SOFTWARE QUALITY MANAGEMENT

UNIT-1 1. Name some of the insights or characteristics of Quality.

• Quality is not absolute

• Quality is multidimensional

• Quality is subject to constraints

• Quality is about acceptable compromises

• Quality criteria are not independent, but interact with each other causing conflicts.

2. Give the formal definition of quality given by the ISO?

The totality of features and characteristics of products or service that bear on the

ability to satisfy specified or implied needs.

3. What is software quality?

Kitchen ham (1989 b) refers to software quality “fitness for needs” and claims quality

involves matching expectations.

4. What are the different views of quality?

1. The transcendent view

2. The product-based view

3. The user-based view

4. The manufacturing view

5. The value-based view

5. Give the role of a project manager.

A project manager has the responsibility for the project on the supply side. He is keen to produce a product that is reliable and maintainable and will keep the customer satisfied.

6. What is the hierarchical model? List its types.

It is based upon a set of quality criteria, each of which has a set of measures or

metrics associated with it.

• McCall model.

• Boehm model.

7. How will you measure the software reliability?

Software reliability can measure in terms of:

• Accuracy

• Consistency

• Error tolerance

• Simplicity

8. What are the associated by McCall?

• Product operation

• Product revision

• Product transition

9. Why Quality is determined by people?

• It is people and human organizations who have problems to be solved by computer

software

• It is people who define the problems and specify the solutions

• It is still currently people who implement designs and product code.

• It is people who test code

10. Give the common characteristics shared by the two models?

• The quality criteria are supposedly based upon the user’s view.

• The models focus on the parts that designers can more readily analyze.

• Hierarchical models cannot be tested or validated. It cannot be shown that the metrics

accurately reflect the criteria.

• The measurement of overall quality is achieved by a weighted summation of thecharacteristics.

PART-B

1. What are the views of quality? Explain in Detail the views of quality.

Views of QualityIn an attempt to classify different and conflictingviews of quality,Garvin(1984) has suggested fivedifferent views of quality:1. The transcendent view_ Innate excellence_ Classical definition2. The product-based view_ Higher the quality higher the cost_ Greater functionality_ Greater care in development3. The user-based view_ Fitness for purpose_ Very hard to quantify

4. The manufacturing view_ Measures quality in terms of conformance_ Zero defects5. The value-based view_ provides the data with what the customerRequires at a price.

2. Explain the hierarchical model of Quality.

To compare quality in different situations, bothqualitatively and quantitatively, it is necessary toestablish a model of quality.Many model suggested for quality.Most are hierarchical in nature.A quantitative assessment is generally made, alongwith a more quantified assessment.Two principal models of this type, one by Boehm(1978)and one by McCall in 1977. A hierarchical modelof software quality is based upon a set of qualitycriteria, each of which has a set of measures ormetrics associated with it.

The issues relating to the criteria of quality are:_ What criteria of quality should be employed?_ How do they inter-relate?_ How may the associated metrics be combined

into a meaningful overall measure of Quality?

THE HIERARCHICAL MODELS OF BOEHMAND MCCALL THE GE MODEL_ This model was first proposed by McCall in1977._ It was later revised as the MQmodel, and it isaimed by system developers to be used duringthe development process._ In early attempt to bridge the gap betweenusers and developers, the criteria were chosenin an attempt to reflect user? s views as wellas developer? s priorities._ The criteria appear to be technically oriented,but they are described by a series of questionswhich define them in terms to non specialistmanagers. The three areas addressed by McCall's model(1977)Product operation : (basic operational characteristics)requires that it can be learnt easily, operated efficiently And it results are those required by theusers.The product operations perspective identifies quality factors that influence the extent to which thesoftware fulfils its specification:-_ Correctness, the functionality matches the specification._ Reliability, the extent to which the systemfails._ Efficiency, system resource (including cpu, disk,memory, network) usage._ Integrity, protection from unauthorized access._ Usability, ease of use.Product revision : (ability to change) it is concernedwith error correction and adaptation Of the sys-tem and it is most costly part of software development.

The product revision perspective identifies quality factors that influence the ability to change thesoftware product, these factors are:-_ Maintainability, the ability to find and fix adefect._ Flexibility, the ability to make changes required as dictated by the business._ Testability, the ability to Validate the soft-ware requirements.Product transition : (adaptability to new environments)it is an important application and it is distributedprocessing and the rapid rate of change in hard-ware is Likely to increase.The product transition perspective identifies quality factors that influence the ability to adapt thesoftware to new environments:-_ Portability, the ability to transfer the softwarefrom one environment to another._ Reusability, the ease of using existing softwarecomponents in a different context._ Interoperability, the extent, or ease, to which

software components work together.3. a) explain in detail the GE Model. (08)

1. Efficiency is concerned with the use of re-sources e.g. processor time, storage. It fallsinto two categories: execution efficiency andstorage efficiency.2. Usability is the ease of use of the software.3. Integrity is the protection of the program fromunauthorized access.4. Correctness is the extent to which a programfulfills its specification.5. Reliability is its ability not to fail.6. Maintainability is the effort required to locateand _x a fault in the program within its operating environment.

