Hipikat: a project memory for software development

Sociological and technical difficulties, such as a lack of informal encounters, can make it difficult for new members of noncollocated software development teams to learn from their more experienced colleagues. To address this situation, we have developed a tool, named Hipikat that provides developers with efficient and effective access to the group memory for a software development project that is implicitly formed by all of the artifacts produced during the development. This project memory is built automatically with little or no change to existing work practices. After describing the Hipikat tool, we present two studies investigating Hipikat's usefulness in software modification tasks. One study evaluated the usefulness of Hipikat's recommendations on a sample of 20 modification tasks performed on the Eclipse Java IDE during the development of release 2.1 of the Eclipse software. We describe the study, present quantitative measures of Hipikat's performance, and describe in detail three cases that illustrate a range of issues that we have identified in the results. In the other study, we evaluated whether software developers who are new to a project can benefit from the artifacts that Hipikat recommends from the project memory. We describe the study, present qualitative observations, and suggest implications of using project memory as a learning aid for project newcomers.     

软件研发中的项目质量管理过程研究

重点介绍了软件研发中的项目质量管理知识体系,涉及软件质量计划编制、软件质量保证、软件质量控制等过程。     

CG-SQL: a front-end language for conceptual graph knowledge bases

Conceptual Graph (CG) knowledge bases can be queried only by means of goals. We show that some conventional operators (projection, selection, union, cartesian product) cannot be expressed unless a set of rules is added to the knowledge base prior to the inference, which is highly inconvenient. Therefore, we propose an algebra and a declarative SQL-like language for the CG model, which permits the expression of complex queries with the above four operators, leaving the knowledge base unchanged. We prove that CG-SQL is complete with respect to safe sets of rules and that queries are decidable if no unsafe rules are present in the knowledge base.     

Bridging objects and relations: a mediator for an OO front-end to RDBMSs

An object-oriented paradigm is established as the leading approach for developing non-traditional applications, such as GIS or multimedia systems. On the other hand, relational databases have dominated the area of data processing in the past decade. These two trends motivate the research on integrating OO applications with relational databases. This paper presents our approach to the symbiosis of the OO and relational data models, which is built into GinisNT, a scalable OO GIS framework based on an OO-to-relational mapping algorithm. The mapping algorithm transforms classes and objects into relations and tuples, and vice versa, instantiates objects from relational databases. The methodology presented here is extremely efficient, as has been proved by a number of applications developed in GinisNT, and is at the same time cost efficient, as it builds upon existing platforms.     

The development of a knowledge-based system for information systems project development consulting

The foundation for a successful software development project is a well-conceived project plan which establishes the overall framework for effective project management. Two major functions of planning an information systems development project are: 1) the selection of an appropriate development strategy; and 2) the assessment of risk associated with the development of the system. This paper describes the development of a knowledge-based expert system to assist in choosing the most appropriate development approach to use when planning an information systems development project and when assessing the risk associated with that project. The knowledge base consists of a set of rules addressing both tasks. Case examples of the use of the expert system are also given.     

Topic formation and development: a core-group evolving process

Recent years have witnessed increased interests in topic detection and tracking (TDT). However, existing work mainly focuses on overall trend analysis, and is not developed for understanding the evolving process of topics. To this end, this paper aims to reveal the underlying process and reasons for topic formation and development (TFD). Along this line, based on community partitioning in social networks, a core-group model is proposed to explain the dynamics and to segment topic development. This model is inspired by the cell division mechanism in biology. Furthermore, according to the division phase and interphase in the life cycle of a core group, a topic is separated into four states including birth state, extending state, saturation state and shrinkage state. In this paper, we mainly focus our studies on scientific topic formation and development using the citation network structure among scientific papers. Experimental results on two real-world data sets show that the division of a core group brings on the generation of a new scientific topic. The results also reveal that the progress of an entire scientific topic is closely correlated to the growth of a core group during its interphase. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in several real-life scenarios.     

