This paper aims to explain a new approach of software process improvements (SPI). The approach will not replace the existing methods, but will support them for SPI from an additional view. The additional view consists the SPI as a networked system of the activities for SPI. The approach is an extract of a comprehensive PhD paper about SPI and defect prevention from the author. In the PhD paper the author is using over 100 important influence elements.
The title of the PhD paper is: „Ganzheitlich vernetzte Fehlerprävention im Software-Entwicklungsprozess.“ (Unmüßig 2012)
Today there are various actions and constructive methods in software process improvements used. As there are a lot of different elements and subjects in the process of improvements involved - it is a complex process. The most involved elements and subjects are e.g. the human being (management, members of staff, customer, work psychology), methods, organisations, culture etc. The author’s own experience and studies confirm that the human being is one of the most important elements in the process. The human being is much more involved in the process than considered in the daily work today. His work performance e.g. software process improvements depends on a lot of interlinked factors.
This paper will use an excerpt of 12 important elements of the above mentioned PhD paper. The elements will be interlinked. A software tool is used to interlink, present and simulate the interrelationship to the other elements. The approach and results can be used in all software process improvements (SPI) / software development processes to support the existing SPI approaches and measures. The support is based on the position (strengths) and relationship of the elements in the result matrix.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Software Development
- Software Process Improvement (SPI) Methods
- Actions
- Software Process Improvement Models
- SPI Manifesto
- New approach of Software Process Improvements
- Method
- Model
- Tools for interlinked SPI
- Influence Elements of SPI
- Description of the Elements
- Interlinked causal interdependencies
- Network of elements and Cross-Impact Matrix
- Results
- Conclusion
- References
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper introduces a novel approach to software process improvement (SPI), designed not to replace existing methods but to supplement them by viewing SPI as a networked system of activities. This approach is derived from a broader PhD thesis focusing on SPI and defect prevention. The paper utilizes a simplified selection of 12 key influence elements, interconnected using software tools to analyze and simulate their interrelationships. The resulting insights aim to support existing SPI approaches and measures in all software development processes.
- The human element as a central factor in SPI.
- Interconnectedness of elements within the SPI process.
- A new model for understanding and improving SPI.
- The importance of considering "soft facts" alongside technical aspects.
- Utilizing software tools for analyzing and visualizing SPI elements.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This chapter sets the stage by acknowledging the progress made in software process improvement techniques but highlighting the need for further advancements. It introduces a new approach that focuses on viewing SPI as a complex system of interconnected elements, including both technical ("hard facts") and human ("soft facts") factors. The approach emphasizes the crucial role of requirement analysis and specification, citing statistics indicating a high percentage of failures originating in these initial phases. The chapter lays the groundwork for a more holistic understanding of SPI, emphasizing the need to integrate and analyze the interrelationships of various elements.
Software Development: This chapter discusses the established process and procedure models used in software development, illustrated by a diagram (Figure 1) showing various phases such as requirement analysis, design, implementation, testing, and deployment, alongside common procedure models like the Waterfall and V-Model. It highlights the importance of considering all stages in the context of SPI, suggesting that a comprehensive approach is necessary for effective improvement and prevention of errors.
Software Process Improvement (SPI) Methods: This chapter broadly explores different methods and models used in software process improvement. While specific details on individual methods are not provided in this preview, the overarching theme is that the chapter likely covers the existing landscape of SPI techniques that the new approach seeks to enhance or supplement.
New approach of Software Process Improvements: This chapter presents the core of the author's new approach to SPI. The chapter focuses on the methodology and the model for representing the SPI process as an interconnected system of elements. It likely explains how to practically apply this model for analysis and improvement. The approach likely details the software tool and its application in analyzing these interrelationships.
Influence Elements of SPI: This chapter delves into the key elements influencing SPI. It describes these elements and explains their interlinked causal interdependencies. This is where the application of a network of elements and a cross-impact matrix are introduced to help visualize the system, illustrating how different factors affect one another within the SPI process. This allows for a more comprehensive analysis of potential strengths and weaknesses in the overall system.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Software, Software development, Software development process, Software process improvement, SPI, Software quality, holistic, human being, human factors, interlinked elements, influence factors, defect prevention, processes, methods, organization, culture, network thinking, SPI Manifesto.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Novel Approach to Software Process Improvement
What is the main focus of this paper?
This paper introduces a novel approach to software process improvement (SPI) that views SPI as a networked system of activities, supplementing existing methods rather than replacing them. It focuses on the interconnectedness of elements within the SPI process, incorporating both technical and human factors, and utilizes software tools for analysis and visualization.
What is the methodology behind this new approach to SPI?
The approach is based on identifying key influence elements within the SPI process and analyzing their interrelationships. A simplified selection of 12 key influence elements are interconnected using software tools to analyze and simulate their interdependencies. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of how different factors affect each other within the SPI process.
What are the key themes explored in this paper?
Key themes include the human element as a central factor in SPI, the interconnectedness of elements within the SPI process, a new model for understanding and improving SPI, the importance of considering "soft facts" alongside technical aspects, and utilizing software tools for analyzing and visualizing SPI elements.
What are the key elements influencing SPI according to this paper?
The paper identifies 12 key influence elements, although specific details aren't provided in this preview. These elements and their interlinked causal interdependencies are analyzed using a network of elements and a cross-impact matrix to visualize how different factors affect each other.
How does this new approach differ from existing SPI methods?
This approach doesn't aim to replace existing SPI methods but to enhance them. It provides a supplemental perspective by viewing SPI as a complex, interconnected system, rather than a series of isolated activities. It emphasizes the importance of considering both technical and human factors and utilizes software tools for analysis and visualization.
What kind of software tools are used in this approach?
The paper mentions the use of software tools to analyze and simulate the interrelationships between the identified influence elements. Specific details about the tools themselves are not included in this preview.
What are the chapter summaries provided in this preview?
The preview summarizes the chapters as follows: Introduction: Sets the stage, introduces the new approach. Software Development: Discusses established process models. Software Process Improvement (SPI) Methods: Explores existing SPI methods. New approach of Software Process Improvements: Presents the core methodology and model. Influence Elements of SPI: Delves into key elements and their interdependencies.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include: Software, Software development, Software development process, Software process improvement, SPI, Software quality, holistic, human being, human factors, interlinked elements, influence factors, defect prevention, processes, methods, organization, culture, network thinking, SPI Manifesto.
What is the overall goal of this new SPI approach?
The goal is to support and improve existing SPI approaches and measures in all software development processes by providing a more holistic and interconnected view of the process, considering both technical and human factors.
Where can I find more information about this research?
More detailed information can be found in the full publication of the PhD thesis from which this paper is derived.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Dr. Alfons Unmüßig (Autor:in), 2012, The Human Being as Key Element for Software Process Improvement, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/203115
