Gunnar Piho

Towards Archetypes-Based Software Development

We present a framework for the archetypes based engineering of domains, requirements and software (Archetypes-Based Software Development, ABD). An archetype is defined as a primordial object that occurs consistently and universally in business domains and in business software systems. An archetype pattern is a collaboration of archetypes. Archetypes and archetype patterns are used to capture conceptual information into domain specific models that are utilized by ABD. The focus of ABD is on software factories - family-based development artefacts (domain specific languages, patterns, frameworks, tools, micro processes, and others) that can be used to build the family members. We demonstrate the usage of ABD for developing laboratory information management system (LIMS) software for the Clinical and Biomedical Proteomics Group, at the Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds.

Business Archetypes and Archetype Patterns from the HL7 RIM and openEHR RM Perspectives: Towards Interoperability and Evolution of Healthcare Models and Software Systems☆

Abstract Business archetypes and archetype patterns were originally introduced by Arlow and Neustadt. Business archetype patterns (Product, Party, Order, Inventory, Quantity and Rule), composed of business archetypes (e.g., Persons Name, Address, Phone Number) are the universal information models describing the universe of discourse of businesses. We have redesigned these archetypes and archetype patterns and are using the redesigned version of archetypes and archetype patterns in the development of real life healthcare software. In this paper we compare the redesigned archetypes and archetype patterns with the HL7 Version 3: Reference Information Model and openEHR Reference Model. In our comparison we emphasize semantical aggregation of health data across heterogeneous data sources, as well as the interoperability and evolution of models and software.

Towards Self-development of Evolutionary Information Systems: An Action Research of Business Architecture Development by Students in Socially Networked Groups

We present a case study of business architecture development by students working in socially networked groups. In this case study we emulated a self-development of an evolutionary information system. The “client system” in this emulated project was medical laboratory information system. In the role of the “change agent” were students of two different specialties: medical technology students (one group) and IT students (another group). We describe the process and results of the first (finished) phase of strategic analysis where the initial business architecture was developed. Later on this business architecture will be utilized as a platform for (social, self-) development of business processes and software. Medical technology students (knowing the problem) played the business process owner/analyst dual role. IT students (knowing IT-related solution patterns for the problem and processes) played the business designer role. The relationships between (and inside) the two groups/communities were managed using Google Sites (social) software.

The Data Quality Framework for the Estonian Public Sector and Its Evaluation

In this paper, we describe a data quality framework for public sector organizations is proposed. It includes a data quality methodology for the public sector organizations (DQMP) and a complex of state-level activities for improving data quality in the public sector. The DQMP comprises a data quality model, a data quality maturity model, and a data quality management process. Based on this framework, two guidelines have been developed: a data quality handbook for public sector organizations and guidelines for improving data quality in the public sector. The results of the evaluation of the data quality handbook on three basic Estonian state registers highlight lessons learned and confirm the usefulness of the approach. The paper aims at researchers investigating data quality in various environments and practitioners involved in information systems management, development, and maintenance.