Active meta-process models: a conceptual exposition

The difficult and complex interactions between an organisation and its Information and Communications Technology (ICT) systems have presented process modelling research with a very fundamental challenge. From these concerns has emerged the concept of the active meta-process model. This sets out a conceptual basis for understanding the organisation/ICT relationship, and has the potential to influence ICT developments. The central concern of this paper is to develop the theoretical grounding of the idea of the active meta-process model. This concept has its lineage in process modelling research. Fundamentally, it is concerned with the relationship between organisations and ICT systems and, in particular, the notion that ICT systems should be viewed as providing an active canvas supporting the organisation. A conceptual exposition is developed by reference to cybernetic theory through the Viable System Model. The paper advocates an holistic and systemic approach to the comprehension and realisation of the ICT/organisational relationship which necessarily requires (a) an understanding of all of the behaviours of an organisation (including specifically the meta behaviours) and (b) a systemic and architectural view of how ICT systems should be formed in order to address the needs of organisations as systems. The outcome of this is a superior conceptual grounding for the notion of active meta-process models, and insights into how the concept might influence practice.     

Some thoughts on systems integration: A conceptual framework

This article presents a conceptual framework for systems integration in the area of computing systems. The framework identifies a hierarchical structure of concepts and methods that allows us to discuss the different elements of systems integration. The kernel of this approach is the concept of an integration architecture, specifying the general layout of the integration framework. Such an integration architecture is based on enabling technologies, like networking, and forms the basis for global integration activities. These global integration activities are targeted to preserve a common universe of discourse for the user of the integrated architecture and to agree upon a conceptual model of the application domain. Based on these prerequisites, two models for managing the process of systems integration, the post factor approach and the phased top-down approach, are discussed.     

Function and process modeling for integrated product and manufacturing system platforms

Manufacturing companies face increasingly tougher individual customer requirements that force them to revise conceptual solutions for the redesigning of products. This situation limits the reuse of ready-made components and requires physical changes to the manufacturing system. In these settings, platforms must be prepared with greater flexibility to allow development over time. The corresponding platform models need to include conceptual considerations for products and manufacturing systems. The literature advocates functional modeling to capture these considerations but applies it separately to either the product domain or to the manufacturing domain. Further, its relationship to manufacturing processes is not expounded. Thus, functional modeling falls short of its potential to facilitate the integrated development of products and manufacturing systems.This paper puts forth an integrated platform model using functional modeling to capture the conceptual considerations for products and manufacturing systems together with the manufacturing processes. The model is tested for consistency and then illustrated by studying a real case example from the automotive industry modeled according to the approach suggested. The example shows that the model facilitates an understanding of the design of products and their manufacturing systems, including functions shared across domains and across lifecycle phases. Thus, the model is proposed for the conceptual phase of designing, aimed at reusing and redesigning components, machinery, manufacturing processes and design solutions.     

Learning adaptivity in support of flipped learning: An ontological problem‐solving approach

In recent years, flipped learning has received tremendous attention from educational practitioners and researchers. However, this study argues that existing e‐learning systems mainly serve for learning management and content delivery purposes, although they lack support for flipped learning. As an innovative educational approach, flipped learning requires more pedagogical elements, such as integrated instructional design and adaptive content delivery, to achieve effective direct instruction. This study aims to create a learning adaptivity design to support effective learning in the flipped individual learning space in which the teacher is absent. Because teaching involves various pedagogical and content knowledge sources, we propose a conceptual model of teaching as a function of the knowledge triad of Guideline (G), Teaching Activity (T), and Material (M). To realize this conceptualization, an ontological problem‐solving approach is used for knowledge‐based systems development to integrate the relevant knowledge sources. The knowledge model is created using the Protégé platform to develop OWL‐based domain ontology, task ontology, and SWRL‐based semantic rules to enable inference in the GTM triad for learning adaptivity. The case illustration shows that the knowledge‐based system prototype can adaptively guide student learning in the flipped individual learning space with the knowledge sources integrated.     

