About software engineering frameworks and methodologies

Defining software engineering can be a rather challenging task depending on the purpose of the definition and the intended beneficiaries. Talking about frameworks and methodologies in software engineering can be even more complex under whatever circumstances due to the many different ways in which the issues concerning frameworks, processes, approaches and methodologies have been handled. This paper explores software engineering frameworks and methodologies and related topics. The purpose of this study is to add further understanding in the area of software engineering frameworks and methodologies. Data from published literature is analysed to establish a position on the status of software engineering frameworks and methodologies. The fundamental questions to consider here are; what kind of benefits can be derived from a better understanding of these issues? Would a better understanding of frameworks and methodologies improve the way we design, develop, implement, maintain and use Information Systems?