Creating an advanced software engineering laboratory by combining empirical studies with process simulation

Laboratory experiments have been proven as an essential means for determining the effects of software engineering technologies. We propose the use of process simulation for adding a virtual capability to a software engineering laboratory in order to create a new and advanced type of experimental laboratory. One major motivation for such an advanced software engineering laboratory is cost reduction by simulating human behavior and the environment of the local process to be examined. The article describes the benefits of such an advanced laboratory and discusses possible combinations of empirical studies and process simulation. Additionally, an ongoing project for implementing a platform for such a laboratory is introduced and open questions for future research are sketched.