The real estate sector, pivotal to the global economy, faces challenges in utilizing the potential of digitalization, lagging behind other industries in adopting new technologies. This resistance is often attributed to the sector's reliance on traditional practices and the physical nature of its assets. Thus, the aim of this study is to develop a Digital Maturity Model framework specifically tailored for the real estate sector. Enabling real estate firms to navigate the complexities of digitalization, ensuring they arewell-informed to adopt and benefit from new technologies. The study is of exploratory nature incorporating a qualitative approach, combining theoretical foundations with qualitative findings in favor of developing a comprehensive digital maturity modelframework. The qualitative findings were collected from interviews with real estate professionals, bridging the gap between theoretical findings and real world challenges. Findings suggest that real estate companies need a robust framework to not only assess their current digital capabilities but also to guide their future digital strategies. Hence, this study contributes to the field by developing the first applicable Digital Maturity Model framework for the real estate sector, providing a foundation for companies to advance their digital maturity. The final model proposed by this research lays the foundation upon which assessment and action can be taken by real estate companies to become more digitally mature. The model itself incorporates dimensions such as organization, strategy, technology, processes, and real estate specific factors, each with defined sub-dimensions. The sub-dimensions were then divided into three stages of importance to further guide real estate companies in their digital transformation journey. / Fastighetssektorn, som är avgörande för den globala ekonomin, står inför utmaningar när det gäller attutnyttja potentialen med digitalisering och ligger efter andra industrier i att anta nya teknologier. Dettamotstånd beror ofta på sektorns beroende av traditionella metoder och de fysiska tillgångarnas natur.Syftet med denna studie är att utveckla ett ramverk för en digital mognadsmodell specifikt anpassadför fastighetssektorn, som möjliggör för navigering av digitaliseringens komplexiteter och säkerställeratt fastighetsföretag är väl informerade för att anta och dra nytta av nya teknologier. Studien är av utforskande natur och använder en kvalitativ metod som kombinerar teoretiska grundermed kvalitativa insikter för att utveckla ett omfattande ramverk för digital mognad. De kvalitativainsikterna samlades in från intervjuer med yrkesverksamma inom fastighetssektorn, vilket förenar denteoretiska grunden med verkliga utmaningar. Resultaten tyder på att fastighetsföretag behöver ettrobust ramverk för att inte bara bedöma sina nuvarande digitala förmågor utan också för att styra sinaframtida digitala strategier. Därför bidrar denna studie till området genom att utveckla den förstatillämpbara modellen för digital mognad inom fastighetssektorn och tillhandahåller en grund föravancemang av företagets digitala mognad. Den slutliga modellen som föreslås i denna forskning lägger grunden för att fastighetsföretag skakunna fatta beslut och agera på ett sätt som främjar digital mognad. Modellen i sig beaktardimensioner som organisation, strategi, teknologi, processer och fastighetsspecifika faktorer, var ochen med definierade underdimensioner. Underdimensionerna delades sedan in i tre olika stadier för attytterligare visa och vägleda fastighetsföretag i deras digitala transformationsresa.

