Model-based dependability analysis : state-of-the-art, challenges and future outlook

Abstract: Over the past two decades, the study of model-based dependability analysis has gathered significant research interest. Different approaches have been developed to automate and address various limitations of classical dependability techniques to contend with the increasing complexity and challenges of modern safety-critical system. Two leading paradigms have emerged, one which constructs predictive system failure models from component failure models compositionally using the topology of the system. The other utilizes design models - typically state automata - to explore system behaviour through fault injection. This paper reviews a number of prominent techniques under these two paradigms, and provides an insight into their working mechanism, applicability, strengths and challenges, as well as recent developments within these fields. We also discuss the emerging trends on integrated approaches and advanced analysis capabilities. Lastly, we outline the future outlook for model-based dependability analysis

Comparative Evaluation of the State-of-art Requirements-based Test Case Generation Approaches

The overall aim of software testing is to deliver the error-free and high-quality software products to the end users. The testing process ensures that a software is aligned with the user specification and requirements.  In software testing process, there are many challenging tasks however test case generation process is considered as the most challenging one. The quality of the generated test cases has a significant impact on efficiency and effectiveness of the testing process.  In order to improve the quality of a developed software, the test cases should be able to achieve maximum adequacy in the testing and requirements' coverage. This paper presents a comparative evaluation of the prominent requirement-based test case generation approaches. Five evaluation criteria namely, inputs for test case generation, transformation techniques, coverage criteria, time and tool's support are defined to systematically compare the approaches. The results of the evaluation are used to identify the gap in the current approaches and research opportunities in requirement-based test case's generation.