Search results
1 – 10 of over 21000Tomás Lopes and Sérgio Guerreiro
Testing business processes is crucial to assess the compliance of business process models with requirements. Automating this task optimizes testing efforts and reduces human error…
Abstract
Purpose
Testing business processes is crucial to assess the compliance of business process models with requirements. Automating this task optimizes testing efforts and reduces human error while also providing improvement insights for the business process modeling activity. The primary purposes of this paper are to conduct a literature review of Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) testing and formal verification and to propose the Business Process Evaluation and Research Framework for Enhancement and Continuous Testing (bPERFECT) framework, which aims to guide business process testing (BPT) research and implementation. Secondary objectives include (1) eliciting the existing types of testing, (2) evaluating their impact on efficiency and (3) assessing the formal verification techniques that complement testing.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology used is based on Kitchenham's (2004) original procedures for conducting systematic literature reviews.
Findings
Results of this study indicate that three distinct business process model testing types can be found in the literature: black/gray-box, regression and integration. Testing and verification approaches differ in aspects such as awareness of test data, coverage criteria and auxiliary representations used. However, most solutions pose notable hindrances, such as BPMN element limitations, that lead to limited practicality.
Research limitations/implications
The databases selected in the review protocol may have excluded relevant studies on this topic. More databases and gray literature could also be considered for inclusion in this review.
Originality/value
Three main originality aspects are identified in this study as follows: (1) the classification of process model testing types, (2) the future trends foreseen for BPMN model testing and verification and (3) the bPERFECT framework for testing business processes.
Details
Keywords
This paper gives a selective review on some recent developments of nonparametric methods in both continuous and discrete time finance, particularly in the areas of nonparametric…
Abstract
This paper gives a selective review on some recent developments of nonparametric methods in both continuous and discrete time finance, particularly in the areas of nonparametric estimation and testing of diffusion processes, nonparametric testing of parametric diffusion models, nonparametric pricing of derivatives, nonparametric estimation and hypothesis testing for nonlinear pricing kernel, and nonparametric predictability of asset returns. For each financial context, the paper discusses the suitable statistical concepts, models, and modeling procedures, as well as some of their applications to financial data. Their relative strengths and weaknesses are discussed. Much theoretical and empirical research is needed in this area, and more importantly, the paper points to several aspects that deserve further investigation.
This paper aims to introduce a model-based stress-testing methodology for Islamic finance products. The importance of stress testing was indeed clearly underlined by the adverse…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to introduce a model-based stress-testing methodology for Islamic finance products. The importance of stress testing was indeed clearly underlined by the adverse developments in the global finance industry. One of the key takeaways was the need to strengthen the coverage of the capital framework. Cognisant of this fact, Basel III encapsulates provisions to enhance the financial sector’s ability to withstand shocks arising from possible stress events, thereby reducing adverse spillovers into the real economy. Similarly, the Islamic Financial Services Board requires Islamic financial institutions to run stress tests as part of capital planning.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors perform thorough backtests on Islamic and conventional portfolios under widely used risk models, which are characterised by an underlying conditional volatility framework and distribution, to identify the most suitable risk model specification. Associated with an appropriate initial shock and estimation window size, the paper also conducts a model-based stress test to examine whether the stress losses estimated by the selected models compare favourably to the historical shocks.
Findings
The results suggest that the model-based framework, when combined with an appropriate risk model and distribution, can successfully reproduce past stress periods. The conditional empirical risk model is the most effective one in both long and short portfolio cases – particularly when combined with a long-enough estimation window. The relative performance of normal vs heavy-tailed distributions and symmetric vs asymmetric risk models, on the other hand, is highly dependent on whether the portfolio is long or short. Finally, the authors find that the Islamic portfolio is generally associated with lower historical stress losses as compared to the conventional portfolio.
Originality/value
The model-based framework eliminates some of the key problems associated with traditional scenario-based approaches and is easily adaptable to Islamic finance.
