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The professional user’s guide to acquiring software
Connell J., Shafer L., Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., New York, NY, 1987. Type: Book (9789780442210434)
Date Reviewed: Sep 1 1987

The authors have undertaken an important but challenging task: to prepare a book on software acquisition (and development) that is written for managers and business professionals rather than computer professionals. The book’s overall objective was to cover those aspects about software and software acquisition that every user should know. More specifically, the aim was to clearly explain issues such as how to determine what software is needed, how to ask for it, where and how to become involved with the acquisition process, and how to decide if the quality of the acquired software is acceptable. I do not believe the authors have succeeded in their stated objective. However, I do believe they have produced a useful book. Let me explain.

In designing such a book, a number of decisions are critical; in particular, the topics to be covered, the amount of “hand-holding” to provide, the book’s style, and the level of detail to provide. The right topics have been chosen (identifying systems, software estimation, system development methodologies and techniques, documentation, prototyping, quality assurance, software maintenance, and the personal computer). However, the authors have drawn too tight a boundary around the software organization and software development/maintenance activities. As a result, insufficient attention is given to issues of critical importance to users, including system planning, requirements determination, cost justification, and system evaluation. The authors do an extremely good job in leading the reader through these technical topics. Terms and concepts are defined clearly and concisely as the need to do so arises. The book’s style, however, is a bit flat. Unlike other books on software acquisition, this book does not “entice” the reader through the use of examples and anecdotes. Thus, while the material is extremely easy to follow and understand, it is not clear that the intended audience will be motivated to read the book. Far too few examples and illustrations are used. Finally, the authors decided not to provide in-depth descriptions of “how to do things.” Rather, the book primarily covers “what needs to be done” and “why it needs to be done.”

What does this assessment mean? Managers and business professionals who read this book will develop a much improved understanding of software acquisition processes as well as an awareness of the users’ roles in influencing these processes. What these individuals are unlikely to come away with is an ability to direct or actively influence these processes. Thus, while intended for users, the book primarily serves the software development manager. It is a very good educational tool for users about to participate as members of a software acquisition project team, and it covers many useful perspectives and tools crucial for effectively managing software development and maintenance in today’s user/client-oriented software environment. Used correctly, this book is likely to prove to be a valuable addition to the software manager’s library. However, the book’s rather unengaging style as well as its lack of illustrations and procedural descriptions suggest that it is unlikely to serve the role initially intended by its authors.

Reviewer:  R. Zmud Review #: CR111588
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Management (D.2.9 )
 
 
Quality Assurance (K.6.4 ... )
 
 
Rapid Prototyping (D.2.m ... )
 
 
Software Selection (K.6.3 ... )
 
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