System dynamics modeling of an inspection-based process

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Abstract
A dynamic simulation model of an inspection-based software lifecycle process has been developed to support quantitative process evaluation. The model serves to examine the effects of inspection practices on cost, scheduling and quality throughout the lifecycle. It uses system dynamics to model the interrelated flows of tasks, errors and personnel throughout different development phases and is calibrated to industrial data. If extends previous software project dynamics research by examining an inspection-based process with an original model, integrating it with a knowledge-based method for risk assessment and cost estimation, and using an alternative modeling platform. While specific enough to investigate inspection practices, it is sufficiently general to incorporate changes for other phenomena. It demonstrates the effects of performing inspections or not, the effectiveness of varied inspection policies, and the effects of other managerial policies such as manpower allocation. The results of testing indicate a valid model that can be used for process evaluation and project planning, and can serve as a framework for incorporating other dynamic process factors.