EFQM Software Design based on the 3D Spiral Lifecycle Model

The study presents the use of the 3D Spiral Lifecycle Model applied on the EFQM based self-assessment software. This software introduces a graph representation of the EFQM elements, taking into account the relationships between components. This way there can be applied the graph specific algorithms. There are discussed two approaches for the graph processing algorithms. The first approach, implemented in the version 1.0, consists of the use of matrix permanent for determining a value representing the current global state of the system. The second approach, implemented in the version 1.1, involves introducing a mathematical model for determining a quality index, which specifically include the current state of the system. The development of the software product from version 1.0 to version 1.1 is presented and analyzed based on the values of a global index, called offset. This offset is provided by the model, having the role of highlighting the current state and the evolution of software product from one version to another, based on the degree of achievement of the customer requirements or of the problem to be solved. Keywords: quality, graph, global index, self-assessment tool .