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Software Engineering FULL ANSWER

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
269 views

Software Engineering FULL ANSWER

Uploaded by

sanyalmohona18
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 109

YELLOW == 2 MARKS, GREEN == 5 MARKS, Purple == 10 MARKS

1. Provide a number of examples (both positive and negative) that


indicate the impact of software on our society.

2. What is meant by the present software crisis? What are two of its main
symptoms?
3. Many modern applications change frequently-before they are
presented to the end user and then after the first version has been put
into use. Suggest a few ways to build software to stop deterioration
due to change.

There are few ways to stop deterioration due to change by several ways,
4. What is defined as Software? Explain your answer.

5. What is Software Engineering? Is it basically coding?


6. What is Agile Software Development, what type or development
methodology is it based on?

7. What does SDLC stands for? What is its significance in Software


Engineering?

8. Which is the software development life cycle model that is chosen if


the development team has less experience on similar projects, and
why?
9. Why do bugs and failures occur in software?

10. What is the full form of the "COCOMO" model?

11. Do you design software when you "write" a program? What makes
software design different from coding? If a software design is not a
program (and it isn't), then what is it? How do we assess the quality of
a software design?


12. The process of Software Quality Management is known as what and
why?

13. How do you indirectly measure a software development process?

14. According to research findings, 31% of projects are abandoned


before they are completed, 53% exceed their cost projections by an
average of 189 percent, and 94 projects are restarted for every 100
projects." What is the reason?
Ans : Lack of adequate training in software engineering
15. In which step of SDLC actual programming of software code is
done? Explain.

16. How is Software Debugging done? Explain.


17. Describe the importance of software design and how it impacts the
quality of the result.

18. What are the most crucial attributes of good software?

19. On what does 'defects removal efficiency' (DRE) depend on?


Hence depends on those variables used in the DRE formula.

20. Research indicates that smaller time frames, with delivery of


software components early and often, will increase the success rate
shorter time frames result in an iterative process of design, prototype,
develop, test, and deploy small elements This process is known as
"growing" software, as opposed to the old concept of "developing"
software. Growing software engages the user earlier, each component
has an owner or a small set of owners, and expectations are
realistically set. In addition, each software component has a clear and
precise statement and set of objectives Software components and
small projects tend to be less complex Making the projects simpler is a
worthwhile endeavour because complexity causes only confusion und
increased cost.
Do you agree with the above methodology of software delivery process?
Justify your answer with logical reasoning and give pros and cos for the
process of "growing" software versus the classical prices of "developing”
software?

21. In a software development team, who identifies documents and
verifies that corrections have been made to the software?
--SQA GROUP (Software Quality Assurance Group)
22. What type of testing is done in which code is checked? Explain.

23. What type of testing is done without planning and documentation?


24. What is Acceptance testing is also known as and why?

25. What is non-functional testing? What does it involve and what it is


called?
Nonfunctional testing is a type of software testing that verifies
nonfunctional aspects of the product, such as performance, stability, and
usability.

26. Explain what is Unit Testing and who does the unit testing of
software?
27. Behavioural testing is part of what type of software testing? Explain
your answer.

◼ Black-Box testing.

28. How does a software process provide the framework from which a
comprehensive plan for software development can be established?
Explain.

29. Who defines the business issues that often have significant
influence on a software project?
30. What are the objectives of verification and validation of software?

31. How are regression test cases identified?

32. Briefly explain the relationship between the model of a program


and its design?

33. What is a sequence diagram? Explain its


significance.
Ans
A sequence diagram is a Unified Modeling Language
(UML) diagram that illustrates the sequence of messages
between objects in an interaction. A sequence diagrams
consists of a group of objects that are represented by
lifelines, and the messages that they exchange over time
during the interaction.
A sequence diagram shows the sequence of messages
passed between objects. Sequence diagrams can also
show the control structures between objects. For example,
lifelines in a sequence diagram for a banking scenario can
represent a customer, bank teller, or bank manager. The
communication between the customer, teller, and manager
are represented by messages passed between them. The
sequence diagram shows the objects and the messages
between the objects.

34. Many modern applications change frequently—before they are


presented to the end
user and then after the first version has been put into use. Suggest
a few ways to build software
to stop deterioration due to change.

--already answered.

35. Is software engineering applicable when Web Apps are built? If so,
how might it be modified to accommodate the unique characteristics
of Web Apps?
Yes, software engineering principles are applicable to the development of
web applications. To accommodate the unique characteristics of web
apps, modifications in software engineering practices can include:

Architecture:
- Emphasize scalable and distributed architectures to handle the
network-intensive nature of web applications.
- Consider client-server models and ensure responsiveness in the user
interface.
Approaches:
- Adopt web development frameworks and methodologies tailored for
the unique challenges of web applications.
- Incorporate client-side scripting for dynamic user experiences.
Tools:
- Utilize web-specific development tools, frameworks, and libraries for
efficient coding and testing.
- Integrate web-focused debugging and performance optimization tools.
Methods:
- Implement agile development practices for rapid iterations and
responsiveness to changing requirements.
- Prioritize user-centered design and usability testing for enhanced user
experience.
Processes:
- Incorporate continuous integration and continuous deployment
(CI/CD) pipelines for efficient and automated deployment of web
applications.
- Address the challenges of concurrent user access and ensure robust
session management.
Quality Focus:
- Place a strong emphasis on security, given the exposure to the internet
and potential vulnerabilities.
- Implement comprehensive testing strategies, including browser
compatibility and performance testing.

Web applications, being network-intensive and often requiring concurrent


user interactions, demand specific considerations in their development.
By modifying software engineering practices to address these unique
attributes, developers can create robust, scalable, and user-friendly web
applications.
36. As software becomes more pervasive, risks to the public (due to
faulty programs) become an increasingly significant concern. Develop a
doomsday but realistic scenario in which the failure of a computer
program could do great harm, either economic or human.

One doomsday scenario in which the failure of a computer program could


do great harm is the failure of a software system that controls a nuclear
power plant. If the software fails, it could cause the plant to go into
meltdown, releasing radiation into the environment. This would have
devastating consequences for the surrounding area, and could even lead to
a global nuclear war.
Another doomsday scenario is the failure of a software system that
controls a self-driving car. If the software fails, the car could crash, killing
the driver and passengers. This could lead to a loss of confidence in self-
driving cars, and could even lead to a ban on their use.
A third doomsday scenario is the failure of a software system that controls
a financial system. If the software fails, it could cause a stock market
crash, leading to a global economic recession. This could lead to
widespread unemployment, poverty, and social unrest.
These are just a few examples of doomsday scenarios that could be
caused by the failure of a computer program. As software becomes more
and more complex, the risks of such failures increase. It is important to be
aware of these risks and to take steps to mitigate them.
37. As the manager of a software project to develop a product for
business application, if you estimate the effort required for completion
of the project to be 50 person-months, should you try to complete the
project by employing 50 developers for a period of
one month? Justify your answer.

No, you should not try to complete the project by employing 50 developers
for a period of one month. This is because it is not possible to complete a
software project in such a short amount of time. The development of a
software project requires a lot of planning, testing, and debugging, which
cannot be done in such a short time frame. Additionally, employing 50
developers for a period of one month would be very expensive and would
not be a good use of resources.
A more realistic estimate for the completion of a software project of this
size would be 6-12 months. This would allow for adequate time for
planning, testing, and debugging. Additionally, it would be more cost-
effective to hire a smaller team of developers and spread the project out
over a longer period.
38. Why is it difficult to accurately estimate the effort required for
completing a project? Briefly explain the different effort estimation
methods that are available. Which one would be the most advisable to
use and why?

It can be difficult to accurately estimate the effort required to


complete a project because of uncertainty. Some factors that can
make it difficult to estimate include:
Uncertainty, Unknowns, Novelty, Optimism bias, Inexperience, Incomplete
scope.
Some estimation methods include:

Top-down Estimation:
Breaks down the project into major components, estimating each
component's effort individually, and then aggregating the results.
Bottom-up Estimation:
Involves estimating the effort for individual tasks or units and
aggregating them to determine the overall project effort.

Three-Point Estimation:
Uses three estimates for each task: optimistic, pessimistic, and most
likely. It calculates the expected value, incorporating a range of
possibilities.
Analogous Estimation:
Utilizes historical data from similar past projects to estimate the
effort for the current project.
Parametric Estimation:
Employs statistical relationships between project variables (e.g., size,
complexity) to estimate effort.
Dot Voting:
Not an effort estimation method but a collaborative decision-making
technique. Participants use dots to vote on different options, helping
prioritize or select the most favored ones.

Each estimation method has its strengths and weaknesses, and the choice
depends on the project's characteristics, available data, and the level of detail
required. It is common to use a combination of these methods to arrive at more
accurate and reliable estimates, especially in complex projects with various
uncertainties.
39. What do you understand by testability of a
program? What are the activities carried out during testing a
software? Which one of these
activities take the maximum effort? Between the two
programs written by two different programmers to solve
essentially the same programming
problem, how can you determine which one is more testable?

Testability is a measure of how easy or difficult it is to test a system or


software artifact. It can also refer to the degree to which a software
component can be verified as satisfactory.
Testability is often measured by how many tests can be executed on a
given system. It enables easy assessment and determining the overall
efforts required for performing the testing activities on the software.
\\
Software testing involves several activities, including:
• Test case development: Creating, verifying, and reworking test cases and test
scripts
• Execution: Running tests manually or automatically, monitoring tests,
comparing expected results with actual results, and re-executing if there are
discrepancies
• Test design: Designing test cases, setting up automation scenarios, and
preparing the environment for test execution
• Planning: Determining scope, risks, test approach, and test strategy
• Design: Creating and designing the automation test, arranging software and
hardware requirements, tracking new requirements, and monitoring the test
environment set up
• Analysis: Performing a final inspection and analysis to determine if the
problem has been investigated
• Automation feasibility analysis: Formulating a requirement traceability matrix
(RTM) and categorizing test environment facts
\\
test design and automation require more effort than test execution and
evaluation.
\\
Here are some metrics that can be used to determine how testable
a program is:
• Operability: How well the program works
• Observability: How well the program's components respond to inputs
• Controllability: How well the tester can control the software
• Simplicity: How much effort is required to test the program
Ease of writing tests: How easy it is to write tests for the program

Some other factors that can affect how good a program is include:

• Execution time: How quickly the program executes


• Memory usage: How much memory the program uses
• Ease of reading: How easy the program is to read
• Language or library: Whether the program uses supported features

40. Is it possible to begin coding immediately after a requirements


model has been created? Explain your answer and then argue the
counterpoint.
Yes, it is possible to begin coding immediately after a requirements model
has been created. In fact, this is often the best approach, as it allows
developers to start implementing the code based on a clear understanding
of the system requirements. However, there are a few things to keep in
mind before starting to code.
First, it is important to make sure that the requirements model is complete
and accurate. If there are any missing or incomplete requirements, this
could lead to problems later in the development process. Second, it is
important to have a good understanding of the overall system architecture
before starting to code. This will help to ensure that the code is well-
organized and easy to maintain. Finally, it is important to test the code
thoroughly before deploying it. This will help to ensure that the code meets
all the system requirements and that it is free of errors.
Here are some of the advantages of starting to code immediately after a
requirements model has been created:
• It allows developers to start implementing the code based on a clear
understanding of the system requirements.
• It can help to identify any potential problems with the requirements model
early on.
• It can help to ensure that the code is well-organized and easy to maintain.
• It can help to reduce the overall development time.
Here are some of the disadvantages of starting to code immediately after a
requirements model has been created:
• It can lead to problems if the requirements model is not complete or accurate.
• It can lead to problems if the developer does not have a good understanding
of the overall system architecture.
• It can lead to problems if the code is not tested thoroughly before deploying
it.
Overall, whether to start coding immediately after a requirements model
has been created is a decision that should be made on a case-by-case
basis. There are both advantages and disadvantages to this approach, and
the best approach will vary depending on the specific project.

41. The department of public works for a large city has decided to
develop a Web-based pothole tracking and repair system (PHTRS).
A description follows:
Citizens can log onto a website and report the location and severity of
potholes. As potholes are reported they are logged within a “public
works department repair system” and are assigned an identifying
number, stored by street address, size (on a scale of 1 to 10), location
(middle, curb, etc.), district (determined from street address), and
repair priority (determined from the size of the pothole). Work order
data are associated with each pothole and include pothole location
and size, repair crew identifying number, number of people on crew,
equipment assigned, hours applied to repair, hole status (work in
progress, repaired, temporary repair, not repaired), amount of filler
material used, and cost of repair (computed from hours applied,
number of people, material and equipment used). Finally, a damage fi
le is created to hold information about reported damage due to the
pothole and includes citizen’s name, address, phone number, type of
damage, and dollar amount of damage. PHTRS is an online system; all
queries are to be made interactively.
Draw a UML use case diagram PHTRS system. You’ll have to make a
number of assumptions about the manner in which a user interacts
with this system

Assumptions made for the development of the UML use case


diagram for the Pothole Tracking and Repair System (PHTRS) include:
User Interaction:
- Citizens can access the system through a website.
- Users can report potholes, view pothole information, assign repair
crews, view work orders, record repairs, and report damage
interactively.
Pothole Information:
- Pothole information includes location, severity, size, location
details (middle, curb, etc.), district (derived from the street address),
and repair priority (determined by the size of the pothole).

Work Order Data:


- Work order data are associated with each pothole and include
pothole location and size, repair crew identification, number of crew
members, equipment assigned, hours applied to repair, hole status
(work in progress, repaired, temporary repair, not repaired), amount
of filler material used, and cost of repair.

Damage File:
- A damage file is created to store information about reported
damages due to potholes, including citizen's name, address, phone
number, type of damage, and dollar amount of damage.

Online System:
- The PHTRS is an online system, implying that all interactions and
queries are made through the web interface.
Query Interactivity:
- All queries are made interactively, indicating that users can
dynamically interact with the system to get real-time information.

Categorization and Filtering:


- Users can filter potholes and work orders based on criteria such as
size, status, crew, etc.

Repair Status:
- Potholes can have different statuses such as "work in progress,"
"repaired," "temporary repair," or "not repaired."

Cost Computation:
- The cost of repair is computed from the hours applied, the
number of people, materials used, and equipment assigned.

Assumption of a Repair Crew:


- There is an assumption that a repair crew needs to be assigned to
each pothole for the repair process.

