Assessing the Quality of Large, Software-Intensive Systems: A Case Study
• SEI Report
Publisher
Software Engineering Institute
Topic or Tag
Abstract
This paper presents a case study in carrying out an audit of a large, software-intensive system. We discuss our experience in structuring the team for obtaining maximum effectiveness under a short deadline. We also discuss the goals of an audit, the methods of gathering and assimilating information, and specific lines of inquiry to be followed. We present observations on our approach in light of our experience and feedback from the customer.
Cite This SEI Report
Brown, A., Carney, D., Clements, P., Meyers, B., Smith, D., Weiderman, N., & Wood, W. (1995, September 1). Assessing the Quality of Large, Software-Intensive Systems: A Case Study. Retrieved September 12, 2026, from https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/assessing-the-quality-of-large-software-intensive-systems-a-case-study/.
@techreport{brown_1995,
author={Brown, Alan and Carney, David and Clements, Paul and Meyers, B. and Smith, Dennis and Weiderman, Nelson and Wood, William},
title={Assessing the Quality of Large, Software-Intensive Systems: A Case Study},
month={Sep},
year={1995},
institution={Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University},
url={https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/assessing-the-quality-of-large-software-intensive-systems-a-case-study/},
note={Accessed: 2026-Sep-12}
}
Brown, Alan, David Carney, Paul Clements, B. Meyers, Dennis Smith, Nelson Weiderman, and William Wood. "Assessing the Quality of Large, Software-Intensive Systems: A Case Study." Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. Software Engineering Institute, September 1, 1995. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/assessing-the-quality-of-large-software-intensive-systems-a-case-study/.
A. Brown, D. Carney, P. Clements, B. Meyers, D. Smith, N. Weiderman, and W. Wood, "Assessing the Quality of Large, Software-Intensive Systems: A Case Study," Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. Software Engineering Institute, 1-Sep-1995 [Online]. Available: https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/assessing-the-quality-of-large-software-intensive-systems-a-case-study/. [Accessed: 12-Sep-2026].
Brown, Alan, David Carney, Paul Clements, B. Meyers, Dennis Smith, Nelson Weiderman, and William Wood. "Assessing the Quality of Large, Software-Intensive Systems: A Case Study." Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Software Engineering Institute, 1 Sep. 1995. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/assessing-the-quality-of-large-software-intensive-systems-a-case-study/. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.
Brown, Alan; Carney, David; Clements, Paul; Meyers, B.; Smith, Dennis; Weiderman, Nelson; & Wood, William. Assessing the Quality of Large, Software-Intensive Systems: A Case Study. Software Engineering Institute. 1995. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/assessing-the-quality-of-large-software-intensive-systems-a-case-study/