According to the online Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary, model is:
A representation of something, either as a physical object which is usually smaller than the real object, or a simple description of the object which might be used in calculations.
A further search on the Internet also finds that model can also mean "Something to be imitated" or "Something worthy of imitation". From these explanations, we could summarize that a model is a representation of something that:
- is worthy of imitation;
- is a simple description of the thing it represents;
- can be used for calculations.
If the "something" refers to "software development", model would become a simple description of software development which we can follow or imitate to develop a software. It can also be used to calculate things such as time and human resources to deliver the software. Therefore, a model can be defined in the context of software development as follows:
A simple description of software development which can be followed to develop a software and be used in calculations such as time and human resources required to deliver the software.
