Software Development Lifecycles

Digital Technologies: Unit 11 (J/615/1631)

The software development lifecycle is an integrated process that promotes building good quality, secure software throughout the entire development process. The aim of this unit is to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand software development lifecycles and to demonstrate their knowledge by implementing a software development lifecycle with a suitable methodology.

This unit introduces students to lifecycle decision-making at different stages of the software development process. Students will examine various lifecycle models and appreciate their particular characteristics to understand which project environments they are most appropriate for. Theoretical understanding will be translated into practical skills through an actual software development lifecycle project and students
will become confident in the use of particular tools and techniques relevant to a chosen methodology.

Among the topics included in this unit are iterative and sequential models of software development lifecycles and reference frameworks for initially capturing conceptual data and information through a feasibility study and requirement gathering techniques through to analysis, design and software implementation activities. As a result students will develop skills such as communication literacy, critical thinking,
analysis, reasoning and interpretation, which are crucial for gaining employment and developing academic competence.

Learning Outcomes

• LO1 Describe different software development lifecycles
• LO2 Explain the importance of a feasibility study
• LO3 Undertake a software development lifecycle
• LO4 Discuss the suitability of software behavioural design techniques.