Introduction
2022 SA am2
01-08: http://127.0.0.1:4000/archives/191
09-15: http://127.0.0.1:4000/archives/192
16-20: http://127.0.0.1:4000/archives/193
21-25: http://127.0.0.1:4000/archives/194
Starting from the middle questions, the difficulty is ramping up. Most of these topics are new to me, so I’m taking back what I said about this being an easy pass. However, if I passed without learning anything, there wouldn’t be much point in taking the exam. Even if I fail, the knowledge gained still has value.
Ramblings
Since I wrote quite a bit here, I’m renaming the introduction to “Ramblings” (it was originally at the start, but it fits better here).
Every post lately seems to turn into a deep reflection (it turns out my brain has its limits).
These reflections actually started last year when my eyes began hurting intensely. I spent a lot of time just lying in bed listening to music (even natural scenery hurt to look at, not just screens). During that time—somewhere between dreams and reality—I developed two theories I call “State-Behavior Theory” and “Circle Theory.” Since then, whenever I’m deep in thought or dreaming, I keep refining these theories. I originally wanted to publish them, but I kept procrastinating. Now I feel a bit shy about it because I haven’t cross-referenced them with existing research. I used to think this blog should be technical only, but now I don’t really care—hardly anyone reads this anyway, so I’ll write what I want.
While writing this, I looked for a Warma video about “Explosion Radio.” I couldn’t find the exact one, but in her ninth episode, she mentions the feeling of making a perfect plan but then immediately wanting to scrap it just because “Why should I have to follow a plan?” This hit home. I often feel lost without a plan, but once I have one, I feel like I’ve lost my freedom. It’s a loop: plan, scrap it, plan again, fail again. I want things but am afraid to approach them; a single setback makes me want to quit. Hearing someone else articulate this state makes me feel like I can break it.
I’ve typed more than expected. I’ll stop here before this gets longer than the actual technical content.
9
In the software testing process, you want to use a bug management chart to judge the test progress and software quality. Which of the following thoughts is the most appropriate?
A. Because more bugs were detected than expected in the first half of the testing phase, the schedule was delayed. After revising the schedule, it was determined that testing would finish five days late.
B. If test items are consumed according to schedule and the cumulative number of bugs detected does not increase, the software quality can be judged as high.
C. If the cumulative number of test items completed, the cumulative number of bugs detected, and the number of unresolved bugs all stop changing, it is necessary to check if you are facing bugs that are difficult to resolve.
D. The completion time of the test can be predicted almost accurately from the trend of the cumulative number of bugs detected and the trend of the number of unconsumed test items.
Translation Analysis: In testing progress and quality management, bug management charts visualize trends.
- A is irrelevant to the chart itself.
- B is fundamentally incorrect (no new bugs could mean bad testing).
- C is the correct answer. If nothing is moving, the team might be stuck on a “blocker” bug.
- D suggests high accuracy which is rarely the case in reality.
10
Which is the description of FMEA, an analysis method aimed at failure prevention?
A. Identify potential failure modes that could occur in individual system components and evaluate their impact.
B. Classify and analyze failures by the process or location where they occurred to identify processes or locations that should be improved.
C. For a failure that has occurred, collect data and events related to the cause of the failure, and repeat “why” to dig into the cause and pursue the root cause.
D. For a failure that has occurred, list the causes that triggered it and represent their relationship in a tree structure.
Translation Analysis: FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) is a systematic method to identify potential failure modes and evaluate their impact before they happen.
- A is the definition of FMEA.
- B is general failure classification.
- C is RCA (Root Cause Analysis).
- D is FTA (Fault Tree Analysis).
Answer: A
11
According to JIS X 0160:2021 (Software Life Cycle Processes), which task should be performed in the activity “Confirm Disposal” within the disposal process?
A. Reuse, recycle, recondition, overhaul, store, or destroy selected software system elements.
B. Define the disposal strategy for the software system.
C. Prepare to deactivate and remove the software system or elements.
D. Confirm that harmful conditions to human health, safety, security, and the environment after disposal are identified and addressed.
Translation Analysis:
- A is the actual execution of disposal.
- B is the planning/strategy phase.
- C is preparation.
- D is the “confirmation” aspect of ensuring the disposal was handled correctly and safely.
Answer: D
12
According to JIS X 0160:2021 (Software Life Cycle Processes), what is it called to modify a life cycle process or define a new life cycle process to achieve the purpose and results of the life cycle model?
A. Simulation B. Tailoring C. Governance D. Benchmarking
Translation Analysis:
- Tailoring is the standard term for adapting a process to fit specific project needs.
Answer: B
13
When setting KPIs for IT investment evaluation using the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) method, which is an example of a KPI from the internal business process perspective?
A. Set the attendance rate of training sessions for improving IT literacy to 100%. B. Increase the operating profit margin by 5% compared to the same period last year. C. Keep the number of customer complaints within 20 per month. D. Reduce the number of days from order acceptance to product shipment by 3 days.
Translation Analysis: Balanced Scorecard perspectives:
- Financial: Profit, ROI (Option B).
- Customer: Satisfaction, complaints (Option C).
- Internal Business Process: Efficiency, cycle time, quality (Option D).
- Learning and Growth: Training, employee skills (Option A).
Answer: D
14
In embedded system development, a new LSI to be installed in a product is being developed. If the LSI design is done in-house and the LSI manufacturing is outsourced, which is the appropriate type of contractor?
A. IP Provider B. Design House C. Foundry D. Fabless Manufacturer
Translation Analysis:
- IP Provider: Sells design building blocks.
- Design House: Helps with the design.
- Foundry: A factory that specifically manufactures chips for other companies.
- Fabless: A company that designs but doesn’t have its own factory.
Since we need someone to manufacture our design, we look for a Foundry.
Answer: C
15
What is a characteristic of a Lab Contract?
A. A contract where the client designates specific personnel from the vendor and provides direct instructions; the vendor assigns personnel based on this.
B. The client asks the vendor to secure personnel meeting specific skill and headcount requirements based on the contract, and in return, the client guarantees a certain minimum level of orders.
C. The contract amount paid to the vendor during development is kept low on the condition that the vendor also receives a share of the sales or profits the client earns from the developed system in the future.
D. If the vendor completes the work in fewer man-hours than the minimum specified in the contract, they are required to bill based on actual man-hours worked.
Translation Analysis: A Lab Contract (or ODC - Offshore Development Center style) involves a vendor providing a dedicated team of a certain size/skill for a period, regardless of the specific project tasks.
- B describes this “capacity-based” arrangement.
- C describes a revenue-sharing model.
Answer: B