Theoretical and Practical Complexity of UML

John Erickson, Keng Siau

Research output: Chapters, Conference Papers, Creative and Literary WorksRGC 32 - Refereed conference paper (with host publication)peer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Systems development methods have become more complex, concurrently with today’s systems. UML (Unified Modeling Language) has been criticized for its complexity, for those learning and using it. Using Rossi and Brinkkemper’s (1996) metrics, Siau and Cao, (2001) completed a complexity analysis of UML and other modeling techniques, finding that UML is more complex than other techniques. Siau, Erickson and Lee (2002) argued that Rossi and Brinkkemper’s metrics present the theoretical maximum, as opposed to a practical complexity, which must be less than the maximum. Therefore, Siau and Cao’s UML complexity analysis represents the theoretical complexity of UML. The current research proposes that a subset of UML (a kernel) composed of the most commonly used constructs, would more closely represent the complexity that practitioners face when using the language. A Delphi study is conducted using practitioners as experts, in an attempt to identify a use-based UML kernel and UML’s practical complexity.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication10th Americas Conference on Information Systems, AMCIS 2004
PublisherAssociation for Information Systems
Pages1669-1674
Publication statusPublished - 2004
Externally publishedYes
Event10th Americas Conference on Information Systems, AMCIS 2004 - New York, United States
Duration: 6 Aug 20048 Aug 2004

Publication series

Name10th Americas Conference on Information Systems, AMCIS 2004

Conference

Conference10th Americas Conference on Information Systems, AMCIS 2004
PlaceUnited States
CityNew York
Period6/08/048/08/04

Bibliographical note

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Research Keywords

  • 1669
  • complexity
  • complexity metrics
  • Delphi study
  • modeling method metrics
  • UML

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