Showing papers on "Rapid application development published in 2003"

The diffusion of information systems development methods

Abstract: This paper describes an investigation into the diffusion of information systems development methods (ISDMs). Such methods have a critical strategic impact on organizational performance in that they are the means for constructing, adapting and renewing the IS infrastructure in line with organizational strategy. We portray method diffusion as an instance of technological diffusion. Technological diffusion is normally portrayed within the IS industry as an overtly rational process. In this paper we postulate that the external diffusion process of ISDMs has many features in common with broader social movements. We maintain that the diffusion of ISDMs is a key example of knowledge-based diffusion and use the case of the Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM), a public domain standard method for Rapid Application Development (RAD), to refine a model of knowledge-based diffusion. Such a framework is important for understanding how such methods shape the community of practice in the IS development domain. Specifically how organizations adapt, deploy and use such knowledge. In further work we intend to verify aspects of this knowledge-based perspective in longitudinal and further case-study work.

Knowledge base management systems-tools for creating verified intelligent systems

Abstract: As automation of business processes becomes more complex and encompasses less-structured domains, it becomes even more essential that the knowledge used by these processes is verified and accurate. Most application development is facilitated with software tools, but most business rules and expert systems are developed in environments that provide inadequate verification testing. This paper describes an emerging class of applications we refer to as Knowledge Base Management Systems (KBMS). The KMBS provides a full life-cycle environment for the development and verification of business rule and expert systems. We will present an overview of knowledge base verification, the KBMS life-cycle, and the architecture for a KBMS. We then describe building a small expert system in the KBMS, with emphasis on the verification testing at each stage. We conclude with a summary of the benefits of a KBMS.

The Value of User Participation in E-Commerce Systems Development

Abstract: The importance attached to user participation in contributing to the success of an information system has been a long held theoretical belief. Systems development techniques have been promoted that involve user participation such as prototyping, rapid application development and joint application design. Interestingly, the research literature on the topic has not been conclusive about the real value of user partic ipation, although the perception of value has still existed. The importance of user participation could be seen as a myth in information systems. In e-commerce the pressure to develop Web based systems in Internet time and the propagation of the view that e-commerce is different and subject to different rules has led developers to question the value of customer participation in the development process. Indeed, the notion of the "user" has become confused. The IS/E-commerce discipline may be guilty of misinformation. This paper proposes and validates a model to e xamine the role of key users or stakeholders in e commerce application development. This framework for analysing user participation and system success takes into account the different requirements of each distinct group. Despite the business need for remote, untrained users to quickly feel comfortable and satisfied in an e-commerce site encounter, it appears that many organisations are making little effort to engage users in e-commerce site developmental activities.

Systems Development Methodology Use in South Africa

Abstract: The objective of this study is to describe the development environment, the activities performed, and the use of systems development methodologies in IS departments in South Africa. Our results indicate that organisations in South Africa are developing systems in a multiple platform environment, supported by multiple operating systems, using both local and wide area networks. Multiple programming languages are used for the development of new systems and for the maintenance of legacy systems. The most popular programming languages used in South Africa are Visual Basic, Cobol, Oracle, C, C++, and RPG. PC-based environments and operating systems seem to be the most popular. IS departments of the responding organisations spend half of their time on maintenance, 31% of their time on the development of new applications and 15% on the customisation of packages. Focusing on the development of new applications, IS departments spend a third of their time on planning, analysis and design, another third on programming, and a third on testing, installation and evaluation. We defined systems development methodologies as a combination of systems development techniques, process models, methods and approaches. Systems development techniques are used most intensively during the requirements analysis phase and during maintenance. The phased process model, characterised by successive phases such as feasibility study, requirements analysis, design, implementation and installation, is the most popular systems development process model, used most intensively in the IS departments. This is followed by evolutionary development in which the system is consciously planned to be delivered incrementally by subsystem or feature sets. Furthermore, systems development methods based on the structured approach are the most popular and used most intensively in the IS departments. Rapid application development and in-house developed methods are also popular.

Cache Configuration Exploration on Prototyping Platforms

Abstract: The paper shows the outlines of the SLAM system, thatallows for an effective use of Formal Methods (FM) inRapid Application Development (RAD) and other prototypingprocesses. The SLAM system, includes an expressiveobject oriented specification language and a developmentenvironment that, among other features, is able to generateefficient and readable code in a high level object orientedlanguage (Java, C++, ...).SLAM is able to generate prototypes that can be usedto validate the requirements with the user. The additionaladvantage is that the prototype is not throw-away becausemost part of the generated code can be directly used andthe other part can be optimised with the additional help ofassertions automatically included.

