Software Defect Prevention for better Software Quality

Abstract

This work aims to propose a qualitative “starter model” for a new software defect prevention for better Software Quality. Software defect prevention methods and models have made substantial progress in recent years. But this still falls short of the needs of today and the future. One contribution is a qualitative model that takes into account key determinants and their interlinked effects. The model is based on System Dynamics and the elements involved in the software development process, e.g. the human being, management, members of staff, work psychology, quality, methods, organizations, customer, culture etc. Current research status comprises 15 identified important key determinants, their respective strength, interrelationships and dynamics. The model is operationalized with a software tool capable of modelling all the key determinants defined, their effect directions and other data of the comprehensive matrix they make up. With the research results made, the new defect prevention model shows promise. The research is due to continue further in order to contribute to improved defect prevention in the software development process. The number of key determinants, their respective strength etc. be will be 140 in the final research work.

Keywords: Systemic, software, software development, Software-quality, defects, defect prevention, Determinants, System Dynamics, qualitative model, the human being, process, methods, technology, organization.