| Robert Amor's Publications in 2021 |
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Shastri, Y., Hoda, R. and Amor, R. (2021) The Role of the Project Manager in Agile Software Development Projects, Journal of Systems and Software, Volume 173, Article 110871, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2020.110871, pp. 1-16. |
Abstract: Agile teams are not meant to have project managers. Instead, agile methods such as Scrum and XP define roles such as Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Coach. Studies have uncovered the existence of the project manager in agile projects, pointing to disconnect between theory and practice. To address this gap, a Grounded Theory study with a mixed methods approach was conducted using multiple sources of data including over 45 hours of interviews with 39 software practitioners and quantitative data from 57 questionnaire respondents. We present and describe the project manager's role in agile projects in terms of (a) everyday activities: facilitating, mentoring, negotiating, coordinating, and protecting, performed by the project manager using; (b) three management approaches: hard, moderate, and soft; (c) four traditional project management activities continued to be performed by them, including: tracking project progress, reporting on project status, budgeting and forecasting, and managing personnel; and (d) the influence of the presence of the project manager on the frequency with which agile activities are carried out by the teams. Our study highlights the continued presence of the role of the project management in agile software projects as a part of the transition from traditional to agile ways of working.
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Amor, R. and Dimyadi, J. (2021) The Promise of Automated Compliance Checking, Developments in the Built Environment, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dibe.2020.100039 |
Abstract: The quest to automate compliance checking processes needed for planning, design, construction and operations has been an active research topic for half a century. Literature has provided evidence of extensive research effort, with varying degrees of success, alongside the evolution of computing and supporting technologies. New innovations in theoretical and applied computing, coupled with a strong industry demand, has opened up opportunities that promise to bring this quest closer to reality. This paper reviews evolving approaches for automated compliance checking, addressing challenges in sharing digital architectural and engineering design information, formalising normative provisions as computable rules, and methods of processing them for compliance. The paper identifies current state-of-the-art implementations, discusses challenges faced in national efforts, and highlights future pathways.
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Gregory, T., Nicol, J., Amor, R., Gonzalez, V., Giacaman, N. and Kelly, D. (2021) Virtual war, Subversive Pedagogies: Radical Possibility in the Academy, Routledge, London, UK, DOI: 10.4324/9781003217183-10. |
Abstract: This chapter is about the subversive potential of pedagogic failure, written by a lecturer (Tom) and former student ( James). It focuses on the virtual worlds created by students from the Master of Con!ict and Terrorism Studies program at the University of Auckland, which were built in collaboration with colleagues from Computer Sciences. These virtual worlds were supposed to humanise debates about the ethics of war by foregrounding the embodied experiences of those who encounter this violence. This project was originally inspired by the work of Elizabeth Dauphinée, whose book The Ethics of Researching War: Looking for Bosnia reflects on the limitations and possibilities for thinking about extreme political violence.
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McMeel, D.J. and Amor, R. (2021) Knitting Patterns: Managing Design Complexity with Computation, Research Anthology on Recent Trends, Tools, and Implications of Computer Programming, IGI Global, USA, DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-3016-0.ch093. |
Abstract: Large design software conglomerates provide suites of software that perform many functions within the design and construction process. Communicating with software outside of the suite can be highly problematic. This is in stark contrast with emerging trends in consumer computing, where we find a rich ecosystem of hardware and software driving innovation. This paper documents research that implements communication beyond specific software suites. The first test case-an agent-based dynamic simulation-is deployed to explore the city as a multitude of interrelated natural and built patterns. We analyze the role this simulation might play in managing the complexities of urban design after an earthquake. The second test case deploys an iPad application to communicate with a BIM model - exploring a methodology for openly communicating outside the intended software family. Findings identify ways to leverage emergent device and data ecosystems and representations for 'knitting' devices and services together in innovative ways to advance design and construction processes.
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Zabin, A., González, V.A., Zou, Y. and Amor, R. (2021) Applications of Machine Learning to BIM: A Systematic Literature Review, Advanced Engineering Informatics, 51, Article 101474, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aei.2021.101474 |
Abstract: As Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows are becoming very relevant for the different stages of the project's lifecycle, more data is produced and managed across it. The information and data accumulated in BIM-based projects present an opportunity for analysis and extraction of project knowledge from the inception to the operation phase. In other industries, Machine Learning (ML) has been demonstrated to be an effective approach to automate processes and extract useful insights from different types and sources of data. The rapid development of ML applications, the growing generation of BIM-related data in projects, and the different needs for use of this data present serious challenges to adopt and effectively use BIM-driven ML solutions within the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AECO) industries. While research on the use of BIM data through ML has increased in the past decade, it is still in a nascent stage. In order to measure where the industry stands today, this paper carries out a systematic literature review (SLR) identifying and summarizing common emerging areas of application and utilization of ML within the context of BIM-generated data. Moreover, the paper identifies research gaps and trends. Based on the observed limitations, prominent future research directions are suggested, focusing on information architecture and data, applications scalability, and human information interactions.
