Download Subject Title: Software Requirement Analysis and Specification

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 香港理工大學
Department of Computing 電子計算學系
Programme Booklet for
Master of Science /
Postgraduate Diploma
In
Software Technology
(Software Engineering Stream)
(in CyberU mode)
Programme Code: 61803
September 2005
This Definitive Programme Booklet is applicable to 2005/2006 entry cohort
Preface
This booklet serves two kinds of readers – those who are contemplating to apply for this
[programme and those who have already enrolled into this programme.
For the former, this booklet will provide you with all the relevant information about this
programme, particularly in the programme rationale and objectives, and programme
curriculum. Reading this booklet will definitely help you decide whether this programme
will meet your need and aspiration.
For the latter, this booklet will serve as the first source that you can locate information
about this programme. This booklet offers you an overview of this programme, including
the help of formulating your study plan, selection of elective subjects and the area of
dissertation.
We hope that you find the information interesting and useful. To know us better, we
sincerely welcome you to visit our department or WWW home page (http://
www.hkcyberu.com). For further inquiry, please call at 27667260 or send an email to
[email protected].
Scheme Leader
Table of Contents
1.
2
3
4
5.
6.
7
8.
General Information………………………………………………………………
Aims and Philosophy of the Programme………………………………………….
Programme Structure and Mode of Study…………………………………………
Entrance Requirements…………………………………………………………….
Assessment Rationale………………………………………………………………
Programme Operation and Managemnt……………………………………………
Faculty and Facilities………………………………………………………………
Subject Syllabi……………………………………………………………………..
1
1
2
6
6
10
11
16
Core Subjects
COMP 5212 Software Design and Architecture …………………………………….
COMP 5221 Software Project Management………………………………………...
COMP 5222 Software Testing and Quality Assurance…………………………….
COMP 5224 Software Requirement Analysis and Specification…………………..
COMP 5225 Software Evolution and Maintenance …………………………………
COMP 5226 Software Infrastructure and Configuration Management………………
COMP 5231 Project Practice and Case Studies ………………………………..........
COMP 5251 Software Engineering Process for High Quality Software…………….
COMP 5252 Extreme Programming and Agile Software Development……………..
17
19
21
23
25
35
27
28
41
Electives
COMP 5121 Data Mining and Data Warehousing Applications………………….
COMP 5137 Enterprise Software Technique ………………………………………
COMP 5227 Embedded Software System…………………………………………
COMP 5232 IT Outsourcing and Auditing…………..……………………………
COMP 5525 Information Security: Technologies and Systems……………………
COMP 5531 IT Entrepreneurship and Legal Aspects at IT…………………………
COMP 5940 Dissertation…………………………………………………………...
31
33
37
39
43
45
47
1.
General Information
(a)
Title of Programme
: Master of Science / Postgraduate Diploma in Software Technology
(in Software Engineering Stream)
(b)
Host Department
: Department of Computing
(c)
Mode of Attendance
: Offered through HKCyberU
(d)
Normal Duration
: 5 semesters for MSc and 3 semesters for PgD
(e)
Maximum Duration
: 8 years
(f)
Final Award
: MSc in Software Technology/PgD in Software Technology
*The programme is under the umbrella of Postgraduate Scheme in Computing as an award of the
Scheme.
2.
Aims and Philosophy of the Programme
2.1
Introduction
The Master of Science in Software Technology (MScST) in Software Engineering stream is
created in response to the growing importance of software to the society and the high demand for
professional software engineers. Many software applications must respond continuously and
flawlessly while controlling complicate operations or providing lifesaving support, often under
extraordinary demanding conditions. Software development involves the engineering of software.
It applies engineering discipline to software development, ensuring that software products will
meet organizational, financial, commercial, and technical requirements. Like other fields of
engineering, software development is a hybrid of scientific, technical and management principles.
They include: requirements engineering, design, construction, testing, evolution and maintenance,
configuration management, quality engineering, project management, engineering infrastructure,
and software process. These are the areas on which the MScST will focus.
2.2
Aims
The aim of the programme is to provide recent graduates in computer science and related
disciplines, or software professionals, in-depth understanding of the tools, techniques, and
disciplined engineering practices that are needed to be successful in the rapidly changing field of
software development. These experiences and skills provide the foundation for technical
excellence and career growth. Graduates of the MScST programme will subsequently be able to
lead major projects in software engineering in many industrial and commercial sectors.
The programme provides software professionals with:

The foundation to build an exciting and challenging career working on the cutting edge of
modern software development.
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2005-2006
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
Exposure of the many facets of the complex area of software development - the technical, the
methodological, and the organizational challenges and opportunities.

Knowledge and skill on how to engineer high-performance software system, including some
of the world's most sophisticated and demanding real-time applications, such as telecom,
entertainment, and medical systems.
2.3 Philosophy
Students will learn to develop software products and services for industry and commercial sectors
in a cost-effective manner. The emphasis of the programme is on
implementing software
engineering projects within cost and schedule by applying proven industrial practices that can be
used for creating high-quality products that serve the needs of customers. Besides providing a
basic foundation in technical concepts and development techniques, it also stresses management
and teamwork approaches.
The MScST is a unique 2½ -year programme. It takes hands-on approach to developing expertise
under the guidance of experienced software engineers and academic staff. Emphasizing practical
results balanced by scientific underpinnings, the programme concentrates on the engineering of
superior software systems through the application of principles from computer science and related
fields.
The syllabi for MScST cover ten knowledge areas specified in Software Engineering Body of
Knowledge (SWEBOK) published by the IEEE Computer Society and the ACM. The ten areas
are:

software configuration management,

software construction,

software design,

software engineering infrastructure,

software engineering management,

software engineering process,

software evolution and maintenance,

software quality analysis,

software requirements analysis and

software testing.
3. Programme Structure and Mode of Study
3.1 Structure
The programme structure is based on an integrated credit-based programme of study.
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Students are required to complete at least six core subjects with a total of 18 credits, and four
optional subjects with a total of 12 credits selected from the electives. For students who opt for
dissertation, they have to complete at least 6 core subjects plus 1 elective.
A total of 30 credits are required for graduation. The normal duration of the award is 5 semesters.
Students also have a PgD option, the credit requirement is 4 core subjects plus 2 electives with a
total of 18 credits. The maximum duration for completion of the award is 8 years. No student is
allowed to defer beyond the maximum.
Level of Awards:
To be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Software Technology
Students shall complete SIX taught subjects with a total of 18 credits. A minimum of four taught
subjects shall be core subjects.
To be eligible for the award of Master of Science in Software Technology
Students
1. shall complete SEVEN taught subjects and a dissertation. A minimum of six taught subjects
shall be core subjects, OR
2. shall complete TEN taught subjects with a total of 30 credits. A minimum of six taught
subjects shall be core subjects.
The list of subjects for the programme is shown as follows:
Core subjects:

COMP 5224: Software Requirement Analysis and Specification

COMP 5212: Software Design and Architecture

COMP 5222: Software Testing and Quality Assurance

COMP 5225: Software Evolution and Maintenance

COMP 5226: Software Infrastructure and Configuration Management

COMP 5221: Software Project Management

COMP 5251: Software Engineering Process for High Quality Software

COMP 5231: Project Practice and Case Studies

COMP 5252: Extreme Programming and Agile Software Development
Due to the practical requirements, the Project Practice subject will require two semesters to
complete.
Elective subjects:

COMP 5232: IT Outsourcing and Auditing

COMP 5121: Data Mining and Data Warehousing Applications

COMP 5525: Information Security: Technologies and Systems

COMP 5227: Embedded Software System
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
COMP 5531: IT Entrepreneurship and Legal Aspects at IT

