A generic model for representing software development methods.

This thesis has adopted the premise that the use of a method offers a valuable contribution to the software development process. Many methods have not been adequately defined. This thesis is based on the hypothesis that it is possible to represent software development methods using a Generic Method Representation (GMR). This GMR includes the three basic components of the method, which are the product model, the process model and the heuristic model. The elements and interrelationships of these models are investigated. In addition to a graphical representation, a method specification language (MSL) is derived, to enhance the expressive and executable power of GMR. A three-stage knowledge acquisition model, known as IFV (inspection, fabrication and verification), is also introduced to elicit method semantics from the available acquisition media. Moreover, the key benefits of meta modelling, such as method comparison, fragment dissection, method evaluation and selection (or customisation) of a method, are highlighted. An application of GMR, that is the mapping to a practical metaCASE tool model, is also illustrated comprehensively to demonstrate the applicability of the approach

Beyond rules: development and evaluation of knowledge acquisition systems for educational knowledge-based modelling

The technology of knowledge-based systems undoubtedly offers potential for educational modelling, yet its practical impact on today's school classrooms is very limited. To an extent this is because the tools presently used in schools are EMYCIN -type expert system shells. The main argument of this thesis is that these shells make knowledge-based modelling unnecessarily difficult and that tools which exploit knowledge acquisition technologies empower learners to build better models. We describe how such tools can be designed. To evaluate their usability a model-building course was conducted in five secondary schools. During the course pupils built hundreds of models in a common range of domains. Some of the models were built with an EMYCIN -type shell whilst others were built with a variety of knowledge acquisition systems. The knowledge acquisition systems emerged as superior in important respects. We offer some explanations for these results and argue that although problems remain, such as in teacher education, design of classroom practice, and assessment of learning outcomes, it is clear that knowledge acquisition systems offer considerable potential to develop improved forms of educational knowledge-based modelling

Selección de socios en las Empresas Virtuales Dinámicas

En el presente documento se describen los aspectos más importantes asociados a la aplicación software DVEBreeder. Esta herramienta ha sido creada expresamente para facilitar el proceso de selección de socios en las Empresas Virtuales Dinámicas utilizando, para ello, dos tecnologías procedentes del ámbito de la Inteligencia Artificial, como son los Sistemas Multiagente y los Sistemas Expertos. En dicha aplicación el proceso de selección se realiza en base a un modelo que engloba y amplía las posibilidades de los distintos enfoques existentes en la literatura, y en el que se hace uso del reciente concepto de Entornos de Gestación.Departamento de Informátic