A multicriteria optimization model for quality of modular software systems

This paper discusses a decision-making problem related to software creation through commercial-off-the-shelf modules. When different alternatives of the same module are available with variations in the attributes of quality (like reliability, execution time, etc.) and cost, the problem is to select appropriate alternatives and integrate them into a software such that the objectives of the software developer (with respect to the attributes of quality) are satisfied. This calls for the use of multiple criteria decision-making techniques. The possible inconsistency between the objectives calls for prioritization of the objectives. Hence goal-programming approach is used to formulate the problem. We present a Branch and Bound algorithm to solve this problem.