End User Perception and Software Quality Assessment

The topic of software quality assessment is at the forefront of the software engineering movement. Many models of organization and quality control exist which serve to foster software quality and reliability (Bloom, McPheters & Tsiang, 1973; Brandl, 1990; Comer, 1988; Dunn, 1990; Kaplan, Clark & Tang, 1994; Livson, 1988; Musa, lannino & Okumoto, 1987). Some models now consider the software engineering project team and end users, but most still treat them as static contributors to the system. Major factors often ignored in most conventional models include the cybernetics of the process, and human factors which have a significant impact on the assessment of the quality of the software. Software environment, adaptability, and motivation have all been discussed as essential in creating a superior product. Yet, the factor of human perception has been either overlooked or avoided in the ensuing discussions. In software development the software engineers' perceptions as well as those of all potential end users, must be considered in order to ensure software quality and reliability.End User Perception and Software Quality Assessment