Process reference model construction: implementing an evolutionary multi-method research approach

Abstract

Process reference models can serve as a tool for simplifying process problem-solving during software development software. In the authors' research project, they developed a process reference model for software product line product derivation. The development was completed in four stages using sources in industry and academia. In this study, the authors discuss their research approach. They include an explanation on how the different stages of the research form a continuum in which the model is continually adjusted, and describe how empirical evidence was used in the development of the reference model through following an evolutionary multi-method research approach. Following a discussion on each research stage, the authors briefly present the evolution of the reference model they have developed, Pro-PD, as an exemplar of their approach. The study contributes to an improved understanding of real world reference model construction. Importantly, the authors also present lessons learned while implementing the approach. This research contributes to the practical implementation of reference model construction guidelines.

Crafting a software process improvement approach-a retrospective systematization

“…The major difference is that O'Leary and Richardson followed a planned approach while we needed to develop the procedure ‘under way’ (Section 4.2). Furthermore, regarding the academic analyses, we added lab‐based experiments to the method portfolio, which were not mentioned in . However, they explicitly name the problem that reference models usually do not provide a detailed description of the construction process, which supports our findings from investigating the literature.…”

“…The basic characteristics are similar to the approach we present in this article, but differ in details, for example, academic validation based on controlled experiments was not mentioned in . O'Leary and Richardson describe a procedure in which a multi‐method research approach was used to develop a process reference model. They describe the overall approach and provide insights into the different stages.…”

“… consider such methods worthwhile. In line with O'Leary and Richardson , we also consider a systematic literature review worthwhile to obtain further information from external sources. However, we see two risks in these instruments: (1) the diversity of the data and (2) the sheer mass of information.…”

Results and lessons learned in System, Software & Service Process Improvement & Innovation

“…Apart from the traditional topic of tool development, 2 main pillars are supporting the paper in terms of research topics: project management and service portfolio management. Regarding the first topic, several works have tackled the subject in recent papers dealing with project management in small settings, compliance with PMBOK or process reference models and regarding service portfolio Management. Papers dealing with the topic include ITIL implementation sequence suggestions or the TIPA framework …”

Modelling Care Pathways in a Connected Health Setting

“…Documented pathways require customisation where the defined process needs to be specialised and a lower level frequently needs to be constructed in order to create a working model. We will use a multi-method research design as advised in [15]. This is "the conduct of two or more research methods, each conducted rigorously and complete in itself, in one project" [16].…”