Information Systems Development Tools Research Articles

Software Quality Methodology to Train Engineers as Evaluators of Information Systems Development Tools

To have software tools that facilitate the rapid development of applications and generate information systems is a requirement in a globalized world. Worldwide in the engineers training field it is basic to apply measurements and evaluations to the rapid design tools used to obtain applications faster and generate quality information systems in order to determine the best for this purpose. This paper revises MECRAD and proposes its introduction in the formation programs of engineers which is a methodology for the technical evaluation of the visual environments tools to generate information systems where this type of commercial products are evaluated using as reference basic elements of international standards. With this methodology one can evaluate and select in an effective and easy way, those tools and development platforms best suited to create applications in visual environments, in order to generate information systems with quality and sustainability. It is useful for higher education institutions, organizations, companies and system’s end users, among others.

Development of the model and method of selecting the description of rational architecture of information system

The results of research of the model and method of selecting the description option of the rational architecture of the developed information system are considered. The method of synthesis of description options of the architecture of the developed IS based on the CLOPE algorithm is proposed. The following is developed: a) formal descriptions of the functions of the Provider's and the Customer's objectives that maximize the degree of satisfaction of their functional requirements to IS; b) the game-theoretic model of selecting the option of description of the rational architecture of the developed information system, which is a bimatrix noncooperative game of the IT service Provider and Customer; c) the method of finding a solution to the game of the Provider and the Customer to select the option of description of the rational architecture of the developed information system based on pure strategies by finding the Nash equilibrium point, which is a sequence of actions aimed at finding the option of description of the architecture of the developed IS, which to the greatest extent meets the Provider's and the Customer's requirements. The proposed solutions allow considering the process of designing the architecture of the developed IS as the decision-making problem of selecting the rational option of description of the architecture of the given system. The initial data for solving this problem are formal descriptions of the knowledge obtained from the descriptions of the system requirements. In the course of solving this problem, it is proposed to synthesize a set of descriptions of the architecture of the developed IS on the basis of formal descriptions of knowledge about individual requirements. Then, it is suggested to select an option in the set that to the greatest extent meets the expectations of the Provider and the Customer of the developed system. This approach to designing the architecture of the developed IS is unique in current research and existing requirements management systems. The formal descriptions of the functions of the Provider's and the Customer's objectives, game-theoretic model and method allow automating the process of designing the architecture of the developed information system. This is achieved through the development of formal models and methods, describing the operations of forming the representations of IS requirements on the knowledge level, synthesis of a set of the architecture description options on the basis of the generated representations of requirements and selection of the description option of the rational architecture of the developed IS. These methods allow transition from the synthesis of descriptions of the information system as a plurality of individual functional requirements to the synthesis of a unified description of the information system, taking into account the overlapping of individual functional requirements. This will improve the system-wide effect of the developed system through harmonizing the descriptions of individual functions of this system in the early stages of its life cycle. The developed model and method, as well as information system development tools on their basis, allow unifying and simplifying the processes of pre-project survey and design of information systems. This, in turn, reduces the time and cost to implement IT projects of development and upgrading of information systems. In addition, the use of the developed methods allows adapting the Provider's previous solutions to the peculiarities of the Customer's new requirements.

Integrating the Accountant and the Information Systems Development Process

To possess traditional accounting knowledge is a necessary but no longer sufficient condition for an accounting information professional. One must also understand information systems design, development, and applications and be able to integrate these two bodies of knowledge within complex organization settings. The following discussion provides a brief review of structuration theory. Next, the application of structuration theory to aid in understanding organization context is illustrated using a specific information system design situation as well as a global strategic systems environment. The analysis leads to the conclusion that the accounting information expert is required to integrate accounting knowledge with a strategic perspective in order to facilitate the specification of information systems requirements. Working as a member of the design, development, and implementation group as well as a primary user of its product, it is crucial to understand information systems development tools. If the accounting information expert does not appreciate the technological possibilities and constraints, the necessary assistance cannot be provided to management as they strive to respond to a dynamic market environment. A discussion of possible future research areas concludes the presentation.

An ethical review of information systems development – The Australian Computer Society’s code of ethics and SSADM

The rapid advance of computer‐based technology has led to social policy vacuums. Most information systems development tools concentrate upon technical issues, and offer few if any guidelines that address the moral issues inherent in new application possibilities. It is argued that extension of such tools to include ethical and moral, human and environmental issues is possible. A good starting point is provided by mapping relevant clauses of professional codes of ethics upon each stage of the development methodology. We use as examples the Australian Computer Society Code of Ethics and the structured systems analysis and design method (SSADM).