Approximation of fuzzy numbers by convolution method

In this paper we consider how to use the convolution method to construct approximations, which consist of fuzzy numbers sequences with good properties, for a general fuzzy number. It shows that this convolution method can generate differentiable approximations in finite steps for fuzzy numbers which have finite non-differentiable points. In the previous work, this convolution method only can be used to construct differentiable approximations for continuous fuzzy numbers whose possible non-differentiable points are the two endpoints of 1-cut. The constructing of smoothers is a key step in the construction process of approximations. It further points out that, if appropriately choose the smoothers, then one can use the convolution method to provide approximations which are differentiable, Lipschitz and preserve the core at the same time.Comment: Submitted to Fuzzy Sets and System at Sep 18 201

The determinants of value addition: a crtitical analysis of global software engineering industry in Sri Lanka

It was evident through the literature that the perceived value delivery of the global software engineering industry is low due to various facts. Therefore, this research concerns global software product companies in Sri Lanka to explore the software engineering methods and practices in increasing the value addition. The overall aim of the study is to identify the key determinants for value addition in the global software engineering industry and critically evaluate the impact of them for the software product companies to help maximise the value addition to ultimately assure the sustainability of the industry. An exploratory research approach was used initially since findings would emerge while the study unfolds. Mixed method was employed as the literature itself was inadequate to investigate the problem effectively to formulate the research framework. Twenty-three face-to-face online interviews were conducted with the subject matter experts covering all the disciplines from the targeted organisations which was combined with the literature findings as well as the outcomes of the market research outcomes conducted by both government and nongovernment institutes. Data from the interviews were analysed using NVivo 12. The findings of the existing literature were verified through the exploratory study and the outcomes were used to formulate the questionnaire for the public survey. 371 responses were considered after cleansing the total responses received for the data analysis through SPSS 21 with alpha level 0.05. Internal consistency test was done before the descriptive analysis. After assuring the reliability of the dataset, the correlation test, multiple regression test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test were carried out to fulfil the requirements of meeting the research objectives. Five determinants for value addition were identified along with the key themes for each area. They are staffing, delivery process, use of tools, governance, and technology infrastructure. The cross-functional and self-organised teams built around the value streams, employing a properly interconnected software delivery process with the right governance in the delivery pipelines, selection of tools and providing the right infrastructure increases the value delivery. Moreover, the constraints for value addition are poor interconnection in the internal processes, rigid functional hierarchies, inaccurate selections and uses of tools, inflexible team arrangements and inadequate focus for the technology infrastructure. The findings add to the existing body of knowledge on increasing the value addition by employing effective processes, practices and tools and the impacts of inaccurate applications the same in the global software engineering industry