Background:

We propose a new method (Concept mapping) for integrating theory with expert judgement, when performing maintainability evaluations. This approach has been used before in psychology and social sciences, but no previous work is registered in the field of Software Engineering. The method consists of using theory available to guide a set of measures intended to represent a given characteristic (in this case, software maintainability) and through brainstorming and discussion sessions, enable the experts the utilization/interpretation of those. Conceptualization or concept mapping could be a flexible choice to be used in order to build goal-oriented constructs more fit to the specific context of analysis. We intend to use this method to build a pattern where we describe 4 different systems and use it to analyze their maintainability.

What you will do:

You will help to design, prepare and carry out concept mapping sessions within academia and industry. For that you need to learn what is concept mapping as well as a research technique called pattern matching. You will be required to read on the theory available on measures and constructs that represent software maintainability. You will also observe the participants on the concept mapping sessions and perform evaluations on the usefulness/viability of this approach in a real-life maintenance project.

You will from this thesis:

·         Learn how to evaluate a new methodology in a real-life project

·         Get insight on research methods such as concept mapping and pattern matching

·         Learn about software maintainability constructs and measures

·         Establish contacts with software industry at international and local level