Methods of quality assurance of software development based on a systems approach

Abstract

The aim of the work is to analyze the problems and develop recommendations for quality assurance of software and testing during its creation in IT companies based on a systems approach. The object of research is the processes of testing, quality control and quality assurance. The subject of the study is the functions of quality assurance (QA) and testing (QC) within the system of development and the characteristics and models of quality assessment and software dependability. The research processes used a systematic approach, comparative analysis of quality assessment methods and approaches to the organization of testing, quality control and quality assurance of software products. The essence and main differences of the concepts "testing", "quality control" and "quality assurance" were determined. To assess the quality of the software, various aspects of quality in accordance with international standards, the relationship between them and a multi-level model of software quality were considered. To ensure the quality of the software product, it was proposed to use methods of integrated quality assessment, which allow to obtain the final integrated value of software quality as a whole, expressed in certain quantitative indicators, or its individual characteristics, and considered the most common methods based on costs and hierarchical models. A systematic approach to software quality assurance involves the creation of a QA team, which is an independent subsystem within the software development system while maintaining links with team members. To assess the differences between quality control and quality assurance, an analysis of responsibilities, work planning and documentation of relevant groups in IT companies was conducted, which made it possible to compare the functions performed and working conditions. Thus, the QC function confirms that a specific result meets standards and specifications, and QA is a broader function that covers planning and control throughout the development lifecycle. Testing is an integral part of quality control. In order for an IT company to provide management processes, QA and QC teams must work together. The scientific novelty of the work is to develop a methodological basis for assessing the quality of software, developing recommendations for improving the processes of quality assurance and testing in software development in an IT company.