How do you compare system verification and validation frameworks?

1 V&V definitions and objectives

Before comparing different V&V frameworks, it is important to understand what V&V mean and what their objectives are. Verification is the process of checking that a system conforms to its specifications, design, and standards. It answers the question: "Are we building the system right?" Validation is the process of checking that a system fulfills its intended purpose, user needs, and expectations. It answers the question: "Are we building the right system?" Both V&V aim to ensure the quality, reliability, and safety of a system, as well as to identify and correct any errors, defects, or risks.

2 V&V frameworks and standards

Various V&V frameworks and standards provide guidelines, best practices, and tools for conducting V&V activities. For example, the IEEE 1012 standard covers the entire life cycle of a system from planning to maintenance and defines the V&V tasks, processes, techniques, and documentation for different types of systems and applications. ISO/IEC 15288 is another standard that provides a generic framework tailored to specific domains, contexts, and projects. Additionally, DoD 5000.02 is a policy that specifies roles, responsibilities, and phases for developing, testing, and evaluating a system. Lastly, CMMI is a capability maturity model with practices, goals, and levels for assessing and improving the V&V processes and outcomes.

3 V&V methods and techniques

Within each V&V framework or standard, there are various methods and techniques that can be used to perform V&V activities. Testing is a common method of executing a system or part of it under specified conditions and observing the results. This can be done at different levels, such as unit, integration, system, or acceptance testing, and classified as functional or non-functional. Additionally, inspection is a method of examining a system or part of it by a team of experts or peers, using predefined criteria and checklists. Analysis is another method of evaluating a system by applying mathematical, logical, or statistical techniques. Lastly, demonstration is a way to show that a system meets its intended purpose by using realistic scenarios, data, or environments. All of these methods can be used to detect errors, verify properties, validate behaviors, identify risks, and solicit feedback.

4 V&V comparison criteria

To compare different V&V frameworks and methods, you need to consider several criteria that can affect the suitability, effectiveness, and efficiency of V&V activities. The scope of V&V refers to the extent and depth of activities, such as the number, type, and level of requirements, system components, or test cases to be verified or validated. Cost is another important factor, as it refers to the amount of resources required to conduct the V&V activities. Quality is also a key criterion, as it measures the degree of confidence, accuracy, and completeness of the results. Lastly, traceability is essential for linking and tracking the V&V activities and results to the relevant requirements, system components, or stakeholders. The scope, cost, quality, and traceability of V&V depend on several factors such as complexity, size, criticality of the system; available resources; time; quality; frequency; rigor; and chosen methods and techniques.

5 V&V selection guidelines

To select the most suitable V&V framework and method for your project, it is important to follow some guidelines that can help you balance the trade-offs and constraints involved in V&V activities. Firstly, you need to define your V&V objectives and criteria, including the key requirements, system characteristics, and stakeholder expectations that will guide your V&V activities. Afterwards, you should review the available V&V frameworks and methods to compare their strengths, weaknesses, and trade-offs. Ultimately, you must select the framework and method that best fits your project and document your rationale. Additionally, you need to plan and execute your V&V activities according to the chosen framework and method.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?