Using rapid application development to improve the usability of a preservice teacher technology course

Abstract: The aim of this research was to examine the use of a rapid application development (RAD) approach in improving the usability (effectiveness, efficiency, and appeal) of instructional materials for preservice teachers. The RAD approach used was the analysis, synthesis, evaluation and change (ASEC) model (Reigeluth & Nelson, 1997). After examining existing materials, 11 units of instruction were prototyped, tested, modified, and retested with the requisite changes being implemented over the course of three semesters. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 570 students, 7 instructional designers, and 4 lab assistants. Results of the study showed significant increases in usability scores between the second and third semester. Both positive and negative experiences in using a rapid development model are discussed.

An original approach for the memorisation and the generation of rapid product development processes

Abstract: This paper introduces a knowledge‐based environment dedicated to the choice of rapid product development processes. Rapid product development processes are not limited to layer‐manufacturing machines, but they also integrate CAD, reverse engineering, indirect methods for metallic and plastic part manufacturing, etc. The aim of the proposed knowledge‐based environment is to propose, from a detailed functional specification, different alternatives of rapid product development processes, which can be ordered and optimised when considering a combination of different specification criteria (cost, quality, delay, aspect, material, etc.).

Talisman—rapid application development for the grid

Abstract: In order to make use of the emerging grid and network services offered by various institutes and mandated by many current research projects, some kind of user accessible client is required. In contrast with attempts to build generic workbenches, Talisman is designed to allow a bioinformatics expert to rapidly build custom applications, immediately visible using standard web technology, for users who wish to concentrate on the biology of their problem rather than the informatics aspects. As a component of the MyGrid project, it is intended to allow access to arbitrary resources, including but not limited to relational, object and flat file data sources, analysis programs and grid based storage, tracking and distributed annotation systems.

Rapid Application Development with Mozilla

Abstract: Rapid Application Development with Mozilla, part of the Bruce Perens Open Source Series, is a concise guide for any programmer who wants to learn the versatility and compatibility of Mozilla, an open source toolset with over a thousand objects and components. An additional feature of Rapid Application Development with Mozilla is the NoteTaker Web browser add-on-a sample Mozilla application that is developed throughout the book. Written by Web and XML expert Nigel McFarlane, this book is the perfect addition to the library of any user-interface software engineer, cross-platform developer, or any programmer looking to discover the benefits of rapid application development.

Introducing Systems Development

Abstract: Preface Introduction PART I: INFORMATION SYSTEMS STRATEGY Information Systems Delivery Project Identification and Selection Feasibility Study PART II: DEFINING SYSTEMS REQUIREMENTS Fact Gathering Techniques Fact Modelling Techniques Class Model Logical Function Models Logical Event Models Rapid Application Development (RAD) PART III: DESIGNING, ASSURING, AND IMPLEMENTING REQUIREMENTS External Design Security and Controls Quality Assurance and Testing Software Package Approach Software Package Selection Systems Implementation Bibliography Index

Introduction to 3D Game Engine Design Using DirectX9 and C

Abstract: From the Publisher: Microsoft DirectX is an advanced suite of multimedia APIs built directly into Microsoft Windows operating systems. DirectX provides a standard development platform for Windows-based PCs by enabling software developers to access specialized hardware features without having to write hardware-specific code. DirectX was first introduced in 1995 and is the recognized standard for multimedia application development on the Windows platform."Introduction to 3D Game Engine Design Using DirectX 9 and C#" will illustrate the process of creating a simple 3D game engine. During this process many facets of the DirectX 9 software will be demonstrated. The C# language is used to show the power of developing a game using a Rapid Application Development (RAD) language. During the course of the book, readers will learn to develop an off-road driving game that brings such features as management of large scenes, environmental effects, and physics into play.

Wcomp: rapid application development toolkit for wearable computer based on Java

Abstract: After a presentation of what lies behind the terms wearable computing (Wcomp), this paper focuses on a newly developed Wcomp approach. It is based on a rapid application development (RAD) toolkit used in order to make the creation of Java applications for wearable computer easier. This approach allows Wcomp to be easily and rapidly set up. The two key elements of this paper are the BeanBox (the RAD toolkit) and the use of the BeanBox components i.e. the software development kit (SDK). For the applications to be context-aware, special software/hardware components, able to communicate with I2C hardware sensors, were added to the SDK. This classical software architecture guarantees the reusability of basic components and underlines the relevance of this approach for the development of applications. These are consequently an assembly of functional hardware and software units. At the end of this paper, two examples of quickly-built applications are described.