Esta pesquisa trata do desenvolvimento de uma estrutura conceitual para um framework de maturidade, para o domínio de ecossistemas digitais de produção de software, utilizando a pesquisa-ação como paradigma de pesquisa. A estrutura de medição proposta tem como base o critério descrito no item 5 da Norma ISO/IEC 15504-2 Uma Estrutura de Medição para a capacidade de processo, com as adaptações necessárias para o domínio do Software Publico Brasileiro (SPB). O framework tem como objetivo o desenvolvimento de referências conceituais para um modelo de maturidade de um ecossistema público de software, considerando as referências do pensamento sistêmico. A abordagem do pensamento sistêmico permitiu identificar que o ecossistema evolui em ciclos de aprendizado que resultaram em um modelo de maturidade. Foi observado também que a mesma abordagem pode ser utilizada em outros ecossistemas. O objeto de pesquisa, o ecossistema do SPB, é uma experiência inovadora na administração pública, que combina características do modelo de produção de software livre com o conceito de bens públicos e é entregue por um portal que une pessoas e interesses diferentes. O portal do SPB é um espaço virtual para disseminação e aprimoramento de ferramentas de software. Em algumas comunidades acontecem atividades de desenvolvimento de novas funcionalidades ou mesmo de novas versões de ferramentas. Portanto, acontecem processos de desenvolvimento de software, porém ainda sem um processo de qualidade instituído. O desenvolvimento da pesquisa utilizou como referências teóricas frameworks de modelos de maturidade de processos, framework de métodos para construção de modelos, conceitos de sistemas complexos, pensamento sistêmico e ecossistemas digitais. A metodologia de pesquisa utilizada foi a pesquisa-ação e o trabalho de campo teve a duração de dois anos. / This research project addresses the development of a conceptual structure to measure the quality of software production in the digital ecosystem domain, using the action research paradigm. The proposed measurement framework is based on the criteria described in item 5 of ISO / IEC 15504-2 - A Measurement Framework for process capability, with the necessary adaptations to the Public Domain Software (PDS). Development of the structure aims to contribute to the creation of conceptual references for a maturity model for a public software development ecosystem, using the literature on Systems Thinking. The Systems Thinking Approach identified the ecosystem evolves in learning cycles that resulted in a maturity model. It was also observed that the same approach can be used in other ecosystems. The research object is the Brazilian Public Software Ecosystem (BPS), an innovative experience in public administration that combines features of the free software production model with the concept of public goods and is delivered by a portal that links different people and interests. The BPS portal is a virtual space for the development, dissemination and enhancement of software by software communities. These communities engage in activities involving the development of new functionality or even new versions of solutions. Thus they involve software development processes but without a minimum of quality assurance. The theoretical references for the research project ranged from frameworks for process maturity models and frameworks for model construction to concepts of complex systems, systemic thinking and digital ecosystems. The research methodology used was action research and the field work had duration of two years.

In this research, it was mainly aimed to develop an acceptance model for processes, namely the process acceptance model (PAM). For this purpose, a questionnaire, comprising 3-part and 81-question, was developed to collect quantitative and qualitative data from people having relationships with certain process-focused models and/or standards (CMMI, ISO 15504, ISO 9001, ISO 27001, AQAP-160, AQAP-2110, and/or AS 9100). To revise and refine the questionnaire, expert reviews were ensured, and a pilot study was conducted with 60 usable responses. After reviews, refinements and piloting, the questionnaire was deployed to collect data and in-total 368 usable responses were collected from the people. Here, collected data were screened concerning incorrectly entered data, missing data, outliers and normality, and reliability and validity of the questionnaire were ensured. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS SEM) was applied to develop the PAM. In this context, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were applied, and the initial model was estimated and evaluated. The initial model was modified as required by PLS SEM, and confirmatory factor analysis was repeated, and the modified final model was estimated and evaluated. Consequently, the PAM, with 18 factors and their statistically significant relationships, was developed. Furthermore, descriptive statistics and t-tests were applied to discover some interesting, meaningful, and important points to be taken into account regarding the acceptance of processes. Moreover, collected quantitative data were analyzed, and three additional factors were discovered regarding the acceptance of processes. Besides, a checklist to test and/or promote the acceptance of processes was established.

