MSc-IT Study Material
January 2011 Edition

Computer Science Department, University of Cape Town
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Chapter 1. Introduction

Table of Contents

Objectives
Introduction
Information systems and software
The importance of software engineering
Systems
System boundaries
Categories of information system and software programs
Information systems
Legacy systems
The benefits of software systems
Tactical benefits
Strategic benefits
The reasons for change
Software myths
Management myths
Customer / end-user myths
Programmer myths
Review
Questions
Answers

Objectives

At the end of this chapter you will have acquired an introductory understanding of what software and software engineering are, as well as an understanding of some of the common myths surrounding the practice of software engineering.