A study of business knowledge requirements for software projects

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Debasisha Mishra

Purpose This paper aims to explore the expertise level required in various kinds of business knowledge such as regulatory, domain, strategic, operation process and, business process to execute globally distributed software projects for development, re-engineering and maintenance projects in the Indian outsourcing software industry. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a questionnaire survey method to collect the expert responses for a knowledge management framework which is suggested in the literature for software development work. The questionnaire survey findings were verified by expert interviews. Findings The research shows that there is a lot of similarity between re-engineering and maintenance projects for different kinds of business knowledge expertise requirements for execution. The development projects require higher expertise in all the business knowledge for execution. Research limitations/implications The research work studies the business knowledge required for the execution of development, re-engineering and maintenance projects in Indian outsourcing software projects. However, the project’s characteristics can vary drastically for a single kind of project. So the study cannot be generalized and instead should be used as a tool for learning. Practical implications The research findings can be used by software project managers to get insight into project planning, which can help the division of work between the onsite, offshore team and individual work allocation. Originality/value The research is novel as there are very few previous attempts to find the business expertise needed to execute various kinds of software projects in the Indian outsourcing industry.

Author(s):  
Muhammad Aliyya Ilmi ◽  
Fajar Pradana ◽  
Widhy Hayuhardhika Nugraha Putra

Reducing the risk of failure in working on software projects is one of the successes for the company. It can be done by implementing project planning management properly. One important aspect of project management planning is scheduling. Scheduling includes recording human resources and tasks in the project. The Kanban method is one of the methods used to overcome problems in controlling project schedules. This study aims to develop a project scheduling system that applies the Kanban method. In this research, project management and scheduling system will be developed using the Kanban method. This system expected to be able to assist companies in handling projects. Kanban was chosen because it can easily respond to project changes, easily implemented, and company needs. In this study, unit testing was performed on the system's three main features and tested the validity of the system's 49 functional requirements. The usability test produces a value of 76. Based on the validation and usability test results, it can be concluded that the system is included in the acceptable category.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 793-807 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullahi Babatunde Saka ◽  
Fatai Oladayo Olaore ◽  
Timothy Oluwatosin Olawumi

Purpose This paper aims to assess the level of awareness of quantity surveyors in material management and their key roles in waste minimization during the post-contract stage of the project with a view of achieving value for money in their roles. Design/methodology/approach This involves administering a questionnaire survey to registered members of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, the only recognized professional body of quantity surveyors in Nigeria, within Lagos state. The empirical questionnaire survey succeeds a literature review that isolates the key strategies used by quantity surveyors in material management and waste minimization at the post-contract stage. The validity of the questionnaire was carried out by two experienced construction industry researchers and three experienced professional quantity surveyors to ensure that the questionnaire was not ambiguous and that it consists of the right questions in tandem with the research. The respondents were grouped into consultant’s QS and contractor’s QS. Findings Key roles of quantity surveyors during the material management process are proper material storage, and material inventory and accounting are the most important material management and waste minimization practices during the institute stage. It revealed that there is a lack of material waste documentation practices during the construction stage. In addition, there is no statistically significant difference in the responses of the two groups. This may be because there is no clear compartmentalization between the practices of the two groups. In addition, these two groups had the same education training, as there is no difference between the educational training of the consultant’s QS and contractor’s QS. Originality/value This study assessed the quantity surveyors’ roles with regard to material management and waste minimization. It would add to the scanty research work in this area. The study has also successfully revealed the strategies that are to be adopted by the quantity surveyors to achieve value for money during the post-contract stage.


2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Ren ◽  
V. Chrysostomou ◽  
T. Price

