An Experiment: The Optimal Number of Participants for the Usability Testing of Mobile Apps

Mobile applications (apps) are being released rapidly with the development of smart devices. Usability is a critical success factor and it is essential to conduct usability tests before launching mobile apps. The aim of this research was to find the optimal number of participants for the usability testing of mobile apps. This research involved conducting 4 rounds of usability tests using representatives of the users of a mobile app “JB-Career-Connect”, which provides a platform for establishing direct connection between graduating students and employers. Each of the testing rounds had different number of participants. Our test results show that 2 testers detected 16% of the usability issues; 5 testers detected 36% of the usability issues; while 9 and 12 testers each detected 64% of the usability issues. 9 testers appear to be more cost-effective since they performed well in other usability metrics. Our research provides evidence that 9 testers is the optimal number of participants required for testing the usability of mobile apps

Three Levels of Agile Planning in a Software Vendor Environment

There is a misconception that agile development requires minimal planning effort. In reality, an agile approach for market-driven software development requires highly disciplined, reliable, and accurate planning practices to swiftly plan and develop high value innovations in a software vendor environment. This study investigated a highly successful international software vendor based in Melbourne, Australia to provide a case study on agile planning practices. Five planning practices which were identified underlay successful agile software development for software vendors. These planning practices were driven by agile concepts such as adaptation, self-organizing, cross-functional collaboration, and empowerment/delegation. We constructed a conceptual framework for agile planning practices APP (agile planning practices) Framework illustrating the three levels of agile planning

Scaling Agile at the Program Level in an Australian Software Vendor Environment: A Case Study

Japanese ICT investment trailed the developed world for many decades, contributing to low productivity growth. A potential root cause is the influence of Japanese culture over the strategic use of and investment in ICT (SUIICT). Empirical research on cultural aspects of SUIICT in Japan is lacking. This study will examine national culture and its association with SUIICT in organisations in Japan compared to Australia. A quantitative survey of ICT decision makers in Japanese and Australian organisations will be fielded based on questions synthesized from McFarlan, McKenney and Pyburn (The Strategic Grid), and Hofstede and Minkov (Cultural Dimensions Model). A contribution to theory will be the development and testing of an empirical model and practical instrument for determining the association between national culture and SUIICT. A practical contribution will be an increase in understanding of both markets allowing for more effective market segmentation and development of ICT offerings for both countries

Mini Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAV) - A Review of the Parameters for Classification of a Mini UAV.

In the recent years, Mini Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has generated a lot of interest both in military and civilian applications. Contemporary innovations have seen the entry of Mini UAV into a wide range of hitherto fore unexplored domains. Advancement in computer systems, miniaturisation of electronics, artificial intelligence and composite materials is propelling the development of Mini UAV. Mini UAV is a class of UAV within the large family of unmanned systems categorised by a set of parameters. However, there are glaring inconsistencies and lack of uniformity in specifying the parameters which define a Mini UAV. The paper explores the factors which define a Mini UAV to establish itself as a distinct class. Based on the review of the recent literature and various manufacturer’s data of Mini UAVs, both fixed-wing and rotary-wing, categorisation of Mini UAV have been analysed considering functional requirements of operating altitude, endurance, operating range, maximum take-off weight and size

Burn out and depression in paramedical workers of tertiary care hospital during COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Medical/paramedical professionals are prone to various behavioral disorders due to work pressure. The aim of the study was to evaluate burnout and depression in paramedical workers of a tertiary care hospital during COVID-19.Methods: Paramedical health care workers were assessed using online questionnaire containing self-administered questionnaire in this cross-sectional study between March 2021 and May 2021. Burnout self-test, depression, and anxiety were measured.Results: In this study, only 2.6% had at very severe risk of burnout and 7.8% were at severe risk of burnout while 3.9% had no signs of burnout. Approximately 80% of the patients had no depression. While there were 19.5% had mild to severe depression. Only eight out of 77 subjects had clinically significant symptoms of anxiety. Two subjects were having comorbid illness.Conclusions: A considerable percentage of HCWs experience burnout, depression, and anxiety

Better, Not More Expensive, Faster? The Perceived Effects of Pair Programming in Survey Data

There are many different techniques used with agile software development methods. Some of these, such as common coding guidelines and test driven development, are widely adopted and there appears to be a consensus that they can be beneficial. Others, however, are more controversial, none more so perhaps than pair programming. This technique meets resistance both from developers, who do not always wish to program with another person, and from managers, who see the sharing of a workstation as a potential barrier to programmer productivity. Its supporters, however, claim that it can have many benefits, in particular improving software quality. In this paper we look at the outcomes of previous research into the effects of pair programming and analyse some survey data to see how practitioners perceive its potential benefits for project outcomes in terms of quality, productivity, stakeholder satisfaction and cost. We conclude that the survey data appears to reinforce many of the previous claims made for the benefits of pair programming, but also raises questions that need further investigation

Agility practices for software development: an investigation of agile organization concepts

In the context of agile software development in New Zealand and Australia, this paper examines the organizational agility related practices with agile software development. The paper looks at agile software development practices in established software development teams and proposes further practices based on organizational agility concepts that can support the agile software development manifesto. With a focus on the organizational agility for agile software development, this study adds to the limited body of research into theories for agile software development. The survey method is used in in conjunction with partial least squares (PLS) method to examine the organizational agility practices that best support agile software development. Based on eight organizational agility concept related practices for agile software development are proposed and validated through this process. Our findings suggest that, knowledge management, organizational culture, organizational learning, competencies, responsiveness, speed, team effort, and workforce agility are vital elements for achieving software development agility

Sporogenesis in bacteria: a study of techniques

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1963 M45Master of Scienc

Thermoelastic effects of the elements in compression

M.S

Influence of Auxins on Rooting Efficacy in Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) Cuttings

Effect of various auxins (IBA, IAA and NAA) on different types of cuttings was investigated to determine efficacy of auxins in promoting rooting in carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.). Auxin and type of cutting significantly affected rooting traits. NAA was found to be more effective in promoting early rooting and inducing profuse rooting, root number, fresh and dry weight of roots and longer roots. Among the auxins used, earliest rooting (18.69 days), highest rooting percentage (58.70 %), number of roots (13.18), root length (12.26 cm), and, highest fresh and dry weight of roots (4.93g and 45.08 mg), respectively, were obtained with NAA @ 500 ppm. Tip cuttings responded better in rooting-characteristic of carnation - than basal cuttings, and recorded highest rooting percentage (73.02 %) and number of roots (12.25), longest roots (10.04cm) and maximum fresh and dry weight of roots (4.27 g and 43.19 mg), respectively. Interaction effect of auxin and cutting type was found to the significant, and highest rooting percentage, (85.26%), number of roots (18.36), longest roots (14.81cm), and highest fresh and dry weight of roots (6.85g and 68.02mg), respectively, observed with NAA @ 500 ppm in tip cuttings