Software Quality

and
Software Quality
Assurance
(an overview)

Learning Outcomes

Quality Definition, kinds, challenges, importance

Quality Assurance
Quality Control
SQA in SDLC

Software Quality Assurance an

overview

Introduction

Teacher
Class
Subject

Name
Course outline
Books
Project
Assignments

Software Quality Assurance an

overview

Quality - Definitions

A characteristic or attribute of something

As an attribute of an item, quality refers to

measurable characteristics things we are able to
compare to known standards such as length,
color, electrical properties and malleability.

We can say that quality is a relative term, a

variable that can vary and change its
definitions according to needs, scope,
culture,
environment
and
geo-political
effects.
Software Quality Assurance an
overview

Definition- IEEE

The totality of features and characteristics of

a software product that bears on its ability to
satisfy given needs: for example, conform to
specification.

Software Quality Assurance an

overview

Some more definitions

High levels of user satisfaction and adherence to

requirements by Bill Perry , Head of quality
assurance institute

Achieving high level of user satisfaction, portability,

maintainability, robustness and fitness for use by Dr.
Barry Boehm

Low defects levels, adherence of software functions

to users needs and high reliability by John Musa of
Bell Laboratories
Software Quality Assurance an
overview

Kinds of Quality

Quality of Design
Quality of Conformance

Software Quality Assurance an

overview

Quality Challenges

The Quality measures and criteria varies depending upon

Characteristics of the project

User needs
Application requirements of the system and software
The phase of the project at which the evaluation takes
place
Software Quality must be planned into the project right from the
beginning
Quality goals must be clearly defined, effectively monitored, and
rigorously enforced

Software Quality Assurance an

overview

Why Quality is important?

Quality is a competitive issue now

Quality is a must for survival
Quality makes your product globally acceptable
Quality makes your product cost effective
Quality helps retain customers and increase
profits
Quality is the hallmark of world-class business
Quality is due to customer demand

Today Quality is critical for survival and success

Software Quality Assurance an
overview

Six Software Defect Origins

Requirements
Design
Source code
User manuals/training material
Bad fixes or mistakes made during repairs
Flawed test cases used by the application

Software Quality Assurance an

overview

10

Six Root Causes of Poor

Software Quality

Inadequate training of managers and staff

Inadequate defect and cost measurement
Excessive schedule pressure
Insufficient defect removal
High complexity levels
Ambiguous and creeping requirements and
design

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overview

11

Changing Views of Quality

Past

Present

Quality
is
the
responsibility
of
blue
collar workers and direct
labor employees working
on the product
Quality defects should
be hidden from the
customers
and
management
Quality problem lead to
blame,
faulty
justifications and excuses

Quality
is
everyone's
responsibility,
including
white-collar workers, the
indirect labor force and the
over head staf
Defects
should
be
highlighted and brought to
the surface for corrective
action
Quality problems lead to
co-operative solutions

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overview

12

 continued
Past

Corrections-to-quality
problems
should
be
accompanied
with
minimum
documentation
Increased
quality
will
increase project costs
Quality
is
internally
focused
Quality will not occur
without close supervision
of people
Quality
occurs
during
project execution

Present

Documentation
is
essential
for
lessons
learnt so that mistakes
are not repeated
Improved quality saves
money
and
increases
business
Quality is customer focused
People want to produce
quality products
Quality
occurs
at
project
initiation and must be planned
for within the project

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overview

13

A Quality software must

Quality of a software is that it

Meets the user requirements

Have sufficient and up to date documentation
Have to be cost effective
Have to be user friendly
Is easy to learn
Is reliable
Is manageable
Is maintainable
Is secure
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overview

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Software Quality
in
Business Context

Software Quality Assurance an

overview

15

Quality Control

Quality control involves the series of

inspections, reviews, and tests used
throughout the software process to
ensure each work product meets the
requirements

SQC: checks that the project follows its standards,

processes and procedures, and that the project produces
the required internal and external (deliverables) products.
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overview

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Quality Assurance

Quality Assurance consists of the auditing and reporting

functions of management. Its goal is to provide management
with the necessary data of product quality ; there by gaining
insight that product is meeting its goals

SQA: assures that the standards, process and procedures

are appropriate for the project and are correctly implemented.

Software Quality Assurance (SQA) is defined as a planned and

systematic approach to the evaluation of the quality of and adherence
to software product standards, processes, and procedures.

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overview

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Quality Control vs. Quality

Assurance
QC

QA

Correction
(Reactive)

Preventive
(Proactive)

Product

Process

Confidence to
Producer

Confidence to
Customer

Line Function

Staf Function

Find Defects

Prevent Defects

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overview

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Quality Control vs. Quality

Assurance (Examples)
QC

QA

Walkthrough

Defining Processes

Testing

Quality Audit

Inspection

Selection of Tools

Checkpoint review

Training

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overview

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SQA Function

SQA (Software Quality Analyst) A

Role

To monitor the methods and standards the

software developers use and to verify that
they have properly applied these methods to
their work products

SQA (Software Quality Assurance)

A Function
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overview

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References

Software Quality Assurance Principles and

Practice by Nina S Godbole

Chapter 1

1.1, 1.2
1.3 (1.3.1, 1.3.2, 1.3.3, 1.3.4, 1.3.5, 1.3.6)
1.4, 1.5
1.7 (1.7.1, 1.7.2, 1.7.3, 1.7.4, 1.7.5)

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overview

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