HProcessTOOL: A support tool in the harmonization of multiple reference models

If companies are to fulfil their business goals then they must implement more than one software process improvement or information technology management model. The heterogeneity of these models signifies that their harmonization in accordance with company goals has become a key initiative. It is therefore necessary to provide companies with suitable software tools which facilitate the implementation and management of the activities, methods, techniques and reference models involved in a harmonization project, thus allowing the harmonization to be properly carried out. This paper therefore presents the HProcessTOOL which guides harmonization projects by supporting specific techniques, and supports their management by controlling and monitoring the resulting harmonization projects. The tool has been applied in two case studies, and has allowed the work products, effort, time and roles involved in the harmonization projects, and the knowledge generated, to be correctly managed.