Abstract:
In this paper we present findings from our empirical study of
software process improvement (SPI) implementation. We aim to provide SPI
practitioners with insight into designing appropriate SPI implementation
initiatives in order to achieve better results. Thirty-four interviews were
conducted with Australian practitioners. Three SPI implementation issues were
investigated: reasons for embarking on SPI initiatives, SPI benefits to the
management, and factors that play a positive role in SPI implementation.
We have found that most common reasons for embarking on SPI initiatives
are to: improve the quality of software developed, reduce software development
cost, and increase productivity. Our results show that 71% of the practitioners
said that SPI initiatives provided clear benefits to the management. We have
also found that most frequently cited SPI implementation factors are: SPI
awareness, defined SPI implementation methodology, experienced staff, staff
time and resources, senior management commitment and training.
Our aim of conducting this study is to provide a SPI implementation
framework for the design of effective SPI implementation initiatives.
