scholarly journals Exploring motivational differences between software developers and project managers

Author(s):  
Helen Sharp ◽  
Tracy Hall ◽  
Nathan Baddoo ◽  
Sarah Beecham
2010 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth E. Kendall ◽  
Sue Kong ◽  
Julie E. Kendall

Systems developers and IT project managers who apply agile methods for developing information systems (IS) subscribe to a set of values and principles. This adherence to a set of values and principles, along with a passion or fervor surrounding the agile philosophy, made us question whether the adoption of agile methodologies has an effect on information systems built, and in particular, the quality of the IS developed. In this paper we construct a conceptual model, conduct a survey of software developers, and analyze our results, which support our hypotheses about the importance of the strategic selection of a development methodology. We conclude that practicing project managers should consider the decision to use certain methodologies as part of the strategic process.


2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ljiljana Vukelja ◽  
Klaus Opwis ◽  
Lothar Müller

We analysed four Rational Unified Process (RUP) projects in Switzerland that identified themselves as following a user-centred approach. Grounded theory served for analysis of 12 interviews with software developers, project managers, and UI specialists. For each professional group we analysed their work context, motivations, work practices, and strategies used to overcome the obstacles to user-centred design. Results show that end users did not participate in the projects. Instead of working directly with end users, participants used data from marketing research or consulted colleagues from other departments. Prototypes played an important role. We suggest the following remedies: (1) developing methods for easy integration of existing company knowledge about products with usability features, (2) professionalising UI design by educating project stakeholders in standard UI design, (3) creating an approved pool of company's personas for UI specialists' work, and (4) educating customers on their right to get good user interfaces.


Information ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 314
Author(s):  
Jimmy Molina Ríos ◽  
Nieves Pedreira-Souto

The current inclusion of agile methodologies in web-oriented projects has been considered on a large-scale by software developers. However, the benefits and limitations go beyond the comforts that project managers delimit when choosing them. Selecting a methodology involves more than only the associated processes or some documentation. Based on the above, we could define as the main concerns the approach with which we identify the methodology, the needs of the company, the size, and qualities of the project, and especially the characteristics of agile development that they possess. However, there are several difficulties in selecting the most appropriate methodology due to the features in common; Will it be suitable for my project? What challenges will be presented in the process? Will my team understand each stage? Will I be able to deliver software that satisfies the client? Project managers create these questions, which seem manageable but have huge effects. This paper presents a systematic literature review based on the analysis of the approaches of six web development methodologies. The aim of the study is to analyze the approaches presented by relevant methodologies, identifying their common agile characteristics and managing to contrast both its benefits and limitations during a project. As a result, we could itemize five common features, which are presented within the processes; (1) flexibility, (2) constant communication of the workgroup, (3) use of UML, (4) the inclusion of the end-user and (5) some documentation.


2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mie Nørgaard ◽  
Kasper Hornbæk

In theory, usability work is an important and well-integrated activity in developing software. In practice, collaboration on improving usability is ridden with challenges relating to conflicting professional goals, tight project schedules, and unclear usability findings. The authors study those challenges through 16 interviews with software developers, usability experts, and project managers. Four themes that are key challenges to successful interaction between stakeholders are identified: poor timing when delivering usability results, results lacking relevance, little respect for other disciplines, and difficulties sharing important information. The authors review practices that have successfully addressed these challenges and discuss their observations as encompassing multiple perspectives and as a collaborative cross-professional learning process.


Author(s):  
Walid Al-Ahmad

Traditionally, project success/failure is considered only after the project is completed or cancelled. Integrating project success and failure factors knowledge and software engineering activities would result in a situation where project success/failure is considered as part of the development process, leading to more successful software projects. This article aims to identify the common issues responsible for IT projects’ success/failure to develop a deeper understanding of these root causes. Knowledge about success can be used to understand failure and vice versa. Therefore, generic taxonomies of the root causes are developed for that purpose. Knowledge of these taxonomies is integrated into software development and management activities to help software developers and project managers complete projects successfully.


Author(s):  
Mie Nørgaard ◽  
Kasper Hornbæk

In theory, usability work is an important and well-integrated activity in developing software. In practice, collaboration on improving usability is ridden with challenges relating to conflicting professional goals, tight project schedules, and unclear usability findings. The authors study those challenges through 16 interviews with software developers, usability experts, and project managers. Four themes that are key challenges to successful interaction between stakeholders are identified: poor timing when delivering usability results, results lacking relevance, little respect for other disciplines, and difficulties sharing important information. The authors review practices that have successfully addressed these challenges and discuss their observations as encompassing multiple perspectives and as a collaborative cross-professional learning process.


2013 ◽  
Vol 55 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Kimmelmann

AbstractOpen Source (OS) offers new ways of career for software developers. The article describes relevant competencies in a systematic structure along characteristic principles and challenges in Open Source projects. The results are based on a Grounded Theory content analysis of interviews with Open Source software developers, their project managers and human resource managers in Open Source software companies. Implications for future Human Resource Management in software companies are presented as an outlook.


2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shariffah Rahah Sheik Dawood
Keyword(s):  

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