Jasna Kuljis

A review of web based simulation: whither we wander?

This paper considers a variety of new technologies for discrete-event simulation software development. Environments and languages for Web based simulation are reviewed. Web based applications are discussed. After proposing a summary of the review, ways of working that will have an unpredictable effect on the future of simulation modeling are proposed.

Visualizing latent domain knowledge

Knowledge discovery and data mining commonly rely on finding salient patterns of association from a vast amount of data. Traditional citation analysis of scientific literature draws insights from strong citation patterns. Latent domain knowledge, in contrast to the mainstream domain knowledge, often consists of highly relevant but relatively infrequently cited scientific works. Visualizing latent domain knowledge presents a significant challenge to knowledge discovery and quantitative studies of science. We build upon a citation-based knowledge visualization procedure and develop an approach that not only captures knowledge structures from prominent and highly cited works, but also traces latent domain knowledge through low-frequency citation chains. We apply this approach to two cases: (1) identifying cross-domain applications of Pathfinder networks (PFNETs) and (2) clarifying the current status of scientific inquiry of a possible link between Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), also known as mad cow disease, and a new variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), a type of brain disease in humans.

An appraisal of web-based simulation: whither we wander?

Abstract The direction that web-based simulation modelling is taking is determined and deliberated. Environments and languages for web-based simulation are reviewed, particularly Java-based approaches. Web-based applications are discussed. After proposing a summary of the review, ways of working that will have an unpredictable effect on the future of simulation modelling are proposed. The future direction of web-based simulation is speculated on, given the argument pursued in the paper.

HCI and simulation packages

Computer-based simulation modelling is one of the domains that is particularly demanding in terms of user interfaces. Issues that influence the usability of such systems are examined. Several representative systems were investigated in order to generate some general assumptions with respect to those characteristics of user interfaces employed in simulation systems. There is a need for simulation systems that can support the developments of simulation models in many domains, which are not supported by contemporary simulation software. Many user interface deficiencies are discovered and reported. Proposals are made on how user interfaces for simulation systems can be enhanced to match better the needs specific to the domain of simulation modelling, and on how better to support users in simulation model developments.

Visualisation techniques for learning and teaching programming

This paper describes the programming knowledge and skills that learners need to develop, and concludes that this is an area of computer science education where those involved in the teaching of programming need to further consider the nature, structure and function of domain-specific knowledge. Visualisation techniques may offer important insights into the learning and teaching of programming. It has been argued that conceptual models could serve to enhance learners conceptual understanding of programming, and we describe how these may effectively be used in the teaching of programming. The methods to enhance the development of accurate mental models include: designing the interface so that users can interact actively with it; using metaphors and analogies to explain concepts; and using spatial relationships so that users can develop capabilities for mental simulations.

Visualization and Simulation: Two Sides of the Same Coin?

Visual simulation is a stepping-stone towards the integration of simulation and visualization. The design and analysis of a visual simulation system CLINSIM, which models a clinic process in a hos pital is described. Analyzing such a system can lead to insights into the nature of the interrela tionship between simulation and visualization. In this article, this visual simulation example clari fies the nature of the difference between visualiza tion and simulation. Several possible roles of visu alization technology have been identified in order to strengthen the power of a simulation system. By incorporating visualization techniques into traditional simulation systems, one can expect that users and analysts will benefit from better- informed simulation models across the real and virtual worlds.

A generic simulation package for organising outpatient clinics

A computer based visual simulation model, made up of a complex data input component to define the clinic logistics, and an iconic visual simulation representation to show the effect of the policy has been built using a variety of commercial application packages. Visual simulation has made it possible to show interested parties in hospital outpatient clinics how the clinic appointment and operating policy can influence patient waiting time. The package has been tested at 20 tests sites in the United Kingdom, and interest is such that further modifications to the system have been proposed. A user support centre has been set up to give advice to any outpatient clinic in the U.K.s National Health Service.

Engineering Requirements Through Use Cases in Complex Business Environment

The increasingly global nature of financial markets and institutions means that the collection and management of information on which decisions might be based are increasingly complex. There is a growing requirement for the integration of information flows at individual and departmental levels, and across processes and organisational boundaries. Effective information management is an important contributory factor in the efficiency of such institutions, though there are many associated problems that do not have obvious or simple answers. This paper discusses the problem of information gathering in complex business environments and considers how use cases can help to alleviate the problem using an example of a multinational organisation. Such organisations often require information systems that can support regional differences. However, management requires consistent and uniform representation of information. The example shows that use cases can be a helpful mechanism for capturing user requirements that accommodate both regional properties as well as their organisational commonalties.

Problems of management and decision making in multinational banking

Many organisations are tempted to introduce a centralised computer-based information system to serve all the information business needs of the organisation. A popular belief is that such information systems will solve many business problems. There are some organisations in which an integrated information system is a success story. However, this is not always possible or indeed desirable. An example of an organisation in which the implementation of a centralised computer-based system, whilst potentially desirable, does not satisfy the short-term information needs of the company is given. The paper examines multinational retail banking and the problems related to gathering and maintaining the information that is needed for making business decisions. The banking industry is undergoing a period of rapid intensification of competition and fundamental change where new products and services are both agents and consequences of change. The competitive position of banking is under increasingly serious challenge from non-banks offering financial services. Banks are confronted with numerous challenges in order to survive and indeed make a profit in such a competitive market where efficient and effective information management is of foremost importance. The complexity of the problem is illustrated using the example of Barclays Bank, which has a long history of operating internationally. The paper focuses on the problems and challenges of information gathering for the purpose of carrying out the business strategy of such organisations.

Building an evaluation instrument for OO CASE tool assessment for Unified Modelling Language support

The Unified Modelling Language (UML) as delivered in September 1997 offers the structure and dynamics of its modelling constructs developed in order to standardise different object oriented (OO) development practices. Represented as a language, UML covers some aspects addressed by any methodology and is expected to be accompanied by OO CASE tools through notation and implementation of the UML philosophy. This paper discusses the problem of OO CASE tools as methodology companions that encourage or enforce methodology support. The basis for an evaluation instrument has been developed in order to analyse how commercially available OO CASE tools support the UML. The evaluation instrument is based on extraction of a set of rules that are supposed to be followed in order to claim that the UML itself is being followed. The rules are extracted from the current UML Semantics document and its well-formedness rules. The evaluation instrument is tested against a few OO CASE tools in order to analyse how it can be used on a larger scale for assessing the level of automation and UML support embedded in the tools.