Robert B. Jackson

OO systems analysis: is it or isn't it?

Design features can creep into analysis methods when such methods evolve from a design- and-implementation perspective. Although these features may aid design, they are likely to hinder analysis. The authors introduce an object-oriented analysis method that contains no design features. >

Developing formal object-oriented requirements specifications: a model, tool and technique

Abstract The creation of a requirements specification for systems development has always been a difficult problem and continues to be a problem in the object-oriented software development paradigm. The problem persists because there is a paucity of formal, object-oriented specification models that are seamlessly integrated into the development cycle and that are supported by automated tools. Here, we present a formal object-oriented specification model (OSS), which is an extension of an object-oriented analysis model (OSA), and which is supported by a tool (IPOST) that automatically generates a prototype from an OSA model instance, lets the user execute the prototype, and permits the user to refine the OSA model instance to generate a requirements specification. This technique leverages the benefits of a formal model, an object-oriented model, a seamless model, a graphical diagrammatic model, incremental development, and CASE tool support to facilitate the development of requirements specifications.

Student expectations of computing majors

This paper describes research into student motivation and satisfaction with various computing majors on campus. A survey was administered to 422 computing majors and a different survey was administered to approximately 800 non-computing majors at Brigham Young University. The objective was to discover student understanding and expectations of the Computer Science, Information Systems and Information Technology programs on campus. Students within these majors were asked about their satisfaction and career expectations and non-computer majors were asked about their understanding of the computing majors. Motivations for selecting specific majors were explored. Recommendations are made for helping students select the most appropriate computing major for their needs.

Automated support for the development of formal object-oriented requirements specifications

The creation of a requirements specification document for systems development has always been a difficult problem and continues to be a problem in the object-oriented software development paradigm. The problem persists because there is a paucity of formal, object-oriented specification models that are seamlessly integrated into the development cycle and that are supported by automated tools. Here, we present a formal object-oriented specification model (OSS), which is a seamless extension of an object-oriented analysis model (OSA), and which is supported by a tool (IPOST) that automatically generates a prototype from an OSA model instance, lets the user execute the prototype, and permits the user to refine the OSA model instance to generate a requirements specification. This approach leverages the benefits of a formal model, an object-oriented model, a seamless model, a graphical diagrammatic model, incremental development, and CASE tool support.

Concepts of single-paradigm object-oriented development, with application to a manufacturing information system

A major complexity in the development of many computerized information systems is the lack of an integrated framework and analysis structure to consolidate disparate types of information. Successful information system development in complex environments requires an approach that supports development of systems across all information areas and uses the same model for analysis, specification, prototyping, design and implementation. This paper presents a robust methodology for dealing with these needs. The method has a sound theoretical basis, yet is straightforward to understand and use. An application from computerized manufacturing is used to illustrate the method.