A multi-variant approach to software process modelling

Abstract

In this article we present a new approach to software process modelling for a large banking organisation. In the past years, the main software development methods and tools of this organisation have migrated from structured to object-oriented technology. Presently, the software process is completely being redefined and adapted to the new goals and requirements. Since there are many kinds of projects differing largely in their goals, requirements and constraints, a two-level approach has been taken: On the base level, the ingredients of processes - activities, results, techniques and tools - are listed and described. These are composed in various ways to form a set of process variants which are defined on the second level. Each variant serves as a sample process for concrete project work. This multi-variant approach meets the requirements of the project managers and developers who demand for a flexible model covering a wide spectrum of projects.