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Building quality into scientific software

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Abstract

This paper has developed from the SoFEA project at The Open University which is studying the non-technical aspects of quality in software. This involves seeing the technical elements of software development as very much part of a wider context. The culture of an organization as a whole, particularly its management strategies, are regarded as driving and shaping the technology. A particular challenge for management we have observed is how to harmonize a skilled individualist (affectionately dubbed a ‘maverick’) and a quality management system. We explore the characteristics of an individualist programmer and discuss the options for managing such a person. Some of the experiences of a scientific organization are reported.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Computing Department, The Open University, Walton Hall, MK7 6AA, Milton Keynes, UK

    F. M. Hovenden, H. C. Sharp & M. Woodman

  2. AEA Technology, Winfrith Technology Centre, DT2 8DH, Dorset, UK

    S. D. Walker

Authors
  1. F. M. Hovenden
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  2. S. D. Walker
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  3. H. C. Sharp
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  4. M. Woodman
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Hovenden, F.M., Walker, S.D., Sharp, H.C. et al. Building quality into scientific software. Software Qual J 5, 25–32 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02420942

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02420942

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