Question

How could more time spent in the analysis and design phase have saved Colorado taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars? Explain the value of testing and why some projects actually skip this phase.

Answer 1

Cost of a system failure is greater than the Cost of finding errors. In that case, the taxpayers end up paying millions of dollars. Time spent in analysis & design will allow DIA to test the system multiple times, and, detect errors before the implementation phase. In case of the power supply, and, the optical sensors issue, testing would have allowed those working on the system to find out, and, correct the issue. The Waterfall methodology could have increased the chances of the project being successful.

DIA could have opened a sizeable amount sooner, or, on time in case of additional analysis, and, a complete design. Testing solves intermittent issues in the design phase of a project.

• Projects may skip testing due to timelines that businesses may push on the developers.
• The developers may believe that their product does not need to be tested.
• The funds may be insufficient to support the prolonged testing needed.