Chapter 11 - Evaluating process models

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the evaluation of three methodologies using the capability maturity model (CMM) framework. The rational unified process (RUP) is also referred to as the unified process (UP), which sits better alongside the naming of the unified modeling language (UML). The RUP is developed with a significant input from the “objectory process.” The “inception phase” concerns the scope and requirements definition of the project, identifying and clarifying the business case for the proposed system. The “elaboration phase” concerns the analysis and design workflow, leading to a defined architecture solution to the problem. Catalysis advocates a tailoring of the concepts to suit the problem at hand. The three levels of modeling proposed by catalysis are presented. These begin with the domain, leading into modeling at the system level, which in turn follows into the internal modeling. Each level of model adds an increasing level of detail moving through to a system solution/implementation. Extreme programming (XP) is described as a deliberate and disciplined approach to software development. This process model has enabled a re-examination of software development practices that have become standard operating procedures in many IT organizations and software houses. Adapting and refining XP is automatically accepted as part of the process, as it is identified as a key practice under the planning category.