Using virtual subsystems in project management

Software project management cannot be performed without a sufficient understanding of the entire software system. When it comes to making informed project-related decisions, management personnel require a high-level understanding of the entire system and in-depth information on selected components. Unfortunately, many software systems are so complex and/or old that such information is not readily available. Reverse engineering-the process of extracting system abstractions and design information from existing software systems-can provide some of this missing information. The authors outline how risk analysis and project management can be improved through the use of virtual subsystems created through reverse engineering.