COMP 5137: Enterprise Software Technique

COMP 5940: Dissertation
3.2 Mode of Study
The MSc in Software Technology in Software Engineering stream is a part-time programme.
3.2.1 For the dissertation option
For the first two years of academic study, students will normally take two three-credit
subjects in each semester. After completing not less than five taught subjects, students
can opt for work on dissertation. The dissertation is going to be carried out in two
sessions (between the second semester of the second year and the first semester of the
final year). This will normally be completed with a 2-semester period by the end of
semester 1 of year 3. Students are required to submit an acceptable proposal with the 1st
session period before they can proceed to actually carry out the main dissertation work.
Students’ decision on their choices of undertaking the dissertation option are not recovable.
3.2.2 For the non-dissertation option
Students who opt for non-dissertation are required to take 6 core subjects in their first two
years of studies. Students at the end of semester 1 of Year 2 have to declare their choice.
Once they make up their mind, they cannot switch back to the other option.
Dissertation Study Pattern
Semester 1
Year 1
2 subjects
Year 2
2 subjects
Year 3
Dissertation (Cont’d)
Non-dissertation Study Pattern
Semester 1
Year 1
2 subjects
Year 2
2 subjects
Year 3
2 subjects
Semester 2
2 subjects
1 subject
Dissertation
Credit
12
9
9
Semester 2
2 subjects
2 subjects
Credit
12
12
6
3.2.3 Credit Enrolment
The minimum credits enrolled per semester is 3. In particular, students will not be
allowed to take zero subject in any semester unless they have obtained prior approval
from the Department; otherwise they will be classified as having unofficially
withdrawn from their study. Any semester in which the students are allowed to take
zero subject will nevertheless be counted towards the maximum period of registration.
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The application fee of zero subject enrolment is HK$800 per semester for retention of
study place.
3.2.4 Deferment of Study
Deferment of study is applicable to those who have a genuine need to extend the
maximum period of registration due to, e.g., illness, family problem, etc. Approval
from the Department is required. The deferment period will not be counted as part of
the maximum period of registration.
3.2.5 Credit Transfer Policy
Apart from adhering to the University’s credit transfer policy on validity period and the
credit transfer fee, students should also observe the following departmental credit
transfer policy:

Students can transfer a maximum of 50% of the total award requirement.

Credits earned from previous study should remain valid at the time when the
student applies for transfer of credits.

Students are allowed to transfer other Master level non-Computing subjects as
electives up to 20% of the total award requirement (also counted towards the 50%
upper limit for total credits to be transferred). This is subject to approval of the
Scheme Leader.

The subjects to be transferred should attain a normal performance grade (i.e. a
minimum of grade B is normally expected).

Approval rests with the Scheme Leader.
3.2.6 Changing Programme of Study within the Scheme
If students wish to change the award/stream within the same mode of study for which
they are registered they should seek the approval of the Scheme Leader. If approved,
students are reminded that all subject grades will be counted towards the GPA, and
only subjects contributing to the final award will be counted towards the Award GPA.
For students wishing to switch to a different award/stream in a different mode of study
(for example, from Cyber U mode to regular mode), they need to apply for the other
award through the normal admission procedure. Students are reminded that they need
to transfer credits to the new award and will be subject to the above mentioned credit
transfer policy.
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3.2.7 Gaining More Awards within the Scheme
Students shall apply for the second award through the normal admission procedure.
Upon approval, credits studied in the first award can be transferred to the second award
through credit transfer. Students are reminded that only subjects contributing to the
second award should be transferred, and they will be subject to the above mentioned
credit transfer policy.
3.2.8 Taking Regular subjects
Students who desire to take any subjects not available in CyberU mode and the
subject(s) can contribute to their final award can apply to study some class-bearing
subjects in regular mode. Approval is required from the Scheme Leader. Students will
be subject to the credit fee of regular subjects.
4. Entrance Requirements
Targets Computer Science students are normally expected to have an honours degree in Computing,
Computer Science or the equivalent with relevant and sufficient working experience in software
development/ Engineering.
Successful candidates are required to have access to computer facilities, other than those available
within this University.
*Students without the required qualification / experience but would like to apply for the award are
required to justify their need and capability to study in this award. This will be subject to approval by
the Department.
5. Assessment Rationale
5.1 Assessment Philosophy
Within each subject the subject leader will present an overall framework and students will then
have to explore some areas in greater depth and either identify and evaluate opportunities or
develop positioning models. The strategy is to foster an active student - centered approach and
hence reasonable weighting is attached to a continuous assessment component. The continuous
assessment has 2 purposes.
(1)
to allow individuals to more fully explore a specific topic or application related to their own
interest and needs
(2)
to feedback into the programme a variety of opinions and stimulate discussion.
In order to create such an environment the assessment has to be viewed as an integral part of the
learning process rather than as an extra hurdle. Individual assessments will be treated as "group
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2005-2006
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property" i.e. papers produced by one student or a group of students will be circulated to all
members of the class and it will be emphasized therefore that students share the responsibility for
learning with the subject leaders/tutors and each other.
A further advantage stemming from this philosophy is that individual assessment loading can be
significantly reduced without a reduction in student learning.
Continuous assessment may take a number of forms including the following:
1.
Group assignments - such assessments will typically relate to a case study or
implementation model.
2.
Individual assignments - these provide opportunities for students to explore individual areas
in depth and will normally be research based resulting in a paper which identifies and
evaluates various software development methods.
5.2 Assessment, Examination and Progression
All the following regulations are to be read in conjunction with the University's Academic
Regulations for Credit-based Programmes.
Continuous Assessment
Continuous assessment may consist of assignments, projects, quizzes and tests. It generally
contributes 45% of the overall subject grade. Progressive assessment will be taken through
participation of students in workshop, seminar and tutorial sessions where applicable.
Final Examination
Students are generally required to sit for the final examination. They will be provided with the
examination schedule in advance, which is assigned in the general examination period of the
University.
A student's assessment results in a subject will be graded as follows :
Grade
A+
A
B+
B
C+
C
D+
D
F
Description
Excellent
Good
Satisfactory
Marginal
Failure
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2005-2006
Grade Point
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0
7
“F” is a subject failure grade and all others (“A+” to “D”) are subject pass grades.
5.2.1 Re-assessment and Re-taking of Subjects
(1) Re-assessment will only be offered under very exceptional circumstances and at the
sole discretion of the Department of Computing. The final grade after re-assessment
will be no higher than a grade D.
(2) A student can retake those subjects in which they have obtained an "F" grade.
Students are not allowed to retake subjects for which they have passed with a grade C
or above. Retaking of a subject which has been passed at grade D or D+ will require
the approval of the Department.
(3) A student may choose to take another elective subject instead of retaking an elective
subject that he/she has failed.
(4) If a subject is taken twice, the grade obtained after retaking the subject will supersede
the previous grade and form part of the calculation of the Grade Point Average
(GPA).
(5) The provision of re-assessment is discontinued with effect from 2005/06.
5.2.2 Progression
A student progresses by credit accumulation. A student will have `progressing' status
unless he falls within the following categories, either of which may be regarded as
grounds for deregistration from the programme :
(i) the student has exceeded the maximum period of registration as specified in the
definitive programme document; or
(ii) the student's GPA is lower than 2.0 for two consecutive semesters and his Semester
GPA in the second semester is also lower than 2.0; or
(iii) the student’s GPA is lower than 2.0 for three consecutive semesters.
Notwithstanding (ii) and (iii) above, a student may be de-registered from the programme
enrolled before the time specific in (ii) or (iii) above if his academic performance is poor
to the extent that the Board of Examiners deems that his chance of attaining a GPA of 2.0
at the end of the programme is slim or impossible.
When a student has a Grade Point Average (GPA) (see Award Classification below)
lower than 2.0, he will be put on academic probation in the following semester. Once
when a student is able to pull his GPA up to 2.0 or above at the end of the probation
semester, the status of “academic probation” will be lifted. The status of “academic
probation” will be reflected in the examination result notification but not in transcript of
studies.
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5.2.3 Award Classification
The Grade Point Average (GPA) will be used as a guide to determine the award
classifications. The GPA will be calculated as follows :
 Subject Grade Point x Subject Credit Value
GPA =
n
 Subject Credit Value
n
where n = number of all subjects taken by the student up to and including the latest
semester, inclusive of failed subjects
The maximum GPA is 4.0.
Exempted, un-graded or incomplete subjects, and subjects for which credit transfer have
been approved without a grade assigned to it, will be excluded from the GPA calculation.
In addition, subjects for which a student has been allowed to withdraw from (i.e. those
with the grade `W') will be excluded. A subject which has been given an “S” subject
code (ie. absent from examination), will be included in the GPA calculation and will be
counted as “zero” grade point.
The GPA is therefore the un-weighted cumulative
average, calculated for all subjects, including failed subjects, taken by a student from the
start of the programme to a particular reference point in time. GPA is an indicator of
overall performance.
Any subjects passed after the graduation requirement has been met or subjects taken on
top of the prescribed credit requirements for award shall not be taken into account in the
grade point calculation for award classification. However, if a student passes more
elective subjects (or optional subjects) than the requirement for graduation in or before
the semester within which he becomes eligible for award, the elective subjects (or
optional subjects) with higher contribution (with the exception of the additional subjects
taken out of interest and not for satisfying the award requirements) shall be counted in the
grade point calculation for award classification (i.e. the passed subjects with lower
contribution will be excluded from the grade point calculation for award classification),
irrespective of when the excessive elective subjects (or optional subjects) are enrolled. If
a student passes more core subjects than the requirement for graduation, the extra core
subject(s) with lower contribution to the GPA will be considered along with the elective
subjects for the purpose of GPA calculation.
The minimum GPA value for graduation is 2.0 (C equivalent).
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In exceptional circumstances a candidate may be considered for the award of a
Postgraduate Diploma in Software Technology when he/she has passed 21 credits with a
GPA of 2.0 or above, excluding dissertation.
This consideration may apply at the end of year 2 if the candidate does not wish to proceed
with the dissertation or at the end of year 3 should the candidate fail to satisfy the
conditions to successfully complete the dissertation.
6. PROGRAMME OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT
6.1
Scheme Committee
The Department of Computing will be the host department responsible for the administration of
the Scheme and the overall operation and management.
A Scheme committee will be responsible for the academic standards, content, delivery and
assessment of all awards within its purview.
6.2
Departmental Teaching & Learning Committee
The Committee will be overseeing the operation and administration of all the awards hosted by
the Department of Computing. Its main duties are:

