The Experts below are selected from a list of 324 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Juan Carlos Gonzalez - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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improving software projects Inception Phase using games activeaction workshop
International Conference on Evaluation of Novel Approaches to Software Engineering, 2014Co-Authors: Miguel Ehecatl Moralestrujillo, Hanna Oktaba, Juan Carlos GonzalezAbstract:Studies have demonstrated that an important factor to increase the success rate of software projects is the involvement of key stakeholders at the right time, in order to define business objectives, scope of the project and requirements. The Inception Phase of projects is in charge to provide these outcomes and is suitable to really involve stakeholders as team members because of the non-technical nature of the activities. However, since the stakeholders' involvement is a time- and money-consuming activity, it is important to maximize its efficiency. With that in mind, ludic aspect inherent to games can be used as a strategy to optimize the Inception Phase. This paper presents ActiveAction, a game-based workshop used as an alternative for the software project's Inception Phase in order to increase its effectiveness and improve the stakeholders' involvement in the project. ActiveAction combines classical and game-based techniques which permit a deep involvement of stakeholders and a collaborative identification of objectives, constraints and risks during an intensive workshop oriented to project conceptualization. ActiveAction workshop resulted in a successful game-based strategy that has improved the Inception Phase of 19 projects with different customers. After-workshop surveys, projects outcomes and customer satisfaction indicate validity of the method. ActiveAction is a valuable game-based alternative to carry out the Inception Phase in a software project. It makes possible to get an important amount of information, directly from key stakeholders in a short period of time increasing the success rate of projects.
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ENASE - Improving software projects Inception Phase using games ActiveAction workshop
2014Co-Authors: Miguel Ehécatl Morales-trujillo, Hanna Oktaba, Juan Carlos GonzalezAbstract:Studies have demonstrated that an important factor to increase the success rate of software projects is the involvement of key stakeholders at the right time, in order to define business objectives, scope of the project and requirements. The Inception Phase of projects is in charge to provide these outcomes and is suitable to really involve stakeholders as team members because of the non-technical nature of the activities. However, since the stakeholders' involvement is a time- and money-consuming activity, it is important to maximize its efficiency. With that in mind, ludic aspect inherent to games can be used as a strategy to optimize the Inception Phase. This paper presents ActiveAction, a game-based workshop used as an alternative for the software project's Inception Phase in order to increase its effectiveness and improve the stakeholders' involvement in the project. ActiveAction combines classical and game-based techniques which permit a deep involvement of stakeholders and a collaborative identification of objectives, constraints and risks during an intensive workshop oriented to project conceptualization. ActiveAction workshop resulted in a successful game-based strategy that has improved the Inception Phase of 19 projects with different customers. After-workshop surveys, projects outcomes and customer satisfaction indicate validity of the method. ActiveAction is a valuable game-based alternative to carry out the Inception Phase in a software project. It makes possible to get an important amount of information, directly from key stakeholders in a short period of time increasing the success rate of projects.
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ENASE (Selected Papers) - Taking Seriously Software Projects Inception Through Games
Communications in Computer and Information Science, 2014Co-Authors: Miguel Ehécatl Morales-trujillo, Hanna Oktaba, Juan Carlos GonzalezAbstract:Inherent properties of games, such as rules, goals and interaction, have made them popular to address challenges and sort obstacles in a wide variety of contexts. Within Software Engineering, a challenging activity of the software development process is the Inception Phase, in which stakeholders’ needs, required functionalities, objectives, risks and constraints of a software product are established. An alternative to optimize stakeholders’ participation during the Inception Phase and make more efficient its outcomes is to do it through games.
Abbas Bhuiya - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Using formative research to develop MNCH programme in urban slums in Bangladesh: experiences from MANOSHI, BRAC
BMC Public Health, 2010Co-Authors: Syed Masud Ahmed, Awlad Hossain, M A Khan, Malay K Mridha, Ashraful Alam, Nuzhat Choudhury, Tamanna Sharmin, Kaosar Afsana, Abbas BhuiyaAbstract:Background MANOSHI, an integrated community-based package of essential Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) services is being implemented by BRAC in the urban slums of Bangladesh since 2007. The objective of the formative research done during the Inception Phase was to understand the context and existing resources available in the slums, to reduce uncertainty about anticipated effects, and develop and refine the intervention components.
