Software Engineering Institute

The goal of model-based verification (MBV) is to reduce the number of defects. Like any other quality assurance (QA) technique, it is not equally efficient in every situation. It is critical to determine where and how to use MBV to achieve the largest impact in terms of the number and criticality of defects found with a reasonable amount of effort. This document provides guidance for defining the scope, formalism (approach and tools), and perspective for applying MBV. The critical (important or risky) aspects of the system and its development, including both programmatic and technical issues, drive these choices and form the basis for these guidelines.