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B.R. von Konsky

Bio: B.R. von Konsky is an academic researcher from Curtin University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Software inspection & Checklist. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 14 publications receiving 115 citations.

Papers
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Proceedings ArticleDOI
18 Apr 2005
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that the approach can be used to assess learning outcome attainment and highlights for students the significance of software engineering project management.
Abstract: This paper presents a case study, describing the use of a hybrid version of the team software process (TSP) in a capstone software engineering project. A mandatory subset of TSP scripts and reporting mechanisms were required, primarily for estimating the size and duration of tasks and for tracking project status against the project plan. These were supplemented by metrics and additional processes developed by students. Metrics were identified using the goal-question-metric (GQM) process and used to evaluate the effectiveness of project management roles assigned to each member of the project team. TSP processes and specific TSP forms are identified as evidence of learning outcome attainment. The approach allowed for student creativity and flexibility and limited the perceived overhead associated with use of the complete TSP. Students felt that the experience enabled them to further develop and demonstrate teamwork and leadership skills. However, limited success was seen with respect to defect tracking, risk management, and process improvement. The case study demonstrates that the approach can be used to assess learning outcome attainment and highlights for students the significance of software engineering project management

16 citations

Proceedings ArticleDOI
30 Oct 1997
TL;DR: It is indicated that the new generalized IK solution will enhance the visual analysis of human joint range and ergonometric studies, provide the foundation for new interactive tools to teach functional anatomy, and enhance virtual environments which require realistic interactive human animation.
Abstract: Inverse Kinematics (IK) calculates internal joint angles for a kinematic chain given constraints on the end-effector. This study evaluates the advantages and limitations of algebraic, geometric, and iterative IK solutions reported in the literature. This analysis is used to develop a solution for animating arbitrary articulated structures such as robots and humans. For iterative solutions, various minimization and root finding algorithms described in the literature are compared through the analysis of experimental results. The minimization algorithm of Broyden et al. (1987) is shown to converge quickly using a small number of objective function evaluations, making it the best method for solving IK systems of those considered in this study. This observation has led to a generalized IK solution for actuators with N Degrees of Freedom, extending the work of Goldenberg and Lawrence (1985), Goldenberg et al. (1985), and Sasaki (1994) by considering additional minimization and root-finding algorithms. It is indicated that the new generalized IK solution will enhance the visual analysis of human joint range and ergonometric studies, provide the foundation for new interactive tools to teach functional anatomy, and enhance virtual environments which require realistic interactive human animation.

14 citations

Proceedings ArticleDOI
J. Hope1, B.R. von Konsky1, Iain Murray1, L. C. Chew1, B. Farrugia1 
23 Oct 2006
TL;DR: iNetSim, a universally accessible network simulator, created to allow vision-impaired and sighted users to complete Cisco Certified Network Associate level two (CCNA 2) laboratory sessions, is described.
Abstract: This paper describes iNetSim, a universally accessible network simulator, created to allow vision-impaired and sighted users to complete Cisco Certified Network Associate level two (CCNA 2) laboratory sessions Previously, software used in the CCNA course was not accessible to those with impaired vision because it utilized images of network topology These images were incompatible with screen reader software In contrast, iNetSim is assessable by blind and vision impaired users, in addition to those with normal vision It is based on Mac OS X Tiger, an operating system with an integrated screen reader called VoiceOver

13 citations

Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Jan 2000
TL;DR: Performance measures in both networks indicate that Bayesian networks could provide a potentially useful tool in the management of female pelvic floor dysfunction.
Abstract: This study compares the effectiveness of Bayesian networks versus Decision Trees in modeling the Integral Theory of Female Urinary Incontinence diagnostic algorithm. Bayesian networks and Decision Trees were developed and trained using data from 58 adult women presenting with urinary incontinence symptoms. A Bayesian Network was developed in collaboration with an expert specialist who regularly utilizes a non-automated diagnostic algorithm in clinical practice. The original Bayesian network was later refined using a more connected approach. Diagnoses determined from all automated approaches were compared with the diagnoses of a single human expert. In most cases, Bayesian networks were found to be at least as accurate as the Decision Tree approach. The refined Connected Bayesian Network was found to be more accurate than the Original Bayesian Network. This is likely due to the more generalized nature of the Connected Network. The Original Bayesian Network accurately discriminated between diagnoses despite the small sample size. In contrast, the Connected and Decision Tree approaches were less able to discriminate between diagnoses. The Original Bayesian Network was found to provide an excellent basis for graphically communicating the correlation between symptoms and laxity defects in a given anatomical zone. Performance measures in both networks indicate that Bayesian networks could provide a potentially useful tool in the management of female pelvic floor dysfunction. Before the technique can be utilized in practice, well-established learning algorithms should be applied to improve network structure. A larger training data set should also improve network accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.

