A conceptual approach for modelling system development projects

Information system (IS) managers have long recognised the need to use project management approaches in the design and delivery of their system development projects. The result has been the widespread use of project teams headed by a project leader or manager. However, given the fact that there has been a low success rate for IS projects, there is a growing need to seek out new methods and controls for projects. One approach involves the practice of altering the project environment prior to the commencement of project tasks. To determine whether such pre-project activities may be effective, a model is proposed and tested relating the activities to the performance of the project manager and characteristics of an effective project team. Data from a sample of 186 project team members indicate that the pre-project activities lead to more effective teams and managers and eventually to project success. Thus, it is important that organisations begin work on projects at an earlier stage.

Information systems development projects are a significant expenditure of time, effort and money for many enterprises. Historically it has been estimated that 50-80% of projects fail to achieve their objectives for a variety of reasons. Researchers have identified numerous factors associated with system development failure. In this paper, we first synthesize the vast research regarding systems development risk factors and provide a framework that illustrates interactions between risk factors. The framework was used to develop an open-ended questionnaire that was answered by an inter-industry group of experienced systems development engineers and project managers. Analysis of their reports indicates that experienced professionals perceive that all risk factors (technical, resource, etc.) ultimately derive from organizationally-oriented factors, to be solved with organizational responses. This holistic viewpoint of risk assessment is counter to that of systems professionals more involved in day-to-day development decision making. For these developers, risks are more likely to be characterized as fitting into traditional discrete categories. This apparent dichotomy of risk importance was further investigated through an intra-organizational study which directly assessed how professionals recognize and treat risks in the development process. Results illustrate that a successful project environment may be characterised as one in which all systems professionals maintain a holistic view of organizational risk and that organizational culture, as opposed to experience, may predicate such an environment. Implications and future research directions are discussed.

Automatic liver tumor segmentation from 3D Computed Tomography (CT) is a necessary prerequisite in the interventions of hepatic abnormalities and surgery planning. However, accurate liver tumor segmentation remains challenging due to the large variability of tumor sizes and inhomogeneous texture. Recent advances based on Fully Convolutional Network (FCN) in liver tumor segmentation draw on success of learning discriminative multi-level features. In this paper, we propose a Deep Attentive Refinement Network (DARN) for improved liver tumor segmentation from CT volumes by fully exploiting both low and high level features embedded in different layers of FCN. Different from existing works, we exploit attention mechanism to leverage the relation of different levels of features encoded in different layers of FCN. Specifically, we introduce a Semantic Attention Refinement (SemRef) module to selectively emphasize global semantic information in low level features with the guidance of high level ones, and a Spatial Attention Refinement (SpaRef) module to adaptively enhance spatial details in high level features with the guidance of low level ones. We evaluate our network on the public MICCAI 2017 Liver Tumor Segmentation Challenge dataset (LiTS dataset) and it achieves state-of-the-art performance. The proposed refinement modules are an effective strategy to exploit multi-level features and has great potential to generalize to other medical image segmentation tasks.

As the significant success of business enterprises, information system development becomes IT managers' concern to keep the balance between business and information system. The information system has an important role to deliver advantages to the business enterprises. To keep maintain these issues, information system should be developed to innovate the business process. However, in developing an information system, the information system process improvement may obtain the possibility of information system development failures. Therefore, to avoid the failures in implementing information systems there are some important factors. Those factors are called critical success factors (CSF). Therefore, this study observes the critical success factors (CSF) in information system development (ISD) projects. This systematic literature review discusses critical success factors in information system development. The method section determines the research question. It also describes how to collect and filter the data. The order of this research written is according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Checklist or also known as PRISMA Checklist. Therefore, to collect and filter the data, this systematic literature review uses Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses method or also known as PRISMA method. There were 20 papers selected to help this research based on the filtering papers due to PRISMA flow diagram. Most of those papers are discussing information system development and the rest are about factors of information system development. The result section has two parts, which are study characteristics and study results. This systematic literature review concluded that there are five critical success factors in developing information system projects. Those critical success factors are people, project, organization, knowledge, and expertise. Those critical success factors are also supported by several items of each factor. Therefore, the output of this research is expected to satisfy the information system development projects to meet the organizations' need and reduce also possibly avoid the failures in information system development projects.

