Software Startup ESSENCE: How Should Software Startups Work?

Abstract

Software startups need to work in a systematic fashion just like mature organizations. However, existing software engineering methods and practices are not aimed at software startups. They do not account for the business aspect of startups and may not be well-suited for software startups in general. The Lean Startup Methodology on the other hand contains some useful practices for software startups but is nonetheless impractical, offering little in the way of telling you what to do.Software startups are thus required to tailor their own method. Currently, many software startups simply work ad hoc or use various agile methods and practices. In terms of Agile methods and practices, little consensus exists between startups. In this chapter, we discuss methods and method tailoring. We give guidelines on how to create your own way of working and recommend a tangible tool for doing so: the Essence Theory of Software Engineering.

Navigating the Software Symphony: A Review of Factors and Strategies for Software Development in Startups

“…In the previous section, we discussed the common perspectives of software startups and established companies. This section includes planning, conducting, and review-ing phases that explore the systematic literature review, which serves as a method for discovering, assessing, and understanding all existing research pertinent to a specific research question [4], [5].Startups play a crucial role in driving innovation and economic growth, particularly in the technology sector [6].However, the high failure rate among startups underscores the importance of understanding the factors that contribute to success in software development. This literature review seeks to provide an overview of recent research on success factors and strategies for software development in startup environments, offering insights and recommendations for startup founders, investors, and other stakeholders.…”

“…Embracing Agile practices allows startups to respond promptly to evolving requirements and market dynamics, resulting in improved project performance and a higher likelihood of meeting customer expectations [55], [57], [59]. Agile procedures give companies the ability to react quickly, maintain a focus on the client, increase the quality and efficiency of the project, keep transparency intact, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement [50], [32]. In today's business scene, this, in turn, results in increased project performance and a considerably higher possibility of not just meeting but exceeding client expectations.…”

“…A systematic literature review serves as a method for discovering, assessing, and comprehending all existing research pertinent to a specific research question, topic area, or phenomenon of interest [4], [5].IEEE Xplore, Scopus, and Web of Science were the three databases from which the information was gathered. Out of a total of 1195 papers, this investigation found 54 primary studies that were pertinent to the research questions at hand.…”

“…The success of software projects in startup organizations hinges on the interplay of various factors. Innovative software project management methodologies, coupled with an entrepreneurial culture, enable startups to overcome challenges and thrive in dynamic environments [49], [50]. As startups continue to shape the software landscape, a keen focus on innovative approaches and responsive strategies remains paramount for boosting software project performance and achieving sustained growth [47], [48], [11].…”

A Proposal for Improving the Essence Standard by Using Terminology Unification

“…The Essence standard has inspired work on some areas like teaching [20], software startups [21], the anatomy of software requirements [22], and adaptive software engineering [23].…”