Proposed Support Tool Research Articles

Towards a pattern language for complex-mode mission concept generation

New space mission profiles arise from the convergence of reduced launch prices, miniaturization of electronics and the maturation of on-orbit servicing technologies. Additionally, a shift towards challenging Lunar objectives pushes for interconnected and complex-mode missions, and trends towards low-cost, sustainability and autonomy also encourage complex modes. The field of space logistics aims to develop conceptual and computational tools to optimize multi-node material-flow networks. However, existing tools insufficiently address the challenge of generating and comparing mission concepts methodically. Through a comprehensive literature review and a case study, we: (1) establish a need for a design support tool for early-phase complex space mission concept generation; (2) establish the potential of a novel approach using pattern languages; (3) propose and describe a concept for an innovative interdisciplinary tool using the identified methods; (4) verify the proposed support tool concept by replicating the Apollo study results as a proof of concept. We created a pattern language in which words are mission concept of operations elements, the grammar is an assembly algorithm allowing to generate options automatically, and the writing system is intuitively readable diagrams illustrating candidate mission modes. Key figures of merit are also automatically compiled. Among the concepts we generated for the Apollo proof of concept study, the four principal candidates considered in 1962 were captured and ranked in the same order as historically and in recent literature. Findings are consistent with Apollo’s choice of designing two modules to be separated in Lunar orbit, thus confirming the proposed tool’s potential. Decision-makers could be supported in the early stages of the mission design process, where most of the value is locked in, by complementing existing methods such as concurrent engineering. Efficiently designing complex-mode missions is key to enabling cost-effective and highly ambitious missions, therefore supporting cislunar economy development. • Gap for a design support tool for early-phase complex space mission design. • Potential of a novel approach using pattern languages and matheuristics. • Proposition and description of a concept for an innovative interdisciplinary tool using pattern languages and matheuristics. • Verification of the proposed support tool concept by recreating the Apollo study results as a proof-of-concept.

The Importance of Government Incentives for Automating Business Processes in Industry in Order to Increase the Efficiency of Innovation

To develop innovative activities, the state offers various options for assistance and support within the framework of the innovation stimulation system. However, many of the proposed support tools remain unclaimed, since it is often difficult for organizations to evaluate and calculate the effect of their use due to the insufficient development of information systems. The level of automation of accounting is insufficient for making quick and informed decisions, which reduces the competitiveness of organizations. The main drawback of the existing systems of automation of accounting and management in industrial organizations is their fragmentation, inflexibility, and inconsistency with modern requirements for complex information systems. Many organizations keep records in separate workstations, the so-called workstations, many calculations are carried out by means of table editors; the transition to integrated information systems has not yet become widespread. The starting point in the financial mechanism for stimulating innovation should be tools to stimulate the automation of business processes. The limiting factor for the transition to such systems is the high cost of implementation, therefore, the article considers the advantages and disadvantages of applying soft loans in order to stimulate further innovative development in this area, and also suggests expanding the practice of using such a promising tool to stimulate investment in business informatization as innovative vouchers on information technology. The advantages of such an instrument include the strengthening of the link between research, educational institutions and the real sector of the economy, and this tool also has such advantages as high transparency of spending and targeting. The relevance of the chosen research topic is also due to the fact that, according to the Concept of the National Strategy for Sustainable Development of the Republic of Belarus for the period until 2035, digitalization based on high technologies and new business models has been identified as a key element of the new model of the national economy [1].

Software Analysis Method for Assessing Software Sustainability

Software sustainability evaluation has become an essential component of software engineering (SE) owing to sustainability considerations that must be incorporated into software development. Several studies have been performed to address the issues associated with sustainability concerns in the SE process. However, current practices extensively rely on participant experiences to evaluate sustainability achievement. Moreover, there exist limited quantifiable methods for supporting software sustainability evaluation. Our primary objective is to present a methodology that can assist software engineers in evaluating a software system based on well-defined sustainability metrics and measurements. We propose a novel approach that combines machine learning (ML) and software analysis methods. To simplify the application of the proposed approach, we present a semi-automated tool that supports engineers in assessing the sustainability achievement of a software system. The results of our study demonstrate that the proposed approach determines sustainability criteria and defines sustainability achievement in terms of a traceable matrix. Our theoretical evaluation and empirical study demonstrate that the proposed support tool can help engineers identify sustainability limitations in a particular feature of a software system. Our semi-automated tool can identify features that must be revised to enhance sustainability achievement.

