25,878 research outputs found
Software component testing : a standard and the effectiveness of techniques
This portfolio comprises two projects linked by the theme of software component testing, which is also
often referred to as module or unit testing. One project covers its standardisation, while the other
considers the analysis and evaluation of the application of selected testing techniques to an existing
avionics system. The evaluation is based on empirical data obtained from fault reports relating to the
avionics system.
The standardisation project is based on the development of the BC BSI Software Component Testing
Standard and the BCS/BSI Glossary of terms used in software testing, which are both included in the
portfolio. The papers included for this project consider both those issues concerned with the adopted
development process and the resolution of technical matters concerning the definition of the testing
techniques and their associated measures.
The test effectiveness project documents a retrospective analysis of an operational avionics system to
determine the relative effectiveness of several software component testing techniques. The methodology
differs from that used in other test effectiveness experiments in that it considers every possible set of
inputs that are required to satisfy a testing technique rather than arbitrarily chosen values from within
this set. The three papers present the experimental methodology used, intermediate results from a failure
analysis of the studied system, and the test effectiveness results for ten testing techniques, definitions for
which were taken from the BCS BSI Software Component Testing Standard.
The creation of the two standards has filled a gap in both the national and international software testing
standards arenas. Their production required an in-depth knowledge of software component testing
techniques, the identification and use of a development process, and the negotiation of the
standardisation process at a national level. The knowledge gained during this process has been
disseminated by the author in the papers included as part of this portfolio. The investigation of test
effectiveness has introduced a new methodology for determining the test effectiveness of software
component testing techniques by means of a retrospective analysis and so provided a new set of data that
can be added to the body of empirical data on software component testing effectiveness
A requirements engineering framework for integrated systems development for the construction industry
Computer Integrated Construction (CIC) systems are computer environments through which
collaborative working can be undertaken. Although many CIC systems have been developed to demonstrate the
communication and collaboration within the construction projects, the uptake of CICs by the industry is still
inadequate. This is mainly due to the fact that research methodologies of the CIC development projects are
incomplete to bridge the technology transfer gap. Therefore, defining comprehensive methodologies for the
development of these systems and their effective implementation on real construction projects is vital.
Requirements Engineering (RE) can contribute to the effective uptake of these systems because it drives the
systems development for the targeted audience. This paper proposes a requirements engineering approach for
industry driven CIC systems development. While some CIC systems are investigated to build a broad and deep
contextual knowledge in the area, the EU funded research project, DIVERCITY (Distributed Virtual Workspace
for Enhancing Communication within the Construction Industry), is analysed as the main case study project
because its requirements engineering approach has the potential to determine a framework for the adaptation of
requirements engineering in order to contribute towards the uptake of CIC systems
Improving numeracy in key stage 2 and key stage 3
"The purpose of the report is to evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives to improve standards of numeracy and to identify examples of best practice in key areas. These areas include basic skills numeracy support programmes, the use of numeracy in subjects across the curriculum and the effectiveness of provision for pupils’ movement from key stage 2 to key stage 3." - introduction
Good professional development in schools: how does leadership contribute?
"This good practice report considers what makes continuing professional development work so well in successful schools. It identifies four key questions that effective school leaders regularly ask themselves about the quality of their arrangements for professional development. The report then sets out the key characteristics of good practice associated with the four areas and illustrates these to help all schools learn from the examples. It also identifies three barriers that confront schools." - cover
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