Authors
Thomas A. Grossman & Ozgur Ozluk
Abstract
Spreadsheet engineering methodologies are diverse and sometimes contradictory.
It is difficult for spreadsheet developers to identify a spreadsheet engineering methodology that is appropriate for their class of spreadsheet, with its unique combination of goals, type of problem, and available time and resources.
There is a lack of well-organized, proven methodologies with known costs and benefits for well-defined spreadsheet classes. It is difficult to compare and critically evaluate methodologies.
We present a paradigm for organizing and interpreting spreadsheet engineering recommendations. It systematically addresses the myriad choices made when developing a spreadsheet, and explicitly considers resource constraints and other development parameters.
This paradigm provides a framework for evaluation, comparison, and selection of methodologies, and a list of essential elements for developers or codifiers of new methodologies. This paradigm identifies gaps in our knowledge that merit further research.
Sample
Our paradigm consists of the following essential elements:
- Modeling: The act of determining what the spreadsheet shall do.
- Development parameters: The planning assumptions of a spreadsheet.
- Design: Comprises two elements - structural design and visual design.
- Programming: The creation of cell formulas and other logic in a spreadsheet.
- Quality control: All actions taken to determine whether the outputs of a spreadsheet are satisfactory.
- Debugging: Modifying a spreadsheet program to fix an output that has an unsatisfactory value.
- Documentation: Any written record regarding the spreadsheet.
- Usage: Any process where a user provides inputs to a spreadsheet, and observes the outputs.
- Modification: Changes made to the spreadsheet after it has been used.
Publication
2004, EuSpRIG
