This issue begins with “The Living Software Development Process” by Michael Gnatz, Frank Marschall, Gerhard Popp, Andreas Rausch, and Wolfgang Schwerin. Given the extremely dynamic environment in which so much modern software development occurs, the development processes themselves must be flexible enough for projects to react to external changes. Dynamic tailoring and evolutionary improvements are the thrust of what the authors call a living software development process. This article introduces a common process framework based on the concepts of process patterns and work artifacts. The proposed framework is shown to enable software engineers to define, evolve, and apply a flexible development process in response to the altering needs of their projects.
Daniel J. Zrymiak and Abhijit Sen offer their experiences on “Designing a Software Quality Assurance Course: An Effective Framework for Teaching.” The article is based on several years of teaching a course required of fourth-year students of the Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology degree program at Kwantlen University College. The authors discuss the design of material based on ASQ’s CSQE Body of Knowledge and the teaching strategies employed. Their approach uses real-world examples and practical applications of verification, especially testing, practices.
“Software Quality Metrics—From Theory to Implementation” by Daniel Galin presents his views on the weaknesses of implementing software quality metrics within a firm. He further claims that the difficulties experienced are not unique to a specific organization and can be explained by the special nature of software development and maintenance. Despite these weaknesses, the author encourages the use of metrics in the software industry with an eye to careful implementation.
The Resource Reviews provide a rich collection of insights on recent publications, ranging across the CSQE Body of Knowledge. Remember, too, to visit the journal’s Web site at www.asq.org/pub/sqp for supplemental material and the opportunity to provide your feedback.
Software Quality Professional
Editorial/Production
Editor-in-Chief
Taz Daughtrey
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, Virginia
sqpeditor@aol.com
Associate Editors
Sue Carroll
SAS
Cary, North Carolina
Paul R. Croll
Computer Sciences Corporation
King George, Virginia
Beth Layman
Teraquest
Melbourne Beach, Florida
Stanley H. Levinson
Framatome ANP, Inc.
Lynchburg, Virginia
John Pustaver
Oracle Corp.
Burlington, Massachusetts
Publisher
William Tony
Manuscript Coordinator
Dave Nelsen
Copy Editors
Leigh Ann Klaus
Kris McEachern
Production Administrator
Cathy Schnackenberg
Graphic Designer
Mary Uttech
Digital Production Specialists
Jen Czajka
Laura Franceschi
