Towards a Metamodel for Integrating Multiple Models for Process Improvement

Software Process Improvement (SPI) has been used successfully in software intensive organizations usually based on a single pre-defined reference model, such as, for example, a CMMI or ISO/IEC 15504 (SPICE) model. However, it has increased the need for utilization of multiple reference models for process improvement. The current solutions usually embrace the previous creation of a new model that integrates a set of specific models. This paper presents a Process Capability Profiles Metamodel for dynamic integration of elements from multiple reference models during a process improvement cycle. The metamodel uses Model Driven Engineering (MDE) as theoretical reference applied for process improvement instead of for software development. The metamodel provides a basis for evolving current SPI methodologies towards a Modeling Driven Process Improvement methodology. This paper also presents the rationality, specification, implementation strategy, current implementation and examples of the metamodel.