MATRA: A framework for assessing model-based approaches on the transformation between requirements and architecture

Abstract

The activity of linking requirements and software engineering, as described by the Twin Peaks model, has set the standard for the transformation between business requirements and system architectures. Still, much is left to do regarding model-based activities in this topic where numerous proposals occur. Although counting on a set of common issues vital for their success, analysing or comparing any of these approaches remains a challenging task. Following previous work on their systematic review and comparison, and supported in a set of selected proposals focused in model-based approaches, we present a framework covering their involved key issues which allows classifying and assessing the different approaches. Accordingly, besides proposing the conceptual design of the framework we demonstrate its use by applying it to the selected transformation approaches, in order to validate this solution. Furthermore, the pros and cons of each approach are further discussed, and future steps on this work analysed.