Process knowledge gained during process execution is a valuable asset. In practice, process knowledge gained during process execution gets lost because it is usually not made available to a broader audience. On the other hand, it is this type of process knowledge that may help a Process Engineer update and maintain process models. This paper presents a concept and prototype tool implementation to systematically capture process knowledge in the form of annotations. These annotations are, upon analysis, integrated into the process model, thus incorporating experience and allowing users to learn from experience previously gained.

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Describes, using the Quality Improvement Paradigm (QIP), how an improvement project aimed at improving the modeling and documentation approach of a medium-sized company (Markant Su/spl uml/dwest Software und Dienstleistungs GmbH) was conducted. We discuss the new modeling approach, which may serve for other companies as a template for deriving their own adapted approach. Further, we illustrate our insights from this project that can help in future technology transfer projects. A major characteristic of this project was that it was embedded in a long-term consulting relationship.

The software development process and its related activities are described, implemented, analyzed, and changed by so-called Process Engineers. Process Engineers provide descriptions of software development processes to Process Performers. Because the processes usually are complex, support is needed for both Process Engineers and Process Performers. This paper reports the development and application of the process modeling environment Spearmint1. The architecture of Spearmint allows for a flexible definition and addition of views which are used for retrieving filtered and tailored presentations of the process models. One distinct view, namely the Electronic Process Guide used for dissemination of process information and guidance of Process Performers, is discussed in more detail. The Spearmint environment has been validated in industrial process engineering cases.