To promote quality learning and teaching in the department, particularly at the classroom
level, and at the teacher-student interface.

To keep under review the quality of learning and teaching in the department.

To develop strategies and guidelines relating to the enhancement of learning and teaching
quality in the department.

To evaluate and prioritize proposals from departmental staff on learning and teaching
development projects - for funding by the LTDC and other relevant agencies.

To monitor progress of learning and teaching development projects carried out in the
department.
6.3
Management
The day-to-day management of the programme will be the responsibility of the management
team comprising
6.4

Scheme Leader

Representative of Departmental Learning & Teaching Committee.
Board of Examiners
The composition of the Board of Examiners shall be as followings :
Chairman:
The Head/Associate Head of Department
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10
Members:
Subject examiners
Scheme Leader
Co-opted Members:
Additional members may be appointed at the
discretion of the Chairman
The Board of Examiners is responsible to the Senate for making :
(i)
a decision on the classification of awards to be granted to each student on completion
of the programme ;
6.5
(ii)
a decision on de-registration cases; and
(iii)
a decision on cases with extenuating circumstance.
Communication Channels
Departmental Announcements
All departmental announcements will be made through your COMP email account. You are
expected to check your account on a regular basis. For enquires about email account, please
contact the Technical Team at 2766 7257
Class-related matters
Your subject lecturer should be in contact with you through emails, WebCT or other means
specified in class.
For other enquiries related to your programme, please contact the General Office at 2766
7260 or email to [email protected]
7. FACULTY AND FACILITIES
This programme is supported by a group of highly qualified academic staff, a continued upgrade of
computing and communication facilities, and five research and development laboratories.
7.1
Academic Staff
The quality of staff in the department has been improved tremendously in the last few years
through positive support to staff development and research, as well as aggressive
recruitment for staff with a good balance of academic excellence and industrial experience.
Many staff members have substantial work experience in major industrial institutions
around the world.
The expertise within the department include Software Engineering, Multimedia and
Computer Graphics, Database Systems, Distributed Systems, Internet, Artificial
Intelligence, Data Mining & Data Warehousing, Intelligent Information Systems and Ecommerce, mobile and wireless computing.
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7.2
Computing Facilities
The Department attaches importance to the practical work of students.
Academic
programmes and research activities are well supported with a wide range of computing
facilities available in the departmental Computing Laboratories (located at 6/F of PQ Wing
and 4/F of QT Wing) and the University's Information Technology Services Office (ITS)
via the departmental Local Area Network (LAN). The departmental LAN consists mainly
of 100 Mbps UTP Ethernet segments interconnected together using the state-of-art gigabit
network switches, which are provided and maintained by the University. The departmental
LAN is also connected to The Hong Kong Polytechnic University campus Gigabit Network
and then to the Internet. The Internet connection is used for web access, electronic mail,
internet news, remote logins, file transfers, and other forms of interaction with the worldwide computing community.
A wide variety of computing hardware and software is available to support both the
undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. They are listed as below:
Computing Hardware

4-CPUs Sun Fire 4800 Server

2-CPUs Sun Fire V880 Server

2-CPUs Sun Fire E280R Servers

10-CPUs Sun Ultra Enterprise 4000 Server

4-CPUs Sun Ultra Enterprise 3000 Server

2-CPUs Sun Ultra Enterprise 2 servers

HP Blade BL20p G2 servers

HP Proliant DL 380 G3 servers

HP Proliant 7000 Xeon P3/500 PC servers

Cisco Dial-in Modem servers

Castelle FAXpress server

Pentinum-3 and -4 PCs

Sun Blade 150 workstations

Sun UltraSPARC 5 workstations

Sun UltraSPARC 30 workstations

HP LaserJet Printers
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
HP Colour Laser Printers

HP Colour Scanners

Epson Color Inkjet printers

Orinoco Wireless Access points
Computing Software

Data mining and warehousing tool
- Clementine Data Mining

Database management system
- Oracle
- Microsoft SQL Server

Project management software
- Microsoft Project

Distributed computing software
- MPI
- Visibroker

Graphics tools
- Virtool
- Adobe PhotoShop
- Microsoft Visio 2000

Office software
- Microsoft Office XP/2000

Operation system software
- MS Win XP/2000/98
- Novell Netware
- RedHat Linux

Programming language
- Java
- Microsoft Visual Studio.Net

Simulation packages
- CSIM
- ALPHA-Sim

Software Engineering packages
- Rational Rose

Statistical and Mathematical analysis tools
- Matlab
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13
- SAS
- SPSS

