Skip to main content
Log in

The socio-economics of software architecture

  • Published:
Automated Software Engineering Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The paper argues that strategic decisions about software architectures need to be based on a social and economic analysis of which designs are likely to succeed and become accepted by users. Software architecture is increasingly having to take account of customisation, reuse, end-user development and system configuration. The relationship between architecture and end users’ requirements is investigated, to propose a cost-benefit framework to support reasoning about architectural choices from the perspective of end users. The relationships between architectural decisions and non-functional requirements is reviewed, and the impact on architecture is assessed using a case study of developing configurable, semi-intelligent software to support medical researchers in e-science domains.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

Explore related subjects

Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.

References

  • Ananiadou, S., McNaught, J.: Text Mining for Biology and Biomedicine. Artech House, Norwood (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  • Arango, G., Schoen, E., Pettengill, R.: Design as evolution and reuse. In: Proceedings: 2nd International Workshop on Software Reusability. Advances in Software Reuse, pp. 9–18. IEEE Computer Society Press, Los Alamitos (1993)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bastos, L.R.D., Castro, J.F.B., Mylopoulos, J.: Integrating organisational requirements and socio-intentional architectural styles. In: Berry, D.M., Kazman, R., Wieringa, R. (eds.) Proceedings: STRAW 03 Workshop: Software Requirements and Architectures, pp. 114–121. IEEE Computer Society Press, Los Alamitos (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  • Burnett, M.M., Baker, M.J.: Scaling up visual programming languages. IEEE Comput. 28(3), 45 (1995)

    Google Scholar 

  • Callele, D., Neufeld, E., Schneider, K.: Emotional requirements in video games. In: Proceedings: 14th IEEE International Requirements Engineering Conference RE06, pp. 299–302. IEEE Computer Society Press, Los Alamitos (2006)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Choppy, C., Hatebur, D., Heisel, M.: Architectural patterns for problem frames. IRR Proc. Softw. 152(4), 198–208 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chung, L., Nixon, B.A.: Dealing with non-functional requirements: Three experimental studies of a process-oriented approach. In: Proceedings: 17th International Conference on Systems Engineering, pp. 25–37. IEEE Computer Society Press, Los Alamitos (1995)

    Google Scholar 

  • Clements, P., Northrop, L.M.: Software Product Lines: Practices and Patterns. Addison-Wesley, Reading (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  • Conklin, J., Begeman, M.L.: gIBIS: A hypertext tool for exploratory policy discussion. ACM Trans. Off. Inf. Syst. 64, 303–331 (1988)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davies, F.D.: Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Q. 13(3), 319–339 (1989)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eason, K.D.: Information Technology and Social Change. Taylor and Francis, London (1988)

    Google Scholar 

  • Erdogmus, H., Boehm, B.W., Harrison, W., Reifer, D.J., Sullivan, K.J.: Software engineering economics: Background, current practices and future directions. In: Proceedings: ICSE-02, Orlando, FL, 19–25 May 2002. ACM Press, New York (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fayad, M.E., Johnson, R.E.: Domain-Specific Application Frameworks: Frameworks Experience by Industry. Wiley, New York (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fickas, S., Feather, M.S.: Requirements monitoring in dynamic environments. In: Harrison, M.D., Zave, P. (eds.) Proceedings: 1995 IEEE International Symposium on Requirements Engineering (RE ’95), York, 27–29 March 1995, pp. 140–147. IEEE Computer Society Press, Los Alamitos (1995)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Finkelstein, A., Harman, M., Mansouri, A., Ren, J., Zhang, Y.: Fairness analysis in requirements engineering. In: Proceedings: 16th IEEE International Requirements Engineering Conference RE08, Barcelona. IEEE Computer Society Press, Los Alamitos (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fischer, G.: Shared knowledge in cooperative problem-solving systems: Integrating adaptive and adaptable components. In: Schneider-Hufschmidt, M., Kuehme, T., Malinowski, U. (eds.) Adaptive User Interfaces: Principles and Practice, pp. 49–68. Elsevier Science, Amsterdam (1993)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fischer, G.: Domain-oriented design environments. Autom. Softw. Eng. 1(2), 177–203 (1994)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fischer, G.: Seeding, evolutionary growth and reseeding: Constructing, capturing and evolving knowledge in domain-oriented design environments. In: Sutcliffe, A.G., Benyon, D., VanAssche, F. (eds.) Domain Knowledge for Interactive System Design; Proceedings: TC8/WG8.2 Conference on Domain Knowledge in Interactive System Design, Switzerland, pp. 1–16. Chapman & Hall, London (1996)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fischer, G., Giaccardi, E., Ye, Y., Sutcliffe, A.G., Mehandjiev, N.: A framework for end-user development: Socio-technical perspectives and meta-design. Commun. ACM 47(9), 33–39 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, S.: Multimedia Authoring: Building and Developing Documents. AP Professional, Cambridge (1994)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gamma, E., Helm, R., Johnson, R., Vlissides, J.: Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software. Addison Wesley, Reading (1995)

