ICS 121, Spring 1999

Assignment 1: Problem Analysis (5%)

Pretend that you are the owner of a software development firm. A client provides you with an initial problem description given below. Read the problem description and create a list of ten (10) questions you would ask the client before you proceed to develop requirements for a software system to meet the client’s need.

Email your assignments to redmiles@ics.uci.edu. You must put "Assignment 1" in the subject line. You must include your student number in the email text along with your questions. Do not use attachments, just email text. Finally, remember that although this assignment is emailed, you still need to format it neatly, spell and grammar check.

Common themes in the questions will be addressed in class and discussion.

A new planned community is being constructed in the city of Urbanus. The city council has approved a $1 million budget to develop software and hardware to control the traffic signals in and around the community called Urbanus-Planus. Their main priority is that traffic will flow in a manner that is safe and convenient to residents. They know that the traffic signals will all have left-turn signals and that the timing will change for the daily rush hour or in case of an accident. They have given authority to contract out the software to the Urbanus Traffic Agency (UTA). Managers at UTA are excited because they will have the central power to monitor and control traffic. They feel the possibilities for such a system is endless. They turn to you for advice! You are awarded the contract!