Are computer systems produced by largely automated means ?

Question:In practice, mightn't there be a rogue staff member tweaking the results.
He might first get into the algorithms and test cases and doctor them, believing he is "adding value".
He will then get into the duty statements and position numbers of staff, tweaking duty statements and position numbers to cover up.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: In practice, mightn't there be a rogue staff member tweaking the results.
He might first get into the algorithms and test cases and doctor them, believing he is "adding value".
He will then get into the duty statements and position numbers of staff, tweaking duty statements and position numbers to cover up.

After the code is written for each module part of the review process of any complex system is a walk-through of the code for each module with several other programmers who critique the code, line by line, and attempt to find bugs and sloppy code that needs to be corrected before it goes to the next step of quality assurance, where it is tested against a complex set of tests, sometimes called alpha testing. Any unauthorized code would be caught in a walk-through.

If it is internet software, it might also have beta testing where you invite users to test your code.

It would be virtually impossible for a rogue staff member to modify the code if the review walk-through is done properly.

That said, I've worked at installations where the systems manager prevented the QA from working closely with the programming staff and no design documents were written so that no one really knew what to expect from the software until it went into production.

If you mean the software you use? Then no. Computers are not good at creating instructions, only at taking instructions. Software is developed by teams of Humans. Generally there is a transparent logging algorithm to catch anyone manipulating the figures in the software.

If you mean the actual construction of a computer? then Yes... Computers today are manufactured using robotics technology. Also it should be noted that much of the design strategies used are also computer assisted. Computers can find the most efficient path easier then a human can. Also the micro-technology that goes into a computer system is so small it is physically impossible for a human to create them.

computer hardware yes
computer software no

people can mess with the software.
But important/secure use software (such as banking software) is often checked by independant programmers and companies.