Authors: Gaurav Ameta Sudarsan Rachuri Xenia Fiorentini Mahesh Mani Steven J Fenves Kevin W Lyons Ram D Sriram
Publish Date: 2009/10/28
Volume: 22, Issue: 5, Pages: 737-750
Abstract
In this paper we intend to demonstrate the need for extending the notion of quality from the physical domain to information and more comprehensively to sustainability In physical metrology there are well established principles such as fundamental units precision accuracy traceability and uncertainty In order to understand and define quality for information and sustainability we need to develop metrological concepts similar to those of physical metrology Research efforts related to information quality IQ are scattered IQ is primarily defined in terms of several characteristics dimensions which lack consensus definitions and are sometimes subjective However the notion of IQ is currently in practice and has provided some useful insights towards defining formal approaches to IQ In order to extend the notion of quality to sustainability we need as in the case of information a well defined metrology similar to physical metrology Sustainability is currently getting attention in many areas of human endeavor One proposal is to measure sustainability in terms of a triple bottom line namely social economical and environmental aspects of human endeavor Sustainability metrics are continuously evolving and their clear definition is fundamental to the understanding of the notion of sustainability quality As an example we consider evaluation of carbon footprint as a metric towards sustainability for manufacturing a simple turned part After analyzing the current literature we identify the following needs for characterizing the notion of sustainability quality a standardized terminology of terms and concepts b metrics and metrology c harmonization and extension of standards d conformance testbeds for standards and e development of information models that support sustainability
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