The document discusses problems that commonly occur in software development such as requirements not being fulfilled, difficulties extending or improving software, lack of documentation, and projects taking longer and costing more than expected. Some examples of failed software projects are provided, such as the Ariane 5 rocket failure caused by software errors. The document then introduces software engineering as a systematic approach to developing reliable software by establishing requirements, designing, implementing, testing, and maintaining software. The main stages and objectives of the software engineering process are defined.