Evaluating a rapid simulation modelling process (RSMP) through controlled experiments

In recent years there has been an increasing interest in simulation modelling to study, control, and manage software development processes. Despite this, little attention has been paid towards the simulation modelling process itself. We have developed a rapid simulation modelling process (RSMP) based on our study of experienced simulation modellers. This paper reports a set of controlled experiments to evaluate the usability and utility of the RSMP. The results from this show that the RSMP has proved to be a usable and useful approach for developing software process simulation models. The results show that the RSMP is likely to bring discipline to software process simulation modellers and improve the quality of the model they produce.