Reactive Middleware for Effective Requirement Change Management of Cloud-Based Global Software Development

Abstract

Requirement change management (RCM) for global software development (GSD), facilitated by the cloud platform, faces communication, coordination and control issues especially when there is no effective information and knowledge-sharing mechanisms. This paper describes a reasonably effective requirement change management approach for cloud-based GSD. Objective: In this regard, we contribute a Reactive Middleware which facilitates a set of guidelines defined to manage change and traceability. Methods: This Reactive Middleware provides services for user management, requirement management, change management, and traceability of cloud-based GSD projects. We present (1) a process model for change management and traceability (CM-T) for cloud-based GSD, and then (2) detail our management approach for system engineering processes as part of the presented GSD guidelines. Results: To ensure that the defined CM-T process model complies with the CMMI Level 2 (Baseline) Capability, the process model is validated using an expert panel review process where a total average, 85.58% of the experts support the maturity of the process model. Also, we demonstrate the continual tight linkage of stakeholders’ requirements and system engineering processes towards change management and traceability, with an Airlock Control System case study.