ASSIGNMENT WEEK 2

Life cycle I will use for new systems with well-understood requirements is the waterfall model Waterfall model which is also called linear sequential life cycle model is a sequential design process used in the process of software development where progress is seen in a downward flow through the phases of conception initiation analysis designconstruction testing development/implementation and maintenance. In this model each phase must be completed fully before the next phase can begin. When each phase ends a review is initiated to determine if the entire project is on the correct path. This model phases do not overlap either you continue or discard the project. It is very simple to understand and use.

Advantages of Waterfall model 1. It is very simple to use and understand. 2. Each phases are processed and completed one after the other. 3. It is easy to manage as a result of the inflexibility of the model as each phase possesses a specific deliverables and a review process. 4. It is effective for smaller project where requirements are very well understood.

Disadvantages 1. No working can be produced until late during the life cycle 2. There is a high amount of uncertainty and risk 3. It is very difficult to go back and change something once the application is in testing phase. 4. It is not good for complex projects and object oriented projects 5. It is a poor choice for long and ongoing projects Questions to know when the model is required 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Are the requirements very well known, clear and fixed? Is the product definition is stable? Is the project short? Is the technology understood? Are there access to resources and required expertise

Life cycle I will use for new systems with poorly understood requirements is the SPIRAL MODEL This is a risk driven process model generator for software projects. It guide a team to adopt elements of one or more process models for example incremental, evolutionary prototyping or waterfall (Wikipedia). The spiral model has four phases namely Planning Risk Analysis Engineering Evaluation

Each following spirals builds on the baseline spiral. Requirements are collected during the planning phase. A process is undertaken in the risk analysis phase in other to identify risk and different solutions. A prototype is produced at the end of the risk analysis phase. Advantages 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Theres a strong approval and documentation control It is good for large and mission critical projects Software is produced early in the software life cycle More functionality can be added in future Theres a high risk of analysis

Disadvantages 1. 2. 3. 4. It is expensive Risk analysis requires highly specific expertise It doesnt work well for smaller projects The success of a project is depends on the risk analysis phase

When the model is required 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. When the user are unsure of their needs New product line When the requirements are complex For medium to high risk project When significant changes are expected

References. Rapid Development & Software Project Survival Guide Steve McConnell Dave Root (Developed with Mel Rosso-Llopart) http://istqbexamcertification.com/what-is-spiral-model-advantages-disadvantages-and-when-to-use-it/ http://istqbexamcertification.com/what-is-waterfall-model-advantages-disadvantages-and-when-touse-it/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiral_model http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_development_process#Waterfall_model