Web Publishing
- Macromedia Dreamweaver
- Microsoft FrontPage

Web Server software
- Apache/Tomcat
While some of the above mentioned computing facilities are located in the offices of
academic staff and research staff, most of them are located in the departmental Computing
Laboratories as depicted below:Computing Laboratories
Project laboratory
-
is located on 6/F of PQ Wing
-
is dedicated to the final year Undergraduate students, who carry out their final
year project implementations;
-
has Wireless Access points for notebook PC connections to departmental LAN;
-
is supported by 4 sets of Sun UltraSPARC 5 workstations, 40 sets of Pentium-4
PCs, a HP Color scanner and a high speed HP Laser printer.
Student laboratory
-
is located both on 6/F of PQ Wing and 4/F of QT Wing;
-
provides a general computing environment for student’s work;
-
has Wireless Access points for user’s notebook PC connection to departmental
LAN;
-
is supported by a total of 15 sets of Pentium-4 PCs, 1 sets of Sun UltraSPARC
5 workstations, 1 set of HP Color Scanner, 1 set of Epson Color Inkjet printer
and 5 sets of high speed HP Laser printer.
PC laboratory (4 rooms)
-
is located on 6/F of PQ Wing and 4/F of QT Wing;
-
provides the facilities for basic and advanced programming on the Window
environment for all students in the department;
-
serves as an instruction laboratory with overhead LCD projectors during some
class hours;
-
is supported by a total of 135 sets of Pentium-4 PCs.
PC/Unix laboratory
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2005-2006
14
-
is located on 6/F of PQ Wing;
-
provides a mix of Window and Unix computing environment;
-
serves as an instruction laboratory with overhead LCD projectors during some
class hours;
-
is supported by a total of 19 sets of Sun Blade 150 / UltraSPARC 5
workstations and 28 sets of Pentinum-4 PCs.
Linux laboratory
-
is located on 4/F of QT Wing;
-
provides a mix of the prevailing Linux and Window computing environment for
all students of the department;
-
serves as an instruction laboratory which is equipped with overhead LCD
projectors;
-
is supported by a total of 40 sets of Pentium-4 PCs.
Research/Teaching laboratories
A number of special laboratories including:
-
Internet and Mobile Computing Laboratory
-
Software Development and Management Laboratory
-
Chinese Computing Laboratory
-
Biometrics Laboratory
-
Game Laboratory
have been created for research development and teaching support.
WebCT Teaching and Learning Support
To enhance interactive learning and facilitate communications, the proposed programme
will be supported by the WebCT system. WebCT is a web-based teaching and online
content management system. All the essential functions for interactive teaching/learning
through Internet are built-in as standard features of WebCT. These include:
1. Online Bulletin Board (newsgroup)
2. Online Chat Room (similar to ICQ)
3. Online Whiteboard (for drawing pictures jointly through Internet)
4. Web Page Creation (no programming required, just do typing, import or cut and paste)
5. Interactive Quiz (no programming required)
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2005-2006
15
6. Internal Mail
7. Class Calendar
8. Internal Content Search
9. Password Authentication
10. Student database for class management and performance tracking
Furthermore multimedia components such as digital video, digital sound, computer
graphics and animations can be imported into WebCT for creating web-based lessons.
Please browse webct.polyu.edu.hk for details.
8.
SUBJECT SYLLABI
The Department reserves the right to update the syllabus contents.
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2005-2006
16
Core Subjects
Subject Title:
Software Design and Architecture
Subject Code: COMP 5212
Credit Value:
3
Pre-requisite:
Nil
Mutual Exclusions:
Nil
Learning approach:
Online self-study is complimented by several optional face-to-face tutorials and online tutorials. Discussion
forums will be set up to encourage interaction among the students and the lecturer.
Online and Offline Self Study
Online Tutorial/Seminar/Labs
Assignments and Project
Total
82 hours
14 hours
44 hours
140 hours
Continuous Assessment
Test, and Examination
45%
55%
Assessment:
Objectives:

Learn how to cope with the complexity of problem specification and solution by recent techniques

Introduce some design concepts such as abstraction, information hiding, functional decomposition,
modularization and reusability

Understand software architecture, design trade-offs, tools and environments

Exploit domain knowledge

Introduce Software Ergonomics for software design
Keyword Syllabus:
Concepts and Principles
Design Notations
Design Methods
Object-Oriented Design
Aspect-Oriented Design and Programming
Component-based Development
Commercial Off-the-Shelf
Rational Unified Software
UML
Design Quality and Metrics
Software Architecture
Design Strategies and Method
Psychology of Programming
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2004-2005
17
References:
Bass, L., 1998, Software architecture in practice Reading, Mass.: Addison-Wesley
Braude, E. J., 2004, Software design : from programming to architecture Hoboken, NJ: Wiley
Budgen, D., 1994, Software design Wokingham, England ; Reading, Mass.: Addison-Wesley
Detienne, F., 2002, Software design--cognitive aspects London: Springer
Kruchten, P., 1999, The rational unified process Reading, Mass.: Addison-Wesley
Stevens, W. P., 1991, Software design : concepts and methods New York: Prentice Hall International
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2005-2006
18
Subject Title:
Software Project Management
Subject Code: COMP 5221
Credit Value:
3
Pre-requisite:
Nil
Mutual Exclusions:
Managing Software Development and Quality (COMP517),
Advanced Topics in Software Engineering (COMP548)
Learning approach:
Online self-study is complimented by several optional face-to-face tutorials and online tutorials. Discussion
forums will be set up to encourage interaction among the students and the lecturer.
Online and Offline Self Study
Online Tutorial/Seminar/Labs
Assignments and Project
Total
82 hours
14 hours
44 hours
140 hours
Continuous Assessment
Test, and Examination
60%
40%
Assessment:
Objectives:

Provide students a systematic approach to initiate, plan, execute, control and close a software project.

Introduce different types of project life cycle models, project and operations organization approach.

Develop a basic understanding of the nine project management areas, and the role of a typical project
manager.

Equip students with some understanding of the best practices, and techniques used in project
management processes.

Enable students to write a software project management plan that address issues of risk analysis,
schedule, checkpoint, costs, resources, etc.
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2004-2005
19
Keyword Syllabus:
Project Management Process & Technique
Project conception; Project definition; Project Life Cycle; Roles and Responsibility of project manager,
Principle of Software Development.
Project Management Processes:
Initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing
Project management techniques:
Planning, organizing, controlling, evaluating, reporting, costing, sizing, cost/benefit analysis, and earned
value analysis
Methods for project planning:
Estimation of project size, schedule and cost.
Methods for project control:
Checkpoints, Reviews, Change Management, Reporting, Issues management, Team building, High
performance team.
Project Management Knowledge Areas
Integration Management, Scope Management, Time Management,
Cost Management, Quality Management, Human Resource Management,
Communication Management, Risk Management, Procurement Management
References:
Books
A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, PMBOK Guide 2000 Edition, Project Management
Institute, 2000.
Cadle, J., Yeates, D., Project Management for Information Systems, Prentice Hall, 2004.
Hughes, B. and Cotterell, M., 1999, Software Project Management, McGraw-Hill.
Kerzner, H., 2001, Project Management, A systems approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling, John
Wiley & Sons.
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2005-2006
20
Subject Title:
Software Testing and Quality Assurance
Subject Code: COMP 5222
Credit Value:
3
Pre-requisite:
Nil
Mutual Exclusions:
Nil
Learning approach:
Online self-study is complimented by several optional face-to-face tutorials and online tutorials. Discussion
forums will be set up to encourage interaction among the students and the lecturer.
Online and Offline Self Study
OnlineTutorial/Seminar/Labs
Assignments and Project
Total
82 hours
14 hours
44 hours
140 hours
Continuous Assessment
Test, and Examination
45%
55%
Assessment:
Objectives:
1.
To apply effective testing techniques for ensuring high quality software.
2.
To understand issues and metrics for managing quality assurance.
3.
To understand the capabilities of the leading edge test tools.
4.
To enable the students to apply the learned techniques to their own software development environment
to improve the software quality.
Keyword Syllabus:
Software Quality Concepts
Software quality problems. Quality definition. Quality model.
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2004-2005
21
Code-based Testing Techniques
Control flow and data flow testing. Mutation testing. Symbolic evaluation. Domain testing.
Specification-based Testing Techniques
Equivalence partitioning. Boundary value analysis. Cause-effect graphing. Random testing. State machine
testing. Formal program verification.
Management of Software Quality
Responsibility. Test cycle (unit, integration, system, performance, alpha and beta testing phases). Design and
code reviews. Test plans. Test tools, Inspection technique. Quality metrics. Quality prediction. Testing
Maturity model. In-process quality tracking. Software complexity. Data collection.
Reading List & References:
Culbertson, R., Brown, C., Cobb, G., Rapid Testing, Prentice Hall, 2002.
Kaner, C., Falk, J., Nguyen, H.Q., 1999, Testing Computer Software, John Wiley.
Nguyen, H.Q., 2001, Testing Applications on the Web, John Wiley.
Paulish, D.J. and Moller, K.H., 1992, Software Metrics: A Practitioner’s Guide to Improved Product
Development, IEEE.
Tamres, L., 2002, Introducing Software Testing, Addison Wesley.
IEEE Std. 829, 1008, 1012, 1059, 1028, 1044
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2005-2006
22
Subject Title:
Software Requirement Analysis and Specification
Subject Code: COMP 5224
Credit Value: 3
Pre-requisite:
Nil
Mutual Exclusions:
Nil
Learning approach:
Online self-study is complimented by several optional face-to-face tutorials and online tutorials. Discussion
forums will be set up to encourage interaction among the students and the lecturer.
Online and Offline Self Study
Online Tutorial/Seminar/Labs
Assignments and Project
Total
82 hours
14 hours
44 hours
140 hours
Continuous Assessment
Test, and Examination
45%
55%
Assessment:
Objectives:




