A Lightweight Value-based Software Architecture Evaluation

Current software engineering practice is focused on value-neutral processes. Value-based architecting, one of value-based software engineering agendas, involves the further consideration of the system objectives associated with different stakeholder values in selecting an optimal architectural alternative. There are several value-based architectural evaluation techniques and cost benefit analysis method (CBAM) is a widely used, established technique based on return on investment (ROI). The weaknesses of the existing techniques are uncertainties from several subjective errors and the heavyweight process, which requires many steps and participation of stakeholders. This paper proposes a lightweight value-based architecture evaluation technique, called LiVASAE, using analytic hierarchy process (AHP), which can support a multi-criteria decision-making process. The proposed technique can help overcome the major weakness of the existing techniques such as the uncertainties caused by subjective decision making and heavy-weight process for architecture evaluations. LiVASAE provides a way to measure the uncertainty level using AHP's consistency rate (CR) and It also provides three simplified evaluation steps. In addition, the LiVASAE presents a framework for decision makers to make technical decisions associated with business goals (or values) such as cost, time-to-market, and integration with legacy system.