Software Engineering 101

Software Quality Assurance

Elements of Software Quality Assurance
Quality Attributes of Software
Process-Based Quality Assurance
Key Goals of SQA Tasks
Quality Metrics
Key Quality Standards
Product vs. Process Standards
SQA Plan Overview
Software Engineering: A Practitioner’s Approach, 7/e Slides copyright © 1996, 2001, 2005, 2009 by Roger S. Pressman & Software Engineering 9/e By Ian Sommerville
 What is Software Quality Assurance?
•Definition of Software Quality Assurance (SQA):
SQA is a systematic process that ensures the quality of software products through
planned activities throughout the development lifecycle. It focuses on improving
processes to achieve reliable, high-quality outcomes.

•Importance of SQA:
Effective SQA minimizes defects, reduces development costs, ensures compliance with
standards, and maintains software reliability and performance.

•Overview of the SQA Process:

SQA involves monitoring, evaluating, and refining development and testing processes.
It integrates quality checks at each stage of software development.
 Elements of Software Quality Assurance
•Process Definition and Standards:
Establishing quality standards and defining processes to meet them. This includes
adopting methodologies like Agile, DevOps, or Waterfall and creating clear policies for
consistency.

•Quality Control and Testing:

Includes code reviews, various testing levels (unit, integration, system, and
acceptance), and validation to confirm that software meets defined quality standards.

•Continuous Improvement:
Incorporating feedback loops, analyzing metrics, and conducting retrospectives to
enhance processes over time.

•Documentation and Audits:

Maintaining detailed records of processes, testing, and changes. Regular audits
ensure compliance with standards and identify improvement areas.
 Quality Attributes of Software
•Functionality:
The software can perform its intended functions, including features, security, and
compliance with requirements.
•Reliability:
To consistently operate without failure under specified conditions over time.
•Usability:
Ease of learning and using the software, including intuitive interfaces, helpful
documentation, and positive user experience.
•Efficiency (Performance):
Responsiveness, speed, & optimal resource utilization under expected loads.
•Maintainability:
The ease of updating or modifying the software to correct defects, enhance
functionality, or adapt to new requirements.
•Portability:
To transfer software from one environment to another with minimal effort.
 Process-Based Quality Assurance
•Focus on Processes:
Prioritizes defined workflows and standardized procedures across teams to embed
quality into every phase of development.

•Integration of SQA in Development:

Embedding SQA practices into the software lifecycle ensures that quality checks occur
from planning through deployment.

•Importance of Process Models:

Examples like Agile, Waterfall, or DevOps provide frameworks for systematically
managing development and ensuring quality.

•Continuous Improvement:
Incorporating iterative feedback and cycles like Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) to refine
processes and achieve better outcomes over time.
 Key Goals of SQA Tasks
•Defect Prevention:
Proactively identify and address potential defects early in the development process to
avoid costly fixes later.
•Early Detection of Issues:
Identify problems during development to minimize their impact on the final product
and reduce rework.
•Compliance with Standards:
Ensure adherence to regulatory and industry standards, particularly in industries
handling sensitive data.
•Continuous Process Improvement:
Refine processes based on lessons learned & feedback to enhance quality.
•Customer Satisfaction:
Deliver software that meets or exceeds user expectations, promoting loyalty and
repeat business.
•Reduction of Costs:
Minimize development and maintenance costs by addressing issues early and
avoiding expensive rework.
 Quality Metrics in Software Quality Assurance (SQA)
•Defect Density:
Measures the number of defects identified per unit of code (e.g., per 1,000 lines).
Helps evaluate code quality and identify areas requiring improvement.
•Test Coverage:
Represents the percentage of the code or requirements that have been tested,
ensuring critical functionalities are verified.
•Mean Time to Failure (MTTF):
Tracks the average time between system failures, serving as a measure of reliability in
real-world scenarios.
•Customer-Reported Defects:
Counts defects identified by users post-deployment, reflecting end-user experience
and satisfaction levels.
•Importance of Metrics in SQA:
Quality metrics enable teams to quantify software quality, track progress, identify
trends, and guide decision-making for process improvements.
.
 Key Quality Standards
•International Standards:
Frameworks like ISO/IEC 25010 define quality characteristics and offer guidelines for
software quality assurance.
•Industry-Specific Standards:
Regulations such as HIPAA (healthcare) and PCI-DSS (payment systems) are critical for
compliance in specialized fields.

•Common Standards Overview:

Widely recognized standards like ISO 9001 and CMMI guide process maturity and
quality management in software development.
•Importance of Standards:
Establishing and following standards ensures software quality, compliance, and
customer satisfaction while supporting continuous process improvement.
 Product vs. Process Standards
•Product Standards:
Focus on the final software product's attributes, including functionality, usability,
performance, and reliability.
•Process Standards:
Emphasize best practices, methodologies, and structured workflows during the
software development lifecycle.
•Key Differences:
• Product standards evaluate what the software achieves (outcome).
• Process standards assess how the software is developed (method).
•Implications:
A balanced focus on both product and process standards helps organizations maintain
quality across the development cycle, reducing risks and improving deliverables.
 SQA Plan Overview
•Definition:
A structured document outlining the activities, resources, roles, responsibilities, and
schedule needed to achieve software quality objectives.
•Key Components:
• Objectives: Clear goals for quality assurance.
• Scope: Definition of areas covered by QA activities.
• Activities: Detailed list of quality assurance tasks.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Assigned duties for QA personnel.
• Tools and Metrics: QA tools and performance measures.
• Timeline: Schedule for QA activities throughout the project.
•Importance:
• Ensures clarity in QA processes.
• Aligns QA activities with project goals.
• Serves as a guide for identifying and mitigating quality risks.
•Plans for Projects:
Customize the SQA plan based on project-specific needs, complexity, and constraints.
 Conclusion

SQA is an integral part of the software development process, ensuring high-quality products
that meet customer needs and comply with industry standards.

Future Trends in SQA

•Automation & AI Impact:

Advances in automation and AI are transforming the SQA landscape, increasing efficiency
and enhancing software quality assurance processes.
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References

Smith, Angela & Wang, Bo. "Advancements in Machine Learning-Based Software Quality Assurance," Journal of Software Engineering, 2024.
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Smith, J., & Gupta, P. (2024). Automated Quality Assurance Techniques for Modern Software Systems. Journal of Software Engineering Research, 21(3), 245-259.
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Kim, R., & Martinez, J. (2023). Agile Practices and Their Impact on Software Quality Assurance Metrics. IEEE Software Engineering Letters, 40(4), 502-517.
Ahmad, T., & Wong, S. (2023). Exploring the Role of DevOps in Enhancing SQA Processes. International Journal of Quality in Information Systems, 10(5), 319-332.
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Gomez, M., & Schmidt, T. (2023). AI-Driven Software Quality Metrics and Their Efficacy. Proceedings of the International Conference on AI and Software Testing, 102, 57-68.
https://www.inflectra.com/Ideas/Topic/Software-Quality-Assurance.aspx
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https://www.javatpoint.com/software-quality-assurance
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https://www.perforce.com/blog/qac/what-is-iso-25010

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