Software development process for the Aviation Mission Planning System (AMPS): a case study

Abstract

The DoD software development environment is one in needed transition. Many of the old methodologies have been less than effective for software development. Emerging methods and techniques, for instance, evolutionary development and incremental delivery, and the use of CASE tools, are supported by a new set of flexible standards. MIL-STD-498, Software Development and Documentation. and the coming commercial equivalent, emphasize flexibility, tailoring, and value-added activities. The Aviation Mission Planning Systems (AMPS) software development effort, is a study in the employment of innovative, emerging methods and techniques in this evolving environment. Originally a prototype, the AMPS program will now lead to a production system. The development process for the supporting software is now undergoing a transition. This thesis examines this transition and discusses several process improvement considerations as they relate to the AMPS software development process. Additionally, this thesis explores several areas of concern surrounding the AMPS software development process transition, and suggests possible mitigation approaches.