Artur Ziółkowski

VALIDATION OF AN AGENT AND ONTOLOGY-BASED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT SYSTEM

The aim of this article is to present a new method of the validation of an agent and ontology-based information technology assessment system. The characteristics of the proposed multi-agent system are presented followed by a description of some important details regarding the ontology functionality of this system. Then an approach to its verification process is proposed. The approach employs a semantic description of system variables and implements a knowledge representation model in ontology web language (OWL). The article concludes with an illustrative case study for the presented methodology.

Model of RUP Processes Maturity Assessment in IT Organizations

A crucial problem in modern software engineering is maturity assessment of organizations developing software. We propose utilizing a process model of RUP development methodology, as a pattern for comparing it with the examined process. Percent values of accordance coefficient determine the task accordance of the examined process with the pattern of activities flow. The above mentioned RUP model concept is based on a multi-agent based simulation (MABS). It presents goals and behaviors of agents as well as components of the agent system environment. To confirm the usefulness of the method for assessment of organization’s maturity, a two-fold experiment was undertaken. The results confirm the usefulness of the model in maturity assessment. First part consisted of tuning the simulation internal parameters to the development process. In the second part accordance coefficient values of the sample project were obtained by comparing it with the results of the simulated model.

Supporting software project management processes using the agent system

The natural development of information technology area stimulates intense growth of various technologies which support basic organization processes. The range of technologies implies appropriate management thereof, as well as accurate correspondence with conducted activities. Abandonment of activities within individual branches in favour of project approach to performed assignments (especially those connected with software development) has recently become a popular subject of management. This approach involves a variety of technologies which support project tasks. Yet the question arises, how to harmonize proper technologies with project management in an effective way. Agent system that is built by authors is a kind of solution to this problem. That system is a kind of tool which serves to help project managers with the choice of a proper method and technology of project management. One of most important decision taken before project start is method and tools selection. When method is not fitted to project team it can provide to projects failure. Also many times clients knowledge about IT project area can be important for getting success.

Efficiency and Maturity Assessment Model of RUP Process in IT Organizations

A crucial problem in modern software engineering is maturity assessment of organizations developing software, however, research has shown that efficiency is a clearer indicator of agile transformation readiness. We propose utilizing a process model of RUP development methodology, as a pattern for comparing it with the examined process. Two factors were proposed to assess maturity and factor determining the efficiency of the RUP process. The above mentioned RUP model concept is based on a multi-agent based simulation (MABS). It presents goals and behaviours of agents as well as components of the agent system environment. To confirm the usefulness of the method for assessment of organization’s maturity, a two-fold experiment was undertaken. The results confirm the usefulness of the model in efficiency and maturity assessment. First part consisted of tuning the simulation internal parameters to the development process. In the second part we propose three factors that can be used to assess efficiency and maturity of a RUP IT organization. The proposed coefficients are an extension of previous research by the authors, devoted to the assessment of organizational readiness for agile processes transformation.

Ontology of the Design Pattern Language for Smart Cities Systems

The paper presents the definition of the design pattern language of Smart Cities in the form of an ontology. Since the implementation of a Smart City system is difficult, expensive and closely linked with the problems concerning a given city, the knowledge acquired during a single implementation is extremely valuable. The language we defined supports the management of such knowledge as it allows for the expression of a solution which, based on best practices recorded in the form of design patterns, is also tailored to the requirements of the city seeking to implement the Smart City solution. The formal/ontological structure of the language in turn allows the automatic management of the properties of a solution recorded in this way. This final feature of the introduced language is extremely important in the decision-making process regarding the choice of a particular solution by the relevant authorities. The work is divided into five main parts. In the first part we discuss the implementation issue of the integration bus using the example of the IOC. In the next part we talk about the validity of using semantic technologies in order to expand the spectrum of potential implementations. Then we discuss the ontological implementation of the Smart City pattern language which we created, a language which allows for both the saving of requirements and the validation of solutions specified in it. We also present an example of usage, which at the same time serves as a validation of the language in real-life conditions. In the last part we discuss certain aspects of the pattern language and the possible ways to develop research related to it.

Implementation of Business Processes in Smart Cities Technology

The goal of the paper is to present the results of studies concerning the development of a method of implementation of business processes in Smart Cities systems. The method has been developed during studies carried out within the building of a Smart Cities system for Gdansk, and is based on basic development project management mechanisms drawing from best practices, and in particular from the RUP methodology and business-oriented development principles, where the role of business process modeling is crucial for the implementation of functionalities of IT systems.

Experience-Driven Model of Decision-Making Processes in Project Teams

This article presents a model of decision-making processes in project teams. Project teams constitute a specific type of organization appointed to implement a project. Decisions made by project teams result from the methods of project management and best management practices. The authors have undertaken the task of formalizing these processes using the classical method of constructing decision trees. It has been established that this method cannot be fully exploited because the decision-making paths need changing (the decision tree must be dynamically generated after every decision). Therefore, the authors applied a method for collecting experiences, the Set of Experience Knowledge Structure (SOEKS), to support the structure of a decision tree. This method was used to support decision-making processes regarding the selection of methods and technologies of project management and to classify the location decisions resulting from exceeding levels of particulate matter.

Building Dedicated Project Management Process Basing on Historical Experience

Project Management Process used to manage IT project could be a key aspect of project success. Existing knowledge does not provide a method, which enables IT Organizations to choose Project Management methodology and processes, which would be adjusted to their unique needs. As a result, IT Organization use processes which are not tailored to their specific and do not meet their basic needs. This paper is an attempt to fill this gap. It describes a method for selecting management methodologies, processes and engineering practices most adequate to project characteristic. Choices are made on the basis of organization’s historical experience. Bespoken Project Management process covers technical and non-technical aspects of software development and is adjusted to unique project challenges and needs. Created process is a hybrid based on CMMI for Development Model, it derives from different sources, uses elements of waterfall and Agile approaches, different engineering practices and process improvement methods.

Evaluation of Readiness of IT Organizations to Agile Transformation Based on Case-Based Reasoning

Nowadays many of IT organization decides to change the way of delivering from classic, waterfall approach to agile. This transition is called “agile transformation” (AT). The problem of this process is that part of companies started AT without any analysis. This causes that many of transitions fails and organizations must return to old methods of delivering. Cost of return is significant and number of projects with violated project management triangle is bigger than before. In this paper authors described the results of conducted research and the model of evaluating of readiness to agile transformation based on case-based reasoning.

Agents of RUP Processes Model for IT Organizations Readiness to Agile Transformation Assessment

A significant problem in modern software engineering is maturity assessment of organizations developing software.