A Block-chain Oriented Model Driven Framework for handling Inconsistent Requirements in Global Software Development

Abstract

Requirements engineering (RE) is one of the most important phases in software development process. Therefore, the handling of inconsistent/ conflicting requirements is considered as a major issue in the requirements phase. Due to the evolving practices of Global Software Development (GSD), where the development team is geographically spread, the phase of RE is more prone to inconsistencies. Many approaches have been suggested to overcome the problem, however, these solutions are very limited in their scope and does not fit the peculiarities of GSD configurations. On the other hand, Block Chain methodology has shown promising results in various domains and has very sophisticated features like transparency and decentralization to support the management of inconsistent requirements. Similarly, Model Driven Software Engineering (MDSE) is marked with abstraction and reducing complexity which may be benefited to handle inconsistent requirements. Consequently, this article introduces a Block chain Oriented Model Driven (BOMO) framework by integrating the concepts of RE and Block Chains in the context of MDSE. This allows the effective management of inconsistent requirements through block chain technique with simplicity as offered by MDSE. As part of the framework, a meta-model is proposed which has been subsequently evolved into a Sirius graphical modelling tool. The applicability of the proposed framework has been demonstrated via a case study. Experimental results prove that the proposed framework may be used with sufficient reliability and can be further evolved to handle inconsistent requirements in a promising manner.