7. Flexibility is the ease of making changes required by changes in the operating environment.8. Testability is the ease of testing the programs,to ensure that it is error-free and meet itsspecification.9. Portability is the effort required to transfer aprogram from one environment to another.10. Reusability is the ease of refusing software ina different context.11. Interoperability is the effort required to couple the system to another system. b) explain the Boehm model.

_ It is to provide a set of well-defined, well-

differentiated characteristics of software quality._ It is hierarchical in nature but the hierarchyis extended, so that quality criteria are sub-divided._ According to the uses made of the system andthey are classed into general or as is and theutilities are a subtype of the general utilities,to the product operation._ There are two levels of actual quality criteria,the intermediate level being further split intoprimitive characteristics which are amenableto measurement._ This model is based upon a much larger setof criteria than McCall s model, but retains

the same emphasis on technical criteria._ The two models share a number of commoncharacteristics are,1. The quality criteria are supposedly basedupon the user s view.2. The models focus on the parts that designers can more readily analyze.3. Hierarchical models cannot be tested orvalidated. It cannot be shown that themetrics accurately reflect the criteria.4. The measurement of overall quality is achievedby a weighted summation of the characteristics.

4.Explain how the software quality can be measured and the problems associated with them. (16)

The individual measure of software quality pro-vided do not provide an over all measure of soft-ware quality. The individual measures must becombined. The individual measures of qualitymay conflict with each other.Some of these relationships are described below;_ Integrity vs. efficiency (inverse) the controlof access to data or software requires additional code and processing leading to a longerruntime and additional storage requirement._ Usability vs. efficiency (inverse) Improvementsin the human / computer interface may significantly increase the amount of code and powerrequired._ Maintainability and testability vs. efficiency(inverse) Optimized and compact code is noteasy to maintain._ Portability vs. efficiency (inverse) the useof optimized software or system utilities willlead to decrease in probability._ Flexibility, reusability and interoperability vs.efficiency (inverse) the generally required fora flexible system, the use if interface routines

and the modularity desirable for reusabilitywill all decrease efficiency._ Flexibility and reusability vs. integrity (in-verse) the general flexible data structures required for flexible and reusable software increase the security and protection problem._ Interoperability vs. integrity (inverse) Coupled system allow more avenues of access to

more and different users._ Reusability vs. reliability (inverse) reusablesoftware is required to be general: maintaining accuracy and error tolerance across allcases is difficult._ Maintainability vs. flexibility (direct) maintainable code arises from code that is wellstructured._ Maintainability vs. reusability (direct) wellstructured easily maintainable code is easierto reuse in other programs either as a libraryof routines or as code placed directly withinanother program._ Portability vs. reusability (direct) portablecode is likely to be free of environment-specificfeatures._ Correctness vs. efficiency (neutral) the correctness of code, i.e. its conformance to specification does not influence its efficiency.

Process Improvement StrategyStudy an existing process to understand its activities. Produce an abstract model of the process.Analyze the model to discover process problems.This involves discussing process activities withstakeholders and discovering problems and possible process changes. 5. Explain the work of Gilb? (16)

Glib proposes four qualities attributes: workability, avail-ability, adaptability and usability, accompanied by theresource attributes of time, money, people and tools.Workability_ Is defined as the raw ability of the system to do work,i.e. transact sign processing._ Just as the quality and resource attributes are subdivided, sc each attribute may be further subdivided._ Workability may be considered in terms of processcapacity, storage capacity and responsiveness, amongstother things.Glib defines these terms in the following manner:

_ Process capacity is the ability to process transactions within a given unit of time. storage capacityis the ability of the system to store things such asinformation._ Responsiveness is a measure of the response to a single event.

6. Explain in detail GQM model. (16) The Goal Question Metric (GQM) approach is basedupon the assumption that for an organization to mea-sure in a purposeful way it must first specify the goalsfor itself and its projects, then it must trace those goalsto the data that are intended to define those goals operationally, and finally provide a framework for interpretingthe data with respect to the stated goals. Thus it is important to make clear, at least in general terms, whatinformational needs the organization has, so that theseneeds for information can be quantified whenever possible, and the quantified information can be analyzed a towhether or not the goals are achieved.

