basis for this interpretation is the generalised conceptual model which is captured from the data modeller during the initial application data modelling process. This view forms the basis for user accessibility, acting as an initial interpretation which the user tailors towards a personal interpretation using 'concerns'. The provision of such an environment promotes user accessibility and hence utilisation, being personalised by the individual to the task at hand.