This book brings together works presented in the mini-courses given at the 16th Brazilian Symposium on Information Systems (SBSI), held online and organized by the Federal University of ABC, from November 03 to 06, 2020. Participate in SBSI, the national debate forum of Information Systems (IS) area, students and researchers with the presentation of scientific papers and discussion of contemporary topics related to the area. This year, 5 valid mini-course proposals were submitted and two were selected, as decided at the last meeting of the Special Information Systems Commission. Such proposals were evaluated by at least three researchers who are part of a committee composed of 38 research professors. The two mini-courses contained in this book address topics of interest to the Information Systems community and related to the 16th theme. Edition of the event, entitled “Information Systems in Digital Transformation and Innovation”. The first chapter, “Using Network Science in the Development of Complex Systems”, teaches how the context of complex systems affects the development of contemporary applications and how models in network science can be used to better understand the structure and characteristics of these systems. The second chapter, “Development of Service Solutions: SOA, Cloud and Microservices”, discusses the synergy between the concepts of Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), Cloud Computing (Cloud), and Microservice Architecture (MSA) in the context of the development of Information Systems software, showing how to apply these paradigms in the development of distributed applications for information systems. We hope that this book will help students, researchers, and professionals in the Information Systems area in building knowledge on specific topics related to what was presented here.

A vehicle space where vehicles move around is structured in a space tree whose nodes are space objects. Higher-level objects denote broader area than lower level ones. Each vehicle first decides a broad path which includes higher-level objects, and the path is made more detailed as the vehicle is approaching to the destination. Vehicles are modeled as transactions which hold objects. There are kinds of vehicles, on three points, removable, stoppable, and retreatable. In this paper, we discuss three schemes, i.e. close, semiopen, and open ones for locking and releasing objects with respect to types of vehicles.

MAS have already more than proved their effectiveness while dealing with high level distributed problems, but some domains (usually low level ones) are still reluctant to their use, usually on a performance basis. UAV’s multisensor integration systems take information coming from different sensors and integrate them into one global positioning solution, with a pre-analyzed fixed data fusion architecture topology in a changing environment. In this paper we will propose a novel adaptative MAS data fusion architecture for this problem, able to change its topology according to its conditions, and thus effectively improving the overall quality of the system.

Determining the state of cloudiness at night is always a problem, especially at low levels of light pollution. This paper presents an innovative method of assessing the cloudiness of the night sky solely on the basis of all-night measurements of the brightness of the sky using generally available SQM meters. Using the numerical method of calculating the discrete derivative of the overnight brightness of the night sky from time it is possible not only to distinguish a cloudless sky from a cloudy one, but even to distinguish the high level clouds from medium and low level ones. Full Text: PDF ReferencesKyba C.C.M., Ruhtz T., Fischer J., Hölker F., Cloud Coverage Acts as an Amplifier for Ecological Light Pollution in Urban Ecosystems, PLoS ONE, vol. 6, no. 3, 2011, e17307. CrossRef Ściężor T., The impact of clouds on the brightness of the night sky, to be published in Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and Radiative Transfer, 2020 CrossRef Ściężor T., Kubala M., Kaszowski W., Light Pollution of the Mountain Areas in Poland, Archives of Environmental Protection, Vol.38, No.4, 2012, pp. 59-69. CrossRef Crawford D.L., Photometry: terminology and units in the lighting and astronomical sciences, The Observatory, vol. 117, 1997, pp. 14-18. DirectLink Ściężor T., Kubala M., Particulate matter as an amplifier for astronomical light pollution, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, vol. 444, no. 3, 2014, pp. 2487-2493. CrossRef

A study of information systems managers and other information systems professionals at 112 different organizations confirmed that information systems software cost estimating is an important concern. Subjects reported the completion of only one of every four systems development projects within their estimates. According to them, the major cause of inaccurate estimates was changes in user requirements. Organizations using sophisticated cost estimating software packages were less successful at preventing large cost overruns than organizations not using them. However, the use of the estimator as system developer, the careful monitoring of systems development projects, and the inclusion in performance evaluations of success in meeting estimates were associated with more accurate cost estimating.