Computer-aided embodiment design through the hybridization of mono objective optimizations for efficient innovation process

Current product lifecycle management (PLM) systems properly support the development of a product from the embodiment design stage to detail design and manufacturing phases; on the contrary, marginal support is provided to the earliest stages of conceptual design. Besides, the front end of product development is supported by an emerging technology, namely computer-aided innovation systems (CAI), which nevertheless are still poorly integrated with the following phases of the design process. The paper presents an original computer-based approach aimed at supporting embodiment design phases, which results very efficient for improving the interoperability of CAI and PLM systems and thus at extending the domain of application of these tools. The potential of the approach proposed by the authors is clarified through three exemplary case studies.     

MND-SCEMP: an empirical study of a software cost estimation modeling process in the defense domain

The primary focus of weapon systems research and development has moved from a hardware base to a software base and the cost of software development is increasing gradually. An accurate estimation of the cost of software development is now a very important task in the defense domain. However, existing models and tools for software cost estimation are not suitable for the defense domain due to problems of accuracy. Thus, it is necessary to develop cost estimation models that are appropriate to specific domains. Furthermore, most studies of methodology development are aligned with generic methodologies that do not consider the pertinent factors to specific domains, whereas new methodologies should reflect specific domains. In this study, we apply two generic methodologies to the development of a software cost estimation model, before suggesting an integrated modeling process specifically for the national defense domain. To validate our proposed modeling process, we performed an empirical study of 113 software development projects on weapon systems in Korea. A software cost estimation model was developed by applying the proposed modeling process. The MMRE value of this model was 0.566 while the accuracy was appropriate for use. We conclude that the modeling process and software cost estimation model developed in this study is suitable for estimating resource requirements during weapon system development in South Korea’s national defense domain. This modeling process and model may facilitate more accurate resource estimation by project planners, which will lead to more successful project execution.     

System integration by developing adapters using a database abstraction

ContextLarge software systems are usually developed by integrating several smaller systems, which may have been developed independently. The integration of such systems often requires the development of a custom adapter (sometimes called mediator or glue logic) for bridging any technical incompatibilities between the systems.Adapter development often focuses on how to respond to events from the external interfaces, e.g., by applying data conversions and performing events on (other) external interfaces. Such an operational focus is closely related to an implementation of the adapter, but it makes it complicated to reason about complex adapters. For example, it requires a lot of effort to understand the relation that the adapter establishes between the systems to be integrated, and to avoid any internal inconsistencies.ObjectiveThis article investigates a way to develop adapters in terms of a more abstract, model-based specification. Experts from the application domain should be able to reason about the specification, and the specification should contain enough details to generate an implementation.MethodBased on a few industrial adapters from the domain of Maritime Safety and Security, we study ways to specify them conveniently, and ways to generate them efficiently. On this basis, we identify an approach for developing adapters. In turn, this approach is validated using an additional set of adapters.ResultsAfter abstracting from the details of the interface technologies, the studied adapters could be generated using techniques for incremental view maintenance. This requires an adapter specification in terms of database views to relate the main semantic concepts in the application domain.ConclusionFor developing adapters, it can be useful to model all interface technologies as database operations. Thus adapters can be specified using database views, which improve the conceptual understanding of the adapters. Publish/subscribe-style adapters can then be generated using incremental view maintenance.     

Integration of complex archeology digital libraries: An ETANA-DL experience

In this paper, we formalize the digital library (DL) integration problem and propose an overall approach based on the 5S (streams, structures, spaces, scenarios, and societies) framework. We then apply that framework to integrate domain-specific (archeological) DLs, illustrating our solutions for key problems in DL integration. An integrated Archeological DL, ETANA-DL, is used as a case study to justify and evaluate our DL integration approach. More specifically, we develop a minimal metamodel for archeological DLs within the 5S theory. We implement the 5SSuite tool set to cover the process of union DL generation, including requirements gathering, conceptual modeling, rapid prototyping, and code generation. 5SSuite consists of 5SGraph, 5SGen, and SchemaMapper, each of which plays an important role in DL integration. We also propose an approach to integrated DLs based on the 5S formalism, which provides a systematic method to design and implement DL exploring services.     

