Chapter 6: Software Process Model (SPM)

2081 GIE Set A Q.No. 13 How does the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) facilitate the efficient planning and execution of software development projects?

Ans:

The System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) facilitates efficient planning and execution of software development projects by providing a structured, step-by-step approach to software creation. It ensures that projects are completed on time, within budget, and with high quality. Here’s how SDLC helps:

1.       Structured Approach for Development: It divides development into phases (planning, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance), reducing complexity and ensuring systematic progress.

2.       Better Planning and Resource Management: It helps in better resource management, avoiding delays and cost overruns by clearly defining requirements, budget, and timelines

3.       Improved Quality and Risk Management: It improves software quality through rigorous testing, early error detection, and risk mitigation.

4.       Clear Roles and Responsibilities: It assigns clear roles and responsibilities, enhancing team collaboration and communication.

5.       Flexibility with Different Models: SDLC supports different methodologies like Waterfall, Agile, Spiral, allowing teams to choose the best approach based on project needs.

 

2081 GIE Set B Q.No. 13 Explain the importance of the system analysis phase of SDLC.

Ans:

The System Analysis phase of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is crucial because it lays the foundation for a successful project by identifying business needs, defining requirements, and ensuring feasibility. Below are the key reasons why system analysis is important:

1.       Understanding Requirements: Gathers and defines functional and non-functional requirements to ensure stakeholder expectations are clearly documented and aligned.

2.       Feasibility Study: Evaluates technical, economic, and operational feasibility to help decision-makers determine if the project should proceed.

3.       Identifying Problems and Solutions: Analyses the current system to identify inefficiencies and design solutions that effectively address user needs.

4.       Defining System Scope: Clearly outlines the system's boundaries to prevent scope creep and avoid delays or cost overruns.

5.       Reducing Risks: Identifies potential risks early and ensures compliance with legal, security, and performance standards.

6.       Facilitating Better System Design: Provides a clear roadmap for the design phase, enabling developers to build an efficient and scalable system.

 

2079 GIE Set A Q.No.13 Explain the importance of the system testing of the system development life cycle (SDLC).

Ans:

The System Testing phase of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is crucial because it ensures that the developed software meets the specified requirements and functions correctly before deployment. Below are the key reasons why system testing is important:

1. Ensures Functional Accuracy: Verifies that all system components work as intended and meet business and user requirements.

2. Detects Bugs and Errors Early: Identifies defects before deployment, reducing the cost of fixing errors compared to later stages.

3. Validates System Performance: Tests speed, stability, and scalability under various conditions to ensure the system handles expected workloads.

4. Ensures Security and Data Integrity: Checks for vulnerabilities to prevent security breaches and ensures sensitive data is protected.

5. Confirms Compatibility: Ensures the system works across devices, operating systems, browsers, and integrates with third-party applications.

6. Enhances User Satisfaction: Identifies usability issues to ensure smooth navigation, readability, and accessibility for a better user experience.

7. Compliance with Industry Standards: Ensures the software meets legal, regulatory, and industry standards, helping obtain necessary certifications.

 

2081 Q.No.13 How do various requirement gathering techniques help in achieving a careful grasp of user needs and requirements during SDLC’s analysis phase?  [5]

Ans:

Various requirement-gathering techniques help achieve a careful grasp of user needs and requirements during the analysis phase of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) in the following ways:

1.       Comprehensive Understanding – Techniques like interviews and workshops enable direct interaction with stakeholders, helping to clarify business needs, expectations, and constraints.

2.       Diverse Perspectives – Methods like surveys, questionnaires, and brainstorming ensure that inputs from a broad range of users are collected, leading to a well-rounded understanding of requirements.

3.       Real-World Insights – Observation and document analysis provide practical insights into existing workflows, uncovering implicit needs that users may not explicitly mention.

4.       Validation and Refinement – Prototyping and use cases/user stories allow users to visualize and interact with early models, ensuring that the gathered requirements are accurate, feasible, and aligned with expectations.

