Reducing Complexity in Software & Systems

July 16, 2015 • Podcast

By

Sarah Sheard

In this podcast, Sarah Sheard discusses research to investigate the nature of complexity, how it manifests in software-reliant systems such as avionics, how to measure it, and how to tell when too much complexity might lead to safety problems.

Publisher

Software Engineering Institute

Subjects

Performance And Dependability

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Abstract

Systems are increasingly software-reliant and interconnected, making design, analysis and evaluation harder than in the past. While new capabilities are welcome, they require more thorough validation. Complexity could mean that design flaws or defects could lead to hazardous conditions that are undiscovered and unresolved.

In this podcast, Dr. Sarah Sheard discusses a two-year research project to investigate the nature of complexity, how it manifests in software-reliant systems, such as avionics, how to measure it, and how to tell when too much complexity might lead to safety and certifiability problems.

About the Speaker

Sarah Sheard

Sarah Sheard is an SEI alumni employee.

Sarah Sheard is a senior member of the technical staff and Principal Systems Engineer at the SEI, working in the CERT Division. Sheard’s role at SEI includes research into today’s systems and software engineering concerns as well as consulting with government clients on …

Software Engineering Institute