Research has shown that data warehouses potentially offer great investment opportunities to business. To benefit from this, business needs to invest large sums of money. Such investments are very risky, as no guarantee of the success of these ventures can be given. Object-oriented development has proved successful for developing operational systems in industry. This study researches object-oriented techniques to discover whether these techniques could be used successfully in data warehousing. A literature study focuses on the definition of an information systems development methodology and defines the components of such methodology. A further literature study on four popular object-oriented methodologies determines the commonalities of these methodologies. In conclusion, a literature study on data warehouse methodologies is done to discover the phases and techniques used in developing data warehouses. Based on the literature, a method is proposed to build a data warehouse harnessing object-oriented phases and techniques. The proposed method is applied as an interpretive experiment, followed by an evaluation of the data warehouse implemented. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Computer Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

While the focus of this work is on turbo equalization, there is also an examination of equalization techniques including MMSE linear and DFE equalizers and Precoding. The losses and capacity associated with the ISI channel are also examined. Iterative decoding of concatenated codes is briefly reviewed and the MAP algorithm is explained.

Free energy techniques provide the basis for an analysis of aspects of the liquid-vapour interface undertaken in this study. The main focus of this work is an extensive theoretical investigation into properties of the surface tension, including curvature dependence and supersaturation effects, using Monte Carlo computer simulation techniques.

Integration is one of the driving themes in database and applied computing research. Starting with the development of Federated Information Systems and passing over to Enterprise Application Integration, the integration of distributed systems receives a lot of attention with the development of Web services these days. Integration on an architecture independent level can be cast to the integration of autonomous object oriented systems which requires the integration of object structure and object behaviour. Past research has mainly addressed the structural aspects meaning the integration of class attributes and relations. This thesis is addressing the integration of object behaviour and proposes a structured, model-driven approach for the integration of business processes specifying software application behaviour. It consists of the identification of correspondences between business processes on different levels of abstraction and associates the correspondences with integration patterns that lead to a specific technical integration. One advantage of the approach is that correspondences and patterns are defined separately, which enhances the re-usability of patterns in different integration scenarios. Integration scenarios can be distinguished between horizontal and vertical integration, and within or across enterprise borders. Within an enterprise, horizontal integration consists of integrating systems on the same level of abstraction and vertical integration consists of integrating systems on different levels of abstractions, whereas across enterprise borders, horizontal integration consists of determining the most appropriate systems, from among a set of functionally equivalent ones, and vertical integration consists of defining an appropriate combination of systems to create a new one. So far, there exist no approach that attempts to support all integration scenarios within a framework. This thesis proposes an integration approach that is able to support all integration scenarios mentioned before. The approach is built on a meta-meta layer architecture and provides generic methods and techniques for the logical integration of object behaviour based on a domain independent framework. The thesis proposes two alternative outcomes of an integration. First one creates a new global behaviour that integrates local behaviour and can be supported by a service oriented architecture. Second alternative outcome are synchronisation points between business process, so-called inter-process dependencies, that can be supported by an event-driven architecture. The advantages and disadvantages of both are discussed in detail.

For many years, most IT departments used the same software development methodology called waterfall. This methodology outlines distinct phases for project completion; each phase needing to be completed prior to the start of the next. The primary accounting standard for allocating costs for software development is written in the language of waterfall. Costs are either capitalized or expensed depending on the type of activity that was performed. IT departments have been moving toward a new group of software development methodologies called agile. These methodologies do not follow the phases of waterfall. This makes the current accounting standard for software development difficult to interpret and determine the appropriate transaction. This further hinders IT organizations attempts to better quantify business value of software projects. To examine this issue, a new construct called accounting clarity is introduced in this research. Accounting clarity is an agreement between IT and accounting regarding the treatment of software development costs. This study shows that it is essential for both IT and accounting to work together to determine a solution. The accounting clarity construct is developed from the “ilities” of software quality models and the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) Level 3 key process area (KPA) of intergroup coordination. Intergroup coordination provides the concepts for accounting clarity as the two groups must coordinate to determine the appropriate accounting treatment. The “ilities” are characteristics that should be followed and measured throughout a software development project to ensure long term maintainability of software. This study proposes that accounting clarity should be one of the "ilities" in the software quality model. A portion of the study of accounting clarity examines the relationship between accounting clarity and project control, proposing a positive relationship between the two variables. Then the study examines factors that help to increase accounting clarity. These factors were derived from teamwork and coordination literature. To test the hypothesized relationships, a survey methodology was used. Individuals working on agile software development projects were participants in the survey. This study contributes to both the IT and accounting literature. The research provides a framework to examine other contexts in which the current accounting standards are unclear. As changes happen more frequently in business, this is more likely to occur on a frequent basis. The study has practical implication for software development as it highlights the importance of understanding the accounting implications prior to the project and continuously throughout the lifespan of the software. Adding accounting clarity to the “ilities” of software quality helps software development teams include this in project plans with any software development methodology.

