Software process selection based upon abstract machines for software process models

Abstract

The Abstract Machine Model was developed by Chang to formalize the decision cycles of slow intelligence systems. It turns out the selection of software process can also be regarded as a slow intelligence system. In this paper we formalize abstract-machine prototypes for different software process models such as waterfall model, incremental model, spiral model, extreme programming model and scrum model. A Software Process Generator SPG was implemented to generate software process models based upon design considerations. Initial evaluation by undergraduate students using SPG to learn software processes suggests further improvements to make it a useful learning tool.