Introduce the requirements engineering process and show how requirements engineering dovetails with
the overall software life cycle.
Identify the stakeholders and establishes relationships between the development team and customer
Detect and resolve conflicts between users and developers and interact with a development environment
Understand procedures of checks for omissions, conflicts and ambiguities and ensure that the
requirements follow prescribed quality standards
Keyword Syllabus:
Requirements Engineering Process
Requirements Taxonomy
Requirements Elicitation
Documenting a software requirements analysis
Requirements Analysis
Analyzing software requirements
Structured Functional Methods
Real-time Impact
The object-oriented approach
Artificial Intelligence Methods
Requirements by Collaboration
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2004-2005
23
Requirements Validation
Validating and verifying software requirements
Requirements Management
The software design process
The process of implementing software requirements
Writing Use Cases
References:
Ferdinandi, P. L., 2002, A requirements pattern : succeeding in the Internet economy, Boston, Mass. :
Addison Wesley.
Gottesdiener , E., 2002, Requirements by collaboration : workshops for defining needs, Boston [Mass.] :
Addison-Wesley.
Sodhi, J, 1992, Software Requirements Analysis and Specifications, New York : McGraw-Hill.
Wiegers, K. E., 1999, Software Requirements, Redmon, Wash. : Microsoft Press.
Wieringa, R., 1996, Requirements engineering : frameworks for understanding, Chichester ; New York :
Wiley.
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2005-2006
24
Subject Title:
Software Evolution and Maintenance
Subject Code: COMP 5225
Credit Value: 3
Pre-requisite:
Nil
Mutual Exclusions:
Nil
Learning approach:
Online self-study is complimented by several optional face-to-face tutorials and online tutorials. Discussion
forums will be set up to encourage interaction among the students and the lecturer.
Online and Offline Self Study
OnlineTutorial/Seminar/Labs
Assignments and Project
Total
82 hours
14 hours
44 hours
140 hours
Continuous Assessment
Test, and Examination
45%
55%
Assessment:
Objectives:




Introduce basic concepts of maintenance and how the concept of system evolution fits into software
maintenance
Present unique and different technical and managerial problems for software maintenance in software
engineering
Address the formal types of maintenance and common process
Discuss standard maintenance processes
Keyword Syllabus:
Maintenance Concepts
Maintenance Activities and Role
Maintenance Process
Organization Aspect of Maintenance
Problems of Software Maintenance
Maintenance Cost and Maintenance Cost Estimation
Maintenance Measurements
Tools and Techniques for Maintenance
Performing Program Maintenance
Debugging
Tools for Maintenance
Managing the Maintenance Function
Maintenance Teams
Outsourcing IT Maintenance
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2004-2005
25
References:
Hallsteinsen, S. and Paci, M, 1997, Experiences in software evolution and reuse : twelve real world projects,
Berlin ; New York: Springer.
Keyes, J., 2003, Software engineering handbook Boca Raton: Auerbach.
Polo, M., 2003, Advances in software maintenance management : technologies and solutions Hershey, PA:
Idea Group Pub.
West, R., 1993, Improving the maintainability of software London: HMSO.
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2005-2006
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Subject Title:
Project Practice and Case Studies
Subject Code: COMP 5231
Credit Value : 3
Pre-requisite:
Nil
Mutual Exclusions:
Nil
Learning approach:
Students, working as a team, will work closely with academic staffs and, where possible, reviewers from
industry to apply advanced software engineering techniques to the development of a realistic product and
evaluate the results. The students apply the knowledge and skills gained in this programme as they synthesize
a solution to a significant, realistic, and practical problem. Students work to analyze a problem, plan a
software development effort, define requirements, and implement a solution.
Group meetings, reviews, presentations 30 hours
Project artifacts
110 hours
Total
140 hours
Assessment:
Continuous Assessment
100%
Objectives:




Teach students to start up, manage and close a software project
Provide an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills gained in the programme
Understand project politics in real life cases
Provide students to gain insight into realistic and practical project problems.
Keyword Syllabus:
Software Development Projects
Students work in teams, with a faculty member as coach, to analyze a problem, plan a software development
project, and implement a solution. After delivering a result, students evaluate the efficacy of their solution as
used by customers.
Benchmarking Software Projects
Students work on some benchmarking report for SE topics like
Slow Programmer vs Fast Programmer
Small Software Project vs Large Software Project
Software Project vs Engineering Project
Business Value vs Information Technology Value
Note: Data and project results reported by students must be either empirical or experimental to emphasize on
real life studies.
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2004-2005
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Subject Title:
Software Engineering Process for High Quality Software
Subject Code: COMP 5251
Credit Value: 3
Pre-requisite:
Nil
Mutual Exclusions: Managing Software Development and Quality (COMP517)
Learning approach:
Online self-study is complimented by several optional face-to-face tutorials and online tutorials. Discussion
forums will be set up to encourage interaction among the students and the lecturer.
Online and Offline Self Study
Online Tutorial/Seminar/Labs
Assignments and Project
Total
82 hours
14 hours
44 hours
140 hours
Continuous Assessment
Test, and Examination
45%
55%
Assessment:
Objective :





Understand the rise of Software Process Improvement and Engineering from 1990s onwards
Discuss different frameworks for software process improvement
Understand the key characteristics of the different maturity models
Learn to do software assessments
Learn and apply process improvement techniques
Keyword syllabus:







Software quality concepts and principles
Measurement in software quality analysis
Quality management models
Automated software testing
Capability Maturity Model (CMM)
ISO9000
Six Sigma
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2005-2006
28
Indicative reading list and references:
Books

Abran, A., Moore, J.W., Bourque, P., Dupuis, R., Tripp, L.L. (ed), 2001, Guide to the Software
Engineering Body of Knowledge: Trial Version, IEEE.

Breyfogle III, F.W., 2003, Implementing Six Sigma Smarter Solutions Using Statistical Methods, John
Wiley & Sons.

Chrissis, M.B., Konrad, M., Shrum, S., 2003, CMMI Guidelines for Process Integration and Product
Improvement, Addison Wesley.

Fenton, N.F., Pfleeger, S.L., 1997, Software Metrics: a Rigorous & Practical Approach, 2nd edition,
International Thomson Computer Press.

Kan, S.H., 2003, Metrics and Models in Software Quality Engineering, 2nd edition, Pearson Education,
Inc.

雷劍文, 陳振沖, 李明樹, 2002, CMM: 軟件過程的管理與改進,, 清華大學出版社, 北京.

Mears, P., 1994, Quality Improvement Tools & Techniques, McGraw-Hill.

Mosley, D.J., Posey, B.A., 2002, Just Enough Software Test Automation, Prentice Hall PTR.

Sami, Z., 1998, Software Process Improvement: Practical Guidelines for Business Success, AddisonWesley Professional.

Software Engineering Institute, 1995, The Capability Maturity Model Guidelines for Improving the
Software Process, Carnegie Mellon University, Addison-Wesley Professional.

Tayntor, C, 2002, Six Sigma Software Development, Auerbach.

Wang, Y.X., King, G., 2002, Software Engineering Processes: Principles and Applications, CRC Press.
Articles

Chan, D.K.C., Tse, N.H., Zhang, S., 2003, A Methodology for Automated Functional Testing, In
Proceedings of the Joint International Computer Conference, Zhuhai, China, 2003.

Chan, D.K.C., Tse, N.H., 2003, A Methodology for Automated Performance Testing, In Proceedings of
the Asia-Pacific Software Engineering Process Group (AP-SEPG) Conference 2003, Hong Kong, China,
2003.

CMMI-SE/SW/IPPD/SS Version 1.1
o
Staged representation
o
o
Continuous representation
o

www.sei.cmu.edu/publications/documents/02.reports/02tr004.html
www.sei.cmu.edu/publications/documents/02.reports/02tr003.html
De Feo, J.A., Bar-El, Z., 2002, Creating Strategic Change More Efficiently with a New Design for Six
Sigma Process, Journal of Change Management, 3(1), Henry Stewart Publications.

Department of Energy, 1997, Guidelines for Software Measurement, US, Quality Report SQAS97-001.

Goldenson D.R., Gibson, D.L., 2003, Demonstrating the Impact and Benefits of CMMI: An Update and
Preliminary Results, Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, CMU/SEI-2003-SR009.
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2004-2005
29

Mutafelija, B, Stromberg, H, 2003, ISO 9001:2000 – CMMI v1.1 Mappings.

