scholarly journals Towards the Verbal Decision Analysis Paradigm for Prioritization of Software Requirements Implementable

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Alberto Melo Barbosa ◽  
Plácido Rogério Pinheiro ◽  
Francisca Raquel de Vasconcelos Silveira
Keyword(s):  
Software Engineering ◽  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Decision Analysis ◽  
Decision Maker ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Software Requirements ◽  
Search Based Software Engineering ◽  
Verbal Decision Analysis ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Methods ◽  
Positive Factor

The activity of prioritizing software requirements should be done as efficiently as possible. Selecting the most stable requirements for the most important customers for the development company can be a positive factor when we consider that the available resource does not always encompass the implementation of all requirements. Quantitative methods for reaching software prioritization in releases are many in the field of Search-Based Software Engineering (SBSE). However, we show that it is possible to use qualitative Verbal Decision Analysis (VDA) methods to solve this same type of problem. Moreover, we will use the ZAPROS III-i methods to prioritize requirements considering the opinion of the decision-maker, who will participate in this process. Finally, the results obtained in the VDA structured methods were quite satisfactory when compared to the methods using SBSE. A comparison of results between quantitative and qualitative methods will be made and discussed later.

scholarly journals Towards the Verbal Decision Analysis Paradigm for Implementable Prioritization of Software Requirements

Algorithms ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Barbosa ◽  
Plácido Pinheiro ◽  
Francisca de Vasconcelos Silveira
Keyword(s):  
Software Engineering ◽  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Decision Analysis ◽  
Decision Maker ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Software Requirements ◽  
Verbal Decision Analysis ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Methods ◽  
Positive Factor

The activity of prioritizing software requirements should be done as efficiently as possible. Selecting the most stable requirements for the most important customers of a development company can be a positive factor considering that available resources do not always encompass the implementation of all requirements. There are many quantitative methods for prioritization of software releases in the field of search-based software engineering (SBSE). However, we show that it is possible to use qualitative verbal decision analysis (VDA) methods to solve this type of problem. Moreover, we will use the ZAPROS III-i method to prioritize requirements considering the opinion of the decision-maker, who will participate in this process. Results obtained using VDA structured methods were found to be quite satisfactory when compared to methods using SBSE. A comparison of results between quantitative and qualitative methods will be made and discussed later. The results were reviewed and corroborated with the use of performance metrics.

scholarly journals Selection and Prioritization of Software Requirements Applying Verbal Decision Analysis

Complexity ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Paulo A. M. Barbosa ◽  
Plácido R. Pinheiro ◽  
Francisca R. V. Silveira ◽  
Marum Simão Filho
Keyword(s):  
Software Development ◽  
Decision Analysis ◽  
Decision Maker ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Software Requirements ◽  
Software Development Process ◽  
Next Release Problem ◽  
Support Tools ◽  
Verbal Decision Analysis ◽  
The Cost

During the software development process, the decision maker (DM) must master many variables inherent in this process. Software releases represent the order in which a set of requirements is implemented and delivered to the customer. Structuring and enumerating a set of releases with prioritized requirements represents a challenging task because the requirements contain their characteristics, such as technical precedence, the cost required for implementation, the importance that one or more customers add to the requirement, among other factors. To facilitate this work of selection and prioritization of releases, the decision maker may adopt some support tools. One field of study already known to solve this type of problem is the Search-Based Software Engineering (SBSE) that uses metaheuristics as a means to find reasonable solutions taking into account a set of well-defined objectives and constraints. In this paper, we seek to increase the possibilities of solving the Next Release Problem using the methods available in Verbal Decision Analysis (VDA). We generate a problem and submit it so that the VDA and SBSE methods try to resolve it. To validate this research, we compared the results obtained through VDA and compared with the SBSE results. We present and discuss the results in the respective sections.

scholarly journals Dealing Hybrid Model Appling in the Selection and Prioritization of Software Requirements Using Verbal Decision Analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo A. M. Barbosa ◽  
Plácido R. Pinheiro ◽  
Francisca R. V. Silveira ◽  
Marum S. Filho
Keyword(s):  
Software Engineering ◽  
Decision Analysis ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Software Requirements ◽  
Problem Type ◽  
Optimal Solutions ◽  
Software Development Process ◽  
Source Data ◽  
Verbal Decision Analysis