5.       Efficiency and Accuracy – A combination of these techniques reduces the risk of missing critical requirements, prevents misunderstandings, and ensures that the final software solution effectively addresses user needs.

 

2080 GIE Set A Q.No.13 Describe the different requirement gathering methods for the development of software.  [5]

Ans:

Requirement collection is a critical phase in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) as it lays the foundation for the entire project. Here are some effective methods for collecting requirements:

1. Interviews: Conduct one-on-one or group interviews with stakeholders, end-users, and clients to gather detailed information and understand their needs and expectations.

2. Surveys and Questionnaires: Distribute structured surveys or questionnaires to a larger audience to gather information.

3. Workshops: Organize collaborative workshops with stakeholders to discuss and prioritize requirements.

4. Observation: Observe users in their natural work environment to understand their workflows and identify potential improvements.

5. Prototyping: Develop prototypes or mock-ups of the proposed system to gather feedback from users.

6. Document Analysis: Review existing documentation such as manuals, system specifications, and reports to extract relevant information.

7. Use Cases and User Stories: Create detailed use cases or user stories to describe how users will interact with the system.

8. Brainstorming: Conduct brainstorming sessions to generate ideas and requirements with a group of stakeholders.

 

2080 GIE Set B Q.No.13 Explain the agile software development methodology in brief.   [5]

Ans:

The Agile Software Development Model is an iterative and incremental approach to software development which emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and customer satisfaction through continuous delivery of valuable, working software. Agile is particularly effective in dynamic and fast-changing environments where requirements evolve over time.

Core Principles of Agile (as per the Agile Manifesto) are as follows:

1. Customer Collaboration: Engage with customers regularly to ensure their needs are being met.

2. Working Software: Deliver functional software frequently, typically in short iterations.

3. Individuals and Interactions: Prioritize teamwork and communication over rigid processes and tools.

4. Responding to Change: Adapt to changes in requirements, even late in the development process.

Advantages of Agile:

1. Customer Collaboration: Frequent feedback ensures the final product meets user expectations.
2. Flexibility: Easily accommodates changes in requirements throughout development.
3. Early and Continuous Delivery: Delivers value to the customer early and regularly.

Disadvantages of Agile:

1. Scope Creep: Changes can lead to scope creep if not managed properly.
2. Documentation: May result in inadequate documentation.
3. Resource Intensive: Requires significant time and effort from team members and stakeholders.

 

2079 GIE Set B Q.No.13 Explain requirement analysis phase of SDLC.  [5]

Ans:

The Requirement Analysis phase in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a crucial stage where the primary goal is to gather, analyse, and document the requirements for the software being developed. Here's a breakdown of this phase:

1)      Identify Stakeholders: Determine all individuals or groups involved in or affected by the software system.

2)      Gather Requirements: Collect detailed functional and non-functional requirements from stakeholders using various techniques.

3)      Document Requirements: Record the gathered requirements in a structured format, usually in a Software Requirements Specification (SRS) document.

4)      Analyse and Prioritize Requirements: Evaluate requirements for feasibility, resolve conflicts, and prioritize them based on importance.

5)      Define System Specifications: Establish clear system specifications, including technical, security, and compliance needs, to guide development.

In conclusion, the Requirement Analysis phase ensures that the development team understands what needs to be built, aligning the software with the business objectives and user needs, laying a solid foundation for the rest of the SDLC.

 

2078 Set B Q.No.13 Describe the waterfall software development model with pros and cons.  [5]

2074 Set A Q. No. 6 Describe the waterfall model to explain the SDLC.  [5]

2073 Set C Q. No. 6 What are the major activities in SDLC with based on waterfall model? [5]

Ans:

The Waterfall Model is a linear and sequential approach to software development, where each phase of the development process 1 must be completed before moving on to the next 2 one. It's like a waterfall, where the water flows steadily downwards through different stages.  

