Documenting evolutionary process improvements with method increment case descriptions

Abstract

Evolutionary process improvement is a common approach to manage the complexity and risk of large software process improvement efforts. Performing SPI through a sequence of small steps allows organizations to reflect and steer the effort often and avoid failed improvements. However, few methods currently exist to structure improvement paths in a clear and concise manner. In this paper, we present a template for such a structuring method, based on Use Case Descriptions and method engineering techniques. A concise description of improvement paths allow organizations to reflect on their implementation and to guide similar improvement efforts. A case study of two large improvements within a small Dutch software company is used for evaluation. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.