Thesis (MA (Information Science. Socio-Informatics))--Stellenbosch University, 2009. / Open-source software is not something new; however, it has come into the spotlight in the last few years, mostly due to hyped initial cost savings of the Linux operating system. Consumers and businesses were made aware of shortcomings in the traditional proprietary software model and this has in turn created a surge in popularity of open-source. The migration to open-source requires efficient research of options available and thorough analysis of the migratory process through all levels of the organization. Initial independent cost analysis has not been conclusive, with unreliable, skewed results and below average performance due to poor implementation. The focus of this study is whether open-source software is a suitable alternative to current proprietary software packages utilized by the government sector.

abstract: The following is a case study composed of three workflow investigations at the open source software development (OSSD) based Apache Software Foundation (Apache). I start with an examination of the workload inequality within the Apache, particularly with regard to requirements writing. I established that the stronger a participant's experience indicators are, the more likely they are to propose a requirement that is not a defect and the more likely the requirement is eventually implemented. Requirements at Apache are divided into work tickets (tickets). In our second investigation, I reported many insights into the distribution patterns of these tickets. The participants that create the tickets often had the best track records for determining who should participate in that ticket. Tickets that were at one point volunteered for (self-assigned) had a lower incident of neglect but in some cases were also associated with severe delay. When a participant claims a ticket but postpones the work involved, these tickets exist without a solution for five to ten times as long, depending on the circumstances. I make recommendations that may reduce the incidence of tickets that are claimed but not implemented in a timely manner. After giving an in-depth explanation of how I obtained this data set through web crawlers, I describe the pattern mining platform I developed to make my data mining efforts highly scalable and repeatable. Lastly, I used process mining techniques to show that workflow patterns vary greatly within teams at Apache. I investigated a variety of process choices and how they might be influencing the outcomes of OSSD projects. I report a moderately negative association between how often a team updates the specifics of a requirement and how often requirements are completed. I also verified that the prevalence of volunteerism indicators is positively associated with work completion but what was surprising is that this correlation is stronger if I exclude the very large projects. I suggest the largest projects at Apache may benefit from some level of traditional delegation in addition to the phenomenon of volunteerism that OSSD is normally associated with. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Industrial Engineering 2017

Thesis (MTech (Information Technology))--Peninsula Technikon, 2004 / This dissertation was written in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology in the Faculty of Information Technology at the Peninsula Technikon in South Africa. The dissertation covers the introduction of the study; the reviews of the case, Free and Open Source Software; the discussion of methodology of software project management in terms of software engineering; the analysis of assessment methods; the techniques of using PHP, MySQL, Apache and CVS; and the implementation of a test module. The research represents the consideration of the problem, namely that there are few free assessment manager programmes that can be used for the quick and efficient deployment of academic assessments. An experimental research method was used to with the aim of solving the above problem. In other words, a test management system module had to be designed and implemented to function within the architectural constraints of a developing Open Source Software (OSS) Learning Management System (LMS), which is called Knowledge Environment for Web-based Learning Next Generation (KEWL.NextGen). The test management system is a module developed on Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) in PHP and MySQL application. The scripts of this test module are written under the KEWL.NextGen' application framework, which is based on a close approximation of model, view and controller (MVC) design III pattem. Now the entire source coding of the test module has been uploaded to Web site http://kngforge.uwc.ac.za. This test module can be used for the creation and management of an online test. It provides facilities to create a new test, and to preview, edit, delete and mark an existing test. Three question types have been achieved, namely multiple-choice, true/false and short answer.

Thesis (MTech (Information Technology))--Peninsula Technikon,Cape Town, 2004 / Higher education and online discussions are an integral part of collaboratively based e-Learning systems. However, there problems can be associated with current online discussion models. For example, it can be easy to set open-ended discussions which attract little participation and to assess contributions can be difficult or time-consuming. Students may not achieve the expected learning outcomes without proper structure and management in online discussions. This paper proposes to design and implement a discussion forum object to function within the architectural constraints of an existing Oss learning management system (to meet target user requirements) that is a web-based environment for online discussions where the facilitator can structure each discussion according to its nature and where learning requirements are using already designed templates.

