A proposal for software architecture elaboration guided by clause 10 of the ISO/IEC/IEEE 42020 standard

Abstract

This master’s thesis presents a comprehensive study on software architecture elaboration guided by Clause 10 of the ISO/IEC/IEEE 42020 standard. The increasing complexity of software systems necessitates new methodologies for modeling and documenting software architecture, aiming to improve decision-making processes among stakeholders. The research highlights the challenges faced in software architecture documentation, including poor integration, informal descriptions, and lack of coherence, which can impede effective communication and understanding among developers, architects, and engineers. The thesis begins by exploring the evolution of software architecture documentation, emphasizing its critical role in managing complexity and facilitating stakeholder communication. It reviews existing methodologies and frameworks, such as Views and Beyond (V&B) and Rozanski & Woods (R&W), underscoring their contributions to structuring software architecture processes. The study then introduces the ISO/IEC/IEEE 42020 standard, detailing its six processes – Architecture Governance, Management, Conceptualization, Evaluation, Elaboration, and Enablements – each aimed at enhancing the development and management of software architectures. The core contribution of this thesis is the development of a process for software architecture elaboration, specifically focused on Clause 10 of the ISO/IEC/IEEE 42020 standard. This process addresses the complexities and challenges in architectural documentation, aiming to simplify and standardize activities and tasks. It offers a clear, structured approach to facilitate a better understanding and implementation of software architecture practices. The research employs the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, ensuring a rigorous and systematic development of the proposed process. A significant practical contribution of this study is the development of ArchCE, a software tool designed to support the developed process. ArchCE aids stakeholders in managing and documenting software architectures, providing a practical application of the theoretical concepts. It streamlines the documentation process, ensuring alignment with stakeholder requirements and concerns. The tool is intended to be publicly available, promoting transparency, collaboration, and community involvement in its ongoing development and improvement. In conclusion, this thesis makes a substantial contribution to the field of software architecture by bridging the gap between theoretical standards and practical implementation. It offers a comprehensive, standardized approach that aids professionals in effectively managing and understanding software architecture processes. The development of the ArchCE tool further enhances the applicability of the research, providing a valuable resource for stakeholders involved in software architecture development. By promoting clarity, consistency, and collaboration, this research supports the advancement of best practices in software architecture documentation, ultimately contributing to the development of more efficient and effective software systems.