Software Product Engineering

This course surveys fundamental topics necessary for successful software product engineering, including usability engineering, software configuration management (SCM), and an overview of legal issues for software engineers.

• Define and describe usability and the components of usability
• Explain why usability is important and how it can be measured
• Develop usability prototypes
• Apply principles of usability design
• Utilize methods for usability evaluation
• Describe the essential characteristics of software configuration management (SCM) and its value
• Distinguish among the components of SCM
• Identify applicable tools and techniques for SCM
• Select appropriate methods for protecting rights of software engineering products and concepts
• Explain essential characteristics of software development agreements

• Usability engineering
  • User and task analysis
  • Cognitive science principles
  • Design for usability—practical usability heuristics
  • Usability assessment
• Software configuration management
  • Maintaining software integrity, traceability and accountability
  • Version control
  • Configuration management
  • Tools and techniques
• Legal issues in software development
  • Overview of protection of software-relevant intellectual property rights (patent, copyright, etc.)
  • Introduction to software development agreements (source code ownership, consultancy, etc.)

You are expected to make several in-class presentations and to participate in class discussions and in-class exercises. Contribution to the group learning experience through participation in class discussions and exercises is madatory. There will be homework assignments that you are required to complete and turn in. Such assignments are expected to be of professional quality in both writing and presentation. Your final course grade is determined by combining scores on the presentations, exercises, and assignments. You are guaranteed a grade no lower than that given by the following conversion of score (percentage of total possible) to letter grade:
  89% < A;  79% < B < 90%; 69% < C < 80%; 59% < D < 70%; F < 60%

Please note that late assignments will not earn course credit. You may submit an assignment after its due date for comments and advice, and you are encouraged to do so. However, the score for that assignment will be recorded officially as 0. Likewise, missing an in-class exercise will result in a score of 0 for that exercise. Late homework and make-up exercises will not be accommodated without prior arrangement and written agreement. Unforeseeable crises and emergency situations will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis in accordance with MSCD, College, and Departmental policies.

Note that a substantial amount of information will be disseminated during class sessions or on course websites that you will be responsible for knowing whether or not you attended the sessions or accessed the website. Note in particular that the textbooks do not provide all of the information necessary to successfully complete the assignments and exercises.

The work you turn in must be your own, created by you individually. Collaboration and discussion with fellow students concerning course information, materials, proof-reading, concept exploration and studying is encouraged. However, work you turn in must reflect your individual effort to provide fair assessment for grading and maximized benefit from the learning experience. Turning in work that is the result of unauthorized collaboration or copying will be treated as academic dishonesty and an attempt at fraud. All incidents of suspected dishonesty will be reported to the department and the Dean of the college. Consequences may include a grade of 0 on the assignment or exam, a grade of "F" for the course, academic probation, or dismissal from the institution. This is a very serious matter and should not be taken lightly. If you have any uncertainty or concerns, please discuss them with your instructor or advisor.