30 Aug IT232M1: Explore various software process models.
IT232M1: Explore various software process models.
GEL-8.03: Apply critical thinking to formulate a logical solution to a problem.
Software Design and Modeling
Purpose
Given a requirement, you will examine various software design and modeling techniques by
diagramming and analyzing a solution. You will create an IPO chart, pseudo-code, flowchart
diagram and perform a desk-check analysis to help formulate your solution to the problem
posed.
Assessment Instructions
Note: For this assessment, you will not be writing any actual code. You are just going
through the design and modeling of this scenario.
Using an IPO chart, a flowchart diagram, and pseudocode, you will design a routine that will
accept a Fahrenheit temperature and convert that temperature to its Celsius and Kelvin
equivalents. Hint: The term routine can mean function, subroutine, procedure, etc., depending
on the language in question.
Assessment Requirements
A user enters in a Fahrenheit temperature, and gets back two values:
Celsius temperature
Kelvin temperature
The code routine will accept one argument, tempFahrenheit and will calculate two values,
tempCelsius and tempKelvin.
It will call two routines internally:
ConvertFahrenheitToCelsius will be a routine to convert a Fahrenheit temperature to
Celsius
ConvertFahrenheitToKelvin will be a routine to convert a Fahrenheit temperature to
Kelvin.
Use these variable and routine names in your solution.
Research and find the formulas to convert Fahrenheit temperature to Celsius and Kelvin and
then apply critical thinking skills to formulate a logical programmatic solution to convert the userentered value of Fahrenheit temperature to Celsius and Kelvin equivalents.
Then design the two routines that will implement the formulas you found in your research.
We do this by examining how the routines should behave and walk ourselves through the design
using the following tools.
1. Create your IPO chart. This is where you determine your inputs-processes-outputs.
2. Create a flowchart diagram showing the flow of logic for the solution to these problems.
3. Create your pseudo-code. Hint: Pseudocode is a mix of simple syntax from real
programming languages and English. When modeling your full routine or program you will
show every aspect of it in the pseudocode. In the case of adding your algorithms or
processing to IPO charts or flowcharts, you can use snippets of the pseudocode to only
show the pertinent processing.
How can you prove that your algorithm is correct?
You will perform an experiment and then analyze your results to determine if your algorithm is
correct.
We must follow the scientific method to ensure repeatable results in our experiment. First, we
determine a hypothesis:
“What value is computed for an input of 3”?
We note the expected result from our hypothesis. It will later be compared to the actual
results from our experiment to determine if the experiment passed or failed.
The process we use to perform our experiment is called a desk check.
A desk check is when you identify all the variables used in the routine and place them in a table.
You then examine a potential input value, step through the code, and fill out the table at each
step in the code. So, when a variable in your code has its value changed, be sure to update that
new value in your desk checking table. At the end of the table you will have calculated your
actual result.
This investigation will identify if you have designed the correct logic to realize a correct result.
The actual result should match the expected result. You must desk check each routine at least
three times.
After you have completed your experiment, you need to analyze your results. Did you prove or
disprove your hypothesis?
Discuss the results of your experiment in a Word document. Show your analysis and your data
then explain your conclusions.
EXAMPLE:
Here is an example scenario using the square algorithm. The square routine will take a number
in as a parameter, perform calculations to determine the square of the number and return the
result. You will examine the routine and determine the variables of interest. Then experiment
with different input values as you build your desk check tables.
Sample Desk Check: Using your pseudo-code algorithm. This routine has three variables of
interest:
num – the input parameter
i – the value of the counter
Value – the result of the calculation
Our hypothesis will be:
If you call the square routine with an input number, the calculated result returned by the square
routine will be that number squared. The input value times itself (number X number).
1. Hypothesis: If you call the square routine with an input of 3, the calculated result should
be 9. Experiment: Desk check using 3 as input parameter
Expected Result: square(3) = 9
i num value
0 3 3
1 3 6
2 3 9
Actual Result: 9
2. Hypothesis: If you call the square routine with an input of 7, the calculated result should
be 49.
Experiment: Desk check using 7 as input parameter
Expected Result: square(7) = 49
i num value
0 7 7
1 7 14
Competency Assessment Rubric
Link
Competency Assessment Dropbox
Assignment
2 7 21
3 7 28
4 7 35
5 7 42
6 7 49
Actual Result: 49
Directions for Submitting Your Assessment
Submit one document that contains your IPO chart, flowchart, pseudocode and analysis, and
conclusions.
Name your assessment document according to this convention: The file should be saved
as: IT232_YourLastName_M1. Submit your completed assessment to the Dropbox.
Review the checklist rubric before beginning this activity.
If work submitted for this competency assessment does not meet the minimum submission
requirements, it will be returned without being scored.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is an act of academic dishonesty. It violates the University Honor Code, and the
offense is subject to disciplinary action. You are expected to be the sole author of your work.
Use of another person’s work or ideas must be accompanied by specific citations and
references. Whether the action is intentional or not, it still constitutes plagiarism.