This paper focuses on 18 well-known recommended practices for information system (IS) development projects to assess their relative dissemination and effectiveness and to examine the role of standardization frameworks in promoting them. Findings from a survey of 97 information technology (IT) professionals show that most of these practices tend to be adopted, that they are associated with higher chances of success in IS development projects and that software process improvement models, project management maturity models and formal development methodologies tend to promote such practices. Findings show however some notable exceptions that may require to refine this existing set of recommended practices. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Though information systems development (ISD) projects use modularization as an approach to better manage complex tasks by decomposing them into simpler intra-project modules, we lack clearly established modalities for managing such modularized ISD projects. Adopting a control theory perspective and leveraging a case study research approach, we unearth the underlying “control mechanisms” that an organization leveraged to manage eight modularized ISD projects. Specifically, we explore the intra-project modular dependencies that the projects’ business requirement documents indicated and use results from semi-structured interviews with project members to identify the corresponding control mechanisms. Our results indicate that, in scenarios with a low level of intra-project modular interdependencies, formal outcome and formal behavior constitute the preferred control mechanisms. However, specific situations related to flexible project practices and volatile client requirements may minimize the level of formal outcome and formal behavior control mechanisms in such projects. A low level of interdependencies between intra-project modules minimizes the need for informal clan control; nonetheless, informal clan-control mechanisms may help team members understand project requirements in a shared manner. Projects with a high level of interdependencies between intra-project modules have a high level of informal clan control. However, in some situations, projects with a high level of intra-project modular interdependencies have a low level of informal clan control often due to time pressures. Organizations may govern projects with a high level of intra-project modular interdependencies and poor structures through an enabling control style. Organizations can effectively govern projects with a low level of intra-project modular interdependencies through authoritative control style except in the projects where they assign team members to multiple projects simultaneously. By leveraging control theory to examine the intra-project modular dependencies, we add to the ongoing discourse on control theory and ISD project governance.

Non-Interference is an information flow security property which aims to protect confidential data by ensuring the complete absence of any information flow from high level entities to low level ones. However, this requirement is too demanding when dealing with real applications: indeed, no real policy ever guarantees a total absence of information flow. In order to deal with real applications, it is often necessary to allow mechanisms for downgrading or declassifying information such as information filters and channel control.In this paper we generalize the notion of Persistent Stochastic Non-Interference (PSNI) in order to allow information to flow from a higher to a lower security level through a downgrader. We introduce the notion of Delimited Persistent Stochastic Non-Interference (D_PSNI) and provide two characterizations of it, one expressed in terms of bisimulation-like equivalence checks and another one formulated through unwinding conditions. Then we prove some compositionality properties. Finally, we present a decision algorithm and discuss its complexity.

The Regional School of Information Systems of the state of Rio de Janeiro (ERSI-RJ) is an event that brings together professionals, teachers, and students interested in learning and discussing problems, solutions, and concepts related to information systems. ERSI-RJ mini-courses are short-term activities (four hours long) that are part of the ERSI-RJ program. They address issues related to information systems with the aim of providing the public an environment of learning and discussion of issues such as trends and challenges in the information systems area. In 2020, the ERSI-RJ was canceled because of the SAR-COV-2 pandemic. From all of the submissions for this year (2021), six mini-courses were chosen. Besides, two other submitted proposals were selected to be added as chapters of this book. A group of professionals and professors reviewed the mini-course proposals and selected the best ones. The committee members weighed in on the proposals and chose the finest ones. The selection criteria were: relevance to the event, audience expectation, timeliness and content. This book covers: the concepts and ways of detecting fake news in digital news media; an organizational modeling language that addresses the topic of competency-based human resource strategy and alignment; the use of simple language to support transparency and the development of best practices for digital transformation; the practice of data management in the field of data journalism; the introduction to game projects with educational purposes, which includes a canvas for Endogenous Educational Game Design; the concepts, definitions, applications, and research on Ethics in the information systems area; the main protocols of the Internet of Things' application layer, with a practical emphasis on the CoAP and MQTT protocols; and an example of treatment, correlation, and reducement of trends and seasonality of data by using R to analyze data about COVID-19 and public transport in Rio de Janeiro city. We believe this material will be useful for information systems classes and for supporting discussions, research, and professional practice. We congratulate and thank the authors of the chapters. We also thank the Selection Committee for their dedication and efficiency; the Editorial Committee for their effort; and the CESI (Special Committee on Information Systems) of SBC for this publication's support. Finally, the book's cover was designed by Matheus Nunes Ritton, a graduate student in information systems at the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro. This is his second time working on the ERSI-RJ minicourse book covers.

