Software Defect Prevention for better Software Quality

Table of Contents

• Abstract
• 1. Starting Position and Problem Definition
• 2. Desk Research and Theoretical Background
• 2.1 Software Development Process
• 2.2 Software Defects
• 3. Software Defect Prevention
• 3.1 Outline of the four classes of defect prevention actions
• 3.2 Software Process Improvement Models for Defect Prevention
• 3.3 Costs and Benefits of Practical Defect Prevention
• 3.4 Summary of Desk Research and Theoretical Background
• 4. Method
• 4.1 Concept Design
• 4.2 Systemic Thinking / Cross-linked Thinking
• 5. The Model Concept
• 5.1 Model Structure
• 5.2 Identifying the Determinants
• 5.3 Examination of Applicable Determinants Based on Case Study
• 5.4 Comments on Target Variable and Determinants
• 5.5 Causal interdependencies, their effect directions and effect intensities
• 6. Results
• 6.1 Visualizations and Analyses
• 6.2 Explanation of Elements in the Result Matrix
• 6.3 Analysis of determinants in the result matrix
• 7. Discussion and Conclusion
• 7.1 Discussion
• 7.2 Conclusion

Objectives and Key Themes

This work aims to develop a qualitative model for systemic software defect prevention to improve software quality. It focuses on identifying key determinants of software defects and their interconnected effects, going beyond current methods. The model uses system dynamics and incorporates various aspects of the software development process, including human factors, management, and organizational culture.

• Systemic approach to software defect prevention
• Identification of key determinants influencing software defects
• Analysis of interdependencies and causal relationships between determinants
• Development of a qualitative model using system dynamics
• Incorporation of human factors in software defect prevention

Chapter Summaries

1. Starting Position and Problem Definition: This chapter establishes the context for the research by highlighting the increasing complexity of software and the associated risks of software defects. It emphasizes the growing importance of defect prevention and introduces the study's objective: to improve software defect prevention through a comprehensive systemic approach that considers key determinants and their interconnected effects. The chapter specifically focuses on the initial phases of software development (Requirement Analysis, Specification, and Design), where a significant portion of defects originate.

2. Desk Research and Theoretical Background: This chapter lays the groundwork for the research by reviewing existing literature on software development processes and software defects. It discusses various methods and process models used in software development and examines the nature of software defects, emphasizing their origins in human error and their tendency to accumulate across development phases. The chapter also touches upon the cost implications of late defect detection.

3. Software Defect Prevention: This chapter explores various approaches to software defect prevention, categorizing them into analytical, constructive, organizational, and psychological actions. It also examines software process improvement models like CMMI and SPICE and analyzes the costs and benefits of proactive defect prevention. The chapter sets the stage for the development of the proposed systemic model by highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach to defect prevention.

4. Method: This chapter details the research methodology, combining theoretical analysis with empirical investigation. It explains the choice of "Thinking in Networks" as the appropriate method for analyzing complex systems and describes the selection of "Consideo Modeler" as the software tool for operationalizing the model. The chapter also outlines the planned expert interviews (though not included in this preview).

5. The Model Concept: This chapter presents the structure and objectives of the proposed systemic defect prevention model. It explains how the model incorporates determinants from various disciplines (software development, quality management, human factors, etc.) and outlines the process of identifying and analyzing the interdependencies, effect directions, and intensities of these determinants using the Consideo Modeler tool. The chapter details the model's system theory-based assessment and explains the criteria for quantifying interdependencies.

6. Results: This chapter presents the results of the model analysis, visualized through network matrices and weighting matrices generated by Consideo Modeler. It explains the structure and interpretation of the resulting matrices, including the four quadrants representing different combinations of short-term and long-term effects of determinants on successful defect prevention.

Keywords

Systemic, software, software development, software quality, defects, defect prevention, determinants, system dynamics, qualitative model, human factors, process, methods, technology, organization.

Frequently Asked Questions: A Qualitative Model for Systemic Software Defect Prevention

What is the main topic of this document?

This document presents a qualitative model for systemic software defect prevention. It aims to improve software quality by identifying key determinants of software defects and their interconnected effects, offering a more comprehensive approach than existing methods.

What are the key objectives of this research?

The research aims to develop a qualitative model for systemic software defect prevention, focusing on identifying key determinants of software defects and analyzing their interdependencies. It seeks to incorporate a systemic approach, considering various aspects like human factors, management, and organizational culture within the software development process.

What methodology was used in this research?

The research combines theoretical analysis with empirical investigation. "Thinking in Networks" was used as the method for analyzing complex systems, and "Consideo Modeler" served as the software tool for operationalizing and visualizing the model. Expert interviews were planned (though not detailed in this preview).

What are the key themes explored in this research?

Key themes include a systemic approach to software defect prevention; identification of key determinants influencing software defects; analysis of interdependencies and causal relationships between determinants; development of a qualitative model using system dynamics; and incorporation of human factors in software defect prevention.

What are the main chapters and their content?

The document is structured into chapters covering: Starting Position and Problem Definition (establishing context and objectives); Desk Research and Theoretical Background (reviewing existing literature on software development processes and defects); Software Defect Prevention (exploring approaches and models); Method (detailing the research methodology); The Model Concept (presenting the structure and objectives of the proposed model); Results (presenting model analysis results visualized using matrices); and Discussion and Conclusion.

What type of model was developed?

A qualitative model for systemic software defect prevention was developed using system dynamics. This model incorporates determinants from various disciplines (software development, quality management, human factors, etc.) and analyzes their interdependencies, effect directions, and intensities.

How are the results presented?

The results of the model analysis are presented visually through network matrices and weighting matrices generated by Consideo Modeler. These matrices are interpreted to understand the short-term and long-term effects of determinants on successful defect prevention.

What are the key determinants identified in the model?

While a full list of determinants isn't provided in this preview, the research identifies key determinants across various disciplines including software development, quality management, and human factors. The interdependencies between these determinants are a central focus of the model.

What are the keywords associated with this research?

Keywords include: Systemic, software, software development, software quality, defects, defect prevention, determinants, system dynamics, qualitative model, human factors, process, methods, technology, organization.

For whom is this research intended?

This research is intended for academic use, focusing on analyzing themes in a structured and professional manner. The provided preview gives a comprehensive overview of the study.