The Design for Trustworthy Software Compilation Launching a Design for Trustworthy Software (DFTS) Initiative

Control

Step 13 constitutes control activities in the PICS framework. At a minimum, control systems in a DFTS process involve monitoring of and feedback for variations in process and software product quality for taking necessary corrective actions (see Figure 1). But in a larger organizational context, a solitary control mechanism such as these would hardly be effective, especially if DFTS is meant to be a key element of an organization's overall competitive posture. Simons, in his landmark work Levers of Control, proposes a system of four control constructs to successfully implement a competitive strategy:⁴

1. Belief systems are an explicit set of values, beliefs, and purposes as expressed in mission and vision statements, credos, and statements ...