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Article
Publication date: 28 October 2005

Bruce C. Hungerford and Michael A. Eierman

The Unified Modeling Language has become an alternative to traditional modeling languages such as data flow diagrams for use in systems analysis. A modeling language is used to…

Abstract

The Unified Modeling Language has become an alternative to traditional modeling languages such as data flow diagrams for use in systems analysis. A modeling language is used to represent an information system so that analysts can use the model to make decisions about the design of the system and to communicate with stakeholders about the system. This study examines the comparative effectiveness of the UML and traditional modeling languages in communicating information about a system design. The study examines this on three types of individuals: individuals with no knowledge of either modeling language, individuals with no knowledge of either language that were provided training in one of the languages, and individuals that have had more extensive training in one of the languages. The study finds that there is no difference in the ability to communicate system design information between the languages for the first two types of individuals. However, the study finds that, for more extensively trained individuals, systems modeled with the UML are better able to communicate information about the data in the system while systems modeled with traditional languages are better able to communicate information about the process used by the system.

Details

American Journal of Business, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1935-5181

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2000

J.H.M. TAH and V. CARR

The construction industry is greatly plagued by risk; too often, this risk is not dealt with adequately, resulting in poor project performance. Communication of construction…

2091

Abstract

The construction industry is greatly plagued by risk; too often, this risk is not dealt with adequately, resulting in poor project performance. Communication of construction project risks in practice is poor, incomplete and inconsistent, both throughout the supply chain and through the project lifecycle. Part of the problem is the lack of a formalized approach to the project risk management process. Recently, attempts have been made to overcome this and this paper uses these attempts as a foundation for building a better approach to construction risk management. Underlying this approach is the development of a common language for describing risks and remedial actions. This is grounded in a taxonomy of risk based on a hierarchical risk breakdown structure. In addition, to facilitate the production of a working risk management system, a number of models have been developed using unified modelling language (UML) and IDEFO. Finally, the use of the system has been tested via a working software prototype. This prototype is being used as a basis for discussion with practitioners with regard to the practical requirements of the approach for further development.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 August 2009

Manuel Wimmer

The definition of modeling languages is a key‐prerequisite for model‐driven engineering. In this respect, Domain‐Specific Modeling Languages (DSMLs) defined from scratch in terms…

Abstract

Purpose

The definition of modeling languages is a key‐prerequisite for model‐driven engineering. In this respect, Domain‐Specific Modeling Languages (DSMLs) defined from scratch in terms of metamodels and the extension of Unified Modeling Language (UML) by profiles are the proposed options. For interoperability reasons, however, the need arises to bridge modeling languages originally defined as DSMLs to UML. Therefore, the paper aims to propose a semi‐automatic approach for bridging DSMLs and UML by employing model‐driven techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses problems of the ad hoc integration of DSMLs and UML and from this discussion a systematic and semi‐automatic integration approach consisting of two phases is derived. In the first phase, the correspondences between the modeling concepts of the DSML and UML are defined manually. In the second phase, these correspondences are used for automatically producing UML profiles to represent the domain‐specific modeling concepts in UML and model transformations for transforming DSML models to UML models and vice versa. The paper presents the ideas within a case study for bridging ComputerAssociate's DSML of the AllFusion Gen CASE tool with IBM's Rational Software Modeler for UML.

Findings

The ad hoc definition of UML profiles and model transformations for achieving interoperability is typically a tedious and error‐prone task. By employing a semi‐automatic approach one gains several advantages. First, the integrator only has to deal with the correspondences between the DSML and UML on a conceptual level. Second, all repetitive integration tasks are automated by using model transformations. Third, well‐defined guidelines support the systematic and comprehensible integration.

Research limitations/implications

The paper focuses on the integrating direction DSMLs to UML, but not on how to derive a DSML defined in terms of a metamodel from a UML profile.

Originality/value

Although, DSMLs defined as metamodels and UML profiles are frequently applied in practice, only few attempts have been made to provide interoperability between these two worlds. The contribution of this paper is to integrate the so far competing worlds of DSMLs and UML by proposing a semi‐automatic approach, which allows exchanging models between these two worlds without loss of information.

Details

International Journal of Web Information Systems, vol. 5 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1744-0084

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 March 2021

Michele Kremer Sott, Leonardo B. Furstenau, Liane Mahlmann Kipper, Yan Pablo Reckziegel Rodrigues, José Ricardo López-Robles, Fáber D. Giraldo and Manuel J. Cobo

The purpose of this paper is to identify the relationships between process modeling and Industry 4.0, the strategic themes and the most used process modeling language in smart…

1019

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the relationships between process modeling and Industry 4.0, the strategic themes and the most used process modeling language in smart factories. The study also presents the growth of the field of study worldwide, the perspectives, main challenges, trends and suggestions for future works.

