Software Project Management - Old Questions

12. Explain the software configuration management and its roles.

Answered by: Ashok Bhattarai

Software Configuration Management(SCM) is a process to systematically manage, organize, and control the changes in the documents, codes, and other entities during the Software Development Life Cycle. Tasks in SCM process:- a) Configuration Identification: Configuration identification is a method of determining the scope of the software system. With the help of this step, you can manage or control something even if you don't know what it is. It is a description that contains the CSCI type (Computer Software Configuration Item), a project identifier and version information. b) Baseline: A baseline is a formally accepted version of a software configuration item. It is designated and fixed at a specific time while conducting the SCM process. It can only be changed through formal change control procedures. c) Change Control: Change control is a procedural method which ensures quality and consistency when changes are made in the configuration object. In this step, the change request is submitted to software configuration manager. d) Configuration Status Accounting: Configuration status accounting tracks each release during the SCM process. This stage involves tracking what each version has and the changes that lead to this version. e) Configuration Audits and Reviews: Software Configuration audits verify that all the software product satisfies the baseline needs. It ensures that what is built is what is delivered. Roles of SPM are:- a) Configuration Manager: Configuration Manager is the head who is Responsible for identifying configuration items. CM ensures team follows the SCM process. He or She needs to approve or reject change requests b) Developer: The developer needs to change the code as per standard development activities or change requests. He is responsible for maintaining configuration of code. The developer should check the changes and resolves conflicts. c) Auditor: The auditor is responsible for SCM audits and reviews. Need to ensure the consistency and completeness of release. d) User: The end user should understand the key SCM terms to ensure he has the latest version of the software.