Call for Action
Software engineering is gravely hampered today by immature practices. Specific problems include:
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The prevalence of fads more typical of fashion industry than of an engineering discipline.
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The lack of a sound, widely accepted theoretical basis.
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The huge number of methods and method variants, with differences little understood and artificially magnified.
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The lack of credible experimental evaluation and validation.
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The split between industry practice and academic research.
We support a process to refound software engineering based on a solid theory, proven principles and best practices that:
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Include a kernel of widely-agreed elements, extensible for specific uses
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Addresses both technology and people issues
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Are supported by industry, academia, researchers and users
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Support extension in the face of changing requirements and technology