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Formal specification based prototyping
Rapid prototyping is an approach to software development which attempts to remedy some of the shortcomings of the linear life cycle model, e.g. its inability to cope with fuzzy requirements and system evolution. This thesis first presents a broad survey of rapid software prototyping. It describes the rationale behind the process, the applications of prototyping, and specific techniques which may be used to achieve them.
We then describe a system, called EPROS, together with its methodology, which supports a number of prototyping techniques in a coherent framework. The system is comprehensive in its approach and covers the prototyping and development of both functional and human-computer interface aspects of software systems. The former is based on the execution of VDM-based formal specification notation META-IV; the latter is based on a textual representation of state transition diagrams. Dialogue development is further supported by a rich set of abstractions which allow interaction concepts to be specified and directly executed rather than implemented.
EPROS is based on a wide spectrum language which supports the main phases of a software development process, namely specification, design, and implementation. Included in this notation is a meta abstraction facility which facilitates its extension by the programmer.
The primary application of EPROS is for evolutionary prototyping, where a system is developed iteratively and gradually from the abstract to the detailed, while it undergoes use and while its capabilities evolve. EPROS copes with all the requirements of evolutionary prototyping, namely rapid development, intermediate deliveries and gradual evolution of the system towards the final product.
The thesis also describes a number of case studies where the presented ideas are put in practice, and which provide data in support of the effectiveness of the described system
A new model for the development of information systems
The most commonly used systems specification and design techniques in commercial
computing are described and compared; Information Engineering as proposed by James
Martin, A Framework for Information Definition-Muitiview proposed by Wood-Harper et al,
Real-world Modeling as described by Jackson, Structured Analysis and Design as In Demarco,
Yourdon and Constantine and Output-Oriented Structured Requirement Definition proposed by
Orr. In addition, system prototyping is discussed, including the role of prototyping in large
software development projects and as a tool for the design of human-computer interfaces.
Other areas described and discussed include decision support systems (DSS) and knowledge
based management support systems. The context is in the design and development
approaches for DSS, prototyping for DSS, expert system for DSS and the integration of DSS
and information system. The design and development of human-computer interface is also
discussed in relation to user Interface complexity and adaptive interfaces. Further, the
important issue of user involvement and support within the development process Is discussed.
Thus, weaknesses of current approaches to the system development process are identified and
a new model for the development of information system is proposed. In proposing the model,
data and functional analysis structured method and methodology for decision support systems
(DSS) development is presented including guidelines for the development of knowledge based
DSS. The new proposed model is put to test in the design, development and implementation of
large integrated commercial systems including DSS. Results and discussion on the use of the
model is reported with special consideration to the users' and developers' view of the model.
Finally the objectives of this research program are examined in relation to what has been
achieved during this program of research. The prospect of using the model for the
development of information systems are concluded with references to current and future goals