Thesis (MTech (Information Technology))--Peninsula Technikon, Cape Town, 2004 / This document describes the design and implementation of an Assignment Management Module (AMM) to function within the architectural constraints of an eXisting open-source software (OSS) Leaming Management System (LMS). The project is established for Infonmation Technology Department Master Degree Project of the Peninsula Technikon. The Assignment Management Module will be constructed in orders to make it easier to create, mark, and manage assignments and record individual student perfonmances. The design entailed work on different function blocks like a user's authorisation, files uploadfdownload and mailing reminder unit as well as writing and testing of the application code on the intemet/intranet. The development process of the project to explore how to fu lfi11 software engineering methodology in an open-source environment, also presents details of the design architecture and technologies to be used, as well as being mindful of its future directions. The target audience of this document is anyone with an interest in an open-source software project in general, and in a Learning Management System in particular. If the reader has also been a contributor to Learning Management System, and especially to the management of assignments, this document may provide additional value, in that it strives to present a new approach to the understanding of such a module.

O manejo populacional de cães e gatos é um conjunto de estratégias para controlar e prevenir problemas relacionados com o convívio entre esses animais e os seres humanos. Nesta tese é proposto um fluxo de trabalho baseado em métodos quantitativos, para auxiliar o planejamento, implementação e monitoramento de programas de manejo populacional de animais de companhia. Ao seguir o fluxo de trabalho é possível coletar dados para caracterizar populações, analisar esses dados para propor intervenções e avaliar o efeito das intervenções. A proposta foi baseada na articulação de cinco pesquisas. Na primeira pesquisa foi implementado de um desenho amostral complexo para caracterizar a população de cães e gatos domiciliados de Votorantim, São Paulo. Na segunda pesquisa que foi baseada nos dados levantados na primeira, foram usadas análises de correspondências múltiplas para identificar perfis de opiniões públicas em relação ao abandono de cães e gatos. Na terceira pesquisa foi avaliada a validade do desenho amostral usado na primeira pesquisa, mediante simulações estocásticas. Na quarta pesquisa foi desenvolvido um modelo matemático de manejo populacional que permite priorizar as intervenções de acordo com o efeito que produzem. Na quinta pesquisa foi desenvolvido um modelo matemático para avaliar a eficiência do controle reprodutivo realizado com contraceptivos de efeito reversível. Os modelos das duas últimas pesquisas foram baseados em sistemas acoplados de equações diferenciais e em análises de sensibilidade global e local. A proposta foi implementada em um software de código aberto, o pacote do R capm, que pode ser incorporado na rotina de trabalho dos setores envolvidos no manejo populacional de animais de companhia / Dog and cat population management is a set of strategies to control and prevent problems related with the coexistence between those animals and human beings. In this thesis it is proposed a work-fiow based on quantitative methods to support the planning, implementation and mo- nitoring of companion animal population management programs. Following the work-fiow, it is possible to collecf data to characterize populations, analyze that data to propose interventions and assess the effect of interventions. The proposal was based on the articulation of five rese- arches. In the first research, a complex sampling design was implemented to characterize the owned dog and cat populations of Votorantim, São Paulo. In the second research, which was based on data from the first one, public opinion profiles regarding dog and cat abandonment were identified using multiple correspondence analysis. In the third research, the validity of the sampling design used in the first research was assessed through stochastic simulations. In the fourth research, a mathematical model of population management was developed. With that model, it is possible to prioritize interventions according to the effect they produce. In the fifth research, a mathematical model was developed to assess the efficiency of reproductive control based on contraceptives with reversible effect. The models of the last two researches were based on systems of coupled differential equations, and on global and local sensitivity analysis. The proposal was implemented in an open source software, the R package capm, that can be incorporated in the working routine of sectors involved with companion animal population management

