ADVANCED DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR SOFTWARE EVALUATION USING WEIGHTED SUM
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
A successful evaluation is not simply picking a product based on intuition. It involves a formal process, the right mixture of evaluators, and a specific quantifiable set of evaluation criteria. The process should include how to handle differences in scoring by the evaluators. The task of choosing a software component for a specific function in order to integrate it in a software system is a typical case of multi-criteria decision making that frequently occurs in Software Engineering. Consider a decision maker with a set of components to fulfill a function in a software system, for example creating digital signatures on files. A number of decision factors will come into play such as functional suitability, security, performance efficiency, interoperability and costs. Some of these may pose conflicts: For example, increased security may come at the price of decreased performance efficiency or increased price. The decision maker has to follow a trustworthy and repeatable procedure to choose the component that best fulfills the objectives at hand (Becker et al, 2013). The domain of component selection presents an interesting case of multiple criteria decision support systems (MCDSS) since it exhibits a number of peculiarities:
- A comparably large number of decisions of a very similar kind is made.
- The number of alternatives and decision criteria can be quite large.
- The decision criteria are rather well understood in terms of the facets and quality aspects that are evaluated.
However, the individual assessment of each criterion’s utility towards these aspects varies substantially among cases. In these scenarios, the problem of eliciting, specifying, evaluating and weighing the criteria becomes challenging, and the complexity of making a choice is correspondingly high. Given the scale of the decision making problem, the primary goals for improving decision support are the decision makers’ efficiency and effectiveness in reaching a choice on software components evaluation and selection (Becker et al, 2013).
- Evaluation as a general endeavor can be characterized by the following features:
- Evaluation is a task, which results in one or more reported outcomes.
- Evaluation is an aid for planning, and therefore the outcome is an evaluation of different possible actions.
- Evaluation is goal oriented. The primary goal is to check results of actions or interventions, in order to improve the quality of the actions or to choose the best action alternative.
Software can be evaluated with respect to different aspects, for example, functionality, reliability, usability, efficiency, maintainability, portability. In earlier times evaluation of software took place at the end of the developing phase, using experimental designs and statistical analysis, evaluation is nowadays used as a tool for information gathering within iterative design: “Explicit human-factors evaluations of early interactive systems (when they were done at all) were poorly integrated with development and therefore ineffective. They tended to be done too late for any substantial changes to the system still be feasible and, in common with other human-factors contributions to development, they were often unfavourably received. Instruments for evaluation are not primarily used for global evaluation of an accomplished product, but these instruments are applied during the development of a product. Indeed, most experts agree nowadays that the development of usable software can only be done by a systematic consideration of usability aspects within the life-cycle model. One prominent part is the evaluation of prototypes with respect to usability aspects, employing suitable evaluation techniques in order to find usability errors and weaknesses of the software at an early stage (Bandor, 2006).
Decision Supports Systems (DSS) are computer-based information systems designed in such a way that help managers to select one of the many alternative solutions to a problem. It is possible to automate some of the decision making processes in a large, computer-based DSS which is sophisticated and analyze huge amount of information fast. It helps corporate to increase market share, reduce costs, increase profitability and enhance quality. The nature of problem itself plays the main role in a process of decision making. A DSS is an interactive computer based information system with an organized collection of models, people, procedures, software, databases, telecommunication, and devices, which helps decision makers to solve unstructured or semi-structured business problems. Adopting decision support system to software evaluation guarantees accurate evaluation of the software (Abdelkader, 2006).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
As institutions and organizations spend huge amount on Enterprise resource planning (ERP) packages and other computer software that cost hundreds of thousands and even millions of dollars, purchasing a software solution is a high expenditure activity that consumes a significant portion of companies’ capital budgets. Selecting the right solution is an exhausting process for companies. Therefore, selecting a software package that meets the requirements needs a full examination of many conflicting factors and it is a difficult task. Most times the software bought do not meet the needs of the institution or organization despite the huge amount. To avoid the problem of software ineffectiveness, this has led researchers to investigate better ways of evaluating and selecting software packages.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to develop an improved decision support system for software evaluation that will help organizations to determine the effectiveness of a software product based on its features and capabilities. The following are the objectives of the study:
- To design a decision support system for software evaluation using quantitative method for software evaluation and selection .
