Final answer:
Conventional and software engineering share the fundamental process of design, but they focus on different products with conventional engineering creating physical objects and software engineering creating intangible software products. Quality assurance is especially significant in software engineering due to the reliance of software on the devices they operate on. Both fields utilize an engineering design process that incorporates science and math to meet human needs and solve practical problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The discussion revolves around the key similarities and differences between conventional engineering and software engineering. Both fields incorporate the critical element of design but diverge significantly in their outputs and the nature of their products. Conventional engineering primarily focuses on creating tangible objects like bridges, vehicles, and buildings, utilizing mathematical and scientific principles to devise systems, components, or processes that meet specific needs.
Software engineering, on the other hand, deals with the creation of intangible products, i.e., software that operates on electronic devices. This discipline demands a heightened emphasis on quality since software must perform reliably and safely within the constraints of the hardware it operates on. Quality assurance in software engineering is achieved through rigorous testing protocols and compliance with distribution platforms' standards, such as those of Apple's App Store or the Android market.
Despite these differences, both fields are united by the engineering design process, an iterative decision-making procedure wherein engineers apply science and math to optimally convert resources to meet human needs. The design process is fundamental to both conventional and software engineering, ensuring that engineered systems fulfill their intended roles while anticipating potential complexities and undesirable consequences.