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Cork Institute of Technology
Master of Science in Computing in Education
(NFQ Level 9)
January 2007
Software Development
(Time: 2 Hours)
Instructions Answer any 4 questions. All questions carry equal marks.
Examiner:Ms. M. Davin Dr. J. G. Keating. Dr. J. O’Brien
Q1. (a) The value of following an agreed-upon process in software development is well established. In his article entitled “ Does process matter? “ Gary Pollice identifies two main factors that influence the number of processes that might apply to a particular situation. Discuss these two factors. [8 marks]
(b) The model for a perfect iterative development methodology is in many ways radically different from the model for the perfect waterfall development. But in practice , no team applies either approach strictly according to its model. Explain why a software team might decide to move gradually from a waterfall-like approach to a more iterative one, while outlining steps that would help in this transition. [9 marks]
(c) The key goal of a software process is to produce a quality product. A number of sources have described at different ways of making sense of what we should mean by quality. Most of these take a multidimensional view, with conformance at one end and aesthetic at the other. Garvin proposes eight critical dimensions or categories of quality that can serve as a framework for strategic analysis. Discuss how these categories can be used when analysing the quality of a software product used in an educational environment. [8 marks]
Q2.
(a) (i) Requirements definition, specification, analysis and validation and verification are some of the biggest challenges faced by software engineers. However these requirements are often ambiguous and inconsistent. Requirements should be analysed and validated against a number of critical activities. Give an overview of these attributes.
(ii) Analyse the following two requirement specifications and give a critique of each against the critical attributes you outlined in part (i).
(1) Software will not be loaded from unknown sources onto the system without first having the software tested and approved. (2) 30.1. All computer-resident information in the school that is sensitive shall have access controls to ensure that it is not improperly disclosed, modified, deleted, or rendered unavailable. Access controls shall be consistent with the information being protected and the computer system hosting the data.
(iii) Re specify the requirements in part (ii) so the critical attributes are satisfied. [13 marks]
(b) Many aspects of school management lend themselves readily to computer support, for example personal management, timetabling of classes, and storing of student records. If you were commissioned to develop a school management system for your school give a summary of the main fact-finding techniques that you would employ to produce a requirements specification document. [6 marks]
(c) Describe the purpose of the major artifacts that a systems analyst is responsible for creating [6 marks]
Q3 (a) Give an overview of the reasons why you agree/disagree with the contents of the following paragraph: A model can be defined as the simplification of a complex system for the purpose of communicating specific details. In this way a model operates much like a lens; it focuses attention on items of direct concern while obscuring or omitting everything else. Selecting the correct modelling form is very like choosing the form for telling a story. Should the subject be presented as a lyrical poem or a multi-volume novel? The best models are connected to reality. Structured analysis techniques fail to bridge the gap between the analysis model and the system’s design model and as a result the system conceived and the system built diverge over time. [5 marks] (b) Differentiate between the following
i. Draw an object diagram representing the objects and relationships implied by the description above of certain aspects of the Cork city library. [ marks] ii. One of the operations the library system must provide is the ability to send reminder letters to those borrowers who have overdue books on loan. Extend your model of the library system to store the date by which a borrowed book is to be returned , considering carefully which object should store this piece of data. Show on the diagram the messages that would be generated in response to an initial request to the library to “ sendReminders “ [7 marks]
iii. Draw a class diagram which would allow for the diagram you produced in part (ii) to be supported. [4 marks]
(b) Draw a Class Diagram associated with the following Communication Diagram.
[6 marks]
(c) Give an overview of the strategy you would use to map the class diagram you created in (b) to i. a set of tables in a relational database ii. Java [4 marks]
Q
(a) A widely accepted opinion in the software industry is that it is better to start testing as early in the software development process as possible. Outline the steps you would follow when generating Test cases from Use cases [8 marks]
(b) Very rapid development of high-applications software is quickly becoming an expected norm. ‘But to go fast and win’, you have to live through change after change. Discuss how this may be achieved using extreme functional testing. [8 marks]
(c) “ Software managers do the same kind of job as other engineering product managers. However, software engineering is distinct from other types of engineering in a number of ways which can make software management particularly difficult” Indicate whether you agree/disagree with this statement. Give detailed reasons for your answer. [9 marks]
