Software Engineering IMP Notes - SEM
Software Engineering IMP Notes - SEM
Group – B
1. Explain the RAD model. **
Introduction: The RAD (Rapid Application Development) model is a software development methodology that
emphasizes rapid prototyping, iterative development, and user feedback. It's particularly useful for projects where
requirements are not well-understood initially, and there's a need for quick delivery.
1. Requirements Planning: Initial planning and requirements gathering occur in this phase, focusing on identifying
the core functionalities of the system.
2. User Design: Prototyping takes place in this phase, where developers create mock-ups or prototypes of the
system's user interface. User feedback is crucial here for refining the design.
3. Rapid Construction: Development occurs iteratively in this phase, where the system is built incrementally based
on feedback gathered in the user design phase.
4. Cutover: The final phase involves deployment and transition to production. User training and support are
provided, and any remaining issues are addressed.
Explanation/Analysis: The RAD model allows for quick adaptation to changing requirements and faster delivery of
software by involving users early in the development process. It emphasizes collaboration between developers and
users, leading to higher user satisfaction and better-quality software.
Examples: Consider the development of a mobile banking application. Using the RAD model, developers can quickly
prototype different features and get feedback from users, ensuring that the final product meets their needs and
expectations.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the RAD model is a flexible and adaptive approach to software development, focusing on
rapid prototyping, iterative development, and user feedback. It enables developers to respond effectively to changing
requirements and deliver high-quality software in a timely manner.
2. Why is SRS document also known as the black box specification of a system ?
Introduction: The Software Requirements Specification (SRS) document is often referred to as the black box
specification of a system due to its focus on describing the system's external behavior without detailing its internal
workings.
Main Body: The SRS document specifies the functional and non-functional requirements of the system, including inputs,
outputs, and interactions with external entities. It describes what the system should do without specifying how it should
be implemented.
Explanation/Analysis: Similar to a black box, which hides its internal mechanisms, the SRS document abstracts away the
internal details of the system, providing a high-level overview of its requirements. This allows stakeholders to
understand the system's functionality without getting into technical specifics.
Examples: For instance, consider an online booking system for a hotel. The SRS document would specify requirements
such as user authentication, room reservation, and payment processing without delving into the implementation details
of these features.
Conclusion: To sum up, the SRS document serves as the black box specification of a system by focusing on describing its
external behavior and requirements without revealing its internal workings. This abstraction facilitates better
understanding and evaluation of the system's functionality by stakeholders.
1. Requirements Management: Tools for capturing, documenting, and managing software requirements.
2. Design Tools: Tools for creating and visualizing software design models, such as UML diagrams.
3. Code Generation: Tools that automate the generation of code from design models or specifications.
4. Testing Tools: Tools for automating software testing, including unit testing, integration testing, and system
testing.
5. Configuration Management: Tools for managing changes to software artifacts and tracking versions.
6. Project Management: Tools for planning, scheduling, and tracking software development projects.
7. Documentation: Tools for generating documentation, such as user manuals and technical specifications.
Explanation/Analysis: CASE tools help improve productivity, quality, and consistency in software development by
automating repetitive tasks, providing standardization, and facilitating collaboration among team members.
Examples: Popular CASE tools include IBM Rational Rose for software design, Microsoft Visual Studio for integrated
development environments (IDEs), and HP Quality Center for test management.
Conclusion: In summary, CASE tools play a crucial role in streamlining and improving the software development process
by providing automation and assistance across various stages of the SDLC.
1. Input and Output Flows: The total data flowing into a process must equal the total data flowing out of the
process.
2. Data Stores: The sum of data flowing into and out of a data store must be balanced.
3. External Entities: The data exchanged between external entities and processes must be balanced.
Explanation/Analysis: Balancing of DFDs helps ensure the consistency and accuracy of data flow representations,
enabling better understanding and analysis of the system's functionality.
Examples: Consider a banking system where a customer deposits money into an account (input flow) and withdraws
money from the account (output flow). The total amount deposited should equal the total amount withdrawn to
maintain balance.
Conclusion: In conclusion, balancing of DFDs is essential for accurately representing data flow within a system and
ensuring consistency across different levels of abstraction.
5. Differentiate between software verification and software validation. OR \ Differentiate
between verification and validation. ****
Aspect Software Verification Software Validation
Definition Process of evaluating software to ensure that it Process of evaluating software to ensure that it
meets specified requirements and standards, meets customer requirements and satisfies its
without necessarily ensuring that the product is intended use, confirming that the right product is
useful or solves the right problem. being built.
Focus Focuses on the "right process" Focuses on building the "right product"
Timing Typically conducted during the development Typically conducted at the end of the
process to catch defects early and prevent them development process to assess whether the final
from propagating into later stages. product meets customer needs and
requirements.
Techniques Includes activities such as reviews, inspections, and Includes activities such as user acceptance testing
testing to identify defects and ensure compliance (UAT) and alpha/beta testing to validate that the
with specifications. software meets customer expectations and
performs as intended.
Objective To ensure that the software conforms to its To ensure that the software satisfies the needs
specifications and fulfills its intended purpose. and expectations of its users and stakeholders.
In summary, while software verification focuses on ensuring that the software conforms to specifications and standards,
software validation focuses on ensuring that the software meets customer needs and expectations. Both processes are
essential components of software quality assurance and complement each other in ensuring the overall quality and
reliability of the software product.
1. Planning: In this phase, project objectives, scope, feasibility, and constraints are identified. The project plan,
including schedules, resources, and budget, is also developed.
2. Requirements Analysis: This phase involves gathering and analyzing user requirements, defining the system's
functionality, and documenting detailed requirements specifications.
3. Design: In the design phase, the system architecture and software design are developed based on the
requirements specification. This includes defining the system's structure, components, interfaces, and data
models.
4. Implementation: The implementation phase involves coding, unit testing, and integrating individual
components to build the complete software system.
5. Testing: In this phase, the software is tested to identify defects and ensure that it meets specified requirements
and quality standards. Testing includes various activities such as functional testing, integration testing, and
system testing.
6. Deployment: The deployment phase involves releasing the software to end-users and installing it in the
production environment. User training, documentation, and support are provided as needed.
7. Maintenance: The maintenance phase involves maintaining and supporting the software after it has been
deployed. This includes fixing defects, addressing change requests, and enhancing the software to meet evolving
user needs.
Explanation/Analysis: Each phase of the SDLC contributes to the overall development process, from initial planning and
requirements analysis to deployment and maintenance. By following a structured approach, development teams can
ensure the successful delivery of high-quality software within the specified time and budget constraints.
Examples: Consider the development of a web-based e-commerce platform. The planning phase would involve defining
project objectives and scope, while the requirements analysis phase would focus on gathering user requirements for
features such as product catalog, shopping cart, and payment processing.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the SDLC consists of several phases, each with its own set of activities and deliverables, to
guide the development of software systems from inception to deployment and maintenance.
Main Body: The prototype model typically involves the following steps:
1. Requirements Gathering: Initial requirements are gathered from stakeholders, and key features of the system
are identified.
2. Prototype Development: A quick and simplified version of the software, known as a prototype, is developed
based on the initial requirements. The prototype may not have all the features of the final system but focuses on
demonstrating key functionality.
3. Feedback and Iteration: The prototype is presented to users for feedback and validation. Users provide input on
usability, functionality, and requirements, which are used to refine and improve the prototype in subsequent
iterations.
4. Final Implementation: Once the prototype meets the desired requirements and user expectations, it serves as
the basis for developing the final system. Additional features and enhancements are implemented based on
feedback gathered during the prototyping phase.
Explanation/Analysis: The prototype model is particularly useful in situations where requirements are not well-defined
or may change during the development process. It allows for early validation of requirements, reduces the risk of
misunderstandings, and increases user involvement in the development process.
Examples: Consider the development of a mobile application for a ride-sharing service. A prototype could be developed
to demonstrate basic features such as user registration, ride booking, and payment processing, allowing users to provide
feedback on the user interface and functionality.
Conclusion: In summary, the prototype model is an iterative approach to software development that involves building
and refining a simplified version of the final system to gather user feedback and validate requirements early in the
development process.
8. Explain the role and functions of a Systems Analyst in the overall project development. *
The Systems Analyst plays a crucial role in the overall project development lifecycle by bridging the gap between
business requirements and technical solutions. Their key functions include:
1. Requirements Gathering: Eliciting, analyzing, and documenting user requirements to understand business
needs and objectives.
2. System Design: Collaborating with stakeholders to design system architectures, workflows, and data models
that meet business requirements.
3. Prototyping: Creating prototypes or mock-ups to visualize and validate system designs and functionalities.
4. Risk Assessment: Identifying potential risks and challenges in the project and proposing mitigation strategies.
5. Communication: Acting as a liaison between business stakeholders and development teams, facilitating
communication and ensuring alignment between business goals and technical solutions.
6. Quality Assurance: Reviewing and validating software deliverables to ensure they meet specified requirements
and quality standards.
7. Support and Maintenance: Providing ongoing support, troubleshooting, and maintenance for deployed systems,
including addressing user feedback and change requests.
Overall, the Systems Analyst plays a critical role in ensuring that software projects are successfully delivered on time,
within budget, and to the satisfaction of stakeholders.
1. Iterative Development: The spiral model involves iterative cycles of development, allowing for incremental
refinement and improvement of the software. This enables early identification and mitigation of risks and issues,
leading to higher-quality outcomes.
2. Risk Management: The spiral model incorporates risk analysis and mitigation as integral components of the
development process. Risks are identified, analyzed, and addressed at each phase of the spiral, reducing the
likelihood of project failure due to unforeseen issues.
3. Flexibility: The spiral model accommodates changes in requirements and priorities more effectively than the
waterfall model. By allowing for iteration and feedback loops, it enables stakeholders to refine and adjust
project scope and objectives as needed throughout the development lifecycle.
4. Early Prototyping: The spiral model encourages the use of prototypes or proof-of-concept iterations to validate
design concepts and gather feedback from stakeholders early in the process. This helps ensure that the final
product meets user expectations and requirements.
Overall, the spiral model offers greater adaptability, risk management, and stakeholder involvement compared to the
waterfall model, making it particularly well-suited for complex or evolving projects.
10.What are the main activities carried out during requirements analysis and specification
phase ? What is the final outcome of the requirements analysis and specification phase ?
Activities:
1. Requirements Elicitation: Gathering requirements from stakeholders through interviews, surveys, and
workshops.
2. Requirements Analysis: Analyzing and prioritizing gathered requirements to identify inconsistencies, conflicts,
and ambiguities.
3. Requirements Specification: Documenting requirements in a clear, concise, and unambiguous manner using
techniques such as use cases, user stories, and requirement traceability matrices.
4. Requirements Validation: Reviewing and validating requirements with stakeholders to ensure that they
accurately capture their needs and expectations.
5. Requirements Management: Managing changes to requirements throughout the project lifecycle and ensuring
traceability between requirements and other project artifacts.
Final Outcome: The final outcome of the requirements analysis and specification phase is a comprehensive
Requirements Specification Document (RSD). This document serves as a contract between the development team and
stakeholders, providing a detailed description of the system's functional and non-functional requirements, constraints,
and assumptions.
1. External Entities: Represent sources or destinations of data outside the system being modeled. They interact
with the system but are not part of it.
2. Processes: Represent transformations or manipulations of data within the system. They receive inputs, perform
actions, and produce outputs.
3. Data Stores: Represent repositories of data within the system. They store and retrieve data used by processes.
4. Data Flows: Represent the movement of data between external entities, processes, and data stores. They show
the flow of information through the system.
