Title: Integrating a problem-based approach for systems analysis and design curriculum: a 'bug hunt'

Authors: Karina Hauser, Jean A. Pratt, Robert J. Mills

Addresses: Business Information Systems, Utah State University, 3515 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322–3515, USA. ' Information Systems, University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, 411 Schneider Hall, Eau Claire, WI 54702–4004, USA. ' Business Information Systems, Utah State University, 3515 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322–3515, USA

Abstract: Quality assurance is a critical factor in software development and therefore needs to be addressed in Information Systems (IS) curricula. However, most IS faculty are constrained by the limited time available to cover an increasing array of topics required to satisfy accreditation organisations while simultaneously preparing students to be productive members of a workforce. This paper presents an in-depth software testing activity as part of a capstone systems analysis and design course. The course and the integrated |bug hunt| activity are based on principles derived from effective instructional strategies. Analyses indicated a statistically significant difference in quantity of software errors.

Keywords: quality assurance; systems analysis; systems design; software testing; reflective learning; problem-based learning; teams; software development; information systems; IS education; software errors.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2007.013449

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2007 Vol.4 No.6, pp.571 - 586

Published online: 29 Apr 2007 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article