This course introduces students to advanced topics on managing the quality of products to be delivered as part of the progression within a software development project, and managing the development process itself through software process improvement frameworks and standards.

Several causal aspects of (bad) software quality will be introduced and discussed so that students can understand the context for undertaking risk and bad quality avoidance.

There will be a focus on practical techniques for identifying and removing defects as well as for implementing procedures to track the success or failure of resk and kefect resolutions.

There are several Software Process Imporvement (SPI) frameworks and standards available, each one possessing its own merits and difficulties.  Most are regarded as being more appropriate to large software development organisations where the assumed expenses of incorporated SPI initiatives typically provide significant return on investment.  This course will introduce the various well known frameworks and standards in the context of importance to organisations but then also discuss tailored versions of some SPI frameworks that are more suitable to small organisations or teams of software developers.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Assess and apply techniques for verification and validation of various artefacts that are typically produced during the development of small to large software systems.
2. Assess and apply software process and measurement techniques which have been found to enhance the capability and maturity of software development organisations.

Required Resources

Here are some public textbooks for anyone interested in automatic methodologies for software quality assurance utilized in both academia and industry:

Static Program Analysis

The fuzzing book

Principles of program analysis

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Generative AI Tools (including but not limited to ChatGPT or GitHub Copilot) CANNOT BE USED in any way on this course, for example (but not limited to) generating text, improving human-written text, procuring definitions, etc.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction to Software Quality
2	Quality Assurance and Testing
3	Software Inspection and Reviews	Assignment 2 - out
4	Software Metrics and Measurement
5	Static Analysis – Soot	Assignment 2 - due, Assignment 3 - out
6	Static Analysis – Intermediate Representative
7	Static Analysis – Data Flow Analysis (I)	Assignment 3 - due
8	Static Analysis – Data Flow Analysis (II)	Assignment 4 - out
9	Bug Localization and Program Repair
10	Dynamic testing – Automated Testing
11	Guest Speaker/Software Security and Reliability
12	Wrap Up/Guest Speaker/Individual or Group Presentation	Assignment 4 - due

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Individual Assignment - 15%	15 %	1,2
Individual Assignment - 15%	15 %	2
Soot Utilization Assignment - 30%	30 %	1
Data Flow Analysis Assignment - 40%	40 %	1,2

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Examination(s)

This course does NOT include a final examination.

All assignments are strictly individual tasks. No collaboration of any sort is permitted.

The hurdles and assignments are indicated in this page.

The use of Generative API tools is strictly prohibited.

Assessment Task 1

Individual Assignment - 15%

Due during the tutorial on week 2,3,5,7,9,11

Not Hurdle: Actively participate in at least 5 labs.

• The labs are in person only and the tutor will chair a discussion around the topics relevant to the lectures at the time with a short quiz being used as the agenda for the discussion.
• Your participation in the tutorial, including providing answers to the tutor on the questions and topics raised will be assessed by the tutor at the end of each tutorial.
• Successful participation in each tutorial is going to result in 3 marks up to a maximum of 15 (i.e. if you take an active part in 5 tutorials).

Assessment Task 2

Individual Assignment - 15%

Compose a reflective essay of approximately 1,500 words to explore and discuss key concepts related to software quality, emphasizing the significance of high-quality software development practices. Additionally, delve into the intricacies of the code review process and its practical implications in industry settings.

Essay Structure:

1.Introduction:

• Briefly introduce the importance of software quality in the context of modern software development.
• Provide an overview of the key themes to be discussed in the essay.

2.Notions of Software Quality

• Define and discuss the various dimensions of software quality.
• Explore how these dimensions contribute to the overall quality of a software product.

3.The Importance of Software Quality

• Analyze the significance of prioritizing software quality in the software development life cycle.
• Discuss the impact of high-quality software on user satisfaction, project success, and overall business objectives.

4.The Code Review Process

• Provide an in-depth explanation of the code review process, emphasizing its role in identifying and rectifying issues in the source code.
• Discuss the benefits of code reviews in terms of code quality, knowledge sharing, and team collaboration.

5.Conclusion

• Summarize the key points discussed in the essay.
• Conclude with insights into the crucial role of software quality and code reviews in contemporary software development practices.
• This assignment is NOT A HURDLE 

Assessment Task 3

Soot Utilization Assignment - 30%

Students are mandated to delve into the intricacies of utilizing Soot, a powerful tool in the realm of software analysis and manipulation. The primary objective is to equip students with the necessary skills to seamlessly convert Java bytecode into Intermediate Representation using the Soot framework. Furthermore, students are tasked with a specific assignment aimed at solidifying their understanding of Soot's capabilities. The assignment requires students to explore and implement the technique of runtime instrumentation using Soot. Runtime instrumentation involves the insertion of code into a program during its execution, enabling dynamic analysis and modification of its behavior.

This assignment is a Hurdle: obtain at least 50% of the assignment marks.

Assessment Task 4

Data Flow Analysis Assignment - 40%

This assignment entails the application of a cutting-edge static program analysis tool to conduct comprehensive data flow analysis on both benchmark and real-world software applications. Students will be tasked with not only identifying and reporting detected data leaks but also delving into the analysis of any undiscovered leaks, thereby contributing to the advancement of security practices in software development. It provides a valuable opportunity for students to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application, ultimately contributing to their development as proficient software analysts. The outcomes are expected to not only enrich their academic experience but also prepare them for real-world challenges in software security and analysis.

This assignment is a Hurdle: obtain at least 50% of the assignment marks.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

• You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.
• Generative AI Tools (including but not limited to ChatGPT or GitHub Copilot) CANNOT BE USED in any way on this course, for example (but not limited to) generating text, improving human-written text, procuring definitions, etc.
• Email submissions will NOT be accepted.

Hardcopy Submission

Hardcopy submissions will NOT be accepted.

Late Submission

Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students