In the diagram:
External Entity (Customer) interacts with the system by providing data (Order).
Process (Process Order) receives the order, processes it, and produces an output (Shipping Order).
Data Flow (Order) represents the movement of order data between the external entity, process, and data store.
Key Components:
1. Technical Feasibility: Assesses whether the proposed project can be implemented using existing technology,
tools, and infrastructure.
2. Economic Feasibility: Evaluates the cost-effectiveness of the project by comparing its expected benefits against
the costs associated with development, implementation, and maintenance.
3. Operational Feasibility: Determines whether the proposed project aligns with organizational processes,
procedures, and resources and whether it can be effectively integrated into existing systems and workflows.
4. Schedule Feasibility: Examines whether the project can be completed within the desired timeframe and
whether any potential delays or constraints could impact its success.
Purpose: The purpose of a feasibility study is to provide decision-makers with objective and evidence-based information
to determine whether to proceed with the project, modify its scope or objectives, or abandon it altogether.
Conclusion: In conclusion, a feasibility study is a critical step in the project planning process, helping organizations assess
the viability and potential risks of proposed projects before committing resources to their implementation.
13.What are the different types of risks? Briefly explain each of them. *
1. Technical Risks: Risks associated with the technical aspects of software development, such as technology
selection, complexity of the solution, and integration challenges.
2. Schedule Risks: Risks related to project scheduling, including delays in deliverables, underestimated task
durations, and resource constraints.
3. Cost Risks: Risks associated with project budgeting and cost estimation, such as unforeseen expenses, budget
overruns, and changes in project scope.
4. Quality Risks: Risks related to software quality, including defects, bugs, and failures to meet quality standards or
user expectations.
5. Resource Risks: Risks associated with project resources, such as availability and skills of team members,
equipment, and infrastructure.
6. Communication Risks: Risks arising from ineffective communication among project stakeholders, including
misunderstandings, conflicts, and lack of clarity in requirements.
7. Legal and Regulatory Risks: Risks stemming from non-compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, such
as intellectual property rights, data privacy laws, and industry standards.
8. Market Risks: Risks associated with changes in market conditions, customer preferences, competition, and
technological advancements that may impact the success of the project.
Importance of SPMP:
1. Guidance: Provides a roadmap for project execution, ensuring that all stakeholders understand their roles and
responsibilities and follow a consistent approach.
2. Communication: Facilitates communication and collaboration among project team members, stakeholders, and
management by documenting project objectives, requirements, and plans.
3. Risk Management: Helps identify, assess, and mitigate risks throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring that
potential issues are addressed proactively.
4. Quality Assurance: Defines quality standards, metrics, and processes to ensure that the final product meets
customer requirements and quality expectations.
5. Resource Management: Helps allocate and manage project resources effectively, including personnel, budget,
equipment, and materials.
6. Change Management: Establishes procedures for managing changes to project scope, schedule, and
requirements, ensuring that changes are evaluated and implemented systematically.
7. Baseline: Serves as a baseline for monitoring and controlling project performance, allowing project managers to
track progress, identify deviations, and take corrective actions as needed.
1. People: Refers to the project team members, stakeholders, and users involved in the project. Effective
communication, collaboration, and teamwork are essential for project success.
2. Process: Encompasses the methodologies, techniques, and practices used to manage and execute the project. A
well-defined and structured process helps ensure consistency, predictability, and quality throughout the project
lifecycle.
3. Product: Represents the software product or system being developed. Understanding and meeting customer
requirements, quality standards, and user expectations are critical for delivering a successful product.
4. Project: Refers to the project itself, including its objectives, scope, schedule, budget, and risks. Effective project
planning, monitoring, and control are essential for delivering the project on time, within budget, and according
to specifications.
These 4Ps provide a holistic framework for managing software projects, addressing key aspects related to people,
process, product, and project to ensure project success.
The Spiral Model incorporates iterative development cycles, risk management, and prototyping, allowing for adaptability
and customization based on project requirements and constraints. It can accommodate different development
methodologies, such as waterfall, iterative, incremental, or agile, making it a versatile and widely applicable model.
Additionally, the Spiral Model emphasizes the importance of risk management throughout the software development
process. Each iteration (or spiral loop) includes a risk analysis phase where potential risks are identified, evaluated, and
addressed. This proactive approach to risk management helps mitigate project uncertainties and ensures better control
over project outcomes.
Overall, the Spiral Model's flexibility, adaptability, and emphasis on risk management make it a comprehensive and
overarching framework that can be used as a basis for developing and managing software projects, earning it the title of
a "meta model."
Approach Sequential approach where each phase is Iterative approach where development cycles
completed before moving to the next. (spiral loops) repeat until the project is completed.
Phases Linear phases: Requirements, Design, Iterative phases: Planning, Risk Analysis,
Implementation, Testing, Deployment, Engineering (Development & Testing), Evaluation.
Maintenance.
Flexibility Less flexible as changes are difficult to More flexible as changes can be incorporated at
accommodate once a phase is completed. any stage, with risk analysis and evaluation phases.
Risk Risk is addressed mainly during the initial Integral part of the model, with dedicated risk
Management planning phase, with limited scope for risk analysis phases in each iteration to address and
reassessment. manage risks.
Applicability Suitable for projects with well-defined and Suitable for projects with evolving or uncertain
stable requirements. requirements, where flexibility and risk
management are crucial.
In summary, while the Waterfall Model follows a sequential approach with limited flexibility, the Spiral Model adopts an
iterative and flexible approach, incorporating risk management throughout the development process. Each model has its
strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different types of projects and environments.
1. Basic COCOMO: Basic COCOMO is suitable for estimating the effort and cost of small to medium-sized projects
where requirements are well-defined and the development team has experience with similar projects. Basic
COCOMO uses a set of equations based on project size and complexity to estimate effort and duration.
2. Intermediate COCOMO: Intermediate COCOMO is an extension of Basic COCOMO and is suitable for estimating
the effort and cost of larger and more complex projects. Intermediate COCOMO considers additional factors
such as development flexibility, team cohesion, and software complexity to provide more accurate estimates.
3. Detailed COCOMO: Detailed COCOMO is the most comprehensive version of the model and is suitable for
estimating the effort and cost of highly complex and mission-critical projects. Detailed COCOMO considers a
wide range of factors, including personnel capabilities, project constraints, and risk management, to provide
detailed and accurate estimates.
Each type of COCOMO model provides different levels of detail and accuracy in estimating software development
projects, allowing project managers to select the most appropriate model based on the project's characteristics and
requirements.
Example:
1. Basic COCOMO: A small web development project to create a simple e-commerce website with predefined
features and a small team of experienced developers.
2. Intermediate COCOMO: A medium-sized project to develop a custom enterprise resource planning (ERP) system
for a large organization with multiple departments and complex business processes.
3. Detailed COCOMO: A large-scale project to develop software for a space mission, involving a multidisciplinary
team, strict safety and reliability requirements, and extensive testing and verification processes.
𝑀=𝐸−𝑁+2𝑃M=E−N+2P
Where:
𝐸E is the number of edges (control flow paths) in the program's control flow graph.
McCabe's cyclomatic complexity metric is useful for software developers and testers in several ways:
1. Code Quality Assessment: It provides a quantitative measure of a program's complexity, allowing developers to
identify and refactor overly complex code segments that may be error-prone or difficult to maintain.
2. Test Case Design: Higher cyclomatic complexity values indicate a greater number of possible execution paths,
which may require more extensive testing to achieve adequate code coverage. Test case design can be
optimized based on cyclomatic complexity to ensure thorough testing.
3. Risk Assessment: Complex code with high cyclomatic complexity values is more likely to contain defects and
vulnerabilities. By analyzing cyclomatic complexity metrics, project managers can identify high-risk areas in the
codebase and allocate resources accordingly for testing and code review.
1. Task List: A list of all tasks or activities required to complete the project, usually displayed along the left side of
the chart.
2. Timeline: A horizontal timeline representing the project's duration, typically displayed along the top or bottom
of the chart.
3. Bars: Horizontal bars or rectangles representing individual tasks, with their length indicating their duration and
their position indicating their start and end dates.
4. Dependencies: Arrows or lines connecting tasks to indicate dependencies or relationships between them, such
as finish-to-start, start-to-start, or finish-to-finish.
5. Milestones: Important events or deliverables within the project, represented by diamond-shaped symbols on
the chart.
Gantt charts provide a clear and intuitive visualization of project schedules, allowing project managers to plan,
coordinate, and monitor project activities effectively. They are commonly used in project management software and are
a valuable tool for communicating project status and progress to stakeholders.
Approach Sequential approach with rigid phase-to-phase Sequential approach with the ability to revisit
progression. and iterate on phases.
Phases Sequential phases: Requirements, Design, Same sequential phases, but with the
Implementation, Testing, Deployment, possibility of revisiting and iterating on each
Maintenance. phase.
Flexibility Less flexible, with limited opportunities for More flexible, allowing for feedback and
feedback and adaptation. refinement throughout the process.
Feedback and Limited feedback and iteration, as each phase is Allows for feedback and iteration within each
Iteration completed before moving to the next. phase and between phases.
Risk Risks are addressed mainly during the initial Risks are continuously monitored and
Management planning phase. addressed throughout the process.
Deliverables Final deliverables are produced at the end of each Deliverables may evolve and be refined
phase. iteratively throughout the process.
In summary, while both models follow a sequential approach, the Iterative Waterfall model allows for greater flexibility,
feedback, and adaptation throughout the software development process by incorporating iterative cycles within and
between phases.
22.What is System Analysis and Design ?
System Analysis and Design (SAD) is the process of examining a business problem, identifying its objectives, and
designing a solution that effectively addresses those objectives using information technology (IT) resources. It
encompasses several activities aimed at understanding, defining, and specifying the requirements for a new or improved
information system.
1. Requirements Analysis: Gathering and documenting the functional and non-functional requirements of the
system, including user needs, business processes, and system capabilities.
2. System Design: Designing the architecture, structure, and components of the system based on the requirements
analysis. This includes defining system interfaces, data models, user interfaces, and interaction flows.
3. Implementation: Developing the system components and integrating them into a working prototype or final
product. This may involve programming, configuration, customization, and testing.
4. Testing and Quality Assurance: Testing the system to ensure that it meets specified requirements and quality
standards. This includes various testing activities such as unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and
user acceptance testing (UAT).
5. Deployment and Maintenance: Deploying the system to production and transitioning it into operation. Ongoing
maintenance and support activities are provided to ensure the system's reliability, performance, and security.
System Analysis and Design is a critical phase in the software development lifecycle (SDLC), as it lays the foundation for
the successful development, implementation, and operation of information systems that meet the needs and objectives
of organizations and stakeholders.
Definition Represents the functional aspects of the Represents the implementation aspects of the
system system
Focus Focuses on what the system should do Focuses on how the system will be implemented
(functional view) (technical view)
Abstraction Higher abstraction level, ignores Lower abstraction level, includes implementation
Level implementation details details
Components Contains processes, data flows, and data Includes processes, data stores, data flows, and
stores physical components (e.g., hardware, software)
Representation Typically represented using generic symbols May include system components and infrastructure
and labels details
Changes Changes are easier to incorporate as they Changes may require modifications to reflect the
are not tied to implementation details underlying implementation
Example Represents the flow of information in a Represents how data is stored, processed, and
business process transmitted in a computer system
In summary, while logical DFDs focus on the functional aspects of a system at a higher abstraction level, physical DFDs
provide a more detailed view of the system's implementation, including hardware, software, and infrastructure
components.