It is important to note that these assumptions are based on the


provided description, and additional details or clarifications may be
necessary for a more comprehensive and accurate use case diagram.
Assumptions should be validated and refined based on further
discussions with stakeholders or additional project requirements.
42. The following program is used as a self-assessment for your
ability to specify adequate testing:
A program reads three integer values. The three values are
interpreted as representing the lengths of the sides of a triangle. The
program prints a message that states whether the triangle is scalene,
isosceles, or equilateral.
Develop a set of test cases that you feel will adequately test this
program. Design and implement the program (with error handling
where appropriate) specified. Derive a flow graph for the program.

To adequately test the program that reads three integer values


representing the sides of a triangle and determines if it is scalene,
isosceles, or equilateral, you should consider various scenarios. Here
are some test cases to consider:
Input: 5, 5, 5
Expected Output: "Equilateral Triangle"
Input: 7, 7, 5
Expected Output: "Isosceles Triangle"
Input: 3, 4, 5
Expected Output: "Scalene Triangle"
Input: 2, 3, 6
Expected Output: "Invalid Triangle"
Input: "abc", 5, 8
Expected Output: "Invalid Input”
Input: -2, 4, 7
Expected Output: "Invalid Input"
Input: 0, 4, 7
Expected Output: "Invalid Input"
These test cases cover a range of scenarios, including valid triangles
of different types, invalid triangles, and cases with invalid input. It's
important to test not only for correct behavior but also for proper
handling of potential errors.

Designed code:

string classifyTriangle(int side1, int side2, int side3) {


// Error handling for non-integer inputs
if (cin.fail()) {
cin.clear(); // clear input buffer to restore cin to a usable state
return "Invalid Input";
}

// Error handling for negative or zero values


if (side1 <= 0 || side2 <= 0 || side3 <= 0) {
return "Invalid Input";
}
// Check for triangle inequality
if (side1 + side2 <= side3 || side1 + side3 <= side2 || side2 + side3
<= side1) {
return "Invalid Triangle";
}

// Classify the triangle


if (side1 == side2 && side2 == side3) {
return "Equilateral Triangle";
} else if (side1 == side2 || side1 == side3 || side2 == side3) {
return "Isosceles Triangle";
} else {
return "Scalene Triangle";
}
}

Flow diagram:
43. You have been asked to develop a small application that
analyzes each course offered by a university and reports the
average grade obtained in the course (for a given semester). Write
a statement of scope that bounds this problem.
The application will be a web-based application that will allow users
to view the average grade obtained in each course offered by a
university for a given semester. The application will be limited to
the following features:
• Users will be able to select a university and a semester from a drop-down
menu.
• The application will then display a table of all courses offered by the university
for the selected semester, along with the average grade obtained in each
course.
• Users will be able to sort the table by course name, average grade, or any
other column.
• Users will be able to export the table to a CSV file.
The application will not be able to do the following:

• Calculate the average grade for individual students.


• Display the grades of individual students.
• Compare the average grades of different universities or different semesters.
The application will be developed using the following technologies:

• HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for the front-end development.


• Python and Django for the back-end development.
• A MySQL database to store the data.
The application will be deployed on a cloud server using AWS.
44. Develop the Placement Assistant software. The main objective
is to let students should be able to access details of available
placements via Intranet. When there is a placement opportunity
for which they wish to be considered, they would be able to apply
for it electronically. This would cause a copy of their CV, which
would also be held online to be sent to the potential employer.
Details of interviews and placement offers would all be sent by e-
mail. While some human intervention would be needed, the
process needs to be automated as far as possible. The following
functionalities are to be supported:
Enroll student
Enroll company notify students
Submit CV
Notify job requirement
Send matching CV
Notify job offer
Company feedback
Student feedback

The Placement Assistant software is a web-based application that allows


students and companies to interact with each other to facilitate the
placement process. The software is divided into two main sections: the
student section and the company section.
The student section allows students to view details of available
placements, apply for jobs, and track their progress in the placement
process. Students can also use the software to submit their CVs, update
their personal information, and view feedback from companies.
The company section allows companies to post job openings, view student
CVs, and contact students directly. Companies can also use the software
to manage their placement process, track their progress, and generate
reports.
The Placement Assistant software is designed to be as user-friendly as
possible. Both students and companies can easily navigate the software
and find the information they need. The software is also highly
customizable, so that schools can tailor it to their specific needs.
Here are the specific functionalities that the Placement Assistant software
supports:
• Enroll student: This function allows schools to add new students to the
software.
• Enroll company: This function allows companies to register with the software.
• Notify students: This function allows schools to send notifications to
students about upcoming events, job openings, and other important
information.
• Submit CV: This function allows students to submit their CVs to the software.
• Notify job requirement: This function allows companies to post job openings
to the software.
• Send matching CV: This function allows the software to automatically send
CVs of students who match the requirements of a job opening to the
company.
• Notify job offer: This function allows companies to send job offers to
students through the software.
• Company feedback: This function allows companies to provide feedback to
students on their performance during the placement process.
• Student feedback: This function allows students to provide feedback to
companies on the placement process.

The Placement Assistant software is a valuable tool for both students and
companies. It helps students to find jobs that are a good fit for their skills
and interests, and it helps companies to find qualified candidates for their
open positions. The software is also a valuable tool for schools, as it helps
them to track the progress of their students and to ensure that they are
successful in the placement process.
45. Draw a class diagram using the UML syntax to represent the
following. An engineering college offers B. Tech degrees in three
branches—Electronics, Electrical, and Computer Science &
Engineering. These B. Tech programs are offered by the respective
departments. Each branch can admit 120 students each year. For a
student to complete the B. Tech degree, he/she has to clear all the
30 core courses and at least 10 of the elective courses.
46. You have been appointed a project manager within an
information systems organization. Your job is to build an
application that is quite similar to others your team has built,
although this one is larger and more complex. Requirements have
been thoroughly documented by the customer. What team
structure would you choose and why? What software process
model(s) would you choose and why?

Team Structure

Given that the application is larger and more complex than previous projects, a
hybrid team structure would be most effective. This structure combines elements of
both traditional and agile approaches, providing the flexibility and adaptability
needed for complex projects while maintaining the structure and accountability
necessary for large-scale development.

A hybrid team structure would typically consist of the following roles:

• Project Manager: Oversees the entire project, ensuring it is completed on


time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

• Business Analyst: Gathers and analyses customer requirements, translating


them into technical specifications.

• Lead Architect: Designs the overall system architecture, ensuring it is


scalable, maintainable, and secure.
• Technical Leads: Lead individual development teams, responsible for the
design, development, and testing of specific modules or components.

• Developers: Write code, implement features, and conduct unit testing.

• Testers: Perform integration, system, and performance testing to ensure the


application meets quality standards.

Next part:
47. Using the architecture of a house or building as a metaphor,
draw comparisons with software
architecture. How are the disciplines of classical architecture
and the software architecture similar?
How do they differ?

Both classical architecture and software architecture involve the design and
planning of structures or systems. In classical architecture, the focus is on the
physical design and layout of buildings and other structures, while in software
architecture, the focus is on the design and organization of software systems. One
similarity between the two disciplines is that both require a clear understanding
of the requirements and goals of the project.

, there are also some key differences between the two disciplines. Classical
architecture is focused on the physical world and the materials used to construct
buildings, while software architecture is focused on the virtual world and the code
and technologies used to create software systems. Additionally, classical
architecture is typically more constrained by physical limitations, such as the laws
of physics and the availability of building materials, while software architecture
has more flexibility in terms of the technologies and tools that can be used.
48. Suppose a travel agency needs a software for automating its
book-keeping activities. The set
of activities to be automated are rather simple and are at
present being carried out manually. How
would you use the spiral model for developing this software?

The spiral model is a risk-driven software development process model that combines the
iterative development process model with elements of the Waterfall model. This makes it an
ideal choice for developing software for a travel agency, as the requirements for the software
are relatively simple and there is a low risk of unforeseen complications.
Here are the steps involved in using the spiral model for developing this software:
1. Define Objectives and Scope: Clearly identify the specific objectives of the software
and the scope of its functionality. This involves understanding the travel agency's
bookkeeping processes and identifying the areas where automation can provide the
most benefit.
2. Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential risks
that could impact the project's success. This could include risks related to data
integrity, security, and integration with existing systems.
3. Prototype Development: Develop a prototype of the software to demonstrate its
functionality and gather user feedback. This allows for early validation of the
software's design and identification of any potential issues.
4. Evaluation and Planning: Evaluate the prototype and feedback from users to refine
the software's requirements and plan for the next iteration. This could involve adding
new features, modifying existing ones, or addressing any usability concerns.
5. Development and Integration: Develop the software based on the refined
requirements and integrate it with the travel agency's existing systems. This involves
ensuring data compatibility and seamless interaction with other business
applications.
6. Testing and Validation: Conduct rigorous testing to validate the software's
functionality, performance, and security. This may involve unit testing, integration
testing, system testing, and user acceptance testing.
7. Deployment and Maintenance: Deploy the software to the travel agency's
production environment and provide ongoing maintenance and support. This includes
addressing any bugs, implementing enhancements, and adapting to changing
business needs.
The spiral model's iterative nature allows for continuous refinement of the software and early
identification of potential issues. This makes it well-suited for developing software for a travel
agency, where requirements may evolve and unforeseen challenges may arise.

49. Develop a requirements-gathering “kit.” The kit should include


a set of guidelines for conducting a requirements-gathering
meeting and materials that can be used to facilitate the creation of
lists and any other items that might help in defining requirements.

Requirements-Gathering Kit A comprehensive guide to capturing project


requirements effectively
Introduction
Gathering requirements is a crucial step in any project, ensuring that the end product
meets the needs of stakeholders and aligns with project goals. This kit provides a
comprehensive set of guidelines and materials to facilitate effective requirements
gathering, ensuring that all necessary information is captured and documented
accurately.

Guidelines for Conducting a Requirements-Gathering Meeting

1. Planning and Preparation:


a. Define meeting objectives: Clearly establish the purpose of the meeting and
the desired outcomes.
b. Identify participants: Invite key stakeholders, including project team
members, clients, end-users, and domain experts.
c. Prepare meeting agenda: Create a structured agenda with allocated time
for each topic.
d. Distribute pre-reading materials: Share relevant documents or background
information in advance.
2. Meeting Facilitation:
a. Establish clear ground rules: Set expectations for participation,
communication, and respect.
b. Introduce the project and its objectives: Provide an overview of the project
context and goals.
c. Elicit requirements: Use various techniques to gather information, such as
interviews, brainstorming, and surveys.
d. Document requirements: Capture key details, including functional
requirements, non-functional requirements, and user stories.
e. Clarify and prioritize requirements: Discuss and prioritize requirements
based on importance and impact.
f. Assign ownership and accountability: Clearly define who is responsible for
each requirement.
3. Follow-up and Documentation:
a. Summarize meeting outcomes: Recap key decisions, action items, and
next steps.
b. Refine and distribute meeting minutes: Share a detailed record of the
discussion and decisions.
c. Maintain a requirements repository: Create a centralized location to store
and manage requirements.
d. Validate requirements: Seek feedback and confirmation from stakeholders.

Materials for Facilitating Requirements Gathering


1. Requirements Checklist: A comprehensive list of potential requirements to
consider, categorized by type (functional, non-functional).
2. User Story Template: A structured template to capture user stories, including
user roles, actions, and desired outcomes.
3. Requirements Priority Matrix: A tool to prioritize requirements based on their
importance and impact on project objectives.
4. Requirements Traceability Matrix: A table to link requirements to project
deliverables, ensuring traceability throughout the development lifecycle.
Additional Tips for Effective Requirements Gathering
1. Active Listening: Pay close attention to stakeholders' input, ask clarifying
questions, and paraphrase to ensure understanding.
2. Emphasize Collaboration: Encourage open communication, foster a
collaborative environment, and value diverse perspectives.
3. Manage Expectations: Set realistic expectations regarding the project scope,
timeline, and resource constraints.
4. Continuous Refinement: Recognize that requirements may evolve as the
project progresses, and adapt accordingly.
5. Documentation and Communication: Maintain clear and up-to-date
documentation, and communicate requirements effectively to all stakeholders.

50. Briefly explain why the early programmers can be considered to


be similar to artists, the
later programmers to be more like craftsmen, and the modern
programmers to be engineers
The roles and responsibilities of programmers have evolved over time, leading to
different analogies that aptly describe their work.

Early Programmers: Artists

In the early days of computing, programming was a creative and exploratory


endeavor. Programmers were akin to artists, using their ingenuity and problem-
solving skills to craft innovative solutions from scratch. They had to deal with limited
computing resources and often had to develop their own tools and techniques. Their
work was characterized by experimentation, innovation, and a touch of artistry.
Later Programmers: Craftsmen

As computing matured, programming transformed into a more structured and


disciplined craft. Programmers became more like craftsmen, carefully applying
established principles and techniques to build reliable and efficient software systems.
They mastered programming languages, design patterns, and development
methodologies, producing software that met specific requirements and adhered to
industry standards. Their work was characterized by precision, skill, and adherence
to established practices.

Modern Programmers: Engineers

In the modern era of software development, programming has evolved into an


engineering discipline. Modern programmers are akin to engineers, applying
scientific principles and rigorous methodologies to design, develop, and test complex
software systems. They understand the underlying principles of computer science,
algorithms, and data structures, enabling them to create scalable, maintainable, and
secure software solutions. Their work is characterized by rigor, analysis, and the
application of engineering principles.

51. In a real-life software development project using iterative


waterfall SDLC, is it a practical necessity that
the different phases overlap? Explain your answer and the
effort distribution over different phases.
In a real-life software development project using iterative waterfall SDLC, it may be practical
to overlap phases to reduce the time and effort needed to complete the project.
The iterative waterfall model provides feedback paths from every phase to its
preceding phases, which is the main difference from the classical waterfall model.
Feedback paths introduced by the iterative waterfall model are shown in the figure
below. When errors are detected at some later phase, these feedback paths allow for
correcting errors committed by programmers during some phase. The feedback
paths allow the phase to be reworked in which errors are committed and these
changes are reflected in the later phases. But there is no feedback path to the stage –
feasibility study, because once a project has been taken, does not give up the project
easily. It is good to detect errors in the same phase in which they are committed. It
reduces the effort and time required to correct the errors.
X`x`
➔ Effort Distribution:

The pie chart shows the effort distribution in an iterative waterfall model. The largest portion
of effort is spent on implementation (40%), followed by planning (20%), design (10%), and
testing (10%).
Here is a breakdown of each phase:
• Planning: This phase involves gathering and analysing requirements, defining the
scope of the project, and developing a project plan.
• Design: This phase involves creating a detailed blueprint for the software, including
the user interface, database, and system architecture.
• Implementation: This phase involves writing the code, building the software, and
integrating the different components.
• Testing: This phase involves testing the software to ensure that it meets the
requirements and functions as intended.
The iterative waterfall model is a hybrid approach that combines the sequential steps of the
traditional waterfall model with the flexibility of iterative development. In this model, the
software is developed in a series of iterations, with each iteration focusing on a specific set
of requirements. The results of each iteration are used to refine the requirements and
improve the software design.

