Monique Snoeck

Classification With Ant Colony Optimization

Ant colony optimization (ACO) can be applied to the data mining field to extract rule-based classifiers. The aim of this paper is twofold. On the one hand, we provide an overview of previous ant-based approaches to the classification task and compare them with state-of-the-art classification techniques, such as C4.5, RIPPER, and support vector machines in a benchmark study. On the other hand, a new ant-based classification technique is proposed, named AntMiner+. The key differences between the proposed AntMiner+ and previous AntMiner versions are the usage of the better performing MAX-MIN ant system, a clearly defined and augmented environment for the ants to walk through, with the inclusion of the class variable to handle multiclass problems, and the ability to include interval rules in the rule list. Furthermore, the commonly encountered problem in ACO of setting system parameters is dealt with in an automated, dynamic manner. Our benchmarking experiments show an AntMiner+ accuracy that is superior to that obtained by the other AntMiner versions, and competitive or better than the results achieved by the compared classification techniques.

Existence dependency: The key to semantic integrity between structural and behavioral aspects of object types

In object-oriented conceptual modeling, the generalization/specialization hierarchy and the whole/part relationship are prevalent classification schemes for object types. This paper presents an object-oriented conceptual model where, in the end, object types are classified according to two relationships only. Existence dependency and generalization/specialization. Existence dependency captures some of the interesting semantics that are usually associated with the concept of aggregation (also called composition or Part Of relation), but in contrast with the latter concept, the semantics of existence dependency are very precise and its use clear cut. The key advantage of classifying object types according to existence dependency are the simplicity of the concept, its absolute unambiguity, and the fact that it enables to check conceptual schemes for semantic integrity and consistency. We will first define the notion of existence dependency and claim that it is always possible to classify objects according to this relationship, thus removing the necessity for the Part Of relation and other kinds of associations between object types. The second claim of this paper is that existence dependency is the key to semantic integrity checking to a level unknown to current object-oriented analysis methods. In other words: Existence dependency allows us to track and solve inconsistencies in an object-oriented conceptual schema.

On the Definition of Service Granularity and Its Architectural Impact

Service granularity generally refers to the size of a service. The fact that services should be large-sized or coarse-grained is often postulated as a fundamental design principle of service oriented architecture (SOA). However, multiple meanings are put on the term granularity and the impact of granularity on architectural qualities is not always clear. In order to structure the discussion, we propose a classification of service granularity types that reflects three different interpretations. Firstly, functionality granularityrefers to how much functionality is offered by a service. Secondly, data granularityreflects the amount of data that is exchanged with a service. Finally, the business value granularityof a service indicates to which extent the service provides added business value. For each of these types, we discuss the impact of granularity on a set of architectural concerns, such as performance, reusability and flexibility. We illustrate each granularity type with small examples and we present some preliminary ideas of how controlling granularity may assist in alleviating some architectural issues as we encounter them in a large-sized bank-insurance company that is currently migrating to SOA.

APATE: A novel approach for automated credit card transaction fraud detection using network-based extensions

In the last decade, the ease of online payment has opened up many new opportunities for e-commerce, lowering the geographical boundaries for retail. While e-commerce is still gaining popularity, it is also the playground of fraudsters who try to misuse the transparency of online purchases and the transfer of credit card records. This paper proposes APATE, a novel approach to detect fraudulent credit card transactions conducted in online stores. Our approach combines (1) intrinsic features derived from the characteristics of incoming transactions and the customer spending history using the fundamentals of RFM (Recency - Frequency - Monetary); and (2) network-based features by exploiting the network of credit card holders and merchants and deriving a time-dependent suspiciousness score for each network object. Our results show that both intrinsic and network-based features are two strongly intertwined sides of the same picture. The combination of these two types of features leads to the best performing models which reach AUC-scores higher than 0.98.