Este trabalho se inicia com uma discussão sobre as principais características dos Sistemas de Arquivos Distribuídos, ou seja, espaço de nomes, localização, cache, consistência, replicação, disponibilidade, escalabilidade, heterogeneidade, tolerância a falhas e segurança. Analisamos diversos sistemas de arquivos existentes quanto a estas características dando especial atenção aos sistemas NFS, Andrew, Coda, Sprite, Zebra, Harp, Frolic e Echo. Descrevemos alguns modelos analíticos para o comportamento de sistemas de arquivos distribuídos e, em seguida, apresentamos um novo modelo para sistemas baseados em leases - um mecanismo para a garantia de consistência em sistemas distribuídos. Finalmente, descrevemos a nossa implementação do sistema de arquivos distribuído SODA - que utiliza leases - apresentando dados sobre o seu desempenho. / We begin with a discussion of some of the main characteristics of Distributed File Systems, namely locality, name space, cache, consistency, replication, availability, scalability, heterogeneity, fault tolerance and security. We analyze several file systems based on these characteristics. We focus mainly on NFS, Andrew, Coda, Sprite, Zebra, Harp, Frolic, and Echo. We then describe some analytical models of the behavior of distributed file systems. After that we present a new model of systems based on leases - a mechanism to assure consistency on a distributed system. Finally we describe our implementation of the SODA distributed file system - which uses leases - presenting some results on its performance.

In this thesis work, we try to enhance an industry work simulator by developing a Free and Open source fault injecting and monitoring application. We present our experiences and ideas while participating in a work simulation. We implement some of these ideas to further enhance the simulation. We also try to connect these experiences to the fields of Human Com- puter Interaction (HCI), Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) and Ubiquitous Computing. / This thesis is mainly about developing a Fault injecting and Monitoring (FIM) application for supporting Work simulation environment. / Mobile number: 0739225562 (Sweden) vikas.vikky@gmail.com

Business modelling (BM) is being used in commercial organizations of different sizes and industries all over the world as a tool to design, structure and analyse business processes and activities. Hence, advantages of BM can be exploited by public sector institutions (PSIs) as well. Adoption of open source software (OSS) is another phenomenon that started to spread from individual and corporate users to public environment. In Europe, it was successfully done in German municipalities and Swedish police. Moreover, guidelines on OSS public procurement were developed by the group of researchers led by R. A. Ghosh on the base of EU directives on software management. The aim of the current study is to combine two mentioned above tools (BM and OSS adoption) in one practical approach that could be used by municipalities. The main reason for doing this is obvious lack of findings in both theoretical and practical aspects though the subject is being broadly discussed and promoted. The overall purpose of the current research is to design an OSS based business model for Kivos municipalities that can be later generalized to other public organizations, probably even in other countries. The specific feature of this business modelling is that it is created upon value and relationships instead of issues related to money which is more common for BM. The current study is an exploratory and inductive qualitative research where case study was chosen as a research strategy. Data collection was conducted using the following techniques: literature review – for secondary data collection, and communication (interview and survey) – for primary data collection. Theoretical framework includes literature (sources providing both general and specific information related to the subject of interest. All gathered information was interpreted and analysed through the instrumentality of enterprise modelling or simply summarised and discussed verbally. On the base of interpreted results of theoretical and empirical studies desired OSS based business relationships model was designed and described for Kivos municipalities. It is based on value which in particular case implies sharing information, knowledge and experience as well as mutual assistance and reliable interaction between participants of relationships existing in OSS environment.

