Unit 32 Quality Systems in IT

Introduction

Aim

To provide learners with an understanding of the importance of the quality process as applied to IT-related systems development.

Unit abstract

Quality control and assurance relies on the establishment of standards by which projects can be measured. This is carried out through reviews, tests and inspections to ensure that the end product meets requirements. IT projects need to be carried out within a structured framework of procedures that will ensure that quality is an integral part of the development process. Adherence to this framework ensures that the final outcome meets its intended purpose and has been produced using the most efficient method. Learners will begin this unit by exploring the meaning of quality in the context of IT development and the implications of adopting this approach. They will continue by learning about the quality control issues and then project management tools that can be used to support the process. On completion of this unit, learners will understand the importance of a quality-focused approach to development and maintenance and be able to select appropriate tools to enable this

Learning outcomes

1 Understand the need for quality assurance in IT systems

Standards: compliance against national and international standards eg ISO 31000 risk; risk management standards eg Project Management Institute, National Institute of Science and Technology; quality standards, ISO 9000, best practice
Risks: types of risk eg financial, project failure, legal, accidents, natural causes, attacks Systems Development Life Cycle: stages eg planning, requirements analysis, design, build, test, maintenance

2 Be able to employ standard quality control documentation

Documentation: to include eg detailed product specification, environmental, safety, reliabilty, maintainability requirements, monitoring checks, reviews, inspections, test results, control charts

3 Be able to use project management tools

Tools: techniques eg Gantt charts, CPM, PERT, PRINCE, project management software

Resources

Books

Chatfield C, Johnson T – Microsoft Office Project 2007 Step by Step Book/CD Package (Microsoft Press, 2007) ISBN-10: 0735623058
Clark W – The Gantt Chart, a Working Tool of Management (2010) ISBN-10: 1152255762
Galin D – Software Quality Assurance: From Theory to Implementation (Addison Wesley, 2003) ISBN-10: 0201709457
Honey G – A Short Guide to Reputation Risk (Short Guide to Business Risk) (Gower, 2009) ISBN-10: 0566089955
Portney S – Project Management for Dummies (Wiley, 2006) ISBN-10: 0470049235
Reuvid J – Managing Business Risk: A Practical Guide to Protecting Your Business (Kogan Page, 2009) ISBN-10: 0749454490