52.Identify five reasons as to why the customer requirements may change after
the requirements phase is complete and the SRS document has been signed
off.
There are many reasons why customer requirements may change after the
requirements phase is complete and the SRS document has been signed off.
Here are five of the most common reasons:
1. The customer may not have been fully aware of their needs at
the start of the project. This can happen for a few reasons, such as
the customer not having enough time to research their needs, or
the customer not being able to articulate their needs clearly.
2. The customer's needs may have changed since the start of the
project. This can happen due to customer changing their mind
about what they want, or the customer's environment changing.
3. The customer may have discovered new information that
changes their requirements. This can happen due to several
factors, such as the customer conducting new research, or the
customer learning about new technologies.
4. The customer may have been given incorrect information by the
development team. This can happen due to a few factors, such as
the development team misunderstanding the customer's
requirements, or the development team making a mistake in the
SRS document.
5. The development team may have made a mistake in the SRS
document. This can happen due to several factors, such as the
development team misunderstanding the customer's
requirements, or the development team making a typo in the SRS
document.

These are just five of the most common reasons why customer requirements
may change. There are many other reasons that can cause customer
requirements to change.
53.What do you understand by the “99 percent complete” syndrome that
software project managers sometimes face? What are its underlying
causes? What problems does it create for project management?
What are its remedies?

The "99% complete" syndrome is a common phenomenon in software project


management where a project is perceived to be near completion, but there is still a
significant amount of work remaining.

This can lead to a few problems, including:


• Unrealistic expectations: When stakeholders are told that a project is 99%
complete, they may assume that it will be ready for release very soon. This
can lead to disappointment and frustration if the project is not actually
completed on time.
• Scope creep: The "99% complete" syndrome can also lead to scope creep.
When stakeholders believe that a project is nearing completion, they may be
more likely to request additional features or changes. This can further delay
the project and increase its cost.
• Reduced morale: Software developers can become discouraged when they
feel like they are constantly working on a project that is never going to be
finished. This can lead to reduced morale and productivity.

There are some underlying causes of the "99% complete" syndrome,


including:
• Underestimation of the complexity of the work: It is often difficult to accurately
estimate the amount of work that is required to complete a software project.
This can lead to underestimation of the time and effort that is required.
• Poor task breakdown: If tasks are not broken down into small enough pieces,
it can be difficult to track progress and identify potential problems.
• Lack of visibility: If stakeholders do not have visibility into the project's
progress, they may not be aware of the true extent of the work that remains.

There are a few remedies for the "99% complete" syndrome, including:

• More accurate estimation: Use better techniques for estimating the amount of
work that is required to complete a project.
• Smaller tasks: Break down tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces.
• Improved reporting: Provide stakeholders with regular updates on the project's
progress.
• Realistic expectations: Manage stakeholders' expectations by being realistic
about the project's timeline and scope.
By taking steps to address the underlying causes of the "99% complete" syndrome,
software project managers can help to avoid the problems that it can create.

54.Consider that a software development project that is beset with many


risks. But, assume that it is not possible to anticipate all the risks in the
project at the start of the project and some of the risks can only be
identified much after the development is underway. As the project
manager of this project, would you recommend the use of the prototyping
or the spiral model? Explain your answer

I would recommend using the spiral model for a software development


project that is beset with many risks. The spiral model is an iterative risk-
driven software development process that emphasizes risk analysis and
risk handling at every phase of the development process. The spiral model
consists of four quadrants: planning, risk analysis, engineering, and
evaluation. The project team starts in the planning quadrant, where they
identify and analyse the risks associated with the project. Next, the team
moves to the risk analysis quadrant, where they develop mitigation
strategies for the identified risks. In the engineering quadrant, the team
implements the mitigation strategies and develops a prototype of the
software. Finally, in the evaluation quadrant, the team evaluates the
prototype and gets feedback from users. The team then uses this feedback
to improve the prototype and move on to the next iteration of the spiral.
The spiral model is well-suited for projects with many risks because it
allows the project team to identify and address risks early in the
development process. This helps to reduce the impact of risks on the
project and to ensure that the project is successful.
Here are some of the advantages of using the spiral model:

• It allows for risk analysis and risk handling at every phase of the development
process.
• It is flexible and can be adapted to the specific needs of the project.
• It produces high-quality software that meets the needs of the users.
Here are some of the disadvantages of using the spiral model:

• It can be more expensive than other software development models.


• It can be more complex than other software development models.
• It can be time-consuming to complete a project using the spiral model.
Overall, the spiral model is a good choice for software development
projects with many risks. It is a flexible and adaptable model that can help
to reduce the impact of risks on the project and to ensure that the project is
successful.
55.Both the prototyping model and the spiral model have been designed to
handle risks Identify how exactly risk is handled in each. How do these two
models compare with each other with respect to their risk handling
capabilities?
The Spiral Model is more adaptable for projects with evolving requirements and complex risks that
need ongoing management. Both models prioritize risk management, but prototyping focuses on
validating requirements early,
while the spiral emphasizes continuous risk analysis and adaptation throughout the development
process.

56.At which point in a waterfall-based software development life cycle (SDLC),


does the project management activities start? When do these ends? Sensify
the important project management activities

In a waterfall-based software development life cycle (SDLC), project management activities


start at the very beginning of the project, during the planning phase. This phase involves
defining the project scope, objectives, deliverables, and timeline, as well as establishing the
project team and assigning roles and responsibilities. The project manager plays a crucial
role in this phase, leading the team in creating a comprehensive project plan that outlines
the entire project lifecycle.
Project management activities continue throughout the entire SDLC, spanning all phases:
• Requirements Gathering and Analysis: The project manager facilitates the
process of gathering, analysing, and documenting project requirements, ensuring
that the project team has a clear understanding of what needs to be built.
• Design: The project manager oversees the design phase, ensuring that the software
design meets the project requirements and aligns with the overall project goals.
• Implementation: The project manager monitors the implementation phase, tracking
progress, managing resources, and resolving any issues that arise.
• Testing and Verification: The project manager coordinates with the testing team to
ensure that the software meets the defined requirements and is free of defects.
• Deployment and Maintenance: The project manager oversees the deployment of
the software to production and manages the ongoing maintenance and support
phases.

Project management activities end formally with the closure of the project, typically after the
maintenance phase. However, the project manager may continue to track post-
implementation metrics and user feedback to gather insights for future projects.
The key project management activities throughout the SDLC:

1. Planning: Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, timeline, team structure,


roles, and responsibilities.
2. Requirements Gathering and Analysis: Collect, analyse, and document project
requirements.
3. Design: Oversee the design process to ensure alignment with requirements and
project goals.
4. Implementation: Monitor progress, manage resources, and resolve issues.
5. Testing and Verification: Coordinate testing activities to ensure software quality.
6. Deployment and Maintenance: Oversee deployment, manage maintenance, and
track post-implementation metrics and feedback.
57.Why is it difficult to accurately estimate the effort required for completing a
project? Briefly explain the different effort estimation methods that are
available. Which one would be the most advisable to use and why?

It can be difficult to accurately estimate the effort required for a project


because projects are often different. The system's architecture and design
determine the work required to construct it. The more changes from before,
the more difficult it will be to estimate.

Several factors contribute to this difficulty, including:

• Incomplete or Evolving Requirements


• Unforeseen Technical Challenges
• Dependencies and Interdependencies
• Individual Developer Productivity Variations
• Project Management Overhead

Some of the most common effort estimation methods include:

Expert Judgment: This method relies on the expertise of experienced


developers or project managers to provide effort estimates. While this method
is quick and inexpensive, it can be subjective and may not always be accurate.

Top-down Estimation: This method involves estimating the overall project


effort and then breaking it down into smaller tasks. This method is useful for
initial project planning but may not be as accurate for individual tasks.

Bottom-up Estimation: This method involves estimating the effort for each
individual task and then summing up the estimates to get the overall project
effort. This method is more detailed but can be time-consuming and may not
consider dependencies between tasks.

Parametric Estimation: This method uses historical data or industry


benchmarks to estimate effort based on project characteristics, such as size,
complexity, and technology. While this method can be more objective, it may
not be accurate for unique or innovative projects.


The most advisable estimation method depends on the specific project and its
characteristics. For early-stage projects with incomplete requirements, expert
judgment or top-down estimation may be sufficient. For more mature projects
with well-defined requirements, bottom-up or parametric estimation may be
more appropriate.

In general, a combination of estimation methods can be used to increase the


accuracy of effort estimates. It is also important to continuously refine
estimates as the project progresses and new information becomes available.

58.Suppose you have estimated the nominal development time of a moderate-


sized software product to be 5 months. You have also estimated that it will
cost 50,000 to develop the software product. Now, the customer comes and
tells you that he wants you to accelerate the delivery time by 10 percent.
How much additional cost would you charge the customer for this
accelerated delivery? Irrespective of whether you take less time or more
time to develop the product, you are essentially developing the same
product. Why then does the effort depend on the duration over which you
develop the product?
Here is why the effort depends on the duration over which you develop the
product:
Context switching: When developers are working on a project, they need to
switch back and forth between different tasks and contexts. This can be
disruptive and can lead to lost productivity. When developers have more time
to work on a project, they can reduce the amount of context switching that
needs to occur, which can lead to increased productivity.

Learning curve: When developers are first starting to work on a project, they
need to spend time learning the codebase and the tools that are being used.
This can be a time-consuming process. When developers have more time to
work on a project, they can spend less time on the learning curve and more
time on developing the product.

Overtime: When developers are asked to work overtime to accelerate the


development of a product, they can become fatigued and less productive. This
can lead to more mistakes and defects in the product.
59.Suppose you are developing a software product of organic type. You have
estimated the size of the product to be about 100,000 lines of code.
Compute the nominal effort and the development time.
60.Suppose that a certain software product for business application costs Rs.
50.000 to buy off-the-shelf and that its size is 40 KLOC. Assuming that in-
house developers cost Rs 6000 per programmer-month (including love
meads), would it be more cost-effective to buy the product or build it?
Which elements of the cost are not included in COCOMO estimation model?
What additional factors should be considered in making the buy/build
decision.


The COCOMO (Constructive Cost Model) estimation model primarily focuses on
the effort and cost associated with software development based on size and
other factors. However, there are several elements of the cost that are not
explicitly included in the COCOMO estimation model. These elements include:

• Hardware Costs
• Training Costs
• Rework Costs
• Overhead Costs
• External Dependencies
• Legal and Licensing Costs
• Integration Costs
• Cost of Delay
• Market Dynamics:
• Post-Implementation Costs

Additional factors to consider in the buy/build decision:

Timeframe: Building the software in-house may take time, and if there are time
constraints, buying the off-the-shelf product may be more suitable.

Customization: If the off-the-shelf product meets most of the requirements,


but customization is needed, the cost and effort of customization should be
considered.

Maintenance and Support: Consider the long-term costs of maintaining and


supporting the software. Off-the-shelf products may come with support and
updates, while in-house development requires ongoing maintenance.

Training: If the off-the-shelf product requires less training for users, it might be
a factor in the decision.

Strategic Importance: Evaluate the strategic importance of the software to the


business. If the software is a core part of the business, in-house development
might be preferred for better control.
61.Why is software configuration management crucial to the success of large
software product development projects (write only the important reasons)?

Software configuration management (SCM) is the process of managing


changes to software configuration items (SCIs). SCIs can be anything from
source code files to build scripts to configuration files. SCM is important
for large software product development projects because it helps to ensure
that changes are made in a controlled and consistent manner. This helps to
prevent errors and makes it easier to track changes over time.
Here are some of the key benefits of using SCM for large software product
development projects:
• Improved traceability:
SCM helps to track changes to SCIs over time. This can be helpful for debugging problems or
for understanding how a particular feature was implemented.
• Reduced errors:
SCM helps to prevent errors by ensuring that changes are made in a controlled and consistent
manner. This can be done by using branching and merging techniques to isolate changes and
by using automated testing to verify changes before they are integrated into the main
codebase.
• Increased productivity:
SCM can help to increase productivity by automating tasks such as version control and change
management. This frees up developers to focus on coding and testing.
• Improved communication:
SCM can help to improve communication between developers by providing a central repository
for all changes to SCIs. This makes it easier for developers to see what changes have been
made and to discuss changes with other developers.

62.List three common types of risks that a typical software project might suffer
from. Explain how you can identify the risks that your project is susceptible
to. Suppose you are the project manager of a large software development
project, point out the main steps you would follow to manage various risks
in your software project.

Three common types of risks that a typical software project might suffer from
are:
1. Technical Risks:
- Technical risks pertain to challenges related to the software development
process, such as programming, architecture, and infrastructure issues.
- Identifying technical risks can involve conducting a thorough technical analysis
of the project, considering factors like the complexity of the software, the
experience of the development team, and the technology stack being used.
- Peer reviews, code inspections, and architectural reviews can help identify
potential technical risks. These can be flagged through discussions with the
development team, especially when they are aware of potential challenges
based on their experience.

2. Schedule Risks:
- Schedule risks are associated with project timelines and deadlines. Delays can
occur due to various reasons, including scope changes, resource constraints, or
unforeseen obstacles.
- To identify schedule risks, project managers should create a detailed project
schedule and consider factors like resource availability, dependencies between
tasks, and historical data from previous projects.
- Regular project status meetings and progress tracking can help in identifying
schedule risks early, enabling proactive mitigation strategies.

3. External Risks:
-
External risks are factors that originate outside the project but can impact its
success. These may include changes in regulations, economic conditions,
market trends, third-party dependencies, and geopolitical events.
-To identify external risks, conduct a thorough analysis of the project's external
environment. Stay informed about relevant external factors and dependencies,
and consider their potential impact on the project. Regular monitoring and
communication with external stakeholders can help in identifying and
managing these risks.