Definition Refers to the degree of interdependence Refers to the degree to which elements within a
between modules module are related to each other
Relationship Describes how modules interact with each Describes how elements within a module are related
other
Types Includes different types such as data coupling, Includes different types such as functional cohesion,
control coupling, and common coupling sequential cohesion, and communicational cohesion
Impact High coupling increases the complexity and High cohesion promotes better readability,
difficulty of maintaining and modifying the reusability, and maintainability of the module
system
Ideal Aim for low coupling to minimize dependencies Aim for high cohesion to ensure that related
Scenario and promote modularity elements are grouped together logically and
functionally
In summary, while coupling refers to the degree of interdependence between modules, cohesion refers to the degree of
relatedness within a module. Minimizing coupling and maximizing cohesion are essential principles in software design to
improve modularity, maintainability, and flexibility.
Focus Tests functionality without considering Tests internal logic, code structure, and
internal code structure implementation details
Knowledge Tester does not need knowledge of internal Tester requires knowledge of internal code and
code or implementation implementation
Approach Tests based on requirements and Tests based on code structure, paths, and
specifications algorithms
Visibility Only input and output behavior is visible Internal logic, data flow, and control flow are
and tested examined and tested
Testing Includes equivalence partitioning, boundary Includes statement coverage, branch coverage, and
Techniques value analysis, and decision tables path coverage
Advantages Tests from an end-user perspective, Tests coverage of code paths and internal logic,
uncovering functional defects uncovering structural defects
Disadvantages Limited ability to uncover internal defects Requires detailed knowledge of code and
and errors implementation, potentially missing high-level
defects
In summary, while black box testing focuses on testing the functionality of the software without considering its internal
implementation, white box testing examines the internal logic, code structure, and implementation details to uncover
defects and errors. Both testing techniques are complementary and are used together to ensure comprehensive test
coverage and software quality.
2. Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): Break down the project into smaller, manageable tasks and sub-tasks to
facilitate planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.
3. Project Schedule: Develop a timeline that outlines the sequence of activities, milestones, dependencies, and
deadlines for completing the project.
4. Resource Allocation: Identify the human, financial, and material resources required for each task and allocate
them accordingly to ensure efficient utilization.
5. Risk Management Plan: Identify potential risks, assess their impact and likelihood, and develop strategies to
mitigate, monitor, and respond to them throughout the project lifecycle.
6. Communication Plan: Define the communication channels, frequency, and stakeholders involved in project
communication to ensure timely and effective information exchange.
7. Quality Management Plan: Establish quality standards, metrics, and procedures to ensure that project
deliverables meet specified requirements and adhere to industry best practices.
8. Change Management Plan: Define procedures for managing changes to project scope, schedule, and
requirements, including documentation, approval, and impact analysis.
9. Procurement Plan: Identify external goods and services required for the project, develop procurement
strategies, and outline the procurement process, including vendor selection and contract management.
10. Monitoring and Control Mechanisms: Implement mechanisms to monitor project progress, track key
performance indicators, and take corrective actions to address deviations from the plan.
2. Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrates analytical thinking, creativity, and the ability to solve complex problems
efficiently and effectively.
3. Attention to Detail: Pays attention to detail and strives for accuracy and precision in coding, testing, and
debugging software.
4. Communication Skills: Communicates effectively with team members, stakeholders, and clients, both verbally
and in writing, to convey ideas, requirements, and solutions.
5. Collaboration and Teamwork: Works well in a team environment, collaborates with others, and contributes to a
positive and supportive work culture.
6. Adaptability: Adapts to changing project requirements, technologies, and environments, and learns new skills
and concepts quickly.
7. Time Management: Manages time effectively, prioritizes tasks, and meets deadlines while maintaining high-
quality work.
8. Continuous Learning: Demonstrates a willingness to learn and stay updated with advancements in technology,
tools, and industry trends.
9. Attention to User Experience: Considers the end-user's perspective and designs software with a focus on
usability, accessibility, and user satisfaction.
10. Ethical Behavior: Adheres to ethical standards and practices, respects confidentiality, and acts with integrity and
professionalism in all interactions.
The difference between intermediate and advanced COCOMO lies in their level of complexity, accuracy, and
applicability:
1. Intermediate COCOMO: Intermediate COCOMO is an extension of Basic COCOMO and provides additional
factors to account for variations in project size, complexity, and development environment. It considers factors
such as software reliability, documentation requirements, and development flexibility to provide more accurate
effort and cost estimates.
2. Advanced COCOMO: Advanced COCOMO is the most comprehensive version of the model and is suitable for
estimating the effort and cost of highly complex and mission-critical projects. It incorporates additional factors
such as team experience, process maturity, and project constraints to provide detailed and accurate estimates.
Advanced COCOMO also allows for more detailed customization and calibration based on project-specific
characteristics and historical data.
The COCOMO model estimates the effort required to develop a software project based on various factors such as
project size, complexity, development environment, and team capabilities. It provides equations and parameters to
calculate effort and cost estimates for different types of projects.
1. Basic COCOMO: Suitable for estimating effort and cost for small to medium-sized projects with well-defined
requirements and a relatively experienced team.
2. Intermediate COCOMO: An extension of Basic COCOMO that considers additional factors such as software
reliability, documentation requirements, and development flexibility.
3. Detailed COCOMO: The most comprehensive version of the model, suitable for estimating effort and cost for
highly complex and mission-critical projects. It incorporates additional factors such as team experience, process
maturity, and project constraints.
COCOMO provides a structured approach to estimating project parameters, allowing project managers to make
informed decisions regarding resource allocation, scheduling, and budgeting.
Focus Quality management system certification Process maturity assessment and improvement
framework
Purpose Ensures that the organization's quality Evaluates and improves the organization's
management system meets international software development processes
standards
Scope Applies to various industries and sectors, not Primarily focused on software development
specific to software development organizations
Certification Requires compliance with ISO 9000 standards, Involves assessment of the organization's
Process followed by an external audit and certification processes against CMM levels by internal or
external appraisers
Levels/Ratings Not applicable, certification indicates CMM levels range from Initial (Level 1) to
compliance with ISO 9000 standards Optimizing (Level 5)
Focus on Quality Emphasizes quality management principles Emphasizes process maturity levels and process
such as customer focus, process improvement, improvement
and continuous improvement
Implementation Focuses on implementing and maintaining a Focuses on assessing and improving the
quality management system based on ISO 9000 organization's software development processes
standards to achieve higher maturity levels
In summary, while ISO 9000 certification focuses on ensuring compliance with quality management principles across
various industries, SEI/CMM provides a framework for assessing and improving software development processes
specifically.
1. Quality Planning: Developing quality plans and strategies for ensuring that quality standards and objectives are
met throughout the project lifecycle.
2. Quality Control: Monitoring and evaluating project deliverables, processes, and performance to ensure
compliance with quality standards and requirements.
3. Process Improvement: Identifying areas for process improvement and implementing corrective and preventive
actions to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of project processes.
4. Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and managing risks that may impact project quality, ensuring that
appropriate risk mitigation strategies are in place.
5. Auditing: Conducting periodic audits and reviews of project activities, documentation, and deliverables to verify
compliance with quality standards and procedures.
6. Training and Education: Providing training and education to project team members on quality management
principles, techniques, and best practices.
7. Documentation: Maintaining documentation related to quality assurance activities, including quality plans,
reports, audits, and corrective action records.
8. Customer Satisfaction: Monitoring and addressing customer feedback and complaints to ensure that customer
expectations are met or exceeded.
10. Communication: Facilitating communication and collaboration among project stakeholders, ensuring that
quality-related issues are effectively communicated and resolved.
Overall, the Quality Assurance Group plays a critical role in ensuring that quality standards, processes, and objectives are
effectively established, monitored, and maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
Group – C
1. What do you mean by life cycle model of software development ? Describe the generic
waterfall model. Compare the classical waterfall model and spiral model of software
development. *
Life Cycle Model of Software Development:
A life cycle model of software development is a framework that describes the stages or phases through which a software
product progresses from conception to retirement. It provides a structured approach to software development,
outlining the activities, deliverables, and milestones associated with each phase of the process. Different life cycle
models exist, each with its unique characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, tailored to meet the specific needs
and requirements of different projects.
The waterfall model is one of the oldest and most widely used life cycle models in software engineering. It consists of
sequential phases, where the output of each phase serves as the input for the next phase. The key phases of the
waterfall model are:
1. Requirements Gathering: Gathering and documenting the software requirements, including functional and non-
functional requirements, user needs, and system constraints.
2. System Design: Designing the system architecture, components, and interfaces based on the requirements
analysis. This phase may include high-level design (architectural design) and detailed design (component design).
3. Implementation: Implementing the system according to the design specifications, including coding, unit testing,
and integration of system components.
4. Testing: Verifying and validating the system to ensure that it meets specified requirements and functions
correctly. Testing activities may include unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and user acceptance
testing (UAT).
5. Deployment: Deploying the system to the production environment and transitioning it into operation. This may
involve installation, configuration, and user training.
6. Maintenance: Maintaining and supporting the system throughout its operational life, including bug fixes,
updates, and enhancements.
Approach Sequential approach with rigid phase-to-phase Iterative approach with the ability to revisit
progression. and iterate on phases.
Flexibility Less flexible, with limited opportunities for More flexible, allowing for feedback and
feedback and adaptation. refinement throughout the process.
Risk Management Risks are addressed mainly during the initial Integral part of the model, with dedicated
planning phase. risk analysis phases in each iteration.
Iteration and Limited feedback and iteration, as each phase is Allows for feedback and iteration within each
Feedback completed before moving to the next. phase and between phases.
Applicability Suitable for projects with well-defined and Suitable for projects with evolving or
stable requirements. uncertain requirements.
Risk Handling Assumes that risks can be identified and Emphasizes iterative risk analysis and
Approach mitigated upfront. management throughout the process.
In summary, while the classical waterfall model follows a sequential approach with limited flexibility, the spiral model
adopts an iterative and flexible approach, allowing for feedback, risk management, and adaptation throughout the
software development process. The choice between these models depends on the project's characteristics,
requirements, and risk tolerance.
2. Discuss the salient features of ISO 9000 in software industries. What are the differences
between CMM and ISO 9000 ? Discuss the process how to get the ISO 9000 certification ?
** OR
3. Discuss the salient features of ISO 9000 in software industries. Why is it suggested CMM
is better choice than ISO 9001 ? Discuss various key process areas of CMM of various
maturity levels.
Discuss the salient features of ISO 9000 in software industries:
ISO 9000 is a set of international standards that provide guidelines for establishing, implementing, and maintaining
quality management systems (QMS) in various industries, including the software industry. The salient features of ISO
9000 in software industries include:
1. Quality Management System (QMS): ISO 9000 emphasizes the establishment of a robust QMS tailored to the
specific needs and requirements of software development organizations. This includes defining quality
objectives, processes, and procedures to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality software products and
services.
2. Customer Focus: ISO 9000 places a strong emphasis on understanding and meeting customer requirements and
expectations. Software organizations are required to identify customer needs, communicate effectively with
customers, and strive to enhance customer satisfaction through the delivery of quality products and services.
3. Process Approach: ISO 9000 promotes a process-based approach to quality management, where organizations
define, document, and continuously improve their key processes to achieve desired outcomes. This includes
identifying process inputs, activities, outputs, and performance indicators to ensure effective process execution
and monitoring.
4. Continuous Improvement: ISO 9000 encourages organizations to adopt a culture of continuous improvement,
where they regularly evaluate their QMS, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective and
preventive actions to enhance performance, efficiency, and effectiveness.
