Social Capital and Knowledge Networks of Software Developers

2022 ◽  
pp. 1297-1341
Author(s):  
VenuGopal Balijepally ◽  
Sridhar Nerur
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Software Development ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Knowledge Networks ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Software Developers ◽  
Knowledge Resources ◽  
Actionable Knowledge ◽  
Entry Level

Software development is a problem-solving activity, where ideas are combined in complex ways to create a software product that embodies new knowledge. In this endeavor, software developers constantly look for actionable knowledge to help solve the problem at hand. While knowledge management efforts in the software development domain traditionally involved technical initiatives such as knowledge repositories, experience factories, and lessons-to-learn databases, there is a growing appreciation in the software community of the role of developers' personal knowledge networks in software development. However, research is scarce on the nature of these networks, the knowledge resources accessed from these networks, and the differences, if any, between developers of different experience levels. This research seeks to fill this void. Based on a case study in a software development organization, this research explores the nature of knowledge networks of developers from a social capital perspective. Specifically, it examines the structural and relational dimensions of developers' knowledge networks, identifies the specific actionable knowledge resources accessed from these networks, and explores how entry-level and more experienced developers differ along these dimensions. The findings from the qualitative analysis, backed by limited quantitative analysis of the case study data underpin the discussion, implications for practice and future research directions.

Social Capital and Knowledge Networks of Software Developers

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 41-80
Author(s):  
VenuGopal Balijepally ◽  
Sridhar Nerur
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Software Development ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Knowledge Networks ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Software Developers ◽  
Knowledge Resources ◽  
Actionable Knowledge ◽  
Development Organization

Software development is a problem-solving activity, where ideas are combined in complex ways to create a software product that embodies new knowledge. In this endeavor, software developers constantly look for actionable knowledge to help solve the problem at hand. While knowledge management efforts in the software development domain traditionally involved technical initiatives such as knowledge repositories, experience factories, and lessons-to-learn databases, there is a growing appreciation in the software community of the role of developers' personal knowledge networks in software development. However, research is scarce on the nature of these networks, the knowledge resources accessed from these networks, and the differences, if any, between developers of different experience levels. This research seeks to fill this void. Based on a case study in a software development organization, this research explores the nature of knowledge networks of developers from a social capital perspective. Specifically, it examines the structural and relational dimensions of developers' knowledge networks, identifies the specific actionable knowledge resources accessed from these networks, and explores how entry-level and more experienced developers differ along these dimensions. The findings from the qualitative analysis, backed by limited quantitative analysis of the case study data underpin the discussion, implications for practice and future research directions.

Non-Regulated Deviance from Standards at MetroEngineers

2020 ◽  
pp. 189-238
Author(s):  
Sarah Langer ◽  
Ronny Gey ◽  
Diana Karadzhova-Beyer ◽  
Andrea Fried
Keyword(s):  
Software Development ◽  
Middle Management ◽  
Chinese Market ◽  
Software Developers ◽  
Organizational Deviance ◽  
Rail Vehicles ◽  
Engineering Company ◽  
Develop Software ◽  
European Standards

With the case study MetroEngineers, Sarah Langer, Ronny Gey, Diana Karadzhova-Beyer, and Andrea Fried highlight organizational deviance from standards in the software development of a service engineering company for rail vehicles called MetroEngineers. Despite the initial intention to develop software according to European standards, the case study explains the reasons why the software developers deviate from standards nonetheless. First, software development at MetroEngineers is provided for a Chinese market which is hardly regulated through standards. Deviations from standards are therefore hardly sanctioned, but even MetroEngineers itself has not established an adequate internal sanctioning system for standard deviations. Second, MetroEngineers’ software developers lack allocative and authoritative resources for standard enactment and a lively internal discourse on the importance of standard-compliant development involving middle management and the customer. This means that software developers are ambitiously trying to develop in accordance with European standards, but ultimately fail to overcome the various contradictions that arise in standard enactment. This chapter represents one of the two manipulation-oriented types of organizational deviance introduced in the book.

scholarly journals ROI Estimation in a Scrum Project: A case study

10.29007/nqq6 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita Cortés ◽  
Fulvio Lizano
Keyword(s):  
Software Development ◽  
Return On Investment ◽  
Investment Decisions ◽  
Development Project ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Software Project ◽  
Software Development Project ◽  
Financial Metrics

Financial metrics are necessary to inform decisions about the beginning or continuity of a software development project to justify investments. This research discuses initial ROI (Return on Investment) estimates in a software project using Scrum and how to analyze variations in the initial calculations to make return on investment decisions during partial deliveries of the product. The case study included a survey, a review of documentation, two focus group sessions, and an exercise involving application of the proposed technique. Twenty-four professionals participated, of which 4 were Scrum trainers (17%), 4 were officials of the company where the estimation technique was applied (17%), and 16 were project managers of domestic and foreign software development companies (66%), all of whom had experience in project management. This study provides elements to be considered in future research on ROI calculation in projects using Scrum, and can be used as a guide to estimate and review financial metrics during the execution of an actual project.

What Went Wrong? Lessons Learned from Studying ERP Implementation Across Cultures

2005 ◽  
pp. 87-106
Author(s):  
Celia Romm Livermore
Keyword(s):  
Implementation Process ◽  
The United States ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Erp Implementation ◽  
Two Cultures ◽  
The Two Cultures ◽  
Case Study Data

Following a literature review that sets this research in context, case study data from two companies, one in the United States and one in Israel, are presented. Data are used to compare the implementation process of SAP Enterprise Planning Systems (ERPs) in the two cultures. The unique patterns of the implementation process that emerge from the two case studies are discussed as examples of the decision-making patterns typical of the two cultures. When relevant, areas where the findings did not agree with the theory are highlighted. The conclusions section explores the implications from this research to broader issues of ERP implementation across cultures, including the implementation of ERP systems within the higher education sector, and possible directions for future research emanating from this study.

scholarly journals Using a Social Capital Lens to Identify the Mechanisms of Top Management Commitment: A Case Study of a Technology Project

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kwasi Amoako-Gyampah ◽  
Jack Meredith ◽  
Kathy White Loyd
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Technology Implementation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Project Success ◽  
Social Capital Theory ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Top Management ◽  
Management Commitment ◽  
Top Management Commitment

The implementation of large-scale technology projects is still fraught with failures resulting in tremendous costs to organizations. One of the factors that is widely recognized as critical for achieving technology implementation success (and, for that matter, projects in general) is top management commitment. The actual mechanisms by which top management impacts project success, however, have not received much attention in the project management literature. We use a case study approach here to illustrate how social capital theory provides a useful lens for understanding how top management's actions impact project success and show how project success is strengthened by the enhancement of social capital through top management commitment. We employ causal maps to clarify, illustrate, and visualize the complex interactions between top management commitment and social capital in facilitating project success. This study contributes to the literature and theory on the mechanisms by which top management commitment influences project success by offering propositions for future research.

Peer Leadership and Shared Mental Models in a College Volleyball Team: A Season Long Case Study

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 184-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edson Filho ◽  
Lael Gershgoren ◽  
Itay Basevitch ◽  
Robert Schinke ◽  
Gershon Tenenbaum
Keyword(s):  
Mental Models ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Shared Mental Models ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Team Leaders ◽  
Initial Attempt ◽  
Sport Teams

The present study was an initial attempt to capture and describe instances of shared mental models within a team from the point of view of the team captain. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to describe a range of perceived and shared behaviors aimed at facilitating the overall performance of a college volleyball team from the perspective of the team captain. This behavioral focus is congruent with the need for documenting observable task and team-related coordination mechanisms. Symbolic interactionism, via the use of systematic observations, documental analysis, and semistructured open-ended interviews, was used to gather data from the participant in the form of a case study. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) theoretical thematic analysis based on categories derived from Eccles and Tenenbaum’s (2004) Conceptual Framework of Coordination in Sport Teams. Results indicated that the player’s actions were perceived as enhancing proactive information sharing within her team. Therefore, it is suggested that team leaders possess important objective and symbolic roles in the promotion of shared mental models. These results are further discussed in relation to current knowledge of shared mental models in sports. Limitations and directions for future research are outlined.

scholarly journals Global perspectives on volunteerism

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 456-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie Halsall ◽  
Ian Cook ◽  
Paresh Wankhade
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
The State ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Perspectives ◽  
Academic Texts ◽  
Role Of The State

