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Software & Systems Process Engineering Meta-Model (SPEM)

Create Expressive Process Meta-models for Software and Systems Engineering Projects

You can create models of your software or system engineering processes to facilitate reuse and precision in the execution of projects in these disciplines. The process models that you define with the Software Process Engineering Metamodel (SPEM) are, as the name implies, meta-models. When you run a project the process model that is executed is an instantiation of the meta-model.

The main purpose of process models is to specify, describe and communicate processes to the stakeholders including all the analysts, architects and engineers engaged on a specific project and to ensure consistency between projects. The SPEM models can also be used for teaching and training purposes to ensure workers have a clear idea of the Activities, Tasks, Milestones and Work Products they need to produce as the process executes for a specific project. The use of process meta-models results in increased productivity of process engineers and an improved quality of the models they produce and in turn the systems that they develop or implement. Metrics can also be created to amend, elaborate and calibrate the process meat-models to ensure they continue to be fit for purpose.

SPEM model showing the key performers and input and output parameters for a Use Case Analysis task.

Access

Show the Diagram Toolbox using any of the methods outlined here.

On the Diagram Toolbox, click on Search to display the 'Find Toolbox Item' dialog and specify 'SPEM'.

Ribbon

Design > Diagram > Toolbox

Keyboard Shortcuts

Ctrl+Shift+3

Other

Click the Chevron Right icon on the Diagram caption bar to display the Diagram Toolbox

SPEM Integration

Use

Discussion

See also

SPEM in Enterprise Architect

Developing SPEM diagrams is quick and simple, using the SPEM 2.0 UML profile. The SPEM facilities are provided in the form of:

  • A SPEM diagram type, accessed through the 'New Diagram' dialog
  • A set of SPEM pages in the Diagram Toolbox, providing SPEM elements (stereotyped UML elements)
  • SPEM element and relationship entries in the 'Toolbox Shortcut Menu' and Quick Linker
Add New Diagrams SPEM Toolbox Pages Example Diagram Toolbox Shortcut Menu The Quick Linker

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