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.

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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.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • 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.