scientific article; zbMATH DE number 108416

Publication date 23 January 1993

CASE tools hierarchical models quality management software quality

Introductory exposition (textbooks, tutorial papers, etc.) pertaining to computer science (68-01) Reliability, testing and fault tolerance of networks and computer systems (68M15) Theory of software (68N99)

Review text

The book is organized into two principal Parts, the theory of software quality and the management of software quality. There is also a final section entitled `Beyond Software Quality', which looks at the future of the subject in terms of `fitness for purpose' or `effectiveness'. Chapter 1 is an introduction dealing with the thorny issue of the nature of quality, examining current and classical definitions and the specific issue relating to software. In Chapter 2, the classical hierarchical models of quality provided by McCall and Boehm are described. These models form the basis of most subsequent work. Chapter 3 considers the use of metrics to measure quality within the hierarchical models. It examines the criteria for a good metric and concludes that the current picture is not too encouraging. Details of some of the more recent research by Kitchenham, Gilb and Fenton are considered in Chapter 4. The Japanese perspective is also considered and the `software factory' concept examined. Part I concludes with a study carried out by the author. It examines the current view of software quality, found in six UK companies. The LOQUM modelling process, evolved during the study is described and an overall picture is drawn. A consideration of CASE tools and methods and their impact upon quality begins Part II. Chapter 6 draws upon experience gained during the recent Salford/DTI Solutions programme. The methods considered in detail are SSADM and IEM. Chapter 7 considers classical total quality management and describes the needs of a quality management system to be applied to software development. The chapter compares the different philosophies of three principal `gurus': Deming, Juran and Crosby. The next chapter describes the role of standards in the field of quality management. The chapter focuses upon the ISO9000/EN29001/BS5750 series of standards. The standards are described and their relevance to software is discussed. The new (1991) notes for guidance for the application of ISO9001 to software development are also described, together with standards for software and hardware; for example US DoD STD2167A. Two case studies which illustrate many of the points raised in earlier chapters are found in Chapter 9. The two examples are a kitchen firm who have BS5750 accreditation and a software house who are moving towards accreditation and have adopted many working practices intended to improve quality. By way of conclusion, Chapter 10 considers three questions: `Are CASE tools addressing the right issues?' `Is TQM appropriate for software development?' `What is the likely impact of standards?' Finally, Part III provides an epilogue to the main sections by considering the question of IT effectiveness. Ultimately, software only represents a quality solution if it is effective in enhancing the user or organization's capability. This is a complex issue and this chapter merely sets out some of the principal issues. The book is primarily aimed at IT professionals and postgraduate courses. It is being used on the MSc programme at Salford. It may also find some use on final year undergraduate courses.

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