- To develop a software that will assess the software features to determine their level of effectiveness?
- To compare a system that will maintain record of software evaluation records
1.4 Scope of the Study
This study covers advanced decision support system for software evaluation using weighted sum. It is limited to the capturing of the weighted sum of software features and the determination of the best software option based on the total weight of its features. Evaluation is based on three different criteria categories which are: The vendor, hardware/ software requirements and cost/benefits of the software system.
1.5 Significance of the Study
The significance of the study is that it will help institutions and organizations evaluate the effectiveness of a software product. The study will also serve as a useful reference material to other researchers seeking for information concerning the subject.
1.6 Organization of Research
This research work is organized into five chapters.
Chapter one is concerned with the introduction of the research study and it presents the preliminaries, theoretical background, statement of the problem, aim and objectives of the study, significance of the study, scope of the study, organization of the research and definition of terms.
Chapter two focuses on the literature review, the contributions of other scholars on the subject matter is discussed.
Chapter three is concerned with the system analysis and design. It presents the research methodology used in the development of the system, it analyzes the present system to identify the problems and provides information on the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed system. The system design is also presented in this chapter.
Chapter four presents the system implementation and documentation, the choice of programming language, analysis of modules, choice of programming language and system requirements for implementation.
Chapter five focuses on the summary, constraints of the study, conclusion and recommendations are provided in this chapter based on the study carried out.
1.7 Definition of Terms
Software:
Programs and applications that can be run on a computer system, e.g. word processing or database packages
Evaluation:
The act of considering or examining something in order to judge its value, quality, importance, extent, or condition
System:
An assembly of computer hardware, software, and peripherals functioning together to solve a common problem.
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
The review of relevant literature is the main topic of this chapter. A literature review covers theoretical and methodological contributions to a certain issue in addition to the state of knowledge at the time of writing. It provides information about the state of the art in relation to the subject you are writing about. It examines the body of work on the chosen subject. The literature evaluation in this study comprises the …
Procedure for Downloading the PDF (Docx) Material
Advanced Decision Support System for Software Evaluation Using Weighted Sum can be downloaded by requesting the full set of materials at the project or seminar cost. The document will be sent via Microsoft Word (MS-Word) format via WhatsApp (e-mail) following payment confirmation.
| Seminar Material Cost ₦3,000 | Project Material Cost ₦5,000 |
Request Complete Material
 | Click here to request the Complete Material via WhatsApp including;
|
TABLE OF CONTENTSPRELIMINARY PAGES
- Title page
- Approval page
- Dedication
- Acknowledgement
- Table of Contents
- Abstract
INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Background …
- ⋮
LITERATURE REVIEW
- 2.1 Introduction
- 2.2 Conceptual Review
- 2.3 Theoretical Framework
- ⋮
- 2.4 Empirical Studies
- 2.5 Research Gaps
- 2.6 Summary of Literature Review
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
- 3.1 Introduction
- 3.2 Research Design
- 3.3 Population of Study
- 3.4 Sampling and Sampling Technique
- 3.5 Validation of Research Instrument
- 3.6 Method of Data Collection
- 3.7 Method of Data Analysis
- 3.8 Questionnaire Administration
- 3.9 Ethical Consideration
- 3.10 Statistical Analysis
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS, RESULT AND DISCUSSION
- 4.1 Introduction
- 4.2 Presentation and Analysis of Data
- 4.3 Re-statement of Research Questions
- 4.4 Test of Hypotheses
- 4.5 Discussion of Findings
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
- 5.1 Introduction
- 5.2 Summary of Findings
- 5.3 Conclusion
- 5.4 Recommendation
- 5.5 Suggestion for Further Study
REFERENCES
APPENDIX A - “QUESTIONNAIRE”
Disclaimer for Complete Material Utilization
The displayed research work titled "Advanced Decision Support System for Software Evaluation Using Weighted Sum" is stated as a research guideline towards accomplishing your assigned project / seminar research work. All the research materials on this website are ONLY for research purposes and should be used as a guideline in developing your research work. For no reason should you copy word for word as projectlist.com.ng will not be liable for any who copied the material. By ordering the complete research guideline, it signifies that you've accepted our terms of service.
