Teresita Rojas

Integration of Systemic Quality and the Balanced Scorecard

Abstract This article presents the integration of systemic quality (balance between product and process effectiveness and efficiency) as a strategy of systems development organizations, through the balanced scorecard (BSC) method, to balance the different forces that drive the organization. the proposal contemplates a series of tasks that would be undertaken through the strategic plan. Each task assures one aspect of the organization, in addition to creating a strategic map and a series of indicators that demonstrate the cause and effect relationship between systemic quality and the organization. This article also illustrates a case study in which a dynamic simulation technique was used, recreating the present situation of a Venezuelan organization over a five-year period. This strategy was used to try to determine the impact of systemic quality on financial prospects, especially in increasing shareholder value, starting with the simulation of the present state of the company and then introducing systemic quality.

Evaluation of Workflow-type software products: a case study

Abstract The main objective of this paper is to propose a set of indicators for the evaluation of Workflow software-type products within the context of Information Systems. This paper is mainly based on a comprehensive bibliographical review of all topics referring to the Workflow Technology and Information Systems. Next, sets of indicators are presented for the selection of a Workflow software based on the realities of the business world, including a method of examination so as to obtain an integral evaluation on the Workflow software. Finally, the evaluation method for two types of Workflow software is applied: Lotus Domino / Notes ® and Microsoft Exchange ® , for the billing subsystems of a company called MANAPRO Consultants, Inc. ® .

Evaluation of environments for portals development: A case study

Abstract With the growing application of the Internet, business portal software is becoming increasingly complex given the wide variety of technologies it must integrate. It is therefore most important to have development environments that enable this type of software to be built efficiently. This justifies the need to evaluate the quality of business portal development environments. The objective of this article is to propose the definition of a quality model for business portal development environments, based on ISO/IEC 9126, with the appropriate metrics for estimating quality. the estimation model was evaluated through a case study using a commercial business portal development environment. the rational unified process (RUP) methodology was chosen to build a business portal prototype.

METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH FOR DEVELOPING A KMS: A CASE STUDY

This article describes the construction of a Knowledge Management System (KMS) by applying fundamental concepts and principles of Software Engineering, such as process, models, methodology, technology and architectures, among others. They are applied to the field of Knowledge Management as a means of improving the process of developing applications in this domain, in an endeavor to increase its effectiveness. This paper’s main contribution is a methodological approach progressing from knowledge processes to a set of appropriate systems. The use of modeling techniques and technologies that may prove helpful to the Software Engineer are suggested as part of this approach, while the technological, social and organizational aspects to be considered are highlighted. This proposal was evaluated through the development of a Knowledge Management System for a Venezuelan organization – a research center. The evaluation proved the effectiveness of the methodological aspects proposed. These may be of use as inputs for some Learning Software Organizations dedicated to the development of this type of system.