Chapter 7


Questions to Consider:


1. Is this example of software problems holding up the introduction of a major new product and impacting a firm’s customers and suppliers unusual, or is it a common occurrence?

ANSWER :  I think it is normal to buy software with defects though that would give a bad impression into the consumers.


2. What can organizations do to reduce the negative consequences of software development problems in the production of their products and the operation of their business processes and facilities?


ANSWER :  Software engineers should refine techniques to mediate risks of developing software products that should of course meet the needs of their clients.


Discussion questions


1.   With the benefit of hindsight, what steps could have been taken during development of the Patriot software to avoid the problems that led to the loss of life?  Do you think these steps would have improved the Patriot’s effectiveness enough to make it obvious that the missile was a strong deterrent against the Sued?  Why or why not?


ANSWER : They should have Double checked everything.




2. What ethical decisions do you think the U.S. military made in choosing to deploy the Patriot missile to Israel and Saudi Arabia and in reporting the effectiveness of the Patriot system?


ANSWER : Their intention to end the war i think is ethical.


3. What key lessons from this example of safety-critical software development could be applied to the development of business information system software?


ANSWER : Software development is a very critical job. You could be sued for just for making a single error. That is why you should double check everything, for there is no room for any mistake.