Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a common characteristic of complex systems that necessitates a disciplined approach?
What is a common characteristic of complex systems that necessitates a disciplined approach?
Software development crises often result in projects that are completed on time and within budget.
Software development crises often result in projects that are completed on time and within budget.
False (B)
Name two main issues that complex systems face during software development.
Name two main issues that complex systems face during software development.
Late completion, over budget
Main projects during software development crises are often unreliable and ______.
Main projects during software development crises are often unreliable and ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following issues with their descriptions:
Match the following issues with their descriptions:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following best describes Systems Engineering?
Which of the following best describes Systems Engineering?
Signup and view all the answers
Systems Engineering only pertains to software engineering.
Systems Engineering only pertains to software engineering.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary focus of Systems Engineering?
What is the primary focus of Systems Engineering?
Signup and view all the answers
Systems Engineering is an _____________ engineering field that includes computer, software, and process engineering.
Systems Engineering is an _____________ engineering field that includes computer, software, and process engineering.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following elements with their relevance to Systems Engineering:
Match the following elements with their relevance to Systems Engineering:
Signup and view all the answers
Flashcards
Software Development Crises
Software Development Crises
Projects that were late, over budget, unreliable, difficult to maintain, and performed poorly.
Project Challenges
Project Challenges
Issues like delays, budget overruns, unreliability, and maintenance difficulties.
Disciplined Approach
Disciplined Approach
A structured way to design, develop, and manage complex systems.
Project Success Factors
Project Success Factors
Signup and view all the flashcards
Project Management
Project Management
Signup and view all the flashcards
Systems Engineering
Systems Engineering
Signup and view all the flashcards
What does Systems Engineering focus on?
What does Systems Engineering focus on?
Signup and view all the flashcards
Why is Systems Engineering important?
Why is Systems Engineering important?
Signup and view all the flashcards
Interdisciplinary approach
Interdisciplinary approach
Signup and view all the flashcards
Complex Engineering Projects
Complex Engineering Projects
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
Introduction to Software Engineering
- Software engineering is a discipline concerned with all aspects of software production, from initial specification to maintenance.
- The 1968 NATO Software Engineering Conference marked the emergence of software engineering as a response to the "software crisis."
- This crisis involved issues like late delivery, exceeding budgets, unreliability, difficulty in maintenance, and poor performance of software projects.
- The cost of software errors can be substantial, impacting various sectors, including transportation and healthcare.
- Examples of software crises include: a 2009 computer glitch delaying flights, the Ariane 5 explosion caused by an overflow error, and the 1992 London ambulance service crisis, which resulted in 46 deaths.
General Policy
- There are no make-ups for quizzes, exams, or presentations.
- There is a midterm retake available for the entire semester material, starting from week 10, with no need for a medical excuse.
- There are no excuses for absences in lectures except in case of warning or expulsion.
- Do not send excuses for delays or absences.
Grading
- Final exam: 40%
- Midterm exam: 20%
- Quizzes: 10%
- Individual assignments: 10%
- Group project (case study): 20%
- The minimum passing score for the course is 60 out of 100.
Individual Project
- Overview of different tool types.
- Importance of these tools.
- Three tools (mobile app, software, and online tool).
- Brief description of each tool: usage, installation, ratings, reviews, 3 cons and 3 pros.
- Due date week 10.
Learning Objectives
- Understanding software engineering.
- Understanding why software engineering is important.
- Acquiring answers to key questions about software engineering.
Activity
- List as many devices and systems in daily life controlled by software as possible.
Why is Software Engineering Important?
- Complex systems require a well-structured approach for design, development, and management.
- Three fundamental factors: time, cost, and quality.
Software Development Crises
- Past software development projects often suffered from delayed completion, exceeding budgets, unreliability, poor maintenance, and poor performance.
Software Errors
- Errors in computer software can have significant negative effects.
What is Software?
- Software consists of programs and related documentation.
- Software can be developed for specific customers or the general market.
- Software includes various components like programs, data, and documentation.
Types of Software
- Generic products are used by diverse users.
- Examples are PC software, and CAD software. The developer determines how the product will evolve.
- Customized products are built for a specific customer.
- Examples include embedded control systems, air traffic control software. The customer determines how the product will evolve.
Software Engineering vs. Computer Science
- Computer science focuses on theory and fundamentals.
- Software engineering focuses on practical aspects of design, development, and delivery.
Software Engineering vs. Systems Engineering
- Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary field encompassing computer, software, and process engineering.
- It concentrates on how complex engineering projects should be.
- Software engineering is a subset of Systems engineering, focusing on software aspects like design, development, and delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions about Software Engineering
- These include the nature of software, attributes for good software, the meaning of software engineering, activities in software engineering, the distinction between computer science and software engineering, the distinctions between software engineering and system engineering.
- Key challenges include increasing diversity, and demands for reduced delivery times; software costs' composition including roughly 60% development and 40% testing; evolution costs may surpass development costs for custom software; appropriate techniques for developing different types of systems; the significant role of the web on software development's dynamism.
What is a Software Process?
- Software processes involve the activities and results that yield software products.
- These activities include specification, development, validation, and evolution.
What is a Software Process Model?
- A Software process model describes the software process in a particular way such as describing activities, data, or roles.
- Examples of views include workflows, dataflows, and roles/actions.
Software Process Models
- Different models exist (e.g. Waterfall, Iterative development, Component-based Software Engineering).
The Cost of Software Engineering
- Cost depends on the chosen process and software type.
- Generic software development costs generally are distributed with a greater proportion for system testing.
- Costs distribution may vary with software type.
Cost Distribution
- Cost distribution varies depending on the type of software development (generic or custom).
- Costs are often higher for custom software, specifically in evolution phases.
What is CASE?
- CASE tools assist in software engineering.
- They aid in requirements analysis, system modeling, debugging, and testing.
Attributes of Good Software
- Functional attributes focus on the functionality delivered by the system.
- Non-functional attributes cover quality aspects such as maintainability, dependability, efficiency, and usability.
Activity
- Example attributes for different types of software (Interactive game, banking system, cardiac monitor).
Challenges Facing Software Engineering
- Heterogeneity: handling diverse computers, platforms, and support systems.
- Delivery: meeting fast evolving business needs without compromising quality.
- Trust: maintaining user trust through software reliability and stability.
References
- List of diverse reference materials for the course.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
This quiz explores the complexities of systems engineering in software development. It covers common characteristics of complex systems, key issues faced during development, and methodologies to manage these challenges. Test your understanding of the intricate nature of software projects and their management.
