Software Engineering Report: Software Development Process Models

This report delves into the realm of software engineering, focusing on software development process models. It begins by defining software engineering and its relation to computer science, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right model for a project. The report highlights the research problem faced by Booths, a firm needing to digitize its business, and poses key research questions regarding software development process models. It then explores various models like Waterfall, Spiral, and Agile, outlining their characteristics and suitability for different scenarios. A literature review supports the analysis, followed by a discussion of research methods, including exploratory research, qualitative methodologies, and a deductive approach. The report suggests the Waterfall model for Booths, due to its structured approach, while also presenting the Agile model as an alternative. The conclusion emphasizes the significance of choosing the appropriate model to achieve desired outcomes, considering both the assets and limitations of each approach. The report provides a comprehensive overview of software development models, making it a valuable resource for students and professionals alike.

Software Engineering
1

Table of Contents
Part 1 – Review Report....................................................................................................................2
Title: “Software development process models”...............................................................................2
Research area..........................................................................................................................2
Relation with computer science..............................................................................................2
Research problem & research questions.................................................................................2
Research methods...................................................................................................................4
Alternative solution................................................................................................................5
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................6
Part 2 – Reflection...........................................................................................................................6
References........................................................................................................................................8
2

Part 1 – Review Report
Title: “Software development process models”
Research area
Software refers to program code that is liable for serving certain computational purposes.
This comprises of certain libraries along with documentations. Engineering denotes development
of products through usage of well-defined scientific methods and principles. The term software
engineering on the whole implies branch that is related with developing software products via
utilisation of procedures, principles and methods (Borde, 2019). Software development process
model refers to the process that is used by organisation for developing software. The research
will emphasise on Booths which is a private limited firm founded in 1847 and they deals within
high-end supermarket. The firm needs to move into digitalised business so that they can sustain
within the pandemic situation. Therefore, they have to develop an application by usage of certain
model. The research will provide an insight into different aspects related with models that can be
used for developing software and attaining the desired end product.
Relation with computer science
Computer science denotes study of computing and computers that includes algorithmic
and theoretical foundations, software, and hardware along with their processing information.
This comprises of study of algorithms, data structures, network designing, modelling and
information processes. Software engineering makes use of the concepts that have been acquired
while opting for computer science (Kohvakka, 2020). Basically, software engineering is a part of
computer science as later is a broad range of various aspects and the other one deals within the
specific field. Computer science provides information related with interaction that takes place
among software, hardware and computational applications. On the other hand software
engineering deals within principle related with designing, building and testing of the software
products.
Research problem & research questions
The software development involves different models while working on any of the project,
it becomes important to identify the one through which all the aspects associated with the project
can be accomplished (Singh, Chauhan and Popli, 2019). For this concepts of software
3

engineering have to be utilised in an adequate manner so that they can be utilised in appropriate
manner and the anticipated results can be derived. Software engineering renders abstract
illustration of processes that will render description of processes from certain perspectives.
Generally, it is set of activities or actions for specifications, designing, implementation and
testing of system. There are different models which are being used by a software developer to
ensure that the end product that is attained is in a working condition. Each model involves almost
identical stages they are: planning of the product, defining the requirements, its designing,
execution or building, testing and last is its deployment (Widianto, SBK and Purwanto, 2020).
With reference to Booths, the firm have gone through certain losses in 2016 and the
present situation of firm is also not good due to the pandemic conditions that prevail across the
world. The Booths needs to e-commerce, this implies that firm need to conduct online sales of
their services so that it becomes easy for potential customers to reach them. For this, they can opt
for having an application and for this it is important that they or developer have relevant
knowledge about their requirements so that it can be developed accordingly.
Research questions: What is the concept of software engineering and how this can be used within software
development? What are different software development process models that can be used to design
software? How to identify that particular model will enable to attain the desired end product?
With reference to software development process models, there are different models like
waterfall, agile, scrum, rational unified process (RUP) and many others Though all of them aids
within developing software and comprises of all the steps involved within SDLC but they varies
from each other on the basis of certain aspects (Beldarrain, 2019). Thus, management and
technical team of Booths have to identify the model through which they can accomplish their
motive behind developing an application. The different models that can be used by Booths are:
 Waterfall model: In this cascade mode is utilised where each stage have certain concrete
deliverables and is documented strictly. It is clear that if one stage is not completed then
other cannot be started this will aid within having precise outcome.
4

