UML example

UML or Unified modelling language is the best tool for modelling object oriented systems. As we know, in objet oriented modelling and design, we identify objects (entities)within the system and analyze how they interact with each other and thus design an interactive model preserving their individual properties, behavior as well as publicizing their public attributes and behaviors. The interaction of objects is of importance rather than just mere data flow as in traditional system development. Object oriented systems supports encapsulation and protection of data and behaviors, better code maintainability and reusability.

Below is an example UML, which is actually a class diagram for a simple customer appointment model -

Below is an Activity Diagram for Making a customer appointment:

(c) Deepesh Joseph, 2006
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ERD examples

ERD or Entity relationship diagram is the most common database design and modelling tool used in System Design phase. The diagram basically represents all data entities of the targeted system, their attributes and relationships. Database modeller represents ERD in various levels of details such as Context Data Model, Key based model and Fully attributed model. Fully attributed model could be used as the blueprint logical model for implementing the physical database design. Below are some sample ERDs for an IT shop that provide service for its client -

Entity Definition (This is developed first prior to any modelling):

Context Data Model:

Key Based Model:

Fully Attributed Model:

DFDs example

Data Flow Diagram is the widely used system design tool which aids in depicting flow of logic and data (commonly called process flow) within the targeted system, in various levels of detail. Level 0 DFD is usually called 'Context Diagram' and it gives the highest level view. Starting from the black box in Context Diagram, we explode out into further detail as level 1 and level 2 DFDs. We combine detailed DFDs (also called primitive diagram) of various system components and create the System Diagram (are actually considered as level 1 data flows since they show flows at a much higher level). An event decomposition diagram (EDD) is usually drawn after context diagram, to identify major system functionalities as a hierarchical diagram. It is generally considered as a level 1 data flow. Below is the depiction of sample Context Diagram, EDD, DFD and system diagram. The designed system is a typical IT call management system, which is titled here as CTTS.

Context Diagram:

Even Decomposition Diagram:

Detailed DFD (Primitive Diagram for Service Request Function):

System Diagram (Collection of detailed DFDs representing a whole system):

(c) Deepesh Joseph, 2006
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Use Case Building - An example

Use cases are one of the excellent tools for representing functional requirements of a system. Use case modelling refers to modelling of system's functions in terms of business events (use cases), who initiated the events (actors) and how does system reacts to those events (Whitten J.L, 2007). Use case models are usually represented as use case diagrams in conjunction with use narratives which describe each event in detail and how does user interact with the system in course of that event.

Below is an example of a use case which describes a common technology tracking system in a company. The approach followed is pure system analysis and representation of requirements in terms of business requirements and use case models.


















References:

1. Whitten, Jeffery L., and Bentley, Lonnie D. (2007). System Analysis
and Design Methods (7th ed). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill
Companies, Inc. ISBN 0–07–305233

(c) Deepesh Joseph - The concepts are allowed to be used only for research/academic purposes only.
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Should countries like the United States push for agenda items like freedom of expression, intellectual property protection, and cybercrime prevention?

The freedom of expression, being one of the firmly stated and affirmed right in the US constitution, I think the question refers to effecting in a global scenario. Freedom of expression touches most sensitive areas such as religion, which has a soft corner for. Considering the current world situation, I think pushing for such agendas that is based on moral, cultural. religious values of countries outside of US will have little effect and will cause adverse effects.

Intellectual property rights is a very important area where US should defenitely push for agendas, considering the need to support and encourage innovation and growth. As per the court decision - Rockwell Graphic Sys., Inc. v. DEV Indus., Inc., 925 F.2d 174, 180 (7th Cir. 1991), "the future of the nation depends in no small part on the efficiency of industry, and the efficiency of industry depends in no small part on the protection of intellectual property.". Seeing the recent developments, the move by US to protect the control over Internet Governance, has raised concerns among other participating countries. The question is - if we stand for freedom of expression, isn't it better to pass control over to a global body such as UN to oversee ICANN? I think, in future, there is a possibility for an IPR setup for internet's origin and development in favor of US. Unless there is no such IPR on internet as a whole, I strongly oppose such actions of pollicy making and control by any single entity, rather than a global entity like UN.


Regarding Cybercrime protection, yes, US Criminal Division's is doing a great job in implementing various. Cyber crimes such as hacking, IP thefts, computer virus/worm proliferation etc. cybercrime is a common issue in the world, US should work in hands with other technologically advanced countries to build stringent Cybercrime protection laws.

I agree that "US should lead by example". In my opinion, its healthy to being proactive on pushing "some" of these agendas, which is condemned globally.

(c) Deepesh Joseph, May 2007.
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What measures need to be taken to make sure that offshore outsourcing does not adversely affect American jobs?

Offshore outsourcing is a highly debated topic. It would be nice if we reflect on the reasons that has lead to offshore outsourcing -

1. Highly skilled workforce for cheap labor - Most of the developing countries offers education that is highly specialized and with focus on international job economy. Difference in dollars and x currency, leads to a favorable situation for companies

2. Current restrictions and huge backlogs in H1Bs and job based Green Cards - If U.S. doesn't take necessary steps to provide more opportunities for the highly-skilled workforce to migrate into U.S., companies will continue to outsource.

3. Inadequate number of high-tech workers in U.S. - Research shows that there is about 190,000 unfilled IT jobs in the US today due to a shortage of qualified high-tech workers. Companies resort to outsourcing to fill in immediate gaps in HR.

Now looking at possible recommendations to remedy the situation of U.S. economy getting affected, the following steps may be taken -

1. Focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) based education - Children should be encouraged to pursue these fields right from their school education. Provide more funding and scholarships to students who pursue these career paths. This will eventually lead to increased pool of highly skilled workers at reasonable rates.

2. Increase the number of immigrant job visas which will reduce outsourcing for skilled labor.

3. Establish legislative measures to regulate outsourcing so that companies are required to fill in certain percentage of U.S. natives, if sufficient skills are available.

(c) Deepesh Joseph, Aug 2007
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