______________________________________________________________________ WISR91- Working Group Report - Towards a Reuse Handbook Editor: Martin Griss Nov. 1991 ______________________________________________________________________ This topic was introduced with several questions, and then followed by a structured brainstorming to develop alternative outlines for a handbook. After hearing the synthesized results, the group suggested that since several companies had such internal handbooks, perhaps we could get several to collaborate (eg, HP, IBM, etc.), build on existing guidebooks such as the SofTech and RAPID center, or build on textbooks which have a guidebook flavor, such as Hooper and Chester. Questions: What is a reuse handbook, how might it be used? Who is the audience? Do we need a handbook? Does a handbook work? Griss quickly described his vision of a "Customizable, looseleaf structure", something like a typical time manager, that provides several kinds of forms, sets of guidelines for meetings, setting priorities, tabbed dividers, sections, templates etc. Most people use some of the standard forms, some design their own, or change the order. There was some discussion as to whether handbooks "work". i.e., if you present material just in handbook form, would people, use it or leave it on the shelf. In other disciplines, such handbooks are used, but their value has been demonstrated early in the education of the (eg, engineers). It was suggested that the handbook be overviewed in a (short) training course, and then updated periodically. One idea is to apply domain analysis approaches to the goal of developing reusable guidebook artifacts: sections on terminology, framework, (reusable) process, etc. Sections might include: education, slides, documentation templates, reuse assessment forms, advice on starting and managing a program, etc. Following the brainstorming and merging, several variations of handbook organization appeared. Each of these contains some major structural ideas which can be combined, as well as many common section titles. *1* A 2 volume set: Vol. I: "Startup" - Beginning a Reuse Program Feasibility, Assessment, Selling ... Vol. II: "Steady State" - Running a Reuse Program, ... *2* Separate volumes or sections for different audience: Sec. 1. Managers Guidelines and Process Sec. 2. Producers Guidelines and Process Sec. 3 Consumers Guidelines and Process *3* Standard set of relatively independent modules Introduction (Purpose, How to use, version hsitory) Overview of Reuse Practice Terminology & Handbook/Process Framework Modules Process & Methods (Domain Analysis, Domain Engineering, Asset Managment, Development with Reuse, ...) Products (standards, formats, tools,...) Evaluation (maturity models, metrics, assessment, economics) Education (curricula, materials, sources,...) Glossary & Thesaurus Appendix Case Studies Literature Overview Bibliography Training materials and sources Catalog of tool & component suppliers Consultants and Experts *4* Highly "Structured" model, perhaps best delivered via Hypermedia Uses the concept of a maturity model, and process incorporating planning, doing, checking, and integrated improvement (learning) Introduction Overview of Reuse Practice Handbook philosophy and model Assess--->Maturity Model--->Evolve Terminology & Framework Maturity Model Framwork Format & Usage of Modules (each module is structured as: Name/Category Goal & Maturity Level Planning, Managing Executing, checking Learning, Improving General Principles and Guidelines Managerial Producer Asset manager Consumer Modules [similar to *3*] Appendix [similar to *4*]