GENSIM 2.0: A Customizable Process Simulation Model for Software Process Evaluation

Software process analysis and improvement relies heavily on empiricalresearch. Empirical research requires measurement, experimentation, andmodeling. Moreover, whatever evidence is gained via empirical research isstrongly context dependent. Thus, it is hard to combine results and capitalizeupon them in order to improve software development processes in evolving developmentenvironments. The process simulation model GENSIM 2.0 addressesthese challenges. Compared to existing process simulation models in the literature,the novelty of GENSIM 2.0 is twofold: (1) The model structure is customizableto organization-specific processes. This is achieved by using a limited setof macro-patterns. (2) Model parameters can be easily calibrated to availableempirical data and expert knowledge. This is achieved by making the internalmodel structures explicit and by providing guidance on how to calibrate modelparameters. This paper outlines the structure of GENSIM 2.0, shows examplesof how to calibrate the simulator to available empirical data, and demonstratesits usefulness through two application scenarios. In those scenarios, GENSIM2.0 is used to rank feasible combinations of verification and validation (V&V)techniques with regards to their impact on project duration, product quality andresource consumption. Though results confirm the expectation that doing moreV&V earlier is generally beneficial to all project performance dimensions, theexact rankings are sensitive to project context.