Abstract This thesis explores whether usability cost-benefit analysis is helpful when applied to commercial and open source software (OSS) development contexts. First, the thesis examines the differences and commonalities among the existing usability cost-benefit analysis models. The results indicate that there are considerable variations in the usability cost-benefit analysis literature in how the different categories of usability costs and benefits are identified and documented. Second, the thesis examines how well the existing usability cost-benefit considerations fit into practice in closed source software development. The results indicate that there are considerable risks of failure when using usability cost-benefit considerations in the commercial development context, when the inherent costs of usability activities become apparent, concrete, and measurable. Conversely, the potential benefits of better usability remain vague, uncertain, and unconvincing to the management. In order to build better usability cost-benefit models and minimize the potential that the models have unforeseen inherent risks, as outlined in this thesis, researchers should focus strongly on bringing forward the possible benefits of usability instead of focusing on the costs of designing and implementing user interfaces that would be realized in any case, regardless of the usability activities. Third, the thesis identifies the parallels and differences between open source software development and closed source software development in order to identify how usability costs and benefits fit into OSS development. The usability costs and benefits specific to OSS development are reflected in the experiences of bringing usability into the OSS development context. The results indicate that it is possible to fit usability cost-benefit considerations into the OSS development context, even though there are no apparent financial or resource factors to be considered. Furthermore, to fit usability cost-benefit considerations into the OSS development context, the philosophy, principles, hierarchical structure, community structure, and characteristics of OSS development must be considered. Usability cost-benefit considerations that fit into the OSS development context might help convince core developers that usability activities are important and should be integrated into the project roadmap. / Tiivistelmä Väitöskirjassa tutkitaan käytettävyyden kustannus-hyöty -analyysin soveltamista kaupalliseen ja avoimen lähdekoodin ohjelmistojen (OSS) ohjelmistokehitykseen. Tutkimuksessa tarkastellaan ensin käytettävyyden kustannus-hyöty -analyysimallien eroja ja yhteisiä piirteitä. Tulokset osoittavat käytettävyyden kustannus-hyöty -analyysimalleissa olevan huomattavia eroja siinä, miten eri käytettävyyden kustannuksia ja hyötyjä on tunnistettu. Toiseksi tutkimuksessa tarkastellaan miten hyvin nykyiset käytettävyyden kustannus-hyöty -analyysimallit sopivat käytännössä kaupallisten ohjelmistojen kehittämisessä. Tulokset osoittavat, että on olemassa huomattavia epäonnistumisen riskejä käytettäessä käytettävyyden kustannus-hyötynäkökohtia käytettävyystoimien oikeuttamiseen. Käytettävyyden kustannukset voivat tulla yrityksen johdon näkökulmasta konkreettisiksi ja mitattaviksi, kun taas mahdolliset paremman käytettävyyden hyödyt voivat jäädä epämääräisiksi, epävarmoiksi ja epäuskottaviksi. Parempien käytettävyyden kustannus-hyöty –mallien kehittämiseksi ja odottamattomien riskien minimoimiseksi mallien suunnittelussa tulisi keskittyä erityisesti paremman käytettävyyden tuomiin mahdollisiin etuihin, koska osa kustannuksista toteutuisi joka tapauksessa käytettävyystoimista riippumatta. Kolmanneksi tutkimuksessa tarkastellaan eroja ja yhtäläisyyksiä avoimen lähdekoodin ohjelmistojen kehittämisessä ja kaupallisessa suljetun lähdekoodin ohjelmistojen kehittämisessä, sekä miten käytettävyyden kustannukset ja hyödyt soveltuvat OSS kehityksessä käytettävyystoimien oikeuttamiseen. Käytettävyyden kustannuksia ja hyötyjä OSS -kehityksessä heijastetaan suhteessa kokemuksiin käytettävyystoimista OSS -projekteissa. Tulokset osoittavat, että on mahdollista soveltaa käytettävyyden kustannus-hyöty -näkökulmia OSS kehityksessä, vaikka OSS kehityksessä ei olekaan ilmeisiä huomioitavia taloudellisia tai resurssitekijöitä. Käytettävyyden kustannus-hyöty -näkökulmien soveltaminen OSS kehityksessä edellyttää OSS kehityksen filosofian, periaatteiden, hierarkkisen rakenteen, yhteisön rakenteen sekä OSS kehityksen ominaispiirteiden ottamista huomioon. OSS -kehitykseen paremmin soveltuvien käytettävyyden kustannus-hyöty –näkökulmien avulla voidaan vakuuttaa OSS -projektin pääkehittäjiä ja yhteisöä käytettävyystoimien tärkeydestä ja nämä toimet voidaan saada osaksi projektin ohjelmistokehitystä.