Representing software engineering models: The TAME goal oriented approach

A methodology and a knowledge representation and reasoning framework for top-down goal-oriented characterization, modeling, and execution of software engineering activities is presented. A prototype system (ES-TAME) which demonstrates the underlying knowledge representation and reasoning principles is described. ES-TAME provides an object-oriented metamodel concept that provides support for tailorable and reusable software engineering models (SEMs). It provides the basic mechanisms, functions, and attributes for all the other models. It is based on interobject relationships, dynamic viewpoints, and selective inheritance in addition to traditional object-oriented mechanisms. Descriptive SEMs include representations for basic software engineering activities. They are controlled and made operational by active GQM (goal-question-metric paradigm) models which are built by a systematic mechanism for defining and evaluating project and corporate goals and using measurement to provide feedback in real-time.