Related Course/s:

A unit of study in the Bachelor of Science (Professional Software Development).

Aims & Objectives:

This unit of study aims to engage students in thinking through some of the major issues associated with the efficient and effective development of software-based systems. It addresses the following questions:

• What do we mean by a 'software development process'?
• How might we define the 'quality' of such a process?
• Can we relate the quality of a software development process clearly to the 'quality' of the system that is developed?
• How can we assess the quality of a software development process?
• How can we determine a framework for improving the quality of a software development process?
• How can such frameworks be implemented in practice, in organisations of varying sizes?

Teaching Methods:

Lectures/Guest Lectures by Industry Professionals/Workshops

Assessment:

Assignments, Case Studies, Research Paper

Generic Skills Outcomes:

• Are capable in their chosen professional areas.
• Are adaptable and manage change.
• Operate effectively in work and community situations.
• Are aware of environments.

Content:

• Various frameworks for software quality management and software process improvement will be studied, in particular ISO 9001, CMM, ISO 15504 and CMMI.
• Approaches to software process improvement suitable for larger organisations, and for SME's, will be explored.
• Most software development organisations do not engage in SPI. The reasons for this will be examined.
• The literature on the economic benefits of SPI will be examined critically.
• The contrasts between the philosophy of quality management approaches to SPI and recent trends in software development exemplified by the new 'agile development methods' will be examined critically.

Reading Materials:

Jalote, P, CMM in Practice, Addison-Wesley Longman, 2000.
Ahern, DM, Clouse, A & Turner, R, CMMI Distilled, 2nd edn, Addison-Wesley, 2004.