The Product Line Patterns are the heart and the most condensed
experience of the SEI Software Product Line Framework. Though most
people do not recognize the patterns give you the balance between too
specific and too general process descriptions. The three cycles Core
Asset Development, Product Development, and Management of the framework
are good for simple overview purpose and therefore appropriate for the
management level. The 29 practice areas guide you through activities and
methods; therefore they are basically at the operational especially the
engineering level.

But it is the patterns that help you to sail though some of the practice
areas to achieve a certain goal. The patterns set the process and the
workflow. They are different for different problems and environments;
that's what a workflow should be.
Hunting for the world wide valid process description that is specific
enough to be meaningful is like trying to invent the perpetum mobile.

Suggesting only one product line process would therefore mean that it is
very general or that it is valid only for certain organizations,
markets, goals, products, and people. The patterns are specific
processes that help to achieve only certain goals in a predefined
environment. Though I think the framework patterns can be improved and
extended they are much more meaningful to the product line community
than any other product line process description I have seen up to now.

On the whole, Sources of Japanese Tradition, Vol. 1 is a reference book on intellectual development in traditional Japan. It is essential for anyone interested in developing a deeper understanding of Japan over a period of time, which means it is not intended as a quick read.

Volume I is mostly an overview of traditional literature, poetry, aesthetics, religion and philosophy from the earliest written works until the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate in the mid nineteenth century. The chapters are chronological and thematic, and each is prefaced with historical context for better understanding. The chapter bodies consist of translations of some of the most representative works from Japan, including excerpts from Japan's most famous novel, "The Tale of Genji" (early 11th century), as well as numerous samples from the spectrum of Japanese Buddhism (not just Zen), and plenty on the philosophy of neo-Confucianism and other Chinese influences on Japan. On the downside, although there is some discussion of Haiku poetry, there is not enough. And unfortunately, Kabuki, Japan's most popular form of theater, and Japanese painting, which has greatly influenced modern artists in the West, are hardly mentioned, and Japanese music is not even addressed. This makes the book somewhat of a companion to political, social and economic history - which is outstanding if that is what you are looking for.

The book represents the yardstick of compilations on Japanese intellectual history and should not be intimidating to readers who have some knowledge of Japan, nor too simplistic for the more informed. Because it is the old standard bearer, there is a definite need for an updated version that includes more for contemporary audiences, such as better discussions of Kabuki, Haiku and scroll painting. However, the volume is organized well enough for readers to concentrate only on sections they have immediate interest, making the book accessible to a variety of readers who seek a broader understanding of traditional Japanese culture and intellectual history.