The purpose of this activity is to review the program specifications in the Computer Run Book and prepare a Detail estimate and schedule for the activities of Phase 5 (A-E).  

OVERVIEW

The task facing Software Engineering is one primarily of translation. Programming is the translation of a set of specifications, written in human-understandable language, into a set of instructions, in a machine-understandable language, that meets the specifications. This translation process requires Software Engineering to be skilled in both languages. The translation process is only as accurate as the specifications that are provided.

In this activity, Software Engineering carefully reviews the Computer Run Book provided by the computer procedure designer. In particular, the programmer studies the Computer Procedure Flowchart, Program/Module Specifications, Software Structure Diagrams, Data Resource Layouts, etc. Any areas that are unclear should be immediately resolved with the computer procedure designer.

If a Fourth Generation Language or Program Generator is being used, the specifications previously prepared in Phase 4-II should be in a form to be input to the application development aid concerned.  

STEPS IN EXECUTION

1. Software Engineering reviews the program specifications as contained in the Computer Run Book and resolves any misunderstandings with the Computer Procedure Designer.

2. Software Engineering prepares a Detail estimate and schedule for the activities of Phase 5 (A-E).

3. The Detail estimate and schedule is reviewed with Project Management for approval.