Automatic refinement of user requirements : a case study in software tool evaluation

This paper presents an assessment of system effectiveness in automatic requirements refinement by comparing results obtained from experts and novices with those achieved by the system. As the investigated system was a combination of a tightly inter-connected methods and a tool, the evaluation framework melded together a number of distinct methodological approaches structured into three empirical studies, which aimed at the construction of a case problem domain, calibrating the system using this defined domain elements and finally using the calibrated system to assess its effectiveness. In consequence, it was concluded that the evaluated methods and tools were effective in supporting requirements refinement.

Assessment management using software

Web based learning is providing new and innovative environments to facilitate the delivery of course material to increasing numbers students, but most of the effort is centered around the presentation of the learning material and creating environments where student interact with this material and each other. Despite the changes the web based learning environments have delivered, little attention has been given to improving the management and process of assessment. This paper introduces a new software application designed to take advantage of the web based environments and addresses the management overheads associated with assessment whilst improving the feedback to students. Initial investigations indicate significant benefits can be achieved by using software to manage the assessment process. A detailed description of the software is provided and two case studies presented that highlight the software's application and confirmed benefits when used to conduct and manage assessments.

Synergy : a comprehensive software distributed shared memory system

Considerable research and development has been invested in software Distributed Shared Memory (DSM). The primary focus of this work has traditionally been on high performance and consistency protocols. Unfortunately, clusters present a number of challenges for any DSM systems not solvable through consistency protocols alone. These challenges relate to the ability of DSM systems to adjust to load fluctuations, computers being added/removed from the cluster, to deal with faults, and the ability to use DSM objects larger than the available physical memory. This paper introduces the Synergy DSM System and its integration with the virtual memory, group communication and process migration services of the Genesis Cluster Operating System.