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[PhD Thesis] The Effect of Diverse Development Goals on Computer-Based System Dependability

Lookup NU author(s): Anthony Lawrie

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Abstract

Society's increasing dependence upon software control and information processing provision has demanded comparable increases in software dependability. While the existing software dependability approach has resulted in significant improvements, its focus is heavily aimed towards achieving software dependability via redundant fault-tolerant mechanisms built into the software artefact to provide error-control in the presence of activated faults. Less emphasis appears to have been placed upon how software dependability can also be promoted through a fault-avoidance approach in the software creation process by incorporating human redundancy and diversity. In this thesis, a process intervention which can potentially improve fault-avoidance is considered. This involves the setting of diverse development goals within important generic computer-based system contexts in order to increase detection of potentially harmful assumptions which can result in subtle systemic conflicts that can undermine the dependability of the resultant artefact during the early development phases of requirements, specification and design. A search theoretic simulation model is progressed and developed to capture some of the important dynamics involved. The eventual outputs of the simulation model indicate that increased fault coverage and sensitivity can be obtained through the setting of diverse development goals during the early phases of software development.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Lawrie AT

Publication type: Report

Publication status: Published

Series Title:

Year: 2006

Institution: School of Computing Science, University of Newcastle upon Tyne

Place Published: Newcastle upon Tyne

Notes: British Lending Library DSC stock location number: DXN098099


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