The Meaning of Success for Software SMEs: An Holistic Scorecard Based Approach

Abstract

Software processes support the work of software development and software process improvement (SPI) is concerned with improving the operation of the software process. One of the primary reasons for conducting SPI is to increase the success of a software development company [1], [2]. While evidence of the benefits of SPI exists, project/senior managers report that their motivation for conducting SPI would be strengthened by the provision of further evidence of the positive impact of SPI on business success [3]. This paper proposes a new approach that utilises the Holistic Scorecard (HSC) [4] to systematically examine business success in software development companies. Furthermore, we relate the experience of applying this new approach to software small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs). This novel approach to examining success in software development companies provides a suitable mechanism for SPI researchers and practitioners seeking to establish evidence of the business benefits of SPI. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2011.