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Using formative research to develop MNCH programme in urban slums in Bangladesh: experiences from MANOSHI, BRAC
BMC Public Health, 2010Co-Authors: Syed Masud Ahmed, Awlad Hossain, M A Khan, Malay K Mridha, Ashraful Alam, Nuzhat Choudhury, Tamanna Sharmin, Kaosar Afsana, Abbas BhuiyaAbstract:Background MANOSHI , an integrated community-based package of essential Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) services is being implemented by BRAC in the urban slums of Bangladesh since 2007. The objective of the formative research done during the Inception Phase was to understand the context and existing resources available in the slums, to reduce uncertainty about anticipated effects, and develop and refine the intervention components. Methods Data were collected during Jan-Sept 2007 in one of the earliest sites of programme intervention in the Dhaka metropolitan area. A conceptual framework guided data collection at different stages. Besides exploring slum characteristics, studies were done to map existing MNCH service providing facilities and providers, explore existing MNCH-related practices, and make an inventory of community networks/groups with a stake in MNCH service provision. Also, initial perception and expectations regarding the community delivery centres launched by the programme was explored. Transect walk, observation, pile sorting, informal and focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, case studies, network analysis and small quantitative surveys were done to collect data. Results Findings reveal that though there are various MNCH services and providers available in the slums, their capacity to provide rational and quality services is questionable. Community has superficial knowledge of MNCH care and services, but this is inadequate to facilitate the optimal survival of mothers and neonates. Due to economic hardships, the slum community mainly relies on cheap informal sector for health care. Cultural beliefs and practices also reinforce this behaviour including home delivery without skilled assistance. Men and women differed in their perception of pregnancy and delivery: men were more concerned with expenses while women expressed fear of the whole process, including delivering at hospitals. People expected 'one-stop' MNCH services from the community delivery centres by skilled personnel. Social support network for health was poor compared to other networks. Referral linkages to higher facilities were inadequate, fragmentary, and disorganised. Conclusions Findings from formative research reduced contextual uncertainty about existing MNCH resources and care in the slum. It informed MANOSHI to build up an intervention which is relevant and responsive to the felt needs of the slum population.
Chengyuan Zhang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Results from an International Simulation Study on Coupled Thermal, Hydrological, and Mechanical Processes near Geological Nuclear Waste Repositories
Nuclear Technology, 2008Co-Authors: Jonny Rutqvist, Jens Birkholzer, M. Chijimatsu, Olaf Kolditz, Wenqing Wang, D. Barr, Chengyuan ZhangAbstract:As part of the ongoing international code comparison project DECOVALEX, four research teams used five different models to simulate coupled thermal, hydrological, and mechanical (THM) processes near underground waste emplacement drifts. The simulations were conducted for two generic repository types with open or back-filled repository drifts under higher and lower post-closure temperature, respectively. In the completed first model Inception Phase of the project, a good agreement was achieved between the research teams in calculating THM responses for both repository types, although some disagreement in hydrological responses are currently being resolved. Good agreement in the basic thermal-mechanical responses was achieved for both repository types, even with some teams using relatively simplified thermal-elastic heat-conduction models that neglect complex near-field thermal-hydrological processes. The good agreement between the complex and simplified (and well-known) process models indicates that the basic thermal-mechanical responses can be predicted with a relatively high confidence level. The research teams have now moved on to the second Phase of the project, the analysis of THM-induced permanent (irreversible) changes and the impact of those changes on the fluid flow field near an emplacement drift.
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Coupled THM Model and Simulation of the Yucca Mountain and FEBEX Case Study within DECOVALEX-THMC Framework
Advanced Materials Research, 2008Co-Authors: Chengyuan ZhangAbstract:Task_D of the DECOVALEX_THMC project focus on predictive analysis of the long-term coupled processes(up to 10,000 years) in two generic repositories, FEBEX type and Yucca Mountain Project type for comparison. To better understand the coupled THM processes and their influence on the system behavior, we have introduced a set of generic coupled THM governing equations. Basing on these equations, we develop simplified models according to given Task_D model Inception Phase request. Boiling model and empirical bentonite swelling model are introduced into general simulation which makes model more practical. Our numerical code FRT-THM upon this practical models is developed and used in two BMT case study of Task_D. Simulation results are shown and verified in the 3rd and 4th workshop of DECOVALEX_THMC in 2005. There is a good agreement with results of different participant teams which enhances confidence in prediction of coupled THM processes.
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Comparative simulation study of coupled THM processes nearback-filled and open-drift nuclear waste repositories in Task D of theInternational DECOVALEX Project
2006Co-Authors: Jonny Rutqvist, Jens Birkholzer, M. Chijimatsu, Olaf Kolditz, Wenqing Wang, Chengyuan ZhangAbstract:As part of the ongoing international DECOVALEX project, fourresearch teams used five different models to simulate coupled thermal,hydrological, and mechanical (THM) processes near underground wasteemplacement drifts. The simulations were conducted for two genericrepository types, one with open and the other with back-filled repositorydrifts, under higher and lower post-closure temperature, respectively. Inthe completed first model Inception Phase of the project, a goodagreement was achieved between the research teams in calculating THMresponses for both repository types, although some disagreement inhydrological responses are currently being resolved. Good agreement inthe basic thermal-mechanical responses was also achieved for bothrepository types, even though some teams used relatively simplifiedthermal-elastic heat-conduction models that neglect complex near-fieldthermal-hydrological processes. The good agreement between the complexand simplified process models indicates that the basic thermal-mechanicalresponses can be predicted with a relatively high confidencelevel.
