Software Engineering Blog

A decision leads you on a certain path. Those paths connect with others making decisions and there lies the network of people that incite innovative ideas to lead you to success. I never thought that career decisions I made would result in project management of the Army-Marine Corps Logistic Interoperability (AMLID) Program. I began working for a contractor supporting the Defense industry. One project led to another until I was a part of a contractor support team managing this innovative advanced technology project for the Army Innovation Agency. I have always had personal and professional goals as I perhaps overkill on planning life (a future blog topic). But you never know even with the best laid plans where you may end up. I can assure you that when you reach out, take risks, and collaborate with others, the possibilities are endless.

I share this not to brag about what great things I have accomplished because I assure you that “I” never accomplished any of these things. It was only through the hard work of each team member, of which I was one, and across several contractors, military, and government agencies that made the reality of this project and all that I have worked on a success. The power of “one” has only meaningful value when exponentially factored by the innovation of many. I can also assure you that without the great professors and educators I am honored to have known through my education, I would not have been able to become the effective member of the team that made the AMLID Program possible. This is a key principle taught in the the WVU Master of Science in Software Engineering Program.

Learning is a life long endeavor whether you accept that fact or not. However, a commitment to go back to school to earn an advanced degree is a difficult decision with many considerations that must be made. If you have been in the workforce for many years, married, have children, or just become comfortable with your current routines and use of your free time then taking the step to earning an advanced degree can be a difficult one.

Sharing some from my personal experience, I began my advanced degree (MBA) directly out of undergraduate school, however I also married and moved to a different State all within the same year. Did I mention that neither my wife nor I had jobs either and only a few dollars in the bank, about three months worth? I was much younger then now so dealing with these stressful changes were easier than I know they would be today for me. Six years later… I found myself studying for the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Certification through the Institute of Management Accountants. This was difficult as I now had two kids and worked two jobs, the second one teaching a college night class. Of course, without the support of my wife, none of this would have ever been possible. Ten years later…. I found myself studying for the Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification through the Project Management Institute. Now, by this time, youth had disappeared from my life so taking this exam was one of the most stressful experiences of my life. Thankfully the exam only lasted 4 hours, unlike the two day exam with essays the CMA required. I tell you this because if I can do it, I know you can and these experiences were one of the most professionally rewarding experiences in my career.

There are many engineering disciplines in our universe and several that focus upon computer technologies. However, software engineering is the only area that focuses upon the software development life-cycle (SDLC). Software Engineering is defined as a branch of computer science that deals with the design, implementation, and maintenance of complex computer programs.

The Software Development Life-Cycle consists of planning, design, implementation, testing, documenting, training, releasing, and maintenance and enhancement. Planning includes both project planning and requirements development. Before development can begin an understanding of what the customer and users need must be defined. The design is then created based upon what these requirements describe is needed. The implementation consists of the software engineer developing the code or what is also referred to as “writing code” or just “coding”. This is the most common activity associated with what a software engineer does but only represents about 20-40% of the activities of the SDLC. The software must then be tested and documented to make sure it meets the requirements and is defect free. The software is then moved to deployment where training and support is provided to the end-user. Maintenance and enhancement is the final stage in the life-cycle which require updates to the code, documentation, and integration with other products.

I’ve been told several times that I should start a Blog. Well, here it is! I’m the Program Coordinator for the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering (LCSEE) Software Engineering Programs at West Virginia University. We offer both a Certificate in Software Engineering and a Master of Science in Software Engineering. You can check out our website if interested atLCSEE Software Engineering Programs. However, the intent of this Blog is to further those interested in extending their education in Software Engineering. I hope to feature concepts, methodologies, and faculty throughout the days and months ahead.

Glad you could take a few minutes to read what this blog is all about.