 Spiral model: Within this, emphasis is made on thorough risk assessment and has
benefits of model to fullest. It involves four major aspects planning, risk analysis,
creation of prototypes and evaluation of delivered aspects.
 Agile model: It is software development approach that is dependent on iterative processes
and this is broken into small tasks instead of long term planning. The scope along with
requirements is specified clearly (Bryan and et. al, 2019).
Literature Review
Objective Article Author and Published
Year
Overview
Concept of software
engineering
Software engineering Page, Cersei and Six H.W.
2017
It is field of computer
science that comprises of
development along with
building up applications
and software. This
comprises of operating
systems and computing
utilities. Here, different
procedures, principles and
techniques are utilised
(Page and Six, 2017).
Different software
development process
models
Study of software
development lifecycle
process models
Sylesh S
2017
There are different process
models that are being used
by project manager while
developing any peculiar
software. Each model have
different stages that allow
them within completing
the development process
(Shylesh, 2017).
Identify particular model
that will
Process models in design
and development
Wynn, D.C. and Clarkson,
P.J.
2018
It involves prototype
software tool that enables
trace all the attributes that
comprises of elementary
activities, their types along
with designing (Wynn and
5

Clarkson, 2018).
Research methods
Research design: This specifies actual design of the research. In this case exploratory
research will be used for carrying out analysis of information and understanding can be
developed related with software development models. This will further enable individual to have
in-depth insight into the topic.
Types of study: This comprises of two types, they are quantitative and qualitative
methodologies. In context software development, qualitative research will be conducted as it
aims at furnishing information which is non-numerical as well as non-quantifiable. It provides
with different perspectives related with software models.
Research approach: The strategy or plan that is carried out through assistance of
different methods. This involves two kind of research, they are deductive and inductive. In case
of this research deductive approach will be utilised so that precise information can be attained
(Conboy and Carroll, 2019).
Research strategy: This enables to formulate meticulous strategies that are related with
distinct processes which will further lead to make sure that research is carried out in an adequate
way. This comprises of action research, grounded theory, archival research, case studies and
various other methods that are used. Market survey will be used to identify which software
development model will yield them with adequate outcomes.
Time horizon: This involves longitudinal as well as cross sectional time horizons for
completion of the research. Cross sectional horizon will be used for making sure that all the
activities are carried out within the given time frame (Dingsøyr and et. al, 2019). For this, it is
important that work breakdown structure and Gantt structure will be utilised.
Method for data analysis: Through this researcher will be able to analyse quantitative
data that is related with software models and identification of the one which yield affirmative
results. In this case, content analysis will be used for measuring the information that is attained.
Independent and dependent variable: Here, the dependent variable is software
development and independent is software engineering. Each have different concept in terms of
broad and narrow.
6

Experimental conditions: Within this project, the emphasis is made on exploring the
concept of software development process models so that insight can be gained into different
models that are being used for developing any software. This further aids within having sequence
of series of steps through which it becomes easy to develop this.
For completion of this research secondary research methods will be used in which work
done by other researchers will be taken into consideration. Here, research articles, journals,
books and online sources will be used for gathering of information.
For carrying out this research waterfall model of software development will be used as
this is a sequential approach in which requirements are reviewed at end of each stage. This
makes it favourable to ensure that all the aspects related with requirements of organisation are
considered (Edet, 2019). Waterfall model also makes it easy to review the performance as entire
project scope is defined clearly in advance. The model will assist Booths within having structure
that can be managed in appropriate manner due to rigidity offered by this. Furthermore, each
phase will furnish certain deliverables along with review process which will further aid within
making sure that project is going in right direction and results attained through this will enable
them to complete the project within peculiar time duration. Each milestone will be clearly
defined which will further aid within segregation of different tasks or stages appropriately.
Quality assurance test can be conducted that means that desired standards of quality are
maintained and in case if any changes have to be made within particular stage then this will be
easy.
Alternative solution
The alternative method is to make use of primary research so that data can be attained on
the basis of present scenario. This will assist within understanding market needs and accordingly
identify the software development model.
Agile method can be used rather than waterfall model; the reason behind this is that if in
case any phase is not complete then next cannot be proceeded. Sometimes the client might miss
the details initially but at later instance would like to make alterations but this cannot be attained
in waterfall model and the working has to be started from the start. The reason for opting for
agile methodology is that customers can request for modifications within the requirements as per
their requirements and due to the sprint the results can be seen frequently by them (Hadar,
7

