401,784 research outputs found
A Model-Driven Approach for Business Process Management
The Business Process Management is a common mechanism recommended by a high number of standards for the management of companies and organizations. In software companies this practice is every day more accepted and companies have to assume it, if they want to be competitive. However, the effective definition of these processes and mainly their maintenance and execution are not always easy tasks. This paper presents an approach based on the Model-Driven paradigm for Business Process Management in software companies. This solution offers a suitable mechanism that was implemented successfully in different companies with a tool case named NDTQ-Framework.Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia TIN2010-20057-C03-02Junta de Andalucía TIC-578
Scoping study of the feasibility of developing a software tool to assist designers of pedestrian crossing places
This report is the outcome of a scoping study of how guidance can be provided for practising highway engineers in designing informal pedestrian crossing facilities. The main component of this report is an analysis by an IT consultant of a range of mechanisms for delivery of this. The study was informed by the opinions of a group of practitioners who have a direct interest in the provision of pedestrian facilities.
These results are placed in context and their consequences are explored in the first part of the report
An analysis of the requirements traceability problem
In this paper1, we investigate and discuss the underlying nature
of the requirements traceability problem. Our work is based on
empirical studies, involving over 100 practitioners, and an
evaluation of current support. We introduce the distinction
between pre-requirements specification (pre-RS) traceability
and post-requirements specification (post-RS) traceability, to
demonstrate why an all-encompassing solution to the problem is
unlikely, and to provide a framework through which to
understand its multifaceted nature. We report how the majority
of the problems attributed to poor requirements traceability are
due to inadequate pre-RS traceability and show the fundamental
need for improvements here. In the remainder of the paper, we
present an analysis of the main barriers confronting such
improvements in practice, identify relevant areas in which
advances have been (or can be) made, and make
recommendations for research
Contribution structures
The invisibility of the individuals and groups that gave rise to requirements artifacts has
been identified as a primary reason for the persistence of requirements traceability
problems. This paper presents an approach, based on modelling the dynamic contribution
structures underlying requirements artifacts, which addresses this issue. We show how
these structures can be defined, using information about the agents who have contributed
to artifact production, in conjunction with details of the numerous traceability relations
that hold within and between artifacts themselves. We describe a scheme, derived from
work in sociolinguistics, which can be used to indicate the capacities in which agents
contribute. We then show how this information can be used to infer details about the
social roles and commitments of agents with respect to their various contributions and to
each other. We further propose a categorisation for artifact-based traceability relations
and illustrate how they impinge on the identification and definition of these structures.
Finally, we outline how this approach can be implemented and supported by tools,
explain the means by which requirements change can be accommodated in the
corresponding contribution structures, and demonstrate the potential it provides for
"personnel-based" requirements traceability
Information systems evaluation: Navigating through the problem domain
Information systems (IS) make it possible to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness, which can provide
competitive advantage. There is, however, a great deal of difficulty reported in the normative literature when it comes to the
evaluation of investments in IS, with companies often finding themselves unable to assess the full implications of their IS
infrastructure. Although many of the savings resulting from IS are considered suitable for inclusion within traditional
accountancy frameworks, it is the intangible and non-financial benefits, together with indirect project costs that complicate the
justification process. In exploring this phenomenon, the paper reviews the normative literature in the area of IS evaluation, and
then proposes a set of conjectures. These were tested within a case study to analyze the investment justification process of a
manufacturing IS investment. The idiosyncrasies of the case study and problems experienced during its attempts to evaluate,
implement, and realize the holistic implications of the IS investment are presented and critically analyzed. The paper
concludes by identifying lessons learnt and thus, proposes a number of empirical findings for consideration by decisionmakers
during the investment evaluation process
Networking lifelong learning: making it happen, an implementation plan
Presented by the FEILT committee Chair - Jenny Scribbins
In April 1999 the Council’s FEILT committee (FEILTC) published its proposal information learning technology (ILT) development strategy for the sector entitled Networking Lifelong Learning. The sector response was very positive.
In June 1999, FEILTC recommended to FEFC a high-level action plan to take the strategy forward. That plan was endorsed and two implementation task groups were set up with a remit to make detailed implementation proposals.
This report summarises the main recommendations of the two task groups to form an implementation plan. FEILTC formally advises the Council to accept this plan as an appropriate implementation route for the ILT development strategy
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