MAJOR SOFTWARE FAILURES, WHY THEY FAILED AND LESSONS LEARNED BY AKPABIO UWANA

What is a software? A software is general term used to describe a collection of computer programs, procedures and documentation that perform some tasks on a computer system; they are designed according to user specifications.

What is software failure? Can be generally defined as “a failure of the delivered system to comply with the specifications agreed”. –Suits hardware failure better –Changing specs in software –Fault tolerance systems We need a clearer definition of software failure.

What is software failure (2)? Failure is determined by customer satisfaction Can be defined as “failure of delivered system to meet users expectation and inability of the system to aid the user do any useful work”.

Causes of Software failures The general causes of software failures are: –Lack of communication –Incorrect documentation –Software complexity –Programming errors –Frequent changes in requirements –Time pressure

Causes of software failures (2) –Individual egos –Software development codes –Lack of resources –Commercial pressures –Poor project management –Administrative Bottlenecks

Software system failures U.S. bank account holders –Programming error –Error fixed Lesson learned here is: –Employ professional programmer –Have good idea of what to do

Software system failures (2) Heathrow terminal 5 luggage system –Prevented passengers from checking in their luggage –Delay in completion of building programme due to time –Rushed testing –Lack of training given to staff on use of software –Impact on operations Here we learn that: – software failures do not only occur due to programming errors but also lack of training, communication and time constraints.

Conclusion