Conceptual Modeling Challenges for Model-Integrated Software System Engineering (MISSE)

The difference between failure and success in developing a software-intensive system can often be traced to the presence or absence of clashes among the models used to define the system's product, process, property, and success characteristics. (Here, we use a simplified version of one of Webster's definitions of "model:" a description or analogy used to help visualize something. We include analysis as a form of visualization). Section 2 of this paper introduces the concept of model clashes, and provides examples of common clashes for each combination of products, process, property, and success model. Section 3 introduces the Model-Integrated Software-System Engineering (MISSE) approach for endowing a software project with a mutually supportive set of models. Section 4 presents examples of applying the MISSE approach to a family of digital library projects. Section 5 summarizes the main conceptual modeling challenges involved in the MISSE approach, including integration of multiple product views and integration of various classes of products, process, property, and success models. Section 6 summarizes current conclusions and future prospects.