Skip to main content

Macro-processes Informing Micro-processes: The Case of Software Project Performance

  • Conference paper

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNPSE,volume 5007))

Abstract

This paper explores the operational context of software processes and how it can inform the micro-process level environment. It examines the case of software project performance, describing a novel explanation. Drawing on the management literature, project performance is modeled as the contested outcome of learning as a driver of success and certain barrier conditions as drivers of failure, through their effects on organizational capabilities. A case study illustrates application of the theory. Implications of this macro-process case for micro level software process improvement are discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Argyris, C., Schön, D.A.: Organizational Learning: A Theory of Action Perspective. Addison-Wesley, Reading (1978)

    Google Scholar 

  2. Bannerman, P.L.: The Liability of Newness. PhD Dissertation, UNSW, AGSM (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Bannerman, P.L., Staples, M.: A Software Enterprise Capabilities Architecture. NICTA Working Paper (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  4. Barney, J.B.: Firm Resources and Sustained Competitive Advantage. J. Manage. 17(1), 99–120 (1991)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Barney, J.B.: Gaining and Sustaining Competitive Advantage, 2nd edn. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Basili, V.R.: The Experience Factory and its Relationship to Other Quality Approaches. Advances in Computers 41, 65–82 (1995)

    Google Scholar 

  7. Brooks Jr., F.P.: The Mythical Man Month: Essays on Software Engineering. Addison-Wesley, Reading (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Charette, R.N.: Why Software Fails. IEEE Spectrum 42(9), 42–49 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Christensen, C.M.: The Innovator’s Dilemma. HarperBusiness, New York (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  10. Cohen, W.M., Levinthal, D.A.: Absorptive Capacity: A New Perspective on Learning and Innovation. Admin. Sci. Quart. 35(1), 128–152 (1990)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Cooper, K.G., Lyneis, J., Bryant, B.J.: Learning to Learn, from Past to Future. Int. J. Project Manage 20(3), 213–219 (2002)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Dierickx, I., Cool, K.: Asset Stock Accumulation and Sustainability of Competitive Advantage. Manage Sci. 35(12), 1504–1511 (1989)

    Google Scholar 

  13. Feeny, D.F., Willcocks, L.P.: Core IS Capabilities for Exploiting Technology. Sloan Manage Rev. 39(3), 9–21 (1998)

    Google Scholar 

  14. Ferlie, E.: Quasi Strategy: Strategic Management in the Contemporary Public Sector. In: Pettigrew, A., Thomas, H., Whittington, R. (eds.) Handbook of Strategy and Management, pp. 279–298. Sage Publications, London (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  15. Fisher, S.R., White, M.A.: Downsizing in a Learning Organization. Acad. Manage Rev. 25(1), 244–251 (2000)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Fuggetta, A.: Software Process: A Roadmap. In: Proceedings of the Conference on The Future of Software Engineering, pp. 25–34. ACM, New York (2000)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  17. Garud, R., Nayyar, P.R.: Transformative Capacity: Continual Structuring by Intertemporal Technology Transfer. Strategic Manage J. 15(5), 365–385 (1994)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Hamel, G., Heene, A. (eds.): Competence-Based Competition. John Wiley & Sons, Chichester (1994)

    Google Scholar 

  19. Hamel, G.: The Concept of Core Competence. In: Hamel, G., Heene, A. (eds.) Competence-Based Competition, pp. 11–33. John Wiley & Sons, Chichester (1994)

    Google Scholar 

  20. Hammer, M.: Reengineering Work: Don’t Automate, Obliterate. Harvard Bus. Rev. 68(4), 104–112 (1990)

    Google Scholar 

  21. Hannan, M.T., Freeman, J.: Structural Inertia and Organizational Change. Am. Sociol. Rev. 49(2), 149–164 (1984)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Jeffery, D.R.: Achieving Software Development Performance Improvement through Process Change. In: Li, M., Boehm, B., Osterweil, L.J. (eds.) SPW 2005. LNCS, vol. 3840, pp. 43–53. Springer, Heidelberg (2006)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  23. Jeffery, D.R.: Exploring the Business Process-Software Process Relationship. In: Wang, Q., Pfahl, D., Raffo, D.M., Wernick, P. (eds.) SPW 2006 and ProSim 2006. LNCS, vol. 3966, pp. 11–14. Springer, Heidelberg (2006)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  24. Johnson, J.: My Life is Failure. Standish Group International (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  25. Kotnour, T.: A Learning Framework for Project Management. Project Manage J 30(2), 32–38 (1999)

    Google Scholar 

  26. Leonard-Barton, D.: Core Capabilities and Core Rigidities: A Paradox in Managing New Product Development. Strategic Manage J 13, 111–125 (1992)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Levitt, B., March, J.G.: Organisational Learning. Annu. Rev. Sociol. 14, 319–340 (1988)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Lyytinen, K., Robey, D.: Learning Failure in Information Systems Development. Informa Syst. J. 9(2), 85–101 (1999)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. March, J.G.: Exploration and Exploitation in Organizational Learning. Organ Sci. 2(1), 71–87 (1991)

    MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  30. McKenney, J.L., Mason, R.O., Copeland, D.G.: Bank of America: The Crest and Trough of Technological Leadership. MIS Quart. 21(3), 321–353 (1997)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. McWilliams, A., Siegel, D.: Event Studies in Management Research: Theoretical and Empirical Issues. Acad. Manage J. 40(3), 626–657 (1997)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Nelson, R.R., Winter, S.G.: An Evolutionary Theory of Economic Change. Harvard University Press, Cambridge (1982)

    Google Scholar 

  33. Osterweil, L.J.: Unifying Microprocess and Macroprocess Research. In: Li, M., Boehm, B., Osterweil, L.J. (eds.) SPW 2005. LNCS, vol. 3840, pp. 68–74. Springer, Heidelberg (2006)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  34. Oz, E.: When Professional Standards are Lax: The CONFIRM Failure and its Lessons. Commun. ACM 37(10), 29–36 (1994)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Pettigrew, A.M.: Longitudinal Field Research on Change: Theory and Practice. Organ Sci. 1(3), 267–292 (1990)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Pinto, J.K., Slevin, D.P.: Critical success factors across the project life cycle. Project Manage J. 19(3), 67–74 (1988)

    Google Scholar 

  37. Polanyi, M.: The Tacit Dimension. Peter Smith, Gloucester (1966)

    Google Scholar 

  38. Prahalad, C.K., Hamel, G.: The Core Competence of the Corporation. Harvard Bus. Rev. 68(3), 79–91 (1990)

    Google Scholar 

  39. Purcell, K.J., Gregory, M.J.: The Development and Application of a Process to Analyze the Strategic Management of Organizational Competences. In: Sanchez, R., Heene, A. (eds.) Implementing Competence-Based Strategies, pp. 161–197. JAI Press, Stamford (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  40. Quinn, J.B., Hilmer, F.G.: Strategic Outsourcing. Sloan Manage Rev. 35(4), 43–55 (1994)

    Google Scholar 

  41. Ravichandran, T., Lertwongsatien, C.: Effect of Information Systems Resources and Capabilities on Firm Performance. J. Manage Inform Syst. 21(4), 237–276 (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  42. Reed, R., DeFillippi, R.J.: Causal Ambiguity, Barriers to Imitation and Sustainable Competitive Advantage. Acad. Manage Rev. 15(1), 88–102 (1990)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Sambamurthy, V., Kirsch, L.J.: An Integrative Framework of the Information Systems Development Process. Decision Sci. 31(2), 391–411 (2000)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Sauer, C.: Deciding the Future for IS Failures. In: Currie, W., Galliers, R. (eds.) Rethinking Management Information Systems, pp. 279–309. Oxford University Press, Oxford (1999)

    Google Scholar 

  45. Schmidt, R., Lyytinen, K., Keil, M., Cule, P.: Identifying Software Project Risks: An International Delphi Study. J. Manage Inform Syst. 17(4), 5–36 (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  46. Stinchcombe, A.L.: Social Structure and Organizations. In: March, J.G. (ed.) Handbook of Organizations, pp. 142–193. Rand McNally College Publishing Company (1965)

    Google Scholar 

  47. Szulanski, G.: Exploring Internal Stickiness: Impediments to the Transfer of Best Practice within the Firm. Strategic Manage J. 17(S2), 27–43 (1996)

    Google Scholar 

  48. Teece, D.J., Pisano, G., Shuen, A.: Dynamic Capabilities and Strategic Management. Strategic Manage J. 18(7), 509–533 (1997)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Turner, J.R., Keegan, A., Crawford, L.: Learning by Experience in the Project-Based Organization. In: P PMI Research Conf., pp. 445–456. PMI, Sylva (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  50. Winter, S.G.: The Satisficing Principle in Capability Learning. Strategic Manag J. 21(10-11), 981–996 (2000)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Yourdon, E.: Death March. Prentice Hall PTR, Upper Saddle River (1997)

    Google Scholar 

  52. Zhu, L., Osterweil, L.J., Staples, M., Kannengiesser, U., Simidschieva, B.I.: Desiderata for Languages to be Used in the Definition of Reference Business Processes. J. Softw. Informatics 1(1), 37–65 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Qing Wang Dietmar Pfahl David M. Raffo

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this paper

Cite this paper

Bannerman, P.L. (2008). Macro-processes Informing Micro-processes: The Case of Software Project Performance. In: Wang, Q., Pfahl, D., Raffo, D.M. (eds) Making Globally Distributed Software Development a Success Story. ICSP 2008. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 5007. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-79588-9_3

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-79588-9_3

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-79587-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-79588-9

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics