Unit 12 – Software Development

Introduction to Software Development

The software development unit covers the purpose and characteristics of software applications and how to design, and develop a software application to fulfill a predetermined list of specifications. This unit teaches students how a software application is created, by looking closely at the development process for two existing applications. In this unit we explored the purposes, uses and key features of applications to acquire a greater level of understanding when developing our own applications.

How Was This Unit Assessed?

This unit was an coursework assessed unit, through a series of four internally marked tasks, which demonstrate my knowledge and understanding of the software applications design, and development process. I was asked to submit four tasks to demonstrate my understanding of the subject, which were marked against the assessment criteria for the software development unit.

What I Have learnt

The unit was split in four tasks to cover the learning aims for the assessment criteria, which for this unit were learning aims A, B, C and D. There were different grading levels for each task, with pass, merit or distinction being the awarded grades for the completion of each of the criteria levels. To complete these tasks, we were given a scenario with a set list of criteria to develop a software application for a client.

In learning aim A, I demonstrated my knowledge of the characteristics and uses of software applications by creating a PowerPoint presentation, explaining the key features and commands of two different software applications for the pass grade. Then reviewing how the features affect the usability and purpose of the application for the merit grade, and finally, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the applications for the distinction grade.

In learning aim B, I used the predetermined requirements for the given scenario to design a software application for the client, a local travel agent. I identified the purpose and user requirements for the application as specified in the client’s briefing. I then produced a proposed design solution using a range of tools to develop a prototype for the client, listing any assets and any pre-defined functions and subroutines used in my design. Then I produced an alternative design prototype, and justified my design decisions as to which design fulfilled the client’s requirements as stated in the brief.

In learning aim C, I created the the proposed application using and editing the pre-defined functions and subroutines to program the application. I developed a currency exchange calculator application coded in C#, which I then tested for functionality, and gathered feedback to improve the usability and functionality of the application.

In learning aim D, I reviewed the final application against the client’s requirements and explained how I met the required criteria.

Reflection of How I Worked

I found this unit fairly straight-forward, this was mostly due to the excellent teaching standards of my tutor for this unit. I haven’t really ever used the C# language much in the past, except for the mobile application we had to create for unit 8. I was relatively new to using this language, and the fact that I found the mobile application from unit 8 extremely challenging, when tackling this unit, I was pleasantly surprised by how simple this calculator program was to create for unit 12.

My tutor for this unit really took the pressure off the unit by guiding us through the C# programming language with her effortless confidence and logical approach to programming. This also contributed to the unit being the most enjoyable and interesting units of the whole course. Not only was this unit my favourite out of all the units, but it was also the one that has helped me the most as I now have a much clearer understanding of software development.

What I need to further develop

I feel I need to develop my knowledge of how to code software applications using C# as in this unit we were taught how to code the program with the guidance of our tutor. If I had to design another C# application for a company or client, I would like to have experience using other commands in the C# language, so I would like to increase my knowledge and understanding of C# programming.

My Overall grade

My final grade for this unit was a Level 2 Pass, this however was a shame as I had created such a nice program and I understood exactly what I needed to do in order to achieve the full distinction of the unit.

However, towards the end of this unit I suffered from three serious illnesses, which prevented me from attending the final few weeks of lessons. This meant that I ran out of time to complete the criteria for tasks required in this unit. It is extremely unfortunate as I could have easily achieved a Level 2 Distinction grade for this unit, if my health had not prevented me.