The Holon Framework and Software Process Improvement: A Radiotherapy Project Case Study
Gilles Bell, Maggie Cooper, S. Qureshi · Software Process Improvement and Practice · 2002
Abstract This paper discusses the Holon Framework, which aims to control and improve the software development process. It is an interdisciplinary approach that is derived from software engineering and the systems movement. We outline key characteristics of software process control and improvement. Criticisms of the orthodox algorithmic cost models are identified to justify the use of alternative mathematical techniques such as system dynamics. We argue that mathematical techniques used in planning can be linked with hard systems thinking. Therefore, the essence of hard systems thinking is highlighted, and a serious weakness identified, to explain the development of soft methodologies and soft systems thinking. A significant limitation of soft systems methodology is highlighted to substantiate the need to combine it with the goal/question/metrics methodology. We justify the case study approach given the nature of the investigation. An overview of the Holon Framework is provided. The soft part of the framework, which is linked to improvement, is employed to identify relevant problems and generates a baseline metrics programme. The research design of the case study is used to evaluate our findings. Finally, we outline future work in employing the hard part of the framework, which is linked to control; this will complete the full cycle of the approach. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.