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B.C.A. IV Sem Software Engineering Examination, May

2024

Section A: Very Short Answer Type Questions (3 marks each)

1. Write a note on software maintenance.

Software maintenance is the vital process of modifying, updating, and enhancing
existing software after its initial delivery. Its core aims are to ensure the software
continues to meet evolving user needs, diligently correct errors , boost performance
, and gracefully adapt to shifting technological landscapes .

2. Explain advantages and disadvantages of software reuse.

Advantages:

• Reduced development time and cost.

• Increased reliability due to prior rigorous testing.
• Standardized components fostering consistency.
• Easier maintenance leveraging existing knowledge.

Disadvantages:

• Difficulty in locating suitable and compatible components.

• Potential for integration complexities and incompatibilities.
• The cost and effort of adapting reusable components.
• The risk of inheriting latent faults from reused assets.

3. Differentiate between functional and non-functional requirements.

Functional Requirements: Describe what the software should do. Think specific

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actions and features like user login , data processing , and report generation .

Non-Functional Requirements: Describe how the software should perform. These

relate to qualities like performance speed , security robustness , and user-
friendliness .

4. Explain cyclomatic complexity.

Cyclomatic complexity is a crucial software metric that quantifies a program's
complexity by measuring the number of independent paths through its control flow
graph. It serves as an indicator of the testing effort required and the potential challenges
in understanding and maintaining the codebase .

5. Describe prototype model and its advantages.

The prototype model involves building an early, working model (prototype) of the
software to actively gather and understand user requirements from the outset.

Advantages:

• Enhanced user involvement and feedback throughout development.

• Early detection of potential errors and misunderstandings .
• Improved accuracy in estimating development effort.
• A clearer and more tangible understanding of the final product vision.

Section B: Short Answer Type Questions (7.5 marks each)

6. Describe system specification. Describe software requirement specification.

System Specification: This comprehensive document outlines the overarching
characteristics, diverse components (hardware, software, people), and their intricate
interfaces within a complete system. It paints a holistic picture of how these elements
synergistically work together to achieve a unified objective.

Software Requirement Specification (SRS): This focused document meticulously

details the specific functions, features, performance benchmarks, and operational
constraints of the software to be developed. It acts as a precise blueprint for the
development team, clearly articulating what the software will accomplish and how well it
will perform. The SRS is a critical subset of the broader system specification, dedicated
solely to the software aspects.

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7. What are the differences between software design and project planning?
Explain it.
Software Design: This phase is all about how the software will be constructed. It
involves the creative process of defining the system's architecture , individual
modules , their interaction interfaces , underlying algorithms , and efficient data
structures . The tangible outcome is a detailed blueprint for developers to follow
during the implementation stage.

Project Planning: Conversely, project planning focuses on the strategic

management of the entire software development endeavor. It encompasses defining the
project's scope , establishing realistic timelines , allocating necessary resources
, proactively identifying potential risks , and crafting a comprehensive roadmap for
successful project completion .

In essence, design provides the technical solution blueprint, while planning orchestrates
the managerial and organizational aspects to bring that blueprint to life effectively within
given constraints.

8. What do you mean by system testing? Explain any two system testing.
System Testing: This crucial phase of software testing evaluates the fully integrated
system as a whole to ensure it diligently meets the specified requirements. It rigorously
tests the interaction and collaboration between different components and subsystems,
verifying the overall functionality, performance, and reliability of the entire system.

Two Types of System Testing:

• Functional Testing: This type meticulously verifies that all the defined
functionalities of the system operate precisely as expected according to the
requirements specification. Testers provide various inputs and rigorously check if
the resulting outputs align with the anticipated outcomes.
• Performance Testing: This critical testing evaluates the system's
responsiveness under different loads, its stability over time, and its efficient
utilization of resources. It plays a vital role in identifying potential bottlenecks and
ensuring the system can gracefully handle the expected user load and operational
demands.

Section C: Long Answer Type Questions (15 marks each)

9. What is software process model? Explain the advantages and disadvantages of

spiral and prototyping model.

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A software process model is a well-defined and structured approach employed to

effectively manage and guide the intricate development of software systems. It provides
a comprehensive framework encompassing the necessary tasks, activities, and tangible
deliverables involved throughout the entire software development lifecycle.

Spiral Model:

Description: The spiral model is a sophisticated, risk-driven process model that cleverly
integrates elements from both iterative and traditional waterfall approaches. It
progresses through four key phases – Planning , Risk Analysis , Engineering ,
and Evaluation – repeated iteratively. Each iteration builds upon the previous one,
gradually developing a more complete and refined version of the software.

Advantages:

• High emphasis on thorough risk analysis and mitigation.

• Ideal for complex and large-scale projects with inherent uncertainties.
• Flexibility to readily accommodate evolving requirements and changes.
• Early and continuous involvement of users throughout the process.

