DOI: 10.3897/jucs.72475

Authors: Ricardo Perez-Castillo, Mario Piattini

Abstract: Today, there is no company that does not attempt to control or assure software quality in a greater or lesser extent. Software quality has been mainly studied from the perspectives of the software product and the software process. However, there is no thorough research about how code quality is affected by the software development projects’ contexts. This study analyses how the evolution of the development effort (i.e., the number of developers and their contributions) influences the code quality (i.e., the number of bugs, code smells, cloning, etc). This paper presents a multiple case study that analyses 13 open-source projects from GitHub and SonarCloud, and retrieves more than 95,000 commits and more than 25,000 quality measures. The insights are that more developers or higher number of commits does not necessary influence worse quality levels. After applying a clustering algorithm, it is detected an inverse correlation in some cases where specific efforts were made to improve code quality. The size of commits and the relative weight of developers in their teams might also affect measures like complexity or cloning. Project managers can therefore understand the mentioned relationships and consequently make better decisions based on the information retrieved from code repositories.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-025-11-1458

Authors: Anže Mihelič, Matej Jevšček, Simon Vrhovec, Igor Bernik

Abstract: To exploit the human as the "back door" to compromising well-protected information systems of organizations, phishing-type attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. There is however a significant lack of real-world studies of phishing campaigns in industrial settings even though it is a wide-spread way to hack information systems of organizations and many notorious cyberattacks started with some sort of a human exploitation. To fill this void, we conducted a case study in a large Central European manufacturing company Manco (fake company name) and observed the targeted employees' and IT department staff's response to a phishing campaign. Even though the IT department staff reacted very fast (their procedures started fifteen minutes after the first phishing e-mail was sent), results suggest significant data leakage and a high potential for successful malware installation. The observed click rate was 69.4 percent and real personal data submission rate was at least 49.0 percent. The average response time of targets (i.e., time between sending the phishing e-mail and visiting the phishing website) was 20 minutes, from 25 seconds to 203 minutes. The results suggest that a phishing campaign can be successful even if the targeted organization's response time is very short. Also, the phishing campaign may not be effective only due to the susceptibility of targets but also due to the investigative techniques of the first responders.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-021-11-1385

Authors: Philipp Holtkamp, Jan Pawlowski

Abstract: The adoption of Global Software Development (GSD) models by software development companies is growing continuously. A variety of challenges such as temporal, geographical and socio-cultural distance are hindering global organizations to achieve potential benefits. As a result, organizations need support in how to overcome the challenges. The emphasis in the literature to date has typically focused on overcoming the challenges by providing tool support, management guidelines and processes. This follows the assumption that a well-established and validated process results in high quality output, not taking the actors within the process into account. While recognized as an important factor for successful GSD, actors and their competences have been addressed from an organizational perspective focusing on organizational and team capabilities rather than from an individual perspective. In this article, we present the results of a literature review on competence-related challenges and competency related research for GSD. We extend existing GSD process models with functions of competence management. The resulting competence-based view allows the management of individual competences throughout the entire GSD process.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-019-01-0078

Authors: Aleksandar Spasić, Dragan Jankovic

Abstract: Three-dimensional television (3D TV) is expected by many to be the next step in the advancement of television. Due to significant financial exhaustion during the process of transition from analogue to digital production, low-budget broadcasters are not in the position to invest in a new 3D system. This paper proposes one model-driven framework approach to 3D TV production system applicable to and suitable for low-budget broadcasters. The target of the project is to define one of the possible scenarios for applying stereoscopic 3D technologies to low-budget TV production. 3D TV content production chain is described in the first step of the project. 3D TV production workflow is proposed in the second step. This step has two parts: the analyses of the production stages and their integral processes, and the definition of a problem space model which is suitable for low-budget 3D TV production. The preproduction, production and postproduction phases of a low-budget 3D TV production are described during the analyses of 3D TV content production workflow. The UML is used as a modelling tool. The behavioural description of a program production is modelled by the Use Case diagram. A state machine diagram is used to describe the dynamic behavioral representation and the life cycle of a 3D content. The flow and dependencies in 3D workflow are modelled by using the activity diagrams. The structural static representation (domain model) is presented by a class diagram.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-018-19-2625

