Modelling software development methodologies: A conceptual foundation

Gonzalez-Perez, C; Henderson-Sellers, B

Modelling software development methodologies: A conceptual foundation

Gonzalez-Perez, C Henderson-Sellers, B

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Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Journal of Systems and Software, 2007, 80 (11), pp. 1778 - 1796
Issue Date:: 2007-11-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Gonzalez-Perez, C	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Henderson-Sellers, B	en_US
dc.date.issued	2007-11-01	en_US
dc.identifier.citation	Journal of Systems and Software, 2007, 80 (11), pp. 1778 - 1796	en_US
dc.identifier.issn	0164-1212	en_US
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/3956
dc.description.abstract	Current modelling approaches often purport to be based on a strong theoretical underpinning but, in fact, contain many ill-defined concepts or even contradictions leading to potential misinterpretation. Although much modelling in object-oriented contexts is focussed on the use of the Unified Modelling Language (UML), this paper presents a technology-agnostic approach that analyses the basic concepts of structural models and modelling in software engineering, using an approach based on representation theory. We examine the different kinds of interpretive mappings (either isotypical, prototypical or metatypical) that are required in order to trace model entities back to the SUS (subject under study) entities that they represent. The difference between forward- and backward-looking models is also explained, as are issues relating to the appropriate definition of modelling languages in general based on representation theory. The need for product and process integration in methodologies is then addressed, leading to the conclusion that a mesh of verbal plus nominal nodes is necessary in any methodology metamodel. Finally, the need for a common, cross-cutting modelling infrastructure is established, and a solution proposed in the form of an ontologically universal modelling language, OOLang. Examples of the application of these theoretical analyses to the suite of OMG products (particularly SPEM, UML and MOF) are given throughout, with the hope that awareness of the importance of a better modelling infrastructure can be developed. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.	en_US
dc.relation.ispartof	Journal of Systems and Software	en_US
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1016/j.jss.2007.02.048	en_US
dc.subject.classification	Software Engineering	en_US
dc.title	Modelling software development methodologies: A conceptual foundation	en_US
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	11	en_US
utslib.citation.volume	80	en_US
utslib.for	0803 Computer Software	en_US
utslib.for	0806 Information Systems	en_US
utslib.for	0804 Data Format	en_US
pubs.embargo.period	Not known	en_US
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology/School of Software
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - HCTD - Human Centred Technology Design
utslib.copyright.status	closed_access
pubs.issue	11	en_US
pubs.publication-status	Published	en_US
pubs.volume	80	en_US

Abstract:

Current modelling approaches often purport to be based on a strong theoretical underpinning but, in fact, contain many ill-defined concepts or even contradictions leading to potential misinterpretation. Although much modelling in object-oriented contexts is focussed on the use of the Unified Modelling Language (UML), this paper presents a technology-agnostic approach that analyses the basic concepts of structural models and modelling in software engineering, using an approach based on representation theory. We examine the different kinds of interpretive mappings (either isotypical, prototypical or metatypical) that are required in order to trace model entities back to the SUS (subject under study) entities that they represent. The difference between forward- and backward-looking models is also explained, as are issues relating to the appropriate definition of modelling languages in general based on representation theory. The need for product and process integration in methodologies is then addressed, leading to the conclusion that a mesh of verbal plus nominal nodes is necessary in any methodology metamodel. Finally, the need for a common, cross-cutting modelling infrastructure is established, and a solution proposed in the form of an ontologically universal modelling language, OOLang. Examples of the application of these theoretical analyses to the suite of OMG products (particularly SPEM, UML and MOF) are given throughout, with the hope that awareness of the importance of a better modelling infrastructure can be developed. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/3956