Aspect-Oriented Software Development (AOSD) concentrates on separation of global cross-cutting concerns, or aspects. The weaknesses of Object-Oriented Software Development (OOSD) in localizing orthogonal concerns simultaneously leads to distributing them across several modules, and thereby creating modules that have to deal with various concerns. This usually results in poor modularization and difficulties in tracing certain requirements (especially nonfunctional requirements) to their implementations. The AOSD approach determines the common aspects that exist across modules created through OOSD, and modularizes them. Thus, AOSD takes the next step in creating modular software. Applying this approach leads to a higher level of concern localization in modules; implementation is thus facilitated and understandability is enhanced, resulting in higher maintainability of the software produced. For rapid specification of aspects in software development and provision of adequate traceability, the software development lifecycle should support aspect-related concepts throughout its various phases and stages.
The purpose of this project is to propose a framework for extending agile methodologies by adding aspect-oriented features. To this aim, we begin by scrutinizing aspect-oriented methodologies. In order to produce the extension framework, processes that are typically performed and constraints that should be observed in different phases of an aspect-oriented lifecycle will be identified, thus forming a set of AOSD norms and standards. A preliminary framework will thus be produced that will be evaluated and refined iteratively. Extension points will be specified, as well as a method for applying the framework to agile methodologies. It is imperative that the extended process does not violate agility. Prerequisites will be defined that ascertain whether an existing agile methodology is suitable for extension through the application of the proposed framework. Once the framework is suitably mature, it will be applied to an agile methodology that satisfies the prerequisites for extension. The resulting methodology will then be evaluated based on AOSD norms and standards.