Australian Computer Society: ACS Digital Library
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Discourse Strategies Model: an initial phase for discovery of the fact-based statements from descriptive texts
Get PDFFact-based conceptual modelling approaches seek, as one goal, to express detail about a universe of discourse (UoD) as elementary declarative statements, generalised from collections of data. A further resource available to the systems analyst, as the fact-modeller, is to discover fact-based statements from descriptive natural language information systems specifications. However, such extant formalised approaches as exist, that can assist the fact based analyst to process textual resources, are incomplete. This paper proposes a discourse strategies model, for use as an initial process for the fact-based analyst processing descriptive text. The model is synthesised from extant linguistic and fact-based modelling approaches represented in literature. The model proposed is exercised using an example descriptive text
Realising Requirements in Product - Line Development Using O-O Frameworks (Invited Position Paper)
No full textAn existing, rapidly evolving strategy for realizing requirements in product line development is described. The position taken and the proposed new directions are based on our substantial experience in building and using O-O frameworks. Important new directions include the use of hooks to encapsulate product-line requirements and the management of requirements using a hook evolution model and experience base construction. It is also proposed that requirements traceability can be supported in an obvious manner by following prescribed processes for product development that are based on enacting hooks
The Origin of the Year 2000 Date Problem: an alternative hypothesis
Get PDFThis paper aims to identify the primary origin of the year 2000 date problem, in which many computer-based systems may fail because they cannot correctly interpret two-digit year dates which lie in and after the year 2000. The paper proposes a hypothesis within a cultural anthropological framework that the fundamental origin of the problem lay in a pre-existing, commonplace norm of Western culture - the pervasive use of two-digit year dates. This cultural practice set Western society on a collision course with the technology of the future. The cultural norm underpinned and influenced the actions taken within the IT industry from the 1960s onwards, which laid the physical foundation for the problem
An Integrated, Probabilistic Framework for Requirement Change Impact Analysis
Get PDFImpact analysis is an essential part of change management. Without adequate analysis it is not possible to confidently determine the extent, complexity and cost of proposed changes to a software system. This diminishes the ability of a developer or maintainer to make informed decisions regarding the inclusion or rejection of proposed changes. The lack of coherent impact analysis can also hinder the process of ensuring that all system components affected by a change are updated. The abstract nature of requirement level entities has meant that current impact analysis techniques have focused largely on design and code level artifacts. This paper proposes a novel approach which integrates traditional impact analysis with experience based techniques to extend current approaches to support requirement level impact analysis. Central to this approach is the use of probability to assist in the combination and presentation of predicted impact propagation paths. An Auto Teller Machine (ATM) example is used to illustrate the approach
Refinement of Research Surveying in Software Methodologies by Analogy: finding your patch
Get PDFTo enhance research surveying in software methodologies, a model is introduced that can indicate field maturity based on vocabulary and relevant literature. This model is developed by drawing analogies with software methodologies. Two analogies are used: software models and software life cycles or processes. How this model can reduce research surveying problems for researchers is described using extracts from application results as examples. Although the model does support research surveying activities, it cannot choose the subject for the researcher
Advances and Research Directions in Data-Warehousing Technology
Get PDFInformation is one of the most valuable assets of an organisation and when used properly can assist in intelligent decision making that can significantly improve the functioning of an organisation. Data Warehousing is a recent technology that allows information to be easily and efficiently accessed for decision-making activities by collecting data from many operational, legacy and possibly heterogeneous data sources. On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) tools are well-suited for complex data analysis, such as multi-dimensional data analysis, and to assist in decision support activities while data mining tools take the process one step further and actively search the data for patterns and hidden knowledge in the data held in the warehouse. Many organisations are building, or are planning to develop, a data warehouse for their operational and decision support needs. In this paper, we present an overview of data warehousing, multi-dimensional databases, OLAP and data mining technology and discuss the directions of current research in the area. We also discuss recent developments in data warehouse modelling, view selection and maintenance, indexing schemes, parallel query processing and data mining issues. A number of technical issues for exploratory research are presented and possible solutions are also discussed
Business Students' Perceptions of Electronic Commerce - Will They Join the Revolution?
Get PDFThe dramatic impact of Electronic Commerce (EC) is attracting much attention, most of which is directed towards emerging Internet technology. However, it is generally acknowledged that it will take a few more years before EC becomes mainstream. The perceptions of business students, the future business leaders, on the promises and perils of EC are therefore vital. Our research indicated that they believe that the capabilities of the Internet for marketing and distribution are achieved to a greater extent than those for accounting and finance. The use of digital money appears to be still unrealistic in their opinion. Their main concern is for the insecurity of EC in such areas as computer viruses, theft of information, and unauthorised access to data by intruders. As a consequence, the trust the students currently have in EC is relatively low. However, they are optimistic about future prospects of EC, which they perceive will significantly improve over the next few years
Integrating IS and HCI Using Activity Theory as a Philosophical and Theoretical Basis
Get PDFThe fields of Information Systems (IS) and Human Computer Interaction (HCI) are both multidisciplinary in nature and each is searching for an identity as a legitimate discipline in its own right, with a firm theoretical basis. Activity Theory offers a set of concepts, structures and terms which are eminently suited to both fields. It has its origins in the cultural historical psychology of Russia, and avoids the dichotomies between thought and action, and between individuals and society, that are prevalent in western thinking.
This paper describes the basic principles of Activity Theory as they apply to IS and HCI, with particular emphasis on those systems which provide knowledge about the progress of their organisation to senior managers. Activity Theory principles will be used in a longitudinal case study to analyse an extensive project which attempted, with limited success, to produce management support systems in an organisation. The Activity Theory analysis indicates that an integrated IS and HCI approach would have improved the outcomes of this project
A Generative Approach for Building Database Federations
Get PDFA comprehensive, specification-based approach for building database federations is introduced that supports an integrated ODMG2.0 conforming access to heterogeneous data sources seamlessly done in C++.
The approach is centered around several generators. A first set of generators produce ODMG adapters for local sources in order to homogenize them. Each adapter represents an ODMG view and supports the ODMG manipulation and querying. The adapters can be plugged into a federation framework. Another generator produces an homogeneous and uniform view by putting an ODMG conforming federation layer on top of the adapters.
Input to these generators are schema specifications. Schemata are defined in corresponding specification languages. There are languages to homogenize relational and object-oriented databases, as well as ordinary file systems. Any specification defines an ODMG schema and relates it to an existing data source. An integration language is then used to integrate the schemata and to build system-spanning federated views thereupon.
The generative nature provides flexibility with respect to schema modification of component databases. Any time a schema changes, only the specification has to be adopted; new adapters are generated automaticall
Using QFD to Tame Wicked Information System's Requirements
Get PDFThis paper argues that information system's requirements can be in tension with both themselves and the context to which they apply. The tensions act as limiters on our ability to deliver effective information systems. In the paper we describe examples of such limiters. The paper then presents a response to this problem in the form of Quality Function Deployment and calls for a more systems oriented view of information systems development, which though not capable of removing the ceiling, is capable, in principle, of engineering best compromises. A case study is used to illustrate the application of QFD to the specification of information system's requirements