Goal-driven evaluation of process fragments using weighted dependency graphs

Software process improvement needs guidance in proposing, assessing, and selecting a right set of steps and measurements. Often, a process model or a specific methodology is used for this purpose, e.g. the V-Modell, RUP, or agile process methodologies. Each such model or methodology consists of certain activities, procedures, or methods, i.e. a set of process fragments. Debates usually focus on the choice among these models or methodologies as a whole, but not on the specific, quantitative contributions of the distinct process fragments with respect to the particular goals of the organization. Such a simplification misses important chances for adaptation and motivation in diversified system development environments. Therefore, a conceptual framework and tool set is presented in this paper to search for sets of process fragments, which are able to meet actual objectives in an optimal way.