5. Resource Management: ISO 9000 emphasizes the importance of effectively managing resources, including
human resources, infrastructure, and technology, to ensure the successful implementation of QMS and
achievement of quality objectives.
6. Documentation and Records: ISO 9000 requires organizations to maintain comprehensive documentation and
records of their quality management activities, processes, and outcomes. This helps ensure transparency,
traceability, and accountability throughout the organization.
7. Internal Audits and Reviews: ISO 9000 mandates regular internal audits and reviews to assess the effectiveness
and compliance of the QMS with ISO 9000 standards. This helps identify areas of non-conformance,
opportunities for improvement, and best practices within the organization.
Overall, ISO 9000 provides a framework for software organizations to establish, implement, and continuously improve
their quality management systems, leading to enhanced customer satisfaction, improved process efficiency, and
increased competitiveness in the global marketplace.
While both CMM (Capability Maturity Model) and ISO 9000 focus on improving organizational processes and product
quality, they differ in several key aspects:
1. Focus: CMM primarily focuses on improving the software development processes and practices within an
organization to achieve higher maturity levels and deliver high-quality software products. ISO 9000, on the other
hand, is a generic quality management standard that applies to various industries and emphasizes the
establishment and maintenance of effective quality management systems.
2. Scope: CMM is specific to the software industry and provides a framework for assessing and improving software
development processes. ISO 9000 is applicable to a wide range of industries and focuses on establishing quality
management systems to enhance product quality and customer satisfaction.
3. Maturity Levels: CMM defines five maturity levels (from Initial to Optimizing) that represent the evolutionary
stages of organizational process improvement. Each maturity level builds upon the previous one, with higher
levels indicating greater process maturity and capability. ISO 9000 does not define specific maturity levels but
focuses on the implementation of quality management principles and practices.
4. Assessment Approach: CMM assessments are conducted using a detailed appraisal method that evaluates an
organization's adherence to specific process areas and maturity level criteria. ISO 9000 certification involves a
formal audit process conducted by external certification bodies to verify compliance with ISO 9000 standards.
5. Flexibility: CMM allows organizations to tailor their process improvement efforts based on their specific needs,
goals, and constraints. ISO 9000 provides a more standardized approach to quality management, with less
flexibility in terms of customization and adaptation to organizational contexts.
1. Gap Analysis: Conduct a gap analysis to assess the organization's current quality management practices and
identify areas where improvements are needed to meet ISO 9000 requirements.
2. Develop Documentation: Develop documentation, including a Quality Manual, Quality Policy, and documented
procedures, to establish a Quality Management System (QMS) that complies with ISO 9000 standards.
3. Implement QMS: Implement the QMS across the organization, ensuring that all relevant processes and
procedures are followed and that employees are trained on the requirements of ISO 9000.
4. Internal Audits: Conduct internal audits to assess the effectiveness and compliance of the QMS with ISO 9000
standards. Identify areas of non-conformance and take corrective actions to address them.
5. Management Review: Conduct management reviews to evaluate the performance of the QMS, identify
opportunities for improvement, and make necessary adjustments to enhance its effectiveness.
6. Pre-assessment Audit: Conduct a pre-assessment audit to evaluate the organization's readiness for the ISO 9000
certification audit. Identify any areas of non-conformance and take corrective actions as needed.
7. Certification Audit: Arrange for a certification audit to be conducted by an accredited certification body. The
certification audit involves a comprehensive assessment of the organization's QMS to verify compliance with ISO
9000 standards.
8. Certification Decision: Based on the results of the certification audit, the certification body will make a decision
regarding the organization's eligibility for ISO 9000 certification. If the organization meets the requirements, ISO
9000 certification will be granted.
9. Continuous Improvement: After obtaining ISO 9000 certification, the organization should continue to monitor
and improve its QMS to ensure ongoing compliance with ISO 9000 standards and achieve continual
improvement in quality management practices.
McCall's Quality Factors are a set of software quality attributes or characteristics identified by the McCall's quality
model. They serve as a framework for evaluating and assessing the quality of software products. McCall's Quality Factors
include various aspects of software functionality, maintainability, reliability, efficiency, and usability. The original
McCall's Quality Factors consist of 11 attributes:
1. Correctness: The extent to which the software meets its specified requirements and performs its intended
functions accurately.
2. Reliability: The ability of the software to perform consistently and reliably under various conditions, without
failure or error.
3. Efficiency: The software's ability to execute tasks and utilize resources (such as memory and processing power)
efficiently, minimizing waste and maximizing performance.
4. Integrity: The security and protection mechanisms implemented to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and
availability of data and resources.
5. Usability: The ease of use and user-friendliness of the software, including factors such as learnability,
intuitiveness, and user satisfaction.
6. Maintainability: The ease with which the software can be modified, updated, extended, or repaired over time,
without introducing errors or causing system downtime.
7. Flexibility: The software's ability to accommodate changes and adapt to evolving requirements, technologies,
and environments.
8. Testability: The ease with which the software can be tested and validated to ensure that it meets quality and
performance standards.
9. Portability: The ability of the software to run on different hardware platforms, operating systems, and
environments without modification or loss of functionality.
10. Reusability: The extent to which software components, modules, or artifacts can be reused in other projects or
applications, improving productivity and reducing development time and cost.
11. Interoperability: The ability of the software to communicate, interact, and integrate seamlessly with other
systems, applications, or components, enabling interoperability and data exchange.
McCall's Quality Factors provide a comprehensive framework for assessing and evaluating software quality from
multiple perspectives, helping software developers, testers, and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and
prioritize quality-related activities.
5. What do you mean by McCabe cyclomatic complexity? Give example with control flow
graph. **
McCabe's cyclomatic complexity is a software metric used to measure the complexity of a program's control flow graph.
It quantifies the number of linearly independent paths through a program's source code, providing insights into its
structural complexity and potential testing requirements.
𝑀=𝐸−𝑁+2𝑃M=E−N+2P
Where:
𝐸E is the number of edges (control flow paths) in the program's control flow graph.
Here's an example of calculating McCabe's cyclomatic complexity using a simple control flow graph:
1 → 2 (one edge) 2 → 3 (edge for "x > y") 2 → 4 (edge for "x < y") 3 → 5 (edge for "x is greater than y") 4 → 5 (edge for "x
is less than y") 5 → 6 (edge for "x is equal to y") 6 → 7 (edge for end of function)
𝑀=𝐸−𝑁+2𝑃M=E−N+2P
We have:
𝐸=7E=7
𝑁=6N=6
𝑃=1P=1
𝑀=7−6+2∗1=3M=7−6+2∗1=3
6. Define cohesion and coupling with their classification. For a good design "high cohesion
and low coupling is required". Explain it with reason. *
Cohesion: Cohesion refers to the degree of relatedness and interdependence among elements within a module or
component. It measures how closely the elements within a module are related to each other and how well they work
together to achieve a single, well-defined purpose or responsibility. Cohesion is classified into different types:
1. Functional Cohesion: Elements within a module perform a single, well-defined function or task. This is the
highest level of cohesion and is considered desirable in software design.
2. Sequential Cohesion: Elements within a module are related by the sequence of execution, where the output of
one element serves as the input for the next element.
3. Communicational Cohesion: Elements within a module operate on the same data or share common data
structures, but perform different functions or tasks.
4. Procedural Cohesion: Elements within a module are grouped based on the steps required to perform a task or
achieve an objective.
5. Temporal Cohesion: Elements within a module are grouped based on the time they are executed or the period
during which they are active.
Coupling: Coupling refers to the degree of interdependence and interaction between modules or components within a
software system. It measures how closely connected or dependent modules are on each other. Coupling is classified into
different types:
1. Data Coupling: Modules communicate by passing data through parameters or shared data structures. This is the
weakest form of coupling and is considered desirable in software design.
2. Stamp Coupling: Modules share a complex data structure, such as a record or array, where only a portion of the
data structure is used by each module.
3. Control Coupling: Modules communicate by passing control information, such as flags or status indicators, to
control the execution flow.
4. Common Coupling: Modules share global data or resources, such as global variables or files, which are
accessible by multiple modules.
5. Content Coupling: One module directly accesses or modifies the internal data or implementation details of
another module, which can lead to tight coupling and poor modularization.
For a good design, "high cohesion and low coupling" are required because:
High Cohesion: High cohesion ensures that each module has a clear, well-defined purpose and performs a
single, cohesive function or task. This simplifies module design, implementation, testing, and maintenance,
making the software easier to understand, modify, and evolve over time.
Low Coupling: Low coupling reduces the interdependence and interactions between modules, allowing them to
operate independently and be easily replaced, modified, or extended without affecting other parts of the
system. This promotes modularity, reusability, and flexibility, making the software more adaptable to changes
and enhancements.
Overall, high cohesion and low coupling contribute to better software quality, maintainability, scalability, and reliability,
facilitating the development of robust, flexible, and maintainable software systems.
1. Early Identification of Risks: Risk analysis helps identify potential risks at an early stage of the project lifecycle,
allowing software development teams to proactively address and mitigate them before they escalate into
serious issues.
2. Better Decision Making: By understanding and assessing the potential risks associated with a project, software
managers and stakeholders can make informed decisions regarding project planning, resource allocation, and
risk mitigation strategies.
3. Improved Project Planning: Risk analysis enables software teams to develop realistic project plans that account
for potential risks and uncertainties, leading to more accurate estimates, schedules, and budgets.
4. Reduced Project Failures: By identifying and mitigating risks early in the project lifecycle, risk analysis reduces
the likelihood of project failures, cost overruns, schedule delays, and quality issues, ultimately improving project
success rates.
5. Enhanced Stakeholder Confidence: Effective risk analysis demonstrates a proactive approach to project
management and risk mitigation, instilling confidence in stakeholders and fostering trust in the project team's
ability to deliver quality software products.
6. Continuous Improvement: Risk analysis is an iterative process that continues throughout the project lifecycle,
allowing software teams to monitor and reassess risks as the project progresses and adapt their risk
management strategies accordingly.
Overall, risk analysis plays a crucial role in software engineering by helping organizations identify, assess, and manage
risks effectively, thereby reducing project uncertainty, improving decision making, and enhancing project success.
8. What is risk ? How many types of risks are there ? What is the importance of Risk
Management ?
Risk refers to the potential for loss, harm, or adverse consequences arising from uncertainties and unforeseen events
that may impact the achievement of objectives or the success of a project. In software engineering, risks can manifest in
various forms, including technical, operational, financial, and strategic risks.
1. Technical Risks: Risks related to technology, such as software defects, compatibility issues, performance
bottlenecks, and security vulnerabilities.
2. Operational Risks: Risks associated with operational aspects of software development and deployment, such as
resource constraints, inadequate processes, and human errors.
3. Financial Risks: Risks related to budget overruns, cost escalations, revenue losses, and financial uncertainties
associated with software projects.
4. Schedule Risks: Risks associated with project delays, missed deadlines, schedule slippage, and time constraints
that may impact project delivery.
5. Market Risks: Risks arising from changes in market conditions, customer preferences, competitive pressures, or
technological advancements that may affect the demand for software products or services.
6. Legal and Regulatory Risks: Risks related to compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, intellectual
property issues, licensing agreements, and contractual obligations.
1. Minimizing Project Uncertainty: Risk management helps identify, assess, and mitigate uncertainties and
potential threats that may impact the success of a project, reducing project uncertainty and increasing the
likelihood of achieving project objectives.
2. Enhancing Decision Making: By providing insights into potential risks and their potential impacts, risk
management enables stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding project planning, resource allocation,
and risk mitigation strategies.
