The derivation of the stiffness matrix for a refined, fully compatible triangular plate bending finite element is presented. The Kirchhoff plate bending theory is assumed. Six parameters or degrees of freedom are introduced at each of the three corner nodes resulting in an 18 degree of freedom element. This refined element is found to give better results for displacements and particularly for internal moments than any plate bending element, regardless of shape, previously reported in the literature.

It is pointed out that the number of modes which should be included in a mode superposition dynamic response analysis depends on both the frequency content and the distribution of the loading. If the loading frequency is low the effect of the higher modes can be approximated by a static analysis. A technique is described for calculating this static contribution from the higher modes; the total response is then represented by the sum of the lower mode dynamic response and the higher mode static effects. The effectiveness of the procedure is demonstrated by a numerical example.

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As part of a larger research project to understand and improve motivation in an XP-based, software development organization, we undertook a study to investigate the impact of customerdeveloper interactions on motivation in this organization. Among the impacts found, an individual's perceived level of control within the interaction emerged as significant. We describe the specific behaviors which shape an individual's perceived control, and thus motivation, in our context, and investigate the underlying causes for these behaviors by assessing them in accordance with extant social-psychological theory. We find that the very nature of XP itself imparts strong psychological pressures on participants which can positively affect their interactions, and thus, motivation. However, these pressures also contribute to de-motivation in our context, when their effects on customer-developer interactions are not appropriately monitored and mitigated.

Weinvestigate Non-Face-to-Face (NFtF) distributed collaboration in a population for which technology poses no barrier-students involved in distributed software engineering via Distance Learning. Our study finds students believe themselves significantly less effective in this environment because of lack of traditional non-verbal cues, in partial agreement with previous work. Based on our results, we identify potential problems and present activities to mitigate these so that NFtF oriented interactions may be made more effective for this group.