1.

Define the term software: State and briefly explain software

quality attributes.
Software is a collection of instructions, data, or computer programs that are used to run
machines and carry out particular activities. It is the antithesis of hardware, which refers
to a computer’s external components. A device’s running programs, scripts, and
applications are collectively referred to as “software” in this context.

Software Quality Attributes:

Software quality attributes are characteristics or properties that indicate the quality and
effectiveness of a software product. Here are some key quality attributes:

1. Functionality:

o Refers to the ability of the software to perform the tasks it was designed for,
meeting the needs of the users. It ensures the software works as expected.

2. Reliability:

o This indicates the software's ability to perform consistently over time,

without failures. A reliable software product should work under varying
conditions without crashing or producing errors.

3. Usability:

o Refers to the ease with which users can interact with the software. This
includes intuitive design, user-friendly interfaces, and the efficiency with
which users can complete tasks.

4. Efficiency:

o This measures the software’s resource usage (like memory, processing power,
or bandwidth) while still delivering its functions. Efficient software uses
minimal resources for optimal performance.

5. Maintainability:

o The ability of software to be easily updated, fixed, or enhanced. A

maintainable system is easy to modify, extend, and correct when issues arise.

6. Portability:

o The capability of the software to operate on different environments or

platforms (like different operating systems or hardware). Portable software
can be easily adapted to run in varied configurations.

7. Scalability:
 o The ability of the software to handle increased loads or larger volumes of
data without compromising performance. Scalable software can grow in
functionality or size without significant changes to its architecture.

8. Security:

o The software's ability to protect itself and its data from unauthorized access,
breaches, or attacks. Security is critical for protecting user privacy and
preventing malicious activities.

9. Interoperability:

o The ability of the software to interact and work with other systems or
software products. Interoperable software can exchange data and functions
across different platforms or applications.

2. Write a note on iterative model

The Iterative Waterfall Model is a software development approach that combines

the sequential steps of the traditional Waterfall Model with the flexibility
of iterative design. It allows for improvements and changes to be made at each
stage of the development process, instead of waiting until the end of the project.
The Iterative Waterfall Model provides feedback paths from every phase to its
preceding phases, which is the main difference from the classical Waterfall Model.
1. When errors are detected at some later phase, these feedback paths allow for
correcting errors committed by programmers during some phase.
2. The feedback paths allow the phase to be reworked in which errors are committed
and these changes are reflected in the later phases.
 3. While the feasibility study phase often doesn’t involve frequent feedback, the
iterative nature of this model allows for revisiting earlier stages, including feasibility,
if new requirements or changes arise during later phases.
4. It is good to detect errors in the same phase in which they are committed.
5. It reduces the effort and time required to correct the errors.
6. A real-life example could be building a new website for a small business.

1. Requirements Gathering: This is the first stage where the business owners and
developers meet to discuss the goals and requirements of the website.
2. Design: In this stage, the developers create a preliminary design of the website based
on the requirements gathered in stage 1.
3. Implementation: In this stage, the developers begin to build the website based on
the design created in stage 2.
4. Testing: Once the website has been built, it is tested to ensure that it meets the
requirements and functions properly.
5. Deployment: The website is then deployed and made live to the public.
6. Review and Improvement: After the website has been live for a while, the business
owners and developers review its performance and make any necessary
improvements.

3. Write a short note on requirement process.

The requirement process is a critical phase in software development that involves gathering,
analyzing, and defining the needs and expectations of stakeholders for a system or product.
It sets the foundation for all subsequent stages of development, ensuring the product meets
the desired goals and functions as intended.

Key Steps in the Requirement Process:

1. Requirement Elicitation: This is the process of gathering information from

stakeholders, including users, customers, and subject matter experts. Techniques like
interviews, surveys, workshops, and observation are often used to understand their
needs.

2. Requirement Analysis: Once gathered, the requirements are analyzed for clarity,
feasibility, and completeness. Conflicts between requirements are identified, and
ambiguities are resolved.

3. Requirement Specification: The requirements are documented in a detailed and

structured format, often in a Software Requirements Specification (SRS) document.
This serves as a reference for both developers and stakeholders.
 4. Requirement Validation: The documented requirements are reviewed with
stakeholders to ensure that they are accurate, complete, and align with business
goals. This is a critical step to avoid misunderstandings later in the project.