Rifkin, S., 2001, What Makes Measuring Software So Hard?, IEEE Software, IEEE Press, p.41-45.

UGC, 2002, Design for Six Sigma, NX Digital Product Development White Paper.
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2005-2006
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Subject title:
Data Mining and Data Warehouse Applications
Subject code:
COMP5121
Credit value:
3
Pre-requisites: Nil
Mutual Exclusions:
Nil
Learning approach:
Online Self Study
Offline Self Study
Online Group Discussion
Online Tutorial
Project
Assignments
85 hours (for all 4 items above)
20 hours
35 hours
140 hours
Total
Assessment:
Continuous Assessment
Test and Examination
70%
30%
Objectives:
This subject is aimed at teaching students to:
 make more effective use of data stored in data bases
 create a clean, consistent repository of data within a data warehouse
 utilize various levels and types of summarization of data to support management decision making
 discover patterns and knowledge that is embedded in the data using several different techniques, such as
neural nets, decision trees and statistical techniques.
Keyword Syllabus:
Students will be presented with documentation (lecture notes, tutorial materials, practical exercises and
reference papers) of a range of up-to-date methods, techniques and applications in data mining and data
warehouse. More specifically, this subject covers the following topics:





Introduction to data warehousing and data mining; possible application areas in business and finance;
definitions and terminologies; types of data mining problems.
Data warehouse and data warehousing; data warehouse and the industry; definitions; operational
databases vs. data warehouses.
Data warehouse architecture and design; two-tier and three-tier architecture; star schema and
snowflake schema; data characteristics; static and dynamic data; meta-data; data marts.
Data replication, data capturing and indexing, data transformation and cleansing; replicated data and
derived data; Online Analytical Processing (OLAP); multidimensional databases; data cube
Data Mining and knowledge discovery, the data mining lifecycle; pre-processing; data transformation;
types of problems and applications.
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2004-2005
31





Mining of Association Rules; the Apriori algorithm; binary, quantitative and generalized association
rules; interestingness measures.
Classification; decision tree based algorithms; Bayesian approach; statistical approaches, nearest
neighbor approach; neural network based approach; Genetic Algorithms based technique; evaluation
of classification model.
Clustering; k-means algorithm; Hierarchical algorithm; Condorset; neural network and Genetic
Algorithms based approach; evaluation of effectiveness.
Sequential data mining; time dependent data and temporal data; time series analysis; sub-sequence
matching; classification and clustering of temporal data; prediction.
Computation intelligence techniques; fuzzy logic, genetic algorithms and neural networks for data
mining.
Indicative reading list and references:
Chan, K.C.C., 2002, Course Notes on Data Mining & Data Warehousing, Department of Computing, The
Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Inmon, W.H., 1996, Building the Data Warehouse, 2nd Edition, J. Wliley & Sons, New York, NY.
Mattison, R., 1997, Data Warehousing and Data Mining for Telecommunications, Artech House, Boston.
Wtehorn, M., 1999, Business Intelligence: the IBM Solution: Datawarehousing and OLAP, Springer, London.
Han, J., and Kamber, M., 2001, Data Mining: Concepts and Techniques, Morgan Kaufmann, San Francisco,
CA.
Rud, 2001, Data Mining Cookbook: Modeling Data for Marketing, Risk, and Customer Relationship
Management, J. Wiley, New York, NY.
Groth, R., 1998, Data Mining: Building Competitive Advantage, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ.
Berry, M.J.A., 2000, Mastering Data Mining: the Art and Science of Customer Relationship Management,
Wilery, New York NY.
Kovalerchuk, B., 2000, Data Mining in Finance: Advances in Relational and Hybrid Methods, Kluwer
Academic, Boston.
Berry, M.J.A., 1997, Data Mining Techniques for Marketing, Sales and Customer Support, Wilery, New
York NY.
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2005-2006
32
Subject Title:
Enterprise Software Technique
Subject Code: COMP 5137
Credit Value: 3
Pre-requisite:
Nil
Recommended background knowledge:
Java Programming, knowledge of internet.
Mutual Exclusions:
Nil
Learning approach:
Online self-study is complimented by several optional face-to-face tutorials and online tutorials. Online
discussion forums will be set up to encourage interactions among students and the lecturer. Shared learning
through all the provided channels is encouraged throughout the course.
Online & Offline Self Study
Online Tutorials/Seminars/Labs
Assignments & Project
Total
82 hours
14 hours
44 hours
140 hours
Continuous assessment
Test, and Examination
45%
55%
Assessment:
Objectives:







Understand the challenges of developing enterprise systems
Comprehend the topical system architecture and the freedom of choice for various components
Study the use of J2EE in the reference architecture for enterprise systems
Study the use of the .NET framework in the reference architecture for enterprise systems
Examine the options available for improvement on reliability, robustness, and scalability
Understand the importance of system rollout and operations
Examine the concerns on enterprise systems design
Keyword syllabus:

Challenges of Developing Enterprise Systems
Distributed Processing
Networked Environment
Enterprise Non-functional Requirements on Scalability, Reliability & Robustness
Enterprise Non-functional Requirements on Implementation & Operational Controls

A Reference System Architecture for Enterprise Systems
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2004-2005
33







3-tier Architecture
Ability to Respond Quickly to Changes
Components for Client-side Processing
XML
JavaScript
VBScript
DHTML
Web Server for Middle Tier Processing
Web Server
Servlet
JavaServer Pages
ASP.NET
Application Server for Middle Tier Processing
Enterprise JavaBeans
CLI/CLR
JAXR
JTS
MTS
Database Server at the 3rd Tier
ODBC
JDBC
ADO.NET
Quality Assurance
Clustering
Load-balancing
Security Measures
Interoperability
Implementation & Operational Controls
Rollout Procedures
Operation Monitoring
Examine the concerns on enterprise systems design
Presentation Layer
Business Layer
Integration Layer
Indicative reading:
Nick Heinle & Bill Pena, 2002, Designing with JavaScript, O’Reilly & Associates, Inc., 2nd edition (ISBN 56592-360-X).
Craig Larman & Rhett Guthrie, 2000, Java 2 Performance and Idiom Guide, Prentice Hall PTR, 2000 (ISBN 013-014260-3).
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2005-2006
34
Subject Title:
Software Infrastructure and Configuration Management
Subject Code: COMP 5226
Credit Value:
3
Pre-requisite:
Nil
Mutual Exclusions:
Nil
Learning approach:
Online self-study is complimented by several optional face-to-face tutorials and online tutorials. Discussion
forums will be set up to encourage interaction among the students and the lecturer.
Online and Offline Self Study
OnlineTutorial/Seminar/Labs
Assignments and Project
Total
82 hours
14 hours
44 hours
140 hours
Continuous Assessment
Test, and Examination
45%
55%
Assessment:
Objectives:



Understand different methodologies for the SCM process
Identify the configuration at discrete points in time to systematically control changes and to maintain
integrity
Introduce software configuration control, status accounting and configuration auditing and their
application
Keyword Syllabus:
Management of the SCM process
System Development Methodology
Project Management Methodology
Configuration Management Methodology
Software Configuration Identification
Labeling Scheme
Functional Baseline Configuration Items, Allocated Baseline Configuration Items
Design Baseline Configuration Items, Product Baseline Configuration Items
Operational Baseline Configuration Items
Software Configuration Control
Change Management Process
Software Configuration Status Accounting
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2004-2005
35
Types of Logs
Type Frequency and Distribution of Reports
Software Configuration Auditing
Functional Configuration Audit,
Physical Configuration Audit
Formal Qualification Review
Software Release Management and Delivery
References:
Ayer, S. J., 1992, Software configuration management : identification, accounting, control, and management,
New York, McGraw-Hill.
Berczuk, S. P., 2003, Software configuration management patterns : effective teamwork, practical integration
Boston, MA, Addison-Wesley.
Keyes, J., 2003, Software engineering handbook, Boca Raton, Auerbach
Sommerville, I., 2001, Software engineering Harlow, New York: Addison-Wesley, 6th ed.
Jones, C., 2000, Software assessments, benchmarks, and best practices Boston, Mass., Addison Wesley.
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2005-2006
36
Subject Title:
Embedded Software System
Subject Code: COMP 5227
Credit Value : 3
Pre-requisite:
Nil
Mutual Exclusions:
Nil
Learning approach:
Online self-study is complimented by several optional face-to-face tutorials and online tutorials. Discussion
forums will be set up to encourage interaction among the students and the lecturer.
Online and Offline Self Study
Online Tutorial/Seminar/Labs
Assignments and Project
Total
82 hours
14 hours
44 hours
140 hours
Continuous Assessment
Test, and Examination
45%
55%
Assessment:
Objectives:






Understand the characteristics of embedded systems and how they differ from general-purpose
computing systems
Address how to integrate hardware and software in embedded systems
Discuss different approaches to developing embedded systems
Introduce different programming languages for embedded system development and describe their
strengths and weaknesses
Address how to test embedded systems
Introduce Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOSs)
Keyword Syllabus:
An Overview of embedded systems
Characteristics of embedded systems
The difference of embedded systems from general-purpose computing systems
Integration of hardware and software
Digital Signal Processors (DSPs)
Cores of DSPs
Conventional DSP architecture
Pipelining
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2004-2005
37
Embedded systems development approaches
Finite States Machines
Dataflow Models
Discrete Event Models
Concurrency and scheduling
UML for embedded systems
Programming languages
Assembly
C
C++
Java
Testing and debugging embedded systems
Testing approaches
Debuggers
Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOSs)
Cyclic executive
Interrupts
Co-operative multitasking
Typical RTOS task model
File systems
Hardware Abstraction Layer
Communications
References:
S. R. Ball, 2000, Embedded Microprocessor Systems: Real World Design, Boston, MA: Newnes.
I. Crnkovic and M. Larsson, 2002, Building Reliable Component-Based Software Systems, Boston, MA:
Artech House.
Dreamtech Software Team, 2002, Programming for Embedded Systems: Cracking the Code, New York, NY:
Wiley.
S. A. Edwards, 2000, Languages for Digital Embedded Systems, Boston, MA: Kluwer.
R. Ernst, 1998, “Codesign of Embedded Systems: Status and Trends,” IEEE Design and Test of Computers,
vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 45–54.
P. Green, M. Edwards, and S. Essa, 2002, “UML for System-Level Design: Extending the Object Model for
Systems-on-Chips,” in A. Mignotte, E. Villar, and L. Horobin (Eds.), Systems on Chip Design Languages,
Boston, MA: Kluwer.
S. Heath, 1997, Embedded Systems Design, Oxford, U.K.: Newnes.
P. Lapsley, J. Bier, A. Shoham, and E. A. Lee, 1997, DSP Processor Fundamentals, New York, NY: IEEE
Press.
L. Lavagno, G. Martin, and B. Selie (Eds.), 2003, UML for Real: Design of Embedded Real-Time Systems,
Boston, MA: Kluwer.
J. C. Lopez, R. Hermida, and W. Geisselhardt (Eds.), 1998, Advanced Techniques for Embedded Systems
Design and Test, Boston, MA: Kluwer.
D. E. Simon, 1999, An Embedded Software Primer, Reading, MA: Addison Wesley.
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2005-2006
38
Subject Title:
IT Outsourcing and Auditing
Subject Code: COMP 5232
Credit Value:
3
Pre-requisite:
Nil
Mutual Exclusions:
Nil
Learning approach:
Online self-study is complimented by several optional face-to-face tutorials and online tutorials. Discussion
forums will be set up to encourage interaction among the students and the lecturer.
Online and Offline Self Study
OnlineTutorial/Seminar/Labs
Assignments and Project
Total
82 hours
14 hours
44 hours
140 hours
Continuous Assessment
Test, and Examination
45%
55%
Assessment:
Objectives:








Understand motivations behind going GSD
Explain difficulties which impose a centrifugal force on a Global Software Team
Introduce a global software development methodology called Plagiarism-based Programming
Address how to apply GSD theory for Pan-China Software Development: viewing the Pan China as the
global
Address IT Outsourcing in connection with Global Software Management
Discuss different models of IT Outsourcing and their characteristics
Discuss a framework for analyzing OSS
Address OSS impact on business users and software vendors in China and in the world
Keyword Syllabus:
Global Software Development
Around the sun development
Reduction in time-to market
Characteristics of GSD
Geographic Dispersion
Loss of Communication Richnes
Cultural Difference
Loss of teamness
Coordination Breakdown
Methodology
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2004-2005
39
Development Methodology – CMM
Plagiarism-based Programming
IT Outsourcing
Strategy and Decision
Implementation
IT Outsourcing Model for Software Development
Four Models and their Characteristics
Case Studies of IT Outsourcing
Open Source Development
Major Open Source Project
Linux
Mozilla
Tex
SendMail
Perl
Open Office
Tomcat
OSI-Approved License
OSD Configuration Management
CVS
Open Source Development from a CMM perspective
Open Source Development from an XP perspective
IT Audit
Objectives
Process
Techniques
Standards: COBIT, ISO19011
References:
Gunasekaran A., Khalil O., Syed M.R. (Ed.), 2002, Knowledge and Information Technology Management:
Human and Social Perspectives, Idea Group, Hershey, PA
Karolak D. W., 1998, Global Software Development managing virtual teams and environments, Los
Alamitos, Calif. : IEEE Computer Society
Carmel, E., 1999, Global software teams : collaborating across borders and time zones, Upper Saddle River,
NJ : Prentice Hall
McMahon, P. E., 2001, Virtual project management : software solutions for today and the future, Boca
Raton, Fla. : St. Lucie Press
Pavlicek, R. C., 2000, Embracing insanity : open source software development, Indianapolis, Ind. : Sams
Feller, J., 2002, Understanding Open Source Software development, London : Addison-Wesley
Aalders, R, 2001, The IT outsourcing guide New York ; Chichester : Wiley
ISO 19011 Guidelines for Quality and Environmental Management Systems Auditing
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2005-2006
40
Subject Title:
Extreme Programming and Agile Software Development
Subject Code: COMP 5252
Credit Value:
3
Pre-requisite:
Nil
Recommended background knowledge:
CMM and Basic Java Programming
Students who are not familiar with programming require completing at least two core subjects
Mutual Exclusions:
Nil
Learning approach:
Online self-study is complimented by several optional face-to-face tutorials and online tutorials. Discussion
forums will be set up to encourage interaction among the students and the lecturer.
Online and Offline Self Study
Online Tutorial/Seminar/Labs
Assignments and Project
Total
82 hours
14 hours
44 hours
140 hours
Continuous Assessment
Test, and Examination
45%
55%
Assessment:
Objectives:





Introduce the new field in software development called Agile Software Development and Extreme
Programming
Describe their unique features relative to traditional software practices
Discuss their applications in the real world
Address their significance for and impacts on developing software
Teach students how to start up an XP team to develop commercial software
Keyword Syllabus:



Elementary Programming: Java Class Method OOD
Agile Software Development
Overview of Agile Methodologies
Extreme Programming,
Scrum,
Feature Driven Programming
Crystal Method
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2004-2005
41







Dynamic Systems Development Method
eXtreme Programming
12 practices
Test-Driven Development
xUnit,
Different Patterns
Refactoring
Bad Smells in Code
Building Test
Toward a Catalog of Refactoring
Composing Methods
Pair Programming
Economics,
Productivity and Quality
Pair Learning
Characteristics of different people pair
Repeat Programming vs Pair Programming
How to start up an XP project
The first Iteration
The others iteration
Deployment
CMM and XP
References:
Beck, K., 2003, Extreme Programming Explained: Embrace Change, Addison-Wesley.
Cockburn, A., 2003, Agile Software Development, Addison-Wesley.
Marchesi, M., Succi, G., Wells, D. and Williams, L., 2002, Extreme Programming Perspectives, Addison
Wesley
Williams, L. and Kessler, R., 2003, Pair Programming Illuminated, Addison-Wesley
Ambler, S. W., 2002, Agile modeling : effective practices for eXtreme programming and the unified process,
New York, NY : Wiley
Martin, Robert C., 2003, Agile software development : principles, patterns, and practices, Upper Saddle
River, N.J. : Prentice Hall
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2005-2006
42
Subject title:
Information Security: Technologies and Systems
Subject code:
COMP5525
Credit value:
3
Pre-requisite:
Software Engineering Concepts (COMP509/COMP5211) or IS Development with OO
Methods (COMP5134) or equivalent
AND
Internet Computing and Applications (COMP5322) or Internet Computing (COMP515) or
Internet Computing for Managers (COMP5005) or equivalent
Mutual exclusions:
Nil
Learning approach:
On line tutorial/case study
Project/Assignment
Self Study
42 hours
40 hours
58 hours
140 hours
Assessment:
Continuous Assessment
Test, and Examination
45%
55%
Objectives:


