The management of risk in system development: Project SP and the New Spiral Model

The article discusses the development of complex products, with a particular emphasis on software, and focuses on the problem of how to manage the risks in the development process. A number of models of the development process are described including Boehm´s Spiral Model, which has risk management as a central theme. An example is described where Boehm´s Spiral Model has been tried. The strengths and weaknesses of the model are discussed in the light of this experience. A notation called Project SP is presented as a means of recording the progressively growing knowledge base of a project and the areas of uncertainty and associated risk. Also described is the new Spiral Model, derived from Boehm´s model and designed to be used in conjunction with Project SP. The New Spiral Model appears to preserve the advantages of the previous model and appears to remedy its weaknesses. Associated issues are described and discussed