5. Requirement Management: Throughout the project, requirements may evolve due

to changes in business needs, user feedback, or technological constraints. Managing
these changes through traceability and version control is essential.

4. What is requirement specification and explain desirable

characteristics of an SRS.
Requirement Specification:

A Requirement Specification is a detailed document that describes the functions, behaviors,

and constraints of a software system to be developed. It outlines what the software is
expected to do and acts as a bridge between the stakeholders (such as users, business
analysts, and developers) to ensure everyone has a clear and consistent understanding of the
software’s requirements. The document typically includes both functional and non-
functional requirements.

• Functional Requirements: These describe the specific behavior, actions, or tasks the
software must perform.

• Non-functional Requirements: These describe the qualities, constraints, or

conditions under which the software must operate (e.g., performance, security,
reliability).

Desirable Characteristics of a Software Requirement Specification (SRS):

A good SRS should possess the following characteristics:

1. Correctness:

o The SRS should accurately reflect the requirements of the stakeholders. It

should specify only those functionalities that the system is supposed to
support, and the requirements must be clear and aligned with the user’s needs.

2. Unambiguity:

o The SRS should be free of ambiguity. Each requirement should be stated

clearly and without any vague language so that developers, testers, and other
stakeholders interpret them in the same way.

3. Completeness:
 o The document should include all the functional and non-functional
requirements necessary for the software system to operate effectively. This
includes edge cases, exception handling, and any limitations or constraints.

4. Consistency:

o The requirements in the SRS must not contradict each other. If one
requirement says the system should support a certain feature, no other
requirement should say otherwise.
5. Verifiability:

o The requirements should be written in such a way that they can be tested or
verified. This ensures that once the system is developed, it can be checked to
see if it meets the stated requirements.

6. Modifiability:
o The SRS should be easy to maintain and update. Software requirements often
evolve during development, so the document should be organized in a way
that changes can be made easily without affecting other parts of the
specification.

7. Traceability:

o Every requirement in the SRS should be traceable to its origin, whether it's
from a user need, business goal, or regulation. This helps in tracking the
requirements throughout the software development lifecycle.

8. Understandability:

o The SRS must be written in simple and clear language, understandable by all
stakeholders, including developers, testers, business analysts, and end-users. It
should not be overly technical unless it is intended for a technical audience.

9. Feasibility:

o The requirements should be realistic and achievable within the given

constraints (time, budget, technology, etc.). They should not require
impossible resources or technology beyond what is available.

10. Reusability:

o If applicable, the requirements should be written in a way that they can be

reused in other projects or future versions of the software. This reduces the
effort in writing new specifications for similar systems.

5. What is software requirement specification document? Briefly

explain the properties the requirement document should satisfy?
Software Requirement Specification (SRS) Document:

A Software Requirement Specification (SRS) document is a formal, structured

document that outlines the functional and non-functional requirements for a software
system. It serves as a comprehensive description of the system to be developed and is
used by developers, testers, and other stakeholders to understand what needs to be built.
The SRS provides clear, detailed, and measurable requirements to ensure that all parties
have a shared understanding of the software’s capabilities and constraints.

Typically, an SRS document includes:

• Introduction: Overview of the system, its purpose, scope, and intended audience.
• Functional Requirements: Specific actions, tasks, and behaviors the system must
perform.

• Non-Functional Requirements: Performance, security, usability, reliability, and

other quality attributes.

• System Interfaces: Descriptions of how the system interacts with other systems,
hardware, or software.

• User Interfaces: Any graphical user interface (GUI) or interaction requirements.

• Constraints: Limitations such as hardware, software, or regulatory constraints.

• Assumptions and Dependencies: Any external factors that the system depends on.

Properties the Requirement Document Should Satisfy:

A well-written SRS document must satisfy several important properties to ensure its
effectiveness:

1. Correctness:

o The SRS should represent the true requirements as defined by stakeholders.

The document must accurately describe the system’s behavior and the user’s
needs.