In the software development process, the decision-maker (DM) has a range of problems inherent to its function. Wrong choices during software planning can bring great risk to the project. Therefore, the planning of software releases to be delivered to the customer should be well done. This is not an easy task because releases are made up of many requirements that contain complex variables that must be considered, such as precedence, cost, requirement stability, among other features that make the requirements-selection process challenging. To make this process less exhaustive, DM can use tools that facilitate this work. In software engineering, we can find fields of research specialists in this context, such as Search-Based Software Engineering (SBSE). The SBSE makes use of advanced metaheuristics to search for optimal solutions or the closest to it. In this work, we try to use another field of research to solve this same problem type, the Verbal Decision Analysis (VDA). To do this, we elaborate a workflow that will use the same source data, execute two solutions using the two search fields (SBSE and VDA) and compare the results. In the end, we evaluated and commented on the results.

scholarly journals VERBAL DECISION MAKING ANALYSIS

2004 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-39
Author(s):  
Dmitry Kochin ◽  
Leonas Ustinovičius
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Decision Analysis ◽  
Decision Maker ◽  
Mathematical Proof ◽  
Preference Elicitation ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Analysis Methods ◽  
Verbal Decision Analysis ◽  
Quantitative Approaches

The paper presents the ideology of a qualitative approach to decision making ‐ verbal decision analysis. The authors have analyzed existing quantitative approaches and pointed out their main disadvantages. They formulated the requirements for decision‐making methods taking into account these disadvantages: psychological correctness of a dialog with decision maker (DM), strict mathematical proof of the methods and checking of DM information for consistency. The authors present the results of research on psychological correctness of operations of preference elicitation from DM. Several existing verbal decision analysis methods are briefly mentioned.

ARACE – A New Method for Verbal Decision Analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (01) ◽  
pp. 115-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis P. Oleynikov ◽  
Lyudmila N. Butenko ◽  
Helen M. Moshkovich ◽  
Alexander I. Mechitov
Keyword(s):  
Decision Analysis ◽  
Decision Maker ◽  
Decision Rules ◽  
Preference Elicitation ◽  
New Method ◽  
Flexible Approach ◽  
Verbal Form ◽  
Preference System ◽  
Verbal Decision Analysis

ARACE is a new method developed within the framework of Verbal Decision Analysis (VDA). VDA methods work with verbal form of preference elicitation and evaluation of alternatives without resorting to numbers. ARACE is based on the ideas of the VDA method ZAPROS but uses a more flexible approach to inconsistency of the decision-maker's preferences by introducing a special construct of a "quasi-expert." Mismatched preferences of the decision-maker are viewed as preferences of several quasi-experts. The preference system for each quasi-expert is transitive, leading to consistent decision rules formed for each quasi-expert separately. These rules are used to compare alternatives. Differences in possible comparison of alternatives based on different quasi-experts are resolved through a Clustered Rankings Method for rankings with ties.

scholarly journals Selection and prioritization of software requirements using the Verbal Decision Analysis paradigm

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Alberto Melo Barbosa ◽  
Plácido Rogério Pinheiro ◽  
Francisca Raquel De Vasconcelos Silveira ◽  
Marum Simão Filho
Keyword(s):  
Decision Analysis ◽  
Software Requirements ◽  
Verbal Decision Analysis

scholarly journals 'One has to take leave as much as possible of one's own standards and values': Improving and measuring historical empathy and perspective reconstruction

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arie Wilschut ◽  
Koen Schiphorst
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Perspective Taking ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Specific Element ◽  
Historical Empathy ◽  
Historical Perspectives ◽  
Standardized Measure ◽  
The One ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Methods

Historical empathy or perspective taking has been a bone of contention in studies on history teaching, and the concept remains ill-defined. This may have been caused by a lack of theoretical reflection, as well as by the application of diverse research methods: a more cognitive or 'rational' explanation of the concept has often been substantiated by quantitative methods, while the more affective dimension has regularly been explored by qualitative methods. In this contribution, we trace some theoretical backgrounds of 'empathy' in historical theory as well as social psychology. Then we present a mixed-methods study employing a quantitative standardized measure developed in previous research in Germany and the Netherlands, as well as qualitative measurements. Results suggest that while, on the one hand, the standardized measure proved to be unreliable, both quantitative and qualitative methods can shed more light on what is going on when students try to take the point of view of historical agents. Based on theory, as well as our explorations, our conclusion is that empathy or perspective taking should be seen as a cognitive operation. We propose to see the reconstruction of historical perspectives as a specific element of historical explanation, not as a separate concept of 'historical empathy' or 'historical perspective taking'.

