LKL PhD Students Seminar

In this session of the current seminar series, we have two presentations, details as follows:

Tony Lewis

Title: Can Genetic Programming Tackle More Complex Problems?

Abstract:

Genetic Programming (GP) involves artificially evolving programs to 
solve problems.  It has proved to be an effective machine learning 
technique in a wide range of domains from financial trading and 
bioinformatics to board games and even art.  GP is typically highly 
productive during the initial search phases of evolution but it 
stagnates before deep levels of complexity are acquired.  The aim of 
my research is to investigate whether genetic programming can tackle 
more complex problems through the long term acquisition of novel 
features.  This may be at the expense of the speed of the initial 
search if necessary.

Experiments which investigate extending the complexity of GP for long 
runs require substantial computational resources.  Much of my work so 
far has focussed on harnessing Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) 
technology to meet this need.  This is achieved by simultaneously 
using two graphics cards to evaluate GP individuals using nVidia's 
"CUDA" technology.

Brian Gannon

Title: Globalisation in Information Systems 

Abstract:

This research is about the phenomenon of IS offshoring, which involves
distributed software development, defined as occurring when teams of
geographically dispersed individuals work as part of a global virtual team
across national boundaries.  The research identifies the phenomenon as an
aspect of globalisation, enabled by availability of skilled resources in
offshore locations (where the cost of labour is relatively low), coupled
with high-speed telecommunications services between these locations and
developed economies.

The research develops explanatory theories for aspects of offshoring,
commenting primarily on its impact on organisations and individuals that
supply and consume IS offshore services.  It identifies the emergence of the
modern heterarchy - a new form of multi-national enterprise (MNE) - and
shows how both onshore and offshore IS organisations are adopting this
organisational form.  It concludes that the risks associated with offshore
IS projects are small compared to other risks associated with software
development projects and also that the cultural, organisational and
operational impact of offshoring is low.  The economic impact of offshoring
on individuals can be significant, and will lead to a rebalancing of skills
of IS practitioners between onshore and offshore locations.  For
organisations, the economic implications are similarly noteworthy, and the
research concludes that this will lead to further consolidation in the
industry.