An exploration of the relationship between software development process maturity and project performance

Software projects have a high rate of failure. Organizations have tried to reduce the rate through methodological approaches but with little perceived success. A model of software development maturity (the capability maturity model (CMM)) describes managerial processes that can be used to attack software development difficulties from the managerial control perspective at five maturity levels. Our study examined performance of projects in relation to the activities at these various levels of maturity. A survey of software engineers indicated that the activities associated with the managerial control of development related positively to project performance measures. However, not each level of maturity demonstrated observable benefits, indicating that greater caution is needed in the planning and implementation of the activities.     

Solders development and application process for a micro chip-camera

Nowadays, micro components have to fulfill rising optical requirements for different scientific and industrial fields like astronomy, medicine or multimedia. For this purpose, advanced miniaturized chip-cameras are produced for the microsystems engineering market. The assembly and joining technologies play a very important role in the production of these micro components. Several challenges are associated with the joining of chip-cameras. In this study, the application of the soldering technology has been considered in order to face these challenges. Two joining technologies have been investigated: active soldering and transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding. Both soldering processes have shown a big potential for hybrid microsystems joining in previous studies. For both processes, soldering alloys and parameters have been conceived in order to fulfill the joining requirements of the micro camera components. For instance, the joining temperature represents a major challenge because the chip-camera consists of a plastic material, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Therefore, particular attention has been directed to the soldering as well as to the coating temperature. The experimental investigations concerning the solders application through physical vapor deposition (PVD) have been supported by finite element method (FEM) simulations. The analysis of  the temperature distribution in the micro components during the coating process was the focus of  the calculations. Possible undesirable local overheated areas of the chip-camera components can be detected through simulation.

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Pareto process optimization of product development project using bi-objective hybrid genetic algorithm

Overlapping and iteration between development activities are the main reasons to cause complexity in product development (PD) process. Overlapping may not only reduce duration of a project but also create rework risk, while iteration increases the project duration and cost. In order to balance the duration and cost, this article presents four types of time models from the angle of time overlapping and activities dependent relationships based on Collaboration Degree Design Structure Matrix (CD-DSM) and builds the cost model considering the negation cost. On basis of the formulated model, a hybridization of the Pareto genetic algorithm (PGA) and variable neighborhood search (VNS) algorithm is proposed to solve the bi-objective process optimization problem of PD project for reducing the project duration and cost. The VNS strategy is implemented after the genetic operation of crossover and mutation to improve the exploitation ability of the algorithm. And then, an industrial example, a LED module PD project in an optoelectronic enterprise, is provided to illustrate the utility of the proposed approach. The optimization model minimizes the project duration and cost associated with overlapping and iteration and yields a Pareto optimal solution of project activity sequence for project managers to make decision following different business purposes. The simulation results of two different problems show that the proposed approach has a good convergence and robustness.     

IT infrastructure capabilities and IT project success: a development team perspective

In this research we investigate how IT infrastructure capabilities are related to IT project success from a development team perspective. We first conduct an extensive literature review and summarize the insights to suggest an IT infrastructure base model. Drawing upon several other bodies of literature, particularly the psychology literature, we then build upon the base model to propose an integrative research model for IT project success that considers both actual and perceived effects of IT infrastructure capabilities. This research model argues that (1) teamwork quality mediates the effect of technical and human IT infrastructure capabilities on IT project success, and (2) team perceptions of both IT infrastructure and team capabilities shape team perceived likelihood of project success, which subsequently affects team commitment that is crucial to IT project success. We also propose a direct-effect model that directly links all constructs to IT project success so that we can test the efficacy of our proposed research model by comparing all three models. We then collect empirical data (n = 91) through an online survey of CIO/CTOs and team leaders. All three models are evaluated and compared using the partial least squares method. The results show strong support for the proposed research model except for two IT infrastructure components. We discuss the practical and theoretical implications of the findings, and suggest several ways this research can be extended.     

Modelling with stakeholders within a development project

This paper brings forth the experiences and lessons of implementing a participatory modelling process, the Companion Modelling (ComMod) approach, to a natural resource management system in the province of Palawan, Philippines. In this study, we explore the added value of using ComMod in a research and development project, and then we describe the actual modelling process, which includes the use of multiple methods for its evaluation, namely, workshop evaluation exercises, criteria & indicators for the project and the ComMod evaluation protocol. We use the lessons of this evaluation to assess the organisational learning and discuss the role of the modelling process within the development project.     

