Chapter 24 - The Software Development Process

Chapter 24 - The Software Development Process

1. 3 Diff costs involved in producing information

   • Hardware like printers or external memory
     • Software like DBMS
       • Personnel like DBA or analyists

2. 2 main features of CASE tools

   • Creates a model of the new system including DFDs
     • Templates of stanard modelling shapes can be used to improve quality
       • Designs can be validated immediately to ensure correctness

3. Explain how CASE could be used in software development

   • Automates the planning of the projet scheldule Assists calculating and monitoring the project budget Assists the identification of tasks Assists the allocation of resources

4. Role of a project manager during development of an information system

   • Is in overall charge of the project Allocates budget/resources/ schedule and plan. Monitors project proccess and identifies and responds to risk

5. Different CASE tools

   • Graphics CASE tool. Creates the DFD's and ERM's by providing templates. Preforms automatic validation of DFD levels and ERD relationships. Autonatically populate the data dictionairy. Automatically validates models
   • Project Management CASE tool. Preforms automatic critical path analysis. Identifies bottlenecks/delays Automates planning of project schedule and budget Assists identification of tasks and allocation of resources
     • It automates/supports all/many project management activities ... for the planning/monitoring/controlling of the project’s schedule and cost ... such as identifying/assigning/sequencing tasks and resources ... producing CPA/PERT charts/Gantt charts ... in electronic form ... which can be saved/reused ... using templates/drawing tools It may perform validation It supports electronic communication within the project team, e.g. via email/forums
     • 2 Benefits of using PM CASE tool
       • Reduced development time - Standard templates/previous PM data can be re-used
       • Improved quality/increased accuracy - The PM CASE tool automatically validates/checks processes e.g. Gantt chart production … does this consistently/eliminates human error
   • Code generator CASE tool. Automates the production of code from interface design/program specifications. Code will be optimised
   • DD generator. Automatically populates the DD from data models/stores as models are created. It can be edited digitally

6. 4 advantages to off the shelf software

   • It is immediately available for use The cost will be shared among many users It should be fully tested/should contain few errors There should be support available from other users, e.g. via user groups Training materials should be already available

7. Sections in User doc

   • Installation instructions The HW & SW configuration User instructions/guide Help /FAQ section/tutorials

8. Tech Doc in Maintenance

   • technical description of the system … such as user requirements and DFD's will be used to identify errors and enhancements and modify as necessary
   • The test doc will be used to test the system and check that errors have been corrected