The result of the application of the Goal Question Metric approach application is the specification of a measurement system targeting a particular set of issues anda set of rules for the interpretation of the measurementdata. The resulting measurement model has three levels:1. Conceptual level (GOAL): A goal is defined for anobject, for a variety of reasons, with respect to various models of quality, from various points of view,relative to a particular environment. Objects of measurement are_ Products: Artifacts, deliverables and documentsthat are produced during the system life cycle;E.g., specifications, designs, programs, test suites._ Processes: Software related activities normallyassociated with time; E.g., specifying, designing,testing, interviewing._ Resources: Items used by processes in order toproduce their outputs; E.g., personnel, hardware,software, office space. 2. Operational level (QUESTION): A set of questions isused to characterize the way the assessment/achievementof a specific goal is going to be performed based onsome characterizing model. Questions try to characterize the object of measurement (product, process,resource) with respect to a selected quality issue andto determine its quality from the selected viewpoint.3. Quantitative level (METRIC): A set of data is associated with every question in order to answer it in aquantitative way. The data can be_ Objective: If they depend only on the object thatis being measured and not on the viewpoint fromwhich they are taken; E.g., number of versions ofa document, staff hours spent on a task, size ofa program._ Subjective: If they depend on both the objectthat is being measured and the viewpoint fromwhich they are taken; E.g., readability of a text,

level of user satisfaction.

UNIT-2

1. Define software quality assurance.

Software quality assurance is defined as a planned and systematic approach tothe evaluation of the quality and adherence to software product standards of processes and procedures.

2. What is known as documentation standards?

Documentation standards specify form and content for planning, control and product documentation and provide consistency throughout a project.

3. What are design standards?

Design standards specify the form and content of the design product. They providerules and methods for translating the software requirements into the software design and for representing it in the design documentation.

4. How are verification and validation done in SQA?

SQA assures verification and validation activities by monitoring technical reviews,inspections and walkthroughs.

5. What is SQA status report?

SQA status is reported monthly. The content of this report will identify:

• Items produced by the SQA functions

• Significant software development compliance problems, if any, along with their

agreed to and recommended corrective actions

• Audits, reviews and tests accomplished during the reporting period.

6. Define review.

A process or meeting during which a software product is [examined by] projectpersonnel, managers, users, customers, user representatives or other interested parties for comment or approval.

7. What are the types of software reviews?Software reviews may be divided into 3 categories:• Software peer reviews• Software management reviews• Software audit reviews

8. List the roles in inspection review.• Moderator• Reader• Writer

9. What is meant by walkthrough reviews?It is a form of peer review where the author leads members of the development team and other interested parties through a software product and the participants ask \questions and make comments about defects.

10. List some guidelines of review.• Review the product, not the producer• Set an agenda and maintain it• Take written notes

• Conduct meaningful training for all reviewers• Review the early reviews

Part-B

1. Explain in detail about the Documentation. (16)

2. Explain in detail the CMM Compatibility of Reviews and audits. (16)

3. Explain the types of reviews. (16)

4. Explain the software inspection process. (16)

5. a) Explain walkthrough process. (8)

b) Explain the Audit process. (8)

6. a) Explain the Document verification and validation. (8)

b) Explain the factors affecting the SQA effort. (8)

UNIT-31. What are the Ishikawa basic tools?Ishikawa basic tools are also called the seven quality control tools.• Check list or check sheet• Pareto diagram• Histogram• Scatter diagram• Run chart• Control chart• Cause-effect diagram

2. What is paretto diagram?

It is a frequency chart of bars in descending order. It is mainly associated with types of problems. The lengths of the bars represent frequency or cost, and are arranged with longest bars on the left and the shortest to the right.

3. State the use of a histogram.It is a graphic representation of frequency counts of a sample or a population.A histogram is a graphic summary of variation in a set of data. It enables us to see patterns that are difficult to see in a simple table of numbers.

4. What is the use of CASE tools?Computer Aided Software Engineering is the use of software tools to assist in the development and maintenance of software. Tools used to assist in this way as known as CASE TOOLS.

5. Write short notes on code generation.Code generation is a mechanism to produce computer program in some automatic manner. Source code generation is the act of generating source code based on an Ontological model such as a template.

6. Why defect prevention is crucial to the software process?Finding and fixing errors accounts for much of the cost of software development and maintenance. Also the process of fixing defects is even more error prone than original software creation.

7. What are the deferent errors for which defect prevention analysis is required?Technological, organizational, historic, group dynamic, individual and others.