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Comparative Simulation Syudy of Coupled THM Processes near Back-Filled and Open-Drift Nuclear Waste Repositories in Task D of International DECOVALEX Project
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 2006Co-Authors: Jonny Rutqvist, Jens Birkholzer, M. Chijimatsu, Olaf Kolditz, Wenqing Wang, Chengyuan ZhangAbstract:As part of the ongoing international DECOVALEX project, four research teams used five different models to simulate coupled thermal, hydrological, and mechanical (THM) processes near underground waste emplacement drifts. The simulations were conducted for two generic repository types, one with open and the other with back-filled repository drifts, under higher and lower post-closure temperature, respectively. In the completed first model Inception Phase of the project, a good agreement was achieved between the research teams in calculating THM responses for both repository types, although some disagreement in hydrological responses are currently being resolved. Good agreement in the basic thermal-mechanical responses was also achieved for both repository types, even though some teams used relatively simplified thermal-elastic heat-conduction models that neglect complex near-field thermal-hydrological processes. The good agreement between the complex and simplified process models indicates that the basic thermal-mechanical responses can be predicted with a relatively high confidence level.
Syed Masud Ahmed - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Using formative research to develop MNCH programme in urban slums in Bangladesh: experiences from MANOSHI, BRAC
BMC Public Health, 2010Co-Authors: Syed Masud Ahmed, Awlad Hossain, M A Khan, Malay K Mridha, Ashraful Alam, Nuzhat Choudhury, Tamanna Sharmin, Kaosar Afsana, Abbas BhuiyaAbstract:Background MANOSHI, an integrated community-based package of essential Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) services is being implemented by BRAC in the urban slums of Bangladesh since 2007. The objective of the formative research done during the Inception Phase was to understand the context and existing resources available in the slums, to reduce uncertainty about anticipated effects, and develop and refine the intervention components.
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Using formative research to develop MNCH programme in urban slums in Bangladesh: experiences from MANOSHI, BRAC
BMC Public Health, 2010Co-Authors: Syed Masud Ahmed, Awlad Hossain, M A Khan, Malay K Mridha, Ashraful Alam, Nuzhat Choudhury, Tamanna Sharmin, Kaosar Afsana, Abbas BhuiyaAbstract:Background MANOSHI , an integrated community-based package of essential Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) services is being implemented by BRAC in the urban slums of Bangladesh since 2007. The objective of the formative research done during the Inception Phase was to understand the context and existing resources available in the slums, to reduce uncertainty about anticipated effects, and develop and refine the intervention components. Methods Data were collected during Jan-Sept 2007 in one of the earliest sites of programme intervention in the Dhaka metropolitan area. A conceptual framework guided data collection at different stages. Besides exploring slum characteristics, studies were done to map existing MNCH service providing facilities and providers, explore existing MNCH-related practices, and make an inventory of community networks/groups with a stake in MNCH service provision. Also, initial perception and expectations regarding the community delivery centres launched by the programme was explored. Transect walk, observation, pile sorting, informal and focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, case studies, network analysis and small quantitative surveys were done to collect data. Results Findings reveal that though there are various MNCH services and providers available in the slums, their capacity to provide rational and quality services is questionable. Community has superficial knowledge of MNCH care and services, but this is inadequate to facilitate the optimal survival of mothers and neonates. Due to economic hardships, the slum community mainly relies on cheap informal sector for health care. Cultural beliefs and practices also reinforce this behaviour including home delivery without skilled assistance. Men and women differed in their perception of pregnancy and delivery: men were more concerned with expenses while women expressed fear of the whole process, including delivering at hospitals. People expected 'one-stop' MNCH services from the community delivery centres by skilled personnel. Social support network for health was poor compared to other networks. Referral linkages to higher facilities were inadequate, fragmentary, and disorganised. Conclusions Findings from formative research reduced contextual uncertainty about existing MNCH resources and care in the slum. It informed MANOSHI to build up an intervention which is relevant and responsive to the felt needs of the slum population.
Miguel Ehecatl Moralestrujillo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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improving software projects Inception Phase using games activeaction workshop
International Conference on Evaluation of Novel Approaches to Software Engineering, 2014Co-Authors: Miguel Ehecatl Moralestrujillo, Hanna Oktaba, Juan Carlos GonzalezAbstract:Studies have demonstrated that an important factor to increase the success rate of software projects is the involvement of key stakeholders at the right time, in order to define business objectives, scope of the project and requirements. The Inception Phase of projects is in charge to provide these outcomes and is suitable to really involve stakeholders as team members because of the non-technical nature of the activities. However, since the stakeholders' involvement is a time- and money-consuming activity, it is important to maximize its efficiency. With that in mind, ludic aspect inherent to games can be used as a strategy to optimize the Inception Phase. This paper presents ActiveAction, a game-based workshop used as an alternative for the software project's Inception Phase in order to increase its effectiveness and improve the stakeholders' involvement in the project. ActiveAction combines classical and game-based techniques which permit a deep involvement of stakeholders and a collaborative identification of objectives, constraints and risks during an intensive workshop oriented to project conceptualization. ActiveAction workshop resulted in a successful game-based strategy that has improved the Inception Phase of 19 projects with different customers. After-workshop surveys, projects outcomes and customer satisfaction indicate validity of the method. ActiveAction is a valuable game-based alternative to carry out the Inception Phase in a software project. It makes possible to get an important amount of information, directly from key stakeholders in a short period of time increasing the success rate of projects.
