Cultivating Successful Software Systems

A systematic approach to consistently successful software development.

In the age of the Internet, where software is more mission-critical than ever, it's no longer enough for your development projects to succeed some of the time. You need to deliver excellence, consistently—and you must do it faster than ever.

Successful Software Development proceeds from the fact that there is no one way to develop software systems and introduces a model for a mature software development process that accommodates flexibility, the Systems Engineering Environment (SEE). This model comprises two fundamental, interlocked elements: the policies and procedures that define how software development is performed and the technologies available to get the job done. Using the SEE framework, learn how to:

• Understand and "sell" the business case for software improvement
• Establish and nourish an ongoing, productive dialogue between developers and customers
• Manage the multiple constituencies, personalities, issues, and egos that complicate software development
• Create plans that reflect the need for change—and take into account real-world risks
• Write clearer, more useful contracts and statements of work

Successful Software Development includes over 200 figures, process diagrams, and annotated outlines—all designed to help you understand and implement better processes quickly and with less resistance.

This book's techniques will work with any software quality methodology you choose, as well as SEI's capability maturity models and ISO 9000. They will work with any development technology, from CASE to object-oriented design to rapid prototyping. And they will work for you whether you're a programmer, manager, or customer. When it comes to delivering better software, if you need to get results, you need this book.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 509-522) and index.

SCOTT E. DONALDSON, Corporate Vice President with Science Applications International Corporation, has more than 25 years of software engineering experience. He has served as the Chief Technology Officer for a $250 million organization and as a Deputy Group Manager for a $65 million business. He was responsible for helping more than 300 software professionals achieve SEI Level 3 certification.

STANLEY G. SIEGEL, Vice President with Science Applications International Corporation, has been in the software industry since 1970. He co-authored the first textbook on software configuration management. He has specialized in software product assurance since 1976. He lectures internationally on software engineering subjects.

1. Business Case.

Introduction. Business Case Key Ideas. What Makes Good Business Sense? Software Systems Development Concepts. Product “Goodness” and Process “Goodness.” Requisite Software Systems Development Disciplines. Generic Four-Stage Software Systems Development Life Cycle. User, Buyer, and Seller Organizations Involved in Software Systems Development. Obstacles to Improving Software Systems Development Cultures. Alternative Approaches to Software Process Improvement. Preview of the Rest of Book.

2. Project Planning Process.

Introduction. Project Planning Key Ideas. Life Cycle Role in Project Planning. Ideal, Real, and Realistic Project Planning. Risk Assessment and Project Planning. Project Planning Process. Project Plan Contents. Project Planning Summary.

3. Software Systems Development Process.

Introduction. Software Systems Development Process Key Ideas. Software Systems Development Process Overview. Customer. Seller Process Engineering Group. Customer/Seller Development Team and Change Control Board (CCB). Seller Senior Management. Software Systems Development Process Summary.

4. Change Control Process.

Introduction. Change Control Process Key Ideas. Planned and Unplanned Change. The Processing of Changes. Examination of the Change Control Board. Paperwork Support of the Change Control Board. Change Control Process Summary.

5. Product and Process Reviews.

Introduction. Product and Process Reviews Key Ideas. A Taxonomy of Product and Process Reviews. Combining Reviews for Software Audits. Product and Process Reviews Summary.

6. Measurement.

Introduction. Measurement Key Ideas. Product Integrity. Process Integrity. Capability Maturity Model (CMM) for Software. Other Process-Related Measurements. Measurement Summary.

7. Cultural Change.

Introduction. Cultural Change Key Ideas. Process Engineering Group (PEG). Seller Project Participants and Project Managers. Buyer/User Project Management. Buyer/User Senior Management. Seller Senior Management. Cultural Change Summary.

8. Process Improvement Planning.

Introduction. SEE Implementation Planning Key Ideas. Key SEE Implementation Planning Issues. Making Successful Software Development Happen.

Appendix A. How to Measure Strategic Information Management (SIM).

Strategic Information Management. Quantifying Strategic Information Management. Diagnostic Areas and Diagnostic Criteria. OM Measurement Map and Measurement Trends. Summary.

Appendix B. List of Figures.

Appendix C. List of Tables.

Bibliography.

Index.