Building expressive and flexible process models using a UML-based approach

Abstract

Some limitations have been identified in current software process modelling languages concerning expressiveness, standardization and flexibility. We outline the main features of a software process modelling language called PROMENADE which aims at improving the above-mentioned issues. Expressiveness is enhanced in PROMENADE by the combination of proactive and reactive control, using precedence relationships between tasks and ECA-rules, respectively. Standardization is achieved by the mapping of PROMENADE features into a slightly extended UML. PROMENADE also supports the definition of flexible models by leaving some parts undefined until enactment time. We illustrate the use of PROMENADE by presenting in some detail a case study consisting in the modelling of the process of construction of a software component library.