Ch03 – Software Process Structure

Building computer software is an iterative social learning process, and the outcome, something that Baetjer would call “__________,” is an embodiment of knowledge collected, distilled, and organized as the process is conducted.

___________ is a framework for the activities, actions, and tasks that are required to build high quality software.

identifies the work tasks that are to be completed, the work products that will be produced, the quality assurance points that will be required, and the milestones that will be used to indicate the process.

Process flows:

describes how the framework activities and the actions and tasks that occur within each framework activity are organized with respect to sequence and time.

each of the five framework activities in sequence, beginning with communication and culminating with deployment.

repeats one or more of the activities before proceeding to the next.

executes the activities in a circular manner. Each circuit through the five activities leads to a more complete version of the software.

executes one or more activities in parallel with other activities.

describes a process-related problem that is encountered during software engineering work, identifies the environment in which the problem has been encountered and suggests one or more proven solutions to the problem.

provides a template which is a consistent method for problem solutions within the context of the software process.

3 Process Pattern Types:

the pattern is given a meaningful name describing it within the context of the software process.

The environment in which the pattern is encountered and the issues that make the problem visible and may affect its solution.

defines a problem associated with a framework activity for the process. (ex: EstablishingCommunication)

defines a problem associated with a software engineering action or work task and relevant to successful software engineering practice. (ex: RequirementsGathering)

define the sequence of framework activities that occurs within the process, even when the overall flow of activities is iterative in nature. (ex: SpiralModel or Prototyping)

describes the conditions under which the pattern applies.

the specific problem to be solved by the pattern.

describes how to implement the patter successfully.

describes the conditions that will result once the pattern has been successfully implemented.

provide a list of all process patterns that are directly related to this one.

indicate the specific instances in which the pattern is applicable.

(T/F) Process patterns provide an effective mechanism for addressing problems associated with any software process. The patterns enable you to develop a hierarchical process description that begins at a high level of abstraction.
True False

(T/F) The existence of a software process is no guarantee that software will be delivered on time, that it will meet the customer’s needs, or that it will exhibit the technical characteristics that will lead to long-term characteristics.
True False

provides a five-step process assessment model that incorporates five phases: initiating, diagnosing, establishing, acting and learning.

provides a diagnostic technique for assessing the relative maturity of a software organization.

a standard that defines a set of requirement s for software process assessments.

a generic standard that applies to any organization that wants to improve the overall quality of products, systems, or services that it provides.

establish the characteristics that must exist if the activities implied by a process area are to be effective.

refine a goal into a set of process-related activities.

stresses the need for each software engineer to identify errors early and as important, to understand the types of errors.

each project is “launched” using a “script” that defines the tasks to be accomplished.