A graphics driven approach to discrete event simulation.

This thesis investigates the potential of computer graphics in providing for a graphics driven specification system that gives sufficient structure and content to form the simulation model itself. The nature of discrete event simulation modelling, the diagramming method of activity cycle diagrams which underpinned this research, the three phase simulation model structure, and the trend of visual simulation modelling are discussed as the basis for the research. Some current existing simulation languages and packages are reviewed, which gives insight into the essential features of an ideal computer simulation environment. The basic research method adopted was to build systems that exemplified the state of thinking at the time. The purpose of this method was to enable ideas to be developed, discarded and enhanced, and for new ideas to emerge. The research has undergone a series of application developments on the Apple Macintosh to examine the advantages and limitations of such systems. The first system developed during the research, MacACD, provides the basis for proposals concerning the enhancement of the ACD diagramming method in a computer-aided environment. However, MacACD demonstrated the limitations of an ACD interface and the need for a more flexible specification system. HyperSim, a simulation system developed using HyperCard, has all the power of interconnectivity demonstrated as a need by MacACD, but has severe limitations both in terms of security of system development, and an inability to provide a running model directly due to lack of speed. However, the power of an icon-based interconnected textual and diagrammatic based system were demonstrated by the construction of this system during this research, and led to the development of the final system described in this thesis : MacGraSE. The development of this system during this research incorporates many innovations. The main input device is a picture representing the problem, including a background display. This system allows for dynamic icon based visual model running, as well as code generation for complete model embellishments, interactive report writing, and representational graphics outputs

Course direction support information system

Mestrado de dupla diplomação com a UTFPR - Universidade Tecnológica Federal do ParanáMany organizations today are investing their time and resources in ways to improve process execution and also to make the best use of their resources. In the ambit of the course directors, many processes are carried out, many referring to various areas of expertise and knowledge, ranging from scientific committee organization to dissemination of course proposals and projects. Aiming to help improve the work of the directors a system that gathered some basic functionalities, such as attendance tests and time attendance, along with the process mapping was developed. Some of these processes were mapped from the general regulation of the IPB Master in Information Systems. This system was built by joining a BPM engine, selected by a survey made with some BPM tools, and a conventional WEB application (DB and Website), where the website communicates with the engine through a REST API. The result was a portal where professors can interact and perform some functions related to dissertation proposals and projects, can perform some activities related to the function of scientific committee like approve or not some proposals or projects, and, if is the director, can perform some searches and use verification functions exclusive to the director.Atualmente, muitas organizações estão investindo seu tempo e recursos para melhorar a execução do processo e também fazer o melhor uso de seus recursos. Dentro dos diretores do curso, muitos processos são realizados, muitos referentes a várias áreas de especialização e conhecimento, desde a organização do comitê científico até a divulgação de propostas e projetos de cursos. Para ajudar a melhorar o trabalho dos diretores, foi desenvolvido um sistema que reunia algumas funcionalidades básicas, como testes de presença e presença de tempo, juntamente com o mapeamento de processos. Alguns desses processos foram mapeados a partir dos regulamentos gerais do Mestrado em Sistemas de Informação do IPB. Esse sistema foi construído ao integrar um mecanismo BPM em um aplicativo WEB convencional (banco de dados e site), onde o site se comunica com o mecanismo por meio de uma API REST. O resultado foi um portal no qual os Professores podem interagir e desempenhar algumas funções relacionadas a propostas e projetos de dissertação, realizar algumas atividades relacionadas ao papel do comitê científico como escolher juris ou avaliar propostas e, se for o diretor, executar funções de pesquisa e verificação exclusivas de diretor de curso

Immediate Systems in Architectural Research and Praxis

Immediate Systems are defined as systems that overcome the limitations of remote design by embedding design and implementation in situations of use. This paper extends the theoretical framing of IS and traces three approaches towards IS in architecture: as adhocist mode of action, as acceleration of design transfer and as human-architecture symbiosis. These three approaches consider the same phenomenon from different perspectives respectively, that of the lived experience of the user-designer, that of the designer’s methodology and technology, and that of ecology.  &nbsp