A UML é uma linguagem de modelagem largamente aceite entre profissionais da área de computação para a modelagem de sistemas simples e complexos. Tomando em consideração que os objetos de aprendizagem são entidades digitais, para o seu desenvolvimento, a utilização de metodologias torna-se um imperativo, se o objetivo for o de oferecer ao setor de educação ferramentas capazes de apoiar o processo de ensino aprendizagem. Os objetos de aprendizagem são ferramentas que podem contribuir para o aluno alcançar a aprendizagem significativa, se forem desenvolvidos dentro dos parâmetros considerados facilitadores da aprendizagem significativa. A presente pesquisa propõe uma metodologia alicerçada na aprendizagem significativa, denominada Metodologia de Modelagem de objetos de aprendizagem em UML (MOAUML) baseada em princípios de UML e de Design Instrucional, para a modelagem de objetos de aprendizagem, com vista a facilitar o desenvolvimento de objetos de aprendizagem que favoreçam a aprendizagem. Objetivando a validação da metodologia, equipes com diferentes perfis profissionais, modelaram 9 objetos de aprendizagem entre novos e legados. O resultado das modelagens mostrou que a utilização da MOAUML contribui para a facilidade na modelagem de objetos de aprendizagem, embora tenha sido mais fácil para equipes que já estavam familiarizadas com métodos de modelagem de software. / The UML is a widely accepted modelling language among computer specialists from simple to complex systems. In order to develop learning objects as digital entities, it is very important the utilization of any methodology aiming to deliver to the education sector capable tools for supporting the process of teaching learning. The learning objects are powerful tools that can contribute for student’s achievement of meaningful learning. This fact can be true only if the development procedures satisfied some characteristics considered facilitators of meaningful learning. This study proposes a methodology based on the meaningful learning, designated Modelling of Learning Objects Using UML (MOAUML) based on principles of UML and Instructional Design, for the modelling of learning objects targeting to facilitate the development of learning objects that promote meaningful learning. In order to validate the MOAUML, different teams with distinguish profiles, were modelled 9 learning objects among news and legacies. The results of that process disclosed that the use of MOAUML contributes to the ease of modelling learning objects, although it has been easier for teams that were already familiar with software modelling processes.

A UML é uma linguagem de modelagem largamente aceite entre profissionais da área de computação para a modelagem de sistemas simples e complexos. Tomando em consideração que os objetos de aprendizagem são entidades digitais, para o seu desenvolvimento, a utilização de metodologias torna-se um imperativo, se o objetivo for o de oferecer ao setor de educação ferramentas capazes de apoiar o processo de ensino aprendizagem. Os objetos de aprendizagem são ferramentas que podem contribuir para o aluno alcançar a aprendizagem significativa, se forem desenvolvidos dentro dos parâmetros considerados facilitadores da aprendizagem significativa. A presente pesquisa propõe uma metodologia alicerçada na aprendizagem significativa, denominada Metodologia de Modelagem de objetos de aprendizagem em UML (MOAUML) baseada em princípios de UML e de Design Instrucional, para a modelagem de objetos de aprendizagem, com vista a facilitar o desenvolvimento de objetos de aprendizagem que favoreçam a aprendizagem. Objetivando a validação da metodologia, equipes com diferentes perfis profissionais, modelaram 9 objetos de aprendizagem entre novos e legados. O resultado das modelagens mostrou que a utilização da MOAUML contribui para a facilidade na modelagem de objetos de aprendizagem, embora tenha sido mais fácil para equipes que já estavam familiarizadas com métodos de modelagem de software. / The UML is a widely accepted modelling language among computer specialists from simple to complex systems. In order to develop learning objects as digital entities, it is very important the utilization of any methodology aiming to deliver to the education sector capable tools for supporting the process of teaching learning. The learning objects are powerful tools that can contribute for student’s achievement of meaningful learning. This fact can be true only if the development procedures satisfied some characteristics considered facilitators of meaningful learning. This study proposes a methodology based on the meaningful learning, designated Modelling of Learning Objects Using UML (MOAUML) based on principles of UML and Instructional Design, for the modelling of learning objects targeting to facilitate the development of learning objects that promote meaningful learning. In order to validate the MOAUML, different teams with distinguish profiles, were modelled 9 learning objects among news and legacies. The results of that process disclosed that the use of MOAUML contributes to the ease of modelling learning objects, although it has been easier for teams that were already familiar with software modelling processes.

Today’s software companies face the challenges of highly distributed development projects and constant changing requirements. To be competitive, the software time to market has to be reduced as much as possible while keeping the expected quality. Development methodologies try to address this challenges by introducing new practices, techniques and methods for communication, requirements management, quality assurance, etc. This thesis proposes the adoption of relevant Free/Libre/Open Source Software practices to improve industrial developments. Many FLOSS projects have proven very successful, producing high quality products with steady frequent releases. The selection of the FLOSS best practices that would benefit industrial developments, and its adaptation for a corporate environment is the aim of this study. To achieve this goal, a framework to compare FLOSS and industrial development methodologies has been created and executed. Three successful FLOSS projects where selected as study targets, as well as two Ericsson’s projects. The framework served to identify FLOSS methodology strengths and compare them with the Ericsson projects. Analysing the significant differences resulting from this comparison, FLOSS best practices were tailored to fit industrial development environments. The final results of the thesis are six adoption opportunities that aim to improve software quality and overall development productivity while increasing practitioners’ motivation and commitment.

