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Filename =  A-1992-5.ps.Z
TITLE    = Incremental parser construction with metaobjects.
NUMBER   = A-1992-5, November 1992
AUTHORS  = Kai Koskimies and Juha Vihavainen

ABSTRACT =  The construction of an object-oriented recursive descent parser
is studied. A program is modelled by representing each nonterminal symbol
as a class. To support interactive, incremental parser construction, it
is required that a modification in the definition of a nonterminal has
minimal effects on the classes of other nonterminal symbols. An object-
oriented parsing method based on metaobjects and lazy recursive descent
technique is developed. It is shown that Eiffel allows a pseudo-incremental
solution in which the changes propagate only to the next superclass level,
while C++ allows fully incremental solution.

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Filename =  A-1992-4.ps.Z
TITLE    = On research into individual and computing systems
NUMBER   = A-1992-4, September 1992
AUTHOR   = Pertti Jarvinen

ABSTRACT = In order to improve quality of information systems research
	we must try to select an adequate research approach. When an 
	information system consists of hardware, software and users, 
	we have to consider every component as research objects. Their 
	behaviour is then important. Hardware and software normally 
	behave deterministicly. We can therefore predict their behaviour. 
	But users do not always behave deterministicly. They have their 
	own will and we cannot predict their behaviour. This may recommend 
	different research approaches for computing systems on one
	hand and for individuals for the other hand. This fact will 
	be demonstrated by taking two studies: a controlled experiment 
	and a survey, and by considering them from different points of 
	view: a) view  of human being, b) horizon, c) dynamic system and 
	d) paradigm. In two studies evaluated here the deterministic 
	view were applied, although the voluntaristic view is considered 
	to be more adequate. The causal models (horizon) were applied, 
	although teleological explanations, hermeneutics and phenomenology
	seem to be more adequate. The human beings were also considered 
	to behave as nilpotent systems, although the theory of dynamic 
	systems supports such a view that they should be considered as 
	self-steering systems. The meaning paradigm should be preferred 
	instead of the behavioristic paradigm applied in those two studies.