Unifying Microprocess and Macroprocess Research

This paper proposes the unification of two complementary approaches to software process research. The two approaches can be characterized as macroprocess research, focused on phenomenological observations of external behaviors of processes, and microprocess research, focused on the study of the internal details and workings of processes. The paper suggests that it is time to bring these approaches together with the goal of using microprocess methods to provide definitive explanations of observed macroprocess behaviors. The paper suggests that this unification could lead to improved understandings leading to improvements in software development practice. The paper observes that such positive outcomes have resulted when the macro- and micro- approaches have been synthesized in domains such as Economics, Physics, and the Life Sciences.