Applying patterns for improving subcontracting management

Abstract

This paper studies inter-organizational communication of strategic design information. The focus is on global software subcontracting, where communication problems are common. Software patterns, which have been recognized as a valuable tool in software development, are proposed to be means to facilitate the communication of design information in subcontracting relationship. The position of patterns in subcontracting related processes are studied and the implications of introducing patterns to software subcontracting relationship are analyzed. As a result an evaluation of software patterns' suitability as means for efficient, systematic and explicit communication in managing the subcontracting relationship is presented. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.