Causal-based networks supporting process improvement

ABSTRACT

This paper includes a causal-based modelling of software meas-urement processes in order to clarify the real situations in the em-pirical software engineering field. A first overview about existing causal network approaches shows the problems and possible bene-fits using these formal techniques in the software engineering area. The definition and extension of the causal modelling using causal networks helps to understand the relationships between the differ-ent software process artefacts and their causalities. The causal net-work based process model (CNPM) concept is based on the causal network idea of Pearl. The description of first applications of the CNPM approach for CMMI demonstrates the empirical reasoning of the software improvement processes in an explicit manner.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.6 MANAGEMENT OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
      K.6.3 Software Management
          Subjects: Software process

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.2 Design Tools and Techniques
      D.2.8 Metrics

General Terms:
Design, Experimentation, Measurement, Performance

Keywords:
causal network, process analysis and evaluation, software process improvement, software quality