Information Security: INFO409

Felex Madzikanda
Department of Information Systems
Midlands State University
madzikandaf@staffmsu.ac.zw
0774810683
 Programming Management
This chapter discusses those practises that lead to
high quality programs being produced. It also
looks at alternative ways of managing
programming teams.
 Programming Management
Control Problems
Both the nature of system software and the nature
of system programming activities present control
problems for management.
• System software is a shared resource
• System software often must operate in privileged
mode if it is to be able to perform its functions.
• Controlling system programmers is a difficult task
as they are highly skilled individuals who often
work alone or in small groups.
 Programming Management
• The programmers often work in crisis situations
where the need to get a job running overrides the
need to maintain established control procedures.
Control Measures
• Hire only high quality staff
• Separate duties to the extent possible
• Develop and document methods and perfomance
standards
• Restrict the power of system programmers

• .
 Programming Management
• Keep a manual and machine log of system programmer
activities
• Employee consultants to evaluate system programming
work.
• Have application programmers evaluate system
programmers.
• Indoctrinate system programmers in the organizations
policies and ethics

• .
 Programming Management
Software Development Aids
For effective system development, there is need to
utilize software development aids
• Analysis and design aids - hippo chart, nassi-
shneiderman charts
• Coding aids - Shorthand pre-processors, copy
facility, online coding facility, text editors
 Programming Management
• Debugging/testing aids- cross reference listers,
test data generators, flow charters, output
analyzers.