Sherman and Hazzan, 2019). It enables clients to prioritise backlogs as well as revaluate the
tasks that are not carried out still. Testing stage takes place when one stage is accomplished this
means that if any kind of alterations have to be made or things do not go well then the stage has
to be started from the start. For an example if in third stage any kind of problem occurs then the
project has to be started from initial stage as in middle this is not possible.
The feedback that is being given by client within the ongoing development stage can not
be addressed, this implies that though waterfall model can be easily implemented but this will
not yield affirmative results. Agile method will aid them within attaining customer satisfaction
and ensure the continuous release of software for Booths. In addition to this, there is continuous
interaction with customers that will further lead to attain better outcomes. Furthermore, the
software will be delivered within few weeks rather than certain months. By making use of agile
method regular adaptation can be made with reference to altering circumstances and even if
changes are needed at later instance of time then they can also be implemented easily (Ríos and
Souto, 2020). This is the reason that most of the firms have opted to make use of agile but in case
of small projects waterfall yields better results and is preferred.
Conclusion
From above, it is inferred that software engineering denotes the process that is involved
within development of the software. There are different models which can be used by
organisation for making sure that desired goals are attained but for this both assets along with
restrictions have to be taken into consideration. There are different models but agile method is
apt due to its flexibility and alterations can be made as per requirements.
Part 2 – Reflection
The major aspect that aids within completion of research are skills of communication,
information extraction and collection along with time management. I have adequate
communication skills that helped me to gather information as well as write them in precise
manner. But the information that was acquired was vast and to identify which one will aid within
addressing research questions was important. Furthermore, while carrying out study, I identified
that there are different research methods that are being used within conducting the research. As
the pandemic situation is prevailing so I only opted for secondary research methods that
comprises of analysing the work done by other researchers. But, the alternative method was to
8

formulate a questionnaire or surveys and this could have been shared within the social media for
a having a precise information.
Time management is the skill on which I need to work on as the information gathered
was wide and time for carrying out its analysis was restricted. This has created certain impact on
the overall results that have been attained. For dealing with this aspect it is important to make use
of WBS so that the time frame can decided for different activities. There is a scope for improving
my communication skills that includes both written and verbal skills as I found that I had a
information but exactly I was not able to express it. Though, I have enrolled for University
English as well as writing sessions so that I can enhance my skills and depict clearly the
knowledge that has been acquired.
9

References
Books and Journals
Beldarrain, Y., 2019. Developing an agile global workforce: challenges and critical success
factors. The Wiley Handbook of Global Workplace Learning, pp.45-65.
Borde, E., 2019. Architecture Models Refinements for Software Development of Critical Real-
time Embedded Systems. arXiv preprint arXiv:1911.10457.
Bryan, J.N. And et. al, Tasktop Technologies Inc, 2019. Value stream graphs across
heterogeneous software development platforms. U.S. Patent 10,509,649.
Conboy, K. and Carroll, N., 2019. Implementing large-scale agile frameworks: challenges and
recommendations. IEEE Software, 36(2), pp.44-50.
Dingsøyr, T. and et. al, 2019. Key lessons from tailoring agile methods for large-scale software
development. IT Professional, 21(1), pp.34-41.
Edet, I.A., 2019. Empirical Studies on Agile Software Development Benefits and Challenges: A
Systematic Literature.
Hadar, I., Sherman, S. and Hazzan, O., 2019. Learning human aspects of collaborative software
development. Journal of Information Systems Education, 19(3), p.8.
Kohvakka, S., 2020. Automation tools in software development and production.
Page, C. and Six, H.W., 2017. Software engineering. Larsen and Keller Education.
Ríos, J.M. and Souto, N.P., 2020. Comparison of development methodologies in web
applications. Information and software technology, (119), pp.1-13.
Shylesh, S., 2017. A study of software development life cycle process models. In National
Conference on Reinventing Opportunities in Management, IT, and Social Sciences (pp.
534-541).
Singh, M., Chauhan, N. and Popli, R., 2019, February. A Review on Quantitative Task
Allocation in Agile Software Development. In Proceedings of International Conference
on Sustainable Computing in Science, Technology and Management (SUSCOM), Amity
University Rajasthan, Jaipur-India.
Widianto, S.R., SBK, F.A. and Purwanto, A., 2020. Analysis of Mobile Based Software
Development Model: Systematic Review. Jurnal Mantik, 4(3), pp.1703-1711.
10