Rapid prototyping and incremental evolution using SLAM

Abstract: The paper shows the outlines of the SLAM system that allows for an effective use of Formal Methods (FM) in Rapid Application Development (RAD) and other prototyping processes. The SLAM system, includes an expressive object oriented specification language and a development environment that, among other features, is able to generate efficient and readable code in a high level object oriented language (Java, C++, ...). SLAM is able to generate prototypes that can be used to validate the requirements with the user. The additional advantage is that the prototype is not throw-away because most part of the generated code can be directly used and the other part can be optimised with the additional help of assertions automatically included.

Toolbox of image processing using the Python language

Abstract: This work consists in the study, development and implementation of a toolbox for image processing using the Python language and the numerical Python package This set has "open source" distribution and is adequate for multidimensional mathematical processing Python is a modern and well projected language, interpreted, "very-high-level", object oriented and extremely portable, apart from being suitable for rapid application development (RAD) The system is generated using the methodology of the Adesso project for construction of scientific software This environment is useful in education, research and development of final applications

Do we need 'agile' software development tools?

Abstract: Lightweight, 'agile' software development methods are not a replacement for traditional, heavyweight methods. But under certain assumptions, they are a strong alternative in many areas of software development. In this paper, we outline the differences between agile and traditional approaches of software development and examine how development tools are used in the latter. We consider experience from industrial projects as well as results found in the research community. Then we discuss the requirements which agile methods and development processes impose on development tools and show how existing tool technology can be used to build agile tools. These tools allow agile methods to evolve through suitable tool support.

Object-Oriented Graceful Evolution Monitors

Abstract: Software development teams are required to produce applications that are enmeshed with contributory systems over which the team has no control. This highlights the need for an approach that allows the developed application to evolve gracefully with changes in the contributory systems. This work proposes an approach to graceful evolution which is appropriate for an object-oriented rapid application development environment. The approach combines elements of Risk Analysis (Baskerville and Stage, 1996) and of the Goal Based Requirements Analysis Method (Anton, 1997), with the perspective given by considering Dynamic Inconsistency (Lamsweerde, Letier and Ponsard, 1997). The approach investigates assumptions made about requirements; the obstacles to those assumptions are then identified. The obstacles are assessed with respect to their impact on the running system and the decision is made to resolve, monitor or ignore the obstacle. The assessment provides (both directly and through the monitoring logs) guidance to the software development teams of the type of corrective action needed. This work demonstrates the approach for a synthetic example drawn from experience in the telecommunications industry for which the enmeshed system was a legacy system.

A framework for rapid application development of distributed embedded real-time systems

Abstract: There is a strong need for a system design approach for distributed embedded real-time systems with accompanying tools that reduces development time and supports software reuse. In real-time systems, timing constraints should function as a driving force throughout the design process, instead of employing temporal constraints only at the starting and end point of the design process (i.e. within the specification and the validation of the implementation). We describe a platform-based design methodology aiming at safety-critical distributed real-time applications. This methodology incorporates the idea of the platform-independent and platform-specific models of OMG;s Model Driven Architecture. We present a framework that employs the MATLAB/Simulink tool suite for functional design activities at the application space. The framework offers blocksets for modeling the communication between nodes of a distributed time-triggered system, while taking the temporal behavior of communication and processing activities into account. Automatic code generation maps the platform-specific model onto the system platform. The platform space comprises a real-time Linux variant as the operating systems and the Time-Triggered Architecture as the network platform.

