On the integration of software product management with software defect management in distributed environments

This paper presents a conceptual model for integrating software product management (SPM) and defect management in a distributed environment. Two case studies are carried out to identify SPM and defect management processes and the relation between them. From these case studies and from SPM and defect management theory, domain concepts are deducted that are used to create our conceptual model. An expert interview indicated that SPM practitioners and experts agreed that that managing software defects differs from managing requirements. In addition, 90% of the interviewees indicated that the proposed conceptual model is a good way to handle requirements and defects.