Enterprise Computing Flashcards
Lecture 1 - Introduction
Define the waterfall Model
This waterfall model cascades the three fundamental activities
of the software development process, so that they happen
sequentially.
It is performed as Exploration -> Development -> Operation
Why can the waterfall model be considered inoptimal
Specifications can often change and sometimes it can be too late to change a wrong interpretation of the problem deep into the development phase. Modifying requirements causes lots of issues
Define the Iterative/incremental Model
The iterative/incremental model is:
∙ iterative because the feed-forward between activities is augmented with feed-back between them - e.g. a feed forward/backward waterfall;
∙ incremental because the interleaved activities regularly deliver small additional pieces of functionality
What advantage does iterative/incremental development have over waterfall?
Iterative allows the going back and changing previous phases
Lecture 2 - lean Cycle evolution
What is the purpose of the Lean Cycle in software production?
The Lean Cycle is used to apply the scientific method to software production. It emphasizes continuous feedback and learning through iterative cycles of Build-Measure-Learn or Learn-Measure-Build to adapt and improve products efficiently.
What are the three main phases of the Lean Cycle?
The three main phases are:
Exploration: Identifying and testing hypotheses about the market.
Development: Building products or features based on validated hypotheses.
Operation: Delivering the product to customers and refining based on feedback.
What happens in the “Learn” phase of the Build-Measure-Learn cycle
In the Learn phase, an enterprise formulates hypotheses about the market and determines the empirical data required to validate these hypotheses.
What is the focus of the “Measure” phase in the Build-Measure-Learn cycle?
The Measure phase involves testing the hypothesis by collecting empirical data, often through experiments or feedback from prototypes or early versions of the product.
Describe the “Build” phase of the Build-Measure-Learn cycle.
In the Build phase, an enterprise creates a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to test hypotheses. This MVP allows for quick iteration and feedback collection.
What is an issue with the Build-Measure-Learn cycle
Building first can often incur significant costs, building without research is risky
What is a better alternative to the Build measure learn cycle
Reversing the cycle can help to improve it, learning first about demand etc, measuring the market and then building the project
What is a “pivot” in the context of the Lean Cycle?
A pivot is a significant change in strategy without changing the vision. It occurs when empirical data suggests that the current approach isn’t working, leading to adjustments like technology changes or shifts in product focus.
What are the five types of pivots mentioned in the Lean Cycle?
Technology Pivot: Switching to a more efficient technology.
Zoom-In Pivot: Turning a product feature into the main product.
Zoom-Out Pivot: Making a product part of a larger product suite.
Customer Segment Pivot: Targeting a different customer group.
Customer Need Pivot: Addressing a different but more critical problem.
Provide an example of a technology pivot.
Microsoft shifted from selling standalone Office software to a subscription-based cloud service with Microsoft 365, improving value delivery.
Explain a Zoom-In Pivot with an example.
A Zoom-In Pivot occurs when a product feature becomes the main product. Example: Flickr started as a multiplayer game but pivoted to focus on its photo-sharing feature, which gained popularity.
What is a Zoom-Out Pivot? Provide an example
A Zoom-Out Pivot happens when a product becomes part of a larger offering. Example: DotCloud transitioned to manage Docker containers, focusing on application mobility across clouds.
What is a Customer Segment Pivot?
It occurs when a product addresses a different customer group than initially intended. Example: YouTube started as a dating platform but shifted to a general video-sharing platform.
Define a Customer Need Pivot with an example.
This pivot addresses a more critical customer problem. Example: Twitter evolved from a podcasting platform to a microblogging SMS-based social network after its initial model was rendered obsolete.
What was the pivot that led to the success of Instagram?
Instagram started as a location-based app with multiple features. It pivoted to focus solely on photo sharing, simplifying user experience and achieving massive success.
How did Netflix pivot to achieve its current model?
Netflix transitioned from a mail-order DVD rental service to a streaming platform, allowing instant access to films and TV shows, disrupting traditional rental models.
What are the four types of MVPs mentioned?
Concierge MVP: Personalized service with customer awareness.
Wizard of Oz MVP: Simulated functionality without customer awareness.
Landing Page MVP: Testing interest via a promotional webpage.
Video MVP: Demonstrating a concept through a video.
Describe a Concierge MVP and its use case.
A Concierge MVP involves hands-on interaction with customers to refine the product concept. It’s used when the solution hypothesis is unclear and customer feedback is critical.
What distinguishes a Wizard of Oz MVP?
In a Wizard of Oz MVP, the product’s functionality is manually simulated without the customer’s knowledge. It’s used to validate a clear solution hypothesis while minimizing development effort.
How does a Landing Page MVP test product ideas?
A Landing Page MVP uses a webpage to gauge interest in a product idea. Visitors can sign up or pledge support, providing data on demand before product development.