Rapid Application Development of Process Capability: Supplier Models

Abstract: Rapid changes and specialization in technology make it increasingly difficult for designers to keep track of the current capabilities of manufacturing processes and choose the appropriate one. Improper process selection leads to higher costs, lower quality and wrong choice of supplier. Currently, there is no software advisory system to help the design/procurement personnel in process and supplier selection. The complexity involved in building an application encompassing the capabilities of dozens of processes and its associated suppliers acts as a deterrent for application service providers. This paper discusses a technique to rapidly develop web applications to identify a suitable manufacturing process and supplier/s using Rapid Application Development (RAD). RAD refers to a new computing paradigm to develop software applications within a short time frame. The technique has been verified by developing an advisory system to identify a suitable plastic process and supplier/s. The methodology is currently limited to common manufacturing methods such as castings, forgings, sheet metal and plastic/composite manufacturing. Benefits realized using RAD include shorter design and development times, code reusability and standardization. NOMENCLATURE RAD: Rapid Application Development PPA: Plastic Process Advisor MPA: Metalcasting Process Advisor MPSA: Manufacturing Process and Supplier Advisory system ASP: Application Service Provider INTRODUCTION Decisions made during the design stage have a significant impact on the final cost and quality of the product. Studies have indicated that although the cost of product design is only around 5% of the total product cost, decisions made during the design stage affect 70-80 % of the final product cost [13]. Some of the important decisions made concern manufacturing process selection. It is essential for the designer to select a process whose capabilities best match with the design. A survey of designer’s knowledge of processes [3] indicated that more than 90% knew little or nothing about plastic processes such as injection molding and extrusion. The figures were equally high for other processes such as sintering and cold heading. This indicates the need for a software tool to help designers become aware of the factors governing process selection and the capabilities of the various processes. The factors that influence process selection [7] are cost of manufacture/life cycle cost, quantity required, complexity, material, quality and availability/lead time/ delivery schedule. All these are called user requirements. For example, the user requirements for a part that needs to be cast can be expressed in terms of casting complexity, pattern and die cost, order quantity, surface finish, tolerances, cost of machining, strength, weight and choice of material [12]. These requirements should be matched with the capabilities of various casting processes and a proper casting process selected. Processes belonging to other manufacturing methods such as forgings and sheet metal may also need to be investigated. Once the process is decided, the next stage is to select a supplier capable of using the process. Criteria for supplier selection include technical capability of the supplier, supplier production facilities and capacity, suppliers’ geographical location etc. [6]. Some or all of these form the user requirement for supplier selection. MPSA (Manufacturing process and supplier advisory system) is a web based process/supplier advisory system that we have developed. MPSA evaluates these user requirements and suggests an appropriate process and supplier/s to manufacture a part taking into consideration the process and supplier capabilities. It currently consists of Metalcasting Process Advisor (MPA) and Plastic Process Advisor (PPA). The latter was developed using the RAD model discussed in this paper. Previous Research Advisory systems developed earlier include the Manufacturing Advisory System (MAS) used for process and material selection [8]. MAS clubs processes (sand casting, closed die forging etc.) from different manufacturing methods (castings, forging, sheet metal etc.) together for consideration. For Example: Metalcasting processes such as sand casting and die casting are combined with forging processes like closed die forging. The input attributes for process selection such as geometry, material, desired tolerance, finish etc. are the same irrespective of the specific manufacturing method. Other process and material selection applications include the system proposed by Boothroyd et.al [4] where the inputs to the system

A study on P2P platforms for rapid application development

Abstract: This paper proposes a software interface model to be used for quickly constructing peer-to-peer (P2P) application systems. In the near future, it is expected that a lot of devices such as sensors, processing chips and wearable computers will be connected to each other and organized into an ubiquitous network. Considering that P2P technologies are the key to an ubiquitous communication world in which various network entities dynamically form e-communities by cooperating with each other, the model contains essential P2P-handling functions as an application program interface and conceals complicated behavior. Achieved by the development of collaborative applications, its effectiveness is shown by comparisons with off-the-shelf P2P products from the viewpoints of communication performance and software development productivity. In regard to the collaborative functions, the model is effective for developing an application within a short term and can maintain an acceptable level of communication performance, although the relationship between productivity and performance is usually trade-off.

A proposed process for performing data mining projects

Abstract: There is an enormous amount of data generated by academic, business, and governmental organizations alike; however, only a small portion of the data that is collected and stored in databases is ever analyzed Since data are the building blocks for both information and knowledge, the opportunity costs (to organizations) of ignoring data assets can range from competitive disadvantage to organizational demise Data mining has thus emerged as a discipline focusing on unleashing the potential of data in organizations The enthusiasm surrounding data mining at large continues to grow; however, at the same time, there are claims that data mining projects fail in delivering the expected value Many of the causes of the failures can be traced back to strategy, process and technology variables The purpose of this chapter is to discover a process for performing data mining projects and to propose this process to practitioners as a starting point when making decisions about planning, organizing, executing and closing data mining projects Literature on package implementation, rapid application development and new product development together with results from a case study are used to arrive at the proposed data mining process More research is needed to evaluate, refine and validate the proposed process before it can be used as the basis for developing a comprehensive methodology for performing data mining projects

Rapid Prototyping of Mixed Reality Applications That Entertain and Inform

Abstract: This paper describes a prototyping environment for rapid application development. We combine existing AR-technologies with a component-based 3D animation library and a scripting API. Through the development of an interface to a high-level 3D modelling system we are able to use this visual tool for modelling and basic animation features in MR design. This provides content experts with a powerful tool to quickly design and test mixed reality prototypes. We consider applications in the area of interactive mixed reality illustrations in the context of technical descriptions/user manuals and interactive exhibitions in museums.

