Software development process basically consists of phases, planned and executed in series: 1) feasibility study; 2) requirements; 3) design and 4) implementation, prior to production and maintenance. At the end of each phase, there may be an official management decision (go/not go) depending upon cost, time or other reasons. Within each phase or across-phases, parallelism or concurrency can be achieved if modularity and/or independence of functionality exist(s). We propose a different approach to software development process that allows an improved parallel planning and execution of development effort beyond modularity and functionality independence. The goal is to shorten development time while possibly cutting cost and maintaining the same intended quality of performance. An example development is sketched.

This report describes the procedure to develop mathematical literacy through learning basic mathematical concepts, and applying the acquired knowledge for the development of elemental software to be used as academic tool. Basic operations with matrix were performed using open and commercial sources software. A simple and basic matrix calculator were developed integrating mathematical concepts and software development skills, and the deliverable was a calculator developed on Java platform. The procedure started from a traditional classroom explanation; worked on calculus worksheet, solving some academic problems about addition, subtracted product of two matrix, following by the use of some commercial software, and finally the development of the own academic tool. These works were developed into the frame of competency based education system.