Systematic Literature Reviews in Distributed Software Development: A Tertiary Study

Abstract

Distributed Software Development (DSD) emerged from the need to achieve geographically distant customers and currently, allows organizations have global customers and other benefits. This scenario has given rise to new Software Engineering challenges resulting from DSD particularities. Several Systematic Reviews were conducted to address these new challenges. The objective of this paper is to categorize systematic reviews conducted in DSD context. We used the systematic review method to identify SLRs (Systematic Literature Reviews) that address DSD aspects. This study is categorized as a tertiary review. Of fourteen SLRs, seven address aspects of managing distributed development. Four SLRs addressed topics of engineering process. The three remaining are related to Requirements, Design and Software Engineering Education in DSD. The topic areas covered by SLRs are limited, where the majority are focused on summarize the current knowledge concerning a research question. Despite the number of SLRs, the amount of empirical studies is relatively small.

Task Allocation Approaches in Distributed Agile Software Development: A Quasi-systematic Review

“…As future work, they intended to propose a combinatorial optimization-based model involving classical task scheduling problems. Marques et al [18] also performed a tertiary review applying the systematic review method on systematic reviews that address the DSD issues. The study revealed that most of the work focuses on summarizing the current knowledge about a particular research question, and the amount of empirical studies is relatively small.…”

“…Its complexity increases in distributed development software environment, where we must consider additional factors inherent to distribution [18]. The assignment of tasks can be seen as a critical activity for success in project management of distributed development.…”

Task Allocation in Distributed Software Development Aided by Verbal Decision Analysis

“…The allocation of tasks is a critical activity for project planning. This allocation becomes even more complex in a distributed context where we must consider factors inherent to distribution [14]. The allocation of tasks to remote teams can be seen as a fundamental activity for the success of a distributed project.…”

Applying Verbal Decision Analysis to Task Allocation in Distributed Development of Software

“…They intended to propose a combinatorial optimization-based model involving classical task scheduling problems. Marques et al [24] also performed a tertiary review applying the systematic review method on systematic reviews that address the DDS issues.…”

“…On the other hand, the distribution brings many challenges, such as language and time zone differences and increased complexity of coordinating and controlling the project [25]. In this context, the allocation of tasks is an even more critical activity for project planning because of the distribution [24]. The distribution of tasks to remote teams can be seen as a fundamental activity for the success of a distributed project.…”