Reusability and Flexibility in Parametric Surface-based Models: A Review of Modelling Strategies

CAD systems are indispensable tools in the product design and development process. Through the creation of parametric 3D models,they increase productivity, enable the design of highly complex parts, improve collaboration between different work teams and reduce time to launch. Nevertheless, during the design process there are many different modelling solutions to generate any one part, and the robustness and flexibility of a model depends to a great extent on the experience of the designer. This dependence on individuals rather than methodologies has a negative impact on downstream engineering activities,as many models are not easily editable. Developing a methodology to produce flexibleand reusable 3D models is therefore key to reducing the design time of the product development process. In this paper,we review the state of the art with regardtoflexibility and reusability in parametric surface-based models. We identify gaps in the field and determine the principle aspects in CAD development workflows which influence flexibility and reusability. We aim to expand the field of knowledge and establish a foundation for future research into the development of a surface-based modelling methodology

A foundation for machine learning in design

This paper presents a formalism for considering the issues of learning in design. A foundation for machine learning in design (MLinD) is defined so as to provide answers to basic questions on learning in design, such as, "What types of knowledge can be learnt?", "How does learning occur?", and "When does learning occur?". Five main elements of MLinD are presented as the input knowledge, knowledge transformers, output knowledge, goals/reasons for learning, and learning triggers. Using this foundation, published systems in MLinD were reviewed. The systematic review presents a basis for validating the presented foundation. The paper concludes that there is considerable work to be carried out in order to fully formalize the foundation of MLinD

Assisting product line thinking and information sharing using a real-time visual tracking model for agile epics

The aim of this thesis is to understand and reduce repeated development of software artefacts, mainly in terms of the software components that are produced in the organization of Natural Resources Institute Finland. The thesis consists of a literature review around code reuse and the software product line method of building software. In the case study of the thesis, a visual model is added to the Jira environment of the organization of Natural Resources Institute Finland DIGI unit. The project workers associated with each project are interviewed both before and after the visual model was added. Through the results of the interviews, the study identifies improvements to understandability and presentability of projects. Suggesting that the addition of a graphical model for epics on a high abstraction level helps project workers increase information sharing within an organization, but more research is needed to understand and enable the technical impact of the model

Uncovering sustainability concerns in software product lines

Sustainable living, i.e., living within the bounds of the available environmental, social, and economic resources, is the focus of many present-day social and scientific discussions. But what does sustainability mean within the context of Software Engineering? In this paper we undertake a comprehensive analysis of 8 case studies to address this question within the context of a specific SE approach, Software Product Line Engineering (SPLE). We identify the sustainability-related characteristics that arise in present-day studies that apply SPLE. We conclude that technical and economic sustainability are in prime focus on the present SPLE practice, with social sustainability issues, where they relate to organisations, also addressed to a good degree. On the other hand, the issues related to the personal sustainability are less prominent, and environmental considerations are nearly completely amiss. We present feature models and cross-relations that result from our analysis as a starting point for sustainability engineering through SPLE, suggesting that any new development should consider how these models would be instantiated and expanded for the intended socio-technical system. The good representation of sustainability features in these models is also validated with two additional case studies

Communicative Agents for Software Development

Software engineering is a domain characterized by intricate decision-making processes, often relying on nuanced intuition and consultation. Recent advancements in deep learning have started to revolutionize software engineering practices through elaborate designs implemented at various stages of software development. In this paper, we present an innovative paradigm that leverages large language models (LLMs) throughout the entire software development process, streamlining and unifying key processes through natural language communication, thereby eliminating the need for specialized models at each phase. At the core of this paradigm lies ChatDev, a virtual chat-powered software development company that mirrors the established waterfall model, meticulously dividing the development process into four distinct chronological stages: designing, coding, testing, and documenting. Each stage engages a team of agents, such as programmers, code reviewers, and test engineers, fostering collaborative dialogue and facilitating a seamless workflow. The chat chain acts as a facilitator, breaking down each stage into atomic subtasks. This enables dual roles, allowing for proposing and validating solutions through context-aware communication, leading to efficient resolution of specific subtasks. The instrumental analysis of ChatDev highlights its remarkable efficacy in software generation, enabling the completion of the entire software development process in under seven minutes at a cost of less than one dollar. It not only identifies and alleviates potential vulnerabilities but also rectifies potential hallucinations while maintaining commendable efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The potential of ChatDev unveils fresh possibilities for integrating LLMs into the realm of software development.Comment: 25 pages, 9 figures, 2 table

Paradigmatic CRM Approach: A Panacea to Sales Depression in Health Care Industry in Nigeria

In the health care business environment ranking, Nigeria is found towards the bottom of the table featuring fourteen key countries in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.  While Nigeria continues to be considered one of the least attractive markets in the region, its potential beyond forecast period is relatively considerable, given the sheer population size and its high disease burden.  Nigeria’s healthcare market is forecast to grow to US$1.27 billion in 2012, thus more than doubling 2007 figure of US$596 million.  Paradigmatic CRM Approach could be a panacea to the sales depression in Healthcare Industry in Nigeria, as it represents the most profound and exciting sales opportunities in businesses today.  The regression factor score result of this study indicates satisfied significance effect of the independent variables of CRM at p = 0.05 level of significance and a corresponding value of F = 129.925.  This suggests that cross-disciplinary teams should be established from the initiation of the planning stages for CRM that require IT and sales managers to work together as well as other functional players like marketing, accounting and sales support. Keywords: Strategic Alliance; Competitive Environment; Salesforce Automation; Sales Volume Analysis; Interactive Marketing; Environmental Scanning; Strategic Window; Strategic Business Units