Towards organisational learning enhancement: assessing software engineering practice

PurposeIssues surrounding knowledge management, knowledge transfer and learning within organisations challenge continuity and resilience in the face of changing environments. While initiatives are principally applied within large organisations, there is scope to assess how the processes are handled within small and medium enterprises and consider how they might be enhanced. This paper aims to present an evaluation of practice within an evolving software development unit to determine what has been learned and how the knowledge acquired has been used to further organisational development. These results provide the basis for the design and implementation of a proposed support tool to enhance professional practice.Design/methodology/approachA small software development unit which has successfully delivered bespoke systems since its establishment a number of years ago was selected for analysis. In-depth interviews were carried out with each member of the unit to elicit an understanding of individual and collective development. Interview data were recorded and transcribed and subjected to qualitative analysis to identify key themes underpinning knowledge acquisition and utilisation. Samples of project documentation were scrutinised to corroborate interview data. After analysing the data, a focus-group meeting was held to validate the results and to generate further insights into learning within the unit.FindingsQualitative analysis of the data revealed key changes in thinking and practice within the unit, as well as insight into the development of individual and collective contextual knowledge, tacit understanding and learning. This analysis informed the proposal of a bespoke, lightweight, Web-based system to support knowledge capture and organisational learning. This approach has the potential to promote resilience and enhance practice in similar small or start-up enterprises.Research limitations/implicationsPurposeful sampling was used in selecting a small software development unit. This enabled in-depth interviewing of all six members of the organisation. This offered a rich environment from which to derive awareness and understanding of individual and collective knowledge acquisition and learning. Focussing on a single small enterprise limits the extent to which the findings can be generalised. However, the research provides evidence of effective practice and learning and has identified themes for the development of a support tool. This approach can be extended to similar domains to advance research into their learning and development.Practical implicationsResults of the work undertaken so far have generated promising foundations for the proposed support tool. This offers software developers a potentially useful system within which they can reflect upon, and record, key learning events affecting technical, managerial and professional practice.Originality/valueSmall enterprises have limited resources to support organisational learning. The qualitative research undertaken so far has yielded valuable insight into the successful development of a single software development unit. The construction of a support tool to enhance knowledge acquisition and learning has the capacity to consolidate valuable, and potentially scarce, expertise. It also has the potential to facilitate further research to determine how the prototype might be extended or revised to improve its contribution to the unit’s development.

Proposal and Evaluation of Design Support Tools for Logical Collaborative Design Process

Background : In the design field, collaboration is a key method that can widen the conceptual design horizon beyond an individual’s boundaries. Collaboration helps to share knowledge and develop ideas jointly in the design process. It also helps to communicate diverse viewpoints. The ADT model is a representational model for conceptual design. It is used to grasp artifacts as a communication medium between designers and users. During the observation process, three influential factors-physical, emotional, and cultural-are observed through diverse viewpoints. Methods : This paper discusses a method to enhance the design process by sharing observed information with team members who have diverse viewpoints and using the information to create novel ideas with these proposed support tools. It then evaluates the proposed tools empirically with ISDW participants. Moreover, the these proposed tools are considered based on the results of using at ISDW as a case study. Result : These two collaboration support tools, named “Category Camera” and the TTS method based on the extended ADT model are proposed in this research. Each process is visualized and shared by using “Category Camera” and the TTS method to share visual information such as idea sketches, notes, and photos. The experiment evaluating the proposed design process with “Category Camera” and the TTS method reveals that these tools help participants share and create opinions and ideas logically and beyond an individual’s boundaries. By using these tools, designers in a team can visualize their idea, share it with others, and create a novel design plan based on multicultural backgrounds. An example of the design process using “Category Camera” and the TTS method is provided in order to show the effectiveness of the proposed method. Conclusions : In this paper, a method to support the collaborative design process, using “Category Camera” and the TTS method, is developed based on the extended ADT model. “Category Camera” and the TTS method help designers understand users’ circumstances and needs by observing three factors-the physical factor, the Kansei (emotional) factor, and the cultural factor. Through these factors, a designer can determine users’ needs, including unconscious needs that are difficult to uncover using a survey questionnaire. An example in which “Category Camera” and the TTS method are used for collaboration among design teams is shown. With the proposed method, the designers were able to find a unique design solution that reflected multicultural values. While the efficiency of the method is clear, there are some additional considerations. First, the format of the worksheets used in the TTS method should be reconsidered. In the current study, sheets used for different steps have the same format. A more effective format for collaboration should be developed. Second, designers spent too much time on the first and second steps of the TTS method. In order to simplify use, procedures that took a long time should be modified by introducing the use of electronic technologies.

