In this thesis we address the problem of designing codes for specific applications. To do so we make use of the relationship between clusters and codes. Designing a block code over any finite dimensional space may be thought of as forming the corresponding number of clusters over the particular dimensional space. In literature we have a number of algorithms available for clustering. We have examined the performance of a number of such algorithms, such as Linde-Buzo-Gray, Simulated Annealing, Simulated Annealing with Linde-Buzo-Gray, Deterministic Annealing, etc, for design of codes. But all these algorithms make use of the Eucledian squared error distance measure for clustering. This distance measure does not match with the distance measure of interest in the error correcting scenario, namely, Hamming distance. Consequently we have developed an algorithm that can be used for clustering with Hamming distance as the distance measure. Also, it has been observed that stochastic algorithms, such as Simulated Annealing fail to produce optimum codes due to very slow convergence near the end. As a remedy, we have proposed a modification based on the code structure, for such algorithms for code design which makes it possible to converge to the optimum codes.

The goal of this disertation was to develop a maturity model for source code of object-oriented applications and to use this model to verify the quality of the source code of student's applications. The starting point of the thesis was devoted to the analysis of existing standards, norms, methodologies and summaries of best practice for assessing the quality of software products and analysis of the factors that affect the quality of the source code of object applications. To validate the results of the analysis of these factors, the analysis was complemented with a field research conducted among specialist with programming experience. The model to determine the maturity of source code of object-oriented applications was designed according to the analysis and the questionnaire. The statistical method of cluster analysis was used in the design of the model. The model was designed and the procedure of its use in the evaluation of source code was described. This model was pilot tested in education program at the University of Economics in Prague.