To identify risks specific to our project, we can follow these steps:

1. Risk Assessment:
- Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment at the beginning of the project.
This involves brainstorming potential risks with our project team and
stakeholders. Consider the project's objectives, scope, constraints, and
dependencies to identify a wide range of risks.
2. Risk Analysis:
- After identifying potential risks, perform a qualitative and quantitative risk
analysis to prioritize them based on their impact and probability. This helps we
focus on the most critical risks that require attention.
3. Risk Mitigation Planning:
- For the high-priority risks, develop risk mitigation and contingency plans.
Define strategies to reduce the impact and likelihood of these risks, and outline
how the team will respond if they do occur.
4. Regular Monitoring:
- Throughout the project's lifecycle, continuously monitor and reassess the
identified risks. New risks may emerge, and the significance of existing risks
may change. Regular risk reviews and updates to the risk management plan are
crucial for staying proactive in risk management.
5. Communication:
- Maintain open and transparent communication with project stakeholders.
Make them aware of identified risks, mitigation plans, and their potential
impact on the project. Effective communication can help manage stakeholder
expectations and gain their support in addressing risks.
6. Risk Registers: Maintaining a centralized list of identified risks, including
their descriptions, potential consequences, and risk owners, can help in
tracking and managing risks throughout the project.
7. Historical Data: Reviewing data from past projects and industry benchmarks
can provide insights into common risks that software projects typically face.
8. Expert Opinions: Seek input from subject matter experts, experienced
project managers, and other knowledgeable individuals to identify risks specific
to the project domain.

II) Suppose you are the project manager of a large software development
project, point out the main steps you would follow to manage various risks in
your software project.

1. Identify Potential Risks


2. Assess Impact and Likelihood:
3. Develop Risk Mitigation Strategies
4. Implement Risk Response Plans
5. Monitor and Review Risks Throughout the Project Lifecycle
By following these steps, we can systematically manage risks in our software
development project, increasing the likelihood of achieving our project goals
and minimizing the impact of unforeseen challenges.

63.Consider a software project with 5 tasks T1-T5. Duration of the 5 tasks (in
days) are 15, 10, 12, 25 and 10, respectively. T2 and T4 can start when T1 is
complete. T3 can start when T2 is complete. T5 can start when both T3 and
T4 are complete. When is the latest start date of the task T3? What is the
slack time of the task T4?
64.What is the difference between a revision and a version of a software
product? What do you understand by the terms change control and version
control? Why are these necessary? Explain how change and version control
are achieved using a configuration management tool.

Difference between a revision and a version of a software product:

Revision: A revision typically refers to a change or modification made to correct


defects or enhance features in a software product. Revisions are typically made
to fix bugs or improve performance. It is often represented by a change in the
version number after the decimal point (e.g., going from version 1.0 to 1.1).

Version: A version is a specific release of a software product, identified by a


unique version number. Versions usually encompass multiple revisions and can
indicate significant changes or updates. Versions are typically made to add new
features or functionality. It is represented by the whole number in the
versioning scheme (e.g., moving from version 1.0 to 2.0).

Explanation of the terms change control and version control:


Change Control: Change control is the process of managing and controlling
changes to a system or software product. It involves assessing, approving,
implementing, and monitoring changes to ensure that they are executed in a
planned and controlled manner, minimizing the risk of negative impacts on the
system.
Version Control: Version control is the systematic recording and management
of changes to files over time. It tracks modifications, facilitates collaboration
among multiple contributors, and allows reverting to previous states if needed.
It ensures that a team can work on the same codebase without conflicts and
helps manage different versions of the software.

Change control is the process of managing changes to a software product. This


includes tracking all changes, approving changes, and ensuring that changes
are made correctly. Version control is the process of managing different
versions of a software product. This includes tracking all versions, making it
easy to revert to a previous version if necessary.

Why change and version control are necessary:

• Change Control Necessity: Change control is essential to maintain the


stability and reliability of a software system. Uncontrolled changes can lead to
errors, bugs, and system failures. By implementing change control processes,
organizations can ensure that modifications are well-planned, tested, and
documented.
• Version Control Necessity: Version control is necessary for collaboration,
tracking changes, and managing the development lifecycle. It enables multiple
developers to work on the same project concurrently, tracks who made what
changes, and provides a mechanism to roll back to a previous state in case of
issues.

Change and version control are necessary to ensure the quality and integrity of
a software product. They also make it easier to manage changes to a software
product and to troubleshoot problems.

Explain how change and version control are achieved using a configuration
management tool:
A configuration management tool is a tool that can be used to implement
change and version control. A configuration management tool typically
provides a central repository for storing all changes to a software product. The
tool also provides features for tracking changes, approving changes, and
reverting to previous versions.

Here is an example of how change and version control can be achieved using a
configuration management tool:
• A developer makes a change to a software product.
• The developer checks the change into the configuration management
tool.
• The change is reviewed by another developer.
• The approved change is merged into the main codebase.
• A new version of the software product is built.
• The new version of the software product is released to users.
If a problem is found with the new version of the software product, the team
can use the configuration management tool to revert to a previous version.

65.What are the different project parameters that affect the cost of a project?
What are the important factors which make it hard to accurately estimate
the cost of software projects? If you are a project manager bidding for a
product development to a customer, would you quote the cost estimated
using COCOMO as your price bid? Explain your answer.


Different Project Parameters Affecting Project Cost:

- Scope:
The size and complexity of the project scope directly influence the cost. Larger
scopes generally require more resources and time.
- Timeline:
The duration allocated for project completion affects costs. Shorter timelines
may require more resources or overtime, impacting expenses.
- Resources:
Availability and cost of skilled personnel, technology, and tools play a crucial
role in project cost estimation.
Some project parameters that can affect project cost include:

Client priorities, Nature of the project, Site location, Construction method,


Procurement method, Market conditions, Legislative constraints, Cost of
design, Adjustment behavior, Scheduling flexibility.

Factors Making it Hard to Accurately Estimate Software Project Costs

There are several factors that can make it difficult to accurately estimate the
cost of a software project:
• Project scope
• Team skill levels
• Historical data availability
• Project complexity
• Changing requirements
• Technical issues
• External dependencies
• Software house experience
• Requirements specification
• Expected results

→Using COCOMO for Price Bid:

Explanation:

COCOMO (Constructive Cost Model) is a widely used software cost estimation


model. It provides a structured approach based on project characteristics. If the
project aligns well with COCOMO parameters, it can serve as a reliable
estimation method.
However, software projects often face unique challenges not fully captured by
generic models. Factors like innovative technology, rapidly changing
requirements, or a dynamic development environment may not be accurately
accounted for in COCOMO.
As a project manager, while COCOMO can provide a baseline estimate, it is
crucial to supplement it with a detailed analysis of project-specific factors.
Providing a quote solely based on COCOMO without considering project
intricacies might lead to inaccurate estimates and potential cost overruns.
66.Suppose you have been appointed as the analyst for a large software
development project. Discuss the aspects of the software product you
would document in the software requirements specification (SRS)
document? What would be the organization of your SRS document? How
would you validate your SRS document?

The software requirements specification (SRS) document is a crucial


document in the software development life cycle. It describes the
requirements of the software product in detail, and it serves as a blueprint
for the development team.
The following are the aspects of the software product that I would
document in the SRS document:
• Functional requirements:
These are the features and capabilities that the software must have. For example, a functional
requirement for a word processing software might be the ability to insert images into
documents.
• Non-functional requirements:
These are the other requirements that the software must meet, such as performance, security,
and usability. For example, a non-functional requirement for a word processing software might
be the ability to open and save documents in a variety of formats.
• Assumptions and constraints:
These are the assumptions and constraints that apply to the software development project. For
example, an assumption might be that the software will be developed using a particular
programming language. A constraint might be that the software must be developed within a
certain budget.

And Overall Description, Quality Attributes.


Validation of the SRS Document:

1. Review and Inspection:


• Conduct thorough reviews with stakeholders to identify discrepancies,
omissions, or ambiguities.
• Ensure that all requirements are clear, complete, and consistent.
2. Prototyping:
• Develop prototypes or mock-ups to validate and refine requirements
with end-users.
• Gather feedback on the proposed functionalities and design.
3. Use Case Validation:
• Validate requirements through use cases or user stories.
• Ensure that each requirement aligns with the user's perspective and
needs.
4. Requirement Traceability:
• Establish traceability matrices to link requirements back to their source
and forward to design and test cases.
• Ensure that each requirement is necessary and contributes to the
overall project goals.
5. Approval and Sign-off:
• Obtain formal approval and sign-off from key stakeholders, indicating
their agreement with the documented requirements.
67.Write a C function for searching an integer value from a large sorted
sequence of integer values stored in an array of size 100, using the binary
search method and design a test suite for testing your binary search
function.

According to the question maximum array size = 100, and size variable used to
provide size as per the user.
Code:

#include <stdio.h>

// Binary search function


int binarySearch(int arr[], int size, int target) {
int left = 0, right = size - 1;

while (left <= right) {


int mid = left + (right - left) / 2;

if (arr[mid] == target) {
return mid; // Target found, return index
} else if (arr[mid] < target) {
left = mid + 1; // Target is in the right half
} else {
right = mid - 1; // Target is in the left half
}
}

return -1; // Target not found


}

// Test suite function


void testBinarySearch() {
int arr[] = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20};
int size = sizeof(arr) / sizeof(arr[0]);

// Test cases
int testCases[] = {5, 10, 15, 20, 25};
int numTestCases = sizeof(testCases) / sizeof(testCases[0]);

for (int i = 0; i < numTestCases; ++i) {


int target = testCases[i];
int result = binarySearch(arr, size, target);

if (result != -1) {
printf("Target %d found at index %d.\n", target, result);
} else {
printf("Target %d not found in the array.\n", target);
}
}
}

// Main function
int main() {
testBinarySearch();

return 0;
}

This code defines a binarySearch function that takes an array, its size, and the target value as
parameters and returns the index of the target value if found or -1 otherwise. The
testBinarySearch function tests the binary search function with a set of test cases, and the
results are printed to the console.

68. Select a small portion of an existing program (approximately 50 to 75 source lines).


Isolate the structured programming constructs by drawing boxes around them in the
source code. Does the program excerpt have constructs that violate the structured
programming philosophy? If so, redesign the code to make it conform to structured
programming constructs. If not, what do you notice about the boxes that you have
drawn?


Here is that existing code????? (idk)
69. Some people say that “variation control is the heart of quality control.” Since every
program that is created is different from every other program, what are the variations
that we look for an That is a different kind of “quality control”. The quote relates to QC in
stuff that is mass-produced.

The statement "variation control is the heart of quality control" emphasizes the importance
of managing and minimizing variations in processes to ensure consistent and high-quality
outcomes. While this phrase is often associated with manufacturing and mass production, it
can be applied to software development and other fields as well.

In the context of software development, the variations that are crucial to control for quality
include:

1. Code Consistency:
- Coding Standards: Ensuring that code follows a consistent style and adheres to coding
standards helps improve readability and maintainability. Tools like linters can be used to
enforce coding standards.

2. Testing Variations:
- Test Coverage: Ensuring comprehensive test coverage helps identify and address potential
issues across different parts of the code. Variations in test coverage can lead to untested or
under-tested code.

3. Version Control:
- Versioning: Using version control systems like Git helps manage variations in the
codebase over time. It allows developers to track changes, collaborate effectively, and roll
back to previous versions if needed.

4. Requirements and Specifications:


- Requirements Management: Clearly defining and managing requirements helps control
variations in project expectations. Regular communication and documentation are essential
to ensure a shared understanding of project goals.

5. Bug Tracking and Resolution:


- Issue Tracking: Effectively tracking and resolving bugs or issues helps control variations in
software behavior. A robust issue tracking system ensures that identified problems are
addressed promptly.
6. Build and Deployment:
- Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): Implementing CI/CD practices
helps control variations in the build and deployment processes. Automation ensures
consistent and reliable builds.

7. User Experience (UX):


- User Interface (UI) Consistency: Ensuring a consistent user experience across different
parts of the application helps control variations in user interaction and satisfaction.

8. Security:
- Code Security: Implementing secure coding practices and regularly assessing the code for
security vulnerabilities helps control variations in potential security risks.

In essence, quality control in software development involves managing variations in different


aspects of the development process to ensure that the final product meets the desired
standards and expectations. This requires attention to detail, effective communication, and
the use of tools and processes to minimize deviations from the established norms.

70. Design a project database (repository) system that would enable a software engineer to
store, cross reference, trace, update, change, and so forth all important software
configuration items. How would the database handle different versions of the same
program?

Designing a comprehensive project database system for software configuration management


involves several components and considerations. Below is a conceptual design that covers
the key functionalities you've mentioned: storing, cross-referencing, tracing, updating, and
changing software configuration items (SCIs).
Database Schema:

1. Project Table:
- ProjectID (Primary Key)
- ProjectName
- Description
- StartDate
- EndDate
2. Software Configuration Item (SCI) Table:
- SCIID (Primary Key)
- ProjectID (Foreign Key referencing Project Table)
- FileName
- FilePath
- FileType
- Version
- Author
- DateCreated

3. Cross-Reference Table:
- CrossReferenceID (Primary Key)
- SCIID1 (Foreign Key referencing SCI Table)
- SCIID2 (Foreign Key referencing SCI Table)
- RelationshipType
- Description

4. Change Log Table:


- ChangeLogID (Primary Key)
- SCIID (Foreign Key referencing SCI Table)
- DateChanged
- ChangeType (e.g., Bug Fix, Feature Enhancement)
- Author
- Description

Functionality:

1. Storing:
- Software Configuration Items are stored in the SCI Table with details like file name, path,
type, version, author, etc.

2. Cross-Referencing:
- The Cross-Reference Table allows you to establish relationships between different SCIs,
helping to track dependencies and connections.
3. Tracing:
- Traceability can be achieved through the Project and SCI tables. Each SCI is associated
with a specific project, and you can trace changes and dependencies using the Cross-
Reference Table.

4. Updating/Changing:
- Changes to SCIs are logged in the Change Log Table, recording details such as the date of
change, type of change, and the author. This provides an audit trail for all modifications.

