Systems Modeling and Requirements Specification Using ECSAM: An Analysis Method for Embedded and Computer-Based Systems [Paperback]

Jonah Z. Lavi (Author), Joseph Kudish (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2004

Discover ECSAM, a method for requirements engineering and the modeling of computer-based systems (CBS). Practiced since 1980 in evolving versions by systems and software engineers, ECSAM was developed in part at Israel Aircraft Industries for the analysis and design of complex reactive embedded systems and software and has been presented in numerous undergraduate, graduate, and industrial courses.

The method guides engineers in modeling operational, functional, and design requirements, considering both static and dynamic aspects of systems.

With an end-to-end example of the method, developed throughout the book, readers learn how to

* develop conceptual models of the structural and operational properties of computer-based systems and their software
* develop systematically operational scenarios and use cases describing the interaction of the system with its environment
* elicit and specify functional and nonfunctional requirements
* allocate requirements to components of a conceptual model and use the model for the refinement and derivation of requirements
* understand the issues of mapping the conceptual model to the design model

Core audiences include those involved in the development of complex or mission-critical computer-based systems and their software, systems engineers, computer-based-systems engineers, software engineers, engineering managers, and students at undergraduate and graduate levels.

Editorial Reviews

Review

. . . an innovative but mature method that covers both conceptual modeling and requirements engineering phases of embedded systems design. -- Prof. Miroslav Sveda, Faculty of Information Technology, Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic

A truly valuable contribution to the field! -- Prof. David Harel, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel

a valuable reference for both experienced and graduate engineers. -- Prof. Mike Mannion, Dean, School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland

an excellent introduction to a model-based design method for computer-based systems. -- Janos Sztipanovitz, Director, Institute for Software Integrated Systems, Vanderbilt University, United States

About the Author

Jonah Z. Lavi, the lead developer of ECSAM, consults and teaches industrial and university courses in the modeling and requirements specification of computer-based systems. He is the founding chair of the IEEE Computer Society ECBS Technical Committee and a laureate of the IEEE Computer Society Outstanding Contribution Award.

Joseph Kudish is an independent consultant specializing in systems and software engineering and in the appraisal and improvement of technical and management processes. He has researched, developed, taught, and implemented ECSAM in industrial projects since 1989.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Dorset House; 1st edition (December 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0932633455
• ISBN-13: 978-0932633453
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,084,655 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A requirements methodology that works, June 28, 2005

By 

Donald J. Reifer (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Systems Modeling and Requirements Specification Using ECSAM: An Analysis Method for Embedded and Computer-Based Systems (Paperback)

I have seen many a new textbook come to the market advancing the use of a new and novel approach to specifying system and/or software requirements. All too often these approaches breakdown when you try to implement them because not all of the details have been worked out. As a direct consequence, users of the methodology experience considerable pain because they have to mature the methodology and address the details as they try to develop their requirements specifications.

In contrast, this book provides its readers with a tried and true approach to systems/software requirements specification and analysis. The book steps you through the Embedded Computer Systems Analysis and Modeling (ECSAM) method. It shows you how to use the methodology to develop static and dynamic models of the system using an end-to-end example. The book emphasizes how to capture the functional, interface and performance requirements by overlaying the static with dynamic models and by verifying the results via analysis as they are generated. In addition, the book takes operational considerations into account as the evolving specification is developed and tested for completeness and consistency. The book also shows you how to decompose the system requirements to the subsystem level and test for correctness. Results are easy to understand because the methodology uses familiar graphical representations that adhere to well-defined semantics and strict modeling rules (functional flow diagrams, state charts, etc.) to portray its outputs. Most importantly, the book provides the reader with insights into what to look for and what not. This is what I find missing in most of the newer and more revolutionary works on the topic.

The ECSAM methodology seems applicable to many classes of systems which are driven by performance and operational considerations. The book is extremely useful for those who want to use a methodology that permits them to develop a robust and consistent set of requirements for a system or subsystem.