On topic map templates and traceability

Abstract

A major challenge regarding project management is traceability, i.e., to ensure the completeness of information about every step within a process chain. This paper outlines an approach based on Topic Map Templates, augmented with query and constraint definitions, to systematically address traceability aspects in the context of software development processes, in particular for requirements engineering and transitions to subsequent development phases. Furthermore, it is shown that Templates, when expressed in a uniform way, are an important means to enhance the functionality of, e.g., editors and viewers for Topic Maps. In order to illustrate the proposed approach, individual development steps regarding the realisation of a simple flight reservation system, particularly highlighting then-supported interactions between participants, serve as an example. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.