Several groups in the Department of Computer Science, University of York, use argumentation structures to document a quality related case. In NSC, the CoSMoS project is developing the infrastructure and processes needed for modelling and simulating complex systems: argumentation structures are being used to record the rationale for simulation and the basis of believing that the simulation is adequate for its purpose. In HISE, argumentation has been used for many years in the presentation and analysis of safety cases. Both groups use the Goal Structuring Notation (GSN) to represent arguments.
Currently, GSN argumentation is supported by either commercial tools, or a flaky Microsoft Visio plug-in. The tools are notation-only, and do not provide any supporting material about the argument. There is at least one metamodel for the argumentation concepts.
Example of GSN argument
A summer intern is required to undertake a feasibility study to review existing argumentation tools and to initiate development of a new open-source argumentation-environment tool that supports GSN argument summaries and supporting material. One possible approach to the tool, which the intern would investigate and possibly start work on, is to use model-driven-engineering techniques to derive a tool from the metamodels, and to use a wiki (or similar) as the basis for supporting material. Linking the wiki and the notation tool, and the extent to which any syntactic and semantic checking could, or should, be applied to the arguments, would be areas that the intern could also address.
Applicants should ideally have completed two years of a degree in computer science, electronics, or a related subject (or three years of an MEng). The post is for up to 10 weeks over summer 2010 and is paid at the standard University rate (approximately £230 per week).
The intern must be willing and able to do independent research (reading, review) on argumentation tools and techniques and would need to initiate interaction with researchers using GSN in the Department, to identify and critique other argumentation tools and techniques, and to identify requirements and a development plan for the argumentation framework. An ideal outcome would include development of the argumentation environment, which requires either a knowledge of model-driven engineering (e.g. Computer Science modules in “modelling and design of systems”, “object-oriented design” or equivalent software engineering with a modelling orientation; industrial experience of model-driven engineering), or alternatively a strong knowledge of Java and the Eclipse programming environments.
Successful applicants will be good at problem solving and will be driven/ motivated to succeed. By completing this internship, the successful applicant will gain practical experience of:
- independent tool/technique research and review
- practical tool development
- model-driven engineering, specifically of domain specific languages
For further information, contact Dr Fiona Polack at fiona.polack@cs.york.ac.uk.