PurposeThe purpose of this research project is to reduce the carbon emissions of construction processes by Measuring, Mapping, Modelling and Managing (4Ms) the carbon performance of construction activities. This particular paper presents the research work and major findings in the first two stages: measuring the carbon footprint of construction activities in building projects; and mapping the carbon emissions from construction activities.Design/methodology/approachA hotel project in South Wales was selected as a case study where the carbon emissions from six categories of construction activities (i.e. management, operations, visitors, deliveries, plant and utilities) were monitored by using carefully designed data collection methods throughout the construction process. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis methods were adopted to distil and map the emissions with construction activities.FindingsThis study provides a benchmark for the carbon emissions from construction processes. The results show that construction activities generate more carbon than expected. Of the CO2 emitted, materials delivery, operational activities and plant operation account for more than 90 per cent of the total emissions. Activities from management, visitors and utilities only contributed 10 per cent of the CO2 emissions. Carbon emissions from construction processes can be best managed through project planning/scheduling where carbon emissions should be considered as a new criterion for project planning along with time, cost and quality.Research limitations/implicationsThere are some limitations with the data collection methods adopted in this study. For example, the fuel/CO2 emission conversion rate for plant was obtained from online sources. This rate needs to be validated and adjusted on‐site with CO2 measurement gauges for different equipment. Similarly, the fuel efficiency adjusting rates for vehicles also need to be checked and verified constantly.Practical implicationsThe on‐site carbon emission methods, the mapping approaches between the emission and construction activities, and the online system developed in this study (www.constructco2.com/default.aspx) are all embraced by the industry. So far, 76 projects have already subscripted to the online system.Originality/valueThis study developed a set of systematic and feasible approaches to measuring and analysing carbon emissions from construction activities. Unlike the existing studies which mainly focus on recording the carbon emissions on‐site, this research measured the emissions, and mapped the emissions with construction activities. The online system developed could analyse the data collected and support the contractor to decide in which aspects they should make effort to control the carbon emissions.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Long Chen

PurposePrevious studies investigate factors affecting project outcomes. Yet, it has not been fully explored regarding which factors differentiate healthy projects from distressed projects in the early stage of the project delivery process. The purpose of this study is to investigate the links between project-planning factors and project outcomes in the closing phase.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use a longitudinal survey method to examine the predictability of project-planning factors. Subsequently, the authos employ confirmatory factor analysis and hierarchical logit regression to develop project-distress classification models.FindingsAnalysis of 90 capital projects shows that performance variation in the project planning phase explains a substantial portion of project distress at completion. Subsequent univariate logit analysis shows that S5 (quality of scope control system) and Tn1 (new practices and technologies) variables have the strongest predictive abilities. Hierarchical logit analysis further shows that a combination of 15 metrics in the project-distress measurement model produces strong and stable predictive power.Research limitations/implicationsThis study assesses how well performance variation in the project-planning phase predicts project distress before construction phase. It does not assume the reported results apply to all types of projects. Nonetheless, future studies could generalize our findings by incorporating more types of projects.Originality/valueThis study takes a systematic approach, combining longitudinal survey, measurement theory and hierarchical logit analysis to identify distressed projects early, offering managers an opportunity to take early corrective actions. Practitioners may use this approach to investigate other types of projects and further refine the project-distress classification model into a project-specific model, thereby reflecting projects' unique characteristics.


Kybernetes ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 806-822 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julio César Puche Regaliza

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to detect the degree of influence between applying the Viable Systems Model (VSM), developed by Stafford Beer, on a software project and its viability or success. Design/methodology/approach – The authors performed a quantitative analysis in which it was necessary to identify theoretical constructs of the VSM (Systems One to Five) and of the viability or success of the software project, measuring each of the indicators together. These indicators have been included in a questionnaire or standardised measurement tool, which was subsequently used for data collection by a number of companies in the information and communications technology sector in Castilla y León. The obtained data served as the basis for a number of results through the definition of a structural equation model. Findings – The results support the particular importance of Systems One and Four in a software project. In other words, software projects need to clearly define their operational elements (e.g. organisational units, business units, working environments, and working teams) and the relationships that appear between them. Additionally, in software projects it is necessary to determine the appropriate prevention actions to be able to observe the changes that take place in their environment and thus make decisions that allow the project to adapt to these changes. Originality/value – The originality is based on the VSM application in software projects organisation. The value is based on VSM formalisation and practical application, to overcome the criticism about its abstract nature.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabraz Nawaz Samsudeen ◽  
Gunapalan Selvaratnam ◽  
Ahamed Hilmy Hayathu Mohamed

Purpose This paper aims to identify the determinants of the intention to use mobile banking services among Islamic Banking customers in Sri Lanka. The study was carried out based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT 2). The predictor variables of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation and habit were used to predict the variable of behavioural intention to use. The moderating variables entail age, gender and experience. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative method with questionnaire survey was used. Data collection relied on the questionnaire survey method of which items were derived and adapted from past literatures. The responses were captured using the seven-point Likert scale. The study population consisted of Islamic Banking customers in Sri Lanka. A total of 594 questionnaires were returned of which 582 were found usable for analysis. Data analysis was conducted using the partial least square structural equation modelling along with SmartPLS 3. Findings The analysis results demonstrated the significant effect of all the variables on the Islamic Banking customers’ intention to use m-banking services along with the significant effect of the moderating variables as initially hypothesized. Practical implications As the first study of its kind in the context of Islamic banking customers in Sri Lanka, this study offers decision makers valuable guidelines for when they intend to re-engineer their m-banking applications and promote them to the public. Originality/value Following a comprehensive literature review, this study is identified as the pioneering effort in the investigation of m-banking usage intention among Islamic Banking customers in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study contributes new knowledge and insights to the existing body of literature by confirming the viability of the UTAUT2 model in driving m-banking usage adoption among Islamic Banking customers in Sri Lanka.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 3459-3478 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noopur Singh