A new support methodology for the placement of sensors used for fault detection and diagnosis

The principal objective of this work is the identification and the location of sensors on a complex chemical plant needed for online process situation monitoring, fault detection and diagnosis of malfunctions. This identification is based on the use of a classification technique and a measure of the quantity of information provided by the process variables, the entropy. Any classification method providing an interpretable description of the classes describing the process situations can be applied. In this work, the LAMDA (Learning Algorithm for Multivariate Data Analysis) classification method was employed for the design of the support tool. LAMDA combines Fuzzy Logic concepts, such as the adequacy of an element to a class, and the neural model representation. It allows, without changing of algorithm, to carry out classifications using a supervised (directed) or unsupervised (automatic) learning stage. The illustration of such a methodology is shown on a classical chemical plant: the propylene glycol production plant. This chemical process is composed of a mixer, a chemical reactor (CSTR) and a rectification column. This plant has been designed and simulated (dynamic simulation) using the well-known HYSYS simulation package. This simulation model has been used to generate scenarios of the various faults and malfunctions generally encountered in this type of plant. In particular, faults affecting the production quality have been simulated. After a short presentation of the most popular classification methods and the Entropy concept, the steps for the development of the proposed support tool are explained. This methodology is then applied to the example of the propylene glycol production plant. The present results highlight the contribution of both the methodology to select the “right” sensors and the classification technique to the design of a behavioral model used for monitoring and fault detection.

06/00789 Sensor-fault detection, diagnosis and estimation for centrifugal chiller systems using principal-component analysis method: Wang, S. and Cui, J. Applied Energy, 2005, 82, (3), 197–213.

The principal objective of this work is the identification and the location of sensors on a complex chemical plant needed for online process situation monitoring, fault detection and diagnosis of malfunctions. This identification is based on the use of a classification technique and a measure of the quantity of information provided by the process variables, the entropy. Any classification method providing an interpretable description of the classes describing the process situations can be applied. In this work, the LAMDA (Learning Algorithm for Multivariate Data Analysis) classification method was employed for the design of the support tool. LAMDA combines Fuzzy Logic concepts, such as the adequacy of an element to a class, and the neural model representation. It allows, without changing of algorithm, to carry out classifications using a supervised (directed) or unsupervised (automatic) learning stage.The illustration of such a methodology is shown on a classical chemical plant: the propylene glycol production plant. This chemical process is composed of a mixer, a chemical reactor (CSTR) and a rectification column. This plant has been designed and simulated (dynamic simulation) using the well-known HYSYS simulation package. This simulation model has been used to generate scenarios of the various faults and malfunctions generally encountered in this type of plant. In particular, faults affecting the production quality have been simulated. After a short presentation of the most popular classification methods and the Entropy concept, the steps for the development of the proposed support tool are explained. This methodology is then applied to the example of the propylene glycol production plant. The present results highlight the contribution of both the methodology to select the “right” sensors and the classification technique to the design of a behavioral model used for monitoring and fault detection.