Software Systems Research Themes
Research Themes:
- Requirements Engineering
- Software Modelling
- Global Software Systems
- Business and Software Process and Quality
- Related links
Requirements Engineering
Requirements Engineering is perhaps the strongest established theme within the Centre, and has many linkages to other research foci. An important goal within much of our work is to provide models which are accessible to the business user so that they can be involved in the specification of systems, while also providing sufficient explanatory power to specify systems accurately. Previous projects have included improving use case specification guidelines, using process models to enhance requirements, and ensuring that requirements meet the strategic goals of businesses.
Our current work on model driven architecture ( MDA ) tools provides an integrated toolset, which, by supporting transformations among models, is able to support the multiple needs of users, clients, business analysts and developers, thereby improving the validation of software requirements. (The VIDE Project – a Framework 6 EU project).
Further requirements research themes within the Centre include dealing with large and complex software systems (and systems of systems) and understanding and describing the specific requirements issues relating to Global Software Development.
- Dr Keith Phalp
- Sheridan Jeary
- Dr Cornelius Ncube
- Dr John Mathenge Kanyaru
- Ali Fouad
- Heather Mayes
Software Modelling
Software Modelling is an area which has seen considerable growth over the past three years within the centre. It is a broad area, but the centre is particularly interested in Model Driven Development, modelling languages and model transformations. We are building further expertise particularly with Domain Specific Languages (Converge) and areas relating to Software Product Lines. Domain Specific Languages are highly specialised languages aimed at specific domains allowing the specification of a system in that particular problem domain. Because of the specialisation it should be easy to use that language and thus it will give cost savings in production of a software system. Software Product Lines research investigates the commonalities in software products and their development with the aim of reusing as much as possible thus decreasing development time and consequently time to market.
- Dr Keith Phalp
- Sheridan Jeary
- Dr Laurence Tratt
- Dr Roberto Lopez-Herrejon
- Dr John Mathenge Kanyaru
- Melanie Coles
- Suzy Cutts
- Frank Grimm
Global Software Systems
Global Software Systems is the latest addition to our range of foci, but one which encompasses a breadth of software research. Therefore, the intention is that this themed area that will allow newer researchers the opportunity to develop their own areas of expertise within an umbrella which will allow for further synergy and collaboration. To this end we have identified specific expertise in the related (sub) areas of:
- Information Systems
- Dr Amanda Schierz
- Dr Marek Machura
- Dr Andrew Main
- Michael Jones
- Melanie Coles
- Ruth Pitman
- Dr Frank Milsom
- Dr Reza Sahandi
- Security
- Michael Jones
- David Newell
- Global Software Development
- Dr Valentine Casey
Business and Software Process and Quality
The area of both business and software process improvement and quality is another area of the centre that is well established, with expertise relating back to the Empirical Software Engineering Group. Currently there is considerable interest in defect detection of models as part of the Model Driven Architecture and the process of conversion of business process models into quality software models. (The VIDE project). There is considerable scope to increase this work. In addition current links with European partners mean that collaborative work in the area of method and process is continuing.
- Dr Keith Phalp
- Sheridan Jeary
- Dr Valentine Casey
- Dr Frank Milsom
