Description
Book SynopsisThis comprehensive reference on software development quality assurance addresses all four dimensions of quality: specifications, design, construction and conformance. It focuses on quality from both the micro and macro viewpoint. From a micro view, it details the aspect of building-in quality at the component level to help ensure that the overall deliverable has ingrained quality. From a macro view, it addresses the organizational-level activities that provide an environment conducive to fostering quality in the deliverables as well as developing a culture focused on quality in the organization.
Mastering Software Quality Assurance also explores a process driven approach to quality and provides the information and guidance needed for implementing a process quality model in your organization. It includes best practices and valuable tools and techniques for software developers.
Trade Review"Finally, a solid book dedicated to quality within software development. It should be mandatory reading for any software project manager. Every aspect of quality assurance and quality control is covered with topics dedicated to helping an organization succeed in its quality program implementation. The descriptions and benefits of the most valuable activities of software development are detailed and precise. Mastering Software Quality Assurance is a desk reference that experts and amateurs will refer to everyday." -Paul Laberge, Continuous Improvement Analyst, Wolters Kluwer; "Outstanding! Read this book carefully since a few minutes of consideration may save you or your company millions of dollars and years of struggle in achieving business value from your software development initiatives." -Robert C. Anderson, Director, Process Development & Quality Assurance, Computer Aid, Inc.
Table of ContentsChapter 1: Quality Assurance BasicsConnotations of the Word "Quality" What Is Quality? SpecificationsDefinition of Quality from the Standpoint of the ProviderQuality and ReliabilityEvolution of Concepts of Quality Quality GurusTotal Quality ManagementAre We Giving Adequate Importance to Quality in Organizations? Organizational Goals and Quality GoalsIs a Quality Department in Software Development Organizations Really Needed? The Present Scenario in Software Development OrganizationsChapter 2: Four Dimensions of QualityBackgroundEnsuring Quality in SpecificationsEnsuring Quality in DesignEnsuring Quality in Development (Software Construction) Ensuring Conformance Quality Chapter 3: Software Product QualityFunctionality StandpointWhite Box StandpointPresence of Defects in the ProductProgram QualityMeasurement of Product QualityChapter 4: Organizational Environments that Foster a Quality CultureNecessity for an Independent Quality DepartmentThe Role of a Quality DepartmentThe Position of the Quality Assurance Department in the Organization Organization of a Quality Assurance DepartmentOrganization and Staffing of a Quality Assurance DepartmentA Well-defined and Institutionalized Software Development Process Explicit System of Rewards and Recognition for Achieving Excellence in QualityCommitment and Involvement of Senior Management to Fostering a Culture of Quality in the OrganizationFinal WordsChapter 5: Software VerificationWalkthroughs (Peer Reviews) InspectionsAuditsVerification ProcessImplementation of Verification Activities in ProjectsChapter 6: ValidationValidation of Software DesignsValidating the Product SpecificationsValidating the Software ProductTesting Different Types of Software ProductsTesting BasicsApproaches to TestingTest Case DesignTest EnvironmentTesting ScenariosProduct TestingBest Practices in TestingAutomation of Testing and Use of Testing ToolsFinal Words about Software TestingChapter 7: Software Product ReliabilitySoftware DisastersSoftware ReliabilityCause of Software FailuresPrediction of Software ReliabilitySoftware Reliability ImprovementChapter 8: Process QualityProcessProcess QualityProcess DefinitionAligning the Process with a Process ModelProcess ImprovementProcess StabilizationSoftware Development ProcessComponents of a ProcessProcess CertificationChapter 9: New Paradigm for Software QualityThe Fallacy of CertificationsCriticisms of Maturity ModelsA New Paradigm for Software Quality AssuranceFinal WordsAppendix A: Audit ProcessAppendix B: Defect Resolution MethodologyAppendix C: Guidelines for Error Guessing Appendix D: Guidelines for Graphical User Interface Quality Conformance Appendix E: Guidelines for Stress TestingAppendix F: Guidelines for Negative TestingAppendix G: Measurement of QualityAppendix H: Quality Assurance of DatabasesAppendix I: Coding Guidelines Appendix J: Sample Review ProcessAppendix K: Software Quality Assurance PlanAppendix L: AbbreviationsIndex
