How to deal with deviations during process model enactment

Abstract

A fundamental problem in software processes is how the intrinsic rigidity of a predefined (formal) model can be reconciled with the need for flexibility, change, and evolution. We therefore distinguish between software processes, as specified in a process description, and their actual performance by humans. Further, we claim that the two inevitably diverge, and thus it is necessary to provide means to reconcile them. We present a preliminary exploration into the problem. In particular, we illustrate how a temporal logic-based approach can be used to capture and tolerate some deviations from the process description during execution. We present a simple process language (LATIN), and its prototype environment (SENTINEL), in which these ideas are currently experimented.