An Analysis of Software Design Methodologies

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA081319 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Four formal software design methodologies were described and briefly analyzed 1 Structured Design, 2 Jacksons Methodology, 3 Integrated Software Development System Higher Order Software, and 4 Warniers Logical Construction of Programs. Relative strengths, weaknesses, and commonalities among the methods were identified and human factors problem areas were analyzed. Several major human factors deficiencies and problems were identified. Formal software design methods differ in terms of Applicability to problems of different types, size or complexity susceptibility to design errors and constraints and limitations imposed on the software designer. Various methods limit the designers ability to select an appropriate problem representation, prevent the designer from utilizing relevant knowledge and experience, or impose potentially significant information loads on the designer. Improvements in design methodologies require a better understanding of the problem-solving behavior of software designers potential research topics in this area were identified.

Author(s):
Ramsey, H. R. ; Atwood, Michael E. ; Campbell, Gary D.
Author Organization(s):
SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INC ENGLEWOOD CO
Descriptive Note:
Technical rept. 3 Oct 1977-3 Dec 1978
Supplementary Note:
DOI: 10.21236/ADA081319
Pagination:
0126

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
SAI-79-104-DEN, ARI-TR-401
Contract/Grant Number(s):
DAHC19-78-C-0005
Project Number(s):
2Q762725A778
Monitor Series:
TR-401, ARI
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_5.3.1_Analyze Problem; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_5.2.3_Share Knowledge and Situational Awareness; JCA_5.5.2_Task; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_1.2.6_Concepts; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_5.4_Decide; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_5.2.2_Develop Knowledge and Situational Awareness; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_6.1_Information Transport; JCA_1.2.5_Lessons Learned; JCA_1.4_Force Support; JCA_6.2.1_Information Sharing; JCA_6.2.2_Computing Services; JCA_1.4.2_Health Service Delivery; JCA_4.6_Engineering; JCA_8_Building Partnerships
Modernization Areas:
Fully Networked C3; Cyber
Communities of Interest:
C4I
Descriptor(s):
*COMPUTER PROGRAMMING, COMPUTER PROGRAMS, COMPUTER PROGRAM DOCUMENTATION, HUMAN FACTORS ENGINEERING, CODING, PROGRAMMERS, DEBUGGING(COMPUTERS), LOGIC, ERRORS, PROBLEM SOLVING, METHODOLOGY, REASONING
Field(s)/Group(s):
Psychology, Computer Programming and Software
Keyword(s):
*COMPUTER SOFTWARE DESIGN, COGNITION, AS778, PE62725A
Report Date:
1979 Aug 01