Challenges of using software size in agile software development: A systematic literature review

Academic Papers at IWSM Mensura, IWSM-Mensura 2018; Beijing; China; 19 September 2018 through 20 September 2018Software size is a fundamental measure for software management. Size is used for a variety of purposes, such as benchmarking, normalization, and portfolio measurement, and it is frequently considered as the sole input of estimation. Estimations can be produced for various reasons; e.g., to predict effort, cost and duration of software development projects. There are different types of software size measures. Particularly in projects where agile methodologies are adopted, measurement becomes a significant challenge as it is perceived as a non-value-added task and records of tasks such as requirements identification are not always consistent. The difficulties of applying traditional size measurement techniques in agile contexts, however, do not diminish the need, and new methods and techniques are introduced to improve the manageability of the agile projects. In this paper, we discuss estimation and measurement approaches in relation with ―software size in agile contexts. Based on this review, we present the perceptions of software size and related challenges, such as misinterpretation of size, difficulties in implementation, and acceptability of the measurement processes. We anticipate that providing a baseline for the state of software size measures in agile contexts and presenting related challenges, particularly in terms of its acceptability by practitioners can shed light on the development of new techniques

The changing role of Customs:Customs aligning with supply chain and information management

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Framework of Standards to Secure andFacilitate Global Trade (SAFE) introduced concepts of supply chain supervision and authorised operator schemes. While it has been implemented in many countries, supply chain supervision still requires further exploration and development. In this article we present a vision on how the role of Customs could change in the coming years, taking into account innovations in supply chain management and information technology. We present how the Customs Administration of The Netherlands adapts their supervision, based on these innovations. The innovations range from the data pipeline to collect extra data to cross-validate customs declarations, the use of big data and data analytics, new advances in detection technology, handheld apps to check goods and drones to support surveillance

An Action Research for Improving the Sustainability Assessment Framework Instruments

[Abstract] In the last years, software engineering researchers have defined sustainability as a quality requirement of software, but not enough effort has been devoted to develop new methods/techniques to support the analysis and assessment of software sustainability. In this study, we present the Sustainability Assessment Framework (SAF) that consists of two instruments: the software sustainability–quality model, and the architectural decision map. Then, we use participatory and technical action research in close collaboration with the software industry to validate the SAF regarding its applicability in specific cases. The unit of analysis of our study is a family of software products (Geographic Information System- and Mobile-based Workforce Management Systems) that aim to address sustainability goals (e.g., efficient collection of dead animals to mitigate social and environmental sustainability risks). The results show that the sustainability–quality model integrated with the architectural decision maps can be used to identify sustainability–quality requirements as design concerns because most of its quality attributes (QAs) have been either addressed in the software project or acknowledged as relevant (i.e., creating awareness on the relevance of the multidimensional sustainability nature of certain QAs). Moreover, the action–research method has been helpful to enrich the sustainability–quality model, by identifying missing QAs (e.g., regulation compliance, data privacy). Finally, the architectural decision maps have been found as useful to guide software architects/designers in their decision-making process.This work has received partial support by Xunta de Galicia/FEDER-UE CSI (ED431G/01, ED431C 2017/58); Xunta de Galicia/FEDER-UE, ConectaPeme, GEMA (IN852A 2018/14); MINECO-AEI/FEDER-UE with the projects: Datos 4.0 (TIN2016-78011-C4-1-R), BIZDEVOPS (RTI2018-098309-B-C32), FLATCITY (TIN2016-77158-C4-3-R.); and FONDECYT with the Kusisqa project (014-2019-FONDECYTBM-INC.INV)Xunta de Galicia; ED431G/01Xunta de Galicia; ED431C 2017/58Xunta de Galicia; IN852A 2018/14Gobierno de Chile; 014-2019-FONDECYTBM-INC.IN

Architecture and the Built Environment:

This publication provides an overview of TU Delft’s most significant research achievements in the field of architecture and the built environment during the years 2010–2012. It is the first presentation of the joint research portfolio of the Faculty of Architecture and OTB Research Institute since their integration into the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment. As such the portfolio holds a strong promise for the future. In a time when the economy seems to be finally picking up and in which such societal issues as energy, climate and ageing are more prominent than ever before, there are plenty of fields for us to explore in the next three years

Training of Crisis Mappers and Map Production from Multi-sensor Data: Vernazza Case Study (Cinque Terre National Park, Italy)

This aim of paper is to presents the development of a multidisciplinary project carried out by the cooperation between Politecnico di Torino and ITHACA (Information Technology for Humanitarian Assistance, Cooperation and Action). The goal of the project was the training in geospatial data acquiring and processing for students attending Architecture and Engineering Courses, in order to start up a team of "volunteer mappers". Indeed, the project is aimed to document the environmental and built heritage subject to disaster; the purpose is to improve the capabilities of the actors involved in the activities connected in geospatial data collection, integration and sharing. The proposed area for testing the training activities is the Cinque Terre National Park, registered in the World Heritage List since 1997. The area was affected by flood on the 25th of October 2011. According to other international experiences, the group is expected to be active after emergencies in order to upgrade maps, using data acquired by typical geomatic methods and techniques such as terrestrial and aerial Lidar, close-range and aerial photogrammetry, topographic and GNSS instruments etc.; or by non conventional systems and instruments such us UAV, mobile mapping etc. The ultimate goal is to implement a WebGIS platform to share all the data collected with local authorities and the Civil Protectio

Wearable Movement Sensors for Rehabilitation: From Technology to Clinical Practice

This Special Issue shows a range of potential opportunities for the application of wearable movement sensors in motor rehabilitation. However, the papers surely do not cover the whole field of physical behavior monitoring in motor rehabilitation. Most studies in this Special Issue focused on the technical validation of wearable sensors and the development of algorithms. Clinical validation studies, studies applying wearable sensors for the monitoring of physical behavior in daily life conditions, and papers about the implementation of wearable sensors in motor rehabilitation are under-represented in this Special Issue. Studies investigating the usability and feasibility of wearable movement sensors in clinical populations were lacking. We encourage researchers to investigate the usability, acceptance, feasibility, reliability, and clinical validity of wearable sensors in clinical populations to facilitate the application of wearable movement sensors in motor rehabilitation

Standardisation Management

Standards are essential for the success of products and services in the market, and for the well-functioning of processes and organisations. Trends such as globalisation, integration of ICT and electrotechnology in almost every sector, and the increased attention for sustainability, have made standards even more important. Unfortunately, little research is available to provide a better understanding of this phenomenon. In my inaugural lecture I first give an overview of the research I have conducted on the processes of standardisation. I discuss standards development, dissemination, market acceptance, implementation and use, and impact of standards and standardisation on business and society. In future research, my research agenda will focus on three levels of standardisation management: (1) within companies, (2) in complex projects involving many stakeholders, and (3) at local, national, regional and global level. I illustrate the societal relevance of my research with some examples about animals