Authors: George Giaglis, Diomidis Spinellis

Abstract: Research in virtual teams and distributed work argues that the lack of collocation places an overhead on the performance potential of large, globally distributed teams. In this paper, we revisit this tenet through a case study of Free/Libre Open Source Software (FLOSS) development to demonstrate how globally dispersed FLOSS communities manage to overcome the problem of geographic separation of their members. Our results show that successful FLOSS teams demonstrate a truly global distribution of members, who perform different types of work so as to achieve consistent round-the-clock development, without any apparent ill effects on team productivity and the quality of the resulting outcomes. Cooperation between team members is abundant, especially at more complex work items, and does not seem to be affected by distance; only mentoring relationships appear in some cases to be easier to cultivate between individuals living closer together. These findings challenge the conventional wisdom of research in distributed work, in cases where virtual teams consist of highly skilled and motivated individuals, who leverage the power of communication technologies to overcome problems associated with physical distance.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-018-11-1544

Authors: Ricardo Colomo-Palacios, Eduardo Fernandes, Marc Sabbagh, Antonio Seco

Abstract: Cloud systems have shifted traditional on-premise software products towards new and service oriented solutions. In order to adapt to this new trend, traditional software vendors are facing a necessary evolution towards service oriented software products. This software evolution is quite complex and full of problems. This paper presents lessons learned and the issues that emerged in a project aimed to adapt Meta 4' PeopleNet solution to adopt a cloud computing approach. This project, designed as a two-step approach, presents a set of issues that are analyzed in this paper, namely: Software evolution, Software processes and Technology and Personnel issues. The resultant conclusions, that highlight the importance of people in this software evolution, are useful for companies facing a product evolution process towards cloud oriented environments.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-017-09-1281

Authors: Ricardo Colomo-Palacios, Cristina Casado-Lumbreras, Pedro Soto-Acosta, Ángel García-Crespo

Abstract: Computer systems are designed and used by humans. And human being is characterized, among other things, by emotions. Giving this fact, the process of designing and developing computer systems is, like any other facet in our lives, driven by emotions. Requirements engineering is one of the main phases in software development. In Requirements engineering, several tasks include acceptance and negotiation activities in which the emotional factor represents a key role. This paper presents a study based on the application of affect grid by Russell in requirements engineering main stakeholders: developers and users. Results show that high arousal and low pleasure levels in the process are predictors of conflictive requirements.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-017-02-0261

Authors: Gustavo Carvalho, Adriana Vivacqua, Jano Souza, Sérgio Palma J. Medeiros

Abstract: Decision-making involves choosing between one ore more alternatives, to achieve one or more goals. To support this process, there are decision support systems that employ different approaches, supporting groups or not. Generally, however, these systems do not have great flexibility; their users have to follow preestablished decision methods. This paper, after exposing some decision-making processes, describes a system, LaSca (from Large Scale), to support decisions in large-scale groups. This system, besides allowing effective achievement of the benefits of deciding in large groups through the proper structuring of the group, also allows its users to define themselves how this structuring will happen, based or not in the existing theories on the subject. So, in addition to facilitate the decision-making process, LaSca also allows its users to decide how to decide.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-016-08-1102

Authors: Melpomeni Hatzikou

Abstract: The successful deployment and exploitation of an Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) project in a traditional Public Organization involves the proper design and implementation of the Information System (IS) and a proper combination of Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) and Change Management (CM) techniques, specially adapted to meet the organizations' needs. The current work describes the transformation of such an organization, the Holy Archdiocese of Athens, earlier functioning based on a bureaucratic model, into a modern organization, integrating Information Technology (IT) in core processes and offering electronic public services to citizens. Over and above IT expertise, an individual approach of BPR and CM techniques were used in order to meet the challenges set by the nature of this project, the outdated processes in a church organization and the problems caused by elder, unfamiliar with IT and highly resistant to change personnel.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-014-22-3737

