Assessing think-pair-square in distributed modeling of use case diagrams

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a new method for the modeling of use case diagrams in the context of global software development. It is based on think-pair-square, a widely used cooperative method for active problem solving. The validity of the developed technology (i.e., the method and its supporting environment) has been assessed through two controlled experiments. In particular, the experiments have been conducted to compare the developed technology with a brainstorming session based on face-to-face interaction. The comparison has been performed with respect to the time needed to model use case diagrams and the quality of the produced models. The data analysis indicates a significant difference in favor of the brainstorming session for the time, with no significant impact on the requirements specification.