Task Structure

To facilitate repeatability, ease of use, customization and automation of the techniques described herein, a process model was created. This model utilizes the following categories:

Objectives A clear indication as to why one would actually undertake a particular task and what one is actually trying to accomplish.

Entrance Criteria Identification of any recommended prerequisite tasks.

Roles/Skills Definition of personnel and skill requirements required to accomplish task objectives.

Input Requirements The system components, previous task deliverables or related inputs required to begin and complete a given task.

Tool/Technology Support Identification of the types of software tools used during a task. Various tools are identified by name, along with the vendor. Individual steps contain specific usage guidelines for each tool.

Task Steps The steps required to actually fulfill the objectives for a given task. There are multiple steps within a task in order to achieve stated objectives for a task. Work plan estimation guidelines are included for each task. Generic guidelines are aided by one or more sets of tool specific guidelines based on commercial product availability of tools for that tool class.

Deliverables The output results delivered from a given task. Deliverables may include models, metrics, documentation, source code, narrative summary, forms and executable systems.

Quality Checks Key points that should have been addressed in order to ensure the basic objectives of a given task.

Metrics Each task, particularly under Inventory/Analysis, produces a work estimate and analysis findings summary. This information is summarized in metric format for management summary and measurement analysis.

Exit Criteria Key points that assist an analyst in determining when a task has actually been completed.