Essence-based Method Chunk Composition

This research proposes a composition process of method chunks to form a new software development method using Essence as a standard notation (we call it an essence-based method). A tool has also been built to support the process. Quality of the product and the process of software engineering are influenced by the method used. When the problem and the complexity of the solution increase, it is more difficult to choose the appropriate method. Some existing methods are harder to be modified to meet the need of a certain software project situations. Situational method engineering (SME) is an approach to compose a method from several method parts (or chunks) to meet the need of developer team according to the project situations. Some existing research have promoted several process models. One of such process is assembly process model. When Essence is used as a standard notation, the assembly process model must be adapted. Thus, we modify the process model to support composition of essence-based method chunks. A composition tool that support the process has also been built. Essence is a standard released by the Object Management Group (OMG) to define software engineering methods. Our tool has been evaluated by composing essence-based method chunks to form a new (essence-based) method.