Integration of DFDs into a UML-based Model-driven Engineering Approach

The main aim of this article is to discuss how the functional and the object-oriented views can be inter-played to represent the various modeling perspectives of embedded systems. We discuss whether the object-oriented modeling paradigm, the predominant one to develop software at the present time, is also adequate for modeling embedded software and how it can be used with the functional paradigm. More specifically, we present how the main modeling tool of the traditional structured methods, data flow diagrams, can be integrated in an object-oriented development strategy based on the unified modeling language. The rationale behind the approach is that both views are important for modeling purposes in embedded systems environments, and thus a combined and integrated model is not only useful, but also fundamental for developing complex systems. The approach was integrated in a model-driven engineering process, where tool support for the models used was provided. In addition, model transformations have been specified and implemented to automate the process. We exemplify the approach with an IPv6 router case study.This article is an extension of two papers [1,2] published in the proceedings of IEEE International Conference and Workshop on the Engineering of Computer Based Systems (ECBS 2004).     

Integration framework for intelligent manufacturing processes

In this article, we describe a new approach to applying distributed artificial intelligence techniques to manufacturing processes. The construction of intelligent systems is one of the most important techniques among artificial intelligence research. Our goal is to develop an integrated intelligent system for real time manufacturing processes. An integrated intelligent system is a large knowledge integration environment that consists of several symbolic reasoning systems (expert systems) and numerical computation packages. These software programs are controlled by a meta-system which manages the selection, operation and communication of these programs. A meta-system can be implemented in different language environments and applied to many disciplines. This new architecture can serve as a universal configuration to develop high performance intelligent systems for many complicated industrial applications in real world domains.To whom all correspondence should be addressed.     

Business Processes Verification for e-Government Service Delivery

Domain experts knowledge represents a major source of information in the design and the development of user-centric and distributed service-based applications, such as those of e-government. Issues related both to the communication among domain and IT experts, and to the implementation of domain dependent requirements in service-based applications, have to be carefully considered to support both Public Administrations efficiency and citizen satisfaction. In this article, we provide as user-friendly approach toward business process assessment via formal verification. Starting from a semi-formal notation, well understood and largely used by domain experts, we provide a mapping to a formal specification in the form of a process algebra. This transformation makes possible formal and automatic verification of desired quality requirements. The approach has been already applied, with encouraging results, in the e-government domain to verify the quality of business processes related to the delivery of e-government digital services to citizens. Moreover, the approach is supported by a plug-in for the Eclipse platform permitting to have an integrated environment in which to design the process model and to assess its quality.     

基于系统思维的软件安全性需求开发框架

糟糕的软件需求是导致安全性关键系统发生灾难性事故的最主要原因。为解决需求开发问题,建构了一个系统建模与系统分析相结合、基于系统思维的软件安全性需求开发框架。针对系统模型的特定等级特定领域,提出了集成安全性分析的需求开发方法。该方法既能最大限度地约束安全性需求缺陷,防止其向同一分析等级内的其它领域或下一分析等级传播,并尽早重新生成安全性需求,又能够不断生成证据,支持安全性论据的构建。     

On the combination of top-down and bottom-up methodologies for the design of coordination mechanisms in self-organising systems

In resource-flow systems, e.g. production lines, agents are processing resources by applying capabilities to them in a given order. Such systems benefit from self-organization as they become easier to manage and more robust against failures. In this paper, we demonstrate the conception of a decentralized coordination process for resource-flow systems and its integration into an agent-based software system. This process restores a system’s functionality after a failure by propagating information about the error through the system until a fitting agent is found that is able to perform the required function. The mechanism has been designed by combining a top-down design approach for self-organizing resource-flow system and a systemic development framework for the development of decentralized, distributed coordination processes. Using the latter framework, a process is designed and integrated in a system realization that follows the former conceptual model. Evaluations of convergence as well as performance of the mechanism and the required amount of redundancy of the system are performed by simulations.     

TEx-Sys model for building intelligent tutoring systems

Special classes of asynchronous e-learning systems are the intelligent tutoring systems which represent an advanced learning and teaching environment adaptable to individual student’s characteristics. Authoring shells have an environment that enables development of the intelligent tutoring systems. In this paper we present, in entirety, for the first time, our approach to research, development and implementation related to intelligent tutoring systems and ITS authoring shells. Our research relies on the traditional intelligent tutoring system, the consideration that teaching is control of learning and principles of good human tutoring in order to develop the Tutor–Expert System model for building intelligent tutoring systems in freely chosen domain knowledge. In this way we can wrap up an ongoing process that has lasted for the previous fifteen years. Prototype tests with the implemented systems have been carried out with students from a primary education to an academic level. Results of those tests are advantageous, according to surveys, and the implemented and deployed software satisfies functionalities and actors’ demands.     