Additional Considerations:

• Access Control
• Integration with Version Control System
• User Interface
• Automation
• Backup and Recovery

Handling different versions of the same program in a database involves structuring the
database to accommodate versioning information and establishing relationships between
different versions. Below are considerations for managing different versions of software in
the database:

Database Schema Modifications:

1. Versioning in SCI Table:


- Add a field such as `VersionNumber` to the SCI Table to indicate the version of the
software configuration item.

SCI Table:
- SCIID (Primary Key)
- ProjectID (Foreign Key referencing Project Table)
- FileName
- FilePath
- FileType
- VersionNumber
- Author
- DateCreated
2. Linking Versions:
- Create a field, e.g., `ParentSCIID`, in the SCI Table to link versions of the same software
configuration item. This field can reference the SCIID of the previous version.

SCI Table:
- SCIID (Primary Key)
- ParentSCIID (Foreign Key referencing SCIID in the same table)
- ProjectID (Foreign Key referencing Project Table)
- FileName
- FilePath
- FileType
- VersionNumber
- Author
- DateCreated

Versioning Strategies:

1. Sequential Versioning:
- Each new version gets a sequential version number (e.g., 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, ...).

2. Semantic Versioning:
- Use a versioning scheme that follows semantic versioning principles (e.g.,
MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH).

3. Branching:
- Implement version branching if major changes are occurring concurrently (e.g.,
development branch, stable branch).

Example Query:

To retrieve all versions of a specific software configuration item:

sql
SELECT *
FROM SCI
WHERE FileName = 'YourFileName' ORDER BY VersionNumber DESC;
71. Based your knowledge and your own experience, make a list of 10 guidelines for
software people to work to their full potential.

72. You have been given the responsibility for improving the quality of software across your
organization. What is the first thing that you should do? What is next?


First Thing to do:
Test early and test often with automation: To improve software quality, it is
necessary to Test early and Test often. Early testing will ensure that any defects do not
snowball into larger, more complicated issues. The bigger the defect, the more expensive it
becomes to iron out any issues.

The earlier you get your testers involved, the better. It is recommended to involve testers
early in the software design process to ensure that they remain on top of any problems or
bugs as they crop up, and before the issues grow exponentially which generally makes it
harder to debug.

Testing often requires a focus on early adoption of the right automated testing discipline.
Start by automating non-UI tests initially then slowly increasing coverage to UI based tests
when the product stabilises. If your application utilises Webservices/APIs then automate
these tests to ensure all your business rules and logic are tested

NEXT STEPS:

After the completion of testing the software that is required to improve, the steps that
are important ~

a. Implement Quality Control: Testers can monitor quality controls and create awareness in
partnership with developers to ensure standards are continually being met. Quality control
starts from the beginning, which is an ongoing process throughout the delivery.

b. Echo the importance of quality assurance through the entire software development
process: Quality Assurance is a governance provided by the project team that instils
confidence in the overall software quality. Assurance testing oversees and validates the
processes used to deliver outcomes have been tracked and are functioning. Testing should be
repeated as each development element is applied. Think of it as layering a cake. After every
layer is added, the cake should be tasted and tested again.

c. Encourage Innovations:
It is important that testing structures and quality measures are in place, however, there should
always be room for innovation. A great way to allow for innovation is to automate testing
where possible to minimise time spent on controls.

d. Plan for changeable environment: Software contains so many variables and is in


continuous evolution. It relies on several different external factors such as web browsers,
hardware, libraries, and operating systems.

e. Risk Management: A risk register is a fantastic management tool to manage risks. A risk
register is more synonymous with financial auditing; however, it is still a vital element in
software development.

73. How is software development effort measured?

74. What are the three models provided by COCOMO 2 to arrive at increasingly accurate
cost estimations.

The projects factored into three classes or modes of software development –


Organic, Semidetached, and Embedded Mode.
75. What are the various measures are used in project size estimation?

76. While using COCOMO, which one of the project parameters is usually the first to be
estimated by a project manager?
This Basic COCOMO Model is ideal for early-stage estimates. It estimates effort based
solely on the size of the code to be developed. Basic COCOMO assumes a linear
relationship between project size and effort. The central parameter here is the Source
Lines of Code (SLOC).
77. Name the four elements that exist when an effective SCM system is implemented.
The four basic requirements for a software configuration management (SCM) system are:
Identification, Control, Audit, Status accounting.
78. How is an application program’s “version” different from its “release”?
A version is a concrete and specific software package. It is identified by a version number,
such as 1.0. Versions are created for internal development or testing and are not
intended for release to customers, whereas a release is the process of publishing a
software. It is the distribution of the final version of an application. A release may be
either public or private.
79. If a project is already delayed, then will it help by adding manpower to complete it at the
earliest?
No, adding manpower to a delayed project will not help in completing it at the earliest. In fact, it
may even delay the project further. This is because adding more people to a project increases the
amount of communication and coordination required, which can lead to delays. Additionally,
new team members may need time to get up to speed on the project, which can also lead to
delays.
80. What may be a reason as to why COCOMO project duration estimation may be more accurate
than the duration estimation obtained by using the expression, duration = size/productivity?
COCOMO's comprehensive approach, considering project complexity, parameterization,
historical data, cost factors, and expert judgment, contributes to its potential for more accurate
project duration estimations compared to a simple formula like "duration = size/productivity."
81. The use of resources such as personnel in a software development project varies with time.
What is the distribution that is the best approximation for modelling the personnel requirements
for a software development project?
The best approximation for modeling personnel requirements in a software development project
is often achieved through a Normal (Gaussian) Distribution. This distribution is suitable for
capturing the variability in resource utilization over time, accommodating the natural
fluctuations in workload and allowing for a realistic representation of personnel requirements in
different project phases.
82. Based on what criteria do we typically define Parametric estimation models?
Parametric estimation is a statistical technique that uses historical and statistical data to calculate
the time, cost, and resources needed for a project. It uses mathematical models to generate
estimates based on input values. Parametric estimation models are based on the following
criteria: Historical data, Statistical techniques, Mathematical equations, Research, Industry-
specific data, Expertise.

83. How do you correctly characterize the accuracy of project estimations carried out at different
stages of the project life cycle?
Project estimation accuracy varies across different stages of the project life cycle. In the initial
stages, estimates may be less accurate due to limited information and uncertainties. As the
project progresses, with more details available and risks mitigated, estimates become more
precise. Regularly reassess and refine estimates to adapt to changing conditions. Use historical
data and feedback loops to enhance future estimations.
Acknowledge that accuracy may improve as the project advances, and factor in contingencies.
Transparent communication about estimation uncertainties fosters stakeholder understanding.
Employing agile methodologies can facilitate iterative adjustments, enhancing adaptability and
overall estimation accuracy throughout the project life cycle.

84. Which model was used during the early stages of software engineering, when prototyping of
user interfaces, consideration of software and system interaction, assessment of performance,
and evaluation of technology maturity were paramount?
→ Application composition model
85. Suppose you are the project manager of a software project. Based on your experience with three
similar past projects, you estimate the duration of the project, i.e., 5 months. What of the
various types of estimation techniques have you made use of? Name the technique and explain
your reason.
The estimation technique applied in this scenario is analogous estimating. This method involves
drawing parallels between the current project and past projects with similar characteristics. By
leveraging data from three previous software projects, I can extrapolate and estimate the duration
for the new project. Analogous estimating is efficient when historical information is relevant and
accurate, providing a quick and relatively simple way to gauge project timelines. However, it assumes
that the similarities between projects are significant enough to warrant a reliable estimate, and
adjustments may be necessary for any unique factors in the current project that differ from the past
ones.

86. Which version of COCOMO states that once requirements have been stabilized, the basic
software architecture has been established?
→ Early design stage model
87. Why do you think some late projects becoming later due to addition of manpower?
→Brooks' Law states, “Adding manpower to a late software project makes it later,” means when a
person is added to a project team, and the project is already late, the project time is longer, rather
than shorter.
88. What is a Functional Requirement?
→Functional requirements are the details and instructions that dictate how software performs and
behaves. Software engineers create and apply functional requirements to software during the
development stages of a project.
Some common functional requirements include: Business requirements, administrative protocols,
User preferences, System requirements, Authentication, Legal requirements, Usability, Reliability.
89. Which type of software development team has no permanent leader?
A Democratic decentralized software development team has no permanent leader. In this type of
team, software developers temporarily coordinate with each other to complete tasks.
90. Which software development model is not suitable for accommodating any change?
→The Waterfall Model
91. What is system software and what is applications software?
System software refers to a collection of programs that manage and operate the computer
hardware, facilitating the execution of application software. It includes the operating system,
device drivers, and utility software, serving as an interface between hardware and user
applications. In contrast,
Applications software encompasses programs designed to perform specific tasks for end-users.
Examples include word processors, web browsers, and accounting software. Unlike system
software, applications software focuses on meeting user needs and enhancing productivity.
Together, system and applications software form the essential components of a computer
environment, enabling its functionality and supporting diverse user activities.
92. Software quality assurance consists of which functions of management?
→Software quality assurance consists of the auditing and reporting functions of management.
93. Give a brief description of Work Breakdown Structure.
→A work breakdown structure is a diagram that shows the connections between the objectives,
measurable milestones, and deliverables (also referred to as work packages or tasks).
94. What is an SPMP document? What is its utility?
An SPMP document stands for Software Project Management Plan. It is a comprehensive document
that outlines the approach and procedures for managing a software project throughout its life cycle.
The utility of an SPMP lies in providing a structured framework for project managers and
stakeholders. It defines project scope, objectives, timelines, resource allocation, risk management,
communication strategies, and quality assurance measures. By serving as a reference guide, the SPMP
enhances communication, minimizes risks, and ensures that the project is executed in a systematic and
controlled manner. It is a crucial tool for effective planning, execution, and monitoring of software
development projects.
95. What does an Activity Network show us?
→An Activity Network Diagram is a diagram of project activities that shows the sequential
relationships of activities using arrows and nodes. An activity network diagram tool is used
extensively in and is necessary for the identification of a project's critical path.
96. What does CPM refer to? How is it useful for software project management?
The critical path method (CPM) is a technique where you identify tasks that are necessary for project
completion and determine scheduling flexibilities.
The critical path method is a reliable way for project managers to budget time and allocate resources.
Advantages of CPM include improved accuracy and flexibility in scheduling, clearer communication
between project managers and stakeholders, easier task prioritization, and more.
97. What is PERT and its utility in software project management?
→ A program evaluation review technique (PERT) chart is a graphical representation of a
project's timeline that displays all the individual tasks necessary to complete the project. Pert
enables program managers to plan the movement toward program objectives and monitor the
progress made toward obtaining objectives at any point in time. A pert analysis identifies a
network of activities, their consequences, and the time needed for each activity.
98. What are Gantt Charts?
→A Gantt chart is a project management tool assisting in the planning and scheduling of projects
of all sizes, although they are particularly useful for simplifying complex projects.
99. Who are the users of SRS (Software Requirements Specification)?
The primary users of Software Requirements Specification (SRS) are software developers and
quality assurance (QA) teams. Developers rely on the SRS to understand and implement the
functional and non-functional requirements of the software, while the QA team uses it to develop
test cases and ensure the software meets the specified requirements.
100. Briefly state the main objective of ‘code walkthrough’?
The main objective of a code walkthrough is to identify and address issues in the source code
through a collaborative and systematic review process. This activity aims to ensure code quality,
adherence to coding standards, and the identification of potential bugs or logical errors. During a
walkthrough, team members inspect the code line by line, focusing on correctness,
maintainability, and adherence to design specifications. This collaborative review helps in
knowledge sharing among team members, improves the overall quality of the codebase, and
provides an opportunity to catch and rectify issues early in the development process.
101. Briefly state the goals of software verification and validation.
The goals of software verification and validation (V&V) are to ensure that a software system meets
specified requirements and functions correctly.
Verification aims to confirm that the software is designed and implemented according to its
specifications. It involves reviews, inspections, and other static methods.
Validation, on the other hand, focuses on assessing the dynamic behavior of the software during
execution to ensure it satisfies user needs.
Together, verification and validation activities aim to enhance software quality, reduce the
likelihood of defects, and provide confidence that the software functions as intended, meeting both
technical and user requirements.
102. Name the different types of testing carried out after the development team has handed over the
software to the testing team.
After the development phase, testing activities include
Integration Testing for component interactions,
System Testing to assess the entire system,
Acceptance Testing for user approval,
Regression Testing to prevent new issues, and
Performance Testing to evaluate system responsiveness and
scalability before release.
103. Statement coverage is usually not considered to be a satisfactory testing of a program unit.
Briefly explain the reason behind this.
Statement coverage, while a valuable metric, is not always considered satisfactory for testing a
program unit because it does not guarantee comprehensive testing of all possible scenarios.
Achieving 100% statement coverage means executing every line of code at least once, but it does
not ensure that all logical branches, conditions, and potential errors are exercised. Therefore, a
program may have high statement coverage yet contain undetected defects or untested scenarios.
For thorough testing, additional criteria like branch coverage, condition coverage, and path
coverage are often considered to ensure a more complete assessment of the code's behavior.
104. What is the difference between black-box testing and white-box?
105. What is the difference between internal and external documentation?
Internal documentation is helpful for the firm's managers, directors, or other internal parties for
making significant business decisions. External documentation helps outsiders, such as vendors,
investors, etc., decide to offer funds/material to the business.
106. What is meant by structural complexity of a program? Define a metric for measuring the
structural complexity of a program.
The structural complexity of a program refers to the intricacy and interconnectedness of its
components, such as functions, modules, or classes. It assesses the program's internal complexity
based on its structure and organization.

One metric for measuring structural complexity is the Cyclomatic Complexity. Cyclomatic
Complexity is calculated using the formula:

[ M = E - N + 2P]

where:
- (M) is the Cyclomatic Complexity,
- (E) is the number of edges in the control flow graph,
- (N) is the number of nodes in the control flow graph,
- (P) is the number of connected components in the graph.

A higher Cyclomatic Complexity suggests increased code complexity and may indicate a higher
likelihood of defects or the need for additional testing.
107. What do you understand by positive and negative test cases?
1. Positive Test Cases:
- Purpose: Positive test cases verify that the system functions as expected when provided with valid
inputs or under normal operating conditions.
- Example: Testing a login functionality with correct username and password to ensure the system
grants access.

