Defect reduction by improving inspection of UML diagrams in the GPRS project : a study of available techniques and "state-of-the-practice" in the GPRS project for inspection of UML diagrams ; experimenting a suggested method to reduce defect cost by early detection of defects

Abstract

Since UML was introduced to the software development industry, companies have adopted this notation language into their Object-Oriented development process. Our object in this thesis has been to evaluate the current R&I method against new reading techniques for object oriented diagrams and models. The new techniques, OORT focuses the inspectors in a development process on the model and help finding defects of different character than their current R&I method. We preformed an experiment at Ericsson together with students at NTNU, using the new techniques. Results from it shows that the OORT’s focuses the inspectors in a development process on the Model and help finding defects of different character than their current R&I method. The techniques also lead the inspector to find more subtle defects. Ericsson’s current R&I method found more defects of technical value. This makes the two techniques complementary. We found that the OORT inspections would fit into RUP, if the architecture-centric approach is used. This approach sees the system as an entity, possible divided into several sub-entities. Each entity is self-contained with a set of information that is conceptually whole and logically complete. OORT-inspections are not restricted to a deadline, since it is not performed because of implementation of a new functionality. When a system entity’s functionality has been fully or partly covered up, an OORT inspection can be performed whenever, after this level has been reached. As far as we can see from the results, Ericsson would profit from implementing OORT in their inspection process. Further on, guidelines for the new technique must be developed and more industrial experiments should be performed with the OORT’s. The OORT’s themselves should also be generalized to fit modern Object-Oriented Development Processes as RUP, Extreme Programming and others.