The need for information systems has increased to a point where virtually all business environments require some sort of software to aid in its daily operations. This study will address the need for quality information systems by examining techniques which can potentially aid in producing consistent high-quality information systems. Two techniques in particular, namely Process Maturity Models (PMMs) and Systems Development Methodologies (SDMs) are examined. Process Maturity Models such as the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) as well as the ISO-9000 standards aid in standardising and improving an organisation’s information systems development processes. These Process Maturity Models often require either the use of certain Systems Development Methodologies or at the very least techniques used within some Systems Development Methodologies. Systems Development Methodologies refer to a set of development processes, tools, techniques etc. which can be used during software development to standardise the entire development process by offering the use of modelling techniques, tools to analyse requirements, illustration of processes etc. These techniques differ from one Systems Development Methodology to the next. This study aims to identify the relationship between Process Maturity Models and Systems Development Methodologies. During the research process a questionnaire was sent out to people within the information technology business environment. The questionnaire contained questions used to determine and measure the usage of Systems Development Methodologies and how projects were affected. The questionnaire was also used to do an informal assessment of each respondent’s Capability Maturity Model level. Furthermore the data retrieved was statistically analysed and the results were interpreted. The results indicate that a relationship exists between the use of SDMs and the success of the respondent’s development processes and developed products. A total of 73% of respondents indicated that they do use SDMs to some extent, the most common being the Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC). The majority of organizations implementing SDMs have been doing so for three years or more. Results also show that most of the respondents are not certified in some formal Process Maturity Model; however, they do implement some of the processes required by models such as the CMMI. An informal assessment performed indicated that 65% of respondents can be grouped into a perceived CMMI level 2 category. Project outcome was measured and the relationship between PMM implementation as well as SDM use was measured. Results show no statistical evidence which indicates that an organisation’s perceived CMMI level is influenced by SDM use, both vertically and horizontally. Results do, however, indicate that organizations which have been implementing SDMs for a longer period of time are more likely to apply CMMI level 4 activities. Results also indicate that the horizontal use (number of projects/people which implement SDM knowledge) of SDMs have a significant effect on the development process- and the developed product success. Lastly the results indicated that organizations which satisfy more of the CMMI’s level 4 activities experience a higher quality development process which leads to a more successful development process. / Thesis (MSc (Computer Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The need for information systems has increased to a point where virtually all business environments require some sort of software to aid in its daily operations. This study will address the need for quality information systems by examining techniques which can potentially aid in producing consistent high-quality information systems. Two techniques in particular, namely Process Maturity Models (PMMs) and Systems Development Methodologies (SDMs) are examined. Process Maturity Models such as the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) as well as the ISO-9000 standards aid in standardising and improving an organisation’s information systems development processes. These Process Maturity Models often require either the use of certain Systems Development Methodologies or at the very least techniques used within some Systems Development Methodologies. Systems Development Methodologies refer to a set of development processes, tools, techniques etc. which can be used during software development to standardise the entire development process by offering the use of modelling techniques, tools to analyse requirements, illustration of processes etc. These techniques differ from one Systems Development Methodology to the next. This study aims to identify the relationship between Process Maturity Models and Systems Development Methodologies. During the research process a questionnaire was sent out to people within the information technology business environment. The questionnaire contained questions used to determine and measure the usage of Systems Development Methodologies and how projects were affected. The questionnaire was also used to do an informal assessment of each respondent’s Capability Maturity Model level. Furthermore the data retrieved was statistically analysed and the results were interpreted. The results indicate that a relationship exists between the use of SDMs and the success of the respondent’s development processes and developed products. A total of 73% of respondents indicated that they do use SDMs to some extent, the most common being the Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC). The majority of organizations implementing SDMs have been doing so for three years or more. Results also show that most of the respondents are not certified in some formal Process Maturity Model; however, they do implement some of the processes required by models such as the CMMI. An informal assessment performed indicated that 65% of respondents can be grouped into a perceived CMMI level 2 category. Project outcome was measured and the relationship between PMM implementation as well as SDM use was measured. Results show no statistical evidence which indicates that an organisation’s perceived CMMI level is influenced by SDM use, both vertically and horizontally. Results do, however, indicate that organizations which have been implementing SDMs for a longer period of time are more likely to apply CMMI level 4 activities. Results also indicate that the horizontal use (number of projects/people which implement SDM knowledge) of SDMs have a significant effect on the development process- and the developed product success. Lastly the results indicated that organizations which satisfy more of the CMMI’s level 4 activities experience a higher quality development process which leads to a more successful development process. / Thesis (MSc (Computer Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. / MBA Professional Report / Over the years, the United Nations' (UN) peacekeeping operations have increased significantly. When a crisis develops, the UN is expected to respond. It examines the overall situation in order to assess the political and military goals, required composition of force, equipment, training, financial implications, circumstances of deployment and effectiveness of the peacekeeping operation required. The UN does not have any permanent force structure; it is dependent on its member States for contribution of forces, though the equipment may or may not be provided by the troops' contributing countries. The UN has a standard procedure for acquiring peacekeeping operations/services. The process is a contract between the UNDPKO and the troops' contributing countries. Though there are similarities betweeen UN-followed contract management process and the generaly accepted contract management process identified in the contract management body of knowledge, there are many differences as well. The purpose of this study is both to evaluate the existing UN contract management process being followed to acquire peacekeeping operations/services from various troops' contributing countries against the generally accepted contract management process identified in the contract management body of knowledge as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of the UN contract management process maturity so as to assess the effectiveness of the UN contract management process for obtaining peacekeeping operations/services from troops' contributing countries.