2. Negative Test Cases:


- Purpose: Negative test cases validate how well the system handles invalid or unexpected inputs,
error conditions, and abnormal situations.
- Example: Attempting to log in with an incorrect password to check if the system correctly denies
access.

108. What is the difference between a coding standard and a coding guideline?

109. What do you understand by testability of a program?


Testability in the context of software refers to the ease with which a program or system can be
tested effectively. A highly testable program is one that facilitates the creation, execution, and
maintenance of tests, allowing for thorough and efficient testing processes.
110. Is integration testing of object-oriented programs any different from that for the procedural
programs? Briefly explain your answer.
Integration testing in object-oriented software engineering involves validating interactions
between encapsulated objects, ensuring proper inheritance hierarchy and polymorphic behavior.
The emphasis on contracts and interfaces ensures that classes adhere to specified guidelines.
Procedural software engineering integration testing centers on function interactions, lacking the
encapsulation and inheritance nuances of object-oriented counterparts.
111. Suppose a developed software has successfully passed all the three levels of testing, i.e., unit
testing, integration testing, and system testing. Can we claim that the software is defect free?
Briefly explain your answer
While passing unit testing, integration testing, and system testing is a positive sign, it doesn't
guarantee that the software is entirely defect-free. These testing levels focus on specific aspects,
and limitations like incomplete test coverage or unforeseen scenarios may lead to undetected
defects. Additionally, the complexity of real-world usage can introduce new issues. To enhance
confidence, organizations often employ techniques like user acceptance testing, beta testing, and
continuous monitoring in production. The goal is to minimize defects, but absolute certainty is
elusive due to evolving requirements and the inherent complexity of software systems.
112. In what way is statistical testing useful during software development?
Statistical testing is a method that uses statistical methods to determine the reliability of a
program. It involves stimulating a program with randomly selected test samples based on a
defined probability distribution of the input data. Statistical testing can help engineers spot
problems or glitches in their software.
113. Name three metrics to measure software reliability. Do you consider these metrics entirely
satisfactory to provide measure of the reliability of a system? Justify your answer
The three metrics mentioned—Mean Time to Failure (MTTF), Mean Time to Repair (MTTR),
and Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF)—are widely used to assess software reliability. While
these metrics offer valuable insights, they may not be entirely satisfactory on their own. MTTF
and MTBF focus on failure intervals but neglect the severity of failures, and MTTR measures
recovery time without accounting for system usage. A comprehensive reliability evaluation should
also consider factors like fault tolerance, scalability, and impact on user experience. Integrating
multiple metrics and qualitative assessments ensures a more holistic understanding of software
reliability, addressing both frequency and impact of failures.
114. What does the quality parameter “fitness of purpose” mean in the context of software
products?
The quality parameter "fitness for purpose" in the context of software products refers to the
software's ability to meet the specific needs and requirements of its intended users or customers. It
emphasizes that a software product should not only function correctly but should also align
closely with the user's intended goals and objectives. In essence, a software product is considered
of high quality if it effectively and efficiently serves the purposes for which it was designed. This
concept underscores the importance of understanding user requirements and ensuring that the
software's features and capabilities align with the user's expectations and operational needs.
115. Why is it important for a software development organization to obtain ISO 9001 certification?
→Implementing a Quality Management System (QMS) via ISO 9001 can help you boost
productivity, win new business, and save money.
116. In a software development organization, identify the persons responsible for carrying out the
quality assurance activities.
Quality assurance activities in a software development organization are typically carried out by
QA engineers, testers, and QA managers.
117. In a software development organization whose responsibility is it to ensure that the products
are of high quality? Justify your answer with reasons.
In a software development organization, ensuring high-quality products is the collective
responsibility of the entire team, including developers, testers, project managers, and quality
assurance professionals. Each role contributes to different aspects of the development process,
fostering collaboration and a comprehensive approach to quality, resulting in a more robust and
reliable product.
118. Can a program be correct and still not exhibit good quality? Explain
Yes, a program can be correct but still not exhibit good quality. Correctness only addresses
whether the program meets its specified requirements, while quality encompasses broader aspects
like maintainability, efficiency, usability, complexity, and scalability. A correct program may lack
readability, have poor documentation, or be inefficient, diminishing overall software quality.
119. Suppose a development project has been undertaken by a company for customizing one of its
existing software on behalf of a specific customer. Identify two major advantages of using an
agile model over the iterative waterfall model.
1. Adaptability to Changing Requirements:
- Agile Model Advantage: Agile is well-suited for projects with evolving requirements. It allows
for frequent iterations and customer feedback, enabling the team to adapt quickly to changing
customer needs. This is crucial in a customization project where requirements might evolve
during development.

2. Customer Collaboration and Feedback:


- Agile Model Advantage: Agile emphasizes continuous customer collaboration throughout the
development process. Regular feedback from the customer ensures that the customized software
aligns closely with their expectations, fostering a more collaborative and responsive development
environment compared to the more rigid feedback cycles in the iterative waterfall model.
120. Suppose you are developing a software product of organic type. You have estimated the size
of the product to be about 100,000 lines of code. Compute the nominal effort and the development
time.
→ Done before Q59.
121. Identify the functional and non-functional requirements in the following problem description
and document them. A cosmopolitan clock software is to be developed that displays up to 6 clocks
with the names of the city and their local times. The clocks should be aesthetically designed. The
software should allow the user to change name of any city and change the time readings of any
clock by typing c (for configure) on any clock. The user should also be able to toggle between a
digital clock and an analog clock display by typing either d (for digital) or a (for analog) on a
clock display. After the stand-alone implementation works, a web version should be developed
that can be downloaded on a browser as applet and run. The clock should use only the idle cycles
on the computer it runs.
Clock software:
• Functional Requirements:
1. Display up to 6 clocks with the names of the city and their local times.
2. Provide an aesthetically pleasing design for the clocks.
3. Allow the user to configure the clock by pressing c.
4. Allow the user to change the name of any city.
5. Allow the user to change the time readings of any clock.
6. Allow the user to change the mode from digital by pressing d to analog by pressing a or vice versa.
7. Implement a web version of the clock that can be downloaded on a browser as an applet and run.
8. Ensure the clock uses only the idle cycles on the computer it runs.

• Non-Functional Requirements:

1. Performance: The clock should not significantly impact the performance of the
computer it runs on.
2. Reliability: The clock should be reliable and not crash or experience unexpected
behaviour.
3. Usability: The clock should be easy to use and understand for all users.
4. Security: The clock should be secure and not susceptible to hacking or malware.
5. Maintainability: The clock should be easy to maintain and update.
122. Identify any inconsistencies, anomalies, and incompleteness that are present in the following
requirements that were gathered by interviewing the clerks of the ECE department for developing
an academic automation software (AAS): “The CGPA of each student is computed as the average
performance for the semester. The parents of all students having poor performance are mailed a
letter informing about the poor performance of their ward and with a request to convey a warning
to the student that the poor performance should not be repeated.”
An analysis of the inconsistencies, anomalies, and incompleteness present in the requirements for
developing an academic automation software (AAS):
Inconsistencies:
1. Ambiguity in "poor performance": The phrase "poor performance" is subjective and lacks
a clear definition. What constitutes "poor performance" for one student might not be the same
for another. This ambiguity could lead to inconsistencies in identifying students who require
parental notification.
2. Lack of criteria for parental notification: The requirement specifies that parents of "all
students having poor performance" should be notified. However, it does not define the criteria
for determining which students fall under this category. Leaving this undefined could lead to
inconsistencies in notification practices.
Anomalies:
1. No mention of student involvement: The requirement focuses on notifying parents about
their ward's performance but does not mention any direct communication with the student
concerned. This could lead to a situation where parents are informed about the student's
performance without the student being directly involved in the process.
2. Potential for parental overreaction: Notifying parents about their child's "poor
performance" without providing context or considering individual circumstances could lead to
unnecessary stress or anxiety for the parents and the student.
Incompleteness:
1. No definition of semester performance: The requirement mentions that CGPA is computed
as the average performance for the semester, but it does not define how semester performance
is calculated. This incompleteness could lead to inconsistencies in CGPA calculations.
2. Lack of follow-up or support measures: The requirement only mentions notifying parents
about poor performance but does not specify any follow-up or support measures for the
student. Leaving this undefined could limit the effectiveness of the notification process.
123. In the context of software development, distinguish between analysis and design with respect
to intention, methodology, and the documentation technique used.

Analysis:
Software analysis is the process of understanding the problem and requirements for a software
system. It involves gathering information from stakeholders, identifying problems with the current
system, and defining the requirements for the new system. The goal of analysis is to create a complete
and accurate understanding of the problem and the needs of the users.
Design:
Software design is the process of creating a solution to the problem defined in the analysis phase. It
involves creating models, diagrams, and specifications that describe the architecture, components, and
interfaces of the software system. The goal of design is to create a system that is efficient, reliable,
maintainable, and scalable.

Documentation:
The documentation produced during analysis and design is typically used to communicate the
requirements and design decisions to stakeholders. The requirements document is a formal document
that defines the functional and non-functional requirements of the software system. The design
document is a more technical document that describes the architecture, components, and interfaces of
the software system.
124. A customer asks you to complete a project, whose effort estimate is E, in time T. How will
you decide whether to accept this schedule or not?

Deciding whether to accept a project schedule is a critical decision that should be based on a thorough
assessment of various factors. Here is a comprehensive approach to evaluating the feasibility of
accepting a project schedule:

1. Evaluate project scope and complexity: Carefully review the project scope to fully
understand the deliverables, tasks, and their interdependencies. Assess the complexity of the
project, considering factors such as the novelty of the technology, the level of customization,
and the integration with existing systems.
2. Analyse historical data: Gather historical data from previous projects, particularly those of
similar size and complexity. Analyse the average effort and duration of similar projects to
establish a baseline for comparison with the proposed schedule.
3. Consider team expertise and availability: Assess the expertise and availability of your team
members. Evaluate their experience in handling projects of similar scope and complexity.
Determine if there are any resource constraints or potential conflicts with existing
commitments.
4. Conduct risk assessment: Identify potential risks that could impact the project's timeline or
resource requirements. Assess the likelihood and severity of each risk and develop mitigation
strategies to address them.
5. Evaluate project dependencies: Determine if the project has any dependencies on external
factors or other projects. Analyse the potential impact of these dependencies on the proposed
schedule.
6. Assess communication and collaboration: Evaluate the communication and collaboration
channels within the team and with the client. Ensure clear expectations and regular
communication are established to minimize misunderstandings and delays.
7. Consider budget constraints: Evaluate the project's budget and the potential impact of the
proposed schedule on financial feasibility. Assess if the schedule aligns with the allocated
budget and if it can be completed within the financial constraints.
8. Negotiate with the client: If necessary, negotiate with the client to adjust the schedule or
scope of the project to reach a mutually agreeable timeframe that is realistic and achievable.
9. Document the decision: Once a decision is made, clearly document the rationale behind
accepting or rejecting the proposed schedule. This documentation serves as a reference for
future projects and helps maintain transparency with the client.
By carefully considering these factors and following a structured decision-making process, you can
make informed choices about accepting or rejecting project schedules, ensuring project success and
client satisfaction.

125. List some practices that you will follow while developing a software system using an object-
oriented approach to increase cohesion and reduce coupling.

Sure, here are some practices to follow while developing a software system using an object-oriented
approach to increase cohesion and reduce coupling:

Increase Cohesion
• Follow the Single Responsibility Principle (SRP): Each class should have a single well-
defined responsibility. This means that a class should only be responsible for one thing, and
all its methods should be related to that responsibility.
• Group related methods together: Methods that are related to each other should be grouped
together within a class. This will make the class easier to understand and maintain.
• Avoid unnecessary methods: Methods that are not needed by the class should be removed.
This will help to reduce the size of the class and make it more focused.
• Use meaningful method names: Method names should be descriptive and clearly indicate
what the method does. This will make the code easier to read and understand.
• Use private data members: Data members that are only used by a single class should be
declared as private. This will help to protect the data from being accessed by other classes.
Reduce Coupling
• Favor composition over inheritance: Composition is a way to create a new class by
combining the functionality of existing classes. Inheritance is a way to create a new class that
inherits the functionality of an existing class. Composition is generally preferred over
inheritance because it allows for more flexibility and reusability.
• Use interfaces to define dependencies: Interfaces can be used to define the dependencies
between classes. This will make it easier to change the implementation of a class without
affecting the classes that depend on it.
• Use dependency injection: Dependency injection is a technique for providing a class with its
dependencies. This can be done through constructor injection, method injection, or property
injection. Dependency injection can help to reduce coupling between classes because it makes
it easier to test and reuse classes.
• Minimize global variables: Global variables can lead to tight coupling between classes
because they can be accessed by any class in the program. Global variables should be avoided
whenever possible.
• Use loose coupling mechanisms: There are a number of loose coupling mechanisms that can
be used to reduce coupling between classes, such as message passing and polymorphism.
By following these practices, you can develop software systems that are more cohesive and less
coupled. This will lead to code that is easier to understand, maintain, and reuse.

126. Suppose that the last round of testing, in which all the test suites were executed but no faults
were fixed, took 7 full days (24 hours each). And in this testing, the number of failures that were
logged every day were: 2, 0, 1, 2, 1, 1, 0. If it is expected that an average user will use the
software for two hours each day in a manner that is similar to what was done in testing, what is
the expected reliability of this software for the user?
127. Draw a schematic diagram to represent the iterative waterfall model of software development.
On your diagram represent the following: (a) The phase entry and exit criteria for each phase. (b)
The deliverables that need to be produced at the end of each phase
Phase 1: Planning
Entry Criteria - Project Goals are defined
- Requirements are identified.
Exit Criteria - Project plans are approved
- Initial Risk assessments are complete
Deliverables - Project plan
- Initial Risk assessments
Phase 2: Analysis
Entry Criteria - Approved Project Plan
Exit Criteria - Detailed Requirements document
- User Interface design
Deliverables - Detailed Requirements document
- User Interface design
Phase 3: Design
Entry Criteria - Approved analysis phase deliverables
Exit Criteria - System architecture design
- Detailed design specifications
Deliverables - System architecture design
- Detailed design specifications
Phase 4: Implementation
Entry Criteria - Approved Design phase deliverables
Exit Criteria - Working Software Prototype
- Unit test
Deliverables - Working Software Prototype
- Unit test
Phase 5: Testing
Entry Criteria - Completed Implementation phase
Exit Criteria - Integrated Software System
- Verified Requirements
- System Tests
Deliverables - Integrated Software System
- Verified Requirements
- System Tests
Phase 6: Planning
Entry Criteria - Approved Testing Phase Deliverables
Exit Criteria - Deployed Software System
- User Training Completed
- User acceptance training results
Deliverables - Deployed Software System
- User Training Completed
- User acceptance training results

128. What are the objectives of the feasibility study phase of software development? Explain the
important activities that are carried out during the feasibility study phase of a software
development project. Who carries out these activities? Mention suitable phase entry and exit
criteria for this phase.
The feasibility study phase is a critical initial step in the software development lifecycle, serving as a
foundation for informed project decisions. This phase aims to assess the viability, practicality, and
overall feasibility of a proposed software project. It involves a thorough evaluation of various factors,
including technical, economic, and operational aspects.

