BACS2163 Software Engineering

Tutorial 1
1. With the aid of examples, differentiate generic software product from bespoke software
product.
Generic Software Product (Product that are for all customers)
Software development that is being undertaken by the company that owns the
resulting product
Example: PC software such as editing, graphics programs, project management
tools.
Lower cost: customer no need pay the development cost.
Bespoke Software Product (Product that are to meet specific user requirement )
Software development that is being done as a work-for-hire project for another
company.
Example: embedded control system, air traffic control software, traffic
monitoring systems.
Higher cost: cost are higher than generic software since additional featured can
be added into software.
2. Do you think that system engineering same as software engineering? Explain.
a) Systems engineering
Is an interdisciplinary field of engineering that focuses on how complex
engineering projects should be designed and managed.

Issues such as logistics, the coordination of different teams, and automatic

control of machinery become more difficult when dealing with large, complex
projects.

It consists of variety of system element such as database, hardware, software,

network, people and procedures.

b) Software engineering
Is an engineering discipline, which is concerned with all aspects of software
production from the early stages of system specification through to maintaining
the system after it has gone into use.

Software engineering is a layered technology consisting of the following four

important layers. Which is tools, methods, process, a quality focus.

Is a part of system engineering.

3. University of Texas is upgrading its library system. Foreseeing the benefits that students
gained from the improved library system, this project is fully supported by the President
of the university. The universitys Center of Technology (CoT) is planning for this library
system improvement project. The improved library system is projected to be used in the
coming new semester which is about three and a half months away from now. There are
four main modules to be improved according to an online survey that conducted among
the universitys students and academic staffs. These modules are: online student account
management, online staff account management, online book reservation, and online book
account management (mainly for the librarian to maintain book profile). The modules are
clearly defined by the senior library officer. Since this project is ranked as high priority,
the project manager of CoT decided to allocate eight senior software engineers in getting
the system to be ready within three months.
Propose and explain FOUR (4) software quality attributes to the university library
system.

4.

FYB is interested to develop its GCM system according to the Software Engineerings
layered technology which consists of FOUR (4) important layers. Assist FYB to analyse
each layer based on GCM system by proposing appropriate technology. [Hint: technology
for each layer can be a tool, methodology, quality attributes, and software process
model.]

5. Discuss three challenges/problems on software development that are likely to be faced by

software engineer in current software industry.
The legacy challenge
The challenge of maintaining & updating legacy software in such a way that
excessive costs are avoided and essential business services continue to be
delivered.
The heterogeneity challenge
The challenge of developing techniques to build dependable software which is
flexible enough to cope with different types of computer & support systems.
The delivery challenge
The challenge of shortening delivery times for large & complex system without
compromising system quality.

6. Mandy is a fresh graduate from the School of Computer Sciences. Recently she is hired by a
software house to develop bespoke software for clients. Describe TWO(2) important
professional and ethical responsibilities of Mandy as a software engineer in the software
house.
CLIENT AND EMPLOYER
Mandy need to act in a manner that is in the best interests of their client and
employer consistent with the public interest.
Scenarios: Mandy should try to communicate and be fair with her client to get
the user requirements and other employee to obtain more knowledge to develop
the specific software.
PRODUCT
Mandy need to ensure that their products and related modifications meet the
highest professional standards possible to develop the customize software for
clients.
Scenarios: Mandy must base on the user requirements in order to develop high
quality product.