Software reuse and the Army program development process

Abstract

This thesis examines the current Army Program Management software development effort with respect to the application and implementation of software reuse. This study examines current efforts by the Department of Defense and related agencies to implement software reuse into the development and life cycle of both embedded and host application software for automated weapon systems. The DoD software development cycle templates are examined for software reuse applicability, integration, and implementation. Broad overview and analysis of potential, real and perceived reuse implementation inhibitors and barriers is conducted by category (Management, Standards, Library, Legal, and Education), and in conjunction with interviews of critical personnel within the Program Management structure to assess current knowledge and opinion on software reuse. Identified software reuse inhibitors and program personnel concerns are addressed by category, with the intention of finding generalized solutions and application or execution points within the parameters of the software program development structure.