Software Process Improvement - The Way Forward

Thanks in no small measure to the work of groups such as IFIP WG 2.3 and its members based on earlier work in areas such as high level programming languages, major progress have been achieved in programming methodology and methods [gri78]. In particular, it led to major advances in computer science and to the increasing use of formal methods in software development. This, in turn, was applied to improving the means for evolving, that is, developing, adapting and enhancing E-type [leh80] software. Concepts, methods, techniques and tools such as high level languages, structured programming, abstract data types, formal methods, non-procedural programming, CASE, support environments and object orientation exemplify innovations, each in turn, expected to overcome the problems that have for so long [nau69] frustrated consistent, cost effective, on-time development of functionally satisfactory and reliable software. Such innovation did indeed yield process-local benefit. Introduction of structured programming and high level languages, for example, greatly improved program design and coding. Formal methods offered opportunities for increasing individual and small group effectiveness by facilitating CASE based process mechanisation and, hence, improvement in product quality and process productivity. Continuing technical innovation has played an important role in the major growth in the size and functional complexity of computing applications and systems.