Empirical study on the effectiveness and efficiency of model-driven architecture techniques

Abstract

Previous studies have reported conflicting opinions on the feasibility of model-driven architecture (MDA). Studies have investigated the mechanics of MDA, but few have examined its effectiveness and efficiency from a developer’s perception. This study conducted empirical research in which a system was implemented by subjects using MDA; afterward, evaluated its perceived efficiency and effectiveness. In the model construction phase, Unified Modeling Language and Object Constraint Language were perceived as effective and efficient. In the model transformation phase, the query/view/transformation standard was perceived as marginally efficient rather than effective, and the round-trip engineering phase was not perceived as effective or efficient. These findings are explained using 12 themes identified in subjects’ opinions. This study may help scholars understand the importance of efficiency and effectiveness on MDA techniques and facilitate the development of more acceptable and practical MDA.