Fundamentals of Software Quality Assurance Methodology in Japan

Abstract

This paper shows fundamentals and historical growth of software quality management (SQM) and assurance (SQA) in Japan from 1980s. Early activities of SQM/SQA began by simply applying concepts and techniques of statistical quality control (SQC) and total quality management (TQM) for hardware manufacturing. They consisted of three approaches : analysis and clarification of actual problems, continuous improvement named PDCA cycle or Deming cycle and Seven QC tools. Next activities of SQM/SQA were adaptations of concepts and techniques of SQC/TQM for hardware. One of major instance was a control chart adapted to software testing for visualizing and grasping. It made advances to statistical analysis of software bugs and test criteria, reorganization of concepts and techniques of tests and reviews, and expansion of scope of SQM/SQA from testing-limited activity into process-wide quality management such as process assessment and improvement. Modern activities have been caused by rapidly increasing software size and complexity as well as number of developers. They have focused on reinforcement of organizational framework such as establishment of software quality assurance divisions and project management offices for continuous company-wide quality management.