scholarly journals CONCEPTUAL APPROACHES TO APPLICATION OF QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE METHODS OF ASSESSMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND AUDIT RISKS AMOUNT

2017 ◽  
pp. 139-144
Author(s):  
Roman Kulyk ◽  
Yuliya Novak
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Objective Probability ◽  
Accounting System ◽  
Audit Risk ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Subjective Assessments ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Methods

Introduction. The auditor, when assessing and calculating the level of components of audit risk, often encounters the factors or events. The objective probability of occurrence of these factors or events can not be determined on the basis of statistical observations. Purpose. The article aims to consider the problem of audit risk determination, to indicate the main causes of its occurrence. It is necessary to emphasize the relationship of audit risk and risk to the accounting system and the problems of not only minimizing them, but also transferring users to this information. Quantitative and qualitative methods for determining and assessing audit risk should be analysed. Their advantages and disadvantages must be indicated. Results. For maximum objectivity, it has been proposed to combine quantitative methods for assessing audit risk with qualitative ones on the basis of subjective assessments. A conceptual model for its assessment has been developed in order to carry out the effective audit risk management. His model is based on an optimal combination of quantitative and qualitative methods for evaluating factors that may directly or indirectly influence the size of the audit risk.

Quantitative and Qualitative Methods as a Basis for Decision-Making

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 191-195
Author(s):  
Mădălina-Ioana Bădilă ◽  
Lucian-Ionel Cioca ◽  
Dănuț Eugeniu Moşteanu ◽  
Ruxandra Moşteanu
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Competitive Behavior ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Type Population ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Methods

AbstractFor decades, researchers have been trying to identify the factors that significantly influence the conflicting results in the organizational environment. This search has become more stringent through recently published scientific evidence demonstrating strategic changes. Using multi-factorial analysis, this study mixes qualitative and quantitative methods by which we can examine the pro-organizational performance on a university-type population. The qualitative results indicate that the analyzed organization develops corporate-strategic schemes that are being used to attribute the advantage meant to guide the competitive behavior.

scholarly journals A Principled Complementarity of Method: In Defence of Methodological Eclecticism and the Qualitative-Quantitative Debate

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Qualitative Approaches ◽  
Methodological Eclecticism ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Methods

I found PhD study to be a stimulating, challenging and ideal conduit for exploring knowledge via discussion, argument and defence: to have the opportunity to explore method, methodology, epistemology, ontology and what may constitute 'acceptable' research practice is an enriching experience. I had previously heard of intepretivists decrying positivists et cetera, but I was unprepared to find quantitative researchers and lecturers openly dismissing qualitative approaches, and finding dismissals by qualitative researchers of the use of a quantitative approach: such are disappointing and confusing to a trainee researcher. Thus, a far less enriching experience for a trainee researcher is being faced with assumptions and preferences of experienced researchers that extend from defending approach to decrying any approaches that may not be aligned to their own. As a result, this paper will focus upon the quantitative-qualitative debate (QQD) and offer a critical evaluation upon the issues surrounding affiliations between method and epistemological paradigm. It will also question the validity of 'traditional' divides between qualitative and quantitative methods. This discussion will facilitate an answer to the question: 'can the researcher complement quantitative with qualitative method - and vice versa - within the same research paradigm and subsequent design'? I will explore here a claim that no more than a rhetorical link exists between method and epistemology and that the 'distinctions' between quantitative and qualitative methods are often erroneous and do not always reflect differing paradigmatic assumptions. Further, I will suggest quantitative and qualitative methods be used in a complementary fashion as opposed to an integrated approach. I will further claim that the quantitative-qualitative debate has much to offer trainee researchers and should thus be kept open, as long as unprejudiced and tolerant discussion is encouraged.

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