Controls

They write the right stuff, by Charles Fishman 1996, explores the level of control that is exacerbated by the requirements that are used in the deployment of spaceshutlle software. Such a software si portrayed as been perfect by the author, and so it should, this software controls the faith of those aboard the space shuttle. The trouble-free software, is a remarkable feat, it could easily improve the usability of any programme, however we question the usage of this type of documentation in the commercial world of software, as it is seen to be rigid, lack any freedom

The author stresses that the success of the group is based due to the process that is in place. The author stresses how such a feat is has not spread to any other section of the industry and offers insight into what comprises this success. The organisation of the specifications for this type of software is seen to be the critical feature. The highly regulated specifications highlight the high level of control that the project requires. There is a mention of the importance of meeting the customers’ needs the first time, this is highlighted to have increased time and reduced cost on projects as customers are satisfied and know what they want before the project is completed. How ever there is downsides to such as often politics and power may impact the changing of documentation and architecture.

The existence of rivalry has been listed as a critical factor for the success, the presence of coders and verifiers. Both parties are seen to have different commanders, and share the same purpose to reduce errors before testing begins. The authors explain that such a relationship exists between the two parties, that there is a fierce level of communication between the two to spot errors in the code. This relationship can be seen to be the source of the highly successful performance of the team’s software.

Mistake resolution is a crucial aspect in the improvement of any software project, the group in question focuses on fixing the underlying problem and not just the mistake itself. This can of course be extended to outside the software industry, such an approach can lead to an increased level of satisfaction and a great level of improvement in reputation. The on-going pursuit to remain excellent is a hallmark that every company can no doubt aim to emulate, however doing this is more difficult than anticipated due to resources such as staff, time and costs.

The organisation in question, has one benefit that any other conditional organisation doesn’t exist. It has a high value customer, that requires one product. Such a contract, no doubt has ensured that the company provides high performance all of the time. In comparison, a traditional organisation may have to deal with customers that have diverse and always changing needs, this can of course lead to a differentiation in the quality and requirements of the software in hand.

ISO9000 and the very small firm by E.M Wareham, 1993 explores the pursuit of the ISO 9000 registration for quality-management system. The author explores the elements of and the process of the award and how it impacts on the small firm. ISO 9000 ensures that the customer receives a high level of quality such as a structured approach, monitoring, comparisons and corrective measures to name a few. Interestingly the approach for ISO certification is seen to be aligned towards the larger firm. Such an approach can no doubt lead to a bias for larger firms and a possible source of inhibition for small firm when trying to compete with larger firms.

The sophistication of the system, as the author puts it, inhibits the smaller firm due to the elaboration of systems, planning and skills requirement. The case of vinculum services is an exception and provides a case upon which we can see the implications of the pursuit of certification and what it brings to the market offering.  The transparency and method of paperwork ensures quality and constancy, two hallmarks of the ISO offering. However, for a sole trader the vast quantity of paper work may make the transformation to ISO 9000 certification difficult due to known practices, procedures and experience that they already provide. A reduction in efficiency may also be seen, due to loss of input from the propetor.

The certification is highlighted as adding no efficiency to the business, due to the high costs involved, the time, effort and the audits the author states that there should be a greater understanding for the needs of the smaller business in accessing such a resourceful tool. Although the tool has not brought any efficiencies, the author stresses that vinculum services has seen its reputation, supplier’s performance and respect been enhanced due to the awarding. The trade-off between cost effectiveness and customer satisfaction is seen to be the difference between the pursuit of ISO certification and disinterest. This is especially the case of smaller firms, this can be seen to favour the larger firms once again and the calls for restructuring of the ISO criteria and guidelines should no doubt take into consideration the local, small firm that is trying to compete against large competitors.  

Bibliography:

Fishman, C., (1996). ‘They write the right stuff’. Fast Company, 6(95), p.1997.

Wareham, E.M., (1994). ‘ISO9000 and the very small firm’. IEE Review, 40(5), pp.207-209.