INCEPTA: Iterative Software Engineering Framework that Integrates Agile and Traditional Practices from an Educational Perspective

Abstract

Software development faces significant challenges due to the diversity of methodologies and processes, which leads to uncertainty regarding the activities to be carried out at each phase of the life cycle. To address this issue, this article introduces INCEPTA (Incremental and Continuous Engineering Process for Tailored Agile Development), an iterative and incremental framework that combines features of both traditional and agile approaches, providing a structured guide for software development.
INCEPTA integrates two key perspectives: the client's, through user stories, and the analyst's, through the specification of functional and non-functional requirements. The framework emphasizes model-supported software design, the application of cross-cutting tests, and the delivery of functional software every 15 days. Additionally, it promotes an object-oriented approach with continuous feedback cycles and an initial deployment covering 70% of the implemented requirements.
The use of software models plays a central role in structuring and validating design decisions throughout the development process. This approach has been applied in academic settings, where its effectiveness was evaluated through participant surveys. The results suggest that INCEPTA facilitates a better understanding of the development process, improves delivery planning, and contributes to the quality of the software produced. Furthermore, it proves to be a valuable educational tool for training in software engineering.