Complexity assessment: A design and management tool for information system development

Abstract

Information system complexity is related to many software engineering metrics. Design, construction and maintenance difficulty can be associated with their respective complexity metrics. Complexity measurement algorithms for information system schemas are considered. A set of properties is proposed that serve as a basis for complexity assessment throughout the life cycle. Heretofore, an emphasis in system engineering has been the analysis of software program complexity. Current work, as well as new alternative measures, in software complexity are discussed. Complexity measurement is extended to include other major phases of the system life cycle. Benefits include the evaluation of complexity propagation between system development life cycle phases. Complexity projection provides for improved management of the development process. The implementation of the Dynamic Complexity Monitor (DYCOM) is discussed. DYCOM is comprised of analyzers and models useful in both research and industrial environments. DYCOM supports complexity assessment for requirement definitions, logical and physical design schemata, and implementation and maintenance. The system determines complexity projection functions between life cycle phases. Further, projection functions are automatically updated as the system is used. DYCOM “learns” from system development experience. Also, proposed complexity models can easily be added to DYCOM in order to evaluate their utility. DYCOM serves as a laboratory for examination of alternative complexity metrics.