Semantic Model Annotation Tool

Model driven interoperability is a research field that has gotten a lot of attention and money. Several research projects over the past years such as ATHENA, SWING and MODELWARE have sought to bring solutions to this field. The latest efforts involve the use of formal semantic descriptions to ease the interoperability task. Recent technologies on a lower level, such as SAWSDL has also presented new opportunities in the field. This thesis proposes to elevate the annotation to the platform independent level (PIM), complying with the Model Driven Architecture (MDA) vision of the MDE paradigm. Doing the annotation at this level will enable us to specify mappings to and from the ontology. Further this will enable us to generate specific mappings between PIMs that are annotated by, and mapped to, the ontology. Benefits are many, especially in the fields of model integration, validation, constraint checking and the creation of a common vocabulary that the annotated models adhere to. The latter is especially an important property in a world that sees more distributed software development, where domain experts and developers often find themselves at the opposite sides of the world. This thesis puts a focus on the integration aspect and shows how a annotated model can be transformed to another representation using the annotations and its definitions of the lifting and lowering operations. The thesis aim is to show that these annotations are feasible and represents added value in the context of MDA software development. We propose, and construct, a specific tool to handle annotation, mapping and validation of models and ontologies. They are annotated through a metamodel that support relations between both. This tool is based on the Eclipse platform, and is extensible with regard to future transformation technologies. The proposal is evaluated in the context of a specific case that presents two domain models rooted in a buyer/seller context. These models are expressed as UML class diagrams. A reference ontology that is the equivalent of one of the UML models represents the common vocabulary that we want to connect the models to. We then evaluate the solution in the light of this and show that semantic annotation of models is possible and could provide assistance and concrete solutions to many problems that face developers

Elements of a Theory of Design Artefacts: a contribution to critical systems development research. PhD Thesis.

The thesis emphasises material mediation in design, use and research by introducing the concept of design artefacts as a unifying perspective. This concept is based on a dialectical materialist approach comprising activity theory as a general perspective (mainly Engestrøm), and specifically the notion of primary, secondary and tertiary artefacts (Wartofsky). This background is complemented with the notion of boundary objects (Star), as mediators in boundary zones. Systems development is understood as a zone where heterogeneous praxes meet to change a given praxis through the construction and introduction of new (computer) artefacts; this zone is mediated by design artefacts, which make different sense to the various praxes (boundary objects). Four main themes are addressed by the thesis: Firstly, the notion of design artefacts as an integrating perspective on systems development research and praxis, is introduced and developed. Secondly, a uniform notion of development tying use and design together, is discussed in relation to designing for development in use, and in relation to the notion of design as the transformation of artefacts. Thirdly, a pragmatic philosophy of science based on the understanding of theories as design artefacts, is proposed. Fourthly, the issue of innovation and creativity, together with the role of the individual is programmatically pointed to

The Effect of software requirements analysis on project success and product quality

This paper will demonstrate that the general project management principles\u27 regarding requirements analysis also hold true for software development projects. According to conventional project management wisdom, sound requirements analysis and scope definition tends to improve quality planning, thereby reducing project cost and duration, increasing project success and improving the quality of the resulting product. This paper will demonstrate that software development projects tend to challenge this time-proven notion. The paper will also demonstrate that the software development industry pays a high price for these practices by suffering longer project schedules, higher costs and producing poorer quality products by rushing requirements definition and analysis. The practice of unwise attempts to shorten software projects takes away from both the successes of the project and the quality of the resulting product. This demonstration will be accomplished by means of a literature review and an informal survey of various members of the software development industry

Construction Requirements Driven Planning and Scheduling

Ph.DDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPH

Applying innovation system concepts in agricultural research for development: a learning module

This learning module is expected to have multiple uses. One, a source material for trainings that could be organized at different levels, and two, as reference document to upgrade the knowledge of staff of partner organizations about innovation systems approach and applications. The design of the learning module includes guidance notes for potential trainers including learning purpose and objectives for each session; description of the session structure (including methods, techniques, time allocation to each activity); power point presentations, presentation text, exercise handouts, worksheets, and additional reading material. There are also evaluation forms and recommended bibliography for use by future facilitators. The module has been prepared in the style of a source book and it assumes that the reader is familiar with the concepts, procedures and tools used in participatory research approaches. Users can pick and choose the sessions/idea/tools/concepts that are most relevant and appropriate in specific contexts and for specific purposes. This is work in progress. The module is being continually refined and updated, based on application of the concept and tools in the project and elsewhere and, lessons learned in the process. Case studies will be prepared to supplement this module. Therefore, IPMS would like to encourage users of this learning module to actively provide feedback, including suggestions on how it can be improved

TDOT 25-Year Long-Range Transportation Policy Plan, Safety, Security, and Transportation Reslience Policy Paper

https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/govpubs-tn-dept-transportation-25-year-transportation-policy/1003/thumbnail.jp