A Multi–Dimensional Model Of Design
Keith J Laidler · 1993
Abstract This chapter mirrors the model development process in that it replaces the simpler model of software design described in the preceding chapter with a more sophisticated multi–dimensional model. We demonstrate our metrics development technique in deriving a metric associated with this model. A major conclusion that emerges from the chapter is that if software engineering models are to be useful, then they will require more sophistication than can be achieved by a single input or dimension. In particular, it shows that some of the weaknesses of the model of system architecture described in the preceding chapter may be overcome by extending it to incorporate a notion of module, or design component size. This permits the exploration of trade–offs between inter– and intra–modular information flows. The conclusion is drawn that the techniques employed in this and the preceding chapter enable more sophisticated and useful software models to be developed. However, this must build upon the foundation of theoretically clean and empirically observed relationships. Otherwise, our sophistication is entirely in vain.