xDEVS: A toolkit for interoperable modeling and simulation of formal discrete event systems

Employing Modeling and Simulation (M&S) extensively to analyze and develop complex systems is the norm today. The use of robust M&S formalisms and rigorous methodologies is essential to deal with complexity. Among them, the Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) provides a solid framework for modeling structural, behavior and information aspects of any complex system. This gives several advantages to analyze and design complex systems: completeness, verifiability, extensibility, and maintainability. DEVS formalism has been implemented in many programming languages and executable on multiple platforms. In this paper, we describe the features of an M&S framework called xDEVS that builds upon the prevalent DEVS Application Programming Interface (API) for both modeling and simulation layers, promoting interoperability between the existing platform-specific (C++, Java, Python) DEVS implementations. Additionally, the framework can simulate the same model using sequential, parallel, or distributed architectures. The M&S engine has been reinforced with several strategies to improve performance, as well as tools to perform model analysis and verification. Finally, xDEVS also facilitates systems engineers to apply the vision of model-based systems engineering (MBSE), model-driven engineering (MDE), and model-driven systems engineering (MDSE) paradigms. We highlight the features of the proposed xDEVS framework with multiple examples and case studies illustrating the rigor and diversity of application domains it can support

Exploring External Leadership in Agile Software Development Teams and its Influence on Team Empowerment

Agile software development (ASD) practices are used in a variety of contexts nowadays, transforming not only IT departments but entire organizations. One of the preconditions for ASD to be successful is that the teams are empowered: they self-organize and act autonomously, thereby taking on traditional management tasks themselves. Hence, the role of traditional managers changes extensively to a more hands-off, enabling management style. With agile teams emerging in large numbers, organizations need to give guidance to external team leaders – managers without a designated position in an agile team – who struggle to find their role in the new environment. If those managers do not take part in the transformation or openly oppose ASD, it can negatively influence team performance. We propose a case study-based research design to develop a theoretical model on the interplay between agile teams and external team leaders and its influence on the teams’ empowerment

Community and School Involvement in Model Rocketry Instruction Including Suggestions for Efficient Model Rocket Construction

This paper presents the pilot-study of conducting model rocketry classes for parents and youth leaders as well as students and teachers to broaden involvement in aerospace education. Ideas gleaned from questionnaires, surveys, observations, and the review of literature were used to compile A Handbook of Tins for the Efficient Construction and Use of Model Rockets. A slide presentation illustrating school and community involvement in model rocketry was also developed. Recommendations included more model rocketry classes involving students and adults be offered and suggested that an appropriate organization publish and distribute the handbook and slide presentation

A Social Media Plan for the Ultimate Fighting Championship

Social media has revolutionized marketing and communication and has changed the way many organizations do business. In sports, it has facilitated fans getting closer to the action while allowing management to be strategic and more efficient with finite amount of resources. It has allowed sports to get in the business of “relationship marketing” (Gronroos, 2004). That is, when a game ends or a season comes to a close, social media allows for the fostering of long term relationships and continues to build a sense of community. The marriage of social media and relationship marketing cannot be overlooked. Whereas 30 years ago success at relationship marketing took huge amounts of labor, money and time, a well coordinated social media campaign can be launched with the click of a button

A dissemination methodology for learning and teaching developments through engaging and embedding

Dissemination of learning and teaching innovation in higher education requires approaches to change that are socially contextualised, dynamic and self-reflexive. This article, therefore, presents a methodology for dissemination employing an embedding heuristic and engaging in participatory action research. The embedding approach emphasises three organisational domains of action: first, the capacity of communities of practice and distributed leaders to generate organisational commitment and seed activities; second, formal and informal organisational policies and procedures that provide reciprocal processes for initiating and systematically sustaining curricular change; and, third, accessible resources, tools and databases that support implementation of innovation. The methodology is applicable for disseminating innovations beyond disciplinary silos across faculties, and more widely, potentially across universities and other institutions. Academic leaders, academic developers and others charged with facilitating pedagogical change may find this dissemination methodology applicable to embedding innovation in a range of domains, and as a useful heuristic for planning, diagnosis or evaluation

Effect of Leadership Style on Work Climate and Program Completion in Domiciliary Addiction Programs

Addiction leads to homelessness, AIDS, other health problems, crimes, financial burdens, family conflict and many social and psychological problems. Relapse rates remain very high in addiction programs and employees are frustrated by the poor response of clients to treatment and to the bureaucratic style of management often found in hospitals and clinics. Relapse rates are due to stress factors, respondent conditioning processes, and lack of focus on techniques of relapse prevention. One approach to overcoming the morale problem could be a more participatory style of management to improve the work climate. This study was completed in response to the lack of previous research in this area. Employees in 11 Veterans Affairs Domiciliary Addiction Programs completed the Work Environment Scale developed by Moos to measure stress in the work environment. The leadership behavior of the coordinators was measured with Yukl\u27s Managerial Practices Survey to determine levels of skills of participative management. Rates of program completion and program demographic data were also obtained. Seventy-three (72.3%) sets of responses were used in the analysis of data from eleven programs. The rate of program completion ranged from 62.5% to 85%. The MPS mean for each program ranged from 117.25 to 246.00. A one-way analysis of variance indicated that programs with higher scores on the MPS had higher program completion rates (F = 32.86, p =.003). The five programs with mean scores above 205 on the MPS and the six programs with mean scores below 184 were compared with their scores on the WES subscales. The following dimensions were statistically significant: involvement, comfort, autonomy, and supervisor support. There was no statistically significant difference in the subscales of innovation, clarity, task orientation and peer cohesion. The programs with lower scores on the MPS had higher scores on the subscales of work pressure and control. The analysis produced an F = 11.54 (p =.01) for work pressure and F = 25.10 (p =.007) for control. Results of this study supported the importance of using a participative management style to improve work climate and increase program effectiveness. Recommendations for further studies focused on organizational development and job redesign in health care to tap the unrealized potential of human resources. Future studies could be focused on successful reintegration of clients within the community since recovery is a social process