9th International Conference on Software Engineering and Knowledge Engineering, Spain, April 1997.

Elif Demirors Frank Coyle

Abstract
In this paper we present TeamWorks, a blackboard framework that supports teams within the software development process. Our framework reflects the multi-agent nature of software development where communication, coordination, and cooperation are necessary for the success of a project. TeamWorks provides a common ground for the team interaction through the knowledge it maintains about the system and about the functioning of the team members. The knowledge representation scheme is based on a notation derived from the Canonical Representation (Davis et al., 1993). Knowledge integration and coordination occurs through operations of independent agents. Agents are also responsible for monitoring the blackboard, recording new knowledge, maintaining consistency, and providing support to team members.