Workshop on systems failures
John Donaldson, John Jenkins · 2005
Systems failures cause havoc everywhere. Failures may be total, partial or temporary; and examination of the subject has to consider: implemented systems, systems being enhanced and totally new projects. When failing situations arise, the aftermath is highly complicated because there are so many possible contributing factors. For many years, students of Computer Science and Software Engineering – and indeed software practitioners in general – have been able to learn about software failures from the media, at conferences and by hearing and reading general anecdotal evidence. Comparatively little research attention has been specifically devoted to the subject of systems failures and what should be done about such situations. The workshop will examine the current situation regarding what is known about failures, review current research into the subject and consider what contribution can be made to the available knowledge on the subject through the auspices of SWEBOK. In doing this account will be taken of the radical changes in thinking that have resulted from the changes to computer and telecommunications technology, the advent of the Internet as a feature of everyday life and the new economy that is emerging as e-commerce grips society. Having discussed the prevailing issues surrounding systems failures, the focus of the workshop will shift to consider how those involved in the Education and Training of software engineering, can teach and provide advice on the subject. University graduates and software practitioners are taught the rudimentary elements of “best practice” in their field, but very little is done to prepare them for the realities of life in the hot-room of software technology. The proposers have integrated course units on systems failures into their assisted-learning Global Campus which is run from Middlesex University and have introduced it into their mainstream teaching courses within the University. In doing this they are becoming able to use this as a means of assessing the best way of introducing this very complex subject in a constructive way.