Este trabalho descreve a definição e institucionalização de um processo de engenharia de requisitos que está em conformidade com as áreas de processo do CMMI (Capability Maturity Model) de Gerência de Requisitos e Desenvolvimento de Requisitos e cujos componentes (atividades, papéis, produtos de trabalho) são baseados em RUP (Rational Unified Process). A principal contribuição deste estudo é a definição de um processo de engenharia de requisitos baseado em abordagens de desenvolvimento diferenciadas, que foi implantado em uma organização específica, com foco em praticidade, eficiência e retorno do investimento. A implantação do processo em projetos reais permitiu sua experimentação, avaliação e refinamento, validando as alternativas de integração utilizadas para empregar as abordagens de desenvolvimento escolhidas. Complementando o processo proposto, como decorrência do foco em eficiência, são consideradas possibilidades de emprego de práticas de métodos ágeis na execução do processo, com o intuito de aumentar a produtividade do mesmo, sustentando sua garantia de qualidade. O processo proposto é descrito, do método de concepção aos passos envolvidos e artefatos gerados em cada atividade. Também são comentadas as etapas e áreas de trabalho envolvidas na institucionalização do trabalho. / This research depicts the definition and institutionalization of a requirements engineering process which is in conformance to CMMI (Capability Maturity Model) Requirements Management and Requirements Development process areas. The proposed process components (activities, roles, work products) are based on Rational Unified Process (RUP) process framework. The proposed process main contribution is the definition of a requirements engineering process, leveraging such diverse development approaches, which was implemented in a specific organization, focusing on practicality, efficiency and return on investment. Implementing such process in real projects has promoted its experimentation, evaluation and refinement, validating the integration alternatives used to bring together the chosen development approaches. The possibility of employing agile methods practices through the process execution is discussed, aiming at increasing the process productivity, while assuring product quality. The proposed process details are described, from method conception to each activity steps and generated artifacts. The process institutionalization phases and work areas are also commented.

Este trabalho descreve a avaliação do Processo Unificado Rational (RUP) realizada com base no Modelo de Maturidade da Capacitação (CMM ou SW-CMM), e a utilização de um sistema de gerência de workflow comercial, Exchange 2000 Server, na implementação de um protótipo de um ambiente de apoio a este processo, chamado de Ambiente de Gerenciamento de Projetos (AGP). O Processo Unificado Rational (RUP) foi avaliado com relação às práticas-chave descritas pelo Modelo de Maturidade da Capacitação (CMM) do Software Engineering Institute (SEI), da Carnegie Mellon University. A avaliação identificou o suporte fornecido por este modelo de processo às organizações que desejam alcançar níveis 2 e 3 do CMM. A avaliação resultou na elaboração de propostas para complementar as macro-atividades (Core Workflows) do RUP, visando satisfazer as práticas-chave do CMM. O CMM apresenta um modelo de avaliação de processo que busca atingir a maturidade dos processos da organização, é específico para o desenvolvimento de software, os aspectos de melhoria contínua são fortemente evidenciados e várias organizações já estão utilizando-o com sucesso. O RUP surgiu como uma proposta de unificar as melhores práticas de desenvolvimento de software. Foi experimentada a utilização de um sistema de gerência de workflow, de fato um servidor de colaboração, para apoiar o processo de desenvolvimento de software. A ferramenta desenvolvida foi avaliada com base em requisitos considerados, por alguns autores da área, desejáveis em um ambiente de apoio ao processo de desenvolvimento. O protótipo do ambiente de gerenciamento de projetos é uma ferramenta de suporte baseada na Web, que visa auxiliar os gerentes de projeto de software nas atividades de gerenciamento e controle, e ajudar na interação e troca de informações entre os membros da equipe de desenvolvimento. O Processo Unificado apresenta uma abordagem bem-definida dos processos de engenharia de software e de gerenciamento de projetos de software, mas não se concentra em atividades de gerenciamento de sistemas. Ele apresenta lacunas em atividades envolvendo gerenciamento de recursos humanos, gerenciamento de custos e gerenciamento de aquisição. AGP é uma ferramenta flexível que pode ser acessada pela Internet, suporta a colaboração entre os membros de uma equipe, e oferece os benefícios da Web, como navegação intuitiva através de links e páginas. Esta ferramenta ajuda no suporte ao gerenciamento, fornecendo opções para planejar e monitorar o projeto, e suporta eventos, como mudança de estados, e comunicação