Design/methodology/approach

To do this, a science mapping was performed using the software SciMAT, supported by VOS viewer.

Findings

The results show that the Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN), Unified Modelling Language (UML) and Petri Net are the most relevant languages to smart manufacturing. The authors also highlighted the need to develop new languages or extensions capable of representing the dynamism, interoperability and multiple technologies of smart factories.

Originality/value

It was possible to identify the most used process modeling languages in smart environments and understand how these languages assist control and manage smart processes. Besides, the authors highlighted challenges, new perspectives and the need for future works in the field.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 27 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 June 2021

Amira Shalaby and A. Samer Ezeldin

In many developing countries, the sanitation sector constitutes a major part of their strategic plans of reform. Yet with the very limited budget of the public treasury, countries…

Abstract

Purpose

In many developing countries, the sanitation sector constitutes a major part of their strategic plans of reform. Yet with the very limited budget of the public treasury, countries opt to major lending institutions for funds. “Results-Based-Finance” is a new funding mechanism that has proven its efficiency in achieving the necessary reform in sanitation sectors. Due to the complexity of the funding tool, it is crucial to be able to decompose the project into smaller packages to be able to effectively control the project. The objective of this paper is to reach an optimum packaging scheme that enables the project to be successfully managed through better planning and cost control practices.

Design/methodology/approach

With the aid of Unified Modelling Language (UML), an algorithm is developed to map the logic behind the model suggested with detailed illustrations of its different modules. Object-oriented processes and operations are modeled using different diagrams of the language, which automatically generate the optimum packaging combination. The packaging model is then implemented via a number of computer-aided programs. The Microsoft Excel 2019 is used for calculation purposes. Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) programming language is used to make the model user-friendly for non-engineering stakeholders. The Palisade's Decision Tools Suite is used for the optimization process

Findings

The model is validated through a case study of a mega sanitation project located in Egypt. The model output is not only the content of the packages but also a complete managing plan which demonstrates many useful information to the decision-makers and government officials.

Originality/value

The research aim is to provide the construction industry with a tool that makes the packaging process of mega projects funded through the “Results-Based-Finance” mechanism, done in an automated manner. Moreover, the packages are selected in a way to optimize the project cashflow. Having the optimum package size shall ensure better planning and a more accurate cost control. Yet it is a challenging task; especially, when the project cash flow is very sensitive and intolerant to delays like in the “Results-Based-Finance” mechanism.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 29 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 August 2010

Quan Z. Sheng, Jian Yu, Aviv Segev and Kewen Liao

In the last decade, web services have become a major technology to implement loosely coupled business processes and perform application integration. Through the use of context, a…

1884

Abstract

Purpose

In the last decade, web services have become a major technology to implement loosely coupled business processes and perform application integration. Through the use of context, a new generation of web services, namely context‐aware web services (CASs), is currently emerging as an important technology for building innovative context‐aware applications. Unfortunately, CASs are still difficult to build. Issues like lack of context provisioning management approach and lack of generic approach for formalizing the development process need to be solved in the first place for easy and effective development of CASs. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the techniques on developing CASs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on introducing a model‐driven platform, called ContextServ, and showcasing how to use this platform to rapidly develop a context‐aware web application, Smart Adelaide Guide. ContextServ adopts a model‐driven development (MDD) approach where a Unified Modeling Language (UML)‐based modeling language – ContextUML – is used to model web services and its context‐awareness features.

Findings

The paper presents novel techniques for efficient and effective development of CASs using a MDD approach. The ContextServ platform is the only one that provides a comprehensive software toolset that supports graphical modeling and automatic model transformation of CASs.

Practical implications

The proposed approach has been validated in practice by developing various CASs. The experimental study demonstrates the efficiency and effectiveness of the approach.

Originality/value

The paper presents a novel platform called ContextServ, which offers a set of visual editing and automation tools for easy and fast generating and deploying CASs.

Details

International Journal of Web Information Systems, vol. 6 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1744-0084

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2012

Miroslav Zarić, Danijela Boberić Krstićev and Dušan Surla

The aim of the research is modelling and implementation of a client application that enables parallel search and retrieval of bibliographic records from multiple servers. The…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the research is modelling and implementation of a client application that enables parallel search and retrieval of bibliographic records from multiple servers. The client application supports simultaneous communication over Z39.50 and SRW/SRU protocols. The application design is flexible and later addition of other communication protocols for search/retrieval is envisioned and supported.

