Evolution Handling in PSEEs

Abstract

The move to more mature software development processes (in the sense of the CMM approach [1]) implies a significant emphasis on process evolution. Currently, Process-centred Software Engineering Environments (PSEEs) are providing means to define and enact process models. However, consistent process and process model evolution still presents considerable difficulties. A major reason is the commonplace deviation between the enactment of a process model and the corresponding activities (process performance) taking place in the real world. In this paper, we analyse the evolution problem and we identify the core requirements for an enhanced PSEE architecture for evolution handling. Then we propose a generic PSEE architecture for consistent process and process model evolution and we describe the experimentation of our theoretical results, done using the Process Weaver system [2]. Keywords: process modelling, process evolution, meta-process, consistency management, architecture for process-c..