Software development as a decision-oriented process

Abstract

Developing software systems is a challenging business with short development cycles, changing needs, and unstable processes. Processes must deliver products that meet the customer needs and provide value for the stakeholders. There is no one way of achieving the development goals; instead, alternative routes should be possible within the boundaries of acceptable performance. Software development is therefore a set of problem-solving and decision-making activities. The problem is how to support the decision-oriented process, and how to provide justification, rationale, and how to provide the information that decision makers need. Case studies in the automation and telecom industries revealed that understanding the development process as a decision-oriented process, and controlling and coordinating the work through decision points offer an approach that addresses several challenges. The findings of this study offer new insights for scholars and practitioners. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.