8. Define TDCE and PCETDCE is total defect containment effectiveness and PCE is the phase containment effectiveness.

9. What are the activities associated with Defect injection and Removal.

• Requirements phase• High level design• Low level design• Code implementation• Unit testing• Component testing• System testing

10. What are reliability models?The reliability model is used to estimate the latent defects in the process while shipping to the customers.Two types of reliability model:• Static model• Dynamic model

Part-B

1. Explain in Detail about the Ishikawa’s basic tools in software development (16) 2. a) Explain in detail about the CASE tools. (8)

b) Explain the Defect Prevention Process. (8)

3. Explain the Defect removal Effectiveness. (16)

4. Explain the Reliability models. (16)

5. Explain in detail about the Rayleigh model. (16)

6. Explain Reliability growth model for quality assessment (16)

UNIT-41. What is quality management?Quality management comprises all activities of the overall management function that determine the quality policy, objectives and responsibilities, and implement them  by means such as other quality planning, quality control, etc.

2. What is quality planning?Quality planning refers to the activities that establish the objectives and requirements for quality.

3. What is quality improvement?QM aims at attaining unprecedented levels of performance which are significantly better than the past level.

4. What are the benefits of QFD?

1. Reduces product development time2. Reduce engineering costs3. Reduces the time to market.4. Improves design quality5. Improves customer satisfaction.6. Reduce quality costs.

5. What is internal benchmarking?Internal benchmarking compares best practices followed in different departments within a company instead of looking other companies.

6. What are the four p’s focused on effective software project management?1. People,2. Product3. Process4. Project

7. Define software configuration management.SCM is a set of activities that have been developed to manage change throughout the life cycle of computer software.

8. Give the ISO definition on quality management.ISO defines “Quality management” as: what the organization does to ensure that its products or services satisfy the customer’s quality requirements and comply with any regulations applicable to those products or services.

9. Mention the SPC techniques and its purposes.• Process flow charting – diagrammatic technique to illustrate the inputs and flow of a process.• Tally charts – are used in the conjunction with histograms to collect and display data. They are easy to use and clear.• Pareto analysis – it is designed to show what percentage of faults may be attributed to each cause.

• Cause and effect diagram or fish bone diagram – this maps a input affecting a quality diagram.

10. What is Iceberg analogy?It describes the relationship between testing and field defect rates, the tip of the iceberg is the testing defect rate and the submerged part is the field defect rate. The size of the iceberg is equivalent to the amount of error injection.

Part-B1. Explain in detail the elements of QMS. (16)

2. Explain the Rayleigh model framework. (16)

3. Explain the Reliability Growth models. (16)

4. Explain the complexity metrics and its models (16)

5. Explain Lines of Code and Halstead’s Software Science. (16)

6. Explain in detail the Cyclomatic Complexity (16)

UNIT-51. What are the management responsibilities regarding ISO 9001 requirements?Management commitment, Customer focus, Quality policy, Planning, Responsibility, Authority, Communication, and Management review.

2. Define SPICE?SPICE (Software Process Improvement and Capability development) standard defines a set of requirements for software process assessment. The intent of the standard is to assist organizations in developing an objective evaluation of the efficacy of any defined software process.

3. What is MALCOLM BALDRGE award?MALCOLM BALDRIGE award is the most prestigious quality award in the United States. The award is given annually to recognize U.S companies that

exceed in quality management and quality achievement.

4. What are the components of the ISO 9000 series to which SPICE is related?ISO 9001, ISO 9000-3, ISO 9004-4., ISO DIS.

5. What is and assessment instrument?An assessment instrument is a tool, or set of tools, used during the performance of an assessment to assist the assessor in obtaining reliable, consistent and repeatable results.

6. What are the goals of SPICE project?1. Developing a working draft for a standard for software process assessment2. Conducting industry trials of the emerging standards.3. Promoting the technology transfer of software process assessment into the software industry worldwide.

7. What are the benefits that an international standard will provide to industry?1. Software suppliers will submit to just one process assessment scheme.2. Software development organizations will have a tool to initiate and sustain a continuous process improvement3. Programme managers will have a means to ensure that their software development is aligned with, and supports, the business needs of the organization.

8. What are the benefits of ISO 9000 verification?4. Provides know-how for establishing a quality management system.5. Certification has become the minimum requirement of quality for any tender.6. It is a status symbol for the organizations.7. Improves products and services.8. Improves employee morale.

9. What are the events associated with quality management?Establishing, Documenting, Implementing, Maintaining, Continuously improving

its effectiveness.

10.What are the requirement of internal auditing?. Set up an internal audit program. Develop an internal audit procedure. Plan internal audit procedure.. Perform regular internal audits. Take corrective action.

Part-B1. Discuss in detail about the needs for standards (16)

2. Explain the ISO9000 series standard (16)

3. Explain the ISO9000-3 standard for software development. (16)

4. Explain in detail the CMM Model (16)

5. Explain the CMMI Model (16)

6. Explain the Six Sigma Concepts. (16)