Questão 1275883

This text refers to items from 111 through 120.

A preliminary step in system design involves the development of a structure or architecture for the system. This initial step in the system design process establishes, usually from several options, the underlying structure of the system. A simple example might be selecting after extensive and trade-off analysis, a decentralized architecture for a spare-parts distribution system instead of a centralized architecture.

The dictionary definition of the word design would lead one to believe that design is an ongoing process that began at project inception. However, conventional use of the word design in system and software development means that the system design begins when attention shifts from what is to be built to how to be built.

The active involvement of software engineers during the system design phase is essential to the success of the system. Such active involvement begins with attending meetings with users, reading preliminary documentation, and participating in system level reviews and walkthroughs. This approach helps the software engineer develop a deeper understanding of the system, the operators, the users, and the other team members. The software engineer can be involved in prototyping efforts, if prototyping is needed. The prototyping referred to here is the development of a physical model of a critical portion of the system to confirm that a particular requirement, usually a performance critical requirement, can be met.

Ali Behforooz and Frederick J. Hudson. Software engineering

fundamentals. Oxford University Press, 1996 (adapted).

Based on the text, it can be concluded that

software engineers can be part of prototyping efforts whenever prototyping is required.