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Why Customers May Accept Imperfect Systems

publish date: 2026/06/19 10:34:32.562097 UTC

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Why might a customer accept a system that has not passed all its acceptance tests?

Because acceptance testing regulations allow up to 10% test failure

Because the costs of not using the software may outweigh the costs of working around problems, especially when hardware and staff training have already been paid for

Because the developer has legal immunity from liability once tests begin

Because the customer has run out of budget to extend the testing period

Correct Answer

Because the costs of not using the software may outweigh the costs of working around problems, especially when hardware and staff training have already been paid for

Explanation

Customers may accept systems with known problems because: (1) they want to use the software immediately for business benefits; (2) they may have already bought hardware, trained staff, and changed processes; (3) the costs of not using the software (lost productivity, wasted investments) may be greater than the costs of working around known problems. This makes acceptance a business decision, not just a technical one.

Reference

Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 10th edition

Quizzes you can take where this question appears

Acceptance Testing Process