The role of formal methods in managing complexity

Author(s):  
R. Shaw
Author(s):  
Michael D Harrison ◽  
Paolo Masci ◽  
José Creissac Campos

Abstract This paper explores the role of formal methods as part of the user-centred design of interactive systems. An iterative process is described, developing prototypes incrementally, proving user-centred requirements while at the same time evaluating the prototypes that are executable forms of the developed models using ‘traditional’ techniques for user evaluation. A formal analysis complements user evaluations. This approach enriches user-centred design that typically focuses understanding on context and producing sketch designs. These sketches are often non-functional (e.g. paper) prototypes. They provide a means of exploring candidate design possibilities using techniques such as cooperative evaluation. This paper describes a further step in the process using formal analysis techniques. The use of formal methods provides a systematic approach to checking plausibility and consistency during early design stages, while at the same time enabling the generation of executable prototypes. The technique is illustrated through an example based on a pill dispenser.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 984 ◽  
Author(s):  
Santiago Kopoboru ◽  
Gloria Cuevas-Rodríguez ◽  
Leticia Pérez-Calero

This study examines the influence of board interlocks and former politicians on decisions regarding acquisitions in Spain. Our research suggests that board interlocks to other firms can positively influence operations in terms of acquisition scale. Our findings also show that this relationship is positively moderated by the presence of former politicians. That is, the effects of interlocks on acquisitions are amplified further when there are former politicians on boards, which confirms their role as community influentials. In the case of Spain, and under-regulated industries, this complementary effect is maintained. However, the role played by interlocks seems to be more important than former politicians, which means that board interlocks can replace other formal methods of acquiring information (through former politicians) while attempting acquisitions.


Dementia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 1308-1315
Author(s):  
Susan Drayton ◽  
Karen H Dening

Carer distress is an all too common factor in caring for someone with dementia, whether living with the person with dementia, or trying to maintain their independence when they are living alone. Providing support for families on many day-to-day issues with immediacy as and when they arise can be very difficult to achieve for services on the ground as carer need can be difficult to anticipate as well as the changing status of the person with dementia. This paper discusses the innovative role of managing complexity on a dementia telephone helpline manned by Admiral Nurses, specialist dementia nurses, in expertly supporting a family over a weekend where there were health concerns of a family member with dementia and a high level of carer distress.


2014 ◽  
pp. 1103-1118
Author(s):  
Alessandro Fantechi

Formal methods for thirty years have promised to be the solution for the safety certification headaches of railway software designers. This chapter looks at the current industrial application of formal methods in the railway domain. After a recall of the dawning of formal methods in this domain, recent trends are presented that focus in particular on formal verification by means of model checking engines, with its potential and limitations. The paper ends with a perspective into the next future, in which formal methods will be expected to pervade in more respects the production of railway software and systems.


Author(s):  
Alessandro Fantechi

Formal methods for thirty years have promised to be the solution for the safety certification headaches of railway software designers. This chapter looks at the current industrial application of formal methods in the railway domain. After a recall of the dawning of formal methods in this domain, recent trends are presented that focus in particular on formal verification by means of model checking engines, with its potential and limitations. The paper ends with a perspective into the next future, in which formal methods will be expected to pervade in more respects the production of railway software and systems.


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