PEArL: a systems approach to demonstrating authenticity in information systems design

The process of information systems (IS) design has been dominated by the demands inherent in providing a technical solution to a perceived problem or need. Engineering IS design methods applied in order to satisfy the problem situation tend to have a preoccupation with verifying specifications as being mathematically correct. Diffculties arise when the ideas underpinning verification are extended in an attempt to ‘prove’ the validity of a proposed design for an IS. A pure engineering approach does not facilitate a response to the subjective elements within social situations, which experience has shown to be essential in demonstrating the pertinence of new designs to those concerned. We suggest that, by applying interpretivist systems ideas, it is possible to support concerned individuals in reflecting upon crucial aspects of the inquiry, enabling those individuals to judge the relevance or ‘authenticity’ of the learning, according to their own values and beliefs. The elements of participants, engagement, authority, relationships and learning are suggested as being crucial. These make up the mnemonic PEArL, which is offered as an aide-mémoire for those concerned with IS design

Web engineering – old wine in new bottles

Abstract. Modern Web applications are full-fledged, complex software systems. Therefore, the development of Web applications requires a methodologically sound engineering approach called Web Engineering. It is not clear, however, to which extent existing solutions from relevant areas, most notably software engineering can be reused as such for the development of Web applications and consequently, if Web Engineering is really a discipline on its own. This paper highlights the characteristics of Web application development as found in existing literature thus providing a prerequisite for analyzing the appropriateness of existing engineering solutions. The characteristics are categorized according to four dimensions, comprising the software product itself, its development, its use and evolution as a cross-cutting concern.

People-Centered Software Development: An Overview of Agile Methodologies

Abstract. This chapter gives an overview of agile software development processes and techniques. The first part of the chapter covers the major agile project management techniques with a focus on project planning. Iteration planning and interaction design approaches are given special focus. The second part of the chapter covers agile quality assurance with a focus on test-driven development and the state space of testing. Current problems in agile testing, including measuring test quality and testing applications with large state spaces, are discussed