Marco Torchiano: Relevance, Benefits and Problems of Software Modelling and Model Driven Techniques

Goal: The main goals of this paper are: (1) assess the diffusion and relevance of software modelling and MD techniques in the Italian industry, (2) understand the expected and achieved benefits, and (3) identify which problems limit/prevent their diffusion.
Method: We conducted an exploratory personal opinion survey with a sample of 155 Italian software professionals by means of a web-based on-line questionnaire.

Results: Software modelling and MD techniques are very relevant in the Italian industry. The adoption of simple modelling brings common benefits (better design support, documentation improvement, better maintenance, and higher software quality), while MD techniques make easier to achieve: improved standardization, higher productivity, and platform independence. We identified problems, some hinder adoption (too much effort required and limited usefulness) others prevent it (lack of competencies and supporting tools).

Conclusions: The relevance represents an important objective motivation for researchers in this area. The relationship between techniques and attainable benefits represents an instrument for practitioners planning the adoption of such techniques. In addition the findings may provide hints for companies and universities.

Bio: Marco Torchiano is an associate professor at Politecnico di Torino, Italy; he has been post-doctoral research fellow at Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway. He received an MSc and a PhD in Computer Engineering from Politecnico di Torino, Italy. He is author or coauthor of more than 100 research papers published in international journals and conferences. He is the co-author of the book ‘Software Development—Case studies in Java’ from Addison-Wesley, and co-editor of the book ‘Developing Services for the Wireless Internet’ from Springer. His current research interests are: design notations, testing methodologies, OTS-based development and software engineering for mobile and wireless applications. The methodological approach he adopts is that of empirical software engineering.