3. Improving Project Performance: Effective risk management helps mitigate the adverse effects of risks on project
cost, schedule, quality, and scope, leading to improved project performance and increased chances of project
success.
4. Protecting Stakeholder Interests: Risk management helps protect the interests of project stakeholders,
including customers, investors, employees, and the organization itself, by minimizing the potential for loss,
harm, or adverse consequences.
5. Facilitating Continuous Improvement: Risk management is an iterative process that continues throughout the
project lifecycle, allowing organizations to monitor and reassess risks, implement corrective actions, and adapt
their risk management strategies to changing circumstances, thereby facilitating continuous improvement and
learning.
Overall, risk management is a critical aspect of software engineering that helps organizations anticipate, prevent, and
mitigate risks, ensuring the successful delivery of software projects and the achievement of project objectives.
9. Differentiate static UML diagram and dynamic UML diagram? Draw and explain any one
static and dynamic UML diagram?
Static UML Diagram:
Static UML diagrams represent the static structure of a system, focusing on the relationships, structures, and properties
of system elements that do not change over time. These diagrams are used to visualize the static aspects of a system,
such as classes, objects, interfaces, and their relationships.
Dynamic UML diagrams represent the dynamic behavior and interactions of system components over time, capturing
the sequence of events, actions, and state changes that occur during the execution of a system. These diagrams are used
to model the dynamic aspects of a system, such as behavior, interactions, and state transitions.
A Class Diagram is a type of static UML diagram that represents the structure and relationships of classes, interfaces, and
their associations within a system. It illustrates the static view of a system by showing the classes, attributes, operations,
and associations between them.
Class: Represents a template or blueprint for creating objects. For example, the "Student" class represents a
student entity with attributes such as "studentID" and "name" and operations such as "registerCourse()" and
"payFee()".
Association: Represents a relationship between classes, indicating that instances of one class are connected to
instances of another class. For example, the association between "Student" and "Course" classes indicates that a
student can enroll in multiple courses.
Attribute: Represents properties or characteristics of a class, such as "studentID" and "name" in the "Student"
class.
Operation: Represents behaviors or actions that can be performed by objects of a class, such as
"registerCourse()" and "payFee()" in the "Student" class.
A Sequence Diagram is a type of dynamic UML diagram that represents the interactions and message flow between
objects or components of a system over time. It illustrates the sequence of events and method calls that occur during
the execution of a system.
In this example of a Sequence Diagram:
Object: Represents an instance of a class or component participating in the interaction. For example, "Client"
and "Server" objects represent instances of client and server components.
Lifeline: Represents the lifespan or existence of an object during the interaction. Each lifeline corresponds to an
object participating in the sequence of events.
Message: Represents a communication or interaction between objects, indicating the flow of control or data
between them. For example, "sendRequest()" and "sendResponse()" messages represent method calls between
client and server objects.
Activation: Represents the period during which an object is actively engaged in processing or executing a
message. Activation bars show when an object is performing a particular action or operation.
In summary, static UML diagrams focus on the static structure and relationships of system elements, while dynamic UML
diagrams capture the dynamic behavior and interactions of system components over time. Class Diagrams are examples
of static UML diagrams, representing the static structure of classes and their relationships, while Sequence Diagrams are
examples of dynamic UML diagrams, representing the dynamic interactions and message flow between objects during
the execution of a system.
1. Requirements Analysis: During this phase, verification ensures that the requirements documentation accurately
reflects the stakeholders' needs and expectations. Validation, on the other hand, involves confirming that the
identified requirements meet the users' actual needs and will address the intended problems or opportunities.
2. Design Phase: Verification focuses on ensuring that the design specifications adhere to the established
requirements and standards. Validation involves reviewing the design with stakeholders to ensure that it aligns
with their expectations and can effectively address the desired functionalities and features.
3. Implementation and Coding: Verification in this phase involves code reviews, unit testing, and other static and
dynamic analysis techniques to ensure that the implemented code meets the design specifications and coding
standards. Validation involves testing the software against the user requirements and scenarios to ensure that it
behaves as expected and meets the users' needs.
4. Testing Phase: Verification activities during testing include system testing, integration testing, and acceptance
testing to verify that the software functions correctly and meets all specified requirements. Validation involves
executing test cases and scenarios to confirm that the software satisfies the users' needs and expectations.
5. Deployment and Maintenance: Verification in this phase involves ensuring that the deployed software matches
the approved configuration and meets the specified performance, security, and reliability criteria. Validation
involves monitoring and collecting feedback from users to assess the software's effectiveness and identify any
necessary improvements or updates.
In summary, verification focuses on ensuring that the software is built correctly according to the established
requirements and standards, while validation focuses on confirming that the software meets the users' needs and
expectations and provides the intended value.
11.What is a CASE tool? How are case tools useful in different aspects of software
engineering projects? Also briefly state two disadvantages of case tool.
CASE (Computer-Aided Software Engineering) tools are software applications that provide automated support for
various activities involved in software engineering, including requirements analysis, design, coding, testing, and
maintenance. CASE tools offer a wide range of functionalities and features to assist software developers, analysts, and
managers throughout the software development lifecycle.
The usefulness of CASE tools in different aspects of software engineering projects includes:
1. Requirements Management: CASE tools facilitate the capture, documentation, and analysis of software
requirements, ensuring clarity, consistency, and traceability throughout the requirements engineering process.
2. Design and Modeling: CASE tools provide graphical modeling capabilities for creating and visualizing various
software artifacts, such as UML diagrams, data flow diagrams, and entity-relationship diagrams, aiding in the
design and architecture of software systems.
3. Code Generation: Some CASE tools support code generation capabilities, allowing developers to automatically
generate code from design models or templates, reducing manual effort and minimizing the risk of errors.
4. Testing and Debugging: CASE tools offer features for test case generation, test execution, and debugging,
helping testers identify defects and verify the correctness of the software.
5. Version Control and Configuration Management: CASE tools support version control and configuration
management functionalities, enabling teams to manage changes, track revisions, and collaborate effectively on
software projects.
1. Learning Curve: CASE tools often have a steep learning curve, requiring training and proficiency to use
effectively. Users may need time to become familiar with the tool's features and functionalities, potentially
impacting productivity in the short term.
2. Cost and Complexity: High-quality CASE tools can be costly to acquire and maintain, especially for smaller
organizations or individual developers. Additionally, the complexity of some CASE tools may exceed the needs of
certain projects, leading to unnecessary overhead and complexity.
Despite these disadvantages, CASE tools offer significant benefits in terms of productivity, quality, and consistency,
making them valuable assets in software engineering projects.
12.What are the limitations of SDLC ? What are the different types of team structure
followed in software project ? Define the utilities of PERT chart with an example.
Limitations of SDLC:
1. Rigidity: Traditional SDLC models, such as the waterfall model, can be rigid and inflexible, making it challenging
to accommodate changes in requirements or adapt to evolving project needs.
2. Sequential Nature: Sequential SDLC models follow a strict sequence of phases, which may lead to lengthy
development cycles and delayed feedback from stakeholders.
3. Limited Customer Involvement: SDLC models may lack sufficient mechanisms for ongoing customer
involvement and feedback, potentially resulting in misalignment between the delivered software and customer
expectations.
4. High Upfront Costs: SDLC models often require significant upfront planning and documentation, leading to
higher initial costs and longer project initiation times.
1. Functional Team Structure: In this structure, team members are organized based on their functional expertise,
such as development, testing, and project management. Each team focuses on its specific area of expertise,
leading to specialization but potential communication barriers.
2. Matrix Team Structure: A matrix structure combines functional and project-based team structures, where team
members report to both functional managers and project managers. This structure promotes flexibility and
resource sharing but can lead to conflicts due to dual reporting relationships.
3. Cross-Functional Team Structure: Cross-functional teams comprise members from different functional areas,
such as development, testing, design, and marketing, working together on a project. This structure promotes
collaboration, innovation, and shared accountability but requires effective communication and coordination.
A PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) chart is a project management tool used to schedule, organize, and
visualize tasks and activities in a project. It helps identify critical path activities, estimate project duration, and manage
project dependencies.
1. Requirements Analysis
2. Design
3. Development
4. Testing
5. Deployment
The PERT chart for this project would display the sequence of tasks, their dependencies, and the estimated duration for
each task. Critical path activities, which determine the minimum project duration, are highlighted in the chart.
Short notes
1. Test automation
Test automation involves using software tools and scripts to automate the execution of tests, rather than manually
executing them. It aims to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and coverage of testing activities while reducing the
time and effort required for testing.
Key points about test automation:
Benefits: Test automation offers several benefits, including faster test execution, repeatability, improved test
coverage, early detection of defects, and increased productivity of testing teams.
Types of Tests: Various types of tests can be automated, including unit tests, integration tests, functional tests,
regression tests, and performance tests.
Tools: There are many test automation tools available, such as Selenium WebDriver for web applications,
Appium for mobile applications, JUnit and TestNG for unit testing in Java, and pytest for Python.
Challenges: Test automation also comes with challenges, such as the initial investment in tool selection and
setup, maintenance of test scripts, handling dynamic user interfaces, and maintaining test data.
Best Practices: To ensure successful test automation, it's essential to follow best practices such as selecting the
right tests for automation, designing robust and maintainable test scripts, integrating automation into the CI/CD
pipeline, and regularly reviewing and updating automated tests.
Quality Objectives: Clearly define the quality goals and objectives of the project, including quality metrics and
criteria for success.
Quality Processes: Describe the processes and methodologies to be followed for requirements management,
design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
Quality Assurance Activities: Outline the specific quality assurance activities to be performed, such as code
reviews, testing, inspections, audits, and quality reviews.
Roles and Responsibilities: Define the roles and responsibilities of team members involved in quality assurance
activities, including QA engineers, testers, developers, and project managers.
Resources: Identify the resources required for quality assurance activities, including tools, equipment, facilities,
and training.
Risk Management: Include a risk management plan to identify, assess, and mitigate risks that may impact the
quality of the software product.
Communication and Reporting: Specify the communication channels and reporting mechanisms for sharing
quality-related information and progress updates with stakeholders.
3. Regression testing
Regression testing is a type of software testing that verifies whether changes or enhancements to a software
application have affected existing functionality. It involves re-executing previously executed test cases to ensure that no
new defects have been introduced and that the existing functionality remains intact.
Scope: Regression testing can be performed at various levels, including unit regression testing, integration
regression testing, and system regression testing, depending on the scope of the changes and the level of impact
on the application.
Automation: Regression testing is often automated to streamline the testing process, reduce manual effort, and
enable frequent and efficient regression testing as part of the CI/CD pipeline.
Selection of Test Cases: Not all test cases need to be re-executed during regression testing. Test cases are
selected based on their relevance to the changes made and their potential impact on the application's
functionality.
Continuous Regression Testing: Regression testing should be performed continuously throughout the software
development lifecycle to detect and address regressions as early as possible, minimizing the risk of introducing
defects into the production environment.
4. Prototyping model
The prototyping model is a software development model in which a prototype or preliminary version of the software is
developed to gather feedback and validate requirements before proceeding with full-scale development. It involves
iterative cycles of prototyping, feedback gathering, and refinement to converge on the final product.
Purpose: The primary purpose of the prototyping model is to clarify and validate user requirements, design
concepts, and system functionalities early in the development process, reducing the risk of misunderstandings
and costly changes later.
Advantages: The prototyping model allows for early user involvement and feedback, reduces development time
and cost by identifying requirements and design issues early, and improves the accuracy of requirements
validation.
