CS-701 Software Architectures - Jun 2025 Question Paper

Under each question, How to answer lists the points an answer should cover, outlined by CampusPrep from the syllabus. Check the details against your textbook.

1. 7 Marks
   aDescribe the software architecture business cycle with a suitable diagram.
   How to answer

   • Define software architecture business cycle concept
   • Explain cycle elements: architect, requirements, system, business forces
   • Describe feedback loops between architecture and business goals
   • Provide labelled diagram of business cycle
2. 7 Marks
   bCompare different software development models and discuss their associated challenges.
   How to answer

   • List major models: waterfall, iterative, agile, spiral, V-model
   • Compare on process, flexibility, risk handling, suitability
   • Discuss challenges: requirement change, cost, testing, management
   • Conclude with selection criteria
3. 7 Marks
   aPropose an improved version of a reference model by integrating new architectural patterns.
   How to answer

   • Define reference model in software architecture
   • Identify limitations of existing model
   • Propose integration of new patterns e.g. microservices, event-driven
   • Show improved structure and benefits
4. 7 Marks
   bList and define any two software architecture styles with their characteristics.
   How to answer

   • List architecture styles e.g. layered, client-server, MVC, pipe-filter
   • Define any two styles selected
   • Describe components, connectors and control flow
   • List characteristics: scalability, maintainability, performance
5. 7 Marks
   aIllustrate how the micro-services architecture enhances software scalability.
   How to answer

   • Define micro-services architecture principles
   • Explain independent deployment and decomposition
   • Show how scaling of individual services works
   • Give example of scalability benefit
6. 7 Marks
   bCritically evaluate the suitability of agent-based architecture for distributed systems.
   How to answer

   • Define agent-based architecture features
   • Discuss distribution needs: autonomy, communication, coordination
   • Evaluate pros: flexibility, decentralization and cons: complexity, overhead
   • Conclude on suitability conditions
7. 7 Marks
   aWhat is an Architecture Description Language (ADL)? Explain with suitable examples.
   How to answer

   • Define Architecture Description Language (ADL)
   • Explain elements: components, connectors, configurations
   • Give examples e.g. Wright, UniCon, ACME
   • Show sample ADL specification snippet
8. 7 Marks
   bDemonstrate how Hibernate can be used for database interaction in a software system.
   How to answer

   • Introduce Hibernate as ORM framework
   • Explain session, mapping, configuration steps
   • Show database interaction flow with example code/config
   • Mention benefits: abstraction, caching, portability
9. 7 Marks
   aDevelop a simple architecture for an enterprise application using J2EE components.
   How to answer

   • Outline J2EE multi-tier structure: client, web, business, EIS
   • Identify J2EE components: JSP, Servlet, EJB, JMS
   • Propose simple enterprise application architecture
   • Show component interaction with diagram
10. 7 Marks
    bExplain the Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method (ATAM) with an example.
    How to answer

    • Define ATAM purpose for quality attribute tradeoffs
    • Explain phases: presentation, investigation, testing, reporting
    • Illustrate with example system and scenarios
    • Mention outputs: risks, sensitivity points, tradeoffs
11. 7 Marks
    aIllustrate the Attribute Driven Design (ADD) method with a case study.
    How to answer

    • Define Attribute Driven Design steps
    • Explain driver selection, element choice, allocation
    • Apply to case study e.g. e-commerce or banking system
    • Show iterative refinement outcome
12. 7 Marks
    bEvaluate the advantages and challenges of domain-specific software architectures.
    How to answer

    • Define domain-specific software architectures
    • List advantages: reuse, productivity, domain expertise
    • Discuss challenges: limited scope, evolution, initial cost
    • Give domain examples
13. 7 Marks
    aDemonstrate how context diagrams help in refining architecture documentation.
    How to answer

    • Define context diagrams and their elements
    • Explain role in scoping and stakeholder communication
    • Show how they refine documentation completeness
    • Give example context diagram
14. 7 Marks
    bAnalyze the role of variability in architecture documentation with an example.
    How to answer

    • Define variability in architecture documentation
    • Explain variation points and mechanisms
    • Analyze impact on reuse and product lines with example
    • Discuss documentation of variability
15. 7 Marks
    aExplain the software documentation package using a seven-part template.
    How to answer

    • Define software documentation package concept
    • List and explain seven-part template parts
    • Describe purpose of each part
    • Show how template ensures completeness
16. 7 Marks
    bWrite short notes on any two of the following.

    1. i)Attribute Driven Design method (ADD)
    2. ii)Struts and Hibernate
    3. iii)Micro-services architecture
    How to answer

    • Select any two topics from i, ii, iii
    • Define key concepts and components for each
    • Explain working or significance with example
    • Mention advantages or applications