Methodology Mashups: An Exploration of Processes Used to Maintain Software.

Author List: Edberg, Dana; Ivanova, Polina; Kuechler, William;

Journal of Management Information Systems, 2012, Volume 28, Issue 4, Page 271-304.

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.

Keywords: grounded theory; maintenance methodology; software development; software maintenance; software process

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List of Topics

#261	0.345	software development maintenance case productivity application tools systems function tool engineering projects effort code developed applications analysis estimation methodology methods
#294	0.114	development systems methodology methodologies information framework approach approaches paper analysis use presented applied assumptions based proposed described examines basis proposes
#127	0.104	systems information research theory implications practice discussed findings field paper practitioners role general important key grounded researchers domain new identified
#125	0.103	framework model used conceptual proposed given particular general concept frameworks literature developed develop providing paper developing guidelines concepts appropriate set
#72	0.079	skills professionals skill job analysts managers study results need survey differences jobs different significantly relative required motivation programmers technical factors