→Objectives of the Feasibility Study Phase:


1. Technical Feasibility: Evaluates whether the proposed software project can be technically
implemented, considering available technology, expertise, and resources.
2. Economic Feasibility: Assesses the financial viability of the project, including development
costs, potential revenue, and return on investment (ROI).
3. Operational Feasibility: Determines whether the organization has the necessary
infrastructure, personnel, and processes to support the implementation and ongoing operation
of the software system.
→Important Activities Carried Out During the Feasibility Study Phase:
1. Project Definition and Scoping: Clearly define the project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
2. Requirements Gathering: Identify and gather detailed requirements from stakeholders,
including users, business analysts, and technical experts.
3. Technical Analysis: Assess the technical feasibility of the project, considering technology
limitations, resource availability, and development complexities.
4. Cost-Benefit Analysis: Evaluate the financial implications of the project, including
development costs, maintenance costs, and potential revenue or cost savings.
5. Operational Analysis: Assess the organization's readiness to support the project, considering
infrastructure, personnel, and operational processes.
6. Risk Assessment: Identify potential risks that could impact the project's success and develop
mitigation strategies.
7. Feasibility Report: Prepare a comprehensive report summarizing the findings of the feasibility
study, including recommendations for proceeding or terminating the project.
→Who Carries Out These Activities?
The feasibility study is typically conducted by a team of experienced professionals with expertise in
various areas, including:
1. Project Managers: Oversee the overall feasibility study process, ensuring timely completion
and adherence to objectives.
2. Business Analysts: Gather and analyse requirements, ensuring they align with the
organization's needs and objectives.
3. Technical Experts: Assess the technical feasibility of the project, considering technology
limitations, resource availability, and development complexities.
4. Financial Analysts: Conduct cost-benefit analysis to evaluate the financial viability of the
project and estimate potential revenue or cost savings.
5. Operational Analysts: Assess the organization's readiness to support the project, considering
infrastructure, personnel, and operational processes.
→Suitable Phase Entry and Exit Criteria:
Phase Entry Criteria:
1. Clear project proposal outlining the project's objectives, scope, and potential benefits.
2. Initial assessment of project requirements and feasibility concerns.
3. Identification of key stakeholders and their involvement in the feasibility study process.
Phase Exit Criteria:
1. Comprehensive feasibility report summarizing the findings of the study, including
recommendations for project continuation or termination.
2. Clear understanding of the project's technical, economic, and operational feasibility.
3. Agreement among stakeholders on the project's viability and potential impact.
129. In a real-life software development project using iterative waterfall SDLC, is it a practical
necessity that the different phases overlap? Explain your answer and the effort distribution over
different phases.

In a real-life software development project using iterative waterfall SDLC, it is a practical necessity
that the different phases overlap to some extent. This is because the strict sequential nature of the
traditional waterfall model can be too rigid and inflexible for real-world projects. In practice, there is
often feedback from later phases that may require changes to earlier phases. For example, during
testing, it may be discovered that there are bugs in the code that require changes to the design or
requirements.
By allowing some overlap between phases, the project team can be more flexible and adaptable to
changing requirements. This can help to reduce the risk of problems later in the project and improve
the overall quality of the software.
Here is a typical effort distribution over different phase in an iterative waterfall SDLC project:
• Planning: 10-20%
• Analysis: 20-30%
• Design: 20-30%
• Implementation: 20-30%
• Testing: 10-20%
• Deployment: 5-10%
As you can see, the effort is spread evenly across all of the phases. However, there may be some
variation depending on the specific project. For example, if the project is very complex, then the
analysis and design phases may require more effort.
Here are some specific examples of how phase overlap can be beneficial in an iterative waterfall
SDLC project:
• Requirements may evolve over time. As users get a better understanding of the system, they
may have new requirements or may need to change existing requirements. This feedback can
be incorporated into the design and implementation phases.
• Design decisions may need to be revisited. As the system is implemented, it may become
clear that some of the design decisions were not optimal. This feedback can be used to
improve the design of the system.
• Bugs may be discovered in testing. Bugs can be fixed during the implementation phase, or
they may require changes to the design or requirements. This feedback can help to prevent
problems from being released to production.
Overall, phase overlap is a valuable tool for managing risk and improving the quality of software in
an iterative waterfall SDLC project. By allowing some flexibility in the process, project teams can
better respond to changing requirements and deliver a higher-quality product.
130. Suppose a software has five different configuration variables that are set independently. If
three of them are binary (have two possible values), and the rest have three values, how many test
cases will be needed if pairwise testing method is used?

To determine the number of test cases required using pairwise testing, consider the following
steps:
1. Identify the number of binary variables: In this case, three of the five variables are
binary, meaning they have two possible values.
2. Calculate the total number of combinations for binary variables: Since each binary
variable has two values, the total number of combinations for three binary variables is
2^3 = 8.
3. Determine the number of values for non-binary variables: The remaining two
variables have three possible values each.
4. Calculate the total number of combinations for non-binary variables: For two non-
binary variables with three values each, the total number of combinations is 3^2 = 9.
5. Multiply the combinations for both types of variables: To achieve complete pairwise
coverage, multiply the number of combinations for binary variables by the number of
combinations for non-binary variables: 8 (binary combinations) * 9 (non-binary
combinations) = 72.
Therefore, using pairwise testing, a total of 72 test cases would be required to
comprehensively cover all possible interactions between the five configuration variables.
131. Suppose you are the project manager of a large development project. The top
management informs that you would have to do with a fixed team size (i.e., constant
number of developers) throughout the duration your project as compared to a project in
which you can vary the number of personnel as required. What will be the impact of this
decision on your project?

Having a fixed team size throughout the duration of a large development project can have several
significant impacts on the project's progress, resource allocation, and overall success. While it may
seem like a straightforward constraint, it can introduce challenges and necessitate careful planning to
ensure project completion.
Potential Impacts of a Fixed Team Size:
1. Reduced Flexibility: With a fixed team size, the project manager's ability to adapt to changing
project requirements, workload fluctuations, or unforeseen circumstances is limited. This lack
of flexibility can lead to delays, increased effort, or the need to compromise on project scope
or quality.
2. Resource Allocation Challenges: Assigning tasks and managing workloads becomes more
complex with a fixed team size. The project manager may need to make difficult decisions
about prioritizing tasks, balancing workloads, or even reskilling team members to
accommodate changing requirements.
3. Potential for Overburden or Underutilization: A fixed team size may lead to situations where
team members are either overburdened with work or underutilized due to the mismatch
between their skills and task requirements. This can affect team morale, productivity, and
overall project efficiency.
4. Limited Ability to Respond to Risks: With a fixed team size, the project manager's ability to
respond to identified risks or unexpected challenges is limited. This can increase the
likelihood of project delays, cost overruns, or even project failure.
5. Potential for Impacted Project Quality: The inability to adjust team size based on project
demands can put strain on team members, leading to potential reductions in quality control,
testing, or overall project polish.
Strategies to Mitigate the Impacts of a Fixed Team Size:
1. Thorough Project Planning: Detailed upfront planning is crucial to identify resource
requirements, task dependencies, and potential risks. This planning can help in allocating
resources efficiently and anticipating potential challenges.
2. Effective Task Management: Implement clear task management processes to prioritize tasks,
track progress, and identify areas where workload adjustments may be needed. Utilize tools
like project management software to visualize task dependencies and resource utilization.
3. Cross-Skilling and Collaboration: Encourage cross-skilling within the team to increase
flexibility and adaptability. Foster a collaborative environment where team members can
share knowledge, support each other, and adapt to changing priorities.
4. Regular Risk Assessment: Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential challenges
and develop mitigation plans. Proactive risk management can help prevent issues from
escalating and impacting project progress.
5. Clear Communication and Stakeholder Management: Maintain open communication with
stakeholders to keep them informed of any potential impacts of the fixed team size constraint.
Manage expectations and ensure stakeholders understand the implications of this decision on
the project's timeline and scope.
132. Suppose you make a detailed schedule for your project whose effort and schedule estimates
for various milestones have been done in the project plan. How will you check if the detailed
schedule is consistent with the plan? What will you do if it is not?

Here are the steps on how to check if the detailed schedule is consistent with the plan
1. Review the detailed schedule. Carefully review the detailed schedule to ensure that all tasks are
clearly defined, have realistic time estimates, and are assigned to the appropriate resources.
2. Compare the detailed schedule to the plan. Compare the detailed schedule to the plan to ensure that
the overall scope of the project is still being addressed and that the milestones are still on track to be
met.
3. Check for resource conflicts. Identify any potential resource conflicts, such as where two tasks
require the same resource at the same time. These conflicts will need to be resolved before the schedule
can be considered consistent with the plan.
4. Calculate the total effort for the detailed schedule. Calculate the total effort required to complete the
detailed schedule and compare it to the effort estimates in the plan. If the total effort is significantly
higher than the original estimates, then the detailed schedule may not be consistent with the plan.
5. Review the detailed schedule with stakeholders. Get feedback from stakeholders on the detailed
schedule to ensure that it meets their expectations and that it is aligned with the overall project goals.
If the detailed schedule is not consistent with the plan, then the following steps should be taken:
1. Identify the areas of inconsistency. Identify the specific areas where the detailed schedule deviates
from the plan.
2. Analyse the causes of the inconsistency. Analyse the causes of the inconsistency to determine
whether they are due to changes in the project scope, underestimation of effort, or unrealistic time
estimates.
3. Adjust the detailed schedule. Adjust the detailed schedule to address the areas of inconsistency. This
may involve revising task estimates, reassigning tasks, or adding new tasks to the schedule.
4. Update the plan. Update the plan to reflect the changes made to the detailed schedule.
5. Recommunicate the plan to stakeholders. Recommunicate the updated plan to stakeholders to ensure
that everyone is on the same page.

133. Consider a program containing many modules. If a global variable x must be used to share
data between two modules A and B, how would you design the interfaces of these modules to
minimize coupling?
To minimize coupling between modules A and B when sharing a global variable x, consider the
following strategies:
1. Encapsulation: Encapsulate the global variable x within a separate module, such as module
C, and provide accessor methods to retrieve and modify the value of x. This confines the
direct access to x within module C, reducing the visibility of x to other modules.
2. Parameter Passing: Instead of directly accessing the global variable x, pass it as a parameter
to the methods of modules A and B that require it. This decouples the modules from the
global variable, making it easier to test and maintain the code.
3. Data Abstraction: Introduce an abstract data type (ADT) to represent the data shared
between modules A and B. The ADT should encapsulate the data and provide methods to
access and manipulate it. This promotes information hiding and reduces the dependency of
modules A and B on the specific implementation of the shared data.
4. Mediators: Consider using a mediator pattern to manage the interaction between modules A
and B. The mediator acts as a central point of communication, handling requests for data
access and modification. This further decouples the modules and simplifies the interaction
between them.
5. Event-driven Architecture: Implement an event-driven architecture where modules A and B
communicate by publishing and subscribing to events related to the shared data. This
eliminates the need for direct dependencies between the modules and promotes a loosely
coupled design.
By employing these strategies, you can minimize coupling between modules A and B, making the
program more modular, maintainable, and testable.

134. Which of the four organizational paradigms for teams do you think would be most effective
(a) for the IT department at a major insurance company; (b) for a software engineering group at a
major defense contractor; (c) for a software group that builds computer games; (d) for a major
software company? Explain why you made the choices you did.
(a) IT department at a major insurance company: Closed paradigm The IT department at a
major insurance company would benefit most from the closed paradigm. This is because
insurance companies are highly regulated and require strict adherence to policies and procedures.
The closed paradigm provides a clear hierarchy of authority and ensures that all work is done in a
consistent and controlled manner.
(b) Software engineering group at a major defense contractor: Random paradigm A software
engineering group at a major defense contractor would be most effective under the random
paradigm. This is because defense contractors need to be able to innovate quickly and adapt to
changing requirements. The random paradigm allows for more flexibility and creativity, which
are essential for this type of work.
(c) Software group that builds computer games: Open paradigm A software group that builds
computer games would be best suited to the open paradigm. This is because the game industry is
highly competitive and requires teams to be able to come up with new and innovative ideas. The
open paradigm encourages collaboration and communication, which are essential for developing
successful games.
(d) Major software company: Synchronous paradigm A major software company would be most
effective under the synchronous paradigm. This is because software companies need to be able to
coordinate the work of large teams of people. The synchronous paradigm provides a framework
for communication and collaboration, which are essential for managing complex projects.

The choice:

a)

It should be The IT department at a major insurance company. The IT department will handle all the
work related to storing and processing policies in the insurance company. The flow of online premium
payment, policy advice can give through software developed by IT department. It can play a major
role in building the companies policies and brand value and automation of the work.

135. Is it possible to begin coding immediately after a requirements model has been created?
Explain your answer and then argue the counterpoint.

Yes, it is possible to begin coding immediately after a requirements model has been created. The
requirements model provides a blueprint or a roadmap for the coding process. It outlines the
functionalities, inputs, and outputs of the system, which helps in understanding the requirements and
the structure of the code.

Here are some of the benefits of starting coding after the analysis model is created:

• It allows the development team to have a clear understanding of what needs to be implemented and
how it should work. This reduces the chances of misinterpretation and ensures that the code aligns with
the intended system design.
• Coding right after the analysis model can expedite the development process. Since the analysis model
has already identified the system's requirements, the team can focus on writing the code without
wasting time on unnecessary iterations or revisions.
However, there are also some counterpoints to consider. One is that the analysis model may not be
complete or accurate. If this is the case, then coding too early may lead to problems down the
road. Additionally, the analysis model may not be the best way to represent the system's
requirements. In some cases, it may be better to use a different modelling technique, such as a use
case diagram or a state machine diagram.