PRELIMINARY PAGES
- Title page
- Approval page
- Dedication
- Acknowledgement
- Table of Contents
- Abstract
INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Background …
- ⋮
LITERATURE REVIEW
- 2.1 Introduction
- 2.2 Conceptual Review
- 2.3 Theoretical Framework
- ⋮
- 2.4 Empirical Studies
- 2.5 Research Gaps
- 2.6 Summary of Literature Review
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
- 3.1 Introduction
- 3.2 Research Design
- 3.3 Population of Study
- 3.4 Sampling and Sampling Technique
- 3.5 Validation of Research Instrument
- 3.6 Method of Data Collection
- 3.7 Method of Data Analysis
- 3.8 Questionnaire Administration
- 3.9 Ethical Consideration
- 3.10 Statistical Analysis
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS, RESULT AND DISCUSSION
- 4.1 Introduction
- 4.2 Presentation and Analysis of Data
- 4.3 Re-statement of Research Questions
- 4.4 Test of Hypotheses
- 4.5 Discussion of Findings
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
- 5.1 Introduction
- 5.2 Summary of Findings
- 5.3 Conclusion
- 5.4 Recommendation
- 5.5 Suggestion for Further Study
REFERENCES
APPENDIX A - “QUESTIONNAIRE”
Disclaimer for Complete Material Utilization
The displayed research work titled "Advanced Decision Support System for Software Evaluation Using Weighted Sum" is stated as a research guideline towards accomplishing your assigned project / seminar research work. All the research materials on this website are ONLY for research purposes and should be used as a guideline in developing your research work. For no reason should you copy word for word as projectlist.com.ng will not be liable for any who copied the material. By ordering the complete research guideline, it signifies that you've accepted our terms of service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the material for “A Study of the Use of Computer in Management Information System” be used as a guide for Computer Education Project?
Yes it can be used — The study was carried out to find out the study of the use of computer management information system in First Bank Plc, Enugu. Investigation revealed that many years ago, all business data were processed manually. This was not always a satisfactory method because it was so slow. Most organization in this country have been encountering business information problem because of manual method used. These problems affected their level of performance in terms of output and quality of services. The research design used in this report is descriptive design, utilizing questionnaire method to obtain information from the respondents for this project. A total of 80 (eighty) respondents were selected for this study to represent the entire population of the study. Primary …
Can the material for “Impact of Staff Development Programmes on the Performance of Teachers in Secondary Schools” be used as a guide for Education Project?
Yes it can be used — This study investigated the “Impact of Staff Development Programmes on the Performance of Teachers in Secondary Schools in Yola Metropolis, Adamawa State”. The study raised five objectives, these are: to determine the impact of in-service training on the performance of teachers in secondary schools, examine the impact of conference on the performance of teachers, assess the impact of workshop on the performance of teachers, assess the impact of workshop on the performance of teachers, ascertain the impact of seminar on the performance of teachers and find out the impact of mentoring on the performance of teachers in secondary schools in Yola metropolis, Adamawa state. Research questions and hypotheses were also formulated in line with the raised objectives of the study. Many …
Can the material for “Local Government and Rural Development in Nigeria” be used as a guide for Political Science Project?
Yes it can be used — There is a profound paradox about the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria. The party, which earned the respect and admiration of most Nigerians, in the period between 1999-2007 due to its politics and policies. This work based on direct study and use of secondary data examines the role of the PDP in governance in the period (1999-2007). The work revealed that the PDP government has grossly been disappointing in its performance in the management of the affairs of the Nigerian state. Thus between 1999-2007, Nigerians have suffered deep crisis of expectation as there had been serious erosion, impairment and debasement of the values of governance as reflected in macro economic instability, widespread corruption, deepening democratic crisis, human rights violations, …
Can the material for “Impact of Western Education in the Teaching of Islamic Education in Nigeria” be used as a guide for Islam Education Project?
