A Knowledge-Based Software Process Simulation Model

  • Authors:

  • Noriko Hanakawa;Ken-ichi Matsumoto;Koji Torii

  • Affiliations:

  • Hannan University, 5-4-33 Amami, Higashi, Matsubara, Osaka, 580-8502 Japan/ Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0101 Japan hanakawa@hannan-u.ac.jp< ...;Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0101 Japan;Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0101 Japan

  • Venue:
  • Annals of Software Engineering
  • Year:
  • 2002

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Abstract

In this paper we propose a new software development process simulation model. The model can predict variations of productivity based on dynamic changes in the developer's knowledge structure. An important concept of the model is that a developer's productivity is influenced by the developer's knowledge. Moreover, a developer can acquire new knowledge by executing activities of a project. In other words, the developer's knowledge structure changes during the project. The knowledge structure is defined using a cognitive map that consists of knowledge elements and prerequisite relationships among the knowledge elements. By adding the specific developer's knowledge and the specific project workload to the knowledge structure, an increment of the developer's knowledge and the project progress are calculated into the model. The simulation results are useful for making project plans including technical reviews, which are an efficient technique for acquiring new knowledge. The simulation model can predict what knowledge should be discussed in the technical review, when the review should be held, and who the members of the review should be. The simulation results help managers make the most appropriate and executable project plan.