Ansgar Schleicher

Using UML for software process modeling

We examine the benefits of using an object-oriented modeling language for software process modeling. We show how the Unified Modeling Language (UML) can be used to model software processes based on dynamic task nets, which evolve continuously during enactment. We have selected UML for various reasons: it is wide-spread, provides a comprehensive set of diagrams for both structural and behavioral modeling, and supports the early phases of process modeling (analysis and design).

Beyond stereotyping: metamodeling approaches for the UML

UML is being used as the universal technique for modeling object-oriented applications across a wide range of domains. Developing a truly adequate uniform modeling technique in the face of these diverse domains seems an unsolvable quest and contrasts domain specific software engineering activities. Recently, many adaptations to UML have been made to reflect a domains world view. These adaptations often exceed the UMLs own extension mechanisms and result in yet another urban UML slang. However, domain-specifically adapting the UML metamodel becomes increasingly important in the context of model checking and code generation mechanisms. Therefore solutions should be found to fully support metamodeling within the UML and UML CASE tools. The paper discusses and evaluates the UMLs inherent as well as proprietary metamodeling approaches and provides domain driven ideas for a meta-modeling approach for a diversely used Unified Modeling Language.

AHEAD: A Graph-Based System for Modeling and Managing Development Processes

Management of development processes in different engineering disciplines is a challenging task. The AHEAD system addresses these challenges by providing an integrated environment for modeling and managing development processes. Products, activities, and resources are managed in an integrated way; furthermore, AHEAD supports evolving development processes by seamless interleaving of planning and execution. AHEAD is based on programmed graph transformations; tools are generated from a graph-based specification. Finally, a wide-spread object-oriented modeling language (UML) is employed for acquiring process knowledge from domain experts.

UPGRADE: A Framework for Building Graph-Based Interactive Tools

Abstract Construction of interactive tools for visual languages is a challenging task. The UPGRADE framework leverages tool builders by integrating application logic and GUI components. It is based on attributed graphs as its internal data model. At the user interface (external representation), graphs can be rendered in multiple ways, including graphics, trees, text and tables. The framework is open, e.g., third-party viewer components may be plugged into the framework.

A Delegation Based Model for Distributed Software Process Management

Complex development processes which cross organizational boundaries require specialized support by process management systems. Such processes are planned in a top-down manner. A suitable cooperation model for these processes is the delegation of process parts. Because the client and the contractor of a delegation may be independent organizations they may have diverging interest concerning autonomy of process execution, information-hiding, control, etc. We propose a concept for delegating process parts which takes these interests into account and describe how delegation is implemented in the process management system AHEAD.

Graph-Based Models for Managing Development Processes, Resources, and Products

Management of development processes in different engineering disciplines is a challenging task. We present an integrated approach which covers not only the activities to be carried out, but also the resources required and the documents produced. Integrated management of processes, resources, and products is based on a model which is formally specified by a programmed graph rewriting system. Management tools are generated from the formal specification. In this way, we obtain a management system which assists in the coordination of developers cooperating in the development of a complex technical product.

Formalizing UML-Based Process Models Using Graph Transformations

Supporting technical development processes through process management environments is vital for a projects success. While process enactment enables a project manager to plan and monitor a process and guides the participating developers, process modeling aims at understanding, communicating and reusing process descriptions. Thus, requirements for languages supporting process enactment are quite different from those for languages supporting process modeling. In this paper we demonstrate how the task of process modeling can be tackled using a standard object-oriented modeling notation, the Unified Modeling Language. By transforming the resulting model into the formal notation of an underlying generic process model, we support its enactment. This generic model has been formally specified within the graph transformation system PROGRES. In this way we are able to provide suitable languages for process modeling and enactment within one coherent environment.

An Adaptive and Reactive Management System for Project Coordination

Design processes in chemical engineering are hard to support. In particular, this applies to conceptual design and basic engineering, in which the fundamental decisions concerning the plant design are performed. The design process is highly creative, many design alternatives are explored, and both unexpected and planned feedback occurs frequently. As a consequence, it is inherently difficult to manage design processes, i.e. to coordinate the effort of experts working on tasks such as creation of flowsheets, steady-state and dynamic simulations, etc. On the other hand, proper management is crucial because of the large economic impact of the performed design decisions. We present a management system which takes the difficulties mentioned above into account by supporting the coordination of dynamic design processes. The management system equally covers products, activities, and resources, and their mutual relationships. In addition to local processes, interorganizational design processes are addressed by delegation of subprocesses to subcontractors. The management system may be adapted to an application domain by a process model which defines types of tasks, documents, etc. Furthermore, process evolution is supported with respect to both process model definitions and process model instances; changes may be propagated from definitions to instances and vice versa (round-trip process evolution).

High-Level Modelling of Development Processes

In this paper a high-level, user-friendly, yet executable process modelling language is introduced. The modelling of a process’ structure is supported through ER-like diagrams, whilst its behaviour can be specified in terms of state transition diagrams with guarded transitions, refined operations, and event handlers. It is enforced that process models consist of well separated process fragments which are subject to reuse. The enviroment supports the implantation of knowledge gathered during process execution into the process model to enhance assistance for the project management.

Process Evolution Support in the AHEAD System

Development processes are inherently difficult to manage. Tools for managing development processes have to cope with continuous process evolution. The management system AHEAD is based on long-term experience gathered in different disciplines (software, mechanical, or chemical engineering). AHEAD provides an integrated set of tools for evolving both process definitions and their instances. This paper describes a demonstration of the AHEAD system which shows the benefits of process evolution support from the users point of view.