Disadvantages:

• Can be a more expensive model due to the iterative risk analysis.

• Effective risk analysis demands significant expertise and experience.
• The project can potentially become stuck in an infinite loop if risk management is
not handled effectively.
• Overall success heavily relies on the accuracy and effectiveness of the risk analysis
phase.

Prototyping Model:

Description: The prototyping model centers around building a working model

(prototype) of the software early in the development lifecycle. This tangible prototype
serves as a crucial tool for understanding and refining user requirements and key design
aspects through active feedback. The prototype is then iteratively refined based on user
input until the final, fully functional product is developed.

Advantages:

• Significantly improved user involvement and valuable feedback early on.

• Early detection and resolution of potential errors and misunderstandings.
• More accurate estimation of the overall development effort required.
• A clearer and more concrete understanding of the desired final product.

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Disadvantages:

• May lead to poorly structured and less maintainable code if not carefully
managed with proper design principles.
• Users might develop unrealistic expectations, viewing the early prototype as the
final deliverable.
• Can potentially increase overall development time if excessive iterations and
refinements are needed.
• May inadvertently overlook critical non-functional requirements in the focus on early
functionality.

10. What do you understand by software reliability metrics? Explain the different
types of software reliability metrics.
Software reliability metrics are essential quantitative measures employed to assess
and predict the crucial reliability of a software system. Reliability, in this context, refers to
the probability of the software operating without failure for a specified duration under
defined conditions. These metrics provide valuable insights into the software's quality
and serve as a basis for informed decisions regarding testing strategies and ongoing
maintenance efforts.

Different Types of Software Reliability Metrics:

• Mean Time To Failure (MTTF): The average time interval between consecutive
failures in a non-repairable system.
• Mean Time To Repair (MTTR): The average time required to repair a failed
system and restore it to its fully operational state.
• Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): The average time between consecutive
failures for repairable systems (MTBF = MTTF + MTTR).
• Rate of Occurrence of Failure (ROCOF): The number of failures observed
within a specified time interval.
• Probability of Failure on Demand (POFOD): The likelihood that the system will
fail when a service request is made.
• Availability: The proportion of time that a system is operational and readily
available for use (\\text\{Availability\} \= \\frac\{\\text\{MTTF\}\}\{\\text\{MTTF\} \+ \
\text\{MTTR\}\}).
• Number of Faults/Errors: The total count of defects discovered in the software.
• Failure Intensity: The rate at which failures occur, which can change over time.

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11. Explain different test strategies.

Test strategies define the overarching approach and fundamental objectives of the
entire software testing process. The selection of appropriate strategies depends on
various project factors, including specific requirements, thorough risk assessment, and
the availability of resources. Here are some common and distinct test strategies:

• Big Bang Testing: Integrating and testing all components as a single unit after
development.
• Incremental Testing: Integrating and testing components gradually (e.g., top-
down, bottom-up).
• Top-Down Testing: Testing from high-level modules to lower-level modules
using stubs.
• Bottom-Up Testing: Testing from low-level modules to higher-level modules
using drivers.
• div style="background-color:#f0ecef; padding: 15px; border-radius: 5px; margin-
bottom: 15px;"> 11. Explain different test strategies. (Continued)
◦ Sandwich Testing: A combination of top-down and bottom-up testing,
focusing on critical modules early.
◦ Risk-Based Testing: Prioritizing testing efforts based on the risk
associated with different parts of the software.
◦ agile Agile Testing: An iterative and collaborative approach integrated
throughout the agile development lifecycle.

12. Discuss the concept of software maintenance process. Justify the statement
"Software maintenance is costlier."
The software maintenance process encompasses all the necessary activities
required to modify an existing software product after its initial deployment and release.
The primary goal is to ensure the software continues to effectively meet evolving user
needs and operates reliably in its intended environment. A typical software maintenance
process involves several key phases:

• Identification and Prioritization: Identifying and prioritizing maintenance

needs.
• Analysis: Understanding the proposed change and its impact.
• Design: Developing a solution for the identified need.
• Implementation: Making the necessary code changes.
• Testing: Thoroughly testing the modified software.
• Deployment: Deploying the updated software.
• Documentation: Updating the relevant documentation.

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Justification for "Software maintenance is costlier":

Software maintenance often surpasses initial development costs due to:

• Legacy Code Complexity

• Ripple Effect of Changes
• Evolving Environment
• Increasing Entropy
• Staff Turnover
• Limited Original Understanding
• Extensive Testing Overhead

(For a more detailed explanation of each point, please refer to the previous detailed
answer.)

13. Explain the following:

(i) Quality Assurance

Quality Assurance (QA) is a proactive and systematic process focused on

establishing and maintaining defined quality standards and procedures throughout the
entire software development lifecycle. Its primary goal is to prevent defects by adhering
to quality management plans, standards, and processes.

