| Description |
1 online resource (xiv, 201 pages) : illustrations (some color) |
| Contents |
Intro -- Preface -- Why Software Systems Development? -- Why is This? -- References -- Contents -- 1 A New Approach to Software Systems Development -- 1.1 Introduction -- 1.2 "Models", "Methodologies" and "Methods" -- 1.2.1 Models -- 1.2.2 The SDLC Model -- 1.2.3 Methodologies -- 1.2.4 Methods -- 1.2.5 Consequences of Confusing Models, Methodologies and Methods -- 1.2.6 A Model for Choosing a Methodology -- 1.3 The Appeal of Software Engineering -- 1.4 A New Model? -- 1.5 Discussion Questions -- References -- 2 The Nature of the Beast -- 2.1 Introduction -- 2.2 The Nature of Software |
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2.3 The Nature of a Software System's Requirements -- 2.3.1 The Ambiguity of Natural Language -- 2.3.2 Non-functional Requirements (NFR) -- 2.3.3 Emergent Requirements -- 2.3.4 Tacit Knowledge -- 2.3.5 Exceptions/Anomalies to the Process -- 2.3.6 Volatility of Requirements -- 2.3.7 Summarising Requirements -- 2.4 The Nature of a Software System's Users -- 2.4.1 Categories of Stakeholder -- 2.4.2 Conflict of Interest -- 2.4.3 Status of Stakeholders -- 2.4.4 Conclusions Regarding Stakeholders -- 2.5 The Nature of Communications Between Users and Developers -- 2.5.1 Access |
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2.5.2 Language and Culture -- 2.6 The Nature of the Problem -- 2.7 A Model of the Problem -- 2.8 A Paradigm for the Problem -- 2.9 Conclusion -- 2.10 Discussion Questions -- References -- 3 Software Systems Development: An Open Systems Perspective -- 3.1 Introduction -- 3.2 What Is an Open System? -- 3.3 An Open Systems Perspective of SSD -- 3.3.1 The Interface Between People and Software Systems -- 3.3.2 The Consequences of the Interaction Between Software Systems and Its External Environment -- 3.3.3 People in the Software Systems Development Process -- 3.4 Why Not Open Systems? |
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3.5 Conclusion -- 3.6 Discussion Questions -- References -- 4 Team Management -- 4.1 Introduction -- 4.2 Theory X Versus Theory Y -- 4.3 Contingency Theory -- 4.4 Communication Skills -- 4.4.1 The Person to Person Communication Level -- 4.4.2 Active Listening -- 4.4.3 Interpreting Information -- 4.4.4 Intra-group Communication -- 4.5 Inter Team Dynamics -- 4.6 The Role of the Project Manager -- 4.7 Manager's Power and Authority in the Team -- 4.8 Conclusion -- 4.9 Discussion Questions -- References -- 5 Project Management Decision Making -- 5.1 Introduction -- 5.2 Top Down Decision Making |
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5.3 Bottom Up Decision Making -- 5.4 SWOT and SVOR -- 5.5 Selecting from Potential Projects -- 5.5.1 Strategic Versus Tactical Projects -- 5.6 Feasibility -- 5.6.1 Risk Assessment -- 5.6.2 Cost Estimation -- 5.7 Capability Assessment -- 5.8 In-house or Third Party Development -- 5.9 Informatics -- 5.10 Systems Procurement Options -- 5.10.1 Bespoke and Integration Projects -- 5.10.2 Tailored Projects -- 5.10.3 Component Off the Shelf -- 5.10.4 End User Developments -- 5.10.5 Procurement Option Conclusion -- 5.11 Cost/Benefit -- 5.12 Conclusion -- 5.13 Discussion Questions -- References |
| Summary |
This book argues that the key problems of software systems development (SSD) are socio-technical rather than purely technical in nature. Software systems are unique. They are the only human artefacts that are both intangible and determinant. This presents unprecedented problems for the development process both in determining what is required and how it is developed. Primarily this is a problem of communications between stakeholders and developers, and of communications within the development team. Current solutions are not only inadequate in expressing the technical problem, they also evade the communications problems almost entirely. Whilst the book addresses the theoretical aspects of the process, its fundamental philosophy is anchored in the practical problems of everyday software development. It therefore offers both a better understanding of the problems of SSD and practical suggestions of how to deal with those problems. It is intended as a guide for practising IT project managers, particularly those who are relatively new to the position or do not have a strong IT development background. The book will also benefit students in computing and computer-related disciplines who need to know how to develop high quality systems. Software systems development (particularly of large projects) has a notoriously poor track record of delivering projects on time, on budget, and of meeting user needs. Proponents of software engineering suggest that this is because too few project managers actually comply with the disciplines demanded of the process. It is time to ask the question, if this is the case, why might this be? Perhaps instead, it is not the project managers who are wrong, but the definition of the process. The new understanding of the SSD presented here offers alternative models that can help project managers address the difficulties they face and better achieve the targets they are set. This book argues that time is up for the software engineering paradigm of SSD and that it should be replaced with a socio-technical paradigm based on open systems thinking. Dr Clive CH Rosen is Director of the management consultancy Passerelle Systems, Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK, a senior fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Masters Dissertation Supervisor at Warwick University, Coventry, UK. His other publications include the Springer titles Higher Education Computer Science: A Manual of Practical Approaches and Transnational Higher Education in Computing Courses: Experiences and Reflections |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and index |
| Notes |
Restricted: Printing from this resource is governed by The Legal Deposit Libraries (Non-Print Works) Regulations (UK) and UK copyright law currently in force. WlAbNL |
| Subject |
Software engineering.
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Information architecture.
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Business mathematics & systems.
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Computer science.
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Software Engineering.
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Business & Economics -- Information Management.
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Computers -- Enterprise Applications -- General.
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Computers -- Online Services -- General.
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Computers -- Software Development & Engineering -- General.
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Software engineering
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| Genre/Form |
Electronic books
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| Form |
Electronic book
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| ISBN |
9783030397302 |
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3030397300 |
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