Alignment of software product management and software architecture with discussion models

How to achieve alignment of software product management with software architecture and whether there is a business case for doing so is scientifically unknown. Yet, software architecture has large, direct impact on product success factors: creating a winning product and delivering value to customers. In this exploratory case study paper we identify the most critical processes for SPM and SA alignment: requirements gathering and refinement. These processes require effective communication supported by high level architectural views. Our respondents, however, rely on simple methods due to their negative experiences with formalized models. Based on these findings, we propose the Accurate Architectural Models Approach (AAMA) which prevents architectural model divergence.