    Google Scholar 

  • Glinz, M.: On non-functional requirements. In: Sutcliffe, A.G., Jalote, P. (eds.) Proceedings: 15th IEEE International Requirements Engineering Conference RE07, New Delhi, India, 15–19 October 2007, pp. 21–28. IEEE Computer Society Press, Los Alamitos (2007)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Gordijn, J., Yu, E., Van Der Raadt, B.: e-Service design using i* and e3value modelling. IEEE Softw. 23, 26–33 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Green, W.S., Jordan, P.W.: Pleasure with Products: Beyond Usability. Taylor & Francis, London (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  • Green, T.R.G., Petre, M.: Usability analysis of visual programming environments: A cognitive dimensions framework. J. Vis. Lang. Comput. 7, 131–174 (1996)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haley, C.B., Laney, R., Moffett, J.D., Nuseibeh, B.: The effect of trust assumptions on the elaboration of security requirements. In: Proceedings: 12th IEEE International Conference on Requirements Engineering, Kyoto, 6–10 September 2004. IEEE Computer Society Press, Los Alamitos (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hall, J.G., Jackson, M.J., Laney, R.C., Nuseibeh, B., Rananotti, L.: Relating software requirements and architectures using problem frames. In: Greenspan, S., Saddiqi, J., Pohl, K. (eds.) Proceedings: IEEE Joint International Conference on Requirements Engineering, Essen, Germany, 9–13 September 2002, pp. 137–145. IEEE Computer Society Press, Los Alamitos (2002)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Hallett, C., Scott, D., Power, R.: Intuitive querying of e-health data repositories. In: Proceedings: UK e-Science All-Hands Meeting, Nottingham (2005)

  • Hansen, S., Berente, N., Lyytinen, K.: Requirements in the 21st century: Current practice and emerging trends, In: Proceedings: Design Requirements Workshop, Cleveland, 3–6 June 2007. Case Western University, Cleveland (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  • Herlocker, J., Konstan, J., Treveen, L., Riedl, J.: Evaluating collaborative filtering recommender systems. ACM Trans. Inf. Syst. 22(1), 5–53 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hofmeister, C., Nord, R., Soni, D.: Global analysis moving from software requirements and specifications to structural views of the software architecture. IEE Proc. Softw. 152(4), 187–197 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • ISO: ISO 9241: Ergonomic requirements for office systems with visual display terminals (VDTs). International Standards Organisation (1997)

  • Jackson, M.: Problem Frames: Analysing and Structuring Software Development Problems. Pearson Education, Harlow (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kartseva, V., Gordijn, J., Tan, Y.H.: Value-based design of networked enterprises using control patterns. In: Sutcliffe, A.G., Jalote, P. (eds.) Proceedings: 15th IEEE International Requirements Engineering Conference RE07, New Delhi, India, 15–19 October 2007, pp. 91–100. IEEE Computer Society Press, Los Alamitos (2007)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Keller, G., Teufel, T.: SAP/R3 Process Oriented Implementation. Addison Wesley-Longman, Reading (1998)

    Google Scholar 

  • Laney, R., Barroca, L., Jackson, M., Nuseibeh, B.: Composing requirements using problem frames. In: Proceedings: 12th IEEE International Requirements Engineering Conference, Kyoto, 6–10 September 2004, pp. 122–131. IEEE Computer Society Press, Los Alamitos (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lehman, M.M., Ramil, J.F.: Software evolution in the age of component based systems engineering. IEE Proc. Softw. 147(6), 249–255 (2000)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lieberman, H. (ed.): Your Wish is My Command: Programming by Example. Morgan Kaufmann, San Francisco (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  • Maimon, O., Rokach, L.: Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery Handbook. Springer, Berlin (2005)

    MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Nardi, B.: A Small Matter of Programming. MIT Press, Cambridge (1993)

    Google Scholar 

  • Norman, D.A.: Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things. Basic Books, New York (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  • Nuseibeh, B.: Weaving together requirements and architecture. IEEE Comput. 34(3), 115–117 (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  • Oinn, T.M., Greenwood, R.M., Addis, M., et al.: Taverna: Lessons in creating a workflow environment for the life sciences. Concurr. Comput. Pract. Exp. 18(10), 1067–1100 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prieto-Diaz, R.: Implementing faceted classification for software reuse. Commun. ACM 34(5), 88–97 (1991)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rapanotti, L., Hall, J., Jackson, M., Nuseibeh, B.: Architecture-driven problem decomposition. In: Proceedings: 12th IEEE International Requirements Engineering Conference, Kyoto, 6–10 September 2004, pp. 80–89. IEEE Computer Society Press, Los Alamitos (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  • Repenning, A.: Agentsheets: A tool for building domain oriented-dynamic visual environments. Technical Report, Dept. of Computer Science, CU/CS/693/93, Boulder CO, University of Colorado (1993)

  • Robertson, J., Robertson, S.: Mastering the Requirements Process. Addison Wesley, Harlow (1999)

    Google Scholar 

  • Robinson, W.N.: Requirements monitoring for enterprise systems. Requir. Eng. 11(1), 17–41 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Robinson, W.N., Pawlowski, S.: Managing requirements inconsistency with development goal monitors. IEEE Trans. Softw. Eng. (Nov/Dec) (1999)

  • Schmid, K.: A comprehensive product line scoping approach and its validation. In: Proceedings: ICSE-02, Orlando, FL, 19–25 May 2002. ACM Press, New York (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwanke, K.: Architectural requirements engineering: Theory and practice. In: Berry, D.M., Kazman, R., Wieringa, R. (eds.) Proceedings: STRAW 03 Workshop: Software Requirements and Architectures, pp. 1–8. IEEE Computer Society Press, Los Alamitos (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  • Simos, M., Anthony, J.: Weaving the model Web: A multi-modeling approach to concepts and features in domain engineering. In: Devanbu, P., Poulin, J. (eds.) Proceedings: Fifth International Conference on Software Reuse, Victoria, BC, 2–5 June 1998, pp. 94–102. IEEE Computer Society Press, Los Alamitos (1998)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Sommerville, I., Sawyer, P.: Requirements Engineering: A Good Practice Guide. Wiley, Chichester (1997)

    MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Sutcliffe, A.G.: The Domain Theory: Patterns for Knowledge and Software Reuse. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Mahwah (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sutcliffe, A.G., Fickas, S., Sohlberg, M.: Personal and contextual requirements engineering. In: Proceedings: 13th IEEE International Conference on Requirements Engineering, Paris, 29 August–2 September 2005, pp. 19–28. IEEE Computer Society Press, Los Alamitos (2005)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Sutcliffe, A.G., Thew, S., Venters, C., De Bruijn, O., McNaught, J., Proctor, R., Buchan, I.: ADVISES Project: Scenario-based requirements analysis for e-science applications. In: Proceedings: UK e-Science All Hands Conference 2007 (2007). Available online at http://www.allhands.org.uk/2007/. Accessed 30 June 2008

  • Vici, A.D., Argentieri, N., Mansour, A., d’Alessandro, M., Favaro, J.: FODAcom: An experience with domain analysis in the Italian telecom industry. In: Devanbu, P., Poulin, J. (eds.) Proceedings: Fifth International Conference on Software Reuse, pp. 166–175 (1998)

  • Weiss, D.M., Lai, C.T.R.: Software Product-Line Engineering: A Family-Based Software Development Process. Addison-Wesley, Reading (1999)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wile, D.S.: Residual requirements and architectural residue. In: Proceedings: RE 01 5th International Symposium on Requirements Engineering, pp. 194–201. IEEE Computer Society Press, Los Alamitos (2001)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alistair Sutcliffe.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Sutcliffe, A. The socio-economics of software architecture. Autom Softw Eng 15, 343–363 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10515-008-0029-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10515-008-0029-5

Keywords

Navigation