Management and enterprise architecture click: The FAD(E)E framework

Enterprises are living things. They constantly need to be (re-)architected in order to achieve the necessary agility, alignment and integration. This paper gives a high-level overview of how companies can go about doing ‘enterprise architecture’ in the context of both the classic (isolated) enterprise and the Extended Enterprise. By discussing the goals that are pursued in an enterprise architecture effort we reveal some basic requirements that can be put on the process of architecting the enterprise. The relationship between managing and architecting the enterprise is discussed and clarified in the FAD(E)E, the Framework for the Architectural Development of the (Extended) Enterprise.

A systematic literature review of studies on business process modeling quality

Abstract Context Business process modeling is an essential part of understanding and redesigning the activities that a typical enterprise uses to achieve its business goals. The quality of a business process model has a significant impact on the development of any enterprise and IT support for that process. Objective Since the insights on what constitutes modeling quality are constantly evolving, it is unclear whether research on business process modeling quality already covers all major aspects of modeling quality. Therefore, the objective of this research is to determine the state of the art on business process modeling quality: What aspects of process modeling quality have been addressed until now and which gaps remain to be covered? Method We performed a systematic literature review of peer reviewed articles as published between 2000 and August 2013 on business process modeling quality. To analyze the contributions of the papers we use the Formal Concept Analysis technique. Results We found 72 studies addressing quality aspects of business process models. These studies were classified into different dimensions: addressed model quality type, research goal, research method, and type of research result. Our findings suggest that there is no generally accepted framework of model quality types. Most research focuses on empirical and pragmatic quality aspects, specifically with respect to improving the understandability or readability of models. Among the various research methods, experimentation is the most popular one. The results from published research most often take the form of intangible knowledge. Conclusion We believe there is a lack of an encompassing and generally accepted definition of business process modeling quality. This evidences the need for the development of a broader quality framework capable of dealing with the different aspects of business process modeling quality. Different dimensions of business process quality and of the process of modeling still require further research.

Case Studies in research: Choosing the right business process maturity model

We have built and tested a decision tool which will help organisations properly select one business process maturity model (BPMM) over another. This prototype consists of a novel questionnaire with decision criteria for BPMM selection, linked to a unique data set of 69 BPMMs. Fourteen criteria (questions) were elicited from an international Delphi study, and weighed by the analytical hierarchy process. Case studies have shown (non-)profit and academic applications. Our purpose was to describe criteria that enable an informed BPMM choice (conform to decision-making theories, rather than ad hoc). Moreover, we propose a design process for building BPMM decision tools.

Formal deadlock elimination in an object oriented conceptual schema

Abstract Object oriented models model structural and behavioural aspects of objects in the Universe of Discourse. As the dynamic aspects of objects include parallelism and synchronisation of object life cycles, conceptual schemes must be verified for problematic behaviour like deadlock. In this paper we will present fragments of a method for object oriented analysis and the process algebra that allows to formally verify a conceptual schema build according to this method for deadlock behaviour.

Inferring comprehensible business/ICT alignment rules

We inferred business rules for business/ICT alignment by applying a novel rule induction algorithm on a data set containing rich alignment information polled from 641 organisations in 7 European countries. The alignment rule set was created using AntMiner+, a rule induction technique with a reputation of inducing accurate, comprehensible, and intuitive predictive models from data. Our data set consisted of 18 alignment practices distilled from an analysis of relevant publications and validated by a Delphi panel of experts. The goal of our study was to describe practical guidelines for managers in obtaining better alignment of ICT investments with business requirements. Our obtained rule set showed the multi-disciplinary nature of B/ICT alignment. We discuss implication of the alignment rules for practitioners.

An Overview of Enterprise Architecture Framework Deliverables

A number of enterprise architecture frameworks do exist. In this paper, we differentiate between two classes of frameworks: classic enterprise architecture frameworks, and federated enterprise architecture frameworks. From each class, a number of reputable frameworks are presented. Conclusions are made concerning what these frameworks learn us for setting up an Extended Enterprise architecture framework.