This book is a broad discussion covering the entire software development lifecycle. It uses a comprehensive case study to address each topic and features the following:

A description of the development, by the fictional company Homeowner, of the DigitalHome (DH) System, a system with "smart" devices for controlling home lighting, temperature, humidity, small appliance power, and security
A set of scenarios that provide a realistic framework for use of the DH System material
Just-in-time training: each chapter includes mini tutorials introducing various software engineering topics that are discussed in that chapter and used in the case study
A set of case study exercises that provide an opportunity to engage students in software development practice, either individually or in a team environment.

Offering a new approach to learning about software engineering theory and practice, the text is specifically designed to:

Support teaching software engineering, using a comprehensive case study covering the complete software development lifecycle
Offer opportunities for students to actively learn about and engage in software engineering practice
Provide a realistic environment to study a wide array of software engineering topics including agile development

Software Engineering Practice: A Case Study Approach supports a student-centered, "active" learning style of teaching. The DH case study exercises provide a variety of opportunities for students to engage in realistic activities related to the theory and practice of software engineering. The text uses a fictitious team of software engineers to portray the nature of software engineering and to depict what actual engineers do when practicing software engineering. All the DH case study exercises can be used as team or group exercises in collaborative learning. Many of the exercises have specific goals related to team building and teaming skills.

The text also can be used to support the professional development or certification of practicing software engineers. The case study exercises can be integrated with presentations in a workshop or short course for professionals.