Managing Knowledge for Information Systems Evolution: the MinimalEDoc Methodology

The paper describes a proposed method (MinimalEDoc – Minimal Documents for Software Evolution) for managing the documents required during the evolution phase of information systems. The method applies a minimalist approach to the documentation and the concept of ‘Total Cost of Ownership’. It is composed of definitions, principles, a documental model, a management process and a supporting tool. Documents are classified according to document types ‘maps’, ‘aspects’, ‘components’ and ‘critical points’. For specific classes of applications, we can define reusable document schemes and patterns. The documents are organized into a common knowledge base subject to multiple views for different classes of users. The implementation technology is based on a wiki tool integrating external specialized CASE tools. The methodology is supported by an empirical case study involving the information system of a large retail company.