The role and implementation of software quality assurance in the implementation of a quality improvement program

As software has become an increasingly important part of systems performing complex and critical functions, the risks of having a software-caused failure have dramatically increased. Software personnel now generally agree on the need for methods of increasing software reliability by eliminating errors made during software development. Industry and academic institutions have responded to this need through the use of improved development methods, and rigorous methodology employing systematic checks for detecting errors in the software during its development process.

This work addresses the contribution that can be made by quality assurance by outlining the role and implementation of software quality assurance employed during software development and maintenance. The approach taken is to develop a means of controlling and managing software development through the use of quality assurance factors and criteria and their quantification. Guidelines and procedures are presented to aid quality assurance personnel and software developers in making decisions relative to factor, criteria, and quantification specification to meet the needs of a software development effort. Tools and techniques which are available are categorized according to quality assurance concepts presented to aid in the specification of those most suited for a given software production effort.

The results of this study are a method for determining the role and the implementation of a quality assurance plan in a software development effort. This work provides guidelines for quality assurance personnel and software developers to follow in establishing their own quality assurance plan to meet the needs of their own software production requirements.