Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit focuses on the underlying principles of software processes, their analysis, measurement and improvement. These principles are examined using current research-oriented and commercial implementations. Understanding the principles enables a student to select an appropriate process methodology for a specific software development environment, measure its effectiveness and improve the process over time. Topics covered include software process components; development life cycles; processes modelling and simulation; measuring and assessing process methodologies; and the meta process and methodology verification. Current process methodologies that are critically examined include Rational Unified Process, Personal Software Process/Team Software Process, Lightweight (Agile) Processes and OpenSource Process. A variety of software process improvement and assessment methodologies are examined including CMM, CMMI, 6Sigma, TQM and AMI-Bootstrap.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2024UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe the fundamentals of group dynamics and how they affect a software process; (2) critically evaluate a process and customise it to specific development environments; (3) employ mechanisms for the measurement and assessment of process effectiveness; (4) critically comment on all aspects of software development life cycles and processes; (5) explain a number of key process methodologies and models; and (6) improve and optimise processes.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) projects; (2) research seminar and report; and (3) final exam. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Arran Stewart
Unit rules
Prerequisites
enrolment in
the 62550 Master of Professional Engineering (Software Engineering) and completion of 12 points of programming-based units
Incompatibility
CITS8220 The Software Process: Principles, Implementation and Improvement.
CITS4222 Software Engineering Industry Project Leadership
Text

Humphrey, W. S. Team Software Process: Leading a Development Team: Addison-Wesley 2008

  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
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  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.