Globalization – logical flow, motivation, and assumptions

This issue presents three fascinating papers on ensuring the reliability and correct behavior of software. The first, Analysis and testing of black-box component-based systems by inferring partial models, by Shahbaz and Groz, tackles the problem of integration testing of component-based software. When components have no specifications, models, or source, testers can only infer proper behavior by trial and error. This paper uses a model learning approach to derive finite state machines that describe observed behavior of the software component. (Recommended by Rob Hierons.) The second, Sound and mechanised compositional verification of input-output conformance, by Sampaio, Noguira, Mota, and Isobe, uses process algebra to verify conformance of software with the expected behavior. This test theory was applied to test mobile applications. (Recommended by Alexander Pretschner.) The third, Towards the prioritization of system test cases, by Srikanth, Banerjee, Williams, and Osborne, focuses on the problem of test case prioritization. The approach assumes requirements-based tests, assigns a prioritization value to each requirement, and then prioritizes tests that were designed for requirements with a higher priority. (Recommended by Jeff Offutt.) I wrote about The Globalization of Software Engineering in a previous editorial [1], followed up with a discussion of language skills to support globalization [2], uses of references and citations [3], standards for research quality [4], and cheating and plagiarism [5]. Another difficult difference that is affected by globalization is presenting research with logical flow, clear motivation, precision, and without cultural-based assumptions. While it is probably obvious that successful research publications must be based on sound research, hard work, and original ideas, it may be less obvious that presentation is just as important. The ability to clearly present research results can be developed through education, practice, and helpful feedback. This editorial attempts to point out a few issues that are influenced by culture, with the hope of helping authors, teachers, and reviewers to understand and improve. The most obvious cultural aspects of presentation, of course, is language–improving language skills improve the ability to present research results clearly. But telling a coherent story is even more important. Educational systems emphasize different topics, and some spend much more time teaching writing skills than others. Our cultural context also influences our writing. We sometimes make assumptions that are standard in our own culture, but may be different in others. This editorial explores some of these issues from a global perspective. Perhaps the most important aspect of presenting research is to have a logical flow of ideas. Each section must logically flow to the next, each paragraph must logically flow to the next, and each sentence must logically flow from the previous. If not, readers will be confused and not understand the research. Logical flow reflects a structured way of thinking that is influenced by culture, mother language, and scientific training. Outlining allows me to see the logical flow at an abstract level, without being distracted by the details of grammar and sentence structure. I outline sections, paragraphs in each section, and the sentences in each paragraph. I look for ‘data flow’ anomalies in the outline. Finally, when a paragraph or section does not look right but I’m not sure why, I ‘reverse engineer’ the text into an outline, refactor the outline to create a better logical flow, and apply the new outline to the text. Another issue that is heavily influenced by culture is motivation. Motivation essentially answers ‘why’–why the problem is relevant, why the solution technique was chosen, and why the specific validation technique used was chosen. Traditionally, egalitarian cultures have a strong built-in mechanism to develop the skills to present motivation. That is how people have their ideas accepted and used. Authoritarian cultures, on the other hand, can afford to de-emphasize motivation and expect people to do what they are told because an authority says so.