SDLC Interview Questions and Answers

Ques 41. Explain when to use the spiral model.

Spiral model should be used when:

a) Prototypes are expected/needed.
b) Large and high budget projects
c) When risk assessment is very critical
d) Requirements are not very clearly defined.
e) Requirements are vague and even complex
f) The organization does not have much experience with the domain.
g) Ample time is available. 

Ques 42. Describe tailored software development life cycle model.

There is no specific SDLC model that can be used for all types of projects and situations. If none of the popular SDLC models suit a specific project then, pick the closest matching SDLC model and modify it as per needs. Identify how important is risk assessment and use spiral's risk assessment methodology if it's a risk-critical project.

The project should be delivered in small chunks, ideally merging the incremental model with the V-shaped model. One must spend ample time choosing the right model or customizing one to suit a project for its successful and efficient completion. 

Ques 43. Describe the importance of selecting team members with a mix of personality types for software development.

Choosing or building the right team is vital for the success of any project.

A project needs a variety of skills and qualities that are not present in any individual. However, as a workaround, a team should be built of people with a variety of skill sets to fulfill the project need.

The main advantage of choosing team members with a mix of personality types is that it provides a wider range of views towards a project or any specific action item in the project, e.g. requirements, design, development, testing or even implementation. Different views allow for a broader angle to a problem and solution minimizing the risk of missing requirements or misunderstanding them.

Some of the personality traits that are essential to any project are:

• Aggressive go getter, contrary, a calm patient and more laid back personality
• Risk taker, contrary, a cautious personality
• Strategic, contrary, analytical personality
• Lateral thinking

Different situations in a project are handled better by different personality types and hence a perfect blend/mix of personality types is essential for the project to complete successfully. 

Ques 44. Describe the phases of team development in SDLC.

The 4 stages of team building are:

Forming: Team members are told what is expected out of them and where do they fit in the team. The team is guided using operating guidelines, and communication within.

Storming: During this phase team members show some resistance and frustrations trying to work together. There would be jealousies and ego clashes and the team manager must act as a referee or a coach.

Norming: In this phase the team has learnt to function as a whole. Team members find their consistent ways of working and hold their ideas back to avoid problems and conflicts. The team manager guides the team to not hold themselves back by increasing responsibilities and pressures.

Performing: In this phase the team has learnt to perform their role as whole, have and resolve conflicts, take risks, make adjustments or compromises, and perform actively to face various challenges. 

Ques 45. What is the difference between an Iterative model and the Waterfall model?

Waterfall Model is a flow based model, in which we pass every phase once, and can not go back to that phase again. Its most eminent drawback is that if there is any change in requirements, we cannot make any changes to the requirement section. Iterative Model is somewhat similar to waterfall model but herein we can always come back to previous phases, and make the changes accordingly.