On UML modeling tool evaluation, use and training

Abstract

Unified Modeling Language™ (UML) is an international standard for systems modeling. UML is used for modeling requirements, architecture, detailed design, and software code generation. UML modeling tools offer graphical editors for UML model development, generating software from UML models, creating UML models from the software, and supporting collaborative model development. This thesis offers new knowledge about UML modeling tool use, evaluation, and training. The main research question is: How can a globally distributed product company where UML modeling activities are scattered across different locations and countries implement a UML modeling tool? Five studies comprise the research process. The first study provided new information concerning how UML and UML modeling tools can be used in the context of product requirements and release management process. In the second study, version management capabilities of the UML modeling tool were evaluated. The main contribution of this study was the creation and evaluation a set of evaluation criteria. A virtual meeting tool (VMT)-based training method for teaching UML and the features of a UML modeling tool was designed and evaluated in the third study. According to the study, the VMT-based training positively impacted learners’ skills, knowledge, and motivation and they were satisfied with the training. The training cost decreased in the case company by 88% compared to traditional classroom training. In the fourth study, a new instrument was developed for measuring users’ satisfaction with the UML modeling tool and service. A longitudinal case study was conducted to evaluate several classes of e-teaching tools supporting the teaching of UML and the UML modeling tool during the fifth study. E-teaching tools facilitate learning both asynchronously (e.g., Wikis) and synchronously (e.g., video-conferencing). According to this study intranet and virtual meeting tool (VMT) were used to support UML and UML modeling tool training in terms of application knowledge covering commands and tools embedded in the information system; business context knowledge covering the use of information systems to effectively perform business tasks; and collaborative task knowledge covering how others use the information system in their tasks.