The University of Western Australia
School of Computer Science and Software Engineering
 
 

School of Computer Science and Software Engineering

CITS5502 Software Processes

Overview

This unit focuses on the underlying principles of software processes, their analysis, measurement and improvement. These principles are examined from both a commercial and research-oriented viewpoint. Understanding these principles enables the selection of an appropriate process methodology for a specific software development environment, measurement of its effectiveness and improvement of the process over time. Topics covered include development life cycles; process modelling and simulation; measuring and assessing process methodologies; meta processes; and methodology verification. Process methodologies examined include the Personal Software Process/Team Software Process, lightweight (agile) processes and open source processes.

Teaching

Unit coordinator: Arran Stewart
Consultation: 4pm Thursday, CSSE building, Room G.08
Lecturers: Arran Stewart, Terry Woodings

Students must attend the lectures each week and one workshop. See the Schedule page for details.

Type Time Day Location
Lectures 3pm–5pm Tuesday Robert Street L.T. (Building 272, G16, opposite CSSE building)
Workshop 1-2pm Thursday Blakers LT

For class readings and recommended texts, see the Resources page.

Learning Objectives

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. critically evaluate a process and customise it to specific development environments;
  2. employ mechanisms for the measurement and assessment of process effectiveness;
  3. critically assess aspects of software development life cycles and processes
  4. compare and contrast key process methodologies and models; and
  5. improve and optimise processes.

Assessment

The assessment for CITS5502 consists of three assignments, a research seminar (and an associated report), and a final exam. Note that the final mark may be scaled in line with the Faculty’s Policy on Assessment Practices and Procedures.

Assessment % of final mark Assessment dates
Assignment 1 – modelling 20% Final submission week 6
Assignment 2 – optimisation 30% Final submission week 10
Examination 50% November Examination Period

Further details are available on the Assessment page.