Instructor Notes Module 12: Introduction to Functional Specifications Introduction This module teaches students how to collect design information into a functional specification. After completing this module, students will be able to: ! Describe the purpose and benefits of functional specifications. ! Describe the contents of a functional specification. ! Describe the purpose and methods of validating a functional specification. Materials and Preparation This section provides you with the materials and preparation needed to teach this module. Materials To teach this module, you need the following materials: ! Microsoft ® PowerPoint ® file P12_1608a.ppt ! Module 12, “Introduction to Functional Specifications” ! Activity 12.1, “Risks of Not Using a Functional Specification” ! Instructor handout for Activity 12.1, “Functional Specification for Activity 12.1” Preparation To prepare for this module, you should: ! Read all the materials for this module. ! Complete the activity. Presentation: 50 Minutes Activity: 25 Minutes 2 Instructor Notes Module 12: Introduction to Functional Specifications Activities Activity 12.1: Risks of Not Using a Functional Specification This activity emphasizes the importance of having a functional specification when attempting to create a solution. It also demonstrates the difficulties that arise when working without a completed functional specification. After completing this activity, students will be able to: ! Understand the value of a functional specification. ! To prepare for the activity • Complete the activity yourself. Module Strategy Use the following strategy to present this module: ! Functional Specification Basics This section outlines the basics of the functional specification. For students who have used some form of functional specification in the past, this section may seem like review. Note, however, that many organizations use a document called a “functional specification” that, in reality, is nowhere near as complete or as detailed as the document described in this section. Be prepared to emphasize the value of a functional specification as taught in this section, and caution students to know and understand all the sections in the document. ! Functional Specification Creation This section covers the basics of creating a functional specification. Take your time with the Contents slide; be sure to cover each section thoroughly because some students may be unfamiliar with the content of some sections. The design process output, by this point in the course, should be fairly familiar. Finally, spend some time emphasizing the potential pitfalls in generating a functional specification. ! Functional Specification Validation The concept of validation should not be new at this point in the course, but you still need to emphasize its necessity when applied to a functional specification document. Be sure that students understand that the functional specification is not complete until the customer and the design team both agree that it meets their individual needs and is realistic. Also emphasize that some customers may be intimidated by a complete functional specification, and that prototyping, in one or more forms, is a valuable means of generating honest customer feedback. . Instructor Notes Module 12: Introduction to Functional Specifications Introduction This module teaches students how to collect design information into. Activity: 25 Minutes 2 Instructor Notes Module 12: Introduction to Functional Specifications Activities Activity 12.1: Risks of Not Using a Functional Specification