Method Engineering: Theory and Practice
Brian Henderson‐Sellers · 2006
Abstract: Method engineering promotes the idea of constructing methodologies for information systems development by selecting and assembling method fragments from a repository. This repository needs first to be populated with self-contained fragments derived from industry best practice and compliant with a given metamodel. A situational method is then constructed (by a method engineer) to exactly match the requirements of the individual organization and/or project. This paper briefly outlines both the theory of situational method engineering and its application in terms of industry case studies carried out over the last 5 years in Sydney, Australia in helping organizations to create agile and flexible methodologies, capable of maturing and improving over the years. 1 Introduction to Methods and Method Engineering Method engineering is a solution offered to the problem of the identification of the “most appropriate ” methodology for an organization and/or its projects. [Ly87] notes that current methodologies are not well suited to practice, while [Av96] notes a backlash against formal methodologies. Others see process adoption as a “waste of time ” [BH03],