Phases of the Waterfall Model:

1. Requirements Gathering and Analysis: The project's goals, scope, and requirements are defined.

2. Design: The system's architecture, components, and interfaces are designed.

3. Implementation (Coding): The software is developed based on the design.

4. Testing: The software is rigorously tested to identify and fix bugs.

5. Deployment: The software is released to the end-users.

6. Maintenance: Ongoing support and maintenance of the software.

Advantages (Pros):

a) Simple and easy to understand.

b) Provides a structured approach to development.

c) Well-suited for projects with well-defined requirements.

Disadvantages (Cons):

a) Inflexible: Difficult to accommodate changes once development begins.

b) Time-consuming: Delays in one phase can significantly impact the project timeline.

c) Limited customer involvement: Customer feedback is primarily seen at the end of the project.

 

2079 Set A Q.No.8 What are the major activities performed to design the software? Describe briefly.  [5]

Ans:

The major activities performed in software design are as follows:

1.       Requirement Analysis: Understanding and gathering user needs, business goals, and system requirements to define the scope of the software.

2.       System Architecture Design: Defining the overall system structure, including components, modules, data flow, and interactions between different parts of the software.

3.       User Interface (UI) Design: Creating the layout, navigation, and visual elements to ensure an intuitive and user-friendly experience.

4.       Database Design: Structuring data storage, defining tables, relationships, and ensuring efficient data retrieval and management.

5.       Module and Component Design: Breaking the system into smaller, manageable modules with clear functions and responsibilities.

6.       Algorithm and Logic Design: Developing logical workflows, algorithms, and processing methods for efficient execution of software tasks.

7.       Prototyping and Review: Creating prototypes or mockups to visualize functionality, gather feedback, and refine the design before implementation.

 

 

2078 Set C Q.No.6 What is feasibility study? Explain.  [5]

2072 Set E Q. No. 6 2070 Set C Q. No. 6 2068 Q. No. 5 2067 Q. No. 5 2064 Q. No. 9 2062 Q. No. 5 What is feasibility study? Explain different levels of feasibility study.  [2+3]

2071 Supp Q. No. 6 What is feasibility study? Why is it necessary before designing a system?  [2+3=5]

2076 Q. No. 6 Define SDLC. Describe the feasibility analysis methods.  [2+3]

2071 Set D Q. No. 6 Describe different levels of feasibility study.  [5]

2072 Set D Q. No. 6 Describe the components of feasibility study. [5]

Ans:

A feasibility study is a detailed analysis that assesses the practicality and viability of a proposed project or plan. It aims to determine whether the project is likely to succeed by evaluating various factors (level/types/components) as follows:   

1. Technical Feasibility: Assesses the availability and suitability of the required technology and resources.  

2. Economic Feasibility: Evaluates the financial viability of the project, including cost-benefit analysis, return on investment, and funding options.  

3. Legal Feasibility: Examines potential legal and regulatory implications, such as intellectual property rights, data privacy, and licensing requirements.  

4. Operational Feasibility: Assesses the impact of the project on existing operations, including organizational changes, user acceptance, and training needs.

5. Scheduling Feasibility: Determines the project timeline, resource allocation, and potential risks and develops contingency plans.

Some benefits of a Feasibility Study are as follows:

1. Informed Decision-Making: Helps make informed decisions about project viability.

2. Risk Mitigation: Identifies and addresses potential risks early on.

3. Resource Allocation: Optimizes resource allocation and budgeting.

4. Improved Project Planning: Provides a solid foundation for project planning.

5. Enhanced Stakeholder Buy-in: Builds confidence and support for the project.

 

2078 Set B Q.No.7 Describe the desirable characteristics of a system analyst.  [5]

2072 Set D Q. No. 7 Who is system analyst? List out characteristics of system analyst. [1+4]

Ans:

A System Analyst is a professional who analyses and designs information systems to meet the needs of an organization, acting as a bridge between stakeholders and the technical development team.

The desirable characteristics of a system analyst are as follows:

1. Analytical Skills: The ability to analyse complex systems, identify inefficiencies, and translate business requirements into technical solutions.

2. Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication to interact with stakeholders and convey technical details effectively.

3. Documentation Skills: The capability to create clear and detailed documentation for system requirements, workflows, and project reports.

