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Foster - Software Engineering a Methodical Approach

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Book:
Software Engineering a Methodical Approach
Author:
Foster / Elvis C
Publisher:
Apress
Genre:
Books / Computer
Year:
2014
City:
Berkeley;CA
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Part A
Fundamentals

Fundamentals

This preliminary division of the course is designed to cover some fundamentals. The objectives are as follows:

To define and provide a rationale for software engineering as a discipline
To provide you with a wide perspective of computer software and its varied usefulness and applications
To discuss different approaches to software acquisition
To define the job of the software engineer in the organization
To discuss various tools used by the software engineer

The division consists of two chapters:

Chapter 1 Introduction to Software Engineering
Chapter 2 The Role of the Software Engineer

Elvis C. Foster 2014

Elvis C. Foster Software Engineering 10.1007/978-1-4842-0847-2_1

1. Introduction to Software Engineering

Elvis C. Foster 1

(1)

MA, USA

Welcome and congratulations on your entry to this course in software engineering. The fact that you are in this course means that you have covered several fundamental topics in programming, data structures, and perhaps user interface. You have been writing computer programs to solve basic and intermediate-level problems. Now you want to take your learning experience to another level: you want to learn how to design, develop and manage complex software systems (small, medium sized and large), which may consist of tens or hundreds of programs all seamlessly integrated into a coherent whole. You will learn all of these and more in this course, but first, we must start at the beginning. This chapter introduces you to the discipline of software engineering. Topics covered include the following:

Definitions and Concepts
The Organization as a System
Information Levels in the Organization
Software Life Cycle
Categories of Software
Alternate Software Acquisition Approaches
Software Engineering Paradigms
Desirable Features of Computer Software
Summary and Concluding Remarks

1.1 Definitions and Concepts

Computer software affects almost all aspects of human life. A study of the process of software construction and management is therefore integral to any degree in computer science, computer information systems, multimedia technology, or any other related field. Software systems are not created, and do not exist in a vacuum; rather they are typically created by individuals and/or organizations, for use by individuals and/or organizations. We will therefore start by defining a system, defining software, identifying the relationship between the two, and then showing how they both relate to the organization.

1.1.1 System

A system is a set of interacting, interrelated, interdependent components that function as a whole to achieve specific objectives. An effective system must be synergistic. The system usually operates in an environment external to itself. A system may also be defined as the combination of personnel, materials, facilities and equipment working together to convert input into meaningful and needed outputs.

Following are some fundamental principles about systems:

The components of a system are interrelated and interdependent.
The system is usually viewed as a whole.
Every system has specific goals.
There must be some type of inputs and outputs.
Processes prescribe the transformation of inputs to outputs.
Systems exhibit entropy, i.e., tendency to become disorganized.
Systems must be regulated (planning, feedback and control).
Every system has subsystems.
Systems exhibit a tendency to a final state.

As a personal exercise, you are encouraged to identify examples of systems in areas with which you are familiar. A good place to start is the human body.

1.1.2 Software

Software is the combination of program(s), database(s) and documentation in a systemic suite, and with the sole purpose of solving specific system problems and meeting predetermined objectives. Software adds value to the hardware components of a computer system. In fact, without software, a computer is reduced to nothing more than an electronic box of no specific use to most human beings. Also, it should not surprise you that computer software is a special kind of system. This course will teach you how to design, construct and manage such systems.

Software Engineering

Software engineering is the process by which software systems are investigated, planned, modeled, developed, implemented and managed. It also includes the re-engineering of existing systems with a view to improving their role, function, and performance. The ultimate objective is the provision or improvement of desirable conveniences and the enhancement of productivity within the related problem domain.

System transformation may take various paths, some of which may be:

Improving the internal workings of the system
Modifying inputs and outputs
Modifying the goals and objectives of the system
Redesigning the system
Designing and developing a new system based on existing problems

Steps in the Analysis Process

Before embarking on any major work in software engineering, a process of research and analysis takes place. This process may be summarized in the following steps:

Define the problem.

Understand the problem (system) the interrelationships and interdependencies; have a picture of the variables at work within the system; define the extent of the system (problem).

Identify alternate solutions.

Examine alternate solutions.

Choose the best alternative.

Pursue the chosen alternative.

Evaluate the impact of the (new/modified) system.

1.2 The Organization as a System

Traditionally, many software systems were created by organizations for use in organizations. To a large extent, this scenario still holds true. For the moment, let us therefore take a look at the organization, in the context of this approach. An organization is a collection of individuals that employ available facilities, resources and equipment to work in pursuit of a predetermined set of objectives. The organization qualifies as a system since it has all the ingredients in the definition of a system: people, facilities, equipment, materials and methods of work.

Every organization has certain functional areas (called divisions, departments, sections, etc.). Typical areas include finance and planning, human resource management (HRM), marketing, production and operations (or the equivalent), technical/manufacturing (or the equivalent). These are usually further divided into departments, units and sub-units. Traditionally, a data processing department/unit would be enlisted as a sub-unit of finance. However, more enlightened organizations are now enlisting information technology (IT) as a functional area at the senior management level, servicing all other areas.

Figure shows what a highly summarized organizational chart for a modern organization might look like. In tiny or small organizations, each unit that appears under the president or chief executive officer (CEO) may be a department. In medium-sized and large organizations, each unit under the president or CEO is typically a division, consisting of several departments and/or sections. It should also be noted that you are unlikely to find IT (or the equivalent) at the senior level in many traditional organizations, as managers still struggle with appreciating the scope and role of IT in the organization. However, in more progressive and forward-thinking organizations, you will find that IT is correctly and appropriately positioned at the senior level of the management hierarchy.

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