Performance analysis of software processes supported by simulation: a resolution problem process case study

Abstract

Results expected by organizations do not match the efforts spent to obtain processes defined in SDE. In the real world, one justifies this fact by considering the lack of adequate instruments and efficient programs of implementation and follow-up of the performance of these processes, together with the fact that the task is far from being trivial. The search for the achievements of these processes, the measurement and analysis of performance are referred to as a practical-key for the maturity and quality of the processes according to major market frameworks. In this scenery of problems and challenges, this work presents a proposal that supports the measurement and analysis of performance of software processes, and the improvement of these. The proposal is characterized by the agreed use of software modeling and simulation of processes with the performance analysis, the latter subsidizing the former. This work contains two well distinguished parts: a bibliographical review concerning key areas related to software processes, and a case study of one of the processes of SPICE. Viability of the proposal, a study on appropriate indicators of performance, a theoretic-scientific approach as contribution to the referred areas and an instrument that supports the definition and management of software processes are some of the results of this case-study. One concludes that a capable software process is a software satisfying the needs of the customer, and that it must be duly adjusted to the reality of the customer organization.