Authors: Gio Wiederhold

Abstract: The investments needed to bring a software project to the market are substantial and can extend over several years. Managing software development requires not only technical expertise, but communication with funders and economists. This paper presents methods to estimate a parameter which captures the effective investment time, lag. The lag parameter is useful in assessing progress towards the goal of having a quality product, while scheduling resources, assessing the risk, considering options, capitalization of investments, and predicting taxation consequences. The paper presents the lag estimation methods for a new product, for additional versions of a product, and for complete product replacement.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-014-16-2614

Authors: Gerrit Van Der Veer

Abstract: Cognitive Ergonomics is discussed as a systematic base for user interface design. The history of the discipline, explicitly existing now for about 25 years, is discussed, from participatory design, through various flavors of user centered design, to contextual design. Several persistent misunderstandings regarding the need for user interface design are analyzed. The concept of activity centered design is proposed as state of the art approach, and several techniques that support this paradigm are mentioned and illustrated.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-013-09-1184

Authors: Simona Colucci, Tommaso Noia, Eugenio Di Sciascio, Francesco Donini, Azzurra Ragone

Abstract: Knowledge management is characterized by many different activities ranging from the elicitation of knowledge to its storing, sharing, maintenance, usage and creation. Skill management is one of such activities, with its own peculiarities, as it focuses on full exploitation of knowledge individuals in an organization have, in order to carry out at best given tasks. In this paper a semantic-based automated Skill Management System is proposed, which supports competences search and creation. The system implements an approach exploiting the formalism and the reasoning services provided by Description Logics. The approach embeds also non standard Description Logics reasoning services to extend the set of provided features. Here we present main characteristics of our system and focus on a novel algorithm exploiting advanced inference services for the one-to-one assignment of a set of individuals to a set of tasks, endowed of logical explanation features for missing/conflicting skills.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-010-06-0723

Authors: Simona Colucci, Tommaso Noia, Eugenio Di Sciascio, Francesco Donini, Marina Mongiello, Giacomo Piscitelli

Abstract: This paper is focused on the problem of skill matching in an organizational context. We endow the classical weighted bipartite graph approach with a semantic based assignment of arcs weight and we describe a skill matching system implementing the approach. The system takes curricula and project specifications as inputs and extracts from them individual profiles respectively offered and requested, according to an ontology modeling skill management context. The suitability of each available individual to each task to assign is evaluated based on an algorithm whose returned scores are used as arc weights. As a result the semantics of profile descriptions is taken into account in the assignment process.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-010-03-0176

Authors: David Fuhr, Frank Fuchs-Kittowski

Abstract: Communities of Practice (CoPs) are among the most promising concepts to promote the genesis, evolution and exchange of knowledge in organizations. However, there is a gap between CoP theories and their implementation in companies. Our case studies of four attempts to introduce CoP-related structures show that the different underlying management principles can systematically be analyzed in at least two dimensions, technology "vs." the social and exchange "vs." production. We argue that the choice is not contingent, but that emphasis on the social and the creative production of new knowledge leads to more productive structures in the area and in the sense of knowledge intensive services. For the conception of such approaches we show that it is useful to think in terms of another structure between "teams" and "communities", which we call "nets of experts".

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-009-12-1437

Authors: Simona Colucci, Tommaso Noia, Eugenio Di Sciascio, Francesco Donini, Marina Mongiello, Marco Mottola

Abstract: Skills management has been recently acknowledged as one of the key factors to adequately face the increasing competitiveness between knowledge intensive companies. In this paper we present a formal approach to Ontology-Based Semantic Matchmaking between Skills demand and supply, devised as a virtual marketplace of knowledge. In such a knowledge market metaphor, skills are a peculiar kind of good that has distinguishing characteristics with respect to traditional assets. Buyers are entities that need the skills of people, such as projects, departments and organizations, sellers are workers that offer their own skills. The formal framework supports the semantic match of descriptions provided by demanders and sellers of skills. In particular our approach, based on Description Logics formalization and reasoning, overcomes simple subsumption matching and allows match ranking and categorization. The implementation of the approach in a prototype system, which embeds a NeoClassic reasoner, is also described.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-009-12-1398