The Regional School of Information Systems of the state of Rio de Janeiro (ERSI-RJ) is an event that brings together professionals, teachers, and students interested in learning and discussing problems, solutions, and concepts related to information systems. ERSI-RJ mini-courses are short-term activities (four hours long) that are part of the ERSI-RJ program. They address issues related to information systems with the aim of providing the public an environment of learning and discussion of issues such as trends and challenges in the information systems area. In 2020, the ERSI-RJ was canceled because of the SAR-COV-2 pandemic. From all of the submissions for this year (2021), six mini-courses were chosen. Besides, two other submitted proposals were selected to be added as chapters of this book. A group of professionals and professors reviewed the mini-course proposals and selected the best ones. The committee members weighed in on the proposals and chose the finest ones. The selection criteria were: relevance to the event, audience expectation, timeliness and content. This book covers: the concepts and ways of detecting fake news in digital news media; an organizational modeling language that addresses the topic of competency-based human resource strategy and alignment; the use of simple language to support transparency and the development of best practices for digital transformation; the practice of data management in the field of data journalism; the introduction to game projects with educational purposes, which includes a canvas for Endogenous Educational Game Design; the concepts, definitions, applications, and research on Ethics in the information systems area; the main protocols of the Internet of Things' application layer, with a practical emphasis on the CoAP and MQTT protocols; and an example of treatment, correlation, and reducement of trends and seasonality of data by using R to analyze data about COVID-19 and public transport in Rio de Janeiro city. We believe this material will be useful for information systems classes and for supporting discussions, research, and professional practice. We congratulate and thank the authors of the chapters. We also thank the Selection Committee for their dedication and efficiency; the Editorial Committee for their effort; and the CESI (Special Committee on Information Systems) of SBC for this publication's support. Finally, the book's cover was designed by Matheus Nunes Ritton, a graduate student in information systems at the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro. This is his second time working on the ERSI-RJ minicourse book covers.

The Regional School of Information Systems of the state of Rio de Janeiro (ERSI-RJ) is an event that brings together professionals, teachers, and students interested in learning and discussing problems, solutions, and concepts related to information systems. ERSI-RJ mini-courses are short-term activities (four hours long) that are part of the ERSI-RJ program. They address issues related to information systems with the aim of providing the public an environment of learning and discussion of issues such as trends and challenges in the information systems area. In 2020, the ERSI-RJ was canceled because of the SAR-COV-2 pandemic. From all of the submissions for this year (2021), six mini-courses were chosen. Besides, two other submitted proposals were selected to be added as chapters of this book. A group of professionals and professors reviewed the mini-course proposals and selected the best ones. The committee members weighed in on the proposals and chose the finest ones. The selection criteria were: relevance to the event, audience expectation, timeliness and content. This book covers: the concepts and ways of detecting fake news in digital news media; an organizational modeling language that addresses the topic of competency-based human resource strategy and alignment; the use of simple language to support transparency and the development of best practices for digital transformation; the practice of data management in the field of data journalism; the introduction to game projects with educational purposes, which includes a canvas for Endogenous Educational Game Design; the concepts, definitions, applications, and research on Ethics in the information systems area; the main protocols of the Internet of Things' application layer, with a practical emphasis on the CoAP and MQTT protocols; and an example of treatment, correlation, and reducement of trends and seasonality of data by using R to analyze data about COVID-19 and public transport in Rio de Janeiro city. We believe this material will be useful for information systems classes and for supporting discussions, research, and professional practice. We congratulate and thank the authors of the chapters. We also thank the Selection Committee for their dedication and efficiency; the Editorial Committee for their effort; and the CESI (Special Committee on Information Systems) of SBC for this publication's support. Finally, the book's cover was designed by Matheus Nunes Ritton, a graduate student in information systems at the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro. This is his second time working on the ERSI-RJ minicourse book covers.