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Original Date: 08/07/1995
Revision Date: 01/18/2007
Best Practice : Software Development Process
Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems (LMTAS) management has focused increased attention on its system software development process. This increased awareness is due to the exponential growth in system software costs measured as a percentage of total system costs (Figure 2-4). In mid-1991, LMTAS chartered a Software Engineering Process Group (SEPG) to implement, assess, and improve the standard software development process. This effort, based on the Software Engineering Institute Capability Maturity Model, maintains a goal of producing high quality software at a reduced cost.
Application criteria for this standardized process are generally based on project scope and magnitude. For example, existing projects may only require limited application, while new projects require evaluation based on their magnitude and expected lifecycle. However, projects of more than 2000 workhours and over 6 months are required to apply the standardized software development process.
The SEPG works to control and maintain development standards, provide training, and assist in the categorization and customization of the development process used to create software. The SEPG also serves as a focal point for technology application of appropriate software methods as well as automated Computer-Aided Software Engineering tools. Object-oriented programming is applied where appropriate.
The SEPG maintains a central database of project descriptions and metrics that are used to assess the software development process. Measurements may include typical project measures such as schedule and cost performance as well as software-specific measures (e.g., stability, defect density, computer resource utilization). Measurable successes include being independently assessed as Software Engineering Institute Level III in 1993, and achieving a 48% reduction in software costs as of December 1996 from the January 1992 baseline. The SEPG has maintained a solid Level III. The group has achieved an overall ISO-9001 certification in May 1996 for Quality Management Systems; a software Quality System TickIT certification in September 1997; and an aeronautics-specific Quality Management System certification (AS-9001) in March 1998.
(Figure 2-4) Software Development Process
For more information see the
Point of Contact for this survey.
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