Enhancing structured review with model-based verification

Abstract

We propose a development framework that extends the scope of structured review by supplementing the structured review with model-based verification. The proposed approach uses the Unified Modeling Language (UML) as a modeling notation. We discuss a set of correctness arguments that can be used in conjunction with formal verification and validation (V&V) in order to improve the quality and dependability of systems in a cost-effective way. Formal methods can be esoteric; consequently, their large scale application is hindered. We propose a framework based on the integration of lightweight formal methods and structured reviews. Moreover, we show that structured reviews enable us to handle aspects of V&V that cannot be fully automated. To demonstrate the feasibility of our approach, we have conducted a study on a security-critical system - a patient document service (PDS) system.