Faculty of Science

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Complexity and risk in IS projects: a system dynamics approach
(Fountain Publishers, 2007) Ssemaluulu, Paul Mukasa; Ddembe, Williams
In spite of ongoing research on IS risks and the increased sophistication of the tools and techniques developed, IS risks continue to be a challenge to IS professionals and managers. Increased complexity leads to increased risks. When we are confronted with a complex system, our knowledge and understanding of how different components work and interact, and accordingly how the system as a whole works, will always be incomplete. While many researchers have dwelt on project management techniques, it is apparent that we cannot have all the answers in advance since we cannot foretell the future. Due to the increasing complexity of IS solutions it is seen that existing information system development methodologies do not tackle this adequately. The primary purpose of this paper is to highlight how System Dynamics which employs systems thinking can be used to deal with the study of organizations (companies, public institutions, and other human organizations) as complex systems of human activity, with plurality of interest and values. It also shows how System Dynamics models can help companies to manage the risks and uncertainties related to complex IS projects. This paper partly describes some variables in an ongoing research where we aim to use the system dynamics methodology to create a better understanding of the link between information quality and customer satisfaction. We critically look at two variables that we deem important in the search for this relationship. These are complexity and risk in IS projects
Conceptual modeling of nodding syndrome: a system dynamics and sequence approaches
(The Centre for Democracy, Research and Development (CEDRED), 2017-06) Ongaya, Kizito; Ssemaluulu, Paul Mukasa; Oyo, Benedict; Bongomin, Pido
Conceptual modelling of nodding syndrome (NS) has hardly been considered in most scientific literature although symptoms of the disease has been widely studied. A conceptual model is a representation of hypothesis about a system under investigation and enables a comparison between hypothesis and data. Since nodding syndrome is an unexplained neurological illness that mainly affects children aged between 5 to 15 years, without specific diagnosis and treatment, the aetiology remains unknown and under investigation, conceptual modelling may be a crucial ingredient in understanding the disease. Purpose of the Study: The purpose of the study is therefore, to represent nodding syndrome occurrence and immune-pathogenic pathways in the causation of nodding syndrome using system dynamics approaches. Methodology: We have used systematic review method to filter literature on nodding syndrome from the year. We also used Systems Dynamic Approach and we emphasized confirmed scientific investigation to enable the relationships conform to reality. Vensim software was preferred for implementation of the casual-loop diagrams. Microsoft Office Visio 2007 was identified as suitable for implementation of the sequence conceptual model of nodding syndrome for its ability to show interactions between electrolytes and other actors. Findings: Our findings were that system dynamics approach has not been used research of nodding syndrome. More so, conceptual modeling were not considered by most articles.
Maternal monitoring: lowering child mortality by use of ICTs.
(Fountain Publishers, 2010) Ssemaluulu, Paul Mukasa; Muma, Wycliff; Katongole, Paul; Mwase, Maria
In this paper, we describe the creation and development of an Electronic Health Records System that automates record keeping procedures for both patients and medical practitioners in a health facility. We also demonstrate how maternal monitoring by use of ICTs can lower child mortality in developing countries. It should be realized that lowering child mortality is one of the 8 Millennium Development Goals to be achieved by less developed countries by 2015. The Infant and Maternal Monitoring System (IMM System) seeks to lower infant mortality rates by encouraging pregnant women, as well as mothers to take their new born babies and infants to visit the nearest health centers for required healthcare checkups, vaccinations, or immunizations. This can be achieved through the creation and use of SMS functionality on the created system. This system improves communication and collaboration between medical practitioners through discussion forums, thus increasing the rapidity and quality of patient care Keywords: ICTs, Maternal, Mortality
A system dynamics tool for IT investments.
(Fountain Publishers, 2006-01-01) Ssemaluulu, Paul Mukasa; Ddembe, Williams
Systems dynamics modeling is the technique of constructing and running a model of an abstract system in order to study its behavior without disrupting the environment of the real system. The process simulated in this study, that is, evaluation of IT investment projects, is one of increasing importance as it has been observed that 90% of all senior IS managers have no idea how to determine the value of information systems. In an era where cost overruns and cancelled projects cost millions of dollars, a simulation tool which can rapidly calculate the benefits to be derived from an information system can be very useful. The existing literature identifies noticeable gaps between academic theories, commercially available methodologies and actual evaluation practices promoted by organizational rules and structures, informal practices implemented by stakeholders and academic recommendations which are not used in practice. Problems relating to evaluation of IT investment projects were established-. Understanding these problems would in the long run reduce losses due to failed IT investments. In this study, five different methodologies were investigated taking into account the suitability or goodness of the framework, bias, focus and complexity. The System Dynamics Methodology was found to be the best as the others had serious shortcomings. A model derived from earlier work by Seddon et al., as well as Delone and Mclean was used to construct a dynamic hypothesis that helps to realize the interrelationships between the critical variables. A causal loop diagram derived from the dynamic hypothesis was also constructed. A simulation tool for evaluating IT investment projects was developed to help managers cut down on time spent debating investment decisions, cut down on costs, reduce information overload and help researchers evaluate related problems. The simulation tool was used to analyze how different variables interact to affect the total benefits of an information system. It was observed that only a strong interaction of people, information, and technology can improve business performance, and consequently lead to Information Systems success.
Use of “flight simulator” for training it managers in investment decision making.
(Fountain Publishers, 2008) Ssemaluulu, Paul Mukasa; Ddembe, Williams
In this paper it has been suggested that the findings of research on managerial decisionmaking may be relevant in IT, but that research needs to be carried out on the factors that influence the decisions of IT managers in order to develop an effective “flight Simulator”. While this is useful as a first step, the paper argues that a systems thinking/ systems dynamics approach is necessary for developing flight simulators as learning environments for managers. The advantage of SD is not merely that it captures the complexity of decision making processes; it also offers a way of exploring the impact of change on decision making over time. The paper describes the model, identifies a number of propositions that can be derived from it and suggests how these may be tested empirically through a flight simulator.

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