volume_mute

When to Reengineer a System

publish date: 2026/06/24 21:04:1.758260 UTC

volume_mute

Under what condition should the 'reengineer the system to improve its maintainability' option be chosen?

When the original source code has been completely lost with no backups

When the system quality has been degraded by change, but new change is still being proposed for the system

When the system is no longer used by anyone in the business

When a brand new off-the-shelf replacement is available at zero cost

Correct Answer

When the system quality has been degraded by change, but new change is still being proposed for the system

Explanation

Reengineering should be chosen when system quality has degraded through repeated change, but new changes are still being proposed for the system. This process may include developing new interface components so the original system can work with newer systems.

Reference

Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 10th edition

Quizzes you can take where this question appears

Legacy System Management - The Four Strategic Options