A Decision Support System for Global Software Development

Abstract

Abstract-Global Software Development (GSD) research has reached a level of maturity. Paper-based solutions and guidelines are readily available to solve many known distributed software development problems. The large number of recommendations can present a confusing picture to the practitioner. The Global Teaming Model (GTM), captures key global software processes and recommendations by drawing on the large and growing corpus of empirical research on GSD. This paper introduces the Global Teaming Decision Support System (GT-DSS), that is designed to help software managers navigate through the many recommendations in the GSD literature and the GTM. The interactive GT-DSS captures details about the development organization, and tailors GTM practices to fit specific business and organizational needs. A prototype of the GTM-DSS has been evaluated by industry experts in GSD, with favorable results.

Who Are We Doing Global Software Engineering Research For?

“…The data analysed in this study was originally collected for a different study intended to test the commercial potential of a decision support system for GSE [4,5]. This feasibility study was funded by Enterprise Ireland and was conducted during October-December 2012 by independent researchers who subsequently joined the list of authors in this study.…”

“…We interviewed employees of ten companies as part of a feasibility study conducted to assess the commercial potential of a decision support system [4,5] conceived to give advice about GSE processes and practices. As part of the study, we asked the participants about what problems they encountered as a consequence of engaging in GSE, and where they go for advice and solutions to address those problems.…”

Onshore to Near-Shore Outsourcing Transitions: Unpacking Tensions

“…Globalization and advances in telecommunications mean that organizations have access to a range of software sourcing strategies that can span geographical boundaries, enabling them to expand their customer base, employ new resources and work more closely with new, previously out-of-reach customers [1].…”

“…Globalization and advances in telecommunications mean that organizations have access to a range of software sourcing strategies that can span geographical boundaries, enabling them to expand their customer base, employ new resources and work more closely with new, previously outof-reach customers [1]. Outsourcing is one such strategy [2] in which a client company contracts out part or all of their software development activities to an external vendor company [3].…”

A Global Teaming Model for Global Software Development Governance: A Case Study

“…In total, the GTM organizes 64 recommendations into a hierarchy of practices that define a Global Teaming "Process Area" that can be used as a guide for starting and managing a GSD virtual organization. The Global Teaming Model is supported by tools to automate the selection of GTM practices [23][24][25] The Global Teaming Model does not, however, specify how practices and recommendations should be implemented. This is by design: factors such as product domain, geographic target markets, virtual organization composition, culture (organizational and national) of the participants, and technology, together determine how specific recommendations should be implemented.…”