Introduction to Soft Systems Modelling

Two lectures that introduce the idea of modelling in the large, and contrasts hard system and soft system modelling. The second lecture goes into detail on a number of specific methods for analysing a system (CATWOE and CSH) and on modelling a system (Systems Diagrams and Personas).

TIDT's Development Process

This presentation gives an overview of TIDT's development process at time of writitng in March 2016. We were and still are developing our process. It is an agile process based on DSDM and Scrum.

Docencia práctica en los laboratorios de las ingenierías de informática apoyada en herramientas CASE.

Aceptado para su publicación en las actas del Segundo Taller de trabajo en Ingeniería del Software basada en componentes distribuidos ISCDISï01. En colaboración con VI Jornadas de Ingeniería de Software y Bases de Datos (Almagro, Ciudad Real - 2 de noviembre de 2001)

Long-term perspective of agile methods

Even if we have recognized many short-term benefits of agile methods, we still know very little about their long-term effects. In this panel, we discuss the long-term perspective of the agile methods. The panelists are either industrial or academic representatives. They will discuss problems and benefits related to the long-term lifecycle system management in agile projects. Ideally, the panel’s outcome will provide ideas for future research.

Marine ecosystem models for earth systems applications: the MarQUEST experience

The MarQUEST (Marine Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Modelling Initiative in QUEST) project was established to develop improved descriptions of marine biogeochemistry, suited for the next generation of Earth system models. We review progress in these areas providing insight on the advances that have been made as well as identifying remaining key outstanding gaps for the development of the marine component of next generation Earth system models. The following issues are discussed and where appropriate results are presented; the choice of model structure, scaling processes from physiology to functional types, the ecosystem model sensitivity to changes in the physical environment, the role of the coastal ocean and new methods for the evaluation and comparison of ecosystem and biogeochemistry models. We make recommendations as to where future investment in marine ecosystem modelling should be focused, highlighting a generic software framework for model development, improved hydrodynamic models, and better parameterisation of new and existing models, reanalysis tools and ensemble simulations. The final challenge is to ensure that experimental/observational scientists are stakeholders in the models and vice versa.

Verifying and fixing password authentication protocol

Password Authentication Protocol (PAP) is widely used in the Wireless Fidelity Point-to-Point Protocol to authenticate an identity and password for a peer. This paper uses a new knowledge-based framework to verify the PAP protocol and a fixed version. Flaws are found in both the original and the fixed versions. A new enhanced protocol is provided and the security of it is proved The whole process is implemented in a mechanical reasoning platform, Isabelle. It only takes a few seconds to find flaws in the original and the fixed protocol and to verify that the enhanced version of the PAP protocol is secure.

Integrative workflow-embedded support for process automation and management

This paper presents the on-going research performed in order to integrate process automation and process management support in the context of media production. This has been addressed on the basis of a holistic approach to software engineering applied to media production modelling to ensure design correctness, completeness and effectiveness. The focus of the research and development has been to enhance the metadata management throughout the process in a similar fashion to that achieved in Decision Support Systems (DSS) to facilitate well-grounded business decisions. The paper sets out the aims and objectives and the methodology deployed. The paper describes the solution in some detail and sets out some preliminary conclusions and the planned future work.

e-learning in project management using simulation models: a case study based on the replication of an experiment

Current e-learning systems are increasing their importance in higher education. However, the state of the art of e-learning applications, besides the state of the practice, does not achieve the level of interactivity that current learning theories advocate. In this paper, the possibility of enhancing e-learning systems to achieve deep learning has been studied by replicating an experiment in which students had to learn basic software engineering principles. One group learned these principles using a static approach, while the other group learned the same principles using a system-dynamics-based approach, which provided interactivity and feedback. The results show that, quantitatively, the latter group achieved a better understanding of the principles; furthermore, qualitatively, they enjoyed the learning experience

NANA: Novel assessment of nutrition and ageing

Purpose NANA is a 3-year project using sensitively-designed technology to improve data collection and integrate information on nutrition, physical and cognitive function and mental health to identify individuals at risk of under-nourishment and improve targeting of interventions. This research will also improve our understanding of the interactions between these factors, in order to better medical treatment and social provision. The toolkit has potential for commercial development for additional segments of the population. Method This is a multi-disciplinary program involving psychology, nutrition, engineering and software engineering. The first phase is a user needs analysis and will involve consulting with a broad cross-section of older people, caregivers, and health professionals, to establish what technical approaches would be useful and acceptable. The second phase focuses on the development of an integrated measurement toolkit. There are three inter-related subsections: (i) an iterative program to develop the assessment technology, (ii) techniques for dietary assessment in older people, and (iii) a parallel investigation of measures of cognition and mental health in older people. It includes a full validation of the assessment toolkit and will comprise a comparison of the new, integrated assessment with traditional 'pen and paper' methods with volunteers having the equipment installed in their homes.