7 research outputs found
Special Theme of Research in Information Systems Analysis and Design -II. Data Modeling or Functional Modeling - Which Comes First? An Experimental Comparison
The software analysis process consists of two main activities: data modeling and functional modeling. While traditional development methodologies usually emphasize functional modeling via dataflow diagrams (DFDs), object-oriented (OO) methodologies emphasize data modeling via class diagrams. UML includes techniques for both data and functional modeling which are used in different methodologies in different ways and orders. This article is concerned with the ordering of modeling activities in the analysis stage. The main issue we address is whether it is better to create a functional model first and then a data model, or vice versa. We conduct a comparative experiment in which the two opposing orders are examined. We use the FOOM methodology as a platform for the experiment as it enables the creation of both a data model (a class diagram) and a functional model (hierarchical OO-DFDs), which are synchronized. The results of the experiment show that an analysis process that begins with data modeling provides better specifications than one that begins with functional modeling
Combining Diagrams to Enhance Understanding: Forging a Common Language for Different World Views
The Unified Modeling Language (UML) has become the de facto standard in object oriented systems design. It has, however, been subject to considerable criticism by analysts due to its complexity and inability to communicate complex systems models. This paper introduces ‘Modular UML,’ a modified presentation and communication format of the UML to more effectively understand multiple UML diagrams as a conceptual model of a complex system. The challenges modular UML are designed to address, the process of developing a modular UML set of exhibits, and an example are discussed
Process and Object Models in Software Engineering: A Study of Their Choice and Subsequent Use
This paper provides a research model to analyze how decisions relating to the choice of modeling approach are made in the context of software engineering and how behavioral variables account for the intention and actual use associated with conceptual modeling frameworks. Modeling approach refers to the part of system development that involves investigating the problems and requirements of the users community and from that, developing a specification of the desired system. To that extent the choice of the conceptual modeling approach is a function of the methodology adopted for the entire software development lifecycle. We consider two broad classes of methodologies – the process-oriented approach (also known as the structured approach) and the object-oriented approach. We formalize the question whether there is a difference between object-oriented and structured approaches when it comes to requirements modeling. Secondly, we study decisions processes regarding the adoption of either an object-oriented, structured or combination approaches
The engineering of an object-oriented software development methodology
EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo
A Business User Model-Driven Engineering Method for Developing Information Systems
This thesis is all about raising the level of abstraction at which information systems are built, using business end-users knowledge and MDE to achieve the result. The work intro- duces, first, Micro-Modelling Language (μML), a lightweight modelling language that is used to express basic structural and behavioural aspects of information systems using effectivily business-users knowledge of their desired system. Throughout the work, graphical notation and semantics for the language concepts are identified, providing a simpler and semantically cleaned modelling language than standard UML and other UML-based languages.
The work also proposes BUILD (Business-User Information-Led Development), an End- User MDE approach to support the construction of information systems using high-level specifications and accelerate the development process using layered model transformation and code generation. Throughout the thesis, a number of development phases and model transformation steps are identified to allow the low-level technical detail be introduced and developed automatically by rules, with less end-users engagement. Domain-Specific code generators, for generating executable Java Swing Applications code and MySQL script, are used to demonstrate the validity of the research
THE FERRY SERVICE OFFER AN ANALYSIS OF FERRY SERVICES OPERATING FROM AND WITHIN THE UNITED KINGDOM
The objective of this study is to investigate the market offer of passenger-car ferry services
within and from the United Kingdom. The study is approached from the pomt of view of the
provider of the ferry service offer. Initially, it seeks to analyse the existing ferry services
offered within and from the United Kingdom by the various operators, and subsequently
undertakes an empirical investigation based on the appropriate marketing and management
theory. The role of the consumer is, of course, crucial to an understanding of the marketing
of ferry services. However, this particular study focuses on the supply of the ferry offer, and
may be seen as complementary to earUer studies of ferry consumers and benefits sought. A
comparison of on-board facilities and services on 70 ferries operating in the UK in 1994
resulted in the development of a basehne model explaining differences between services
according to a wide range of criteria. This led to the development of a conceptual model of the
ferry service offer using concepts from services marketing and corporate culture theory. Using
cluster analysis it was concluded that the ferry service offer can be described in terms of
core, augmented, and inter-product levels. In addition to these three ferry service offer
levels the preferred service provider of each particular ferry service element has been
identified. Using multiple discriminant analysis it was concluded that the augmented ferry
service offer can be explained by differences among Miles & Snow corporate culture types
(prospectors, analysers, and defenders). Combining these results, this study provides an
explanation of the ferry service offer in terms of product level, preferred provider, and
dominant corporate culture, which should prove of both practical and theoretical value
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Software development performance in remote student teams in international computer science collaboration
Approximately two-thirds of software projects are late because project teams encounter challenges that threaten their success. In addition, many projects are developed using remote collaboration, due to pressure of time, distribution of expertise, and organisational constraints. In parallel, technology has developed that allows effective remote collaboration.The purpose of this research was to investigate what characterises high performance in software development in remote student teams. The data was drawn from the Runestone Project, which involved Swedish and American computer science students in international collaboration on a substantial software development project. Runestone gave students the opportunity to use different technologies for collaboration across time and distance, as well the chance to develop problem-solving experience with different cultures in a team-based environment.This research tracked the progress and changes in the entire electronic communication for 8 student teams identified as the 4 highest- and lowest- 4 performers in the 2000 presentation of Runestone. A set of categories was developed to characterise over 31,000 lines of communication, focusing on the amount and nature of communication for each team, and on decision-making patterns throughout the software development process. The research also looked at students' use of available communication technology.Results indicate that both communication and the process and timing of specific actions are crucial to a team's success. Teams communicated differently, with high performing groups communicating less. High performing teams were more organised in the way they conducted their meetings and work. The management of the software development process as a whole was crucial, as was leadership style. An effective use of the software development process can also mean that key decisions are made during the times in the software process where they will be most effective. This research has implications for remote collaboration in both education and industry