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Adaptable Process Model
Task III.18 Engineer for Application Enhancement



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Task III.18 Engineer for application enhancement

 

III.18.1 Refine analysis model to reflect application enhancement information.

Intent: The intent of these tasks is to review and refine the existing analysis model and/or requirements specification to reflect changes implied by the application enhancement. The goal is to establish a basis from which a prototype can be developed or a revised analysis model can be derived.

Mechanics: The developer reviews the changes proposed for the software data domain, software functions and behavior. Ambiguity, inconsistency or omissions are investigated and corrected.

Application of Formal Methods: none

Application of CASE Tools: t.b.d.

Deliverables: Refined Analysis Model

 

III.18.2 Build prototypes, if required.

Intent: The intent of this task is to create a prototype for customer and/or developer evaluation. The prototype may be static or executable and is used to assist in further refinement of software requirements as well as a mechanism for proving implementation approach.

Mechanics: A number of different options, discussed in Tasks II.10.3.1 through II.10.3.4, are available.

Application of Formal Methods: The use of formal methods will be kept to a minimum during this step. The idea is to create a "rapid prototype." However, it may be necessary to use elements of formal analysis and/or design methods to establish a basis from which the concept model can be built.

Application of CASE Tools: t.b.d.

Deliverables: Prototype reflected the application enhancement

 

III.18.3 Engineer an analysis model with application enhancement refinements.

Intent: The intent of this task is to create a revised analysis model for the software to be enhanced. The analysis model defines all requirements and provides a standardized representation of data, function and behavior.

Mechanics: Use an analysis modeling notation such as structured analysis or object-oriented analysis along with heuristics that guide you in the application of the notation.

Application of Formal Methods: structured analysis, object-oriented analysis or another formal method

Application of CASE Tools: t.b.d.

SQA Checklist:

    1. Has the original requirements model been reviewed to ensure that it conforms to the current design and the current code implementation?

    2. Have all changes associated with the enhancement been integrated into the model?

    3. Has each model been reviewed for completeness, consistency and correctness?

    4. Have errors been found and corrected in each model?

    5. Have models/classes that have undergone significant change been given additional attention during review?

    6. Have the analysts been trained in the analysis method that has been applied?

    7. Has change control been applied as parts of the model have been baselined (large projects only)?

Do's & Don'ts

    Do: Modify the graphical representation of the analysis model. In most cases, it will be easier to present and review.

    Do: Use CASE tools to assist you in the subtasks listed above.

    Don't: Enhance an analysis model that doesn't conform to the current operational application. The model must be brought into compliance before enhancement activities can begin.

    Don't: Rush through this task. The work that you do here will serve as an important foundation for design.

Helpful Hints

    1. It is usually best to develop the analysis model using a top-down, stepwise approach. That is, the model is derived iteratively, beginning with a top-level representation of data, function and/or behavior and then refining this information as required.

2. Be sure you and your colleagues who are working on the project get some training before embarking on this task Task.

Deliverables:

    1. Enhanced Analysis model

    2. Modified Software Requirements Specification (if required)

III.18.4 Engineer a design model with application enhancement refinements.

Intent: The intent of this task is to modify the design model for the software to accommodate the enhancement. The design model represents data, function and behavior in the context of data, architectural, procedural and interface designs.

Mechanics: Use a design modeling and transformation approach such as structured design or object-oriented design along with heuristics that guide you in the application of the approach.

Application of Formal Methods: structured design, object-oriented design or another formal method

Application of CASE Tools: t.b.d.

SQA Checklist:

    1. Has the original design model been reviewed to ensure that it conforms to the the current code implementation?

    2. Have all changes associated with the enhancement been integrated into the model?

    3. Has each model been reviewed for completeness, consistency and correctness?

    4. Have errors been found and corrected in each model?

    5. Have models/classes that have undergone significant change been given additional attention during review?

    6. Have the designers been trained in the analysis method that has been applied?

    7. Has change control been applied as parts of the model have been baselined (large projects only)?

Do's & Don'ts

    Do: Create a graphical representation of the design model. In most cases, it will be easier to present and review.

    Do: Use CASE tools to assist you in the subtasks listed above.

    Don't: Rush through this task. This is the place where quality is built!

Helpful Hints

    1. It is usually best to develop the design model using a top-down, stepwise approach. That is, the model is derived iteratively, beginning with a top-level representation of data, function and/or behavior and then refining this information as required.

    2. Be sure you and your colleagues who are working on the project get some training before embarking on Task III.18.4.

Deliverables:

    1. Design model

    2. Software Architecture Specification

    3. Software Detailed Design Specification

III.18.5 Create a revised test plan and procedure for the enhancement.

Intent: The intent of this task is to create a revised test plan and procedure using information obtained from the data, architectural, procedural and interface design models.

Mechanics: Each of the design models provides information that is useful in deriving a revised test plan. The data and architectural design will assist in the derivation of black box tests for integration and validation testing. The procedural design and interface design will assist in the derivation of white box and black box tests for unit and integration testing. The emphasis here is twofold: (1) to uncover errors in any new or revised software and (2) to uncover side effects caused by changes.

Application of Formal Methods: test case design methods, see Testing references

Application of CASE Tools: t.b.d.

Do's & Don'ts

    Do: Treat test case design with as much care as you treat the design of the software itself.

    Do: Recognize that most software tests can be developed before any source code exists - as long as the design model is complete.

    Don't: Forget regression testing to uncover side effects due to the enhancement.

Deliverables:


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