Changing the automatic test paradigm through concurrent measurement and test development

Abstract: Industry has traditionally provided automatic test equipment (ATE) and test program sets (TPSs) that are based upon sequential signal measurements followed by an evaluation. This common approach raises two issues, fault isolation accuracy and runtime. In early 2002 SEI was awarded a contract to develop the next generation contact test set to be used in testing the LAV-25 turret assemblies. This program required rapid development of a test station and TPSs that provided highly reliable fault detection and isolation and short runtimes. To achieve this, SEI developed a unique test system, which used commercial off the shelf hardware, that supported capturing signals concurrently. In addition, a new declarative test language, which relied heavily on templates and pull-down options, was defined. This declarative language approach provided the rapid application development needed to meet the development and integration schedule.

Methodology for Rapid Development of C2 Planning Systems

Abstract: : This paper proposes a methodology for rapid development of computer systems that offers benefits for the rapid and accurate elicitation and definition of user and system requirements It also aids user acceptance and can reduce procurement time scales The development of a successful planning system depends on a user-developer link where final user requirements can be developed through an adaptive process of learning and evolution The methodology QinetiQ have developed is based on iterative and interactive 2 way links between User and System, User and Designer and between System and Designer This middle-out approach relies on the quick delivery of an initial system to which users can respond and thus clarify what they really need This is known as rapid prototyping or Rapid Application Development (RAD) The refined method called Parallel Rapid Application Development has been developed in response to Urgent Operational Requirements (UOR) This involves designing and building an initial system using the methods detailed above but in a very short and concentrated time scale This system is then fielded and further requirements are developed in response to information from the field The system is updated and a new version sent to fielded system via secure email

The Design and Implementation of e-BCOS for e-Business Component System

Abstract: Today`s computing system has expanded its application to business trade and distributed work transactions using the Internet. As the demand for more flexible, adaptable, extensible, and robust web-based enterprise, these application development has been gradually expanded based on reusable, independent, and portable components. Component Based Development (CBD) works by developing and evolving software from selected reusable software components and then assembling them within appropriate software architecture. However, it requires an increase in cost to build new components as well as the necessary effort to develop of the business requirement these components. Standardized component models are required as well from the perspective of systems in order to support rapid and exact component information transmission on the web. In this paper, we describe the e-Business Component Development with agent for rapid application development on the web that correspond to the demands of users in the business domain. We design and implement the specifications of e-business components by combining these demands. In order to improve the agent register and retrieval, we propose the intelligent search and register agents, which can conduct more precise searching and specializing for components. The system enables the locating of user`s frequently used components through an agent involving register and retrieval, as well as rapid procedures for registers The e-BCOS (e-Business Component System) is the agent system for the user to register distributed components and to search for components Information. The e-BCOS increases reusability through the e-business component development of distributed components in the business domain. For the share and delivery, specification with XML is acceptable to user`s variable order e-BCOS Includes the effective investment, timeliness, reliability, efficiency, and maintenance effort by with agent.

Practical use experiences

Abstract: Mobile game devices today include novel features, such as ad-hoc wireless connections, advanced audio and visuals, and peer-to-peer networking. Using these devices to design new game concepts, however, can be difficult and take much time. We have developed OpenTrek - a free, Rapid Application Development game platform for mobile devices. OpenTrek is to be used as a prototype platform on standard Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) to quickly visualize new mobile game concepts. In this paper, we describe the platform and present results from the platform in use in an educational setting. Use experience indicates that the platform successfully can be used to prototype games for handheld devices in a limited time frame.

A data treatment tool for a satellite thruster test facility

Abstract: This work introduces and discusses CATPA (Computer Aided Thruster Performance Analysis), a user friendly data treatment software specially developed for INPE’s Satellite Thruster Test Facility. This facility is a ground-based structure that can emulate the space environment for testing and qualifying satellite thrusters and satellite propulsive loops. A structure like this requires the prompt availability of data treatment tools which must be extensible to encapsulate the particular needs of the customers. The original data treatment package supplied by the test bench development team required some effort to customize the available features. However several constraints were imposed on the overall system such as: a) support for low amount of data; b) large time slices were required for processing the acquired data; c) poor final output quality; d) specific hardware requirements; e) non portability; f) specific language used for coding the scripts; etc. The CATPA came up to override these constraints and to make data treatment easier and much more powerful. It uses modern concepts like design patterns and standard template library, making the reuse of code and the rapid application development easier to be reached.