Call For Papers

Download short version of Call for Papers as PDF.
VikingPLoP 2012
March 17-20, 2011
Boahtteáigi cabin, Saariselkä, Finland
http://www.vikingplop.org

Important Dates

• January 16th: EXTENDED paper submission deadline
• January 23rd: Start of shepherding
• February 9th: Second draft due
• February 10th: Paper acceptance notification
• March 2nd: End of shepherding
• March 2nd: Final version due
• March 2nd: Closing date for early registration
• March 17-20, 2012: Conference
• September 30: Proceedings version due

VikingPLoP 2012 calendar

Submission Guidelines

VikingPLoP accepts papers containing patterns or pattern languages as well as experience reports and papers related to the theory and use of patterns. Papers submitted to VikingPLoP cover a wide range of subjects, from technical issues, like distributed machine control and C++ programming, to social and organization issues. We expect that paper topics cover a wide range of domains such as:

• Software development: design, architecture, management and processes
• Human computer interaction (user-interface aspects and novel modes of interaction)
• Pedagogy and education (both professional training and classroom teaching)
• Business and organizational questions

The submitted papers should contain one or more patterns and have up to 10 pages following LNCS format guidelines. Longer pattern languages or sequences and work-in-progress papers will also be considered for inclusion. All accepted papers will receive in-depth shepherding by an experienced pattern author before the conference. First-time pattern authors are especially welcomed to participate in the conference. If any questions will arise, contact the conference chairs.

We also accept papers on the application of patterns in practice. The focus of these papers should be on applications of patterns in industrial projects, as well as on systematizing the application of patterns. They should stimulate a general discussion on how to disseminate the patterns literature more widely in higher education and training.

Conference Structure

The core of VikingPLoP is writers' workshops where authors work together to improve their papers. Before patterns or other papers are accepted for a writers' workshop, they are shepherded (non-anonymously). This means that an experienced author will discuss your submission with you, so that you can refine your paper prior to the conference. All accepted submissions will be workshopped and peer-reviewed in the conference.

Papers discussed at a writer's workshop at this conference qualify for submission to the new journal Transactions on Pattern Languages of Programming published by Springer.

Proceedings

The proceedings of the workshops is published in the report series of Tampere University of Technology, Department of Software Systems. The proceedings is published as a printed version and electronically (as a pdf-file). The printed version is liable to charge.

Shepherding

The shepherding process is essentially a reviewing process. The Shepherd guides the sheep into a more mature understanding of his or her pattern. Shepherds are individuals, with experience in pattern writing, assigned to an author's paper for helping the author improve the pattern. Shepherds also have experience with the shepherding procedure, either having been a shepherd before or a sheep (an author).
Shepherding is about improving the pattern itself, while the Shepherd maintains that the author is the one doing the pattern writing. The shepherding process is done before the paper is to be presented at a conference.

Submission Procedure

There is a three stage submission process:

• Initial submissions should be made by January 16th, 2012. Papers will be assessed for suitability. Papers are then accepted for shepherding and assigned a shepherd who will help the author improve the paper for several weeks.
• Half way through the shepherding process, on February 9th, authors are expected to submit a second draft. The paper will be assessed for quality and the author's willingness to accept feedback. This review will determine whether a paper is accepted to the conference or not.
• Authors and shepherds are expected to continue working on the paper until March 2, 2012. Final drafts for the conference should be submitted on this date. The authors of accepted papers are also expected to register for the conference before the close of early registration on this date. Failure to do so may result in acceptance being withdrawn. In the case of papers with multiple authors at least one author is expected to register to attend by the close of early registrations.