Yes it can be used — Western education is a system originated from the west and penetrated to the world after Islamic education in the earliest 15th century. Islamic education in Hausa land is as old as the spread of Islam in the area which began as early as the eleventh century through the deliberate activities of Muslim traders and itinerant scholars as well as migrants. The aim of the study is to scrutinize the Impact of Western Education in the Teaching of Islamic Education. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out to examine the impact of western education on the teaching of Islamic education, identify the differences between western education and Islamic education and examine the factors that favour western education …
Can the material for “Comparative Study of Academic Performance of Home Economics Students in Junior Secondary School” be used as a guide for Home Economics Project?
Yes it can be used — This study focuses on the comparison study of academic performance of Home economics students in junior secondary school in Asaba Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. The aim of the study is to examine whether there is difference between the performance levels of junior secondary schools' students in Asaba Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out to examine the level of performance of junior secondary school students in Asaba Local Government Area in Home economics, establish the prevalence of students' academic performance in Home economics in Asaba Local Government Area, and determine the reasons for the unstable performance of students in Home economics subject. As a descriptive research, …
Can the material for “Design and Simulation of Vehicle Speed Control System” be used as a guide for Computer Science (CS) Project?
Yes it can be used — This proposed work is an attempt to control the speed of the vehicle designed with computer software to enable the third party or owner to get the location, speed and activity of the driver. To achieve this, the system can transmit the information in real time. The use of GSM/GPRS technologies allows the system to track the objects and provide the up-to-date information. This information is authorized to specific users over the internet as the server gets the information. It is the tele-mointoring system to transmit data to the remote user. Thus the applications are used in real time traffic surveillance. This study proposes a prototype model for location tracking using Geographical Positioning System (GPS) and Global System for Mobile …
Can the material for “Design and Implementation of Computer Based Resource Allocation System” be used as a guide for Computer Science (CS) Project?
Yes it can be used — Cyber Cafe resource allocation enable the submission of jobs to remote sites in a transparent fashion, technologies such as generic system of describing John and defining service level agreements, relating issues such as security, performance and quality of service. The aim of the study is to Design and Implement a Computer Based Resource Allocation System in a Dynamic Variable Resource Utilization Environment. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows to design and develop an application system that will allocate internet connectivity resource to various end users in a cyber cafe that will enable the users to browse with a computer system and the user to practically participate and use a resource allocate system. The …
Can the material for “Design and Implementation of Result Computing and Online Result Checker” be used as a guide for Computer Science (CS) Project?
Yes it can be used — Result Computing and Online Result Checker is a system that checks students’ academic result or assignments score. ORC result checking system not only enables students to request for their grades, the system can also deliver the grades to their phones as soon as the grades become available. The aim of the study is to design and implement a Result Computing and Online Result Checker Application Software for checking academic results. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows to develop an application software that will provide an objective system for recording aggregating and computing students’ result, enhance or improve the computer literacy of every FUTO student and Reduce misplacement of student complains letter of result …
Can the material for “The Effect of Teachers’ Public Image on Teachers’ Performance in Public Secondary Schools” be used as a guide for Education Project?
Yes it can be used — The study examined the effect of teachers’ public image on teachers’ performance in public secondary schools in Odi-Olowo Local Government Area of Lagos State. In this study, relevant and extensive literatures were reviewed under sub-headings. The descriptive research survey was used in the assessment of the opinions of the selected respondents with the adoption of the questionnaire and the sampling technique. A total of 100 (One Hundred) respondents were selected and used as samples for this study, the respondents were made up of (50 males and 50 females). A total of four research questions and four null hypotheses were generated and used in this study using the simple percentage count to analyze the research questions and the Pearson Moment Correlation Coefficient …
Can this topic “The Effect of Business Environment on the Productivity of Business Organization” be used for Business Administration and Management (BAM) Project?
Yes it can be utilized for research — Business Environment is described as a formal system of co-ordination activities of a group of people working co-operatively towards a common goal, under authority and leadership. The aim of the study is to identify the effects of business environment on the productivity of business organization. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were set out to determine the level of competition so as to know whether environment is favorable or unfavorable, and find out if the company has a good relationship with customers and what effect has on business. The research design used in this report is descriptive design, utilizing questionnaire method to obtain information from the respondents for this project. Primary data were collected from the primary source …