Details
Keywords
Tara Brooks, Ryan Zantinge and Faris Elghaish
Although data rich building information models have been widely adopted in the Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry in the United Kingdom (UK), use of 2D…
Abstract
Purpose
Although data rich building information models have been widely adopted in the Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry in the United Kingdom (UK), use of 2D drawings on site for construction is still the norm. The ability of 2-dimensional (2D) drawings to convey complex 3-dimensional information is limited and requires interpretation from operatives, and 2D drawings can be quickly superseded by model updates. Although constructing directly from a model has been adopted in the aerospace and automotive industries, its use in construction is in its infancy. This research therefore aims to investigate the potential for, and barriers to, model-based construction in the UK.
Design/methodology/approach
This research uses a qualitative approach, thematically analysing 13 semi-structured interviews with UK-based construction professionals who have experience of paperless or model-based construction.
Findings
Although model -based construction has been implemented to a limited extent on some civil engineering projects; research and investment in software, network capacity, legal and contractual issues, and cultural and human factors will need to be considered before model-based construction can be implemented more widely.
Originality/value
The research contributes to an understudied, emergent area of construction practice and outlines hurdles that need to be understood and overcome before more widespread adoption of model-based construction can take place.
Details
Keywords
Albert Zajdel, Michal Welcer and Cezary Jerzy Szczepanski
This paper aims to present assessment of models and simulation results used in the development process of flight stabilisation system that uses trim tabs for PZL-130 Orlik…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present assessment of models and simulation results used in the development process of flight stabilisation system that uses trim tabs for PZL-130 Orlik turboprop military trainer aircraft. Flight test of the system allowed to compare software and hardware simulation results with real flight recordings.
Design/methodology/approach
Proposed flight stabilisation system was developed using modern techniques of model-based design, automatic code generation, software and hardware in the loop testing. The project reached flight testing stage which allowed to gather data to verify models and simulation results and asses their quality.
Findings
Results of the comparison showed that the trim tab actuator model used in simulation can be improved by adding play. This reduced the difference between simulation and real flight system output – actuator angle. The influence of airloads on the flying actuator angle compared to hardware in the loop simulation in lab is less than ± 0.6°.
Originality/value
Proposed flight stabilisation system that uses trim tabs has several benefits over classic automatic flight system in terms of weight, energy consumption and structure simplicity and does not need aircraft primary control modification. It was developed using modern techniques of model-based design, automatic code generation and hardware in the loop simulations.
Details
Keywords
Yang Dang‐guo, Sun Yan, Zhang Zheng‐yu, Wang Chao and Zhu Wei‐jun
The purpose of this paper is to present a novel method to design and manufacture rapid prototyping (RP) lightweight photopolymer‐resin models for wind‐tunnel tests. This method…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a novel method to design and manufacture rapid prototyping (RP) lightweight photopolymer‐resin models for wind‐tunnel tests. This method can ensure the structural configuration similarity considering model deformation under aerodynamic loads.
Design/methodology/approach
Photopolymer‐resin based on RP technique was used to fabricate DLR‐F4 models. Testing in a subsonic and transonic wind tunnel was carried out and the test results were compared to analyze performance predictions.
Findings
RP photopolymer‐resin wind‐tunnel models fabricated by the design methods yielded satisfactory aerodynamic performance. The methods can decrease the model's weight and prevent resonance occurrence among the models, wind‐tunnel, and support system, shorten the processing period, and lead to decrease in manufacturing period and cost.
Research limitations/implications
Stiffness shortage of the thin components, such as wing tip, often leads to deformation occurrence under aerodynamic loads in transonic wind‐tunnel tests, which has significant influence on aerodynamic characteristics of the test models. Therefore, model deformation should be taken into account in the design process.
Originality/value
This design and manufacture method, aerodynamic and structural combination design and structural optimization, can obtain RP lightweight photopolymer‐resin wind‐tunnel models for satisfactory aerodynamic performance, which makes RP techniques more practical for manufacturing transonic wind‐tunnel test models, considering deformation induced by aerodynamic forces such as lift force. The methods also present an inexpensive way to test and evaluate preliminary aircraft designs, in both academia and industry.