Leveraging global resources: a process maturity framework for managing distributed development

The popular and well-tested software process frameworks such as the Software Engineering Institute's Capability Maturity Model and ISO 9001, details key process areas for software development. Focusing more on continuous improvement in code development processes, generic-process frameworks such as the CMM lack key process areas (KPA) that address capabilities for managing distributed software projects, such as establishing mutual knowledge and managing geographically dispersed social networks. We identify 24 new KPAs that address the wide-ranging capabilities needed for managing distributed software development and arrange them in an evolutionary order similar to the CMM framework. The evolutionary or phased approach in improving software management capabilities helps firms systematically assess their situations and plan for improvements. We also report the results of a statistically tested maturity assessment survey and test the overall rigor of our model against industry expert opinion and objective data collected from real-world projects implemented at SAP AG, a leading global-enterprise software firm.     

A defined process for project post mortem review

Most of us pay lip service to the need for software project post mortems, but the literature offers little guidance on how to conduct them. The authors propose a tentative, standard process for conducting post mortem reviews and describe activities, roles, and artifacts of the process. The success of the post mortem-or of any learning process-demands a context that makes organizational learning possible. Management must make an honest and sincere commitment to establish this context. This commitment should take the form of a public resolution to implement risk management on subsequent projects and to make all post mortem findings input to that risk management effort. After all, lessons learned the hard way on past projects are, if nothing else, risks for future projects. Participants are empowered when they know that each issue raised during the post mortem process must be added to the risk database and evaluated methodically on each subsequent project     

项目过程自动化建立方法的研究与实现

现有的软件过程复用方法往往采用形式化的过程模型和过程实例,由于其复杂性而在业界应用较少。提出的项目过程自动化建立的方法是软件过程复用的一种实现方式。该方法对软件过程进行结构化的定义和存储,并通过一组规则将过程描述映射为软件组织所熟悉的项目管理方式——甘特图,以实现项目过程的自动化建立,进而实现软件过程的复用。最后给出了该方法的一个实现．     

Creativity in Project Work: a longitudinal study of a product development project

The study approaches the issue of control versus freedom in creative work. A high-tech product development project was studied during its three year execution phase. Thirty engineers worked on the project, in three sub-groups. The climate was measured on eleven occasions and the results fed back to the project group for common analysis. The climate was highly creative, even if it deteriorated somewhat at the end. The management of the project and the structure was loose. These organisational circumstances paved the way for a technologically advanced, spearhead, future-directed but expensive product to come out. However, the customer wanted a less advanced and cheaper product. The goal of the customer had not been clearly communicated to the people in the project. The goal of the project leadership was to develop an advanced product for future applications as well. The goal corresponded to the needs, values and competencies of the project staff. According to the rule-book for effective project management, the project was badly managed and it consequently became a failure. But from a creativity point of view, and in a longer time perspective, it became a success. A follow-up three years later showed that the product had been applied in several new defence systems.     

Five ways to destroy a development project [software development]

The author discusses five problems that can contribute to a software project's failure. The five pitfalls are: inadequate system engineering during the proposal and during front-end development; inadequate tracing, tracking, and management of system and software requirements; improper sizing of the target hardware; selection of design, production, and integration and test methodologies that are inappropriate to a large software development; and failure to provide a metrics program that would let managers track the progress of software production and test     

Exploiting organizational knowledge in developing IS project cost and schedule estimates: An empirical study

Project management is vital to the effective application of organizational resources to competing demands within and across projects. The effective application of project management, however, is predicated upon accurate estimates of the project budget and schedule. This study assesses primary and supporting activities that exploit knowledge within an organization's memory to develop project schedule durations and budgets. The study further assesses the subsequent impact of predictability on project success. Two hundred and sixteen survey responses from IT professionals with project management responsibilities were analyzed. Results found use of the primary activities of using parametric estimating techniques (use of formal models), bottom-up estimating techniques (formulating estimates at the task level), and the support activities of team reliance, realistic targets, and professional experience all impact the predictability of estimates for project cost and duration. Predictability in turn was found to directly impact project success with regards to meeting cost and duration objectives. While use of analogous estimating techniques (using similar previous projects) was not found to be useful for project managers with more experience, it was used by project managers with less experience in determining predictability.