Business-IT alignment has been a top research topic for three decades now and consistently ranks high on CIO priorities and concerns. In spite of its seeming advantages, sustainable business-IT alignment remains elusive in practice. This can be attributed to the language and knowledge gaps which impede mutual understanding between business and IT stakeholders. It can also be attributed to the limitations imposed by approaching alignment solely from a strategic perspective. This thesis argues for an ontology-based framework that bridges the language and knowledge gaps through closer interaction between business and IT stakeholders throughout the software development and project management lifecycles, especially at the requirements engineering stage. Attempts at achieving sustainable business-IT alignment predominantly focus on strategic alignment and have not been successful for various reasons. Firstly, driving down alignment initiatives to the operational and tactical levels is challenging. Secondly, it is difficult to operationalize the metrics used for evaluating alignment maturity at strategic levels. These limitations are less pronounced at the functional levels of an organization. It is at these levels that business strategies are executed and interaction between business and IT personnel is most frequent. The interaction between business and IT stakeholders in the execution of IT projects presents an opportunity that can be leveraged to drive alignment maturity. The proposed framework is discussed in terms of its underpinning hypotheses, workflows, tool design and implementation, its use with a third party framework and tool. Antecedents to operational and tactical alignment such as quality, reuse, communication, learning, and shared understanding, are proposed as a practical means of achieving sustainable alignment maturity. The framework is applied to real world, business-critical projects in a top global financial services organization and validated using descriptive statistical analysis and structural equation modelling techniques. Contributions made through the study are highlighted. This includes the Alignment Forces Model which unifies the proposed framework and its support tool within software development and project management lifecycles. The Alignment Forces model and how it can be applied in practice is presented. Results of the quantitative data analyses indicate support for the arguments for the framework towards improving business-IT alignment, however with some limitations. Results also indicate support for the hypotheses for the antecedents to sustainable alignment maturity at lower organizational levels put forward. Finally, suggestions on furthering the study, addressing its limitations, and refining the framework and tool are articulated.

Para o desenvolvimento de aplicações Web de qualidade, o uso de uma abordagem sistemática e disciplinada é essencial, dado o crescente aumento do uso e da complexidade de tais aplicações. Nesse cenário, a Engenharia de Aplicações Web, ou simplesmente Engenharia Web, torna-se uma atividade mandatória. A Engenharia Web não é uma transcrição exata da Engenharia de Software, pois considera caracterí?sticas inerentes às aplicações Web como, por exemplo, multiplicidade do perfil de usuários e uso de multimídia. A Engenharia Web é apoiada por ferramentas, técnicas e métodos. A escolha desses elementos para um domínio de aplicação pode tornar-se uma tarefa difícil para desenvolvedores e demais interessados e é fundamental para o desenvolvimento efetivo de aplicações Web. Neste trabalho, é apresentado uma proposta de avaliação de métodos de desenvolvimento de aplicações Web. Essa proposta partiu de um conjunto de métodos selecionados por meio de trabalhos comparativos anteriores disponíveis na literatura e do levantamento de suas principais características, após estudo de caso que consistiu em modelar uma mesma aplicação (um portal Web) com os diferentes métodos selecionados. A cada característica associaram-se pesos, refletindo sua relevância a domínios especifícos, e valores refletindo seu grau de apoio a um método. Como resultado, obteve-se um arcabouço - conjunto de guidelines - para avaliar e/ou especificar métodos de desenvolvimento de aplicações Web. Esse arcabouço foi aplicado ao conjunto de métodos selecionados do estudo de caso e foram obtidas evidências da efetividade do arcabouço proposto / For the development of high quality Web applications, the use of a systematic and disciplined approach is essential, given the increasing use and complexity of such applications. In this scenario, the Web Applications Engineering, or simply Web Engineering, becomes a mandatory activity. The Web Engineering is not an accurate transcription of the Software Engineering. Besides incorporating its rules and lines of direction, the Web Engineering also considers inherent characteristics of Web applications such as user profiles multiplicity and multimedia resources. For the Web applications development process, the Web Engineering is supported by tools, techniques and methods. Among them, choosing appropriate elements for a given application domain may represent a challenge for interested developers. This work aims at supporting such choices through a proposal of an evaluation of current development methods for Web Applications. The proposed framework started from a set of well-known development methods found in the literature from which the main characteristics were identified by a case study consisted in modelling the same Web application by different methods. For each characteristic, weights have being associated, reflecting its relevance for specific domains, and values reflecting its degree of support to a method. As result, a framework is estabilished - set of guidelines - to evaluate and/or to specify methods of development of Web applications. This framework was applied to the set of selected methods of the case study and evidences have been provided effectiveness of the proposed framework