September 15, 2004

Due: September 29, 2004

1. Consider the following software qualities: reliability, maintainability, portability, testability, traceability, correctness, robustness, fitness of purpose, performance, security, availability, functionality, usability, modifiability, portability, reusability, integrability, testability, conceptual integrity, correctness, completeness.

a. For each, tell whether it is an internal and/or external, product and/or process quality.

b. Draw a directed graph where each node n_i is a quality and each directed edge (n_i, n_j) means that quality_i contributes to quality_j. What does the graph tell you about the relative importance of the qualities? What does a cycle in the graph imply?

2. Based on your experiences with software products, how would you interpret the Fred Brooks observation that the essence of software engineering is determined by inherent software complexity, conformity, changeability, and invisibility? How would you explain these four factors? How software engineering is different from traditional engineering, such as civil or mechanical engineering?

3. Recall the definition of a stakeholder. Is a software vendor or a technical support person a stakeholder? Explain.

4. Here are three process models: the "waterfall" process model; the "evolutionary prototyping" process model; and the "transformational" process model. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages to each.

5. [620 only] Discuss what new software engineering issues arise in each of the following: Dependable Systems; COTS integration; Middleware; and Safety Critical Systems. First define the domain of application by providing attributes and qualities; second identify the issues.

6. [620 only] Ghezzi et al Problem 2.13 [page 38]

Submitting Homework, you may:

1. email your homework to Dave Miller (miller@cs.umass.edu) or me (adrion@cs.umass.edu) in text, MSWord, PDF or some other format that we can print. Homework submitted via email must have a postmark before 4 pm on the date the homework is due. Unless you have obtained prior approval for an extension, 5 pts/day (or part thereof) will be deducted from your score.

2. turn in written/printed solutions to the CMPSCI front office on or before 4 pm on the due date to Pauline Hollister. The same restriction on prior approval for late submissions applies. Do not drop off homework in my or Dave Miller’s mailbox nor at our or Wendy Cooper’s office. We cannot guarantee receipt if you do not email the solutions or drop them off with Pauline.

3. FAX your homework (definitely not recommended) to 413-545-3729 before 4 pm on the due date.