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the conception of strategic human resource practices (SHRPs) for establishing innovation performance (IP) in the tourist hotel industry. In this research, the author has also studied the influence of knowledge management capacity (KMC) as a mediator between the two and the role of environmental uncertainty (EU) in moderating the relation between SHRP and KMC.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through survey method from the employees and managers of the tourist hotels in Jharkhand, India. Furthermore, 368 customer contact employees and 46 managers’ responses were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and SPSS macro named PROCESS.FindingsThe interpretation of the empirical results signifies SHRP influence on IP and KMC as a mediator between SHRP and IP. Additionally, the role of EU in positively mitigating the interaction between SHRP and KMC was seen.Originality/valueThe present research work adds to the subsisting literature by empirically fortifying the proposed hypotheses. Additionally, current studies focused on hospitality and tourism industry operating in a developed economy, the present study is an attempt to explore a comprehensive and theoretically grounded relationship between SHRP, KMC and IP with the help of resource-based view in an emerging economy.


2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debasisha Mishra ◽  
Biswajit Mahanty

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to find out the knowledge requirements and its effect on both onsite and offshore project work division for development, re-engineering and maintenance projects in Indian outsourcing software industry in different phases of software development. Design/methodology/approach – This study employs an expert interview approach in Indian software industry to find out knowledge requirement for project execution and division of work between onsite and offshore locations. The requisite data were collected through expert interviews and direct observations. Findings – The study found that the development projects require higher level of domain, strategic, business process and operation process knowledge in comparison to re-engineering and maintenance projects. So there is a need of higher onsite presence in development projects. The maintenance work is taken up at the offshore location in a phase-wise manner. Research limitations/implications – The implication of the study is in the development of a broad framework of knowledge requirements and work division in on-shore and offshore locations for Indian software outsourcing projects. As the study is based on expert opinion in the context of India, it cannot be generalized for outsourcing scenarios elsewhere. Practical implications – The software project manager can use the findings to get more insight into the project and divide the software team between onsite and offshore location. Originality/value – The study is novel, as there is little attempt at finding the knowledge requirement to execute various kinds of business software development in outsourcing environment in the context of India.


2009 ◽  
pp. 1358-1374
Author(s):  
Roy Gelbard ◽  
Jeffrey Kantor ◽  
Liran Edelist

Currently, there is no integration among CASE tools (computer aided software engineering, also named AMD tools, analysis modeling and design), costing tools, and project management (PM) tools. Not only are there no integrated tools, but there is also no conceptual integration among software engineering (SE) aspects and accounting-costing aspects of software projects within PM tools. PM tools, as well as costing tools are used not only for tracking and controlling an ongoing software project, but also at the very beginning stages of the project, in which critical estimations concerning budget and time frame are made. In order to have a firm, robust, and accurate planning, project planning should be based directly upon raw SE components-objects, that is, upon analysis and design components-objects.


Kybernetes ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julio César Puche Regaliza

Purpose – This paper aims to extend the scope of the viable system model (VSM), which was developed by Stafford Beer in favour of its formalisation and practical application, to overcome the criticism about its abstract nature. Design/methodology/approach – This extension is achieved using the descriptive validation of a software project structural organisation based on the information that was obtained from the ICT sector set of companies in Castilla y León. Findings – The main conclusion of the study indicates deficiencies in the proactive environmental control of the software project. To overcome these shortcomings at least partially, the author proposes the use of integrated dynamic simulation models and Team Syntegrity. Finally, the analysis provides a detailed reference to diagnose or design a software project organisational structure with viability-defined characteristics. Such reference can be adapted to different fields by extrapolating its application in favour of the VSM universality. Originality/value – The originality is based on the VSM application in software projects organisation. The value is based on VSM formalisation and practical application, to overcome the criticism about its abstract nature.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document