136. Besides counting errors and defects, are there other countable characteristics of software that
imply quality? What are they and can they be measured directly?

Yes, there are many other countable characteristics of software that imply quality besides counting errors and
defects. These characteristics can be broadly categorized into functional and non-functional qualities.
Functional qualities relate to the ability of software to meet its specified requirements. Some examples of
functional qualities include:
• Correctness: Software should produce correct results for all valid inputs.
• Reliability: Software should perform consistently and without failures over time.
• Usability: Software should be easy to learn, use, and understand.
• Performance: Software should execute efficiently and use resources optimally.
• Security: Software should protect sensitive data and systems from unauthorized access.
Non-functional qualities relate to the overall characteristics of software that affect its usability, maintainability,
and overall quality. Some examples of non-functional qualities include:
• Maintainability: Software should be easy to modify, extend, and debug.
• Testability: Software should be designed to facilitate testing and defect detection.
• Portability: Software should be easy to adapt to different hardware and software environments.
• Reusability: Software components should be modular and reusable in different applications.
• Interoperability: Software should be able to interact and exchange data with other systems.
These qualities can be measured directly using a variety of techniques, such as:
• Static analysis: This involves examining the source code of software to identify potential defects or
violations of coding standards.
• Dynamic testing: This involves executing software and observing its behavior to identify defects or
performance bottlenecks.
• User testing: This involves observing users interact with software to identify usability issues.
• Performance testing: This involves measuring the response time, resource consumption, and scalability
of software under load.
• Security testing: This involves attempting to exploit vulnerabilities in software to identify and
remediate security flaws.
By measuring these characteristics, software engineers can gain valuable insights into the overall quality of their
software and identify areas for improvement.
137. You have been appointed a project manager for a major software products company. Your job
is to manage the development of the next-generation version of its widely used word-processing
software. Because competition is intense, tight deadlines have been established and announced.
What team structure would you choose and why? What software process model(s) would you
choose and why?

Team Structure
Given the tight deadlines and the need for high-quality work, I would choose a cross-functional team structure
for the development of the next-generation version of the word-processing software. A cross-functional team is
a team that is made up of members with different skills and expertise. This type of team is well-suited for
complex projects because it allows for a more efficient division of labor and a more effective flow of
information.
In this case, the cross-functional team would include members with expertise in the following areas:
• Software development
• User interface (UI) design
• Quality assurance (QA)
• Documentation
This team would be responsible for all aspects of the project, from requirements gathering to deployment.
Software Process Model
Given the tight deadlines, I would choose a hybrid software process model that combines elements of the Agile
and Waterfall models. The Agile model is a flexible iterative model that emphasizes user feedback and rapid
prototyping. The Waterfall model is a more structured sequential model that emphasizes planning and
documentation.
A hybrid model would allow the team to take advantage of the benefits of both Agile and Waterfall. The Agile
approach would allow the team to respond quickly to changes in requirements and to iterate on the design of the
software. The Waterfall approach would provide the team with a clear roadmap for the project and would help
to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.
Specifically, I would use the following hybrid model:
1. Planning phase: Use Agile methodologies to gather requirements, define user stories, and create a high-
level project plan.
2. Design phase: Use Waterfall methodologies to create detailed design documents, including user
interface (UI) mock-ups, software architecture diagrams, and database schemas.
3. Development phase: Use Agile methodologies to develop and test the software in an iterative fashion.
4. Testing phase: Use Waterfall methodologies to perform comprehensive system testing and quality
assurance (QA) testing.
5. Deployment phase: Use Waterfall methodologies to deploy the software to production and provide user
support.
This hybrid model would provide the team with the flexibility and agility they need to meet the tight deadlines
while also ensuring that the project is completed on time, within budget, and with high quality.

138. If an architecture of the proposed system has been designed specifying the major components
in the system, and you have source code of similar components available in your organization’s
repository, which method will you use for the effort estimation? Explain your answer.

In this situation, you can use the analogy method for effort estimation. This method involves estimating the
effort for each component of the proposed system by analogy to similar components in your organization’s
repository.
To use the analogy method, you will need to do the following:
1. Identify similar components: For each component in the proposed system, identify one or more similar
components in your organization’s repository.
2. Assess similarity: Assess the similarity between each proposed component and its corresponding
similar components. This can be done by considering factors such as the size, complexity, and
functionality of the components.
3. Estimate effort: For each proposed component, estimate the effort based on the effort of its
corresponding similar components. This can be done by multiplying the effort of the similar component
by a similarity factor. The similarity factor should be a number between 0 and 1, where 1 indicates that
the components are identical and 0 indicates that the components are not similar at all.
The analogy method is a relatively simple and intuitive method for effort estimation. However, it is important to
note that the accuracy of the method will depend on the quality of the similarity assessments.

Here is an example of how to use the analogy method to estimate the effort for a proposed system:

Component Similar Component Effort Similarity Estimated Effort

A Component A from System X 10 0.8 8

B Component B from System Y 15 0.6 9

C Component C from System Z 20 0.4 8

In this example, the total estimated effort for the proposed system is 25.
The analogy method is a useful tool for effort estimation when you have a good understanding of the proposed
system and you have access to a repository of similar components. However, it is important to use the method
with caution and to be aware of its limitations.

139. Describe a process framework in your own words. When we say that framework activities are
applicable to all projects, does this mean that the same work tasks are applied for all projects,
regardless of size and complexity? Explain

A process framework is a structured and standardized approach to managing and executing projects. It
provides a common set of guidelines, principles, and templates that can be applied to projects of all
sizes and complexities. The goal of a process framework is to improve project outcomes by promoting
consistency, efficiency, and effectiveness.
While a process framework provides a common foundation for project management, it does not mean
that the same work tasks are applied to all projects regardless of size and complexity. The specific
activities and deliverables will vary depending on the project's unique characteristics, such as its
scope, objectives, risks, and stakeholders.
Here is an analogy to illustrate this concept: Imagine building a house. While there is a general
framework for constructing a house (e.g., laying the foundation, framing the walls, roofing), the
specific materials, techniques, and time required will vary depending on the size, style, and
complexity of the house. Similarly, a process framework provides a general roadmap for project
management, but the specific tasks and deliverables will vary depending on the project's unique
characteristics.
The key takeaway is that a process framework is a flexible tool that can be adapted to fit the specific
needs of each project. It provides a common foundation for project management but does not dictate a
rigid set of rules that must be followed for all projects.

140. The concept of “antibugging” is an extremely effective way to provide built-in debugging
assistance when an error is uncovered:

a. Develop a set of guidelines for antibugging.

b. Discuss advantages of using the technique.

c. Discuss disadvantages
A. Developing a Set of Guidelines for Antibugging
Antibugging, also known as defect prevention, is a crucial aspect of software development that aims to
minimize the introduction of defects in the first place. By proactively addressing potential issues during the
design and coding phases, antibugging techniques can significantly reduce the time and effort required for
debugging later in the development process.
Here is a comprehensive set of guidelines for implementing antibugging practices:
1. Thorough Requirements Analysis:
o Clearly define and understand the functional and non-functional requirements of the software.
o Identify potential ambiguities, inconsistencies, or missing requirements early on.
o Validate requirements with stakeholders through prototyping, user stories, or mock-ups.
2. Design for Simplicity:
o Favor simpler algorithms and data structures over complex ones.
o Minimize the number of conditional statements and nested loops.
o Modularize the code to enhance maintainability and reduce complexity.
3. Defensive Coding:
o Validate user inputs to prevent invalid data from entering the system.
o Handle error conditions gracefully and prevent crashes or unexpected behaviour.
o Use assertions to check for invariants and assumptions throughout the code.
4. Code Reviews and Static Analysis:
o Implement regular code reviews to identify potential defects and improve code quality.
o Utilize static analysis tools to detect potential bugs, coding violations, and memory leaks.
o Encourage open communication and collaboration during code reviews.
5. Unit Testing:
o Develop comprehensive unit tests for each module or function in the code.
o Test for expected and unexpected inputs, including edge cases and boundary conditions.
o Automate unit tests to ensure consistent and reliable testing.
6. Continuous Integration and Delivery:
o Implement a continuous integration (CI) pipeline to automate code builds and testing.
o Integrate unit tests into the CI pipeline to catch defects early and prevent them from merging
into the main codebase.
o Employ continuous delivery (CD) to automate the deployment of bug-free code to production
environments.
B. Advantages of Using Antibugging
Antibugging offers several compelling advantages over traditional debugging approaches:
1. Reduced Debugging Effort: Antibugging techniques minimize the number of defects introduced,
leading to a significant reduction in debugging time and effort.
2. Improved Software Quality: By preventing defects from entering the codebase, antibugging enhances
overall software quality and reliability.
3. Reduced Development Costs: By minimizing the time spent on debugging, antibugging practices lower
development costs and improve project efficiency.
4. Enhanced Maintainability: Antibugged code is generally easier to understand, maintain, and modify
due to its simpler structure and reduced error-proneness.
5. Improved User Experience: Antibugged software provides a smoother and more reliable user
experience, minimizing frustration and enhancing user satisfaction.
C. Disadvantages of Antibugging
While antibugging offers significant benefits, it also has some potential drawbacks:
1. Upfront Investment: Implementing antibugging practices may require an initial investment in training,
tools, and processes.
2. Increased Development Time: Thorough requirements analysis, code reviews, and unit testing can
potentially extend the initial development phase.
3. Potential for Over-Engineering: Overzealous focus on antibugging could lead to overly complex or
unnecessary design decisions.
4. Risk of Overlooking Defects: No antibugging technique is foolproof, and some defects may still slip
through.
5. Limited Applicability: Antibugging may not be equally applicable to all types of software projects,
especially those with tight deadlines or limited resources.
141. Give at least three examples in which black-box testing might give the impression that “everything’s OK,”
while white-box tests might uncover an error. Give at least three examples in which white-box testing might
give the impression that “everything’s OK,” while black-box tests might uncover an error
Sure, here are three examples in which black-box testing might give the impression that "everything's OK,"
while white-box testing might uncover an error:
1. Input Validation: Black-box testing may not thoroughly test all possible input combinations, especially
those that lie outside the expected range. For instance, a function that takes a numeric input might not
handle invalid inputs like strings or symbols, leading to unexpected behaviour or crashes. White-box
testing, on the other hand, can explicitly test for these edge cases and ensure that the function behaves
correctly under all input conditions.
2. Error Handling: Black-box testing may not uncover subtle error conditions that only arise under
specific circumstances. For example, a program might handle certain error scenarios gracefully but fail
to handle others, leading to silent failures or data corruption. White-box testing can thoroughly
examine the error handling mechanisms and ensure that all potential errors are properly handled and
reported.
3. Performance Bottlenecks: Black-box testing may not identify performance issues that only arise under
heavy load or specific usage patterns. For instance, a program might perform adequately under normal
usage but experience significant slowdowns or memory leaks under high concurrency or specific input
sequences. White-box testing can analyse the code's efficiency and identify potential bottlenecks that
could impact performance under real-world conditions.
Conversely, here are three examples in which white-box testing might give the impression that "everything's
OK,"
while black-box tests might uncover an error:
1. Assumption Violations: White-box testing may overlook implicit assumptions made in the code that are not
explicitly documented or tested. For example, a function might assume that a certain input parameter is always
non-null, but if this assumption is violated, the function could lead to unexpected behaviour. Black-box testing,
by providing a wider range of input scenarios, can help identify these assumption violations and ensure that the
code is robust to unexpected conditions.
2. User Interface Issues: White-box testing may focus on the internal functionality of the code and
overlook usability issues that only become apparent during user interaction. For instance, a program
might function correctly according to the code but have an unintuitive user interface, leading to user
frustration and errors. Black-box testing, by involving actual users, can identify these usability issues
and ensure that the program is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
3. Integration Errors: White-box testing may not uncover integration issues that arise when the program
interacts with other systems or external components. For example, a program might function correctly
in isolation but fail to communicate properly with a database or external API. Black-box testing can
simulate these interactions and identify integration errors that could affect the overall functionality of
the system.
142. What do you understand by sliding window planning? Explain using a few examples the
types of projects for which this form of planning is especially suitable. Is sliding window planning
appropriate for small projects? What are its advantages over conventional planning?
Sliding window planning is an iterative project planning approach that divides a large project into a
series of smaller, more manageable phases. Each phase is planned in detail, and the plan for the next
phase is developed as the current phase is being executed. This allows for ongoing adaptation to
changing requirements and unforeseen challenges.
Sliding window planning is particularly well-suited for projects that:
• Are large and complex, making it difficult to plan the entire project upfront.
• Have uncertain or evolving requirements, which may necessitate changes to the project plan
as work progresses.
• Have long development timelines, making it impractical to plan the entire project in detail
from the start.
Examples of projects where sliding window planning can be effective include:
• Software development: In software development, sliding window planning allows developers
to focus on completing specific modules or features before moving on to the next, enabling
flexibility in adapting to changing requirements and evolving technologies.
• Construction: In construction projects, sliding window planning helps break down the project
into manageable phases, such as foundation, framing, roofing, and interior finishes. This
phased approach allows for adjustments to the plan as construction progresses and unforeseen
conditions arise.
• New product development: In new product development, sliding window planning enables
iterative cycles of design, prototyping, testing, and refinement, allowing the product to be
continuously improved based on feedback and market insights.
Sliding window planning can be beneficial for small projects as well, especially those with some
degree of uncertainty or complexity. By breaking down the project into smaller phases, even small
projects can benefit from the iterative approach and the ability to adapt to changes as they occur.
Advantages of sliding window planning over conventional planning include:
1. Flexibility: Sliding window planning allows for ongoing adaptation to changing requirements
and unforeseen challenges, making it more suitable for projects with evolving needs.
2. Reduced Risk: By focusing on smaller, more manageable phases, sliding window planning
reduces the risk of major setbacks or costly mistakes.
3. Improved Communication: The iterative nature of sliding window planning fosters better
communication and collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is aligned with
the project's progress and goals.
4. Early Feedback: Sliding window planning provides opportunities for early feedback and
validation, allowing for course correction and improvements throughout the project lifecycle.
5. Reduced Overcommitment: Sliding window planning prevents over-commitment to long-term
plans that may not be feasible or adaptable to changing circumstances.

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