An Assessment of Software Safety as Applied to the Department of Defense Software Development Process

Abstract

This research analyzed the relationships between the DOD software development process, system safety requirements, and current structured software safety analysis techniques. The current state of software safety was assessed within the aerospace industry and DOD, and a training program for DOD System Safety Managers was developed. A telephone survey was conducted to gather information on current software safety analysis techniques and methodologies. Personal interviews were conducted with Aeronautical System Center System Safety Managers to gather data on job perception and perceived training needs. The results of the study indicate that the DOD guidance and policy documents needed to implement and manage a software safety program are adequate. Software safety programs, however, are not implemented and managed effectively; in addition, structured software safety analysis techniques are not widely used. To improve the DOD's ability to manage weapon system safety programs, DOD should implement the proposed training program. Safety Program Management, Safety Training, Safety Engineering, System Safety, Software Development, Software Safety Analysis.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADA258155

Entities

People

  • Peter W. Colan
  • Robert W. Prouhet

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerospace Industry
  • Business Administration
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Engineers
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Management Personnel
  • Safety
  • Safety Analysis
  • Safety Engineering
  • Software Design
  • Software Development
  • Software Testing
  • System Software
  • Systems Engineering
  • Systems Management
  • Test And Evaluation

Fields of Study

  • Computer science
  • Engineering

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Munitions and Ordnance Engineering
  • Software Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Space