Authors: Wolfgang Hiermann, Max Höfferer

Abstract: BEKO-SMS is a knowledge-based skill management system that combines project planning and human resource management. Application and system functions model specific skills and relationships used in a particular project. The definition of skills, skill trees, skill updating and other processes form the basis for the success factors of the SMS. We conclude that efficient project resource planning would not be possible without SMS and the skill manager.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-009-12-1372

Authors: Kai Reinhardt, Klaus North

Abstract: The present state of research on competence management does not provide any suitable model that can be used in practice. Neither results from organizational nor from cognitive and social sciences meet the requirements for an application-oriented competence management completely as yet. An integrative competence management must be able to synchronise individual with organisational competencies. This linking is still neglected in research. A convenient solution has not been described yet. This article presents a model for an integrated competence management model, which gives approaches from both cognitive science and organizational science a practical framework of action.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-009-06-0472

Authors: Sheng-Tun Li, Huang-Chih Hsieh

Abstract: The development of a knowledge management system (KMS) is becoming increasingly important for the metal industry in Taiwan. The ontology design and knowledge search are two major activities of knowledge management. In this paper, we introduce a three-stage life cycle for the ontology design and propose a Java/XML-based scheme for automatically generating knowledge search components to reduce the overhead in developing a KMS. The resulting ontology is classified as information ontology and domain ontology so that the objective of semantic match for knowledge search can be realized. The system is built on the top of the component-based KAON development suite which makes it more flexible and robust. We conduct a case study by applying the system to Metal Industries Research [and] Development Centre (MIRDC), Taiwan to confirm its effectiveness and efficiency in dealing with KM activities. In addition, the proposed reusable scheme endorses the encouraging feasibility of wide applications to different domains.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-008-10-0892

Authors: Alexander Fronk

Abstract: Different models and methodologies for the development of hypermedia systems and applications have emerged in the recent years. Software-technical methods and principles enriched with ideas mainly driven from the applications needs are often sponsor to those models and methodologies. Hence, they deal with very specific problems occurring in the hypermedia domain, thereby extending design notations like UML or State Charts and adapting them to modeling this domain. In the present paper, we propose a very usual software-technical approach to the development of hyperlink structures which form the basis for navigation in hyperdocuments. Our approach uses standard UML, algebraic specification and object-oriented implementation to cover the construction of hyperlink structures, from design through to specification and realization. We thereby equate the development of hypermedia documents with usual software development. Instead of adopting software-engineering and notations to hypermedial concerns, we adopt the latter to the former and show the advantages of this approach.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-008-05-0506

Authors: Jacqueline Reich, Peter Brockhausen, Thorsten Lau, Ulrich Reimer

Abstract: Establishing electronically accessible repositories of people s capabilities, experiences, and key knowledge areas is key in setting up Enterprise Knowledge Management. A skills repository can be used for e.g. finding people, staffing, skills gap analysis, and professional development. The ontology based skills management system developed at Swiss Life uses RDF schema for storing ontologies. Its query interface is based on a combined RQL and HTML query engine.

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DOI: 10.3217/jucs-007-07-0602

Authors: Barbara Tillian

Abstract: Interested readers find a lot of ideas, concepts and implementation attempts for the modern subject "knowledge management". A midsize consulting company now faces the problem of finding the answer to: "what do we need to implement to stay in touch with knowledge and where does the cost/profit relationship just put a stop our possibilities?" The biggest problem for these companies is their size: they are too big to exchange information and knowledge during coffee or lunch breaks. On the other hand the extensive, company wide systems of the corporates are too expensive and usually not hitting the target. Against this background I'd like to present a possible solution for day-to-day knowledge management using the hands-on experience of Gosch Consulting GmbH, a midsize IT-consulting company. Looking at our company from the knowledge point of view we realized early on that certain standards have been partly implemented within the company even before the knowledge management hype started. This motivated us to take a closer look at the practicability of our tools and to look into and introduce some of the new concepts and ideas. The objective was to examine their efficiency and effectiveness for our own company first and then to find the balance between "must" and "nice to have". Equally important was the fact that the instru-ments had to enhance the quality and value of the company and also of the individual employee.

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