Disadvantages: Potential disadvantages of the prototyping model include the risk of scope creep, difficulty in
managing evolving requirements, and the temptation to deliver the prototype as the final product without
adequate refinement.
Suitability: The prototyping model is suitable for projects with uncertain or evolving requirements, complex user
interfaces, and a high degree of user involvement and feedback.
5. Case tools
CASE (Computer-Aided Software Engineering) tools are software applications that provide automated support for
various activities involved in software development, such as requirements analysis, design, coding, testing, and
maintenance. They offer a range of functionalities and features to assist software developers, analysts, and managers
throughout the software development lifecycle.
Types of CASE Tools: CASE tools can be classified into different categories based on their functionalities,
including requirements management tools, design tools (e.g., UML modeling tools), code generation tools,
testing tools, and project management tools.
Benefits: CASE tools offer several benefits, including increased productivity, improved consistency and quality of
deliverables, enhanced collaboration and communication among team members, and better management of
software development projects.
Disadvantages: Despite their benefits, CASE tools also have some disadvantages, such as the initial investment
in tool selection and setup, the learning curve associated with using new tools, and the potential for tool
dependency and inflexibility.
Examples: Some examples of popular CASE tools include IBM Rational Rose, Microsoft Visio, Enterprise
Architect, Visual Paradigm, and Lucidchart.
CASE tools play a significant role in modern software development by automating repetitive tasks, improving efficiency
and collaboration, and facilitating the creation of high-quality software products.
6. CPM **
CPM is a project management technique used to determine the longest sequence of dependent tasks and the shortest
time in which a project can be completed. It helps project managers identify critical activities that must be completed on
time to prevent delays in the overall project.
Network Diagram: CPM uses a network diagram to represent project activities and their dependencies. Each
activity is represented as a node, and dependencies between activities are represented as arrows.
Critical Path: The critical path is the longest path through the network diagram, consisting of activities with zero
slack or float. Any delay in activities on the critical path will directly impact the project's overall duration.
Slack or Float: Slack or float refers to the amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the
project's completion. Activities on the critical path have zero slack, while non-critical activities have positive
slack.
Forward Pass and Backward Pass: CPM involves performing a forward pass to determine the earliest start and
finish times for each activity and a backward pass to determine the latest start and finish times. The critical path
is then identified based on these calculations.
Benefits: CPM helps project managers identify critical activities, allocate resources efficiently, optimize project
schedules, and identify opportunities for reducing project duration.
7. Gantt Chart
A Gantt chart is a visual representation of a project schedule that displays tasks, activities, and milestones along a
horizontal timeline. It provides project managers and stakeholders with a graphical overview of the project's progress,
timeline, and dependencies.
Dependencies: Gantt charts can display task dependencies using arrows or lines connecting dependent tasks.
This helps identify relationships between tasks and ensures that tasks are scheduled in the correct sequence.
Milestones: Milestones are significant events or achievements in the project timeline, such as project kickoff,
completion of major deliverables, or project closure. They are typically represented as diamond-shaped markers
on the Gantt chart.
Resource Allocation: Gantt charts can also show resource allocations, indicating which resources are assigned to
specific tasks and when they are required. This helps project managers manage resource availability and
workload effectively.
Progress Tracking: Gantt charts allow project managers to track the progress of tasks and monitor project
milestones in real-time. They can easily visualize delays, identify bottlenecks, and make adjustments to the
project schedule as needed.
8. FTR
FTR, also known as Formal Inspection, is a software quality assurance technique used to identify defects and improve
the quality of software artifacts such as requirements specifications, design documents, source code, and test plans.
Objective: The primary objective of FTR is to identify defects and quality issues early in the software
development lifecycle, before they propagate to later stages and become more costly to fix.
Participants: FTR typically involves a formal review meeting attended by a team of stakeholders, including
authors of the artifact under review, reviewers, moderators, and scribes.
Process: The FTR process consists of several stages, including planning, preparation, review meeting, rework,
and follow-up. During the review meeting, reviewers examine the artifact systematically, identify defects, and
provide feedback for improvement.
Benefits: FTR helps improve the quality and consistency of software artifacts, facilitates knowledge sharing and
collaboration among team members, reduces the risk of defects in the final product, and promotes best
practices in software development.
Process: The Delphi method typically involves multiple rounds of anonymous questionnaires or surveys
administered to a panel of experts. In each round, experts provide their estimates for the project cost or effort
based on their expertise and experience.
Iterative Feedback: After each round, the facilitator summarizes the responses, anonymizes the feedback, and
shares it with the panel. Experts are then given the opportunity to revise their estimates based on the
aggregated feedback from the group.
Consensus Building: The goal of Delphi cost estimation is to converge on a consensus estimate by iteratively
refining and revising individual judgments. This consensus estimate is often more accurate and reliable than any
single expert's opinion.
Benefits: Delphi cost estimation leverages the collective wisdom and expertise of multiple experts, reduces bias
and subjectivity in estimation, fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing, and produces more accurate and
reliable estimates for software projects.
10.Feasibility analysis.
Feasibility analysis is an evaluation process used to assess the viability and potential success of a proposed software
project. It involves analyzing various factors, including technical, economic, operational, and legal aspects, to determine
whether the project is feasible and worth pursuing.
Technical Feasibility: Technical feasibility assesses whether the proposed project can be successfully
implemented using available technology, resources, and expertise. It considers factors such as compatibility,
scalability, performance, and security.
Economic Feasibility: Economic feasibility evaluates the financial viability of the proposed project by analyzing
costs, benefits, and returns on investment. It considers factors such as development costs, operating expenses,
revenue potential, and cost-benefit analysis.
Operational Feasibility: Operational feasibility examines whether the proposed project aligns with the
organization's goals, objectives, and capabilities. It assesses factors such as user acceptance, organizational
readiness, and potential impact on existing processes and workflows.
Legal and Regulatory Feasibility: Legal and regulatory feasibility assesses whether the proposed project
complies with relevant laws, regulations, standards, and industry best practices. It considers factors such as
intellectual property rights, data privacy, security regulations, and contractual obligations.
Outcome: Based on the findings of the feasibility analysis, stakeholders can make informed decisions about
whether to proceed with the proposed project, modify its scope or objectives, or abandon it altogether.
Quality Objectives: SQA aims to define quality objectives and criteria for measuring and evaluating the quality of
software products and processes. It focuses on factors such as functionality, reliability, performance, usability,
and maintainability.
Quality Processes: SQA involves establishing and implementing quality processes, methodologies, and best
practices to ensure that software development activities are carried out systematically and consistently. This
includes requirements management, design, coding, testing, and maintenance.
Quality Standards: SQA ensures compliance with relevant quality standards, frameworks, and guidelines, such
as ISO 9000, CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration), and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers) standards.
Quality Assurance Activities: SQA activities include quality planning, quality reviews, quality audits, process
improvement initiatives, and defect prevention and detection measures. These activities help identify, assess,
and mitigate quality risks throughout the software development lifecycle.
Role of SQA: The SQA function may be performed by dedicated quality assurance teams, quality assurance
engineers, or embedded within development teams. Its role is to promote a culture of quality, continuous
improvement, and customer satisfaction within the organization.
Benefits: Effective SQA practices lead to higher-quality software products, reduced rework and defects,
improved customer satisfaction, enhanced reputation and competitiveness, and lower overall costs of software
development and maintenance.
These short notes provide an overview of each topic, covering key concepts, processes, and benefits associated with
CPM, Gantt charts, FTR, Delphi cost estimation, feasibility analysis, and software quality assurance.
Beta Testing: Beta testing is conducted by a select group of external users or customers in a real-world
environment before the software is officially released to the public. It aims to gather feedback, identify potential
issues, and assess the software's performance, usability, and reliability in diverse user environments. Beta
testers provide valuable insights and help improve the software before its final release.
White Box Testing: White box testing, also known as structural or glass box testing, is a software testing
technique that focuses on testing the internal logic, code paths, and structure of a software application. Testers
have access to the internal code and use this knowledge to design test cases that exercise different code paths,
conditions, and branches. White box testing aims to ensure code coverage, identify logical errors, and verify the
correctness of individual code units or components.
14.Test automation *
Test automation involves using software tools and scripts to automate the execution of tests, rather than manually
executing them. It aims to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and coverage of testing activities while reducing the
time and effort required for testing.
Benefits: Test automation offers several benefits, including faster test execution, repeatability, improved test
coverage, early detection of defects, and increased productivity of testing teams.
Types of Tests: Various types of tests can be automated, including unit tests, integration tests, functional tests,
regression tests, and performance tests.
Tools: There are many test automation tools available, such as Selenium WebDriver for web applications,
Appium for mobile applications, JUnit and TestNG for unit testing in Java, and pytest for Python.
Challenges: Test automation also comes with challenges, such as the initial investment in tool selection and
setup, maintenance of test scripts, handling dynamic user interfaces, and maintaining test data.
Best Practices: To ensure successful test automation, it's essential to follow best practices such as selecting the
right tests for automation, designing robust and maintainable test scripts, integrating automation into the CI/CD
pipeline, and regularly reviewing and updating automated tests.
15.RAD model. *
RAD Model: The RAD model is an incremental software development process that emphasizes rapid
prototyping and iterative development. It focuses on delivering software quickly by using prototyping
techniques and involving end-users in the development process.
Key Characteristics:
Iterative Development: The RAD model involves multiple iterations or cycles of prototyping, feedback
gathering, and refinement to converge on the final product.
User Involvement: End-users are actively involved throughout the development process, providing
feedback on prototypes and driving requirements prioritization.
Rapid Prototyping: Prototypes are quickly developed to validate requirements, clarify design concepts,
and gather user feedback before proceeding with full-scale development.
Advantages: The RAD model offers several advantages, including reduced time to market, increased customer
satisfaction, improved collaboration between developers and end-users, and early detection of requirements
issues.
Disadvantages: Potential disadvantages of the RAD model include the risk of scope creep, difficulty in managing
evolving requirements, and the need for skilled and experienced developers to handle rapid iterations
effectively.
16.Software maintenance
Software maintenance refers to the process of modifying, updating, and enhancing software to address defects,
improve performance, adapt to changes in the operating environment, and meet evolving user requirements after its
initial development and deployment.
Types of Maintenance: Software maintenance can be classified into four types: corrective maintenance (fixing
defects), adaptive maintenance (adapting to changes in the environment), perfective maintenance (improving
performance or adding new features), and preventive maintenance (proactive actions to prevent future issues).
Activities: Common activities involved in software maintenance include bug fixing, performance tuning, security
updates, compliance enhancements, documentation updates, and user support.
Challenges: Software maintenance poses various challenges, including understanding legacy code, managing
technical debt, prioritizing maintenance tasks, coordinating changes across multiple modules, and ensuring
backward compatibility.
Importance: Effective software maintenance is essential for ensuring the long-term reliability, usability, and
sustainability of software systems. It helps extend the software's lifespan, maximize return on investment, and
meet the evolving needs of users and stakeholders.
17.Software documentation
Software documentation consists of written materials that provide information about a software product, its features,
functionality, design, architecture, usage, and maintenance. It serves as a comprehensive reference for developers,
testers, users, and other stakeholders involved in the software development lifecycle.
Types of Documentation: Software documentation can include various types of documents, such as
requirements specifications, design documents, architecture diagrams, user manuals, API documentation,
release notes, and technical guides.
Purposes: Documentation serves several purposes, including communicating project requirements and goals,
guiding development and testing activities, facilitating collaboration among team members, enabling
maintenance and support, and providing training and user assistance.
