Reference no: EM133111152
F28SD Introduction to Software Engineering - Heriot-Watt University
Reflections on a Software Engineering Project: The London Ambulance Service Computer Aided Dispatch System Failure
The tasks involved in Coursework-2
On 26 October 1992 the London Ambulance Service deployed a new bespoke Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. The system led to significant operational delays. Your task is to research the CAD system and its failings predominately from a software engineering perspective. Specif- ically, you have been set 4 tasks as described below. In support of these tasks, 2 sources are provided on Canvas (see "Additional Reading Material" module):
- A copy of the: Report of the Inquiry Into The London Ambulance Service (February 1993) The Communications Directorate, South West Thames Regional Health Authority (Original ISBN No: 0-905133-70-6).
- London Ambulance Service Software Failure, Mukhtar Adamu, Abdulhameed Alkazmi, Ab- dulmajeed Alsufyani, Bedour Al Shaigy, Dominic Chapman, Julian Chappell, 2010.
You are not, however, limited to these resources. All resources that you do make use of should be explicitly referenced within your report.
Description of Coursework-2 Tasks:
T1: Describe the context in which the CAD system was developed together with the capabilities that it was intended to provide.
T2: Describe what went wrong operationally when the CAD system was deployed.
T3: Give 3 examples of bad practice from the perspective software engineering that contributed to the failure of the CAD system. Specifically, for each of your 3 examples, describe:
- The contributing factor(s) from a software engineering perspective, AND
- How the contributing factor(s) might have been avoided if alternative software engi- neering practices had been adopted during the development of the CAD system. Your answer should clearly justify your recommendation(s).
[ 180-words ]
T4: Identify 3 factors that contributed to the failure of the CAD system which are not directly related to software engineering.
The use of diagrams is encouraged wherever appropriate. Note that word counts specified above are for guidance only.
Article 1 - Report of the Inquiry Into The London Ambulance Service (February 1993) International Workshop on Software Specification and Design Case Study
Article 2 - London Ambulance Service Software Failure
Attachment:- Introduction to Software Engineering.rar