Integrating software process models and design rationales

Abstract

We describe an approach which allows us to acquire, represent and manage fine-grained causal dependencies between products. These dependencies are basically derived automatically from a software process model. By representing causal dependencies and their rationales, the traceability of the software development processes is improved. Our dependency-based system is able to support users in reacting to changes. Thereby, the costs of software development can be reduced. Based on the theoretical work, the CoMo-Kit System was implemented consisting of a modeling component and a process engine. The use of the system is illustrated.