Details
Keywords
Saurabh Panwar, Vivek Kumar, P.K. Kapur and Ompal Singh
Software testing is needed to produce extremely reliable software products. A crucial decision problem that the software developer encounters is to ascertain when to terminate the…
Abstract
Purpose
Software testing is needed to produce extremely reliable software products. A crucial decision problem that the software developer encounters is to ascertain when to terminate the testing process and when to release the software system in the market. With the growing need to deliver quality software, the critical assessment of reliability, cost of testing and release time strategy is requisite for project managers. This study seeks to examine the reliability of the software system by proposing a generalized testing coverage-based software reliability growth model (SRGM) that incorporates the effect of testing efforts and change point. Moreover, the strategic software time-to-market policy based on costreliability criteria is suggested.
Design/methodology/approach
The fault detection process is modeled as a composite function of testing coverage, testing efforts and the continuation time of the testing process. Also, to assimilate factual scenarios, the current research exhibits the influence of software users refer as reporters in the fault detection process. Thus, this study models the reliability growth phenomenon by integrating the number of reporters and the number of instructions executed in the field environment. Besides, it is presumed that the managers release the software early to capture maximum market share and continue the testing process for an added period in the user environment. The multiattribute utility theory (MAUT) is applied to solve the optimization model with release time and testing termination time as two decision variables.
Findings
The practical applicability and performance of the proposed methodology are demonstrated through real-life software failure data. The findings of the empirical analysis have shown the superiority of the present study as compared to conventional approaches.
Originality/value
This study is the first attempt to assimilate testing coverage phenomenon in joint optimization of software time to market and testing duration.
Details
Keywords
Maximiliano Cristia and Claudia Frydman
This paper aims to present the verification process conducted to assess the functional correctness of the voting system. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present the verification process conducted to assess the functional correctness of the voting system. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) is the most important research institution in Argentina. It depends directly from Argentina’s President but its internal authorities are elected by around 8,000 research across the country. During 2011, the CONICET developed a Web voting system to replace the traditional mail-based process. In 2012 and 2014, CONICET conducted two Web election with no complaints from candidates and voters. Before moving the system into production, CONICET asked the authors to conduct a functional and security assessment of it.
Design/methodology/approach
This process is the result of integrating formal, semi-formal and informal verification activities from formal proof to code inspection and model-based testing.
Findings
Given the resources and time available, a reasonable level of confidence on the correctness of the application could be transmitted to senior management.
Research limitations/implications
A formal specification of the requirements must be developed.
Originality/value
Formal methods and semi-formal activities are seldom applied to Web applications.
Details
Keywords
Yunjian Hu, Jie Sun, Wen Peng and Dianhua Zhang
In the cold rolling process, friction coefficient, oil film thickness and other factors vary dramatically with the change in the rolling speed, which seriously affects the strip…
Abstract
Purpose
In the cold rolling process, friction coefficient, oil film thickness and other factors vary dramatically with the change in the rolling speed, which seriously affects the strip thickness deviation. This paper aims to improve the strip control precision with the forecast roll gap model based on CF-PSO-SVM approach in the rolling process.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, a novel forecasting model of the roll gap based on support vector machine (SVM) optimized by particle swarm optimization with compression factor (CF-PSO) is proposed. Based on lots of online data, the roll gap models regressed by PSO-SVM, genetic algorithm (GA)-SVM and CF-PSO-SVM are obtained and verified through evaluating the performances with the decision coefficient (R2), mean absolute error and root mean square error. In addition, with the good forecasting performances of CF-PSO-SVM, a roll gap compensation model is studied.
Findings
The results indicate that the proposed CF-PSO-SVM has excellent learning regression ability compared with other optimization algorithms. Meanwhile, a roll gap compensation model based on the rolling speed and plastic coefficient is obtained, which has been proved validated in product.
Originality/value
In this paper, the SVM algorithm is combined with traditional rolling technology to solve the problems in actual production, which has great supporting significance for the improvement of production efficiency.
Details
Keywords
Means, medians and SD for available socio‐economic status (SES) black‐white differences are here substituted for those of IQ in a between‐groups model published by the author over…
Abstract
Means, medians and SD for available socio‐economic status (SES) black‐white differences are here substituted for those of IQ in a between‐groups model published by the author over a decade ago. The goodness of fit of the SES variables used is compared with that for the earlier IQ data. Even when SES variables are relatively successful this can be viewed as additional evidence of the importance of IQ differences to black‐white differences in delinquency.
Details