Audience: The audience for software documentation includes developers, testers, project managers, technical
writers, end-users, and other stakeholders involved in different stages of the software development lifecycle.
Best Practices: To ensure the effectiveness and usability of documentation, it's essential to follow best practices
such as keeping documentation up-to-date, using clear and concise language, organizing information logically,
providing examples and illustrations, and soliciting feedback from users and stakeholders.
Usability Principles: UI design principles such as simplicity, consistency, clarity, responsiveness, and accessibility
are essential for creating effective user interfaces that meet the needs and expectations of users.
Wireframing and Prototyping: Wireframing and prototyping tools are used to create visual representations of
the user interface, including layouts, navigation flows, and interactive elements. Prototypes allow designers and
stakeholders to visualize and test the user interface before development.
Visual Design: Visual design elements such as color schemes, typography, icons, imagery, and animations are
used to create visually appealing and engaging user interfaces that reflect the brand identity and style of the
product.
Interaction Design: Interaction design focuses on designing interactive elements and behaviors that enable
users to navigate, interact with, and accomplish tasks within the software application. It involves designing
intuitive controls, feedback mechanisms, and user-friendly workflows.
Responsive Design: With the proliferation of mobile devices and screen sizes, responsive design techniques are
used to ensure that user interfaces adapt and display correctly across different devices and screen resolutions.
User Testing: User testing and usability testing are essential for evaluating the effectiveness and usability of the
user interface design. User feedback and observations help identify usability issues, improve user workflows,
and optimize the overall user experience.
These short notes provide an overview of each topic, covering key concepts, processes, and benefits associated with
alpha and beta testing, black box and white box testing, test automation, RAD model, software maintenance, software
documentation, and user interface design.
19.Data dictionary
A data dictionary is a centralized repository that provides detailed descriptions of data elements used in a software
application or system. It serves as a reference guide for developers, analysts, and other stakeholders to understand the
structure, meaning, and usage of data within the system.
Data Elements: A data dictionary contains information about various data elements, including data attributes,
data types, field lengths, allowable values, relationships, and definitions.
Attributes: For each data element, the data dictionary may specify attributes such as name, description, data
type, length, format, default value, validation rules, and source.
Usage: Data dictionaries are used to ensure consistency and accuracy in data management, facilitate data
modeling and database design, support data integration and interoperability, and aid in documentation and
communication among project stakeholders.
Examples: Examples of data elements that may be documented in a data dictionary include customer names,
addresses, product codes, transaction types, employee IDs, and system configuration parameters.
20.DFD
A Data Flow Diagram (DFD) is a graphical representation of the flow of data within a system or process. It depicts the
movement of data from external sources, through processes, and to external destinations, showing how data is input,
processed, and output.
Components: DFDs consist of four main components: external entities, processes, data stores, and data flows.
External entities represent sources or destinations of data, processes represent activities or transformations
performed on data, data stores represent repositories of data, and data flows represent the movement of data
between components.
Levels: DFDs can be hierarchical and organized into multiple levels of detail. Level 0 DFD provides an overview of
the entire system, while subsequent levels provide increasing detail about specific processes and data flows.
Notation: DFDs use standardized symbols to represent components and relationships. Symbols include circles
for processes, rectangles for data stores, arrows for data flows, and squares for external entities.
Analysis: DFDs are used for requirements analysis, system design, and communication among stakeholders.
They help visualize the system's data flow and identify opportunities for optimization, simplification, and
improvement.
21.CASE tool
A CASE (Computer-Aided Software Engineering) tool is a software application that provides automated support for
various activities involved in software development, such as requirements analysis, design, coding, testing, and
maintenance.
Functionality: CASE tools offer a wide range of functionalities to assist software developers, analysts, and
managers throughout the software development lifecycle. These functionalities include requirements
management, graphical modeling, code generation, version control, testing, documentation, and project
management.
Types: CASE tools can be classified into different categories based on their functionalities, such as requirements
management tools, design tools (e.g., UML modeling tools), code generation tools, testing tools, and project
management tools.
Benefits: CASE tools offer several benefits, including increased productivity, improved consistency and quality of
deliverables, enhanced collaboration and communication among team members, and better management of
software development projects.
Examples: Some examples of popular CASE tools include IBM Rational Rose, Microsoft Visio, Enterprise
Architect, Visual Paradigm, and Lucidchart.
22.4GT
Fourth Generation Techniques (4GT) refer to a set of software development methodologies that focus on automating
the programming process and enabling developers to create applications rapidly using high-level programming
languages, visual programming tools, and declarative programming paradigms.
Characteristics: 4GT emphasizes productivity, abstraction, automation, and user-centric development. It enables
developers to create applications quickly by providing pre-defined components, reusable templates, and visual
development environments.
Examples: Examples of 4GT include declarative programming languages (e.g., SQL for database queries), visual
programming tools (e.g., Microsoft Access for database applications), application generators, and domain-
specific languages (DSLs) tailored to specific application domains.
Benefits: 4GT offers several benefits, including faster application development, reduced development time and
cost, increased productivity of developers, improved maintainability and scalability of applications, and support
for rapid prototyping and iterative development.
Challenges: Potential challenges of 4GT include limited flexibility and customization options, vendor lock-in,
scalability issues for complex applications, and performance trade-offs compared to hand-coded solutions.
23.SCM
Software Configuration Management (SCM) is a set of processes, tools, and techniques used to manage and control
changes to software artifacts throughout the software development lifecycle. It ensures that software configurations are
identified, documented, versioned, and controlled to maintain consistency, integrity, and traceability.
Version Control: SCM includes version control systems (VCS) that track changes to source code, documents, and
other artifacts, allowing developers to collaborate, manage concurrent development, and revert to previous
versions if needed.
Configuration Identification: SCM involves identifying and documenting software configurations, including
components, dependencies, and versions. This helps establish baselines and ensure consistency across
development environments.
Change Management: SCM facilitates change management by providing mechanisms for requesting, reviewing,
approving, and implementing changes to software configurations. It helps track the status of change requests
and assess their impact on project scope, schedule, and quality.
Release Management: SCM supports release management activities such as packaging, deployment, and
distribution of software releases. It ensures that release artifacts are properly documented, tested, and
delivered to stakeholders.
Auditing and Reporting: SCM provides auditing and reporting capabilities to track changes, monitor compliance
with policies and procedures, and generate reports on configuration status, version history, and audit trails.
24.CRC modeling
CRC modeling is a technique used in object-oriented analysis and design to identify classes, their responsibilities, and
their collaborations in a software system. It involves brainstorming sessions with stakeholders to identify the key classes,
their attributes, methods, and relationships.
Components: CRC modeling sessions typically involve three main components: classes, responsibilities, and
collaborations. Participants identify classes representing entities or concepts in the problem domain, specify
their responsibilities or behaviors, and define collaborations or interactions between classes.
Technique: CRC modeling sessions are conducted interactively with stakeholders, using index cards or a
whiteboard to represent classes and their interactions. Participants take turns playing different roles (class,
responsibility, or collaboration) and discuss the relationships between classes.
Benefits: CRC modeling helps stakeholders visualize the structure and behavior of a software system, clarify
requirements, and identify potential design issues early in the development process. It fosters collaboration,
communication, and consensus-building among team members.
Integration: CRC modeling is often integrated with other analysis and design techniques, such as use case
modeling, UML (Unified Modeling Language) diagrams, and design patterns. It provides a lightweight, informal
approach to explore and refine the initial design of a software system.
25.SRS
A Software Requirements Specification (SRS) is a comprehensive document that defines the functional and non-
functional requirements of a software system. It serves as a contract between the project stakeholders, including
customers, users, and development teams, outlining the scope, features, and constraints of the software product.
Contents: An SRS typically includes sections such as introduction, scope, functional requirements, non-
functional requirements, system interfaces, user interfaces, data requirements, and acceptance criteria. It
provides a detailed description of the desired behavior and performance of the software system.
Purpose: The primary purpose of an SRS is to establish a common understanding of the software requirements
among stakeholders and serve as a basis for system design, development, testing, and validation activities. It
helps ensure that the software meets the specified needs and expectations of users.
Stakeholders: The stakeholders involved in the creation and review of an SRS may include customers, users,
business analysts, system architects, developers, testers, and project managers. Collaboration and
communication among stakeholders are essential for creating an accurate and comprehensive SRS.
Traceability: An SRS should be traceable, meaning that each requirement should be uniquely identified,
verifiable, and linked to its source (e.g., user needs, business requirements). Traceability helps ensure that all
requirements are addressed and validated throughout the software development lifecycle.
These short notes provide an overview of each topic, covering key concepts, processes, and benefits associated with
data dictionary, DFD, CASE tools, 4GT, SCM, CRC modeling, and SRS.
26.Risk management *
Risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, prioritizing, and mitigating risks that may impact the success
of a project or organization. It involves proactive measures to anticipate potential threats and opportunities, minimize
negative impacts, and maximize positive outcomes.
Risk Identification: Risk management begins with identifying potential risks that may affect project objectives,
timelines, budgets, or quality. Risks can arise from various sources, including technical challenges, changes in
requirements, resource constraints, and external factors such as market conditions or regulatory changes.
Risk Assessment: Once risks are identified, they are assessed based on their likelihood of occurrence, potential
impact, and severity. Qualitative and quantitative techniques, such as risk matrices, probability-impact
assessments, and risk registers, are used to prioritize risks and focus mitigation efforts on high-priority issues.
Risk Mitigation: Risk mitigation involves developing strategies and actions to reduce the likelihood or impact of
identified risks. Common mitigation strategies include risk avoidance (eliminating the risk altogether), risk
transfer (shifting the risk to a third party, such as insurance), risk reduction (implementing controls to minimize
the risk), and risk acceptance (acknowledging the risk and its potential consequences).
Risk Monitoring and Control: Risk management is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and
control throughout the project lifecycle. Risks are monitored to track changes in their likelihood or impact,
assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures, and identify new risks that may emerge over time. Adjustments
to risk management strategies are made as needed to address evolving threats and opportunities.
27.Work breakdown structure
A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a hierarchical decomposition of project deliverables into smaller, more
manageable components or work packages. It organizes project work into discrete tasks, activities, or phases, providing
a structured framework for planning, executing, and monitoring project activities.
Hierarchical Structure: A WBS is organized hierarchically, with the top level representing the project's major
deliverables or objectives, and subsequent levels breaking down each deliverable into smaller, more detailed
components. The lowest level of the WBS represents the smallest work packages or tasks that can be assigned
to individuals or teams.
Scope Definition: The WBS helps define the scope of the project by identifying all the work that needs to be
done to achieve project objectives. It provides a visual representation of project scope, allowing stakeholders to
understand the scope boundaries and ensure that all necessary work is included.
Project Planning: The WBS serves as the foundation for project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation. It
allows project managers to estimate the time, cost, and resources required for each work package, develop
project schedules, and assign responsibilities to team members.
Control and Monitoring: The WBS facilitates project control and monitoring by providing a framework for
tracking progress, managing dependencies, and identifying deviations from the planned schedule or budget. It
enables project managers to compare actual performance against planned performance and take corrective
actions as needed to keep the project on track.
28.SDLC
The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a systematic process used to design, develop, deploy, and maintain
software applications. It provides a structured framework for managing the entire software development process, from
initial concept to final delivery and beyond.
Phases: The SDLC typically consists of several phases, including requirements analysis, system design,
implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Each phase has its own objectives, activities, and
deliverables, and they are executed sequentially or iteratively depending on the development approach.
