What part does the management of software projects play in the development of computer programs?

(Practice) You’re given the job of preparing a complete meal for five people next weekend. Determine a set of subtasks to accomplish this task. (Hint: One subtask, not necessarily the first, is buying the food.)

(Data processing) a. A national medical testing laboratory wants a new computer system to analyze its test results. The system must be capable of processing each day’s results as well as retrieving and outputting a printed report of all results meeting certain criteria, such as all results for a particular doctor or for hospitals in a certain state. Determine three or four major program units into which this system could be separated. (Hint: One possible program unit is “Prepare Daily Results” to create each day’s reports.) b. Suppose someone enters incorrect data for a test result, and the error is discovered after the system has entered and stored the data. What program unit is needed to correct this problem? Discuss why such a program unit might or might not be required by most systems. c. A program unit has been developed that allows users to change data that has been entered and stored incorrectly. Discuss the need for including an “audit trail” that would allow reconstructing the changes later as well as when they were made and who made them.

Why has the development of system software paralleled the development of computer hardware?

Define the term software. What are the two primary types of software? How are they different?

(Practice) You’re responsible for planning and arranging the family camping trip this summer. List a set of subtasks to accomplish this task. (Hint: One subtask is selecting the campsite.)