Design/methodology/approach

Object‐oriented approach has been used for modelling and implementation of client application. CASE tool, Sybase PowerDesigner, supporting Unified Modelling Language (UML 2.0), was used for modelling. Java programming language and Eclipse environment were used for implementation.

Findings

The result of the research is a client application that enables parallel search and retrieval of multiple Z39.50 and SRW/SRU servers. Additionally, the application supports conversion from type‐1 query language, defined by Z39.50 standard, to CQL query language required for search/retrieval from SRW/SRU servers. The application was verified by performing parallel search and retrieval from several publicly accessible Z39.50 and SRW/SRU servers.

Research limitations/implications

The application supports only the use of bib‐1 attribute set for type‐1 queries created according to Z39.50 standard. Hence, only such queries can be converted to CQL notation. The use of other attribute sets is not supported.

Practical implications

The client application is integrated into the BISIS software system, version 4. This enables the cataloguing of bibliographic records retrieved over Z39.50 and SRW/SRU protocol.

Originality/value

The contribution of this work is in client application architecture that enables parallel communication with multiple servers, which can use different communication protocols, Z39.50 or SRW/SRU. Search/retrieval from servers using some other protocol is also supported. This can be achieved by adding new classes that implement protocol specification, and classes for query transformation into notation required by that new protocol, if required.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 30 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2004

Henry Y.K. Lau and K.L. Mak

An effective system development paradigm and its associated design tools can streamline the production of flexible manufacturing systems. In view of the technological advances in…

1487

Abstract

An effective system development paradigm and its associated design tools can streamline the production of flexible manufacturing systems. In view of the technological advances in developing complex manufacturing systems, a framework and its associated graphical development environment are presented in this paper. This framework aims at providing a unified platform to develop complex manufacturing systems with enhanced formality. Features include procedures for requirement analysis, simulation of system behavior, and formal verification of abstract implementation. The proposed framework helps to shorten lifecycle for system designs and helps engineers to produce manufacturing systems that conform better with original specifications with better quality. A flexible conveyor‐based production system is chosen as a case example to illustrate the capabilities of the proposed framework.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 September 2011

Jesús Cristóbal, Jorge Merino, Antonio Navarro, Miguel Peralta, Yolanda Roldán and Rosa María Silveira

The design, construction and deployment of a large virtual campus are a complex issue. Present virtual campuses are made of several software applications that complement…

Abstract

Purpose

The design, construction and deployment of a large virtual campus are a complex issue. Present virtual campuses are made of several software applications that complement e‐learning platforms. In order to develop and maintain such virtual campuses, a complex software engineering infrastructure is needed. This paper aims to analyse the software engineering infrastructure in the virtual campus deployed at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Design/methodology/approach

The software engineering infrastructure is analysed from three perspectives: process model; programming language and computer‐aided software engineering tools and design patterns and architecture.

Findings

Software engineering infrastructure is a key issue in virtual campuses.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is to make our experience available to a wider audience so that organisations interested in the deployment of a large virtual campus can take advantage of our work.

Details

Interactive Technology and Smart Education, vol. 8 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-5659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 September 2009

Ryan K.L. Ko, Stephen S.G. Lee and Eng Wah Lee

In the last two decades, a proliferation of business process management (BPM) modeling languages, standards and software systems has given rise to much confusion and obstacles to…

15990

Abstract

Purpose

In the last two decades, a proliferation of business process management (BPM) modeling languages, standards and software systems has given rise to much confusion and obstacles to adoption. Since new BPM languages and notation terminologies were not well defined, duplicate features are common. This paper seeks to make sense of the myriad BPM standards, organising them in a classification framework, and to identify key industry trends.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive literature review is conducted and relevant BPM notations, languages and standards are referenced against the proposed BPM Standards Classification Framework, which lists each standard's distinct features, strengths and weaknesses.

Findings

The paper is unaware of any classification of BPM languages. An attempt is made to classify BPM languages, standards and notations into four main groups: execution, interchange, graphical, and diagnosis standards. At the present time, there is a lack of established diagnosis standards. It is hoped that such a classification facilitates the meaningful adoption of BPM languages, standards and notations.

Practical implications

The paper differentiates BPM standards, thereby resolving common misconceptions; establishes the need for diagnosis standards; identifies the strengths and limitations of current standards; and highlights current knowledge gaps and future trends. Researchers and practitioners may wish to position their work around this review.

Originality/value

Currently, to the best of one's knowledge, such an overview and such an analysis of BPM standards have not so far been undertaken.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 15 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

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