I have chosen the journal “Journal IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics” with impact factor 3.38. The journal focuses on knowledge based factory automation to enhance
industrial fabrication and manufacturing processes. It comprises a collection
of techniques that use: information analysis, distribution to achieve higher
efficiency, effectiveness, manipulation and reliability. The scope of the
transaction includes defining, reporting, forum for discourse, latest developments
in intelligent and computer control systems, robotics, factory communications
and automation, flexible manufacturing, vision systems and data acquisition and
signal processing.
The research
paper I have chosen is “Smart Grid
Technologies: Communication Technologies and Standards”. The paper addresses
critical issues on smart grid technologies concerning ICT issues and
opportunities. Where the objective is to provide a contemporary look at the
current state of the art in smart grid communications and to discuss still open
research issues in this field. It balances different communication solutions
and standards against each other.
In the statement of problem, motivation of solution states
that smart grid infrastructure will improve efficiency, reliability and
security. The different communication technologies are supported either wired
or wireless. But in the stated techniques there is flaws/disadvantages brought
up concerning specifically about efficiency, reliability and security. I don’t
feel the need for improvement of these subjects through smart grid is enough
motivated in consideration to these flaws. Especially since some suggestions
require a whole new infrastructure.
1.
Briefly explain to a first year student what
theory is, and what theory is not.
There
are many different perspectives of theory, thou all theories can be described
as abstract entities that aims to describe and explain. Theories want to
enhance understanding of the world, it can for example be used to predict the
future or be used as basis to reasonable action and intervention.
Theory is not collection of
facts, or knowledge of an individual fact or event, as theory. “Data are not
theory” (Sutton and Staw 1995, p. 374) which include references, lists of variables or constructs, diagrams and hypotheses.
2.
Describe
the major theory or theories that are used in your selected paper. Which theory
type (see Table 2 in Gregor) can the theory or theories be characterized as?
I would consider the research paper to be a theory of design and action,
it explains “how to do”. It shows different possibilities of conduct and form
of techniques for constructing an artifact (smart grid). The main theories provide a contemporary look at the current
state of the art in smart grid communications. Weighing pros and cons,
discussing research issues in this field. And balances these different
communication solutions and world standards against each other.
3. Which are the benefits and limitations
of using the selected theory or theories?
The benefits of the design
and action theory are that it is possible to conduct the artifact in question
with given methods, techniques, principle of form and functions. Especially as
utility open for public development. Limitations are that user requirements for
interpretation of the theory include a need to translate expert knowledge into
actionable knowledge for non-experts (Table 8) Gregor, S. (2006).
Reference
Journal: Journal IEEE
Transactions on Industrial Informatics
ISSN: 1551-3203
http://ieeexplore.ieee.org.focus.lib.kth.se/xpl/aboutJournal.jsp?punumber=9424
Research paper: Smart Grid Technologies: Communication Technologies
and Standards
http://ieeexplore.ieee.org.focus.lib.kth.se/xpl/articleDetails.jsp?arnumber=6011696
Gregor, S. (2006) MIS
Quarterly, 30(3)
http://heim.ifi.uio.no/~petterog/Kurs/INF5220/NatureofTheoryMISQ.pdf
Sutton, R. I. &
Staw, B. M. (1995). What
Theory is Not. Administrative
Science Quarterly, 40(3), 371-384.
After reading the sustainability course we learned about these types of smart grids and the need to question why and how they are being built. Of course it's difficult to see into the future and take action on what you believe would be the technology that lasts the coming decades. It seems like a very difficult field and how do you make these assessments?
SvaraRaderaAs to the text. Did the authors, like yourself, come to the conclusion that the; "need for improvement of these subjects through smart grid is enough motivated in consideration to these flaws". Were there any improvements at all and if so, how do you come to the conclusion that they aren't enough?
The way the benefits and limitations is presented gives the impression that none of them are convincing which may be a good thing, to let you make your own opinion out from facts. No exaggeration at either side, but the paper dosen't form a suggestion through a discussion later which makes it harder to form your opinon when there is no argumentation about the most critical/beneficial objectives concerning either options. Therefore it's hard to get convinced from these stated benefits and limitation out of any context.
SvaraRadera