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Abdulhalim, I., Mutch, C., González, V.A. and Amor, R. (2021) Improving Post-Earthquake Evacuation Preparedness for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children: A Conceptual Framework, International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 62, August, Article 102360, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2021.102360 |
Abstract: Immersive Virtual Reality Serious Games (IVR SG) are being used more frequently as training tools to enhance the preparedness and response of different community groups in the event of disasters such as earthquakes. In this paper, we aim to understand the pedagogical and behavioural considerations for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) children in the school context and its connection to the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) framework. A systematic literature review was used as the main methodology of this paper. The main findings proved a strong relationship between the pedagogical and behavioural factors with the 4Rs (Readiness, Reduction, Response, and Recovery), and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) approach. The factors are particularly connected to the readiness and reduction stages, and IVR SG training tools need to be integrated within a holistic disaster reduction plan. The factors to ensure success of this integrated conceptual framework use an innovative tool such as an IVR SG based on DHH children's needs and abilities and can be adapted to their school environment. All the findings throughout this paper build a strong theoretical foundation for the usage of a VR SG-based training tool to enhance DHH children's post-earthquake evacuation preparedness in a school's content.
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Erri Pradeep, A.S., Yiu, T.W., Zou, Y. and Amor, R. (2021) Blockchain-aided information exchange records for design liability control and improved security, Automation in Construction, 126, June, Article 103667, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103667 |
Abstract: With the recent advances in Information and Communication Technologies in the construction industry, information is exchanged digitally with little regard to the contracts that govern them. Although parties collaborating in project design are contracted to the client, they transact with each other when using BIM and other collaborative practices without any direct contractual relationship among themselves. This results in a lack of design liability control and an increase in claims and disputes. Further, the use of multiple software packages results in the exposure of data to third parties, data corruption and compromise in data privacy (using data for unintended purposes), data integrity (unauthorised access to sensitive data), and data longevity (loss of data post-handover). This study investigates blockchain technology (BCT) to address these issues using a design science research method. The current information exchange processes were mapped to identify the critical transactions that may benefit from record-keeping on the blockchain. Next, a prototype was designed to demonstrate and evaluate the proposed BCT integrated process models. Three key project processes, design review, design coordination and request for information; and two potential conflict scenarios during and post-construction were simulated as part of the evaluation. The prototype's implementation exhibits BCT's ability to record snapshots of individual design inputs to the overall project design and to enable a clear and long-term record of key exchange transactions. This improves the design liability control for contributing stakeholders and the auditability of the exchange records. Further, the proofs derived from such a system are independent of any third-party storage or subscription. Given the nature of records stored in a blockchain, the existence, integrity, and authenticity of information along with its associated metadata can be verified in the long-term as well. Therefore, BCT could be a supplementary technology that supports the existing information exchange systems.
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SHASTRI, Y., HODA, R., AMOR, R. (2021) Spearheading Agile: The Role of the Scrum Master in Agile Projects, Empirical Software Engineering, 26(3), https://doi.org/10.1007/s10664-020-09899-4 |
Abstract: Scrum innovated the role of the scrum master in software engineering. The scrum master is envisioned in agile literature as the "servant leader" who serves the team in a multitude of different ways, which include promoting scrum, facilitating the team's functioning, and removing obstacles. However, empirical studies focusing on the role of the scrum master in practice are scarce. To address this gap, a mixed methods study was conducted which included semi-structured interviews with 39 software practitioners and a questionnaire with 47 respondents. In this study, we present and describe the scrum master's role in agile projects in terms of (a) the grounded theory of the role of the scrum master which involves everyday activities of facilitating, mentoring, negotiating, process adapting, coordinating, and protecting; (b) the varying involvement of the scrum master in selected agile practices carried out by the team; and (c) a positive association between the presence of the scrum master and the frequency with which agile practices are carried out by the team. This study presents for the first time a comprehensive study of the multiple dimensions of the scrum master role and will enable practitioners to better manage expectations of this role in practice.
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Fuchs, S. and Amor, R. (2021) Natural Language Processing for Building Code Interpretation: A Systematic Literature Review, Proceedings of CIB W78, Luxembourg, 13-15 October, pp. 294-303. |
Abstract: Building codes enforce a minimum quality level for buildings to ensure the safety of building occupants. Automated code compliance checking (ACCC) can guarantee the consistent application of all relevant building codes to a building model. Recent developments in natural language processing (NLP) constitute a promising solution for automated building code computerisation (ABCC) to make them accessible for ACCC. This systematic literature review assesses the state-of-the-art of NLP for ABCC by analysing 41 research articles published since 2000. The NLP tasks range from document processing and text classification to information extraction and alignment. We categorise the studies by NLP task, arrange them into an NLP supported ACCC process and draw comparisons regarding the general characteristics, technologies used, and results and limitations. Overall, eight research gaps are identified, and recommendations for future research are provided.
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Li, B., Dimyadi, J., Amor, R. and Schultz, C. (2021) Defeasible Reasoning for Automated Building Code Compliance Checking, Proceedings of EC-PPM 2020, Moscow, Russia, 5-7 May, pp. 229-236. |
Abstract: In this paper we develop a new approach, and prototype software reasoning engine, for automatic building code compliance based on defeasible reasoning. The challenge is that if we try to formalise defeasible rules in a purely deductive reasoning system, the numerous combinations of exception cases must be explicitly stated leading to an exponential blow up of the set of rules in the rule set (that people must manually type out). Such a rule set becomes brittle, complicated, difficult to understand, and obscures the central point of a given building code. Moreover, assessing compliance to any degree in the absence of complete information about a building, down to the smallest detail, is very limited in a purely deductive setting in which nothing can be assumed. We empirically evaluate our prototype reasoning engine by checking a BIM of the Christchurch City Council building on a New Zealand building code from NZBC D1/AS1.