4. Problem-Solving Skills: The skill to identify issues in systems and develop efficient, scalable, and secure solutions.

5. Collaboration Skills: The ability to work with diverse teams, coordinate efforts, and align stakeholders with project objectives.

In conclusion, a system analyst must possess a combination of analytical, communication, documentation, problem-solving, and collaboration skills to effectively analyse, design, and implement efficient systems.

 

2076 Set A Q.No.8 What are roles of system analyst in SDLC phase?  [5]

2075 Set B Q. No. 7 Describe the major role and responsibility of system analyst in SDLC phase. [5]

2075 Set A Q. No. 6 2073 Set D Q. No. 6 2065 Q. No. 5 Who is system analyst? Explain the role of system analyst. [1+4]

Ans:

A System Analyst is a professional who analyses and designs information systems to meet the needs of an organization, acting as a bridge between stakeholders and the technical development team.

Role and responsibilities of a System Analyst in SDLC phases are as follows:

1. Requirement Gathering and Analysis: Gather, analyse, and document stakeholder requirements.

2. Feasibility Study: Evaluate technical, economic, and operational feasibility.

3. System Design: Create detailed design documents, including architecture and data models.

4. Communication and Coordination: Act as a liaison between stakeholders and the development team.

5. Documentation: Prepare comprehensive documentation, including requirements and user manuals.

6. Validation and Verification: Ensure the system meets specified requirements and functions as intended.

7. Support and Maintenance: Provide ongoing support and maintenance after deployment.

8. Change Management: Manage changes in requirements and scope during the project.

 

2076 GIE Set B Q.No.6 What are the importances of SDLC in software development process?   [5]

2073 Set D Q. No. 7 Write the importance and necessity of SDLC.   [5]

2072 Set E Q. No. 13 Write the importance of SDLC.  [5]

Ans:

The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a structured approach used by software development teams to design, develop, test, and deploy high-quality software. It's a framework that ensures a systematic and efficient process, minimizing risks and maximizing the chances of a successful project.

The importances of SDLC in software development process and necessity come from the following key benefits:

1) Structured Approach: SDLC provides a systematic and organized approach to software   development, breaking down the process into distinct phases.

2) Enhanced Quality: By following SDLC, teams can ensure high-quality software through rigorous testing and continuous improvement.

3) Efficient Resource Utilization: SDLC helps optimize resource allocation, reduce costs, and increase productivity.

4) Improved Communication and Collaboration: SDLC fosters effective communication and collaboration among team members, leading to better teamwork and project outcomes.

5) Adaptability to Change: SDLC models like Agile allow for flexibility and adaptability to changing requirements, ensuring that the software meets evolving needs.

In conclusion, SDLC is a critical tool for software development organizations. By following to its principles, teams can deliver high-quality software on time and within budget, ensuring customer satisfaction and business success.

 

2070 Supp Q. No. 6 Explain SDLC with appropriate diagram.  [5]

2072 Set C Q. No. 6 Describe SDLC with diagram.  [5]

2073 Supp Q. No. 6 Explain the system development phase. [5]

Ans:

The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a structured approach used by software development teams to design, develop, test, and deploy high-quality software.

SDLC involves a series of phases (Stages/Steps), each with specific goals and activities as follows:

1.       Planning: The goal of this phase is to Define the project scope, identify requirements, and create a solid project plan.

2.       Analysis: The goal of this phase is to Thoroughly understand the user requirements and system needs.

3.       Design: The goal of this phase is to Create a blueprint for the software, outlining its architecture, components, and user interface.

