SE201 Chapter 1 Exam

1

What is software? Generated

Only computer programs

Computer programs and associated documentation

Only the source code

Hardware components

Explanation:

Correct Answer: B - Software includes computer programs and all associated documentation such as requirements, design models, and user manuals.

2

A good software is a software that: Past Exam

Is produced using the waterfall model

Delivers the required functionality

Is maintainable

Delivers the functionality defined by the programmer

Explanation:

Best Answer: B and C - Good software should deliver required functionality AND be maintainable. However, if only one answer is allowed, B is typically the primary characteristic, though maintainability (C) is also essential.

3

One of the following is NOT an attribute of good software: Past Exam

Maintainability

Dependability

Efficiency

Unpredictability

Explanation:

Correct Answer: D - Unpredictability is NOT a desirable attribute. Good software should be predictable, maintainable, dependable, and efficient.

4

What is software validation? Past Exam

Checking that the software is free from bugs

Ensuring the software meets customer requirements

Writing documentation for the software

Designing the system architecture

Explanation:

Correct Answer: B - Validation answers "Are we building the right product?" - ensuring the software meets the customer's actual needs and expectations.

5

What is the primary focus of software engineering? Past Exam

Writing code

Software production and maintenance

Hardware design

Marketing software products

Explanation:

Correct Answer: B - Software engineering is concerned with ALL aspects of software production from initial conception through to maintaining the system after it has gone into use.

6

Which of the following is NOT one of the fundamental software engineering activities? Past Exam

Software specification

Software development

Software validation

Marketing

Explanation:

Correct Answer: D - The four fundamental activities are: Specification, Development, Validation, and Evolution. Marketing is not a fundamental software engineering activity.

7

Roughly what percentage of software costs are development costs? Past Exam

40%

50%

60%

80%

Explanation:

Correct Answer: C - Roughly 60% of software costs are development costs, and 40% are testing costs. For custom software, evolution costs often exceed development costs.

8

Software does not deteriorate over time; "it wears out". Past Exam

True

False

Explanation:

Correct Answer: False - Software does NOT wear out like hardware. However, it DOES deteriorate over time due to changing requirements, environments, and poor maintenance practices.

9

Generic products specification is owned by: Generated

The customer

The software developer

The end user

The project manager

Explanation:

Correct Answer: B - In generic products (like MS Office), the specification is owned by the software developer. In customized products, the customer owns the specification.

10

Which of the following is an example of a generic product? Generated

Air traffic control software

Microsoft Word

Embedded control system for a car

Hospital patient management system

Explanation:

Correct Answer: B - Microsoft Word is a generic product sold to the general market. The others are customized products developed for specific customers or purposes.

11

What does the "Commodity" attribute of good software design mean? Generated

A program should not have any bugs that inhibit its function

A program should be suitable for the purposes for which it was intended

The experience of using the program should be pleasurable

A program should not have any inconsistencies or omissions

Explanation:

Correct Answer: B - According to Mitch Kapor's software design manifesto, Commodity means the program should be suitable for its intended purposes.

12

Which is a key challenge faced by software engineering? Past Exam

Coping with increasing diversity

Reducing hardware costs

Eliminating maintenance

Avoiding customer feedback

Explanation:

Correct Answer: A - Key challenges include: heterogeneity/diversity, business and social change, security and trust, and scale.

13

List and briefly explain the four essential attributes of good software. Generated

Evaluation:

Model Answer:
The four essential attributes are:

Maintainability: Software should be written so it can evolve to meet changing customer needs
Dependability: Includes reliability, security, and safety. The software should not cause physical or economic damage
Efficiency: Software should not waste system resources such as memory and processor cycles
Acceptability/Usability: Software must be understandable, usable, and compatible with other systems

14

Explain why software engineers should adhere to a professional code of ethics. List at least three principles from the ACM/IEEE Code of Ethics. Generated

Evaluation:

Model Answer:
Software engineers should adhere to ethical codes because:

Software has a central role in society and can cause significant harm if misused
Engineers have opportunities to do good or cause harm
Professional behavior builds trust with customers and society

Three ACM/IEEE principles:

PUBLIC: Act consistently with the public interest
CLIENT AND EMPLOYER: Act in the best interests of client and employer, consistent with public interest
PRODUCT: Ensure products meet highest professional standards
JUDGMENT: Maintain integrity and independence in professional judgment

15

Identify the software engineering layer shown in this diagram: Generated

Software Engineering Layers diagram showing Quality

Process Layer

Quality Focus Layer

Methods Layer

Tools Layer

Explanation:

Correct Answer: B - The foundation layer is Quality Focus, followed by Process, Methods, and Tools at the top.

SE201 - Chapter 1 Exam

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