Methodology Mashups: An Exploration of Processes Used to Maintain Software

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Edberg, Dana; Ivanova, Polina; Kuechler, William
• 署名单位: Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE); University of Nevada Reno
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0742-1222
• DOI: 10.2753/MIS0742-1222280410
• 发表日期: 2012
• 页码: 271-303
• 关键词: Process improvement; maintenance process; success factors; GROUNDED THEORY; INFORMATION; management; EVOLUTION; innovations; QUALITY; departmentalization

摘要

The majority of studies of software development processes explore initial development rather than ongoing software maintenance, yet the majority of the systems development budget in many organizations is devoted to maintenance. Software maintenance projects differ significantly from original development projects, indicating a need for more research specifically concerning maintenance processes. This study uses a grounded theory research method to explore how information technology professionals define and select a methodology to maintain existing software. We found that in-use maintenance methodologies are composed of components from multiple formal methodologies. We developed a factor model describing how these components are chosen. The findings contribute to a better understanding of how standard methodologies are applied in software practice and the critical factors used by professionals when choosing an appropriate methodology for software maintenance activities. This research underscores the need for incorporating the full software life cycle in information systems development research and education.