Software process development and enactment: concepts and definitions

Abstract

A core set of concepts for the software process is defined. These concepts are intended to facilitate communications and to provide a framework for further definitions. The definitions focus on essential concepts; however, they do not represent a comprehensive glossary of common software process terms. Following an initial overview, the basic process concepts which underlie the definitions are outlined. The definitions are grouped in four sets: a framework for process definition, an engineering of process, an enactment of process, and process properties. The use of these concepts in several domains is illustrated. Some observations on the definition process are offered.<>