面向测试的构件系统模型及测试用例生成方法

随着面向构件的软件开发方法的广泛应用,构件系统的描述和测试成为保证软件质量的关键所在。由于构件系统的复杂性和开发方法的特殊性,用传统方法对构件系统进行集成测试往往面对很多困难。提出了一种改进的面向测试的构件描述模型,称为TCSM,它着重对构件系统中的构件间的交互和约束进行了动态描述,为构件系统集成测试阶段的功能测试和边界测试等提供了大量可用信息。在此基础上,进一步提出一种把TCSM转换成测试模型的方法,以UML协作图模型为原型,实现了构件系统从描述模型到测试模型的自动转换。最后,实现了一种在所产生的测试模型上自动生成测试用例的算法。TCSM更好地描述了构件的交互行为信息,进一步实现了系统的自动化测试,减少了通常需要在构件系统搭建完成后,针对测试对系统手工建立测试模型的工作,提高了构件系统开发的效率和可靠性。     

Multidisciplinary interface model for design of mechatronic systems

The design of mechatronic systems is based on the integration of several disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical and software engineering. How to achieve an integrated multidisciplinary design during the development process of mechatronic systems has attracted the attention of both academia and industry. However, solutions which can fully solve this problem have not been proposed by now. The concept of multidisciplinary interface represents the logical or physical relationship integrating the components of the mechatronic system or the components with their environment. As the design of mechatronic systems is a multidisciplinary work, the multidisciplinary interface model can be considered as one of the most effective supports to aid designers for achieving the integrated multidisciplinary design during the development process. The paper presents a multidisciplinary interface model for design of mechatronic systems in order to enable the multidisciplinary integration among design team members from different disciplines. On the one hand, the proposed model ensures the consistency of interface defined by the designers. On the other hand, it helps the designers to guarantee the different components integrate correctly. The interface model including three concepts: classification, data model and compatibility rules. The multidisciplinary interface model is implemented by a case study based on a 3D measurement system.     

Combining natural language with direct manipulation: the conceptual framework for a hybrid human-computer interface

This paper describes the development of a conceptual model of an interaction system for future human-computer interaction. It is suggested that an integrated system is the most promising solution for diverse users and tasks. A ' hybrid interaction system' is considered, which tries to efficiently direct manipulation, menu selection, and natural language. The mechanism of the natural language interface module is described in more detail. Finally, the allocation of functionalities for generalized tasks on the conceptual model is considered from the taxonomic approach.     

Specifying information systems for business process integration – A management perspective*

Supply chain management and customer relationship management are concepts for optimizing the provision of goods to customers. Information sharing and information estimation are key tools used to implement these two concepts. The reduction of delivery times and stock levels can be seen as the main managerial objectives of an integrative supply chain and customer relationship management. To achieve this objective, business processes need to be integrated along the entire supply chain including the end consumer. Information systems form the backbone of any business process integration. The relevant information system architectures are generally well-understood, but the conceptual specification of information systems for business process integration from a management perspective, remains an open methodological problem. To address this problem, we will show how customer relationship management and supply chain management information can be integrated at the conceptual level in order to provide supply chain managers with relevant information. We will further outline how the conceptual management perspective of business process integration can be supported by deriving specifications for enabling information system from business objectives. This work has been funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung), record no. 01HW0196.     

Integrated Modeling Systems

This paper examines in some detail the concept of an integrated modeling system. It distinguishes three main types of integration: model integration, solver integration, and integration of various utilities. Model integration is further divided into four subtypes based on a four-level model abstraction hierarchy: specific models, model classes, modeling paradigms, and modeling traditions. The paper then goes on to consider how structured modeling supports the various types of integration. The overall conclusion is that structured modeling offers an attractive approach to the design of integrated modeling systems.