A paradigm for the behavioural modelling of software processes using system dynamics
Meir Manny Lehman, Juan F. Ramil, Goel Kahen · 2001
Industrial software evolution processes are, in general, complex feedback systems. Recognition of this opens up opportunities to achieve sustained process improvement. The system dynamics approach was used in the FEAST projects to model behaviour of key process and product attributes, yielding foundations for a paradigm to achieve dynamic models of software evolution processes. It is based on top-down model refinement of a high level abstracted view of the process. Resulting models are relatively simple, when compared to others in the literature. Their simplicity, however, facilitates understanding, progressive refinement, subsequent validation, and industrial take-up. The paper illustrates the paradigm with a model of a process highlighting a particular issue. The results of executing this model indicate how one may analyse and eventually optimise division of resources between progressive activity such as functional enhancement and anti regressive activity such as complexity control. The approach and model are based on empirical observations and interpretation of the evolution phenomena. When appropriately refined and validated to reflect a particular process, a model such as this can more generally be used for release planning and process improvement. The approach, together with its models, provides the basis for management technology and tools to achieve sustainable long-term evolution of complex software and systems.