Software Engineering: Failure Modes & Effects Analysis (Definitions)

"A risk-analysis technique that identifies and ranks the potential failure modes of a design or process and then prioritizes improvement actions." (Clyde M Creveling, "Six Sigma for Technical Processes: An Overview for R Executives, Technical Leaders, and Engineering Managers", 2006)

"An approach to analyzing the effect of faults on system reliability." (Bruce P Douglass, "Real-Time Agility: The Harmony/ESW Method for Real-Time and Embedded Systems Development", 2009)

"An analytical procedure in which each potential failure mode in every component of a product is analyzed to determine its effect on the reliability of that component and, by itself or in combination with other possible failure modes, on the reliability of the product or system and on the required function of the component; or the examination of a product (at the system and/or lower levels) for all ways that a failure may occur. For each potential failure, an estimate is made of its effect on the total system and of its impact. In addition, a review is undertaken of the action planned to minimize the probability of failure and to minimize its effects." (For Dummies, "PMP Certification All-in-One For Dummies, 2nd Ed.", 2013)

"Approach that dissects a component into its basic functions to identify flaws and those flaw’s effects." (Adam Gordon, "Official (ISC)2 Guide to the CISSP CBK" 4th Ed., 2015)

"(1) A process for analysis of potential failure modes within a system for classification by severity or determination of the effect of failures on the system. (2) A structured method for analyzing risk by ranking and documenting potential failure mode in a system, design or process. The analysis includes: identification of potential failures and their effects; ranking of factors (e.g., severity, frequency of occurrence, detectability of the potential failures); and identification and results of actions taken to reduce or eliminate risk." (International Aerospace Quality Group)

"A systematic approach to risk identification and analysis of identifying possible modes of failure and attempting to prevent their occurrence." (SQA)

"FMEA (failure modes effects analysis) is a technique used in product life cycle management activities to predict how a product or process might fail and what the effects of that failure might be." (Gartner)