An attempt of the heuristic evaluation of visualization in searching economic information in topic maps

Abstract

The usefulness of economic indicators in assessing functioning of an enterprise depends on comprehension by decision-makers of semantic connections existing between ratios. Analysis of economic indicators with regard to semantic relations often has essential impact on formulating accurate conclusions. However, the knowledge of semantic connections and resulting from them information concerning functioning of an enterprise is often possessed only by experienced financial analysts. Topic map standard allows creating a model of knowledge representation, searching and acquiring unique information. The creation of topic map for the ontology of economic indicators facilitates inter alia analyzing economic ratios on account of semantic connections between them. In the semantic search in topic map the visualization plays important role. We have audited the heuristic evaluation of the visualization in searching information on economic indicators based application for Return on Investment indicator. The research with participation of users was carried out. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.