To understand the problems with current security technologies and systems
To introduce biometric computing knowledge and methods
Keyword syllabus:
Introduction to Information Security
Why information security? Some definitions of security technologies and systems. Software and hardware
security and networks security. Access control.
Applied Cryptography
Classical systems. Secret key. Public key. Data encryption standard. Conventional encryption. Substitution
and transposition encryption technologies. Encryption algorithms.
Best Privacy Tool: Biometrics
Current privacy tools: password and key. Advantage of using personal features. Biometrics in living body,
including human head & face, the mechanism of human eye, hand & skin characteristics, personal voice &
sound, and habitual behaviors.
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2004-2005
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Privacy Biometrics Techniques
Biometrics data acquisition and biometrics database. The related image processing and pattern recognition
technologies, including digital image and signal representation, pattern extraction and classification. Basic
approaches of automated biometrics identification and verification.
Typical Physical & Behavial Biometrics
Basic security systems using physical and behavial characteristics of biometrics. Some basic introduction of
physical and behavial biometrics systems (such as fingerprint, palm-print, finger, hand, face, iris, and face, as
well as dental, DNA, retina recognition, voice, signature, gesture recognition, knowledge-based recognition,
and keyboard-input-based recognition).
Security Applications
Internet/Intranet. E-Commerce. Banking services. Immigration and Naturalization Service. Benefit Systems.
Computer Systems. National Identity. Physical Access. Telephone Systems. Time, Attendance and
Monitoring.
Indicative reading list and references:
Abrams, Marshall D. , Jajodia, Sushil. Podell, Harold J., 1994, Information security: an integrated collection
of essays, Los Aamitos, Calif.: IEEE Computer Society Press
Awcock. G.W., et al., 1996, Applied Image Processing, McGraw-Hill.
Derek Atkins, et al., 1997, Internet Security Professional Reference, Second Edition. New Riders Publishing.
Jain, et al., (eds), 1998, Biometrics: Personal Identification in Networked Society, Kluwer Publisher.
Russell, D., 1991, Computer security basics, Sebastopol, Calif. : O'Reilly & Associates.
Sid-Ahmed, M.A., 1995, Image Processing, Theory, Algorithms, & Architectures, McGraw-Hill.
Zhang, D., 2000, Automated Biometrics: Technologies & Systems, Kluwer Publisher.
IEEE Transaction on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence.
IEEE Transaction on Image Processing. Feb 2002
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2005-2006
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Subject Title:
IT Entrepreneurship and Legal Aspects at IT
Subject Code: COMP 5531
Credit Value:
3
Pre-requisite:
Nil
Mutual Exclusions:
MM534 Entrepreneurship
AF5506 Legal Aspects of E-Commerce
Learning approach:
Online self-study is complimented by several optional face-to-face tutorials and online tutorials. Discussion
forums will be set up to encourage interaction among the students and the lecturer.
Online and Offline Self Study
OnlineTutorial/Seminar/Labs
Assignments and Project
Total
82 hours
14 hours
44 hours
140 hours
Continuous Assessment
Test, and Examination
45%
55%
Assessment:
Objectives:






Explain the process of entrepreneurship
Understand how to start and run a business in the IT industry
Write a business plan
Understand some principles of law related to Information Technology
Understand some basics of PRC Law
Master “preventive law”
This course doesn’t promise the success of running your own company; but it definitely maximizes the
chance of your success.
Keyword Syllabus:
A Framework for Entrepreneurship
Defining Entrepreneurship: Creation, Economic Organization, Risk and Uncertainty
Dimensions of Entrepreneurship: Individuals, Environments, Organizations
International Environment
Political Factors, Macroeconomic Factors, Technological Factors, Sociodemographic Factors
Entrepreneurial Strategies
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2004-2005
45
Strategies: Rent-Seeking Strategy, Growth Strategies, Quality as a Strategy
Industry Environments: Emerging Environments, Transitional Environment, Maturing Industries, Declining
Industries, Fragmented Industries
Business Plan
The Costs of Planning, The Benefits of Business Planning, Management, Resources, Projections and Returns
Entrepreneurial Skills
Negotiation Skills, Networking Skills, Buying and Selling a Business, Leadership Skills
Intellectual Property
Copyright law, Patent law, Trademark law, Trade Secret law,
Law in Business
Contracts Law, Employees, Contractors and Consultants, The Laws of Defamation, Publicity, and Privacy
Cyber Law
Business Models for the Internet, Domain Names, Privacy Policies and Procedures, E-Commerce Laws,
Linking, Framing and Caching, Using Multimedia on the Web, The Law of Email, Service Provider Liability,
Protecting Your Intellectual Property Rights
Indicative Reading List and References:
Kishel, G., 1998, How to start, run, and stay in business (3rd), New York John Wiley,
Dollinger, MJ., 1995, Entrepreneurship: strategies and resources, Austen Press.
Bygrave, W., 1997, The portable MBA in entrepreneurship(2nd), John Wiley & Sons
Ferrera, G.R, Lichtenstein, SD, Reder, MEK, August, R and Schiano, W.T., 2001, Cyberlaw: text and cases,
Cincinnati, Ohio: West/Thomson Learning
Marcella, A.J and Grenfield, R.S. (Ed), 2002 Cyber forensics : a field manual for collecting, examining, and
preserving evidence of computer crimes, Boca Raton, Fla. : Auerbach.
Fishman, S., 2002, Web and Software development : a legal guide (3rd), Berkeley : Nolo Press
Brinson, J.D., 2000, Internet law and business handbook, Ladera Press
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2005-2006
46
Subject title:
Dissertation
Subject code:
COMP 5940
Credit value:
Pre-requisite:
9
(Subject title and code no., if any)
Has completed not less than 15 credits of study in the registered programme and with a GPA
of 2.5 or above.
Recommended background knowledge: Nil
Mutual exclusions:
IT Dissertation (COMP590), ST Dissertation (COMP591)
IS Dissertation (COMP592), E-Commerce Dissertation (COMP5091)
E-Commerce Dissertation (Executive) (COMP5092)
Independent Study in Information Systems (COMP5010)
Independent Study in E-Commerce (COMP5009)
Independent Study (COMP5923), Project (COMP5933)
E-Commerce Project (COMP5093), Information System Project (COMP5094)
Learning approach:
Supervisors:
Students are advised to discuss with potential supervisors for topic formulation and dissertation
supervision.
Tutorials:
Both the supervisor and student should arrange to communicate regularly at mutually agreed times.
Bi-weekly communication is recommended. As a guideline, each regular student is allowed a
minimum of fifteen hours of staff time for individual consultation to obtain guidance in dissertation
development. For CyberU students, the consultation should be done via available channels as much
as possible.
Self-study:
Students are expected to study independently, be self-motivated and set their own goals and
schedules as well as monitor these throughout the development of the dissertation.
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2004-2005
47
Duration of course:
Two semesters
Process
There are four stages in the preparation of the dissertation
(i)
approval of the outline of the proposed research plan
(ii)
approval of the completed draft
(iii) completion of dissertation document
(iv)
oral examination and presentation
The background of the students and their personal experiences and interests form the basis for them to
conduct the research study. To optimize the impact of their research on their organisations, students
are encouraged to undertake research within their work place and with full organisational support.
Generally, the dissertation covers an area of applied research in the IS/IT/ST/EC areas. The
dissertation must also contain sufficient evidence of research and original thought to justify its
academic standard at MSc level.
Details about standard requirements and assessment can be obtained from the Dissertation
Handbook for Postgraduate Schemes of the University.
MSc/PgD in ST (CyberU) Programme Booklet 2005-2006
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