2. Unambiguity:

o Every requirement should be written clearly, with no room for multiple

interpretations. Use precise language, avoid vague terms, and ensure
consistency in terminology.

3. Completeness:

o The document should cover all functional and non-functional requirements. It

must include all the features the software will offer, as well as constraints,
limitations, and any user expectations.
 4. Consistency:

o The requirements in the document should not conflict with each other. There
should be no contradictions between different sections of the SRS.

5. Verifiability:

o The requirements should be stated in a way that they can be tested or verified.
For instance, the document should specify measurable criteria so that once the
software is developed, it can be checked against the stated requirements.

6. Modifiability:

o The SRS should be easy to update. As project requirements may evolve, the
document should be organized in a way that changes can be incorporated
without affecting other parts unnecessarily.

7. Traceability:

o Each requirement should be traceable to its origin (e.g., user needs, business
goals, or regulatory standards). This helps ensure that all requirements have
been considered and fulfilled.

8. Understandability:

o The SRS should be clear, concise, and understandable to all stakeholders,

including non-technical users. Avoid overly complex technical jargon unless
it's specifically aimed at a technical audience.
9. Feasibility:

o The requirements should be achievable given the available resources,

technology, and time constraints. They must be realistic and within the
project’s scope.

10. Reusability:
o The requirements should be written in a way that they can be reused in other
similar projects or versions of the system. This helps reduce redundancy and
the time spent writing new specifications for similar systems.

6. What is scheduling? List and explain the skills of project manager.

Scheduling:

Scheduling in project management refers to the process of planning and organizing tasks,
activities, and milestones to ensure that a project is completed within its defined time frame.
It involves determining the sequence of tasks, allocating resources, estimating the time
required for each task, and establishing deadlines for the project. Scheduling is essential for
tracking progress, ensuring that the project remains on track, and managing resources
efficiently.
Skills of a Project Manager:

A Project Manager (PM) is responsible for leading a project from start to finish, ensuring its
success by managing resources, time, scope, and stakeholders. Effective project management
requires a blend of technical, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Here are key skills that a
project manager should possess:

1. Leadership Skills:

o Description: A project manager must be able to lead a team, set a clear vision,
and motivate team members to achieve the project goals. They need to manage
conflicts, foster collaboration, and ensure that the team stays focused on the
project's objectives.

o Importance: Leadership ensures that the team is working cohesively,

communicates effectively, and stays engaged throughout the project.

2. Communication Skills:

o Description: A project manager needs to communicate effectively with all

stakeholders, including team members, clients, sponsors, and external
partners. This involves regular updates, managing expectations, and providing
clear instructions.

o Importance: Communication is essential for keeping everyone informed,

resolving issues quickly, and ensuring transparency in the project’s progress.

3. Time Management:

o Description: A project manager must be skilled in prioritizing tasks, setting

deadlines, and ensuring that the project is completed on schedule. They should
be able to manage competing tasks and handle delays or disruptions
effectively.
o Importance: Time management ensures the project remains within scope and
delivers on time, meeting all deadlines.
4. Risk Management:

o Description: A project manager needs to identify, assess, and manage

potential risks throughout the project. This involves forecasting possible
issues, creating mitigation strategies, and adapting to unexpected challenges.

o Importance: Risk management helps in minimizing project disruptions,

managing uncertainties, and ensuring the project progresses smoothly.

5. Problem-Solving Skills:

o Description: A project manager must be able to think critically and address

challenges or obstacles that arise during the project. They should analyze
 problems, consider alternatives, and make quick decisions to find effective
solutions.

o Importance: Effective problem-solving helps in maintaining the project's

momentum and overcoming obstacles that could delay progress.

6. Budget Management:

o Description: Managing the project’s finances is a key responsibility. The

project manager must allocate the budget efficiently, monitor expenditures,
and ensure the project remains within budget.

o Importance: Budget management ensures that the project does not exceed
financial limits and that resources are used effectively.

7. Negotiation Skills:

o Description: Project managers often need to negotiate with vendors, clients,

team members, and other stakeholders to resolve conflicts, secure resources,
or adjust timelines.
o Importance: Strong negotiation skills help in reaching mutually beneficial
agreements and keeping the project moving forward despite challenges.
8. Team Building and Motivation:

o Description: A project manager should be able to build a strong, motivated

team by assigning tasks according to strengths, providing guidance, and
creating a positive, collaborative environment.

o Importance: Motivated teams are more productive, engaged, and focused on

achieving the project's goals.

