An Investigative Search of Variables Impacting Software Support Costs.

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to identify the impact of variables in the Operational Flight Program (OFP) software development phase upon OFP software support. Investigate questions included identifying: 1) development and support models, tools, and techniques in the literature; 2) specific variables of these models, tools, or techniques; and 3) the impact of these variables upon software support costs. A background review covered software and system life cycles, modern design practices or techniques, and software tools and models. A methodology was also developed for model comparison. A literature review then covered software tools, techniques, and taxonomies along with the Avionics Integration Support Facility. A taxonomy was then developed for technique variables according to DoD Standard-2167 development phases, as follows: requirements analysis (RA), preliminary design (PD), detailed design (DD), coding and unit testing (CD); computer software component integration and testing (CSC); and finally, computer system configuration item testing (CSCI). These variables were rated from the most ot least important on their impact in reducing support costs. Final recommendations encouraged: 1) use of non-proprietary models; 2) increased management participation during early development phases; 3) use of two models during development; and 4) follow-on research to substantiate findings.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1987
Accession Number
ADA188879

Entities

People

  • Thomas Pacheco

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Application Software
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Life Cycles
  • Literature
  • Literature Surveys
  • Software Development
  • Software Testing
  • Taxonomy
  • Test Methods

Fields of Study

  • Computer science
  • Engineering

Readers

  • Computer Science.
  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis
  • Software Engineering