aos usuários de suas novas tarefas. / This master dissertation describes the assessment of the Rational Unified Process (RUP) based on the Capability Maturity Model for Software (SW-CMM or CMM), and the implementation of a prototype tool to support this process based on of-the-shelf Workflow Management System, Exchange 2000 Server. The prototype developed is called Project Management Environment (PME). Rational Unified Process (RUP) was assessed based on the key practices described for the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) at the Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute. The assessment identified the facilities that RUP offers to support an organization aiming at CMM levels 2 and 3. The assessment resulted in the elaboration of propositions to complement the Rational Unified Process in order to satisfy the key process areas of CMM. CMM shows a process model that is far fetched to reach the process maturity of an organization, is specific for the software development, and strongly emphasizes the aspects of continuous improvement and several organizations already used it with success. RUP describes how to apply best practices of software engineering. It was experimented the use of a Workflow Management System, in fact a collaboration server, to support the software development process. The experimental environment was assessed considering the requirements identified by various researchers for an environment to effectively support a software development process. The prototype software development environment is a web-based process support system, which provides means to assist the management of software development projects and help the interaction and exchange of information between disperse members of a development. The Rational Unified Process presents a well defined approach on software project management and software engineering processes, but it is not an approach centered on systems management concerns. Therefore it lacks activities involving issues as cost management, human resource management, communications management, and procurement management. PME is a flexible tool that can be accessed through the Internet, supporting the collaboration between team members, and offering the benefits of the Web, with intuitive navigation through of links and pages. It helps to support management control, providing options to plan and monitor the project, and supports events of the process, as changing states, and communicates users of their attributed tasks.

Este trabalho descreve a avaliação do Processo Unificado Rational (RUP) realizada com base no Modelo de Maturidade da Capacitação (CMM ou SW-CMM), e a utilização de um sistema de gerência de workflow comercial, Exchange 2000 Server, na implementação de um protótipo de um ambiente de apoio a este processo, chamado de Ambiente de Gerenciamento de Projetos (AGP). O Processo Unificado Rational (RUP) foi avaliado com relação às práticas-chave descritas pelo Modelo de Maturidade da Capacitação (CMM) do Software Engineering Institute (SEI), da Carnegie Mellon University. A avaliação identificou o suporte fornecido por este modelo de processo às organizações que desejam alcançar níveis 2 e 3 do CMM. A avaliação resultou na elaboração de propostas para complementar as macro-atividades (Core Workflows) do RUP, visando satisfazer as práticas-chave do CMM. O CMM apresenta um modelo de avaliação de processo que busca atingir a maturidade dos processos da organização, é específico para o desenvolvimento de software, os aspectos de melhoria contínua são fortemente evidenciados e várias organizações já estão utilizando-o com sucesso. O RUP surgiu como uma proposta de unificar as melhores práticas de desenvolvimento de software. Foi experimentada a utilização de um sistema de gerência de workflow, de fato um servidor de colaboração, para apoiar o processo de desenvolvimento de software. A ferramenta desenvolvida foi avaliada com base em requisitos considerados, por alguns autores da área, desejáveis em um ambiente de apoio ao processo de desenvolvimento. O protótipo do ambiente de gerenciamento de projetos é uma ferramenta de suporte baseada na Web, que visa auxiliar os gerentes de projeto de software nas atividades de gerenciamento e controle, e ajudar na interação e troca de informações entre os membros da equipe de desenvolvimento. O Processo Unificado apresenta uma abordagem bem-definida dos processos de engenharia de software e de gerenciamento de projetos de software, mas não se concentra em atividades de gerenciamento de sistemas. Ele apresenta lacunas em atividades envolvendo gerenciamento de recursos humanos, gerenciamento de custos e gerenciamento de aquisição. AGP é uma ferramenta flexível que pode ser acessada pela Internet, suporta a colaboração entre os membros de uma equipe, e oferece os benefícios da Web, como navegação intuitiva através de links e páginas. Esta ferramenta ajuda no suporte ao gerenciamento, fornecendo opções para planejar e monitorar o projeto, e suporta eventos, como