9. Quality Management:

o Description: Ensuring that the project's deliverables meet the required

standards and quality expectations is essential. The project manager must
monitor the quality of the work, conduct regular reviews, and ensure
compliance with standards.

o Importance: Quality management ensures that the project meets the

expectations of stakeholders and delivers value without compromising on
quality.

10. Adaptability and Flexibility:

o Description: The project manager must be adaptable to changes in scope,

resources, or timelines. They should be able to respond to changes in a project
and adjust plans as necessary.
 7. Explain principles of CMM.
Principles of CMM (Capability Maturity Model):

The Capability Maturity Model (CMM) is a framework developed to improve and

assess the maturity of software development processes within an organization. CMM
focuses on the gradual improvement of processes over time, aiming to enhance the
efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of software development.

The model is structured into five maturity levels, each representing a stage of
process improvement. However, the principles of CMM are not limited to just the maturity
levels but are broader in scope. These principles guide the implementation and growth of a
software process improvement program.

Here are the key principles of CMM:

1. Process Improvement is an Ongoing Activity:

• Explanation: The improvement of software development processes should be

continuous, not a one-time effort. CMM emphasizes the idea that improving
processes is a long-term journey, and organizations should work towards incremental
improvement.

• Importance: Continuous improvement helps in adapting to changes, optimizing

workflows, and maintaining high standards of software quality.

2. Process Maturity is Progressive:

• Explanation: CMM introduces the concept of process maturity, which is structured

into five stages or levels (Initial, Managed, Defined, Quantitatively Managed, and
Optimizing). Organizations move from one level to another progressively, as their
processes become more defined, controlled, and optimized.

• Importance: This progressive approach ensures that improvements are implemented

in a manageable way, helping organizations evolve systematically.

3. Focus on Defining, Measuring, and Controlling Processes:

• Explanation: A key principle of CMM is that processes need to be well-defined,

measurable, and controlled. Organizations should clearly document their processes,
set metrics to assess them, and have mechanisms to monitor and adjust them.
• Importance: Well-defined and measurable processes lead to better control and
consistency in product development, reducing risks and errors.

4. Alignment with Business Goals:

• Explanation: Process improvements should be aligned with the organization’s overall

business goals and objectives. It’s important for software processes to contribute to
the strategic direction of the organization, helping meet customer requirements,
improve productivity, and optimize resources.

• Importance: Alignment ensures that the improvements in software development

processes deliver tangible benefits and support the broader goals of the
organization.

5. People Involvement and Development:

• Explanation: People (teams, managers, stakeholders) are central to process

improvement. The development of skills, knowledge, and competence within the
team is essential for effective process implementation and improvement.

• Importance: Employee involvement and skill development help build a culture of

continuous improvement, empowering teams to make meaningful contributions to
the organization's success.

6. Measurement-Based Decision Making:

• Explanation: CMM emphasizes the importance of using data and metrics to make
informed decisions. Organizations should gather data on their processes, analyze it,
and use the insights to drive decisions on process improvements and optimizations.

• Importance: Using metrics for decision-making ensures that improvements are based
on objective evidence rather than assumptions or intuition.

7. Process Institutionalization:

• Explanation: CMM highlights the need for making improved processes an integral
part of the organization’s culture and operations. Process improvements must be
institutionalized, meaning they should become standard practice and part of the day-
to-day activities.
 • Importance: Institutionalizing processes ensures that improvements are sustainable
and continuously applied, not just temporary fixes.

8. Organizational Commitment:

• Explanation: For the successful implementation of CMM, the entire organization,

from top management to individual contributors, needs to be committed to the
process improvement initiative. Leadership commitment is crucial to securing
necessary resources, setting priorities, and driving change.

• Importance: Strong organizational commitment fosters a unified approach to process

improvement, ensuring alignment and support at all levels of the organization.

