CMU CS 15-675 Architectures for Software Systems Spring 1997

Problem Frames (Case Study)

The papers:

[Jac95]: Software Requirements and Specifications, sections: Domain Characteristics, Problem Sensitivity, Misfits, Problem Complexity, Multi-Frame Problems (both parts), Hierarchy, Composition

[Fin93]: Report of the Inquiry Into the London Ambulance Service,

Hints:

We will apply the ideas of problem frames to understanding the design issues in the London Ambulance problem. The heart of the discussion is separating a complex problem into simpler parts and using problem frames appropriate to those parts.

[Fin93] is the best description of the London Ambulance problem available. As you read it, focus on the technical design questions. There were assuredly problems with management, politics, procurement, training, deployment, scale, and other areas. For present purposes, read the inquiry to discover the underlying problem that could be solved with computer dispatching and communications. You will have to think about how accidents are reported and how real people in a vehicle pool behave as well as the resource assignment task itself.

Questions:

1. When using multiple frames for the same problem, what is a common simple way they may be assembled?

2. What are the critical requirements for London Ambulance?

3. At the highest level, which of the problem frames we've read best matches London Ambulance, and why?

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Modified: 01/21/97