Automating the Specification Process

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This project concerns itself with a means of both formalizing and automating the specification process. It proposes a model of specification design that a) is evolutionary, b) is based on collaborative problem solving by both analyst and client c) represents conflicting goals, and d) is knowledge-based. Efforts are divided along two broad fronts: 1) the definition of a process model of problem-acquisition and specification-construction, and 2) a characterization of the form and content of the knowledge underlying such a model. The long range goal is to approximate the type of expertise seen in a competent, experienced, software analyst as he or she interacts with a client to construct a software specification. The project continues a) the experimental study of expert, human, software analysts and b) the construction of a system for specification critiquing derived from such studies, and proposes new work in the areas of c) conflict and compromise in specification construction, and d) models of design that extend that of traditional top-down refinement.