9. Continuous Feedback and Refinement:

• Explanation: CMM emphasizes the importance of feedback loops in the process

improvement journey. As organizations improve their processes, they should
continuously gather feedback, analyze results, and refine their processes accordingly.

• Importance: Feedback and refinement ensure that the improvements made are
effective, efficient, and aligned with organizational needs.

10. Risk Management and Mitigation:

• Explanation: Effective process improvement also involves identifying potential risks

and developing strategies to mitigate them. By focusing on risk management,
organizations can anticipate challenges and address them proactively during the
improvement process.

• Importance: Managing and mitigating risks helps prevent costly mistakes and project
failures, ensuring more predictable and successful outcomes.

8. Write note on project monitoring plan. Write and explain

different risk management activities.
Project Monitoring Plan:

A Project Monitoring Plan (PMP) is a structured approach to tracking and assessing the
progress of a project throughout its lifecycle. The goal of a monitoring plan is to ensure that
the project stays on track, meets its objectives, adheres to its budget and timeline, and
produces the desired quality of work. It involves continuous oversight and control over
various project parameters, such as scope, schedule, cost, resources, and risks.

Risk Management Activities:

Risk management is a critical part of project management, as it involves identifying,

assessing, and mitigating risks that could impact the project’s success. The goal is to
minimize negative impacts and maximize opportunities that could help the project achieve
its objectives.

The key risk management activities are as follows:

1. Risk Identification:

• Explanation: This activity involves identifying potential risks that could affect the
project. Risks can be internal (e.g., resource shortages, technical challenges) or
external (e.g., market changes, regulatory impacts). The goal is to create a
comprehensive list of potential threats and opportunities.

• Tools/Techniques:

o Brainstorming sessions with the team and stakeholders

o SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis

o Expert judgment

o Risk checklists from past projects

o Interviews and surveys

2. Risk Assessment and Analysis:

• Explanation: Once risks are identified, they need to be assessed in terms of their
likelihood of occurrence and potential impact on the project. Risks are often
classified as high, medium, or low in terms of severity and likelihood.

• Types of Analysis:

o Qualitative Risk Analysis: Involves prioritizing risks based on their probability

and impact without quantifying them.

o Quantitative Risk Analysis: Uses numerical methods and models to evaluate

the probability of risks and their potential impact on project objectives, such
as cost or schedule.

• Tools/Techniques:
 o Risk matrices (probability vs. impact)

o Monte Carlo simulations

o Decision tree analysis

3. Risk Prioritization:

• Explanation: After risks are assessed, they need to be prioritized based on their
potential impact. This ensures that resources are allocated to manage the most
significant risks first. Risks that are high probability and high impact should be
addressed immediately.

• Tools/Techniques:

o Risk matrix (categorizing risks by severity and likelihood)

o Pareto analysis (80/20 rule)

4. Risk Mitigation and Response Planning:

• Explanation: This activity involves developing strategies to address the identified

risks. The goal is to reduce the likelihood of risks occurring and to minimize their
impact if they do occur. Risk response strategies can include:

o Avoidance: Altering the project plan to eliminate the risk or its impact.

o Mitigation: Taking actions to reduce the likelihood or impact of the risk.

o Acceptance: Acknowledging the risk and planning to deal with it if it occurs

(often used for low-impact risks).

o Transference: Shifting the impact of the risk to a third party (e.g., outsourcing
or insurance).

• Tools/Techniques:

o Risk response matrices

o Contingency planning

o Workaround strategies

5. Risk Monitoring and Control:

 • Explanation: This ongoing activity involves tracking identified risks and the
effectiveness of risk responses throughout the project. New risks may arise during
the project, and existing risks may change. Continuous monitoring ensures that risks
are being properly managed, and adjustments to the plan are made when necessary.

• Tools/Techniques:

o Regular risk reviews and updates

o Risk registers

o Performance tracking tools (such as KPIs)

o Issue logs

6. Risk Communication:

• Explanation: Effective communication about risks is crucial for successful risk

management. It involves sharing risk information with stakeholders, project teams,
and decision-makers. Keeping stakeholders informed about risks and responses
ensures that everyone is aligned and prepared for potential issues.

• Tools/Techniques:

o Regular risk update meetings

o Risk reports and dashboards

o Stakeholder communication plans