This paper presents a novel formal approach to software process modeling based on the
Software Process Engineering Metamodel (SPEM) for the syntactic aspect of a process model and a
domain-specific language (DSL) for the semantic aspect of the model. This approach provides a
conceptual framework for designing processes in a more abstract way and to enable process
implementation on various platforms. A Process-Centered Software Environment (PCSE) called
DSL4SPM (Domain-Specific Language for Software Process Modeling) is a plug-in tool which
satisfies the meta-requirements for Process Modeling Languages (PMLs). The key concept of the
DSL4SPM is the use of a toolbox, containing SPEM elements, to instantiate objects in a graphical
scene. The process model designer links these elements with relations, and defines the values of the
attributes required for both these and the objects, with the aim of arriving at a consolidated view of
the problem. An overview of the advantages of the approach is presented. With it, the process
manager is able to quickly and easily model a process from innovative perspectives, with the aim of
better understanding the risks associated with software development