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the concept of volunteerism in three different case countries, namely, that of USA, UK and China while highlighting the role of the state, society and social capital. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the extant literature on the volunteering traditions in the chosen case study countries highlighting the idiosyncrasies while analysing implications for future research. Findings – The paper highlights the role of the state, society and social capital in the chosen countries, each deriving its origins from the specific traditions in those countries. Research limitations/implications – This paper provides a conceptual review focusing on the key literature in the field. The authors have examined various academic texts and published materials. Practical implications – This paper provided an update critically discussion on the concept of volunteerism in three different case countries. Social implications – This paper is highly relevant to academics and social policy makers. Moreover, this paper has been written from an international context. Originality/value – The paper makes an original contribution by comparing and contrasting three important countries with different histories and traditions of volunteerism highlighting diversity of type and application.

scholarly journals Knowledge and Perceptions of Adverse Events Following Immunization among Healthcare Professionals in Africa: A Case Study from Ghana

Vaccines ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Yamoah ◽  
Varsha Bangalee ◽  
Frasia Oosthuizen
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Detailed Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Negative Perceptions ◽  
Study Participants

The spontaneous reporting of suspected adverse events following immunization (AEFI) by healthcare professionals (HCPs) is vital in monitoring post-licensure vaccine safety. The main objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and perceptions of AEFIs among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Africa, using the situation in Ghana as a case study. The study was of a cross-sectional quantitative design, and was carried out from 1 July 2017 to 31 December 2017 with doctors, pharmacists, and nurses as the study participants. A 28-item paper-based questionnaire, delivered by hand to study participants, was the data collection tool in the study. The study was conducted in 4 hospitals after ethical approval was granted. The desired sample size was 686; however, 453 consented to partake in the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS (software version 22, IBM, Armonk, NY, USA), and chi-square and binary logistic regression tests were used for tests of association between HCPs’ characteristics and their knowledge and perceptions. Detailed knowledge of AEFIs was ascertained with a set of 9 questions, with 8 or 9 correctly answered questions signifying high knowledge, 5 to 7 correctly answered questions signifying moderate knowledge, and below 5 correctly answered questions signifying low knowledge. A set of 10 questions also ascertained HCPs’ positive and negative perceptions of AEFI. Results revealed that knowledge of AEFIs was high in 49 (10.8%) participants, moderate in 213 (47.0%) participants, and low in 191 (42.2%) participants. There was no statistically significant correlation between AEFI knowledge and professions. The highest negative perception was the lack of desire to learn more about how to diagnose, report, investigate, and manage AEFI, whereas the lowest was the lack of belief that surveillance improves public trust in immunization programs. There was a general awareness of AEFIs among HCPs in this study. However, negative perceptions and the lack of highly knowledgeable HCPs regarding AEFIs were possible setbacks to AEFI diagnosis, management, prevention, and reporting. More training and sensitization of HCPs on AEFIs and vaccine safety will be beneficial in improving the situation. Future research should focus on assessing the training materials and methodology used in informing HCPs about AEFIs and vaccine safety.

Social capital and integrated reporting

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 144-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Casonato ◽  
Federica Farneti ◽  
John Dumay
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Impression Management ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Fashion ◽  
The Impact

Purpose To present the continuation of a case study by Beck et al. (2017) on an Australian bank (CBD) during the period 2004–2013 by examining whether integrated reporting affects relational capital and helps to repair an organisations’ reputation. Both studies examine how a bank rocked by a major scandal in 2004 has attempted to repair its legitimacy through integrated reporting (<IR>). The paper aims to discuss these issue. Design/methodology/approach This study is a post facto analysis based on the original research from Beck et al. (2017). The research process involved a case study approach with an analysis framed by impression management theory to investigate whether the information in CBD’s integrated reports is consistent with other information available to investors. Findings The authors find there is a gap between what CBD discloses in its integrated reports and what is publicly available in other media. CBD’s talk and actions are not aligned, and that asymmetry translates into a decline of trust in CBD. The bank’s integrated reports reveal how management discloses or withholds information to protect their own interests and at their own discretion. These conclusions indicate that the integrated reporting paradigm is being co-opted by IM strategies to improve legitimacy through trust, reputation and social capital. Research limitations/implications Future research needs to reach beyond the organisational boundaries and understand if <IR> adds value for society, or is just a new form of multicapitalism, being an ideology to help the rich become richer? The answers are important if we ever hope to see misconduct disappear from our corporations and for company reports to become documents bearing truth and not espouse rhetoric based on organisational hypocrisy. Originality/value The paper adds to the growing body of research investigating <IR> in practice to understand the impact of <IR> and whether it is a new and useful reporting tool or just another management fashion.

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