Alan G. Downe

Hybrid Usability Methodology: Integrating Heuristic Evaluation with Laboratory Testing across the Software Development Lifecycle

The reviews of literature have shown that many website usability problems are found late in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). This is due to the usage of traditional usability testing techniques which are not sufficient and suitable with the growing complexity of websites and constraints faced by usability practitioners. For instance, the Lab Based Usability Testing (LBUT) is expensive and has lesser coverage than Exploratory Heuristics Evaluation (EHE) while the EHE is subjected to false alarms. A hybrid usability methodology (HUM) comprising of LBUT and EHE is proposed. Six experiments involving EHE and LBUT were performed at the early, intermediate and advanced stages of the SDLC of websites, during which the optimal relative performance of each method were measured using the dependent variables followed by the design of a HUM. To validate the HUM, four case studies were conducted, during which significant improvements were observed in website effectiveness and efficiency. Based on the findings, HUM is a feasible approach for usability practitioners and also provides stakeholders a validated situational decision making framework for usability testing strategies taking into account real world constraints.

A Proposed Compiler to Integrate Model Driven Architecture with Web Services – Road Map

Model Driven Architecture (MDA) technique is mainly depend on two processes; mapping specification and transformation definition, this last one (sometimes called model transformation definition) has a tool to implement, which the most used one is Query/View/Transformation (QVT) Relational Language. This language sponsored by Object Management Group (OMG), and we found that it needs a repository for the both target model and source model, that mean these two models must be exist before execute the transformation definition (QVT Code). To eliminate this repository problem we propose in this paper a solution for this problem that we can compile the QVT code into Business Process Execution Language for Web Services (BPEL4WS). This solution will provide valuable contribution especially for MDA infrastructure, firstly to eliminate repository requirements for target model, secondly to make model transformation as web services. General Terms Model Driven Architecture; Model Transformation; Integration of Web Services with other Techniques.

Assessing educators' acceptance of virtual reality (VR) in the classroom using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT)

Teaching and learning processes can be enhanced through the adoption of Virtual Reality (VR) Technology in the classroom. However, educators in Malaysia have been slow to adopt VR approaches to classroom content delivery. Little is known about the specific factor that impact to the intention to employ VR in educational environment. The purpose of this present research paper is to investigate and provide a preliminary analysis of a framework that predicts level of technology acceptance in a post secondary institution in Perak, Malaysia. A questionnaire based on factor identified in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and the Use Of Technology (UTAUT) was administered to 41tutoring level educators to measure the effect of performance expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), and Social Influence (SI) on Behavioral Intention (BI) towards VR. Regression analysis identified that EE and SI significantly influenced BI. The need for future study of technology acceptance in education was discussed.

Technology Resources and E-Commerce Impact on Business Performance

Many firms around the world have adopted E-commerce to enhance competitive advantage and business performance. E-commerce is now an important model in today’s business environment and is often considered a key dimension in generating a firm value, despite the fact that many firms still have difficulty generating the anticipated returns of E-Commerce technology investments. To date, researchers have attempted to develop range of strategies for E-commerce success but uptake in business environments has proven slow and inconsistent. In this paper we proposed a model that offers a strategic framework for generating value from E-commerce, using technology resources factors, IT infrastructure, IT-human resources to facilitate business outcomes. A regression analysis was performed on survey data from 243 Malaysian firms. Results indicated that technology resources are the key drivers of E-commerce and lead to better business performance.

Developing a simulation game to facilitate the acquisition and transfer of road safety knowledge

Concern over the risk of fatality and injury among children has focused attention on resources for affecting the transfer of safety knowledge. This paper reports on the development of a simulation game, RoadsTrain (RTSG) designed to transfer knowledge about safe pedestrian behavior to school children aged 7 to 12. The prototyping method is used to develop the RTSG. The outcome of this paper is to compares current modes of safety learning to game-based approaches and identifies areas for future research and innovation.