mudança de estados, e comunicação aos usuários de suas novas tarefas. / This master dissertation describes the assessment of the Rational Unified Process (RUP) based on the Capability Maturity Model for Software (SW-CMM or CMM), and the implementation of a prototype tool to support this process based on of-the-shelf Workflow Management System, Exchange 2000 Server. The prototype developed is called Project Management Environment (PME). Rational Unified Process (RUP) was assessed based on the key practices described for the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) at the Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute. The assessment identified the facilities that RUP offers to support an organization aiming at CMM levels 2 and 3. The assessment resulted in the elaboration of propositions to complement the Rational Unified Process in order to satisfy the key process areas of CMM. CMM shows a process model that is far fetched to reach the process maturity of an organization, is specific for the software development, and strongly emphasizes the aspects of continuous improvement and several organizations already used it with success. RUP describes how to apply best practices of software engineering. It was experimented the use of a Workflow Management System, in fact a collaboration server, to support the software development process. The experimental environment was assessed considering the requirements identified by various researchers for an environment to effectively support a software development process. The prototype software development environment is a web-based process support system, which provides means to assist the management of software development projects and help the interaction and exchange of information between disperse members of a development. The Rational Unified Process presents a well defined approach on software project management and software engineering processes, but it is not an approach centered on systems management concerns. Therefore it lacks activities involving issues as cost management, human resource management, communications management, and procurement management. PME is a flexible tool that can be accessed through the Internet, supporting the collaboration between team members, and offering the benefits of the Web, with intuitive navigation through of links and pages. It helps to support management control, providing options to plan and monitor the project, and supports events of the process, as changing states, and communicates users of their attributed tasks.

Este trabalho descreve a definição e institucionalização de um processo de engenharia de requisitos que está em conformidade com as áreas de processo do CMMI (Capability Maturity Model) de Gerência de Requisitos e Desenvolvimento de Requisitos e cujos componentes (atividades, papéis, produtos de trabalho) são baseados em RUP (Rational Unified Process). A principal contribuição deste estudo é a definição de um processo de engenharia de requisitos baseado em abordagens de desenvolvimento diferenciadas, que foi implantado em uma organização específica, com foco em praticidade, eficiência e retorno do investimento. A implantação do processo em projetos reais permitiu sua experimentação, avaliação e refinamento, validando as alternativas de integração utilizadas para empregar as abordagens de desenvolvimento escolhidas. Complementando o processo proposto, como decorrência do foco em eficiência, são consideradas possibilidades de emprego de práticas de métodos ágeis na execução do processo, com o intuito de aumentar a produtividade do mesmo, sustentando sua garantia de qualidade. O processo proposto é descrito, do método de concepção aos passos envolvidos e artefatos gerados em cada atividade. Também são comentadas as etapas e áreas de trabalho envolvidas na institucionalização do trabalho. / This research depicts the definition and institutionalization of a requirements engineering process which is in conformance to CMMI (Capability Maturity Model) Requirements Management and Requirements Development process areas. The proposed process components (activities, roles, work products) are based on Rational Unified Process (RUP) process framework. The proposed process main contribution is the definition of a requirements engineering process, leveraging such diverse development approaches, which was implemented in a specific organization, focusing on practicality, efficiency and return on investment. Implementing such process in real projects has promoted its experimentation, evaluation and refinement, validating the integration alternatives used to bring together the chosen development approaches. The possibility of employing agile methods practices through the process execution is discussed, aiming at increasing the process productivity, while assuring product quality. The proposed process details are described, from method conception to each activity steps and generated artifacts. The process institutionalization phases and work areas are also commented.