Construction by Configuration Flashcards
What is CbC?
a process for the adoption of commercial-off-the-shelf systems in an organization
Give three examples of systems used in CbC
Single PC based apps - MS, Excel, Firefox
Modular generic system - ERP like SAP
COTS assemblies
How does CbC work?
Involves buying a product off-the-shelf and then configuring it to meet own needs instead of going through the usual SW development life cycle or getting requirements, coding, and testing.
Why’s it hard to change a CbC system?
Due to the unavailability of the source code, it’s hard to assess the impact of the change.
Configuration problems?
There are many options to do the same thing and it’s not clear how all the options work due to a lack of documentation.
Why’s it difficult to test CbC systems?
Due to the lack of system specification, it is not clear what a system is supposed to do or what to test.
List 6 main steps in the CbC process
Selection of new system based on high level business requirements
Requirement analysis. Existing stakeholders consulted for their requirements.
Business process redesign. Existing processes changed to fit chosen systems business process.
System configuration. System is configured to fit redesigned business processes and stakeholders reqs
System testing
Deployment and evolution
One factor that has led to widespread uptake of CBC approach, and explain how this factor caused this.
Business pressures for faster deployment of systems.
Business now operate in highly dynamic environments, new products change quickly, new laws and regs, merges and restructuring. No time for re process so applications are bought and reconfigured to meet requirements .
Negative impacts of cbc
Most influential group of system users tend to dominate conception of system. This means that the system may not be beneficial to some users.
Lack of details requirements make system testing difficult. Implementation of the system could lead to errors that could cost the company money.
Systems procured tend to be found lacking in important functionality. Because the software is likely closed source, relies on developer to implement new functionality which may never come
