CPSC 544 Advanced Software Process Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts from the CPSC 544 Advanced Software Process lecture, focusing on software process assessment and its associated principles.

Software Process Assessment

A review of a software organization to advise its management on how they can improve their operation.

Assessment Phases

Three phases involved in a software process assessment: Preparation, Assessment, and Recommendations.

Preparation Phase

Phase where senior management commits to the process and personal participation is required.

Assessment Phase

On-site period where assessment activities occur, typically lasting several days.

Recommendations Phase

Phase where findings and action recommendations are presented to local managers.

Five Assessment Principles

Basic requirements for a good assessment: competent team, sound leadership, cooperative organization, process model, confidentiality.

Action Orientation

Focus on improvement and addressing current problems in the assessment.

Confidentiality in Assessment

The assessment should support the organization's improvement program without reporting problems to higher management.

Assessment Team Composition

Should consist of experienced software developers with knowledge of the software process.

Self-Assessment

Organizations assessing themselves may face challenges due to lack of expertise.

Implementation Considerations

Risks associated with assessment include lack of significant improvement actions and inadequate management focus.

Follow-up Assessment

Conducted one to two years later to assess progress and set new priorities for improvement.