Instructor Notes Module 12: Introduction to Functional Specifications

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.
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Describe the contents of a functional specification.
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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:
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Microsoft
®
PowerPoint
®
file P12_1608a.ppt
!
Module 12, “Introduction to Functional Specifications”
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Activity 12.1, “Risks of Not Using a Functional Specification”
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Instructor handout for Activity 12.1, “Functional Specification for Activity

12.1”

Preparation
To prepare for this module, you should:
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Read all the materials for this module.
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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.

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To prepare for the activity

• Complete the activity yourself.

Module Strategy
Use the following strategy to present this module:
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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.