Possible Application of Quality Function Deployment in Software Systems Development in the United States Air Force

Abstract

The objectives of the thesis were to determine whether the methods of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) could be used in the software development environment within the USAF, and whether or not this area should be researched further. The research was limited to the requirements analysis and definition phase. The different areas of study included a brief review of the structured analysis methodology, a detailed review of the QFD models currently being used in the product industries, a review of how QFD fits into the software development cycle, and specific software modifications to the QFD methodology. A review of some applications of software QFD (SQFD) is also performed. A sample problem consisting of an Automated Teller Machine is developed in detail using the SQFD methods identified. A subjective survey was conducted of a small sample of USAF software experts to determine the suitability of SQFD for USAF use based on the sample problem. The results of the thesis show that QFD can be adapted to software development. SQFD also shows potential to save both time and money for the USAF. Consideration must be given to the sample size and nature of the survey when interpreting the results of this research.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA246722

Entities

People

  • Craig R. Lamb

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Engineered Resilient Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Commerce
  • Complex Systems
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Cost Reductions
  • Engineers
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Management Personnel
  • Manufacturing
  • Reliability
  • Robotics
  • Software Development
  • Systems Engineering
  • Systems Management
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Computer science
  • Engineering

Readers

  • Computer Science.
  • Naval Engineering and Maritime Security
  • Systems Analysis and Design