13 citations

Proceedings ArticleDOI
26 Mar 2008
TL;DR: It is shown that applying software inspections for purposes other than defect detection include software understanding and comprehension, and there is a significant difference in how developers systematically modified code after completing a checklist inspection.
Abstract: This paper addresses the influence the checklist based reading inspection technique has on a developer's ability to modify inspected code. Traditionally, inspections have been used to detect defects within the development life cycle. This research identified a correlation between the number of defects detected and the successful code extensions for new functionality unrelated to the defects. Participants reported that having completed a checklist inspection, modifying the code was easier because the inspection had given them an understanding of the code that would not have existed otherwise. The results also showed a significant difference in how developers systematically modified code after completing a checklist inspection when compared to those who had not performed a checklist inspection. This study has shown that applying software inspections for purposes other than defect detection include software understanding and comprehension.

10 citations


Cited by
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The evaluation validity of SPI initiatives is challenged by the scarce consideration of potential confounding factors, particularly given that “Pre-Post Comparison” was identified as the most common evaluation strategy, and the inaccurate descriptions of the evaluation context.
Abstract: BACKGROUND-Software Process Improvement (SPI) is a systematic approach to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of a software development organization and to enhance software products. OBJECTIVE-This paper aims to identify and characterize evaluation strategies and measurements used to assess the impact of different SPI initiatives. METHOD-The systematic literature review includes 148 papers published between 1991 and 2008. The selected papers were classified according to SPI initiative, applied evaluation strategies, and measurement perspectives. Potential confounding factors interfering with the evaluation of the improvement effort were assessed. RESULTS-Seven distinct evaluation strategies were identified, wherein the most common one, “Pre-Post Comparison,” was applied in 49 percent of the inspected papers. Quality was the most measured attribute (62 percent), followed by Cost (41 percent), and Schedule (18 percent). Looking at measurement perspectives, “Project” represents the majority with 66 percent. CONCLUSION-The evaluation validity of SPI initiatives is challenged by the scarce consideration of potential confounding factors, particularly given that “Pre-Post Comparison” was identified as the most common evaluation strategy, and the inaccurate descriptions of the evaluation context. Measurements to assess the short and mid-term impact of SPI initiatives prevail, whereas long-term measurements in terms of customer satisfaction and return on investment tend to be less used.

274 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This survey presents a comprehensive review of the IK problem and the solutions developed over the years from the computer graphics point of view, and suggests which IK family of solvers is best suited for particular problems.
Abstract: Inverse kinematics (IK) is the use of kinematic equations to determine the joint parameters of a manipulator so that the end effector moves to a desired position; IK can be applied in many areas, including robotics, engineering, computer graphics and video games. In this survey, we present a comprehensive review of the IK problem and the solutions developed over the years from the computer graphics point of view. The paper starts with the definition of forward and IK, their mathematical formulations and explains how to distinguish the unsolvable cases, indicating when a solution is available. The IK literature in this report is divided into four main categories: the analytical, the numerical, the data-driven and the hybrid methods. A timeline illustrating key methods is presented, explaining how the IK approaches have progressed over the years. The most popular IK methods are discussed with regard to their performance, computational cost and the smoothness of their resulting postures, while we suggest which IK family of solvers is best suited for particular problems. Finally, we indicate the limitations of the current IK methodologies and propose future research directions.

171 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This article investigated the impact of web-based lecture recordings on learning and attendance at lectures and found that students perceived that a learning experience was of value to their learning, they were more likely to use it.
Abstract: This paper investigates the impact of web based lecture recordings on learning and attendance at lectures. Student opinions regarding the perceived value of the recordings were evaluated in the context of usage patterns and final marks, and compared with attendance data and student perceptions regarding the usefulness of lectures. The availability of recordings was not seen to impact lecture attendance, although students showed some tendency to listen to the recording for a missed lecture. Students who achieved a high mark tended to supplement lecture attendance with recording usage more than students who achieved a low mark, but they did so with greater variation. If students perceived that a learning experience was of value to their learning, they were more likely to use it. Individual case studies describing perceptions, usage patterns, and attendance records of selected students highlight the fact that there is great variation in successful learning patterns, and suggest that engagement is an important factor impacting learning. Although the use of recordings to supplement lectures was seen to enhance the learning of some students, its uptake and effectiveness was not uniform across the cohort. This observation highlights the need for a range of learning modes in engineering education, appealing to a diverse set of individual learning styles. Future work is described in the context of these findings.

160 citations

Journal ArticleDOI

120 citations

01 Jan 2002
TL;DR: In this article, it is shown that by using inspection results, a mechanism for initial error reduction followed by ever improving error rates can be achieved, which is made possible by a systematic and efficient design and code verification process, with well-defined roles for inspection participants.
Abstract: Substantial net improvements in programming quality and productivity have been obtained through the use of formal inspections of design ana of code. Improvements are made possible by a systematic and efficient design and code verification process, with well-defined roles for inspection participants. The manner in which inspection data is categorized and made suitable for process analysis is an important factor in attaining the improvements. It is shown that by using inspection results, a mechanism for initial error reduction followed by ever-improving error rates can be achieved.

113 citations