(ii) Software cost estimation

Software cost estimation is the critical process of forecasting the effort, time, and
resources required to successfully develop a software system. Accurate cost estimation
is paramount for effective project planning and budgeting.

(iii) Test Planning

Test Planning is the foundational process of meticulously defining the specific

objectives, overall scope, chosen approach, and necessary resources for effectively
testing a software system. The outcome is a comprehensive test plan document.

(For more detailed explanations of each of these, please refer to the previous detailed
answer.)

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B.C.A. IV Sem Software Engineering Examination, June

2023

Section A: Very Short Answer Type Questions (3 marks each)

1. Explain how verification is different from validation.

Verification checks if the software is built correctly ("Are we building the product
right?"). It focuses on the process and ensures conformance to specifications.

Validation checks if the software meets the user's needs ("Are we building the right
product?"). It focuses on the final product and ensures it satisfies the requirements.

2. What are objectives of testing?

The primary objectives of testing are to identify defects or errors, ensure the software
meets specified requirements, assess the quality, and provide stakeholders with
information about the software's reliability and performance.

3. Define SRS. Describe the importance of a good SRS. Why it is called 'black
box'?
SRS (Software Requirements Specification) is a comprehensive document that
describes all the functional and non-functional requirements of the software to be
developed.

A good SRS is important because it acts as a contract, provides a clear understanding,

reduces misunderstandings, forms the basis for design and testing, and helps in
managing scope and changes.

It is sometimes called a 'black box' specification because it describes what the system
should do (external behavior) without detailing how it will achieve those functions
(internal workings).

4. Explain waterfall model with a neat diagram.

The waterfall model is a linear, sequential software development approach where each
phase must be completed before the next begins. The phases typically include
requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance.

+-----------------+ +-----------+ +---------------+ +-----------+

| Requirements | --> | Design | --> | Implementation| --> | Testing |

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+-----------------+ +-----------+ +---------------+ +-----------+

5. What are the fundamental activities of a software process?

The fundamental activities of a software process typically include:

• Specification: Defining what the system should do and the constraints.

• Development: Designing and implementing the software system.
• Validation: Checking that the software meets the customer's needs.
• Evolution: Modifying the software to meet changing demands.

Section B: Short Answer Type Questions (7.5 marks each)

6. How we estimate cost of a software by Constructive Cost Model? Explain all the
three modes of COCOMO model with example.
The Constructive Cost Model (COCOMO) is an algorithmic cost estimation model
using the formula: \\text\{Effort\} \= a\_b \\times \(KLOC\)^b \\times EAF.

The three modes are:

• Organic Mode: Small to medium projects, well-understood requirements,

experienced team (e.g., in-house utility software).
• Semi-Detached Mode: Mix of experienced and inexperienced team, some unclear
requirements (e.g., new module for existing application).
• Embedded Mode: Large, complex projects, tight constraints, critical environment
(e.g., aircraft control system).

(For the specific values of a\_b and b for each mode, please refer to the previous
detailed answer.)

7. Explain the fundamental software design concepts in detail.

Fundamental software design concepts include:

• Abstraction: Simplifying complexity by modeling essential properties.

• Modularity: Dividing the system into smaller, independent units (modules).
• Encapsulation: Bundling data and methods within a single unit.
• Information Hiding: Making internal details inaccessible.

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• Cohesion: Degree to which elements within a module are related.

• Coupling: Degree of interdependence between modules.
• Hierarchy: Organizing modules in a hierarchical structure.
• Modularity and Decomposition: Breaking down the system into smaller parts.

(For a more detailed explanation of each concept, please refer to the previous detailed
answer.)

8. Discuss the differences between black box and white box testing.
Black Box Testing: Tests functionality without internal knowledge, from a user's
perspective. Techniques include boundary value analysis, equivalence partitioning, etc.

White Box Testing: Tests internal structure and code, requiring implementation
knowledge. Techniques include statement coverage, branch coverage, etc.

(For a more detailed comparison, including advantages and disadvantages, please refer
to the previous detailed answer.)

Section C: Long Answer Type Questions (15 marks each, except 12

& 13)

9. Discuss various key process areas of CMM at various maturity levels.

The Capability Maturity Model (CMM) describes an evolutionary improvement path
with five maturity levels, each with Key Process Areas (KPAs):

• Level 1: Initial (Chaotic): No defined processes.

• Level 2: Managed (Repeatable): Basic project management processes (e.g.,
Requirements Management, Project Planning).
• Level 3: Defined: Standardized organizational processes (e.g., Organizational
Process Focus, Training Program).
• Level 4: Quantitatively Managed: Process and product quality are measured (e.g.,
Quantitative Process Management).
• Level 5: Optimizing: Continuous process improvement (e.g., Defect Prevention).

(For a complete list of KPAs at each level, please refer to the previous detailed answer.)

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