Software life cycle management

Abstract

The distinguishing characteristic about top-down analysis and design is that one is enjoined to think through the entire problem at a given level before cluttering up the situation -- and perhaps compromising some alternative solutions -- by beginning the implementation. That is, the destination is determined before the mode of travel is selected. The purpose of the trip is evaluated before deciding who should go, or how long they should stay. If this sounds elementary, it is -- because this is how successful people (scientists, businessmen, students, housewives) run their lives. For some odd reason, it is not how we have -- in the past -- so frequently specified and procured software for computers.