Software process themes and issues

Abstract

Three main interrelated themes are identified in the work of software process technologists: software process modeling and definition; software process assessment and improvement; and software process support. Within these main themes, many technical problems need to be solved before process technology and the support it provides for industrial production reaches full maturity. Approaches to improving software productivity and product quality over the past thirty years are summarized, and the emergence of the process view during the last decade is charted. The main themes of current process work are discussed, and a number of the key technical issues that need to be addressed in the development of effective software process support are identified.<>