A long way to quality-driven pattern-based architecting

The relation between architectural patterns (or styles) and quality attributes has been widely addressed in the literature. However, the knowledge is fragmented over a wide range of heterogeneous studies. Our aim is to build a systematic body of knowledge to support architectural decision-making and design. If available, this knowledge helps architects in addressing quality requirements consciously and more explicitly, i.e. in quality-driven pattern-based design. In order to build that body of knowledge we carried out a systematic literature review. We identified 99 primary studies for the analysis. The resulting data shows a wide spectrum of approaches encompassing patterns and quality attributes. In this study we (1a) present in which way patterns and quality attributes interact and (1b) provide quantitative data on the frequency of appearance for both patterns and quality attributes; (2) give an overview of the approaches we elicited from the analysis; and (3) provide our insights regarding a specific challenge (combination of patterns). Our analysis is a first step toward a theory on the architectural patterns and quality attribute interaction

The identification of 100 ecological questions of high policy relevance in the UK

1. Evidence-based policy requires researchers to provide the answers to ecological questions that are of interest to policy makers. To find out what those questions are in the UK, representatives from 28 organizations involved in policy, together with scientists from 10 academic institutions, were asked to generate a list of questions from their organizations. 2. During a 2-day workshop the initial list of 1003 questions generated from consulting at least 654 policy makers and academics was used as a basis for generating a short list of 100 questions of significant policy relevance. Short-listing was decided on the basis of the preferences of the representatives from the policy-led organizations. 3. The areas covered included most major issues of environmental concern in the UK, including agriculture, marine fisheries, climate change, ecosystem function and land management. 4. The most striking outcome was the preference for general questions rather than narrow ones. The reason is that policy is driven by broad issues rather than specific ones. In contrast, scientists are frequently best equipped to answer specific questions. This means that it may be necessary to extract the underpinning specific question before researchers can proceed. 5. Synthesis and applications. Greater communication between policy makers and scientists is required in order to ensure that applied ecologists are dealing with issues in a way that can feed into policy. It is particularly important that applied ecologists emphasize the generic value of their work wherever possible. © 2006 The Authors