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563 - The Mandvi Education Society

Institute of Computer Studies – MCA

Subject Code : 3640003

Subject Name : Software Engineering
Prepared By: Dr. Vikas S. Chomal
2 Spiral Model

Introduction
 Circumstances to use Spiral Model

 Advantages

 Disadvantages

Prepared By: Dr. Vikas S. Chomal

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The Spiral model of software development is shown in

figure below. The diagrammatic representation of this
model appears like a spiral with many loops. The exact
number of loops in the spiral is not fixed. Each loop of the
spiral represents a phase of the software process. For
example, the innermost loop might be concerned with
feasibility study. The next loop with requirements
specification, the next one with design, and so on. Each
phase in this model is split into four sectors (or quadrants)
as shown in figure below. The following activities are
carried out during each phase of a spiral model.

Prepared By: Dr. Vikas S. Chomal

 Figure : The Spiral Model
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Prepared By: Dr. Vikas S. Chomal
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First quadrant (Objective Setting)

• During the first quadrant, it is needed to identify the
objectives of the phase.
• Examine the risks associated with these objectives.

Prepared By: Dr. Vikas S. Chomal

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Second Quadrant (Risk Assessment and Reduction)

• A detailed analysis is carried out for each identified
project risk.
• Steps are taken to reduce the risks. For example, if
there is a risk that the requirements are inappropriate,
a prototype system may be developed.

Prepared By: Dr. Vikas S. Chomal

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Third Quadrant (Development and Validation)

• Develop and validate the next level of the product after
resolving the identified risks.

Fourth Quadrant (Review and Planning)

• Review the results achieved so far with the customer and plan
the next iteration around the spiral.
• Progressively more complete version of the software gets
built with each iteration around the spiral.

Prepared By: Dr. Vikas S. Chomal

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Circumstances to use spiral model

The spiral model is called a meta model since it encompasses all other life
cycle models. Risk handling is inherently built into this model. The spiral
model is suitable for development of technically challenging software
products that are prone to several kinds of risks.

Prepared By: Dr. Vikas S. Chomal

Advantages 9

1. Estimates (i.e. budget, schedule, etc.) get more realistic as work

progresses, because important issues are discovered earlier.
2. Repeated or continuous development helps in risk management.
Continual and steady approach minimizes the risks or failure
associated with the change in the system.
3. Adaptability in the design in software engineering accommodates
any number of changes that may happen, during any phase of the
project.
4. Since the prototype building is done in small fragments or bits, cost
estimation becomes easy and the customer can gain control on
administration of the new system.
5. As the model continues towards final phase, the customer's
expertise on new system grows, enabling smooth development of
the product meeting client's needs.

Prepared By: Dr. Vikas S. Chomal

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Disadvantages
1. The models work best for large projects only, where the costs
involved are much higher and system fundamentals involves higher
level of complexity.
2. It needs extensive skill in evaluating uncertainties or risks
associated with the project.
3. It works on a protocol, which needs to be followed strictly for its
smooth operation. Sometimes it becomes difficult to follow this
protocol.
4. Evaluating the risks involved in the project can shoot up the cost
and it may be higher than the cost for building the system.
5. There is a requirement for further explanation of the steps
involved in the project such as breakthrough, blueprint, checkpoints
and standard procedure.

Prepared By: Dr. Vikas S. Chomal