A Practical Approach to Software Quality [Hardcover]

Gerard O'Regan (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0387953213 | ISBN-13: 978-0387953212 | Publication Date: June 13, 2002 | Edition: 1

A brief but comprehensive introduction to the field and pragmatic guidance on the implementation of a sound quality system in the organization. It provides an enhanced knowledge of software inspections, metrics, process involvement, assessment of organization, problem solving, customer satisfaction surveys, the CMM, SPICE, and formal methods. Sample material on software inspections, metrics, and customer satisfaction can be adapted by readers to their respective organizations. In addition, readers will gain a detailed understanding of the principles of software quality management and software process improvement. Concepts can then be readily applied to assist improvement programs within organizations.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Since software quality assurance is still an issue in software organizations, a deep understanding of the subject itself, as well as of methods for effectively implementing software quality, is crucial for both software managers and practitioners. Comprehensive books like this one can help readers to get into the field. However, O¿Regan¿s book is more than just an introduction. It also serves as a good reference for people who want to step into the subject practically, and for those who want to find out about the quality measures that could best fit their organizations...I recommend this book to those interested in learning how software quality helps increase software companies¿ productivity." --Computing Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (June 13, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0387953213
• ISBN-13: 978-0387953212
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,041,374 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Gerard O'Regan was born in Cork and attended University College Cork and Trinity College Dublin. His background is mainly industrial (especially in the software process improvement field) but he also has academic intersts from Trinity College Dublin where he earned a PhD in Computer Science. His academic interests include formal methods, software engineering and the history of computing.

He has worked as a consultant to improve software organizations. This has involved assessing their software process maturity using models such as the CMMI, and working with them to enhance their software engineering effectiveness. He has published three books with Springer including A Practical Approach to Software Quality (2002), Mathematical Approaches to Software Quality (2006) and A Brief History of Computing (2008).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Complete coverage of all of the important elements of SQA, July 29, 2002

By 

Mike Tarrani "www.tarrani.com" (Deltona, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Practical Approach to Software Quality (Hardcover)

If you're setting up an SQA function for enterprise processes and measurement this book is an invaluable resource that describes the major quality approaches, and gives excellent advice on metrics collection and analysis.

The major quality approaches discussed are ISO 9000, SPICE and CMM. The chapters devoted to these give a basis for comparing and selecting either a single approach, or taking the best processes and characteristics from each and developing your own approach. One nice aspect is the coverage of the ISO 9000:2000 standard, which differs from many books which only cover TickIT or the older 1996 standard that is missing the important emphasis on measuring customer satisfaction.

More general chapters that apply to all quality frameworks are the introduction to software quality, which covers the major issues and factors (as well as distinguishing SQA from testing), and metrics and problem solving. I especially liked the latter because the material goes beyond projects and product development to include the full spectrum of life cycle milestones.

In addition, inspections and testing, and formal methods and design are described in depth and placed into the context of an encompassing quality initiative.

This book will give anyone, regardless of experience and knowledge levels, a complete picture of software quality and what it takes to achieve it using proven practices and techniques.