Methodologies: Various software development methodologies, such as waterfall, agile, iterative, and spiral,
prescribe different approaches to executing the SDLC phases. Each methodology has its own strengths,
weaknesses, and suitability for different types of projects and environments.
Activities: Common activities performed during the SDLC include gathering and analyzing requirements,
designing system architecture and user interfaces, coding and implementing software modules, testing for
defects and quality assurance, deploying the software to production environments, and providing ongoing
maintenance and support.
Documentation: Documentation is an essential part of the SDLC, providing a record of project requirements,
design decisions, code changes, test cases, and user manuals. Documentation ensures transparency, knowledge
transfer, and compliance with industry standards and best practices.
29.CMM
The Capability Maturity Model (CMM) is a framework used to assess and improve the maturity of an organization's
software development processes. It defines five levels of process maturity, ranging from initial (Level 1) to optimized
(Level 5), and provides guidelines for organizations to improve their processes over time.
Levels: The five levels of the CMM are Initial (Level 1), Repeatable (Level 2), Defined (Level 3), Managed (Level
4), and Optimizing (Level 5). Each level represents a higher degree of process maturity, with Level 5 being the
most mature and effective in terms of process performance and continuous improvement.
Key Process Areas: CMM defines key process areas (KPAs) at each maturity level, representing critical areas of
software development and management that organizations should focus on to improve their processes.
Examples of KPAs include requirements management, project planning, quality assurance, configuration
management, and process improvement.
Appraisal and Assessment: Organizations can conduct CMM appraisals and assessments to evaluate their
current process maturity level and identify areas for improvement. Appraisals are typically performed by trained
assessors using standardized appraisal methods and criteria.
Benefits: Adopting the CMM framework helps organizations improve the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of
their software development processes. It provides a roadmap for process improvement, benchmarks for
measuring progress, and best practices for achieving higher levels of maturity.
30.System testing.
System testing is a level of software testing that focuses on verifying the behavior, functionality, and performance of
the entire software system as a whole. It involves testing integrated software components and subsystems to ensure
that they meet specified requirements and perform as expected in real-world scenarios.
Scope: System testing evaluates the system as a whole, including its interfaces with external systems, databases,
networks, and users. It covers end-to-end functionality, performance, usability, security, and reliability aspects
of the software product.
Test Types: System testing includes various types of tests, such as functional testing, non-functional testing,
regression testing, performance testing, usability testing, security testing, and compatibility testing. These tests
validate different aspects of the system's behavior and quality attributes.
Test Environment: System testing is typically conducted in a controlled test environment that closely resembles
the production environment. It may involve setting up test databases, simulated user interactions, network
configurations, and hardware configurations to replicate real-world usage scenarios.
Test Execution: System tests are executed based on predefined test cases, test scenarios, and test scripts
developed during the test planning and design phase. Test results are compared against expected outcomes,
and defects or deviations from expected behavior are logged, triaged, and resolved.
31.ISO 9000
ISO 9000 is a set of international standards and guidelines for quality management systems (QMS) implemented by
organizations to ensure consistent quality of products and services, meet customer requirements, and enhance
customer satisfaction.
Key points about ISO 9000:
Standards: ISO 9000 consists of several standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 9002, and ISO 9003, which define
requirements and guidelines for different aspects of quality management. ISO 9001 is the most comprehensive
standard and provides a framework for establishing, implementing, and maintaining a QMS.
Principles: ISO 9000 is based on eight quality management principles, including customer focus, leadership,
engagement of people, process approach, improvement, evidence-based decision making, relationship
management, and continual improvement. These principles form the foundation for effective quality
management practices.
Certification: Organizations can obtain ISO 9001 certification by demonstrating compliance with the
requirements of the standard through a formal audit and assessment process conducted by accredited
certification bodies. ISO 9001 certification signifies that an organization has implemented a robust QMS and is
committed to continuous improvement.
Benefits: Adopting ISO 9000 standards offers several benefits, including improved product and service quality,
enhanced customer satisfaction, increased operational efficiency and effectiveness, better risk management,
and competitive advantage in the marketplace.
These short notes provide an overview of each topic, covering key concepts, processes, and benefits associated with risk
management, work breakdown structure, SDLC, CMM, system testing, and ISO 9000.
32.PERT
Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) is a project management tool used to plan, schedule, and coordinate
tasks within a project. It employs probabilistic techniques to estimate the time required to complete each project
activity and calculate the overall project duration.
Probabilistic Approach: PERT uses three time estimates for each activity: optimistic (O), pessimistic (P), and
most likely (M). These estimates are then combined using a weighted average formula to calculate the expected
duration of each activity: 𝑇𝐸=(𝑂+4𝑀+𝑃)/6TE=(O+4M+P)/6.
Critical Path: PERT identifies the critical path in a project network, which represents the longest sequence of
dependent activities that determine the minimum project duration. Any delay in activities on the critical path
will directly impact the project's overall timeline.
Applications: PERT is commonly used in large, complex projects with high uncertainty and interdependencies
between tasks, such as construction projects, research and development initiatives, and new product
development efforts.
33.Evolutionary Model
The Evolutionary Model is a software development approach that emphasizes iterative and incremental development,
allowing for the continuous refinement and evolution of the software product over multiple iterations. It involves
building a basic version of the software, known as the prototype, and gradually enhancing it based on feedback from
users and stakeholders.
Key points about the Evolutionary Model:
Prototyping: The Evolutionary Model starts with the development of a prototype, which is a simplified version
of the final software product. The prototype serves as a tangible representation of the system's functionality
and allows stakeholders to visualize and validate requirements early in the development process.
Iterative Development: The Evolutionary Model follows an iterative development approach, where the software
is developed, tested, and refined in multiple cycles or iterations. Each iteration adds new features, improves
existing functionality, and incorporates feedback from users and stakeholders.
Incremental Delivery: The Evolutionary Model supports incremental delivery of software increments, with each
iteration delivering a working subset of the final product. This allows stakeholders to receive value early and
provides opportunities for early validation and course correction.
Feedback-driven: Feedback plays a crucial role in the Evolutionary Model, driving continuous improvement and
adaptation throughout the development lifecycle. User feedback, usability testing, and stakeholder reviews
inform the prioritization of features and guide subsequent iterations.
34.LOC
Lines of Code (LOC) is a metric used to measure the size and complexity of software code by counting the number of
lines or statements in a program's source code files. It is often used as a proxy for estimating software development
effort, productivity, and maintainability.
Measurement: LOC can be measured in various ways, including physical lines (actual lines of code), logical lines
(statements or instructions), or source lines (lines excluding comments and blank lines). Each method has its
own advantages and limitations, and the choice of measurement can affect the accuracy of LOC metrics.
Productivity: LOC is sometimes used as a measure of developer productivity, with higher LOC counts indicating
greater productivity. However, this metric can be misleading as it does not account for code quality, complexity,
or the actual value delivered by the software.
Maintenance: LOC is also used to estimate the effort required for software maintenance activities, such as bug
fixing, enhancements, and refactoring. Larger codebases with higher LOC counts tend to require more effort to
maintain and evolve over time.
Limitations: While LOC can provide insights into code size and complexity, it has several limitations as a metric,
including its dependence on programming languages, coding style, and code reuse practices. LOC metrics should
be used judiciously and in conjunction with other measures to assess software quality and productivity
accurately.
Norden's Work: Norden's Work refers to the research conducted by L.L. Norden in the 1960s, which focused on
the relationship between software size and development effort. Norden's work contributed to the
understanding of software productivity and the factors influencing the effort required to develop software
projects.
Putnam's Work: Putnam's Work, often associated with Larry Putnam, Jr., is related to software cost estimation
models and techniques. Putnam developed models such as the Putnam Model and the COCOMO (Constructive
Cost Model) to estimate the effort, time, and cost required for software development projects based on various
project attributes and parameters.
These concepts provide insights into factors influencing project management, software development productivity, and
effort estimation. Understanding these principles can help project managers, developers, and stakeholders make
informed decisions and improve project outcomes.
Graphics
1. Draw the activity network and Gantt chart representations for the project. **
2. Draw PERT chart and calculate the critical path
3. What is DFD ? Draw a DFD of Banking system. Discuss the differences between DFD and
ERD.
4.
Numeric
1. Suppose you are developing a software product in the organic mode. You have estimated
the size of the product to be about 1,00,000 lines of code. Compute the nominal effort
and the development time.
For organic mode, we can use the COCOMO (Constructive Cost Model) equation to estimate the nominal effort (Effort
in Person-Months) and development time (Time in Months) based on the estimated size of the software product (Size in
KLOC, or Thousand Lines of Code).
𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑡=2.4∗(𝑆𝑖𝑧𝑒)1.05Effort=2.4∗(Size)1.05
𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒=2.5∗(𝐸𝑓𝑓� � 𝑟𝑡)0.38Time=2.5∗(Effort)0.38
Given:
Calculations:
𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑡=2.4∗(100)1.05
Effort=2.4∗(100)1.05
𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑡≈2.4∗1001.05
Effort≈2.4∗1001.05
𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑡≈2.4∗100000
Effort≈2.4∗100000
𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑡≈240,000 Person-Months
Effort≈240,000 Person-Months
𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒=2.5∗(240)0.38
Time=2.5∗(240)0.38
𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒≈2.5∗2400.38
Time≈2.5∗2400.38
𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒≈2.5∗21.987
Time≈2.5∗21.987
𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒≈54.97 Months
Time≈54.97 Months
Therefore, the nominal effort required for development in organic mode is approximately 240,000 Person-Months, and
the development time is approximately 54.97 months.
2. Explain the various steps used to decide the cost of a proposed software system. Suppose
we are developing software and expect to have about 5,00,000 lines of code. Compute
the effort and the development time for each of the organic and embedded development
mode.
Deciding the cost of a proposed software system involves several steps:
1. Requirement Analysis: Gather and analyze requirements from stakeholders to determine the scope, features,
and functionalities of the software system.
2. Feasibility Study: Conduct a feasibility study to assess the technical, economic, and operational feasibility of the
proposed software system.
3. Cost Estimation: Estimate the cost of developing the software system based on factors such as project size,
complexity, resources, and development approach.
4. Resource Planning: Plan and allocate resources, including human resources, equipment, tools, and facilities,
needed for software development.
5. Risk Management: Identify potential risks and uncertainties that may impact the project cost and develop
strategies to mitigate them.
6. Cost Breakdown Structure: Break down the estimated cost into various components, such as development,
testing, maintenance, training, and support.
7. Cost Benefit Analysis: Evaluate the costs and benefits of the proposed software system to determine its
economic viability and return on investment.
8. Budgeting and Scheduling: Develop a budget and schedule for the software development project, taking into
account cost estimates, resource availability, and project timelines.
9. Monitoring and Control: Monitor project progress, track costs, and control expenses to ensure that the project
stays within budget and meets its cost objectives.
Calculating Effort and Development Time for Organic and Embedded Development Mode:
Given:
Calculations:
After computing these equations, we'll have the effort and development time for both organic and embedded
development modes.
3. Consider an organic project which has been estimated to be 50,000 lines of source code.
Assuming average salary of a software engineer as Rs. 20,000 per month, determine
effort required to develop the software product, total cost and nominal development
time.
4. Define stakeholder. Write down the reasons of failure of waterfall model? What are the
drawbacks of RAD model?
5. Assume that the size of an organic software product has been estimated to be 50,000
lines of source code. Assume that the average salary of each software engineer is 18,000
per month. Determine the effort required to develop the software product and the
nominal development time.
6. A project of size 300 KLOC is to be developed. The development team has average
experience on similar type of project. Calculate nominal development time, average staff
size and productivity of the software project.