Centre for Technology Management

Models for Improving Software Development and Assessing Organisational Capability

NTMH Shehabuddeen, Francis Hunt, David Probert

Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Mill Lane, CB2 1RX, UK

Abstract

Software development is a disciplined process that is inherently complex with several uncertainties in terms of potential risks and predicted outcome. Knowledge intensive, competence dependent, and intangible nature of software development means that traditional project management approaches cannot be solely relied upon. The processual steps are often less clearly separable and tend to overlap with the presence of iterative loops. The process of software creation may best be described as an organised chaotic activity. Several development process models have been developed and applied, to add stability, controllability, and predictability to the development lifecycle. These models vary in terms of their focus and application environment, each having a specific emphasis, e.g. for risk mitigation, reducing time to market, etc. Some of these models are discussed and compared in this paper. A number of internationally accepted models for assessing the capability of software organisations is also explored. These models focus on the management processes within an organisation, as opposed to specific processes for developing software. Many organisations have used these as a means to improve and demonstrate their level of maturity and quality, and assess the potential of their suppliers to meet contractual obligations.