4.       Development (Implementation): The goal of this phase is to Translate the design into actual code.

5.       Testing: The goal of this phase is to Identify and fix bugs to ensure software quality.

6.       Deployment: The goal of this phase is to Release the software to the production environment.

7.       Maintenance: The goal of this phase is to Keep the software up-to-date and functioning optimally.

 

2075 GIE Q. No. 6 Explain system analysis phase of SDLC. [5]

2074 Supp Q. No. 6 List the steps of SDLC. Explain System Analysis Phase. [2+3]

2071 Set C Q. No. 6 What is system analysis and design? Describe briefly. [5]

2075 Set B Q. No. 6 List out different stages of system development life cycle and explain any two stages of them. [1+2+2]

2074 Set B Q. No. 6 What are the software development process phases in SDLC? Explain any one phase. [2+3]

Ans:

The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a structured approach used by software development teams to design, develop, test, and deploy high-quality software. The steps of SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) are:

1.       Planning

2.       System Analysis

3.       System Design

4.       Implementation (Coding)

5.       Testing

6.       Deployment

7.       Maintenance

2. System Analysis Phase:

The System Analysis phase is crucial as it determines what the system needs to do to meet business objectives. It involves:

Ø  Requirement Gathering – Understanding user needs and expectations.

Ø  Feasibility Study – Checking if the project is technically, financially, and operationally feasible.

Ø  System Modelling – Creating diagrams like Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs) and Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs) to visualize system processes.

Ø  Problem Identification – Analysing current system inefficiencies and suggesting improvements.

Ø  Documentation – Recording the findings and system requirements for future reference.

This phase ensures that developers and stakeholders have a clear understanding of what needs to be built before moving to design and implementation.

 

3. System Design Phase:

The System Design phase of SDLC focuses on defining the architecture, components, and user interface of the system based on the requirements gathered in the System Analysis phase. It acts as a blueprint for the development process.

Key Aspects of System Design are as follows:

1.       High-Level Design (HLD) – Defines the overall system architecture, including modules, databases, interfaces, and data flow.

2.       Low-Level Design (LLD) – Provides detailed designs for each module, including algorithms, database structures, and function specifications.

3.       Database Design – Specifies how data will be stored, organized, and accessed.

4.       User Interface (UI) Design – Creates wireframes and layouts for user interaction.

5.       Security and Performance Considerations – Defines authentication, encryption, and system efficiency requirements.

6.       Design Documentation – Records all design decisions for developers and stakeholders.

This phase ensures that the system is well-structured, scalable, and meets business requirements before moving to the Implementation (Coding) phase.

 

2075 GIE Q. No. 7 2075 Set A Q. No. 7 2073 Supp Q. No. 7 Define the terms DFD and E-R diagram. [2.5+2.5]

Ans:

1.       Data Flow Diagram (DFD)

Purpose: Models how data moves through the system and how it's processed. Focuses on the flow of data between processes, data stores, and external entities.

Focus: Shows internal processes, data storage, and interactions with external entities.

Key Components:

o   Processes: Actions that transform incoming data (represented by circles or rounded rectangles).

o   Data Flow: Arrows showing the direction of data.

o   Data Stores: Places where data is stored (represented by open rectangles).

o   External Entities: Sources or destinations of data (e.g., users or other systems).

Level of Detail: Can be broken down into multiple levels (e.g., Level 0, Level 1) for greater detail.

Usage:

o   To visualize data movement and processing.

o   To understand how different parts of the system interact with data.

2.       Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD)

Purpose: Describes the data structure and the relationships between entities in a database. Focuses on how data is organized and related in a system.

Focus: Represents entities (objects or concepts) and the relationships between them, mainly for database design.

Key Components:

o   Entities: Represent objects or concepts (e.g., "Customer", "Order").

o   Attributes: Properties of entities (e.g., "Customer Name", "Order Date").

o   Relationships: How entities are related (e.g., "Customer places Order").

o   Primary Keys: Unique identifiers for each entity instance.

Level of Detail: Provides a detailed representation of how data is structured within a system (more focused on database design).

Usage:

o   To design and organize databases.

o   To identify relationships and ensure data integrity.

 

2075 Set B Q. No. 6 What is E-R diagram? Write the meaning of graphical symbols used in E-R diagram. [5]

Ans:

An E-R (Entity-Relationship) Diagram is a graphical representation of entities, their attributes, and the relationships between them in a database. It is widely used in database design to visualize the structure of a system before implementing it.

The meaning of graphical symbols used in E-R diagram are as follows in tabular form: