Samia Oussena

LEAP: a precise lightweight framework for enterprise architecture

This paper proposes LEAP, a simple framework for Enterprise Architecture (EA) that views an organization as an engine that executes in terms of hierarchically decomposed communicating components. The approach allows all aspects of the architecture to be precisely defined using standard modelling notations. Given that the approach is simple and precisely defined it can form the basis for a wide range of EA analysis techniques including simulation, compliance and consistency checking. The paper defines the LEAP framework and shows that it can be used to represent the key features of ArchiMate whilst containing fewer orthogonal concepts. We also show that the precision of LEAP, achieved through the use of OCL, can be used to verify both the claims made for inter-layer relationships in EA models and for extensions to ArchiMate.

An extensible, self contained, layered approach to context acquisition

Smart phones show increasing capabilities for context-aware applications. The development of such applications involves implementation of mechanisms for context acquisition and context adaptation. To facilitate efficient use of the devices resources and avoid monitoring the same context changes from multiple points, it is necessary that applications share the context acquisition mechanism. In this paper, we intend to develop a generic context acquisition engine which is capable of context capturing, composition and broadcasting. By deploying the engine on a mobile device, context changes are monitored from single point and disseminated to various context aware applications running on the same device. As a proof of concept, the context acquisition engine has been implemented on the Android platform.

A Method for Enterprise Architecture Alignment

Business and ICT strategic alignment remains an ongoing challenge facing organizations as they react to changing requirements by adapting or introducing new technologies to existing infrastructure. Enterprise Architecture (EA) has increasingly become relevant to these demands and as a consequence numerous methods and frameworks have emerged. However these approaches remain bloated, time-consuming and lacking in precision. This paper proposes a light-weight method for EA called LEAP and introduces a language for EA simulation that is illustrated with a detailed case study of business change currently being addressed by UK higher education institutions.

MobDSL: A Domain Specific Language for multiple mobile platform deployment

There is increasing interest in establishing a presence in the mobile application market, with platforms including Apple iPhone, Google Android and Microsoft Windows Mobile. Because of the differences in platform languages, frameworks, and device hardware, development of an application for more than one platform can be a difficult task. In this paper we address this problem by the creation of a mobile Domain Specific Language (DSL). Domain analysis was carried out using two case studies, inferring basic requirements of the language. The paper further introduces the language calculus definition and provides discussion how it fits the domain analysis, and any issues found in our approach.

A case study on model driven data integration for data centric software development

Model Driven Data Integration is a data integration approach that proactively incorporates and utilizes metadata across the data integration process. By decoupling data and metadata, MDDI drastically reduces complexity of data integration; whilst also providing an integrated standard development method, which is associated with Model Driven Architecture. This paper introduces a case study to adopt MDA technology as an MDDI framework for data centric software development; including data merging and data customization for data mining. A data merging model is also proposed to define relationships between different models at a conceptual level which is then transformed into a physical model. In this case study we collect and integrate historical data from various universities into the Data Warehouse system in order to develop student intervention services through data mining.

Using document-oriented GUIs in dynamic software product lines

Dynamic Software Product Line (DSPL) Engineering has gained interest through its promise of being able to unify software adaptation whereby software adaptation can be realised at compile time and runtime. While previous work has enabled program logic adaptation by the use of language extensions and platform support, little attention has been placed on Graphical User Interface (GUI) variability. Different design patterns including the Model View Controller are commonly used in GUI implementation, with GUI documents being used for declaring the GUI. To handle dynamic GUI variability currently, the developer needs to implement GUI refinements using multiple techniques. This paper proposes a solution for dealing with GUI document variability, statically and dynamically, in a unified way. In our approach, we currently use a compile time method for producing GUI variants, and code transformations to handle these variants within the application at runtime. To avoid GUI duplicates, only GUI variants that are unique, and related to a valid product configuration, are produced. To validate our approach, we implemented tool support to enable this for Android based applications.

SOA-MDK: Towards a Method Development Kit for Service Oriented System Development

This paper argues that appropriate modeling methods for service oriented development have not matured at the same pace as the technology because the conceptual underdeveloped. The paper describes a method for service oriented development based on an adaptation and enhancement of component based techniques. The use of reference models to widen the scope of the methodology is proposed. The method is described using a complex case study from Higher Education.

Enterprise Big Data Engineering, Analytics, and Management

The significance of big data can be observed in any decision-making process as it is often used for forecasting and predictive analytics. Additionally, big data can be used to build a holistic view of an enterprise through a collection and analysis of large data sets retrospectively. As the data deluge deepens, new methods for analyzing, comprehending, and making use of big data become necessary.Enterprise Big Data Engineering, Analytics, and Management presents novel methodologies and practical approaches to engineering, managing, and analyzing large-scale data sets with a focus on enterprise applications and implementation. Featuring essential big data concepts including data mining, artificial intelligence, and information extraction, this publication provides a platform for retargeting the current research available in the field. Data analysts, IT professionals, researchers, and graduate-level students will find the timely research presented in this publication essential to furthering their knowledge in the field.

Integrating the semiotic into UML via enhancing and cross- validating use case with an enriched domain model

Use case models are representation of the way in which users of the system interact with it. The UML specification driven approach to system development enable the use case model to be continuously refined and cross-validated from a number of system viewpoints. However, little has been done for validating the model against the organizational and workgroup setting in which the system will reside. This article aims to address this gap by the use of techniques derived from organizational semiotics for validating use case models against a wider aspect of organizational culture and meaning making at the organizational, workgroup and actor level of abstraction. Such approach will enhance the system development by providing “goodness of fit†between system model and organizational values and beliefs.

BPMN, Toolsets, and Methodology: A Case Study of Business Process Management in Higher Education

This chapter describes ongoing action research which is exploring the use of BPMN and a specific toolset – Intalio Designer to capture the “as is” essential process model of part of an overarching large business process within higher education. The chapter contends that understanding the efficacy of the BPMN notation and the notational elements to use is not enough. Instead, the effectiveness of a notation is determined by the notation, the toolset that is being used, and methodological consideration. The chapter presents some of the challenges that are faced in attempting to develop computation independent models in BPMN using toolsets such as Intalio Designer™.