Wita Wojtkowski

Systems development methods for databases, enterprise modeling, and workflow management

To develop a conventional CORBA(Common Object Request Broker Architecture)-based distributed object systenl, flrst the systems requirements must be analyzed in requirements analysis step and systems overall interface and details must be specifled and built using lOL(lnterface Defmition Language) in design step. However, there are not too many models available that can be used as a benchmark in specifYing the requirements and details of the CDO(CORBA-based distributed object) system. Conversion to lOL from requirements analysis step or prelinlinary design stage is a difficult task and an effective method for veriflcation oflDL is not currently available. In the light of unique features of distributed object system, lOL errors that occur in the beginning of software development become the main causes of errors for the systenl as a whole. This paper suggests SACC (Software Architecture-based CORBA Component) model as a solution to the problems mentioned above in specifYing details and VerifYing CDO system. SACC model uses SCI (SACC Converted lOL) algorithms to be converted to lOL. SACC model utilizes software architecture approach. SACC modeling method uses CTL (Computational Tree Logic) to verifY CORBA system that is specifled by SACC model. In conclusion, SACC modeling method is proven effective in specifYing details and VerifYing the CDO system. Furthermore, it helps progranmlers to effectively convert to lOL, which is highly reliable.

Understanding E-Business Success in Diverse Industries: Common Success Factors at Southwest Airlines and Micron Technology

ABSTRACT A successful electronic business model requires the proper combination of value proposition, target market, resources, and financial return, all within a technologically sound implementation. In this time of failing dotcoms, successes are rare and deserve serious analysis. This paper analyzes the robust and successful e-business approaches of two organizations from distinctly different industries–Southwest Airlines, a major U.S. airline, and Micron Technology, a global manufacturer of semiconductor products. Our investigation of these two organizations reveals that in spite of the diverse nature of their industries, a common set of factors contributed to their success. These common factors include an emphasis on an experimental and improvisational approach to all actions taken, empowered project teams possessing unique skills sets, a design philosophy of satisficing (just enough, when it is needed), all balanced with a strong customer focus.

Framework Oriented Software Development and its Challenges

The Object Oriented software development methodologies that are currently in use assume that all software components are to be developed from scratch. Software solutions providers and software consulting houses have always had a strong business interest in utilizing made to a pattern (standard) software products instead of developing software solutions from scratch. Rapid (and low risk) customization of their products has been their ultimate goal.

Visual process language: an environment that enhances inventiveness in the system development process-A theoretical perspective

The authors provide a theoretical perspective on the effect of computer support on creativity. The assertion is made that artifacts of information systems (ISs) do not substantially differ from those of art and science, and that the creative processes leading to the artifacts are similar. The autors further propose that the use of newly available computer technology, specifically, the visual process language (VPL), will have much to offer in terms of augmenting creativity when constructing IS artifacts. They postulate that VPL assists the first insight, preparation, and illumination steps of the creative process, and that both association/images and progressive abstraction techniques are embedded in VPL.<<ETX>>

Cooperative processing: an agenda for research

The potential research agenda for cooperative processing (COP) is explored. COP is a method of processing in which communications is an integral part of the process of executing an application. The notion that new information technologies are creating innovative organizational structures that tend to alter the ways in which firms conduct their business is discussed. Topics for possible research are suggested such as: potential COP users, types of applications benefiting from the COP processing mode, and organizational and technological factors involved in COP implementation.<<ETX>>

On the Broader View of the Open Source Paradigm: The Case for Agricultural Biotechnology

This study reviews the use and advantages of open source software licensing and examines how the use of similar arrangements could increase productivity and innovation in other industries where intellectual property rights (IPR) protection has relied on proprietary measures and where rapid technological innovation is important. We observe that a reliance on proprietary, closed source protection of intellectual property in agricultural biotechnology has hindered product development and resulted in spiraling research and development costs. Reduced research productivity and increasing costs are of serious concern to practitioners, academicians, and policy makers. We show that lessons learned from the open source initiatives in software technology are directly applicable to agricultural biotechnology.

Leveraging Formal Specifications: Integration of Formal Paradigms in Multidimensional Modeling Space

This paper considers integrated three-dimensional space of data, functions and events as essential for leveraging formal specifications. Almost all of the traditional 00 software development methodologies use multiple diagrams to model systems at the abstract level. We propose to consider these methodologies as semi-formal, because their abstract models (known as analysis models, conceptual models, or domain models) consist of sets of descriptive diagrams that are not integrated in the three-dimensional space of data, functions, and events. In this paper we show that integration of the several existing paradigms, i.e., finite automata, attribution paradigm, relational paradigm, and abstract data type, leads to formal specifications that may be leveraged to achieve profound change in software development.

Panel on Change Management and Information Systems

This panel will constitute a series of paper presentations examining key issues in the area of information systems and organisational change. In particular, it will address the themes of process re-engineering, change management, evaluation frameworks for change management and impact of groupware implementation using case studies from a number of countries such as the UK, Sweden, USA and Germany. A brief outline of the contribution from each of the panellists is given below.

Creating a Successful Web Presence by a Leading Manufacturer of Memory Products

Although creating a successful web presence is of great interest to all types of business entities, adoption practices by original product manufacturers have been less frequently explored in the e-business literature. In this paper we analyze the strategy of creating a successful web presence by a leading manufacturer of memory products. The paper reports on a segment of our research in progress and briefly examines both business and development strategies. We report on some interesting lessons learned and offer a set of future research questions to further examine this segment.

Object Orientation in System Development

In this paper we explore different ways to describe and understand the adoption and diffusion of information technology in general, and object oriented (OO) information technology in particular. The rate of adoption of the technology in a user community, according to economy of standards theory (Fichman and Kemerer, 1993), comprises one of the critical factors in adoption of new technology. In accordance with this we describe a survey study designed to asses the current situation in relation to OO in the system development community in Norway, and report the results from this study and the conclusions that can be drawn from it.