Author(s)

J.B. Williamson

Abstract

Quality management and end-user fourth generation systems J.B. Williamson Bolton Business School, Bolton Institute, UK ABSTRACT This paper will first discuss the some of the general principles involved in the management of quality within the context of software development. The nature of fourth generation systems is then analysed, observing their past and current functionality. The location of quality in such systems is then investigated, and a set of metrics proposed and justified. The result of applying the metrics to four specific fourth generation systems is then presented. This leads to the development of a life- cycle model which is proposed as a means of ensuring software quality when the development is undertaken by end-users. INTRODUCTION In an information-based society, the consumer awareness of quality becomes more significant. As Croucher [3] remarks " one need only look at the car or photographic industries to see how much perceived quality

Keywords