Call for Papers
Download Call for Papers as PDF.
VikingPLoP 2016
April 7-10, 2016
Leerdam, Netherlands
http://www.vikingplop.org
Important Dates
- December 19th 2015: Short requisition application (abstract)
- January 4th 2016: Compete requisition application (complete initial paper)
- January 15th: First training period (start of shepherding)
- February 22nd: Demonstration of competence (second draft deadline)
- February 29th: Announcement of the heroes (Paper acceptance notification)
- March 9th: Blood oath (Registration)
- March 16th: Final plan announcement & End of training (Conference version deadline & End of shepherding)
- April 7th-10th, 2016: The journey (conference dates)
- October 30th: Valhalla entrance day (Final version deadline)
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 organizational issues. We expect that paper topics cover a wide range of domains such as:
- Embedded systems, distributed control systems, and other low level systems
- 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. The paper must be formatted according to the ACM guidelines. In this case the final version of the paper should be submitted in the PDF format (produced on a high-resolution output device) on letter paper size (8 1/2" x 11") following the ACM single column format. Initial submissions that don't follow the format will be accepted, but the last version should follow the templates. ACM single column templates are available in Word and LaTex:
Single column format Word template: Single Column Template
Single column format TeX template: TeX Template
Longer pattern languages or sequences and work-in-progress papers will also be considered for inclusion. All papers accepted for shepherding process 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.
Shepherding process
The shepherding process is essentially a peer 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.
There is a three stage submission procedure:
- Initial submission in January. The papers are assessed for suitability by the program committee. 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, the 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. Final drafts for the conference are submitted couple of weeks before the conference. The authors of accepted papers are also expected to register for the conference before the closing of registration. 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.
