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Instructions for Technical Papers Authors

Thank you for submitting an abstract of a paper for presentation at PNSQC 2010. The information below explains what is involved with presenting a technical paper.

Page Contents

What is a PNSQC Technical Paper?

Technical papers are the foundation of the conference. These refereed papers:

  • Carry the message
  • Start discussions
  • Add to the body of quality knowledge
  • Provide usable content
  • Meet PNSQC standards

As a practitioner’s conference, PNSQC values practical information. We look for papers that provide value to the software community. Year after year software luminaries present papers at PNSQC. But we take considerable pride in helping new authors get published. Our veteran team of referees and reviewers work with authors to develop their ideas and focus their prose.

The general work flow for technical papers is this:
Abstract —> draft paper —> feedback loops —> final paper for proceedings

This process has served PNSQC well since 1983. We look forward to seeing your abstracts and working with you.

What Does PNSQC Expect In A Technical Paper?

  • Customary style for technical writing: title page with author names, titles, affiliations, biographies, short abstract; introduction; labeled sections, figures, charts, and graphs; summary/supported conclusions; references.
  • Logical development & presentation of the author’s contribution to the subject.
  • Conclusions and claims are supported by data, and the chain of reasoning by which the conclusion was reached is clearly presented.
  • Appropriate research and references to earlier works.
  • Correct punctuation, spelling, and grammar: word sequencing, verb tense, and sentence and paragraph structure.

How Do I Submit My Technical Paper?

Submissions for technical paper abstracts, as well as subsequent drafts and finalized versions are uploaded and managed through the PNSQC 2010 CMT submission website.

What Does It Mean If My Technical Paper Abstract Has Been Accepted?

If your technical abstract is accepted, you begin the technical paper-writing process. Each accepted technical paper will be assigned a Primary Reviewer and one or more other reviewers. The Primary Reviewer is your contact person; they handle the coordination with the other reviewer(s). The primary reviewer ensures that deadlines are met and that sufficient progress is being made to accept the paper.

A draft of your paper is the next deliverable. This draft is expected to be technically sound and grammatically correct. We recommend that, prior to the June 22 draft due date, you have the paper proofread and reviewed for technical content. During the subsequent ten weeks, until mid-August, authors and assigned reviewers/referees will collaborate to improve the quality of the paper (refining content, removing ambiguities, etc.).

Papers that make it through the entire review process will appear in the PNSQC Conference Proceedings and be uploaded to the PNSQC website. Authors of papers that complete the review process are expected to present the contents of the paper at the conference. You will need to prepare a presentation, based on the paper, and give that presentation at the conference.

There is a change in the process this year in that presentations must be uploaded to the PNSQC 2010 CMT submission website by September 15. We will be offering an optional review of the presentation for those authors that wish it.

Do I Have To Be Present At The Conference To Have My Technical Paper Accepted?

Yes. You or a designated presenter must agree to be present at the conference to have your technical paper accepted.

For each technical paper that completes the review process, one person (the person who will present the paper) receives complimentary admission to the two-day technical program at the conference. This complimentary admission does not include the workshops. The author is responsible for their own travel expenses and any necessary visa arrangements.

What If I Am A First-Time Author?

PNSQC encourages first-time authors. Reviewers will help you through your first paper-writing experience.

Common types of technical papers published at PNSQC are the experience-report and thought-experiment approaches. Previous PNSQC Conference Proceedings, available on the pnsqc.org website, contain many different approaches which can serve as examples.

What Is The Timeline For The Technical Paper Process?

May 1, 2010 Technical paper abstract deadline
May 22, 2010 Selection results provided to technical papers authors
June 22, 2010 Upload first draft PDF of technical paper to CMT
June-July, 2010 Refine and polish paper incorporating reviewer feedback
August 15, 2010 Upload final PDF of technical paper to CMT
September 15, 2010 Upload presentation, option to have presentation reviewed. Presentation available for download after conference concludes
October 18-19, 2010 Conference presentation
November 1, 2010 Upload revised/updated PDF version of presentation for publishing to website


NOTE: The Program Committee reserves the right and has the discretion to rescind approval of a technical paper for inclusion in the Conference Program at any time.

If you have questions or comments, use the contact us form, selecting PNSQC Program as the recipient.