Introduction to Software Inspections

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Inspections are well-defined, repeatable processes providing specific roles and responsibilities; written records of results; and defined controls for rework and its verification. Inspections ensure high quality software products by encouraging the detection of potential errors early in the software development life cycle, where they are less costly to fix. Inspections increase productivity in your software development environment.

This course provides an in-depth understanding of the methods necessary for implementing a successful software inspection program.

TOPICS COVERED:

• Inspection process approach and associated benefits over other techniques.
• Inspection roles and responsibilities.
• Inspection tools: including entry criteria checklists and inspector checklists.
• Metrics collection and analysis as a direct result of inspections.
• Lessons learned in establishing inspection programs.

AUDIENCE:
This course is intended for a broad community of computer and software professionals involved in the management and development of software projects. Program or engineering managers, software engineers, programmers, as well as system engineers, and application program developers will greatly benefit from the course.

DURATION:
1 to 3 days

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
A major focus of this course is learning how to define and implement a software inspection process. The course demonstrates how to perform inspections, provides a working knowledge of the process and communicates lessons learned regarding the transition phase.

OUTLINE:

1. Organizational Considerations
   

   • Tailor inspection method to the environment

   • Obtain buy-in from key groups

   • Project-specific software and life cycle issues

2. Inspection Process Approach
   

   • Planning

   • Overview and Introduction of Materials

   • Individual Inspector Preparation

   • Inspection Meeting

   • Revision of Materials

   • Follow-up Verification

3. Roles and Responsibilities
   

   • Preparation Roles

   • Meeting Roles

4. Inspection Tools
   

   • Preparation Tools

   • Documentation Tools

5. Data Collection for Software Metrics
   

   • Organizational Metrics

   • Data Maintenance and Life Cycle Implications

6. Transition to a Successful Inspection Program
   

   • Management Issues

   • Culture Change Issues

   • Software Process Definition

   • Training and Tools Issues

   • Customer Training and Acceptance

EXERCISES AND EXAMPLES